5 Good Reasons to Attend the 2023 Montreal Auto Show

Following the cancellation of the previous two editions due to the pandemic, the Montreal International Auto Show is finally back! From January 20-29, car enthusiasts and shoppers looking for a new vehicle will discover many of the latest and hottest models from the auto industry inside the Palais des congrès, maybe even get to test drive a few.

“Some manufacturers will not be present, but those who will be with us are very excited to present their products to the enthusiasts,” said Executive Director Luis Pereira.

For Bertrand Godin, who has served as spokesperson for the event for more than 20 years, this return is important and highly anticipated. “We know that visitors won’t find exactly the event they are used to, but what a pleasure it will be to be back after two years of absence,” he said. “I can’t wait to have a little chat with you!”

Here are five good reasons to attend the 2023 Montreal International Auto Show:

1. Many Canadian Premieres

Visitors will get an eyeful with a wide array of spectacular concepts and new production models that are not even on the road yet, starting with the Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup. At Hyundai, the IONIQ 6 electric sedan will make its Canadian debut, showing its extremely aerodynamic design and promising exceptional range. Displayed right alongside will be the SEVEN concept, which previews an upcoming three-row electric SUV in the Korean automaker’s lineup.

The stunning Buick Wildcat EV luxury coupe is another concept that will turn heads. Ditto for the Nissan Surfwagon, which initially debuted at SEMA last fall. The former couldn’t be more futuristic, while the latter has a vintage low-rider vibe with a slammed suspension and custom vinyl wrap mimicking wood panels.

2. The World’s Finest and Rarest

Those who crave ultra-high-luxury cars, especially unique and rare ones, will inevitably gravitate around the 30+ models assembled at the Montreal Auto Show this year.

Montreal dealer Automobiles Etcetera will have a custom Porsche 911 prepared by Singer/Williams as well as a one-of-one Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Nighthawk Edition. Also, look for not one but two Bugatti Chirons: an Edition Noire (only 20 units globally) and the very last Pur Sport model built by Bugatti.

3. Dream Ferrari Collection

Not too far from there, Quebec car collector Luc Poirier will display nearly 20 of the many exotic cars he has picked up over the years.

Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at his Ferrari 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari Aperta and more. F1 fans will be able to take a close look at the open-wheel Ferrari that Michael Schumacher drove back in 2004.

4. New Car Brand Launching in Canada

While some automakers have decided to skip the event, others fully intend to grab more of the spotlight. Vietnam’s VinFast is one of them. The company opened its first store in Quebec last December and started to take orders for its first two vehicles.  

The midsize VF 8 and full-size VF 9 are sleek electric SUVs penned by renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina, while their interior is reminiscent of Tesla’s with a massive centre display that controls just about everything. They also offer generous range and outstanding warranty.

5. EV Test Drives

Once again, electric vehicle enthusiasts and shoppers attending the Montreal Auto Show will have the opportunity to test drive a number of models thanks to CAA-Québec. Registration for the test drives will be done directly at the Palais des congrès during your visit.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Cadillac LYRIQ and MINI Cooper SE are just some of the vehicles available. We know that delivery times can be awfully long for reservation holders and customers, but this is your chance to take a seat in an EV (or two, or three) before a lot of folks do.