Folks flocked to the 2023 Canadian Worldwide AutoShow (CIAS) in Toronto, making it a record-setting occasion.

Organizers say 350,214 individuals visited the Metro Toronto Conference Centre between between Feb. 16 and 26 to put up the third-biggest whole attendance within the present’s 50-year historical past.

Numbers embrace media day and the VIP Gala.

Folks confirmed up in droves, regardless of an icy winter storm that walloped a lot of Ontario in the midst of the 10-event.

Returning after the COVID-19 pandemic compelled its cancellation in 2021 and 2022, the present set 4 every day attendance information, together with 56,122 on Sunday, Feb. 19, a brand new document for the most important single-day viewers within the historical past of the occasion.

“We met and overcame some important challenges to place collectively the 2023 AutoShow, and we’re greater than happy with the outcomes,” CIAS Normal Supervisor Jason Campbell mentioned in a press release. “Our producer companions responded with a fantastic number of vehicles, together with a number of seen in Canada, North America and even the world for the primary time. 

“Lots of the autos they showcased on the AutoShow are tough to search out in showrooms at present which explains why we had such enthusiasm from our customers to see the newest and best the trade has to supply.

“We mentioned it final fall after we introduced the AutoShow was returning, and it holds much more true at present: We’re again!”

The present featured 20 manufacturers, one world car debut, a North American debut and 9 Canadian debuts, together with greater than 75 all-electric autos.

In the meantime Grand Touring Vehicles and Pfaff Automotive showcased a number of luxurious autos.

‘IMMENSELY POPULAR’ EV EXHIBIT

The present additionally had an indoor electric-vehicle take a look at observe ogranizers known as “immensely standard.”

Greater than 6,000 drivers, and 

Greater than 15,000 present attendees — 6,000 of them behind the wheel — took an EV for a two-lap spin across the half-kilometre observe, with 83 per cent of them driving an EV for the primary time, CIAS mentioned.

“We had interactive reveals that proved extremely standard with present attendees,” Campbell mentioned. “Our particular options proceed to attract in followers.”

Challenge Arrow, the drivable electrical prototype from a collaboration of the Automotive Components Producers’ Affiliation and greater than 50 of its members, was on show in Canada for the primary time.

There have been 5 idea autos from the producers: the Buick Wildcat, Hyundai RN22e, Hyundai N Imaginative and prescient 74, Nissan ARIYA Surfwagon and Nissan NISMO Off Highway Frontier V8.

‘TOTAL AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE’

One different testomony to the dimensions of crowds was the actual fact the on-site Lego retailer, a part of an interactive Lego show that includes a life-size Lamborghini practically ran out of bricks with days remaining on the schedule. They used 11 pallets of Lego by Feb. 23 and ordered a cargo of 9 extra pallets from their warehouse in Dallas.

On the time, Campbell known as it an indication the crowds are again.

“There clearly continues to be robust curiosity within the AutoShow as a client engagement platform and nice curiosity within the whole automotive expertise the auto present delivers,” Campbell mentioned in his assertion.