CIAS 2025 is set to provide a truly visceral automotive experience.

When the Canadian International AutoShow remerged as a physical event following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very much under the microscope and a lot of questions were being asked whether its success was an anomaly given the pent-up demand for physical, in-person events at that time. In 2024 we proved it wasn’t and witnessed record attendance at CIAS. The 2024 event proved without question that we have a large show-going culture in Southern Ontario and a huge amount of interest in the new car market; with people wanting to see and experience what our industry has to offer.

More excitement, more OEMs

For the 2025 event (February 14th-23rd at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre), we’ve seen interest from OEMs continue to grow with some manufacturers that didn’t take part over of the last few years once again looking to actively make the AutoShow part of their marketing mix—primarily based on the feedback and success they’ve witnessed from others who have participated in recent years.

When it comes to organizing an event like this, there’s a lot of expectation, not only from consumers as to what they will see and sample at the show, but also from OEMs and dealers, since the data and analytics that we capture at CIAS provides them with a much clearer understanding of consumer behaviour, including when they intend to be in the market for a new vehicle, and what their intentions are when it comes to purchasing or leasing their next car or truck.

In preparing for the 2025 AutoShow, we’ve seen very encouraging signs and strong commitments from the OEMs in Canada which is helping to build excitement for what is becoming one of the most preeminent events in North America.

Immersive experience

Given that the automotive industry and the retail space is constantly changing, it’s important that events like CIAS continue to evolve. Each year, we present a different theme for the show and for 2025, the concept is “Total Immersion” The aim is to speak to the value of CIAS—an event where consumers can immerse themselves in the entire automotive experience, while at the same time providing manufacturers with a unique opportunity to connect with them by putting their best brand experience directly in front of an engaged, and captive audience.

Test drives and interactive automotive experiences have proved hugely successful at CIAS in the past and we will see them return for 2025, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to sample what’s on offer at the AutoShow.

As the event continues to grow, we look at ways to expand our reach and provide new opportunities to attract even more attendees, such as offering new types of ticket incentives. Weekday programs such as Family Day Monday and Super Tuesday have provided hugely successful for CIAS and SAVE $8 After (new for this year) are sure to be appealing. When you’re able to offer tickets for the same price as back in 2018, it can be very cost effective for individuals and big savings for families to experience all the AutoShow has to offer.

Showcasing change

As a major consumer event, it’s important for us to not only continue to evolve but showcase the changes happening within the industry. We’ve got new technology and new overseas automotive brands coming, and what better way to showcase that than having it on display at the AutoShow in a format that is both entertaining and informative to consumers and intended vehicle buyers.

Each year, our goal is to surpass the previous year’s AutoShow and for 2025 our objective is to create the best CIAS ever. We’re very excited about the OEMs displaying  in 2025 and the flow of interest and attendance that continues to grow. There are a lot of changes happening in the automotive retail space and we’re seeing firsthand how manufacturers are rethinking the way they present their brands to consumers. And it’s something that’s likely to be very prevalent at the 2025 Canadian International AutoShow.