Vancouver International Auto Show celebrates innovation and performance
Attendees got the chance to engage with more than 200 vehicles and witness long-awaited hypercar debuts at the event
Ferrari was among the car manufacturers featured at the Vancouver International Auto Show. (Fleur Dias)
The Vancouver International Auto Show returned to the city’s convention centre on March 19 to 23, bringing together automotive enthusiasts, industry professionals, and consumers to celebrate over a century of automotive tradition.
Following a record-breaking edition in 2024, this year’s event aimed to be even bigger and better, featuring more than 200 vehicles spread across more than 300,000 square feet of space. With more manufacturers, an expanded retail area, and cutting-edge exhibits, the 2025 show delivered an immersive and unforgettable experience for attendees.
This year’s show showcased vehicles from over 30 renowned manufacturers, giving visitors the chance to explore the latest models, groundbreaking technologies, and industry-leading innovations up close.
The diversity of vehicles on display ranged from luxury and exotic hypercars to environmentally conscious electric and hybrid models, powerful classics, and rugged overlanders. However, what stood out most was the heavy emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), reinforcing the industry’s shift towards sustainability.
Some of the standout brands included GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, and many more.
Whether attendees were seeking high-performance vehicles, practical family-friendly options, or cutting-edge electric models, the show catered to a broad spectrum of automotive interests.
The 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show also played host to several highly anticipated Canadian and Western Canadian debuts, with one of the biggest headliners being the 2025 SSC Tuatara Striker. Its long-awaited Canadian debut proved once again why it remains one of the most thrilling hypercars in the world.
With a monstrous 5.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,750 horsepower, this machine was built for sheer speed and precision.
The Tuatara made history in 2021 by setting a world speed record of 455.3 kilometres per hour (282.9 miles per hour), and its jet fighter-inspired canopy and aggressive aerodynamics cemented its status as a marvel of performance and engineering. With a starting price of around $2 million USD, it was an undeniable highlight of the show.
Ford also made waves by unveiling its most powerful production Mustang ever — the 2025 Mustang GTD. Featuring a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine with an astonishing 815 horsepower, this performance-driven muscle car combined raw power with advanced aerodynamics and a lightweight carbon fiber body. For Mustang enthusiasts, it was a true showcase of Ford’s dedication to high-performance engineering.
Other major highlights included an exclusive private Ferrari collection, a jaw-dropping Bugatti lineup, and the highly anticipated EV and PHEV test-drive experience.
As someone who has attended the Dubai Motor Show in the past, the contrast between the two events was striking. The Dubai Motor Show is a spectacle of opulence, featuring some of the most exclusive hypercars, extravagant custom builds, and an undeniable air of luxury.
Vancouver’s show, by comparison, had a more balanced focus, blending high-performance vehicles with a strong push towards sustainability.
Although Dubai’s show dazzles with one-of-a-kind automotive showcases and elite manufacturers catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Vancouver’s event felt more consumer friendly, emphasizing accessibility and the real-world implications of automotive innovation.
While the show undoubtedly celebrated performance vehicles and automotive excellence, the conversation surrounding electric vehicles took centre stage. With more manufacturers than ever showcasing their latest battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid models, it was evident that sustainability is becoming a dominant force in the industry. But the transition to widespread EV adoption has not been without its challenges.
Industry leaders and government officials engaged in heated discussions about British Columbia’s ambitious Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) targets, which call for 90 per cent ZEV sales by 2030.
David Adams, president of Global Automakers of Canada, raised concerns that these targets, originally set under different economic conditions, might no longer be feasible.
According to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, even in the best-case scenario, ZEV sales would have to reach 57 per cent by 2030, falling significantly short of government expectations.
This shortfall could have major implications, including higher vehicle prices, reduced consumer choice, and job losses in dealerships across the province as automakers struggle to meet stringent regulatory requirements.
Premier David Eby acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need to balance affordability with climate action rather than forcing consumers to make impossible choices.
Overall, the Vancouver International Auto Show 2025 delivered a spectacular showcase of innovation, performance, and the shifting landscape of the automotive industry. Whether attendees came for the latest supercars, the growing EV market, or the thrill of a test drive, the show offered something for everyone.
Whatever the future holds, the Vancouver Auto Show remains a must-see event for anyone passionate about cars and the ever-evolving world of automotive engineering.
