MONTREAL — The garage — or what's inside — gets its proper due later this week.
The Montreal International Auto Show celebrates its 44th edition Jan. 13 through 22 at Palais des Congres.
"It's an exciting show," said Pascal Dandurand, who enjoys his first year acting as president of the popular winter exhibition trade show. "And we have them all."
Dandurand said that every major car manufacturer, 40 in all — from Audi to Acura, Cadillac to Chrysler, Volkswagen to Volvo — will be on-site at the auto show.
Higher-end imported models abound as well, with the likes of Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche and Rolls-Royce exhibitors displaying their latest wares. Domestic or imported, hundreds of cars will be displayed.
No matter what your budget, Dandurand said, the car show is a great way to shop.
"Yes, Internet car shopping is a great tool," Dandurand said. "But we're a great place to get a lot of information, too. The car show is like a big showroom with all the cars under one roof."
Dandurand encourages a hands-on experience.
"You can sit in and compare as many cars as you like here," he said. "And there's absolutely no pressure. You can take all the time you want."
Dandurand said plenty of representatives will be on hand to answer questions.
And while the car show is a great place to comparison shop, Dandurand promises some car aficionado fun, too.
This year, the auto show boasts more than three dozen first looks at the latest models. Confirmed are 36 Canadian unveilings and even two North American premieres trumping the prestigious Detroit Auto Show.
"It's hard to beat Detroit, but sometimes it happens," Dandurand said. "We're very happy about that."
A popular attraction making its return is the Performance Zone, which features 40 modified cars, motorcycles and trucks.
"It highlights the artistry of cars," Dandurand said. "It's for the true car lover."
The space also features a racing-car simulator so people can experience what it feels like to be behind the wheel of a fast machine.
Another new exhibit is "The Legends of the Road," a collection of eight nostalgic cars from days gone by. The cars are featured in the television program "The Legendes de la Route," which is broadcast on the French network Historia.
Dandurand said the latest technological car trends continue to be found in the newest hybrid and electric car models. A number of the most futuristic prototypes are on display.
"It's such an evolving market. Everything changes so rapidly," Dandurand said. "We'll see what the future will bring us."
Steven Howell is the author of Montreal Essential Guide, a Sutro Media iPhone travel app available at iTunes.com.
