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What to expect at the Auto Experience show
The Auto Experience show, previously known as the Edmonton Motorshow, has made a triumphant return to the Edmonton Expo Centre after a five-year break. This four-day event kicked off on Thursday, inviting car enthusiasts and curious attendees to explore the latest innovations in the automotive world.
From sleek new models to cutting-edge technology, the show promises to be a feast for the senses.
Attendees can engage with various manufacturers, test-drive new vehicles, and even check out racing vehicles and tuners. Eleasha Naso, the show manager, emphasizes the diversity of the event, stating, “We’re still showcasing a lot of other things, like racing vehicles, tuners, exhausts, kind of everything that touches the automotive industry.” This year, the show has partnered with the YEG Motorcycle Show, creating a unique blend of automotive and motorcycle culture.
Navigating the challenges of the automotive industry
As the automotive industry faces new challenges, including tariffs and changing consumer preferences, the Auto Experience show serves as a platform for discussion and education. A 25 percent tariff on foreign-made vehicles entering the United States took effect on April 3, prompting Canada to retaliate with its own tariff on U.S.-made vehicles.
These changes have left many consumers and dealers alike scrambling to understand the implications.
Naso notes that the rapid pace of policy changes has made it difficult for the industry to keep up. However, dealers are prepared to provide information and guidance to help consumers navigate these turbulent waters.
“Coming here, what we know today is certain. We can give you the information that we have today, give you an idea of what your next purchase could look like,” she explains.
Advice for potential car buyers
Frank Paonessa, general manager of West Edmonton Volkswagen, highlights the importance of understanding how tariffs impact vehicle pricing.
He mentions that discussions about tariffs have become a regular part of sales conversations. “It comes up all the time. All I can tell people is that the price of the car today was the same as the price yesterday.
But I can’t promise tomorrow,” he says.
Paonessa encourages potential buyers to act quickly, suggesting that now might be the best time to purchase a vehicle, whether new or used. He warns that prices may rise as the supply of new vehicles dwindles. “It sounds cheesy because I feel like I’m in that sales mode being like, ‘Now is the greatest time to buy,’ but it is! You don’t know what happens next,” he advises.
The Auto Experience show runs until Sunday at 6 p.m., offering a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of automobiles and gain valuable insights into the industry’s future.
