By Keith Morgan
The Vancouver International Auto Show is back on the must-visit calendar, showcasing everything from high-powered supercars to the latest zero-emission vehicles.
The auto extravaganza, featuring more than 200 vehicles, runs from Wednesday, March 20 through Sunday, March 24 in the Vancouver Convention Centre.
“Following a four-year hiatus, we’ve taken a step back – building on 100 years of experience, we’ve re-imagined an event that will bring a unique and exciting experience for both our manufacturer partners and our consumer guests,” says Blair Qualey, President, and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, owner of the Vancouver International Auto Show.
This year’s mix of elements will appeal to traditional show-goers and those looking to experience the latest technology in a whole new way.
Highlights include the latest in vehicle developments, including zero-emission vehicles, full battery electric, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen and fuel-efficient vehicles, along with advanced vehicle safety systems and charging advancements.
“We have a strong focus on education and new ways for fans and exhibitors to participate and celebrate some of the best the automotive industry has to offer,” Qualey says.
Must-see displays set to boost the ELEVATED show theme include the much-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck and a pink Maserati Grecale, inspired by the box office-busting Barbie movie. Off-roaders will get a first look at the INEOS Grenadier truck, GM’s Hummer EV and the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. The Chevrolet Corvette E-ray will doubtless turn heads.
The EV and PHEV Test Drive Experience is expected to be the most popular feature, using an indoor track that leads to an outdoor test drive route. CleanBC Go Electric will offer test drives of a wide variety of clean-energy vehicles that qualify for B.C.’s point-of-sale purchase rebates. RBC presents an all-new test drive experience for an even wider array of ZEVs. Show-goers can get behind the wheel of vehicles from Hyundai, Ford, GMC, Cadillac, Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Tesla, VinFast, Polestar and Volkswagen.
Auto dreamers and those with deep pockets can cruise the Supercar Eleganza: A Symphony of Luxury Performance, dazzling with supercars from legacy high-performance auto manufacturers and personal collections.
Horsepower Heaven focuses on the allure of modified and custom classic cars synthesized with the excitement of modern technology, while armchair racers can test their track prowess on the groundbreaking Axon Racing Simulator.
The 18,500+ metres of floor space will show products from more than 20 manufacturing brands, displaying their latest models, concepts and technology displays. Participating brands showing their 2024 models, include GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, VinFast, Polestar, Tesla, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari, Maserati and more.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Wednesday, March 20, noon to 9:30 p.m.
- Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday March 22, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 9:30p.m.
- Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday to Thursday:
• General admission $19.50; Seniors 65+/Students/Military with ID $14.50; Children 7 to 12 (with an adult) $6; Children 6 and younger free; Family Pass (2 adults, children 12 and younger) $39.
Friday to Sunday
• General admission $21.50; Seniors 65+/Students/Military with ID $15.50; Children 7 to 12 (with an adult) $6; Children 6 and younger free; Family Pass (2 adults, children 12 and younger) $44.
Learn more at VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.