People flocked to the 2023 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) in Toronto, making it a record-setting event.
Organizers say 350,214 people visited the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between between Feb. 16 and 26 to post the third-biggest total attendance in the show’s 50-year history. That's up 17 per cent over 2020's total of 334,194.
The most attended show on record was held in 2018, when 358,842 people showed up.
Numbers include media day and the VIP Gala.
People showed up in droves, despite an icy winter storm that walloped much of Ontario in the middle of the 10-event.
Returning after the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation in 2021 and 2022, the show set four daily attendance records, including 56,122 on Sunday, Feb. 19, a new record for the largest single-day audience in the history of the event.
“We met and overcame some significant challenges to put together the 2023 AutoShow, and we are more than pleased with the results,” CIAS General Manager Jason Campbell said in a statement. “Our manufacturer partners responded with a great selection of cars, including several seen in Canada, North America and even the world for the first time.
“Many of the vehicles they showcased at the AutoShow are difficult to find in showrooms today which explains why we had such enthusiasm from our consumers to see the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.
“We said it last fall when we announced the AutoShow was returning, and it holds even more true today: We’re back!”
The show featured 20 brands, one global vehicle debut, a North American debut and nine Canadian debuts, along with more than 75 all-electric vehicles.
Meanwhile Grand Touring Automobiles and Pfaff Automotive showcased several luxury vehicles.
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