In just one month, the Vancouver waterfront will come to life as the Vancouver International Auto Show returns, March 25-29 – the most hands-on automotive experience in Western Canada.
The Vancouver Convention Centre will become a showcase that is much more than a display of cars. It is a chance for visitors to explore the biggest transportation shift in a generation, side-by-side, under one roof.
For more than a century, auto shows have introduced the technologies that eventually became standard in daily life – safety systems, fuel efficiency, connectivity and now electrification. Today’s shows have evolved further; they’re now fully immersive, experiential automotive events providing attendees the opportunity to compare, question, and drive a multitude of models available to drivers right now; all at their own pace and based on their real-life needs.
After years of supply shortages, rising costs and constant change, the industry and consumers are reconnecting. This year’s show will feature over 200 vehicles from more than 30 manufacturers and dealer groups across 300,000 square feet of interactive display space. Exhibitor space sold out faster than recent years, and many major brands are returning, a strong signal that British Columbia drivers remain among the most engaged in the country.
But what matters most happens once visitors walk inside.
They will see the extraordinary – including Formula 1 display cars from Audi and Cadillac, a rare hypercar debut from Oilstainlab, and the Chevrolet Corvette CX electrified concept – technology born in racing and advanced engineering that eventually finds its way into everyday vehicles.
And then they will experience the practical.
The expanded ride-and-drive experience includes full battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and hybrid vehicles. This is where “real-life intersects with events”; attendees can get behind the wheel of up to 50 clean-energy vehicles and test what ownership actually feels like – range, charging time, cargo space, comfort and affordability.
The show makes comparison simple: battery electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, efficient gasoline and diesel, and work-ready trucks – all in one place, without pressure and without guesswork. It is about experiencing new technology and discovering what works for individual lifestyles.
Behind every vehicle are thousands of British Columbians – technicians, apprentices, suppliers and local dealerships – who provide nearly 30,000 family supporting jobs and $17 billion in annual retail sales. At the same time, the sector also generates $775 million in direct and indirect tax revenue to all three levels of government.
When attendees participate, they are not just seeing products – they are meeting the people who support them long after they leave the building. Most importantly, the auto show brings back something people have missed: the ability to sit inside, ask questions, compare and learn directly from experts. The conversations there often shape purchasing decisions months or even years later.
When the doors open, you won’t just see the future of mobility, you can experience it.
For tickets and details, visit the Vancouver International Auto Show website: Vancouver International Auto Show.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. He can be reached at [email protected]
