A rocky year for Canadian car manufacturers hasn’t steered consumers in the wrong direction, as dealers watched a steady stream of human traffic drawn to shiny things that go ‘vroom’ this weekend.
“The auto industry is absolutely resilient. You can kick us, but we’ll keep coming back,” Edmonton Motor Show manager Bob Vilas said.
Thousands meandered through the halls of the recently-revamped Edmonton Expo Centre over the two-day auto show, ogling machines with six-figure price tags, and thoughtfully considering new designs that match both needs and budgets.
Krystal and Curtis Hooble waited for the auto show to find the perfect new replacement for their minivan, well travelled by the family of five humans and two dogs.
“It has to be a democracy. Everyone has to have a little say, because we’re all going to be using it,” Curtis said. “Right now, the Honda Pilot is winning.”
Crossovers like the Pilot are gaining popularity, diesel-burning vehicles are making a comeback, but the ‘perfect’ hybrid has yet to roll off the assembly line, Vilas said.
Despite mass layoffs at manufacturing plants, a bailout and brands disappearing, people are buying, he added.
He predicts changes to the industry will pave the way for reduced duplication, and that manufacturers will strive to retain individuality.
“It’s better for the consumer — less complicated,” he said. “The public will generally be the winner in this whole shakedown. No doubt about it, unprecedented times for our industry. This economic meltdown has affected everyone in the world, but if you take a look at our show, it’s pretty healthy. Not a single square foot left.”
