Marc Bouchard's impressions
Based on the strong January sales, one would have thought that car makers are now propelled by newfound momentum and, consequently, that this momentum would translate into much fanfare at the 2010 Canadian International AutoShow. Well, not really. Companies instead chose to play the safe card, showing restrained optimism and enthusiasm in what is the country’s largest auto show.
Of course, some couldn’t resist. After all, it might as well be in their genes. Flashing sexy models next to Chrysler cars, for instance, is proof that you can still do it the good old-fashioned way. Chrysler actually unveiled a near American-spec variant of the Fiat 500, thus confirming that the once-mighty giant is rising from the ashes of bankruptcy quite fast.
Hot new products are coming from other brands as well. Ford, which introduced the all-new 2012 Focus, boasts the largest display of all — a clear sign that its "Way Forward" plan bears solid fruit.
The show’s downsizing (two buildings instead of three like last year) has been eclipsed by a number of special exhibits. The most impressive, in my opinion, is probably the exclusive section showcasing some of Carroll Shelby’s greatest masterpieces, including the original Ford GT 40, a few prototypes developed in conjunction with Ford and a spotless, priceless edition of the Cobra Daytona 427 Coupe.
And then there’s the long list of hybrids and electric cars making their debut in the country. Some of them, like the Kia Forte Koup Hybrid, have yet to be announced for the Canadian market.
Finally, several all-new vehicles and concepts that premiered at major auto shows around the world earlier this season made their way to Toronto, including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, Volkswagen NCC and Mitsubishi PX-MiEV.
In the end, this year’s CIAS mirrors the auto industry as a whole: interesting and dynamic, but with some reserve.
photo:Michael Wong
Based on the strong January sales, one would have thought that car makers are now propelled by newfound momentum and, consequently, that this momentum would translate into much fanfare at the 2010 Canadian International AutoShow. Well, not really. Companies instead chose to play the safe card, showing restrained optimism and enthusiasm in what is the country’s largest auto show.
 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (photo: Michael Wong) |
Of course, some couldn’t resist. After all, it might as well be in their genes. Flashing sexy models next to Chrysler cars, for instance, is proof that you can still do it the good old-fashioned way. Chrysler actually unveiled a near American-spec variant of the Fiat 500, thus confirming that the once-mighty giant is rising from the ashes of bankruptcy quite fast.
Hot new products are coming from other brands as well. Ford, which introduced the all-new 2012 Focus, boasts the largest display of all — a clear sign that its "Way Forward" plan bears solid fruit.
The show’s downsizing (two buildings instead of three like last year) has been eclipsed by a number of special exhibits. The most impressive, in my opinion, is probably the exclusive section showcasing some of Carroll Shelby’s greatest masterpieces, including the original Ford GT 40, a few prototypes developed in conjunction with Ford and a spotless, priceless edition of the Cobra Daytona 427 Coupe.
And then there’s the long list of hybrids and electric cars making their debut in the country. Some of them, like the Kia Forte Koup Hybrid, have yet to be announced for the Canadian market.
 |
| Mitsubishi PX-MiEV (photo: Michael Wong) |
Finally, several all-new vehicles and concepts that premiered at major auto shows around the world earlier this season made their way to Toronto, including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, Volkswagen NCC and Mitsubishi PX-MiEV.
In the end, this year’s CIAS mirrors the auto industry as a whole: interesting and dynamic, but with some reserve.
photo:Michael Wong
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