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ELEVATE: Vancouver International Auto Show 2026 Breaks Records — Again

For the third consecutive year, the Vancouver International Auto Show has shattered its own attendance record. The 102nd edition of the show drew 139,991 visitors to the Vancouver Convention Centre between March 25 and 29 — surpassing 2025’s record of 138,773 and 2024’s 129,033. Single-day figures told an equally compelling story: 20,071 attendees on opening day, and a remarkable 30,188 on closing day alone.

Those numbers are not incidental. They reflect a city and a consumer base that is genuinely engaged with what the automotive world is doing next.

A Show Worth Showing Up For

Spanning nearly 300,000 square feet and featuring more than 30 global automotive brands, the sold-out event offered something rarely available elsewhere — the ability to compare vehicles side by side, in real time, without the pressure of a dealership floor. Canadian and Western Canadian debuts drew strong crowds throughout the week, including Chevrolet’s Corvette CX Concept and CX.R Vision race concept, the Audi R26 F1 display car, Oilstainlab’s HF-11 and HAF-11, and the 2026 Jeep Cherokee.

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Then there was Sung Kang. The Fast & Furious star brought an undeniable charge to the show floor, drawing enthusiasts who might otherwise have spent the weekend elsewhere. His appearance underscored something the VIAS does well: it understands that spectacle and substance are not mutually exclusive.

The EV Moment Is Becoming the EV Reality

Perhaps no element of the 2026 show carried more weight than the EV and PHEV Test Drive Experience presented by RBC. A total of 3,030 attendees got behind the wheel of 49 vehicles from 17 manufacturers — a figure that speaks to where consumer curiosity currently sits. People are not just reading about electric vehicles; they want to drive them, feel them, and decide for themselves.

Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, framed it clearly: “Consumers are navigating a period of real transition in the automotive sector. There is strong interest in new technologies, but also a clear need for practical understanding — how these vehicles fit into daily life, what they cost, and how they perform.”

What It Means for Vancouver

The VIAS has long held its ground as one of North America’s premier automotive events, and 2026 only deepened that position. As Eric Nicholl, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Auto Show, put it: “This year was about delivering a more complete, immersive experience, and as we look ahead, our focus is on continuing to elevate the show and ensure Vancouver remains a must-attend destination.”

Planning for the 2027 edition is already underway, with the show returning to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 31 to April 4.

For a city that consistently punches above its weight in culture, commerce, and curiosity, the Vancouver International Auto Show is, year after year, exactly where it belongs.

Author Profile

Vlad Xanthopoulos: Vlad Xanthopoulos is the Vices Ambassador at Folio.YVR, host of Cocktails & Cigars, and contributor. A connoisseur of fine cigars and craft cocktails, Vlad explores the art, culture, and stories behind these indulgences. His passion for tradition and refined living elevate Vancouver Vices for Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.