Performance still a big draw at Canada’s auto show

The Canadian International Auto Show is always a fun place to spend an afternoon. Who cannot enjoy a day spent getting a chance to peak at some of the newest vehicles that will be hitting Canadian roads and have a look under the hood of what is going to power them.

What was most intriguing about this year’s show is the emphasis on performance. Many of the major North American producers of vehicles were showcasing vehicles that were not only stylish but also came with a substantial kick under the hood; and that performance was even extended down to many of the more mid-priced and entry level vehicles. Even during many of the show floor presentations, such as the one for Chrysler’s Sebring, the presenters not only touted the vehicle’s many nice stylistic and electronic features — like the multimedia stereo and heated and cooled cup holders — but also made sure everyone knew that the Sebring had power under the hood. The reason was not hard to see. Many show attendees equated performance with quality. The Big Three car makers believe that North Americans want not only a competitive price on a car, but don’t want cost savings to mean a loss of power. The Saturn Ion Sedan is a case in point. For its price, it is a very good entry vehicle for a young couple or family. It offers many fine features and a comfortable interior. But it does not skimp on the performance side of things.

So where does this leave the hybrid vehicle, once ubiquitous in all the automotive commentary and news of last year? The hybrid, it turns out, is still around even if the lack of hype might give the impression that the technology has disappeared. Several major auto manufacturers were showcasing hybrid vehicles, many with new features and improved performance. But what is readily apparent is that the hybrid car, van or truck will not replace the solely gasoline-powered vehicle any time soon. Hybrid makers know this and are planning their hybrid strategies for the long term. The technology will develop over time, improving in quality, reliability and performance. Not one manufacturer is giving up on the technology because they believe hybrid systems are the way the market will go in time, and they want to be ready to meet that demand when it comes. This is the long-term strategy of Toyota and its Prius. Toyota knows that right now it will not make any real money from its Prius; and that the Prius is not going to replace any of the company’s best-selling gasoline-powered vehicles. The same goes for the Big Three. Many were eager to show the Hybrid technologies, and to explain the long-term strategies for improving the technology, and what will likely be in such vehicles in the next few years.

Service providers will need to keep their perspective firmly on the present, but also on the future. People will demand performance from their gasoline-powered cars, but they will over time demand the new hybrid technologies well. It’s best to stay abreast of both.