Auto Industry News: 2019 Toronto Auto Show Kicks Off as Canada Pumps Big Money Into Auto Sector, Daytona 500 Results Are In, and F1 Reveals New Rides

Exhibition season continues to heat up despite the chill in the air—and this week is no exception. The 2019 Toronto Auto Show opened to the public this past Friday, with several exciting debuts. The timing is significant, as the Ontario government just earmarked millions for Canada’s auto industry, responding to the impending closure of GM’s Oshawa plant. The Cleveland Auto Show and Greater Milwaukee Auto Show kick off soon, while those seeking a little more sun—and zoom—have the Carlisle Winter Florida AutoFest ramping up. And around the circuit, fires ignite as the Daytona 500 results are in and F1 begins its own little show ‘n shine.

Canada Doubles Down on Tech-Driven Future

Just as Canada settles into its own auto season, with Montreal’s successful showing last month and the 2019 Toronto Auto Show kicking off this past week, the Ontario government announced its new plan to strengthen the province-led auto industry. While still representing 13% of North American vehicle production, Ontario has experienced a 25% decrease in production over the last 20 years. And a tiny 6% of new investment by automakers since 2009 has posed challenges as well.

As many companies seek lower operating costs in other regions and emerging technologies continue to disrupt the market, the Ontario government pledges C$40.2 million (roughly US$30.18 million) to a new 10-year plan for Canada. A plan that aims to attract new blood through internships and talent programs, as well as utilize workshops to improve the skills of current employees. Grants will be available for parts suppliers actively engaging in adopting new technology and boosting productivity. And the government will explore easing regulations and red tape throughout the industry to attract new investors.

2019 Toronto Auto Show Excites

Surely helping this effort is the opening of the 2019 Toronto Auto Show. Formally known as the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS), it is the country’s largest automotive expo and consumer show. With more than 1,000 vehicles on display and a strong manufacturer attendance, CIAS also offers attendees SEMA-like elements, including exciting new products and technologies and a custom car competition similar to Battle of the Builders.

Luxury and supercars will be in strong supply, as Toronto is the North American leader in the segment’s sales. A comprehensive showcase of exotic vehicles is on display, including the incredible Devel Sixteen. With a V16 engine putting out 5,007 hp, the Dubai-built hypercar makes its North American debut at the show.

And making its first ever auto show debut is the all-new Nissan Leaf NISMO RC, a purpose-built, zero-emission race car. With battery-driven 322 hp and 472 lb-ft of instant torque, the completely carbon-fiber little Leaf has an impressive 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds. (That’s 50% faster than the first-gen model.) Nissan has announced it will be the new official pace car for the 2019 Nissan Micra Cup at select Canadian racetracks this summer.

The Leaf NISMO RC is hardly the only electric vehicle on display at the 2019 Toronto Auto Show, with impressive showings from nearly every manufacturer. Additionally, the Jaguar I-Pace look home the award for Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. It is the first time an EV has ever won the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s top award.

The 2019 Toronto Auto Show runs February 15-24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

Auto Shows Hit the Mid-West

The Mid-West will be happy to see the local auto flavor heating up as well, as the 2019 Cleveland Auto Show kicks off February 22 and the Greater Milwaukee International Auto Show starts February 23. While representing the small(er) fry on the auto show circuit, both shows still have plenty to offer enthusiasts. With hundreds of vehicles on display, as well as special exhibits, test drives, celebrity appearances, and family-oriented fun, either show serves as a great break from the winter doldrums.

The Mid-West will be happy to see the local auto flavor heating up as well, as the 2019 Cleveland Auto Show kicks off February 22 and the Greater Milwaukee International Auto Show starts February 23.

Both shows run through March 3.

Carlisle Winter AutoFest Sees Florida Sunshine

Those seeking an actual break—with warmth and sunshine—can head down to the SUN ‘n FUN Campus in Lakeland, Florida for the Carlisle Winter AutoFest, running February 22-24. The two-day collector car auction will feature hundreds of Mustangs and Corvettes, courtesy of local clubs, as well as a free cruise-in, food, art, entertainment, and even helicopter rides.

This year will have a particularly strong showing of Corvettes, as America’s sports car enjoys some new special event features. From seminars and special guests, to the 41st Annual Winter Regional Meet of the National Corvette Restorers Society, there’s plenty to showcase.

Around the Circuit

Lucas Oil NHRA Winternats Results

Last Monday’s rescheduled finals of the Winternationals commenced with no more rain delays and some exciting results. Doug Kalitta beat out No. 1 qualifier and 2018 Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence with his second-year season-opening win. 2017 Pro Stock champion Bo Butner took home his second-year Winternats win as well, defeating teammate Jason Line. And Robert Hight, president of John Force Racing and 2017 Funny Car champ, took home his 46th career win and fourth Winternats title.

Robert Hight, president of John Force Racing and 2017 Funny Car champ, took home his 46th career win and fourth Winternats title.

NASCAR Daytona 500 Results

The 61st running of the Daytona 500 kicked off the NASCAR season yesterday, leading to a crash-filled win for Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, Denny Hamlin. The race started with Hendrick Motorsports locking out the front two rows, the sixth time the team has earned a front row sweep in a Daytona 500 qualifying. 21-year old William Byron was looking to make some more history by becoming the first driver in almost two decades to win the Daytona 500 from the pole position. Unfortunately, he was knocked out on the last of three nasty wrecks late in the race, finishing 21st.

The win was still historic, for Hamlin at least, as the No. 11 Toyota driver took not only his second Daytona 500 title (the first being in 2016), but also secured a victory in honor of owner Joe Gibbs’ son, J.D., who passed away last month.

No. 11 happened to be J.D.’s number from his football days, making the win more emotional.

In fact, the top three spots went to Gibbs drivers, with Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Erik Jones finishing 1-2-3. It’s only the second time in Daytona 500 history that a team sweep like that has occurred.

Hamlin is the 12th driver to win multiple Daytona 500s, and this victory marks a significant rebound for the driver, as he went completely winless last season.

F1 Teams Reveal New Cars, Begin Winter Testing

Formula-1 teams have begun releasing their new rides for the 2019 season, sporting intriguing designs per the league’s new aerodynamic rules. Mercedes continues to aim high, hoping to make F1 history with its new W10 EQ Power+. Sporting a sleek updated silver livery, both Bottas and Hamilton were seen testing out the car at the Silverstone track, calling it a “great first date.”

Top competitor Ferrari unveiled its new SF90, the vehicle it hopes will end its 10-year title drought. Named to honor the automaker’s 90th birthday, the SF90 aims for evolutionary design, with the exception of its radical front wing. As part of the new regulations, this will decrease turbulence and allow drivers to race closer together.

Fellow top contender Red Bull debuted its new RB15 with a striking blue and red color scheme, though the team says it’s a “one-off livery” and will likely be replaced by the time the season starts. Sporting a new Honda engine, the RB15 took its first laps around Silverstone with Verstappen saying, “It felt good and we had no problems, so I’m very happy with that.”

Alfa Romeo teased fans with an early sneak peek of its new ride, sporting special Valentine’s Day livery. McLaren revealed its new MCL34, which will be raced by new drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. And UK-based Racing Point, formerly Force India, debuted its new F1 car—sticking with the pink livery—at the 2019 Toronto Auto Show. This is the first ever Formula 1 team launch in Canada, thanks to the team’s new owner, Canadian billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll.

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