The Canadian International Auto Show, CIAS, held a VIP Opening Night Gala February 16th to preview the latest vehicles and related services and in turn mark a 50 year anniversary after obviously missing the past 2 years. Guests were dressed to impress and why not. This is the largest auto show of its kind and a lot has changed in only a few years.
Mostly the increased public interest in electric and hybrid vehicles. The theme for 2023 was Mobility Reimagined. Yes as always there are the luxury and super expensive sports cars, but with an aging population the show presented accessible transportation solutions with assisted mobility vehicles and vans. Another interesting display came from Roshel, the manufacturer of armoured vehicles, as the 200 that Canada dispatched to Ukraine. I have saved some of the best news for last. It was decades ago when The Guess Who performed at the auto show.
Well, this night really shifted into high gear when Burton Cummings and his backing band took to the stage for a solid non-stop performance of all the hits, first when he fronted the Guess Who, and later as a top selling solo artist. This night really set the stage presenting all things automotive under one roof.