Canadian Int'l AutoShow crowns Subaru Legacy, Ford F-150

The 42nd Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) opened Friday in Toronto, showcasing over 1,000 vehicles with an expected attendance of over 300,000 car aficionados and truck enthusiasts.

Out of the 45 vehicles premiered in Canada, the spotlight shone brightest on the 2015 Subaru Legacy winning Canadian Car of the Year. The Ford F-150 was named 2015 Canadian Truck of the Year. Both were crowned the winners beating out crowd and industry favorites such as the Canadian-made Dodge Charger Hellcat and Chevrolet Equinox.

Both north and south wings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre were chock a block with cars and people. The scene was more representative of Hong Kong's Monkok market than a staid North American event center.

Benny Leung, who was born in Hong Kong and is the first-ever Chinese president in CIAS history, brings many layers of innovation to the event. "This year's content is expanded to include enhanced displays that speak not just to our transportation needs, but to the complementary lifestyle products and technologies that are all part of the package," says Leung. "As always, visitors will find the exotics, collector cars and new models that fuel their dreams."

The autoshow program with the theme of Life is in Motion was printed in Chinese language as well, with a separate edition for English, a nod to the growing Chinese investment culture of the Greater Toronto Area. Canadian Finance Minister Joe Oliver, Toronto Mayor John Tory along with Leung opened the event with the ribbon cutting ceremony after opening speeches that were delayed as Toronto was hit by severe power outages, casting thousands of Torontonians into a cold frenzy.

"Our government's unprecedented support for the auto industry has helped Canadian car makers achieve record-breaking sales in 2014. With a low tax plan for jobs and growth, we will help ensure a bright future in our country for the industry and the good-paying jobs that come with it," said the finance minister.

"This year, and every year, Toronto is proud to be the home of Canada's preeminent automotive event. With 300,000 people having attended last year's Canadian International AutoShow, our city looks forward to welcoming an even larger audience for 2015," said Tory. As the Toronto mayor gave his speech, hecklers hooted and hollered asking him to hurry up as they wanted to enter the autoshow. The ever unruffled Tory finished his speech and with Leung welcomed the public into the show.

"Minister Oliver's and Mayor Tory's attendance at the 2015 AutoShow demonstrates our government's understanding of the automotive sector's importance to municipal, provincial and national economy," said Leung, referring it as "the undisputed crown jewel event for this key economic sector that provides nearly 500,000 well-paying jobs nationwide."

"There isn't a more exciting show than the CIAS, whether you're in the market for a new vehicle, are a hardcore car enthusiast, or are just looking for a great day out with the family, this year's show has more to see, more to do, and more to help keep your busy life in motion than ever before," Leung concluded.

As the largest consumer show in the country, the 10-day event plays into the hands of China's Lunar New Year and Canada's Family Day holidays. Many Chinese-Canadians are taking advantage of the show and including it into their festivals celebrations. Endi