Montreal International Auto Show is back

Montreal car enthusiasts have a reason to smile.

For the first time since the pandemic, the Montreal International Auto Show is gearing up to showcase the very latest in cars and light trucks. All the automotive action will unfold at the Palais des congrès de Montreal.

“To have a great time with your family, your friends,” said Bertrand Godin, spokesperson for the show. “It’s so good for your eyes to be here!”

Founded in 1914 by the Corporation des concessionnaires d’automobiles de Montréal, the Montreal International Auto Show is the most important show of its kind in Quebec.

“When I arrived yesterday and I walked into the show and I could smell the new cars, it was feeling so good,” described Michael Kopke, director of marketing, Kia Canada.

In keeping with the times, this year’s 78^th edition has a big focus on electric vehicles. Quebec intends to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.

“We have a lot of EV vehicles. We have 67 vehicles, which includes hydrogen, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles,” said Luis Pereira, executive director, Montreal Auto Show. “The most we’ve seen anywhere.”

VinFast, a completely electric company from Vietnam, is at the show for the first time.

“It’s a very important moment for us,” said Daniel Morello, VinFast Canada spokesperson.

(CREDIT: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

(CREDIT: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

Car lovers will get an up-close look at the latest car models, including new electric, hybrid and traditional vehicles and light trucks as well as auto-related products and services.

Twenty cars from Luc Poirier’s prestigious private collection, worth $36 million, and a dozen Shelbys for tuning enthusiasts, will also be on display.

“Everybody should come here, it’s a family event,” said Pereira.

#WATCH: After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, auto shows are back in Canada and this one has steered right into Montreal for its 78th edition.@Pamela__Pagano @salonautomtl

FOR MORE: https://t.co/DzMRaI7OCQ pic.twitter.com/FsaIJza4rH

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) January 19, 2023

The Montreal Auto Show starts Friday and runs until Jan. 29.

“It’s not just a car show,” said Godin. “It’s people’s passion!”