Over 160,000 visitors at the 2025 Montreal Auto Show
The 80th edition of the Montreal Auto Show drew to a close yesterday at the Palais des congrès, after attracting an impressive 163,000 unique visitors over ten days, demonstrating that the province's popularity remains strong compared to other North American auto shows.
That's just short of the 168,000 people who attended the event in 2024. Organizers say they're satisfied, given the bitter cold that invaded the Montreal region and the attention-grabbing American inauguration.
“The absence of certain brands in recent years has had an impact on the event, but we're seeing the return of major players who are rediscovering the importance of trade shows and human contact,” says Executive Vice-President Denis Dessureault.
For 2025, the Montreal Auto Show has a new image and a new slogan, “We only exist when we move forward”. Although the 80th anniversary wasn't celebrated with much fanfare, more than 30 brands were present, some of them returning (Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Volvo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo) and others making their first appearance (Lucid and Polestar).
No fewer than 16 new vehicles made their Canadian debut, including 11 from General Motors. Luc Poirier's Ferrari collection, the Performance Zone and other attractions such as the SPVM's customized Ford Mustang Mach-E naturally turned heads too.
Record participation in road tests
It's also worth mentioning that the Montreal Auto Show 2025 saw a record 3,577 people take 1,834 test drives outside the Palais des congrès. Some 25 electric vehicle models were available.
“Many visitors came with a real intention to buy, which illustrates the quality of interactions between exhibitors and consumers. This is a qualified clientele: in addition to the number of visitors, we take into account the depth and relevance of the exchanges. These direct interactions underline the importance and added value of an event like the Auto Show, capable of meeting the expectations of a truly engaged and passionate audience,” says Auto Show spokesman and racing driver Bertrand Godin.
The auto show season continues in Chicago (February 8-17) and Toronto (February 14-23), where AJAC will announce the Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year 2025. Stay tuned to the Car Guide for more information.
