Western Canada’s best attended consumer show brings together engaged and excited visitors over a six-day period where they can see hundreds of different car brands under one roof, manufacturers and dealers see the Vancouver International Auto Show as a major boost to the industry they cannot afford to ignore.

“The Vancouver International Auto Show as a whole results in positive economic impacts for British Columbia, as past shows have revealed many attend because they are in the market to buy or lease a new vehicle,” says President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) Blair Qualey.

“And those visitors who said they were just curious about what’s out there have indicated the show immensely influenced their decision for future buys. Some come looking to checkout one vehicle, and after seeing other options, they leave the show and buy something different. It’s a one stop shop to look and compare.”

Qualey is quick to add however, the Show is not just all about selling cars.

“With almost 100 years behind us, we have come to recognize the Show is as much about brand engagement as it is about selling. We like to think of it as a comprehensive and interactive automotive experience.”

This year’s 97^th show, which runs until Sunday, features everything from commuter cars under $15,000 to a multi-million-dollar collection of the best in exotics and supercars that include models never seen before in B.C. Among them is the all-new, carbon-fibre Ford GT super car which is credited with redefining innovation in aerodynamics with its 600+ horsepower EcoBoost engine and light weight body.

The Acura Precision Concept is also making its provincial debut. This four-door sedan is a design-study model that Acura says, “will literally shape the direction of all future Acura products.”

As Vancouver is home to more exotic and super cars per capita than anywhere else in North America, it’s only natural that the show has the best in Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin front and centre.

For the aftermarket fans, the Monster Energy DUB Show Tour will be back for another revved up year. New for 2017 will see everything from some of the best customized cars in the world, to lifted truck and jeep and crazy motorcycles. Internationally renowned and exceptionally popular, show goers will be awed by the wide array of customized vehicles on display.

And for the millennials, drawn to advancements in gadgets and green technology, the show highlights brand technological innovation throughout as well as the popularity of electric vehicles. The green ride and drive program is back with two test drive locations set up by CEVforBC^TM and Toyota and LEXUS.  Those taking these vehicles out for a spin to see how they perform will have the opportunity to do a short tour of Vancouver’s downtown core.

The Auto Show allows guests to experience new vehicles in a non-sales environment, speak with manufacturer product experts and have hands-on demonstrations of the latest technological advances.

To the cynics who argue auto shows are not as relevant as they once were simply because consumers prefer the online shopping experience, Qualey has this to say:

“The opposite holds true as the need to be present when car shopping is more important than ever. Consumers don’t just need to know about blind spots, trunk space and leg room. They need to see if they like the interface options, if their phones can sync with the car, if the brand’s apps are user-friendly. Trying to determine these factors virtually just does not work, and the Auto Show allows you to do so in a pressure-free sales environment. Not to mention, you miss out on the new car smell!”

The 97^th Vancouver International Auto Show, presented by the New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) of B.C.

Be a part of the 2017 Vancouver International Auto Show’s “I Heart Cars/Trucks/Electric Vehicles” campaign. From Civics to Ferraris, Bugs to Bugatti’s, whether they are custom or electric, express your love for your ride by snapping a photo of your vehicle and submitting it online. Vehicles may be considered for drive up opportunities and top entries will be eligible to win amazing prize packages from the Vancouver International Auto Show. Share your photos and stories and enter to win cool prizes at www.iheartcars.ca

WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. Enter off Thurlow Street and through the main doors of the Jack Poole Plaza.

WHEN: Until Sunday, April 2.

For more detailed information about the show and its many features or to buy tickets, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

SIDEBAR

Grand Prize Vehicles

The Vancouver International Auto Show attendees will have the chance to win Grand Prize vehicles, including an all-new 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Midnight Edition and an all-new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The Nissan Pathfinder boasts 20” black wheels, 4WD, black mirror caps and black rear spoiler and with illuminated kick plates with LED interior accent lighting, and a satin chrome rear bumper protector. You can enter to win online at http://vancouverinternationalautoshow.com/pathfinder/

or in person at the show on Level 1 Space H.

The Chevrolet Bolt, with its advanced technologies, was named the 2017 North American Car of the Year. If you want to win this electric vehicle, visit Level 1 Space E at the Show or http://vancouverinternationalautoshow.com/bolt/

The contests close on the final day of the show.