China News Service, Toronto, February 17 (Reporter Yu Ruidong) The 10-day 2024 Canadian International Auto Show kicked off in Toronto on February 16. Continuing the trend of recent years, new energy vehicles are gradually becoming the main exhibitors of major car companies.
The auto show celebrates its 51st anniversary this year. Hundreds of models from 44 automobile brands around the world were unveiled in an exhibition hall of more than 60,000 square meters.
Major car companies generally launch new energy models to participate in the exhibition. The exhibition provides an indoor electric vehicle test drive track, where visitors can experience driving electric models from multiple brands. Exhibitors also brought charging piles, batteries, clean energy and other technology displays.
In addition to various new family cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and trucks, the many luxury sports cars, antique cars, "muscle cars," concept cars, etc. on display can also be a feast for the eyes of the audience.
Premier Ford of Ontario, Canada, who attended the opening ceremony, described the auto show as a grand event for automotive technology and innovation. He said that Ontario has attracted more than C$28 billion in investment related to fuel vehicles and electric vehicles in the past three years, making the province the only place in the world with six major automakers.
The automotive industry contributes approximately CAD 16 billion to Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) every year and is one of Canada's most important export industries. The automotive industry also provides employment to nearly 500,000 Canadians. The Canadian government is pushing the country to become a major player in global electric vehicle battery manufacturing and electric vehicle applications. According to the Canadian government's emission reduction plan, the country plans to achieve all new sales of cars and light trucks as zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
The Canadian International Auto Show began in 1974 and is the largest auto show in the country. It is also regarded as one of the five major international auto shows in North America. According to the exhibition, the auto show can attract more than 350,000 visitors every year. (over)