Nov. 28, 2025 | The week’s top stories and CIAS GM Jason Campbell on EVs, the 2026 show
About this episode
Jason Campbell, GM of the Canadian International Auto Show, discusses a recent survey revealing public sentiment towards the auto industry and electric vehicles (EVs). With 77% of respondents advocating for government protection of the auto sector, Campbell highlights a disconnect between support for EV incentives and consumer hesitance towards electric vehicles. He notes that while interest in EVs remains, many consumers prefer gas-powered options and express concerns over charging infrastructure. The insights will shape the theme of the 2026 auto show, emphasizing consumer choice across various powertrains.
GM pressured over CAMI; trades when ‘appropriate’ | Leading Women Roundtables. Plus, Canadian International AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell talks electric vehicles, consumer choice, and about the 2026 show.
EV
"As we all are. So let's shift gears a bit. When asked about their next vehicle, respondents said that EVs did not make a big dent on their consideration list."
An EV is a car that runs on electric power instead of gasoline, so it doesn’t give off exhaust fumes.
Electric Vehicle (EV) refers to a car powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, producing no tailpipe emissions.
hybrid
"We had 47% of our respondents said that they felt that their most likely next vehicle would be gas 30% said hybrid."
A hybrid car can run on gasoline or electric power, helping it use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motors to improve fuel efficiency.
battery electric
"11% said plug in hybrid or PHEV and 10% said battery electric."
A battery electric car uses only electricity from its batteries, so it doesn’t need gas at all.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run solely on electric batteries and have no gasoline engine.
diesel
"It's just a 1.5% listed diesel."
A diesel car runs on diesel fuel, which can give it more pulling power and better mileage compared to gasoline.
Diesel cars use diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine, offering higher torque and better fuel economy than gasoline engines.
EV mandate type of vehicle
"But I think at 21% basically of our consumers saying that their likely next product would fall within that EV mandate type of vehicle, that certainly over represents what the general sales are showing at the moment."
An EV mandate is a rule that says car makers must sell a certain number of electric cars to meet environmental goals.
An EV mandate refers to government regulations requiring a certain percentage of new vehicle sales to be electric or low‑emission vehicles.
indoor test track
"We have a lot of our consumers that came to the show to try out new EV products on our indoor test track and they're still a huge interest in this technology."
An indoor test track is a closed area inside a building where cars can be driven and tested safely, no matter the weather outside.
An indoor test track is a controlled, enclosed facility where vehicles can be tested for performance and safety without weather interference.
EV rebate incentives
"Your survey also showed there is a high degree of agreement to bring back EV rebate incentives with even a higher support among women."
EV rebate incentives are money the government gives back to people who buy electric cars, making them cheaper.
Government rebates reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles, encouraging consumers to buy cleaner cars.
electric vehicles
"What do you think is driving this disconnect between the support for incentives and kind of up and down demand for electric vehicles?"
Electric cars run on electricity stored in batteries, so they don’t use gasoline or diesel. They’re quieter and produce no exhaust fumes.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors and rechargeable batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
rebates
"And I think a lot of people see the benefits of having the rebates returned. It's not a vast majority, but certainly a majority want to see the rebates returned."
A rebate is a money‑back offer from the government that lowers how much you pay for an electric car. It’s like a discount to help people buy greener cars.
Government rebates are financial incentives that reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles, encouraging more buyers to consider them.
charging options
"there needs to be more charging options."
Charging options are the places where you can plug in an electric car to recharge its battery. They include home outlets, fast public chargers, and sometimes special wireless chargers.
Charging options refer to the availability and variety of electric vehicle charging stations, including home chargers, public fast chargers, and wireless systems.
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