The 50th anniversary of the Canadian International Auto Show exhibited over 1,000 vehicles with a focus on battery-electric and hybrid-electric powertrains. Unfortunately, it was more focused on consumer sales than an exhibition on engineering prowess. While manufacturers were proud to show off safety features on stage, there was no information on electric pickup truck chassis development, concrete plans on bringing charging infrastructure reliability on par with petrol pumps, or cost-efficient production methods.
Notably, Honda, Ford, German manufacturers, and parts manufacturers were absent. It’s a disappointing mix of show-not-tell and form over function. It was a missed opportunity for chain oil change shops to showcase how they would adapt to an electrified future, how tire manufacturers can create low rolling resistance winter tires, and manufacturers to show off their engineering prowess.
For example, I would have liked to see how the traditional Ford F-150 chassis compare to the F-150 Lightning chassis as showcased in the Detroit Ford Rouge Factory. I would have liked to see innovations in chassis, suspension, engine block, and transmission case development as showcased in the BMW centre in Munich. I would also have liked to see cars on lifts so I can see how they were manufactured in a cost-efficient manner and how advanced seals insulate the car from road noise, as they show in the VW factory in Dresden.
I owned a 1998 E39 5-series because of its superior engineering. It was the first mass-produced car to use an alloy engine block, aluminum chassis, transmission case, and front suspension, it was the first generation of cars to mount all four suspensions on rubber bushings for comfort, had perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and was lighter and stronger than the previous generation at the same time. Sure, a large screen helps with navigation and brand-name speakers make the ride more enjoyable, but it can’t mask inferior build quality.
It’s a show for posers, not knowers.
