Media Day at the Canadian International Auto Show (2020) in Toronto

Audi SQ5

These are indeed "Transformative Times" (the theme of this year's show)...what's not to love? Beautiful cars under brilliant lights, the excited faces of car enthusiasts, and dozens of opportunities to take in the design, feel, and essence of creativity through North America's favourite auto brands at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS).

Kya Publishing was thrilled to take part in the CIAS auto show this year for their Media Day on Thursday, February 13, and were reminded of the innovation in the auto industry and the ways technology and science inform, influence, and guide our transportation options.

Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (both North and South buildings, with a shuttle available between the two) from Friday, February 14, through the Family Day long weekend in Ontario, and finishing up on Sunday, February 23, the auto show caters to car lovers and the industry that moves them. Spanning over 650,000 square feet of attractions and exhibits, it is the largest auto expo in Canada and also the largest consumer show. Over "1000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, and fully electric and autonomous vehicles" will be featured.

In an official message, Susan Gubasta, the President of the 2020 Canadian International Auto Show said, "We host one of the most exciting Family Day events in Canada," and that the show's features and program "appeal to the young--and young at heart--all 10 days of the Show."

BMW M8

The North building primarily hosted Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat, and Ram in the centre of the space, in addition to Mazda and Nissan, all outlined on the event map for attendees. In the South Building, a large Chevrolet display, and plenty space for the latest from Ford and Toyota as well. Also on the 800 level of the South Building, the food court, and Ontario Regiment Museum (saluting vehicles that were key to Canada's military missions throughout the 20th and 21st centuries).

OTHER FEATURES

The Auto Exotica Hall showcases luxury and exotic dream cars from North American personal collections, there is the Canadian Motorsoport Hall of Fame, and also the Cobble Beach Classics (vintage classic collection of vehicles) featured, in addition to the Oblivion Retro Car Show. There is a retail zone, Nursing Lounge, and Playcare Centre, as well as an e-Sports Zone, with opportunities for entertainment and needs for all members of the family. And get this: child care is free!

MEDIA DAY

Lexus LF-30 Electrified (concept)

Before opening up to the public, the Media Day featured a full day of activities, beginning with the Media Breakfast bright and early at 7:00am, including remarks from the CIAS President and various media partners like the Toronto Star and Wheels.ca. Along with CAA, Castrol, Continental tires, TD, Canadian Black Book, Kijiji Autos, KPMG, and Shell, the other presenting sponsors, leaders and member of noted associations, and special representatives from over 40 car brands were present.

AWARDS

Awards were presented throughout the day for Car (Mazda 3) and also Utility Vehicle (Jaquar I-Pace) of the Year. Other awards from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) included:

BEST SMALL CAR IN CANADA: Mazda 3

BEST LARGE CAR IN CANADA: Subaru Legacy

BEST LARGE CAR IN CANADA: Subaru Legacy

BEST LARGE UTILIZTY VEHICLE IN CANADA: Kia Telluride

BEST PICKUP IN CANADA: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

BEST PREMIUM SPORTS PERFORMANCE CAR IN CANADA: Porsche 911 Carrera

Audi R8 Coupe

From 9:00am until the early afternoon, each of the presenting car manufacturers presented their special reveals and also concept vehicles, where applicable. From Volkswagen to Subaru, and Cadillac, to Genesis, the scheduled media tour allowed for individual presentations and the focus of attendees.

AUDI

Of special note, Audi Canada had five Canadian Reveals, presenting the RS Q8, the e-Tron Sportback, the Q4 E-Tron, the R6 Avant, and the RS7. The new E-Tron electric wagon, an all-wheel drive single-speed electric midsize SUV, provides about 329km of maximum city/highway range at full charge. Starting cost: $92,100, it is Audi's first all-electronic vehicle now in its second year of production. It was first introduced as a concept at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show.

Audi RS7

The popular Audi A4 sedan has a new look for 2020 with a new grille and headlights, and the Audi A5 and A6 were both unchanged for 2020. I love each and every Audi I see, regardless. It is the brand that speaks to me, and from the S5 Sportback, to the A8 and the beautiful Q8, I can't get enough of this vehicle. The Audi section is where I spent most of my time in the South Building, with other favourites--Lexus, Infiniti, and Land Rover--conveniently positioned nearby. I've been driving a Q3 now for a couple of years, and would love to one day upgrade to that gorgeous E-Tron, and reduce my carbon footprint while looking great on the road. And maybe that red S7...for the weekends. You know.

A few recommended purchasing tips, and list of 12 fundamental features to shop for in 2020 and beyond (courtesy of the CIAS): a 360 Camera System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic High Beams, Blind Spot Monitoring, Electronic Stability Control, Evasive Steering, Launch Gear, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Smart Suspension, and Telescopic Steering.

