Canadian Vehicle Awards, Hope on Wheels and Showcasing Innovation.

From February 13-22 the halls of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre once again played host to the Canadian International AutoShow. Following the media preview and VIP gala reception, the show opened to the public and on that first day, witnessed record attendance with 23,885 people visiting. This represented 37% year over year increase from 2025 and signified not only the AutoShow’s premier status as a leading consumer expo in Canada, but also that interest in cars and trucks continues to be strong within the Greater Toronto Area and sounding locations. By the time the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow closed its doors on February 22, a record 374,678 visitors had attended, with Saturday, February 21, having the highest attendance figures for a single day at CIAS – 58,232.

Vehicle of the year winners
In 2026, there were some very significant announcements. During a special press conference prior to the AutoShow’s opening this year, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the winners of the coveted Canadian Car and Utility of the Year awards, along with the Electric Car and Utility of the Year Winners. The winners in each category were the 2026 Honda Civic (Car of the Year), 2026 Hyundai Palisade (Utility of the Year); 2026 Porsche Tacan (Electric Car of the Year) and the 2026 Kia EV( (Electric Utility of the Year).

Additionally, the press conference featured a special announcement from Hyundai Hope on Wheels and the C17 Council, which have teamed up for a new $1 million Research Grant Fund. This initiative, which is supporting four paediatric cancer research projects over a two-year period, is part of Hyundai Auto Canada’s wider commitment to help end childhood cancer.

Also featured during the press conference was a panel discussion with the new ownership team of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario. Peter Thompson, Christopher Pfaff and Alex Krstajic, along with session moderator and former racing driver James Hinchcliffe, discussed the iconic track, how it continues to remain in Canadian hands, and some of the future plans for the facilities, including maintaining and optimizing the track itself, as well as adding and upgrading facilities, including onsite garages, the pit area, as well as ensuring CTMP’s long-term future by not only being a primary motorsport venue in North America, but also by hosting other events year-round, including concerts, outdoor activities, plus the possibility of creating an onsite motorsport museum.

Project Arrow concept
Also revealed, was the second concept vehicle in the Project Arrow Series, courtesy of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association of Canada (APMA). This prototype, named Borealis, is intended to showcase future automotive technologies, including autonomous driving, as well as signifying the capabilities and technological prowess of vehicle engineering and development skills and resources right here in Canada. APMA President Flavio Volpe, provided an overview of Borealis, as well as highlighting the important role Canada plays within the mobility and transportation sector, both domestically and internationally. Given the current situations around trade and tariffs, it was the perfect opportunity to see what our own industry is capable of and how Canada can compete with the best the world has to offer in terms of talent, technology and ability.

Volpe’s words were echoed by Evan Solomon, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, who also serves as Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. Solomon stressed the importance and vitality of automotive manufacturing and innovation in Canada and Ontario, and how it continues to be a major economic driver for the province and the entire country.

Speaking of innovation, and particularly, safety, Asa Haglund, Global Vice President at Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, discussed Volvo’s relentless focus on its Zero Collision Strategy, and how innovation and technology is continuing to make vehicles safer. Haglund showcased Volvo’s safety technology in action as well as highlighting some serious collisions involving Volvo vehicles, in which the occupants walked away unharmed. Additionally Volvo had a crash test safety display on site at CIAS, allowing attendees to see firsthand how the company is continuing to push the envelope in terms of vehicle safety standards and technology.

Return of Indy Car
Another announcement concerned the return, or perhaps “reinvention” of IndyCar Racing in Toronto. Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham, just north of Toronto, discussed the upcoming IndyCar race on August 16, and how this represents an exciting chapter, both for Markham and the IndyCar Series. Dubbed the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, the race will take place on a specially constructed street circuit in and around Markham Centre, and looks set to draw big crowds and investment to the region over the next five years.

On the show floor, there was plenty of buzz, including a host of new vehicle debuts, as well as interactive experiences, including the ever popular Camp Jeep, Indoor EV test track and on-site ride and drive opportunities. Look for part two of our coverage from CIAS 2026 where we take a look at some of the unique displays and vehicle debuts that made this such a compelling event.