Quebec City - The 28th edition of the Quebec Auto Show wrapped up on Sunday with a total attendance of 53,095 visitors, which represents a 9-percent drop from 2008 (59,021).
The event is organized by the Corporation des concessionnaires d'automobiles de la régionale de Québec (CCARQ) and still remains one of the most popular auto shows in Canada and North America when taking into account the regional demographic pool.
Consolation through comparison
Earlier this year, the other main event for Quebec car buffs and buyers, the Montreal International Auto Show, also recorded a 9-percent decrease in attendance (18,623). Over the 10 days of 2009, 186,320 people showed up to see the latest from the auto industry, whereas 204,943 did the same in 2008.
A success no matter what
Quebec Auto Show organizers were actually expecting such a drop and, in the end, they're proud to say 'Mission accomplished'. Richard Bélanger, general manager of the CCARQ, said "we were indeed aware that fewer visitors would turn up. The economic crisis is no joke in the auto industry. With that in mind, we're very glad to have contained the decrease. Of course, we got help from Mother Nature this year: not a single snowstorm!"
It has to be mentioned that the 2009 edition started on a Tuesday rather than Monday, meaning it had six days instead of seven to welcome visitors.
Quality over quantity
According to Mr. Bélanger, exhibitors are satisfied with this year's auto show. "Customer quality was better. The people who came here were actually shopping for a new vehicle," he claims. "Consequently, the show's dynamics were quite different. We had a lot more people asking questions and planning to purchase a car in the near future."
For the general manager, the highlight of the event was Children Day, on Saturday. The focus is on kids, with a fresh new layout that proves friendlier and more entertaining for both the young and young at heart. "You can see the magic in every little boy and girl's eyes," insists Mr. Bélanger.
This is a big day for families and all the folks who are too busy during the week. Saturday is by far the most heavily attended day of the Quebec Auto Show.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The event is organized by the Corporation des concessionnaires d'automobiles de la régionale de Québec (CCARQ) and still remains one of the most popular auto shows in Canada and North America when taking into account the regional demographic pool.
Consolation through comparison
Earlier this year, the other main event for Quebec car buffs and buyers, the Montreal International Auto Show, also recorded a 9-percent decrease in attendance (18,623). Over the 10 days of 2009, 186,320 people showed up to see the latest from the auto industry, whereas 204,943 did the same in 2008.
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A success no matter what
Quebec Auto Show organizers were actually expecting such a drop and, in the end, they're proud to say 'Mission accomplished'. Richard Bélanger, general manager of the CCARQ, said "we were indeed aware that fewer visitors would turn up. The economic crisis is no joke in the auto industry. With that in mind, we're very glad to have contained the decrease. Of course, we got help from Mother Nature this year: not a single snowstorm!"
It has to be mentioned that the 2009 edition started on a Tuesday rather than Monday, meaning it had six days instead of seven to welcome visitors.
Quality over quantity
According to Mr. Bélanger, exhibitors are satisfied with this year's auto show. "Customer quality was better. The people who came here were actually shopping for a new vehicle," he claims. "Consequently, the show's dynamics were quite different. We had a lot more people asking questions and planning to purchase a car in the near future."
For the general manager, the highlight of the event was Children Day, on Saturday. The focus is on kids, with a fresh new layout that proves friendlier and more entertaining for both the young and young at heart. "You can see the magic in every little boy and girl's eyes," insists Mr. Bélanger.
This is a big day for families and all the folks who are too busy during the week. Saturday is by far the most heavily attended day of the Quebec Auto Show.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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