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Over 1,000 new cars and trucks at the 2006 Toronto Auto Show
By Bill Roebuck
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was one of the many Canadian premiers at the Toronto Auto Show.The 2006 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) -- better known as the Toronto Auto Show, opened in T.O.'s downtown core Friday, and runs until Sunday, Feb. 26. Show hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $20 for adults.

It is expected that over three hundred thousand people will flock to the Rogers Centre and the north and south buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to see the latest in new cars, prototypes, concepts, classics, sport compacts, pickup trucks, SUVs, crossovers and 4x4s, and learn about automotive clubs and associations.

The Show encompasses over 850,000 square feet of space and more than 1,000 new cars and trucks are on display, including many Canadian premieres. More than three dozen vehicles are making their exclusive Canadian debut at the 2006 show.

In all, there are more than 150 exhibitors. The estimated value of the exhibits at the Show is $60-million (not including the cars). The estimated value for the cars is another $30-million, not including the Classics, some of which are priceless.

The Chrysler Akino concept is on display at CIAS.Additional features such as the Classics Collection and Sport Compact Revolution are teamed with NASCAR Pavilion, 4x4 Test Track and more.

The CIAS is one of five internationally accredited auto shows in North America. The others are Detroit (annual basis), Chicago, LA and New York (every three years). The CIAS was conferred official O.I.C.A. status in 2001m, making it the largest internationally sanctioned auto show in North America. It also is the largest consumer show of any kind in Canada in both size and attendance.

2006 Canadian premieres

The 38 vehicle premieres exclusive to the CIAS include two North American premieres of Mazda's Senzu concept vehicle and DaimlerChrysler's Dodge Akino concept, as well as 36 Canadian debuts.

Included are 2007 models of the Ford Aviator, Lincoln MKX, Pontiac Solstice GXP, Cadillac XLR-V, Mercedes-Benz GL Class, Mitsubishi Eclispe Spyder, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES 350 and RX 350, and the VW Golf and Passat Wagon.

Other highlights

TThe 2007 Golf can be seen at the Volkswagen display at CIAS.he Sports Compact Revolution, a special feature area on the 100 level of Rogers Centre, has over 70,000 square feet of the coolest customs and hottest rides in the entire country. And the focal point will be CentreStage, presented by Castrol, featuring high energy live entertainment, presentations, product demos and more.

One of the Canadian International AutoShow's most popular and enduring exhibits, the world famous Classics Salon, has gained a reputation for having brought some of the most significant cars ever to be displayed in Canada. In 2006, the Classics Salon will present two major themes totalling some 40 automobiles.

"American Luxury" will display an assortment of beautiful, museum-quality, automotive works of art from the 30's, 40's and 50's.

The second theme of the 2006 Classics Salon is "Octagon Dreams - a Salute to M.G." This display includes roughly 20 cars representing over 90% of the models built by MG in its long and distinguished career.

Cruise Nationals, presented by Auto Trader, celebrates the wonderful and popular phenomenon of weekly car cruises. Across North America, these events are hosted by volunteer classic vehicle enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, Southern Ontario is one of North America's most concentrated regions in the collection and enjoyment of classic cars and the "Cruise" culture.

Career academy

The Career Academy was designed to introduce students, teachers, counsellors and parents to the many career options that are available in the automotive industry. More importantly, the education needed to pursue those careers. Visit Career Academy in room 701, South Building.

Toyota truck test track

The Toyota Truck Test Track returns in 2006 to give truck enthusiasts an opportunity to test drive their favourite Toyota Truck in a full-on, off-road test drive.

Visit www.autoshow.ca for more details.