The Canadian International AutoShow was founded in 1974 and has been held annually ever since. The show is held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, a large convention complex in downtown Toronto with over 600,000 square feet space. The CIAS exhibits more than 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as vintage cars, concept cars, motorcycles and alternative fuel vehicles.
Alongside showcasing production and concept cars, the Canadian International AutoShow rents booths to over 100 exhibitors who promote their products, services and even locally owned vehicles. Although the CIAS doesn’t feature many world debuts because it is held later than other major international auto shows, it offers a number of national debuts for all Canadian car lovers who have found the time and opportunity to attend.
The program of the show includes a number of special features and promotions held every day. For example, the 2017 edition of the CIAS featured several unique car exhibitions (Auto Exotica, Art & the Automobile, Legendary Motor Cars) and a special exhibition dedicated to celebrating 50 years of Grand Prix Racing in Canada. The show also hosts test drives and demonstrations, meet & greets with celebrity guests, and other events.
Like most other auto shows, the CIAS has a media day designed for registered journalists and media personnel. At this exclusive event, the most anticipated vehicle releases of the year are revealed before being presented in front of the general audience.