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

A treat for me: I was able to connect with Madeline, a representative from Automotive News, who was stationed outside of their annual Automotive News Canada Congress taking place. Back in 2001, I was fortunate to be accepted as an editorial intern at the trade publication headquarters in Detroit, and felt as though that up-close-and-personal experience I had with the automotive industry--in Motor City at that--was a key reason why I continue to love and admire the design and industry of cars.

Acura NSX

Their conference features those who "represent the brightest in the Canadian automotive industry," and included presentations from Jason Stein the Publisher of Auto News, as well as representatives from Volvo of Edmonton, Infiniti Canada, and the Royal Bank of Canada, and opportunities for networking and connecting with peers. It was a chance for industry leaders to "provide insight and analysis" before the Auto Show.

I can remember attending the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, and the urgency and excitement watching the Auto News staff work to prepare and present their findings. Needless to say, while technology existed at that time, cell phones and wireless device were not as convenient for information transmission at the time. I had collected manuals by hand, and took notes to assist where I could, as well as shuttled staff members to the convention centre and office.

Audi A3

I credit that experience with also allowing me to drive and explore a wide range of vehicles, for drop off and pick up, when their editorial review staff were planning to test drive and report on the cars. Being able to drive in the top Mercedes (who were not participating in this year's event, FYI) models and even a Hummer (which was a BIG deal back in 2001) were highlights of my time attending graduate school in Detroit, and working in my first "official" paid editorial role. Great to see them, reminisce, and pick up a hard copy of their publication again...for the nostalgia. Automotive News is also where I received my first "official" published bylines.

FESTIVITIES CONTINUE

The cars and special events of the CIAS continue for ten days, including presentations and announcements along the way. For example, this morning (Friday, February 14) the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada took part in the official opening of the CIAS, with an announcement about the construction of Ontario's largest and most connected EV fast-charger network, developed by Ivy Charing Network at 73 locations across the province.

DIVERSITY IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY

It's Black History Month, so I would be remiss to not mention that I was the only Black woman on the premises (MTCC staff aside) that day that I could see...in addition to being one of very, very few Blacks present in general. The featured experts, journalists, and other media personnel I observed were mainly White males, and Asian folk. I make note of race only to say that...I noticed.

Infiniti Q60S

Of course now that the show has opened today, the attendees will represent the fabric of Toronto, with a range of ages and races, and a diverse intersection of car lovers.

Despite having a wonderful experience during Media Day (and not during the morning of opening day when I would usually attend...I've been attending regularly since high school, in the 90s), it was a gentle nudge of a reminder that at the top and making the decisions for many of the industries that drive our trends, preferences, and light up our eyes...perhaps we are not as represented or powerful (or visible) where and when key decisions are made.

Audi RS 6

The older I get, the more I realize how much these representations and the visibility of others "like me" matters. Without placing blame, or complaining...I realize that it simply is what it is. But I also encourage the young, the parents, and the inspired to continue to learn, continue to research, and study, and excel in the science and technology industries. There are so many wonderful things happening out there ,and it would be a shame to not have a voice or a hand in the construction of the future of transportation. As noted by the CIAS with their theme for this year, "Technology is changing the way we do almost everything..."

CIAS President Susan Gubasta, also aware of the lack of diversity, noted that the event was "proud to be offering a platform for education and careers in the automotive industry." She went on to say: "I'm proud to introduce 'Women Driven,' a brand new evening networking event that will introduce women from diverse sectors to the automotive industry," which will be taking place next week Thursday, February 20.

Perhaps the auto industry isn't as closely connected to other pressing social issues of race, visibility, and representation. Perhaps I will continue to have my love for cars as a passion and hobby, rather than a social movement. My contribution to this particular cause, at best: attending, documenting, and sharing my experiences the way I know how...through communication.

Overall, even as the one Black girl in the Convention Centre, I had an outstanding time and really appreciated the spacious walking room and opportunity to take photos un-obstructed. I might go back again next week to catch what I may have missed, and to repeat my visit to Audi Heaven. If nothing else, capturing those photos and videos made me feel like I definitely belonged, because my love for that brand could easily match those of the men around me...regardless.

PLANNING TO ATTEND?

Here is a link to the album of photos I took yesterday, of select favourites from the Media Day preview: https://business.facebook.com/pg/KyaPublishing/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2626070514295181

Here is a video featuring my visual highlights: *****************

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South - 222 Bremner Blvd, or North - 255 Front St W)

Dates: Friday, February 14 (12:00pm to 10:00pm) through Sunday, February 23 (10:30am to 6:00pm)

Times: 10:30am to 10:00pm (with the exception of opening and closing day, special times above)







Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.