Canadian International AutoShow Postponed till 2022

The Canadian International AutoShow, the largest annual consumer show in the country that’s been held in Toronto every February for years, has been postponed until 2022, to be replaced by a virtual exhibition.

The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), promoters of the annual event that attracts more than 330,000 people to the downtown Metro Toronto Convention Centre, made the decision to cancel the in-person event next February because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its place, the AutoShow will present an immersive world-class automotive showcase on a virtual platform.

The health and safety of AutoShow consumers, and all of those who work within the automotive industry, are of primary concern and the main reason behind the decision to go virtual next February, Jason Campbell, the show’s general manager, said early Tuesday in a release.

“The AutoShow has become a must-visit showcase for both new car buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike,” Campbell said. “We’re still committed to ensuring that the hundreds of thousands who would normally visit the show in person will continue to be able to engage with this great event – just in a new, more widely accessible way.”

The AutoShow, as well as featuring more than 1,000 new cars and light trucks on sale in Canada, also highlights – among other automotive offerings, including lifestyle and technology – classic car exhibits and special attractions such as the world premiere of the 2019 Racing Point Formula One car introduced by drivers Lance Stroll of Canada and Sergio Perez of Mexico.

“The pandemic is forcing us to fully embrace a digital future that has become the norm,” said director of marketing David McClean. “We’re engaged with all manufacturers, sponsors and exhibitors to continue telling their story through our new virtual AutoShow, which will be the world’s first.

“It will be run as a true event – one that excites and drives the new car consumer market in the critical spring-buying season. As the automotive landscape changes, the Canadian International AutoShow will change with it, leading the way in terms of how the automotive world connects with consumers.”

More details on the virtual AutoShow will be made public this fall.