Trade journalists were invited to a preview of the 78^th Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) on January 19.

Running until Sunday, January 29, this new edition of the Auto Show marked its return to the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. In addition to the new products introduced by car manufacturers, this show will also be an opportunity for visitors to try out 11 electric vehicle models thanks to the participation of CAA-Quebec.

At a time when Quebec is undergoing a major transportation transition, the ability for visitors to see, touch and sit in these cars makes all the difference,” said Sebastien Alajarin, regional vice president of IA Insurance Dealer Services, during a press briefing. “We know that the recovery is difficult for all auto shows in Canada and we want to support the Montreal show.” Indeed, the insurer has committed to be an official partner of MIAS for three years.

Explore and compare

During his speech, Martin Taillandier, president of the MIAS, emphasized that the event was an opportunity for visitors to dream by seeing prestigious cars, but also to be able to compare the different models of cars when shopping for a new vehicle. “We have people who have ordered vehicles without even having a chance to see them,” he says. “This will be an opportunity for them to really discover their purchases. I have to acknowledge the excellence of our team in organizing this show and thank the manufacturers who are attending.”

Let us mention that 67 green vehicles, both electric and hybrid, are presented during this show. A strong contingent of which the Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charrette, present at the press conference, was quick to point out the importance. “We have emission reduction targets to meet,” he said. By 2035, the vehicles offered on our market will have to be green. This is a great opportunity for consumers to ask questions and plan their purchases. The government is providing beneficial incentives to do so.”

New offers

Speaking of transportation electrification, the press tour also featured some unveilings and announcements. Hyundai presented the SEVEN Concept, which is in pre-production, as well as the IONIQ 6, which offers a range of 547 kilometers and will soon be on the market.

We also talked about electrification at KIA with the presentation of the high power model EV6 GT. The first to be built on a dedicated EV platform, this is the most powerful car in KIA’s electric portfolio.

In the more traditional vehicles, so to speak, Richard Fabien, Regional Director for Subaru Canada, accompanied for the occasion by Subaru Canada President Tomohiro Kubota, unveiled the 6^th generation of the popular Impreza in RT version available in 2024. The Japanese manufacturer had already announced its electric shift with the all-electric Solterra.