Thursday 18 April 2013

Ford Goes Big At Edmonton Motor Show

A+ for presentation
Edmonton Motor Show kicked of Media day in high style yesterday as Bob Vilas, executive director of the Edmonton Motor Dealers Association, let us know why the show date had been moved from February to April. This allows for more manufacturers to bring in some rarely seen vehicles, this year has three Canadian vehicle debuts, Vilas added "this is the best content I have ever seen". I have to agree with him, there was so much to see that my head was spinning, or that could have been one of the interactive displays Ford of Canada brought called SimZilla!

It all began with the vice-president of marketing from Ford, Jack Palazzolo running through the history of Ford trucks and leading up to what is seen as the future of trucks, The Ford Atlas! This was in fact the high point of the show for me and I am sure many others. Doing what Ford excels at, they really brought the big show for us all to see here and when the curtain dropped there it stood, the Ford Atlas Concept Truck in all of it's brilliant silver glory.

ATLAS concept
ATLAS concept
Then Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and chiseled grille – all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough® image. 

2014 Fiesta ST
They chose Edmonton for this reveal because Alberta is in fact the largest purchasers of trucks  in all of Canada, but trucks were not the only thing they had here for us. They brought many other greats, you will see the 2014 Fiesta ST the hot hatch that everybody is talking about, the C-Max Energi for the ECO minded, a Shelby  GT 500 for the rest and a wide range of other Ford favourites.

One thing I enjoy about Ford is they are not there just to push sales, they are there to educate and entertain. They bring many interactive displays that are great for the adults, but the kids will be enjoying them to.

Hank
 Hank has always been a favourite as he explains why Ford does things the way they do, just don`t get caught being the one hiding behind a pickup, his cybernetic sensors will detect you and you may get called to the front of the class!

SimZilla
New for this year is the addition of SimZilla. If you really enjoyed the Atlas why not take one out for a test drive, this can make that happen, and in a fun and exciting way. This is a true simulator that will make you feel like you are driving the real deal, try not to crash, paint jobs are not cheap you know.

Over all you will enjoy your visit to the Edmonton Motor Show, and once again I think Ford has stolen the spotlight, don`t miss it!

2013 Explore Sport
2013 Escapes





2013 Mustangs