Panel discussions to cover a wide range of automotive issues
TORONTO, February 9, 2018 — Auto shows are much more than venues for showcasing the latest production models and concept cars. They are also places where attendees can learn more about the forces that are impacting the automotive landscape and what lies ahead.
With that in mind, the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow is launching the Automotive Intelligence Series, a public education series designed to help provide insight into some of the most important subjects that will shape the future of driving.
From the rapid rise of autonomous technology to the pending legalization of cannabis in Canada and the growing profile of women in the automotive industry, the Automotive Intelligence Series aims to examine, in depth, some of the most pressing issues facing the world of driving now and into the future.
All Automotive Intelligence Series events are included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the show, which is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Feb. 16-25. But those interested in attending must register in advance. Go to https://www.autoshow.ca/automotive-intelligence-series/ and click Register For Event.
The Automotive Intelligence Series will examine a wide variety of important topics through one-hour, moderated panel discussions featuring an array of experts selected specifically for each subject. A number of sessions will also include a question and answer period with audience members.
The panelists include automotive CEOs from carmakers such as Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan. Glenn Davis, Safety Manager from the Colorado Department of Transportation, among the first U.S. states to legalize cannabis, and veteran automotive industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, are among the others who will participate.
The ‘Future in Focus’ discussion will kick off the series on Industry Day, Friday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. Auto Trader will partner this opening event that will bring together several of Canada’s top automotive leaders to discuss many hot subjects including NAFTA, electrification, autonomous mobility, Canadian consumers’ buying patterns and much more.
The Automotive Intelligence Series schedule is as follows:
Industry Day: The Future in Focus – moderated by Mark Richardson, AJAC president
Friday, Feb. 16
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 801, South Building, MTCC
Panelists:
Don Romano – President and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Joni Paiva – President, Nissan Canada Inc.
Ted Lancaster – Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Kia Canada Inc.
Brian D. Fulton – President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada
Edwin Ulak – chief product officer, autoTrader.ca
Cannabis and Cars: Are we ready? – moderated by Barb DiGuilio, host of The Nightside on Newstalk 1010
Saturday, Feb. 17
1 – 2 p.m.
Room 801, South Building, MTCC
Panelists:
Glenn Davis – Safety Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation Highway
Sergeant Kerry Schmidt – Media Relations Spokesman, Ontario Provincial Police -Highway Safety Division
David Wallbank – Ontario Provincial Police
Wayne Jeffrey – Toxicology/Drug Consultant
Eric R. Dumschat – Legal Counsel, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada
Jodie Emery – Canadian Cannabis Rights Activist
Automobiles, Mobility and our Aging Population – moderated by Dave Redinger, host of Dave’s Corner Garage on AM740
Sunday, Feb. 18
1 – 2 p.m.
Room 801, South Building, MTCC
Panelists:
David Onley – former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Robyn Robertson – President and CEO, Traffic Injury Research Foundation
Cynthia Skinner – Access Activist
Katie Allanson – Ergonomics Expert, Ford Motor Co.
Jay Donnelly – Head of Strategy, Age of Majority
John Waldie – retired auto dealer
Driving into the Age of Autonomy – moderated by Jacob Black, autoTrader.ca editor
Tuesday, Feb. 20
1 – 2 p.m.
Room 801, South Building, MTCC
Panelists:
Dan Mathieson – Mayor of Stratford, Ont.
Dennis DesRosiers – President, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
Ross McKenzie – Managing Director, University of Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research
Chris Candy – Vice President of Business Development, Seven Media
Ted Graham – Head of Open Innovation, General Motors
The Electric Revolution: What Form Will it Come in? – moderated by Mark Richardson, AJAC president
Wednesday, Feb. 21
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
John Bassett Theatre, 100 Level, North Building, MTCC
Panelists:
Morten Edvardsen – Senior Political Adviser, the Norwegian EV Association (NEVA)
Stephen Beatty – Vice President, Corporate, Toyota Canada Inc.
Brett Smith – Co-director, Center for Automotive Research at the University of Michigan
François Lefèvre – Chief Marketing Manager, Nissan LEAF, and Manager of Executive Planning, Nissan Canada Inc.
David Paterson – Vice President, Corporate and Environmental Affairs, General Motors of Canada Company
Brookes Shean – Regional General Manager, Central Canada for FLO/AddEnergie
Scott Hollinshead – Product Planner, Volkswagen Canada
Women on Wheels – moderated by Petrina Gentile, automotive journalist
Thursday, Feb. 22
6 – 9 p.m.
Room 801, South Building, MTCC
Panelists:
Laura Schwab – President for Aston Martin the Americas
Maria Soklis – President of Cox Automotive Canada
Susan Gubasta – President & CEO of Mississauga Toyota & 2018 Incoming TADA President
Amy Martin – Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer, GM Canada
Diversity in the Auto Sector: The Changing Face of the Industry – moderated by Anita Sharma, anchor CP24
Friday, Feb. 23
1 – 2 p.m.
Room 801, South Building, MTCC
Panelists:
Nav Bhatia – Auto Dealer, Mississauga/Rexdale Hyundai
Shahin Alizadeh – President and Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Automotive Group Inc.
Tahnee Pitter-Duncan – auto mechanic apprentice
Janna Erichsen – Chair of Part-Time Learning at Centennial College
Mohammad Shahzad, Senior Group Manager – Client and Community Relations, The Brimell Group of Companies
The Canadian International AutoShow will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between February 16th and 25th. Please visit autoshow.ca for more information. Follow us on Instagram @cdnintlautoshow, Like us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter @autoshowcanada with the hashtag #CIAS2018.
About the Canadian International AutoShow
With more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show — a leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive boasting more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles. Nearly 340,000 attended the 2017 show.
