2009 Montréal International Auto Show: A very high satisfaction rating!
The 41st Edition of the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) has officially closed its doors after welcoming 186 320 visitors over a period of ten (10) days, between January 16 and 25, 2009. A positive result, especially considering the current situation in the automobile industry, as well as the free activities related to the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens and the all stars game taking place in Montreal at the same time. It confirms that the public is always interested in new products and technology.
Based on preliminary results from a survey conducted by Léger Marketing, no less than 90 % of visitors reported they appreciated their experience at this year's event and 70 % said they will return next year. Some good news for the industry, 38 % of visitors intend to buy or rent a car in the coming year, comparable numbers to 2008 (37%) but higher than 2007 (31%).
As far as the attractions and exhibits were concerned, the 7th Heaven proved once more to be a resounding success, thanks to its heavenly collection of automobiles which once again captured the imagination of visitors. For its part, the Innovation-Evolution exhibit brought back fond memories for many visitors but also amazed everyone else with its impressive array of timeless and unique vehicles.
Extremely pleased with the outcome of this year's Edition, Auto Show president, Mr. Stéphane St-Louis, proudly commented "the significance and the impact of our special attractions remain as important this year as ever. Indeed, this year's attractions were particularly impressive in their originality and diversity. We are also very proud to see that our "On Route to a Greener Future" segment, along with the Green Zone section, in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, continues to grow in popularity with every passing year. The attraction is truly one of the Show's hallmarks, and this year, the introduction of Hydro-Québec's 100% electric vehicle served as a prime testament to its ongoing evolution".
As for this year's annual Blood donor clinic, the numbers speak for themselves. As many as 879 generous souls stopped by to give their precious gift of life. The Auto Show is extremely proud to be associated with Héma-Québec for a 25th year and would like to extend its deepest thanks to all donors, as well as to everyone who has contributed to the phenomenal success of this year's blood drive.
Also, in keeping with its previous editions, the 2009 MIAS Charity Preview, whose spokesperson this year was once again actor Raymond Bouchard, was another tremendous success as over 2,760 guests attended the special evening. The event helped organizers raise $343,305 to benefit 5 worthy causes within the Greater Montreal's medical community: the Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Hospital Foundation, the Pierre Boucher Hospital Foundation, the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and the Santa Cabrini Hospital Foundation. Since it premiered back in January of 2005, the event has managed to raise over $1.5 million for various foundations of the Greater Montreal's health care community; an achievement of which the automotive industry is extremely proud!
The Montréal International Auto Show, organized by the Montréal Automobile Dealers Corporation, is presented by Desjardins General Insurance, in collaboration with La Presse.
