Vancouver was the last Canadian stop for the 2009 International Auto Show. Vancouver's BC Place Stadium hosted this year's event, in which 450 new makes and models were on display from a comprehensive array of manufacturers. The exhibits and ever-popular market place consumed more than 250,000 square feet of floor space in BC's largest stadium.
This year's show was the 89th International Auto Show in Vancouver, and www.auto123.com was there with a team of journalists and cameramen to bring you the important highlights, such as the new Lexus HS 250h Hybrid, the roof-less Audi A5 Cabriolet, and Mitsubishi's ultimate plug-in the i MiEV.
In keeping with the "green" theme of the show set among the conifers of the West Coast, Lexus unveiled their entry-level luxury hybrid sedan. The HS 250h is the first "ground-up" hybrid-powered sedan in the Lexus fleet, and the first Lexus product to use a four-cylinder engine.
Audi took the opportunity to launch its latest convertible in Vancouver. The A5 Cabriolet is a sensational soft-top version of the mid-size A5 Coupe launched last year. Its fabric lid can retract in only 15-seconds, opening the car's fabulous cockpit to the sun and moon whenever the weather cooperates.
Unlike the A5, the Mitsubishi's i MiEV doesn't have a retractable roof; it also doesn't have a gas tank, and that's what makes it special. The i MiEV is purely a plug-in electric car than can easily accommodate four adults and a reasonable quantity of luggage. This peek into the future goes on sale soon in Japan. Not long after, I predict it'll become a North American staple.
While at the Vancouver International Auto Show, I had the opportunity to interview several key players in the biz. Ford of Canada's new president, Dave Mondragon, told us of Ford's plans for increasing consumer confidence in its products.
Dave also told us about a proposal to implement a "national scrappage" program that Ford intends to deliver to the Federal Government. The stimulus program would provide public funds, encouraging people to trade in old cars for new fuel-efficient models.
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| Vancouver's BC Place Stadium hosted this year's event, in which 450 new makes and models. |
This year's show was the 89th International Auto Show in Vancouver, and www.auto123.com was there with a team of journalists and cameramen to bring you the important highlights, such as the new Lexus HS 250h Hybrid, the roof-less Audi A5 Cabriolet, and Mitsubishi's ultimate plug-in the i MiEV.
In keeping with the "green" theme of the show set among the conifers of the West Coast, Lexus unveiled their entry-level luxury hybrid sedan. The HS 250h is the first "ground-up" hybrid-powered sedan in the Lexus fleet, and the first Lexus product to use a four-cylinder engine.
Audi took the opportunity to launch its latest convertible in Vancouver. The A5 Cabriolet is a sensational soft-top version of the mid-size A5 Coupe launched last year. Its fabric lid can retract in only 15-seconds, opening the car's fabulous cockpit to the sun and moon whenever the weather cooperates.
Unlike the A5, the Mitsubishi's i MiEV doesn't have a retractable roof; it also doesn't have a gas tank, and that's what makes it special. The i MiEV is purely a plug-in electric car than can easily accommodate four adults and a reasonable quantity of luggage. This peek into the future goes on sale soon in Japan. Not long after, I predict it'll become a North American staple.
While at the Vancouver International Auto Show, I had the opportunity to interview several key players in the biz. Ford of Canada's new president, Dave Mondragon, told us of Ford's plans for increasing consumer confidence in its products.
Dave also told us about a proposal to implement a "national scrappage" program that Ford intends to deliver to the Federal Government. The stimulus program would provide public funds, encouraging people to trade in old cars for new fuel-efficient models.
 |
| The i MiEV is purely a plug-in electric car than can easily accommodate four adults. |