Think back to college, about how you spent the first week of classes. Meeting new friends, playing team games and socializing are all a part of the experience to forge relationships that will no doubt carry new students through the next few years.
At Georgian College's Canadian Automotive Institute, it's a whole different ball game during that all-important first week.
These 400 students don't just shake hands, play games and do assignments together- they put on an autoshow. A big one too- in fact, it's the largest outdoor autoshow in North America. It ran the 15th, 16th and 17th of September.
After working steadily for 3 days erecting tents, exhibits, flags and signs, the CAI students open the gates to the public, who flood the show grounds all weekend long. Visitors are able to see the latest and greatest 2007 models from all of the major carmakers, as well as other exhibits from dealers and aftermarket companies. There is an autocross course set up by Pfaff Porsche where visitors have the opportunity to lap a small track in a Porsche handled by a professional driver. A performance exhibit showcases some of the hottest modified parts for your ride, and there is even a kids zone for gearheads-in-training.
The student-run show is now in its 21st year, and the professionalism that results from the experience behind it is apparent everywhere you look. Teams of students become product ambassadors after receiving special training, and are then prepared to answer questions about their products all weekend long. These students, some very young, are as knowledgeable and expert as most any salesperson you might talk to at a dealer lot. That's why, for just $5, the admission price is a bargain. Those in attendance stood to save hours of driving and browsing, and had access to countless vehicles and enthusiastic students to provide any information they needed.
As fun as the show must be to run, it's an excellent learning experience. Graduates of the Canadian Automotive Institute often wind up in top positions throughout the Canadian automotive industry, hand-picked by carmakers because of the school's reputation.
Working closely with the manufacturers is what the CAI Autoshow is all about, and many were present to showcase their latest and greatest offerings to the public.
A Mercedes Benz exhibit waited at the entrance to greet visitors as they entered the grounds. The showstoppers from the premier German carmaker were the new R500 crossover and the CLS 500, a four-door coupe for the Autobahn, powered by a five-litre V8.
BMW's Mini brand was also present with its new Cooper and Cooper S models, taking up very little space under their tent but offering huge fun
and go-kart performance to owners. Also on display from BMW was the K-1200R motorcycle. With distinctive looks and a 1200 cc engine, the K-1200R is nearly as powerful as the Mini Cooper S!
Porsche was well represented at the show by Pfaff, a well-respected dealer of German cars. A few Carrera models were on display, as well as the striking Cayman S. It was all smiles from team Porsche as they told me everything I ever needed to know about the new models.
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| (Photo: Mark Bocy) |
These 400 students don't just shake hands, play games and do assignments together- they put on an autoshow. A big one too- in fact, it's the largest outdoor autoshow in North America. It ran the 15th, 16th and 17th of September.
After working steadily for 3 days erecting tents, exhibits, flags and signs, the CAI students open the gates to the public, who flood the show grounds all weekend long. Visitors are able to see the latest and greatest 2007 models from all of the major carmakers, as well as other exhibits from dealers and aftermarket companies. There is an autocross course set up by Pfaff Porsche where visitors have the opportunity to lap a small track in a Porsche handled by a professional driver. A performance exhibit showcases some of the hottest modified parts for your ride, and there is even a kids zone for gearheads-in-training.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
As fun as the show must be to run, it's an excellent learning experience. Graduates of the Canadian Automotive Institute often wind up in top positions throughout the Canadian automotive industry, hand-picked by carmakers because of the school's reputation.
Working closely with the manufacturers is what the CAI Autoshow is all about, and many were present to showcase their latest and greatest offerings to the public.
A Mercedes Benz exhibit waited at the entrance to greet visitors as they entered the grounds. The showstoppers from the premier German carmaker were the new R500 crossover and the CLS 500, a four-door coupe for the Autobahn, powered by a five-litre V8.
BMW's Mini brand was also present with its new Cooper and Cooper S models, taking up very little space under their tent but offering huge fun
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Porsche was well represented at the show by Pfaff, a well-respected dealer of German cars. A few Carrera models were on display, as well as the striking Cayman S. It was all smiles from team Porsche as they told me everything I ever needed to know about the new models.