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Canadian International Auto Show Gets Ready For Return to Toronto in February

After two years off, the Toronto auto show is almost back and better than ever.

By Evan Williams Wheels.ca

Jan 12, 2023 4 min. read

Article was updated 9 months ago

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After two years of pandemic-related cancellations, the Canadian International Auto Show is back this February. Canada's largest auto show is ready to celebrate 50 years with the return of a full range of new cars and trucks, a new layout that shows off some new players in the auto market, a new display from Lego, and two shows within a show.

Along with all of the 2023 new cars, we expect some 2024 models that have already been revealed. We're still waiting for a full list, but there are normally at least a few upcoming new vehicles that have not been seen before, either in this country or at all. There will be more than 1,000 cars, trucks, and crossovers in total spread across the show's numerous exhibits.

“We are eager to get back and welcome car enthusiasts to the return of the Canadian International AutoShow,” said Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “The automotive industry is changing rapidly, and the AutoShow will be the place to see the latest innovations, the new technologies and the grand ideas that will shape mobility in the future. There is no better place to begin looking for your next vehicle, or feed your passion for the automotive world, than at the AutoShow.”

More EVs


chevy bolt canadian international auto show

The theme of the show this year is Mobility Reimagined. In keeping with that theme, there will be more electric vehicles than ever before. More than 40 EVs are expected to be on display on the show floor with many more electric experiences available.

Electric City is your one-stop destination for EVs and everything about electrification. That means cars and trucks, but it also includes the whole EV ecosystem. Charging, services, new developments, and more.

The show will also have an EV Test Drive Program. Any drivers visiting the show will be able to take one of more than 15 EV models for a quick spin to get to know the tech and the vehicles a little better on the largest indoor EV test track in the country. With experts guiding you, the drives will happen right inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It's a great place to quickly compare the benefits, features, and the experience offered by multiple EVs at the same time and place.

Lego is back


lego bugatti chiron

Lego is returning to the show this year. In 2019, the Lego Group brought its full-size Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron to the show. This year it has something new planned: A surprise model that hasn't been shown in North America before.

Exotic and rare rides


exotic cars canadian international auto show

AutoExotica will be returning to the show once again. The curated mini-show brings together a selection of rare and exotic cars, supercars, and million-dollar hypercars you won't see anywhere else. This year's participants include Autostrada Canadian Collectors, auction house Barrett-Jackson, and renowned Toronto Corvette specialists Caravaggio Corvettes.

Oblivion '80s and '90s cars


If you're looking for some very specific retro not-yet-classics, Oblivion is the display for you. Oblivion is the place to go for '80s and '90s automotive icons. Strange designs, cars your dad drove, and loads of pop culture icons from a great era of movies and TV.

Toronto Star Live Stage


The Toronto Star AutoShow Live stage will be in the heart of Electric City. On the stage, experts and industry insiders will be on-hand to talk about the automotive industry. Look forward to live expert demonstrations, education, and entertainment for a range of audiences.

AJAC Awards


ajac awards canadian international auto show

On the show's media day, February 16th, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada will host their annual Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards live at the show. Nearly 100 of Canada's top journalists have cast their ballots over the last 12 months to select the 2023 Canadian Car and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. The winning rides will be on display at the show.

TADA Cars and Jobs


Trillium Automobile Dealers Association's CarsAndJobs.com will also be at the show. The TADA education program will have kiosks set up with information about careers in the auto service and retail industry. There will be post-secondary institutions on hand as well, presenting information about their automotive programs, job opportunities, and careers in the auto industry.

50th anniversary


Expect a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the show. Going back to 1974 when the first version of the show welcomed 85,000 visitors to a 100,000 square foot show floor. In 2020, the show had 333,000 in attendance and more than 650,000 square feet of cars and displays.

The 2023 Canadian International Auto Show runs February 17-26 at the Metro Toronto Convention center. Regular show hours run from 10:30 am to 10 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the AutoShow website, along with discounted GO Transit fare combo packages. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, though, there will be no cash ticket sales on site.

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