Visitors at the show also had the chance to win great prizes. André Moreau, from Trois-Rivières (Quebec), got a call on Sunday night from none other than Denis Dessureault, who told him he was the lucky winner of a brand new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (worth $28,345).
102 years of automotive history
While the 2008 edition marked the 40th anniversary of the event presented by the MADC, it also marked a new milestone in 100+ years of automotive history in Quebec. Indeed, the date was April 21, 1906, when the first-ever auto show was held in Montreal. The same year, the government of Quebec passed a law that would require every driver to affix a license plate on the back of their car.
Actually, Montreal's own Ucal Dandurand, the ancestor of Pascal and Patrick Dandurand (active members of the MADC and general managers of Champlain Dodge Chrysler and Chrysler Rive-Sud, respectively), had the privilege of getting the number "1" license plate for his De Dion-Bouton (which is still exhibited at the Musée du Château Ramezay).
In 1913, the Montreal Automobile Trade Association (MATA) was founded. This non-profit organization of the Greater Montreal later became the MADC in the mid-sixties. In 1969, it took over the management of the auto show, which used to be organized by an independent promoter.
What was once called the Montreal Motor Show and Salon national de l'automobile was held at such venues as the Stadium de Montréal and the Palais du commerce. Under the MADC reign, the MIAS moved to Place Bonaventure (1969-1989, 2000) and Olympic Stadium (1990-1999, 2001-2002) before settling in at the Palais des congrès (2003-present).
The 41st edition of the MIAS will take place from January 16 to 25, 2009.
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| The draw for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid was supervised by Denis Dessureault (left) and 2008 MIAS President Marc Bourassa. (Courtesy: Ryan Blau/CCAM) |
102 years of automotive history
While the 2008 edition marked the 40th anniversary of the event presented by the MADC, it also marked a new milestone in 100+ years of automotive history in Quebec. Indeed, the date was April 21, 1906, when the first-ever auto show was held in Montreal. The same year, the government of Quebec passed a law that would require every driver to affix a license plate on the back of their car.
Actually, Montreal's own Ucal Dandurand, the ancestor of Pascal and Patrick Dandurand (active members of the MADC and general managers of Champlain Dodge Chrysler and Chrysler Rive-Sud, respectively), had the privilege of getting the number "1" license plate for his De Dion-Bouton (which is still exhibited at the Musée du Château Ramezay).
In 1913, the Montreal Automobile Trade Association (MATA) was founded. This non-profit organization of the Greater Montreal later became the MADC in the mid-sixties. In 1969, it took over the management of the auto show, which used to be organized by an independent promoter.
What was once called the Montreal Motor Show and Salon national de l'automobile was held at such venues as the Stadium de Montréal and the Palais du commerce. Under the MADC reign, the MIAS moved to Place Bonaventure (1969-1989, 2000) and Olympic Stadium (1990-1999, 2001-2002) before settling in at the Palais des congrès (2003-present).
The 41st edition of the MIAS will take place from January 16 to 25, 2009.
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| The Comet, a star at the 1907 Montreal Motor Show, cost $5,000. (Courtesy: Musée des sciences et de la technologie du Canada) |