A look into the future is what this year’s Canadian International Auto Show is about. It is a glimpse into future technologies, trends, and even the occasional concept vehicle; that is what awaits car enthusiasts and industry insiders alike at this year's Canadian International Auto Show.
Automakers at this year’s exhibition stress the importance of innovation, sustainability, and value for the new models that will line dealerships this year — greater importance was put upon the use of social media and Interwebs connectivity without fear of added distractions for the driver. In addition, the various automakers this year have made a conscious effort at reaching out to the younger demographic that represents an estimated 90 million vehicle owners in North America. According to Seiji Ichii, CEO of Toyota Canada that “Generation Y represents more than 40 percent of potential buyers for the auto industry in the next 10 years.” With that said, how can one not look to a brighter future populated by automobiles that drive smarter, cleaner and maintain the fun that keeps our love affair with cars beyond our years on the road.
The Next Dimension
The notion that ‘the next dimension’ for automakers and automobile owners can be best represented through the newest line of vehicles debuting at this year’s auto show. The increased presence of smart technologies in automobiles has seen its share of growth and innovation — this year’s line up of vehicles from every manufacturer features technologies that address greater fuel economy, greater ability to connect to others with a push of a button, and in some cases, monitor the driving state of the person behind the wheel.
Though some of these technologies have come in years past, the emphasis on social media connectivity and pre-crash initiatives continually push designers to improve and build upon features that may seem standard in the eyes of today’s drivers.
But let us not forget what CIAS is about…cars and their connection to our emotions. The AutoShow this year features a bigger exhibit featuring the next generation supercars that will be made available to the public (for a hefty price) this spring season. The redesigned ‘Auto Exotica’ wing features the Ferrari FF, Pagani Zonda, Fisker Karma, Aston Martin One-77, Bugatti Veyron and the Callaway Corvette — vehicles that capture the heart and evoke emotions of wonder and a surreal sense of admiration.
CIAS represents an exciting time for automakers, their hard work and passion for creating art on wheels isn’t reserved just for supercars and future and concept cars. Ian Callum, chief designer for Jaguar speaks about emotion and it’s connection to their new concept vehicle, the C-X16.
“The design is very close to my heart”, said Callum.
Vehicles like the C-X16 represent the apex of automotive ingenuity — minimized lines provide a smoother silhouette that is quite striking to look at. Jaguar represents just a fraction of the luxury end of the Auto Show, as one continues to peruse what seemed to be miles and miles of vehicles the unmistakable air of excitement hovers around each exhibit.
The AutoShow will run from Friday February 17th to Sunday February 19th at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto.
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