Feb. 6, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Jason Campbell of the Toronto auto show
About this episode
The February 6, 2026 episode features insights from Jason Campbell, General Manager of the Canadian International Auto Show, set to kick off on February 13 in Toronto. Key highlights include the return of the $5,000 EV sales rebate, a shift in government regulations, and a strong start to new vehicle sales. Campbell discusses the exciting lineup for the auto show, including hypercars, concept vehicles, and hands-on test drives, emphasizing the growing interest in electric vehicles and the involvement of new brands and displays.
EV rebates return; Canadians support Chinese EVs; Strong January sales. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell sets the table for the 2026 event.
EV
"...Ottawa will offer $5,000 toward the cost of a new EV and $2,500 toward plug-in hybrids. The rebates will apply only to vehicles that cost less than $50,000..."
An EV is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It uses batteries to power an electric motor, making it cleaner for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car that is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. These vehicles use electric motors and batteries to operate, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
plug-in hybrid
"...Ottawa will offer $5,000 toward the cost of a new EV and $2,500 toward plug-in hybrids. The rebates will apply only to vehicles that cost less than $50,000..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on both electricity and gas. You can charge it by plugging it in, and it can also use gasoline when needed, giving you more options for driving.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows the car to run on electricity for short distances and switch to gasoline for longer trips, providing flexibility and improved fuel efficiency.
tailpipe emissions
"...the federal government is also scrapping the zero emissions vehicle sales mandate. Instead, it will now implement strict new tailpipe emissions regulations..."
Tailpipe emissions are the gases and particles that come out of a car's exhaust pipe when it runs. These can be harmful to the environment and our health.
Tailpipe emissions refer to the pollutants that are released from the exhaust of a vehicle's engine. These emissions can include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.
tariff
"...Canada recently pledged to reduce its tariff on China-made electric vehicles to 6.1% down from 106.1%..."
A tariff is a tax that a government charges on goods coming from other countries. It can make imported cars more expensive for buyers.
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods. In the context of vehicles, tariffs can affect the price of cars brought into a country, influencing consumer choices and market competition.
Elocity
"Elocity, which is a EV charging station provider is coming in and debuting at the show this year."
Elocity is a company that makes charging stations for electric vehicles. As more people buy electric cars, companies like Elocity help provide the necessary places to charge them.
Elocity is a company that specializes in providing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Their products are designed to support the growing demand for EV infrastructure.
Land Rover
"In terms of mainstream brands, Land Rover is coming back. We've got Grand Touring Automobiles displaying for the first time some Land Rover products..."
Land Rover is a brand that makes luxury SUVs, which are vehicles designed for both off-road driving and comfortable city use. They are known for their strong performance and upscale interiors.
Land Rover is a British automotive brand known for its luxury SUVs and off-road vehicles. It has a reputation for combining rugged capability with high-end features.
test drives
"there are three other major areas where people can go and take vehicles for test drives..."
A test drive is when you take a car for a short drive to see how it feels and if you like it before buying it. It's a way to check if the car is right for you.
Test drives allow potential buyers to experience a vehicle's performance, comfort, and features before making a purchase decision. They are a crucial part of the car buying process.
MINI
"The 500-level CSBMW and MINI take that over, as they did in 2025. We've got Audi and Polestar running big test drives..."
MINI is a car brand that makes small, cute cars that are fun to drive. They are popular for their unique style and compact size.
MINI is a British automotive brand known for its small, stylish cars that offer a fun driving experience. Originally a classic British car, it has been modernized and is now owned by BMW.
BMW
"The 500-level CSBMW and MINI take that over, as they did in 2025. We've got Audi and Polestar running big test drives..."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and sports cars. They are famous for their performance and quality.
BMW is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented cars. The company has a strong reputation for engineering and driving dynamics.
Audi
"We've got Audi and Polestar running big test drives out of the South Building..."
Audi is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars with modern technology. They are known for their stylish designs and smooth driving experience.
Audi is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles, advanced technology, and all-wheel-drive systems. They are part of the Volkswagen Group and are recognized for their performance and design.
Polestar
"We've got Audi and Polestar running big test drives out of the South Building..."
Polestar is a car brand from Sweden that makes electric cars. They started as a part of Volvo and are known for their high-performance electric vehicles.
Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand that focuses on electric performance vehicles. Originally a performance division of Volvo, it has become an independent brand known for its innovative electric cars.
Camp Jeep
"But Camp Jeep, we did over 30,000 test drives or test rides with Camp Jeep last year..."
Camp Jeep is a fun event where you can drive Jeep cars on rough terrain to see how well they perform. It's a way to experience the off-road abilities of Jeep vehicles.
Camp Jeep is an event or experience where participants can test Jeep vehicles in off-road conditions, showcasing their capabilities and features. It's designed to give potential buyers a hands-on experience.
Aston Martin Valhalla
"...rand new vehicles that we've not had before, the Valhalla from Aston Martin, the Mestral from Bugatti, the ..."
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a very fast and fancy sports car that uses both a traditional engine and electric power to go really fast while being more eco-friendly. It's a new model from a famous car company known for making luxurious cars, and people are excited to see what it can do.
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a high-performance hybrid supercar that represents the brand's commitment to innovation and luxury. With a powerful V8 engine paired with electric motors, it offers both thrilling speed and improved efficiency, making it a significant addition to Aston Martin's lineup. Its advanced technology and design make it a topic of interest for automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Koenigsegg Jesko
"the Mestral from Bugatti, the Jesko from Koenigsegg and McLaren's"
The Koenigsegg Jesko is a very fast and powerful car made for racing and high-speed driving. It has special features that help it go faster and handle better on the road.
The Koenigsegg Jesko is a high-performance hypercar designed for extreme speed and handling. It features a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine and advanced aerodynamics for optimal performance.
Bugatti Mistral
"the Valhalla from Aston Martin, the Mestral from Bugatti, the Jesko from Koenigsegg and McLaren's"
The Bugatti Mistral is a super-fast luxury car that is very powerful and has a unique design. It's made for those who want the best in speed and style.
The Bugatti Mistral is a luxury hypercar known for its extreme performance and iconic design. It is powered by a quad-turbocharged W16 engine, making it one of the fastest cars in the world.
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