An outdated proverb states that necessity is the mom of invention. For the Canadian Worldwide AutoShow (CIAS) in Toronto, it means a complete new observe.

Ever since authorities restrictions on gatherings throughout COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the 2021 CIAS — after which the 2022 occasion — we questioned if it was the start of the tip for auto reveals in Canada.

Within the practically three years because the final CIAS in February 2020, automakers have been challenged to seek out different methods to get their merchandise in entrance of consumers.

Some have been already backing out of auto reveals — the 2023 CIAS is at lower than half energy for model depend — as an alternative leaning on social media campaigns and so-called experiential occasions that put potential consumers behind the wheel in a managed atmosphere.

That is logical if you happen to subscribe to the assumption that automobiles have to be pushed to be appreciated and understood. Higher to trip a horse than merely pet one, proper?

Am I saying that auto reveals are primarily simply petting zoos? Nicely, principally.

After which in November, the large shoe dropped when Ford, to save cash, introduced it might not take part in Canadian reveals.

Within the Feb. 10 Automotive Information Canada Podcast, CIAS boss Jason Campbell mentioned he was “very upset” with the choice, however the ensuing pivot simply is likely to be the stroke of genius that offers auto reveals on this nation renewed function.

‘A BLESSING IN DISGUISE’

Why? How? The humorous factor about electrical automobiles is that, since there aren’t any tailpipe emissions, they are often pushed indoors. When Ford dropped CIAS, that house magically turned — ta-da — a 70,000 square-foot (6,500-square-metre) EV take a look at observe with 19 automobiles to drive.

“It was virtually a blessing in disguise in a manner as a result of it has generated a lot curiosity.”

Such a take a look at observe was unimaginable in previous years as a result of there wasn’t sufficient spare ground house (not an issue this 12 months), EVs have been extra of a novelty, and driving internal-combustion automobiles for hours on finish indoors is, effectively, undesirable. What higher method to exhibit how clear working EVs are than by driving them indoors.

Sarcastically then, CIAS 2023 did exactly what some automakers left the present to do on their very own: delivering an experiential occasion.

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 this week.

“I feel we’re going to see increasingly of this,” Campbell mentioned.

It would untimely to suppose these manufacturers will likely be again sooner or later — which he urged within the podcast — however the brand new path can’t be missed. It’s an ideal alternative to shut the data chasm that exists between auto manufacturers attempting to promote new know-how and a basic inhabitants that has not been introduced alongside for the EV trip. In any respect.

Because the federal authorities pushes its zero-emissions car gross sales mandate, CIAS turns into extra priceless as do different auto reveals in Canada, whether or not in Ottawa, Edmonton or Vancouver. All three have been canceled this 12 months.

We’d anticipate bigger EV take a look at tracks sooner or later, with extra automobiles and extra progressive methods to place them into motion. How about an off-road circuit with large mounds of dust, or autonomous automobiles shuttling showgoers from place to put, even to their parked vehicles? How concerning the Ford F-150 Lightning powering a makeshift job website or a pop-up espresso store to attract the crowds?

Whatever the genesis, driving EVs indoors can breathe new life into auto reveals by making them a way more related instrument for connecting know-how with clients. It’s a brand new method to do what has all the time been the aim: to place butts in seats.