ACE 2025: Where Canadian Automotive Excellence Meets Tomorrow’s Innovation

The energy was palpable as over 700 automotive professionals descended upon the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls this October for what can only be described as a glimpse into the future of Canadian automotive retail. The Automotive Conference & Expo (ACE) 2025, presented by Consolidated Dealers and the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO), didn’t just meet expectations – it shattered them, proving once again why being part of a tight-knit cooperative like Consolidated Dealers means having a front-row seat to industry transformation.

From the moment attendees stepped into the ACE Grand Hall, it was clear this wasn’t your typical trade show. The sea of exhibitors – from cutting-edge tech providers to traditional banking partners – created an atmosphere of possibility that had dealers buzzing with excitement. But what truly set this year apart was the perfect blend of Canadian pride and forward-thinking innovation that permeated every session, demonstration, and conversation.

The ADAS Revolution Takes Center Stage

Hunter Engineering Canada had a standout moment at the ACE 2025 show, with a remarkable demonstration of the future of ADAS calibration. Ross Iacobellis, Technical Sales and Training Manager, captivated audiences at their ADAS Hub with a revelation that would reshape how dealers think about their service operations.

“Front-facing calibrations make up more than 80 percent of all ADAS calibrations performed in Canada,” Iacobellis explained, as he demonstrated procedures on a typical vehicle setup that mirrored exactly what dealers would see in their own shops. The beauty wasn’t just in the technology – it was in the demystification of a process that has left many dealers scratching their heads.

Hunter’s interactive touchscreen station became a gathering point where dealers could finally decode the alphabet soup of OEM terminology – from Subaru’s EyeSight to Toyota’s 360-degree camera systems. The unveiling of their new 360 target, fresh with OEM approvals from Subaru and Kia, represented more than just another tool; it was a glimpse into a future where precision isn’t optional. As Iacobellis soberly reminded attendees, “A misalignment of even two millimetres can mean the difference between staying in your lane or veering off course.”

But Hunter didn’t stop at ADAS. Their new Maverick tire changer, designed with direct technician feedback, showcased the kind of innovation that happens when manufacturers actually listen to the people in the trenches – featuring a pick-and-place lift system that reduces strain while improving efficiency.

Canadian Innovation, Canadian Spirit

The Thursday night kick-off party at Margaritaville set the tone for what ACE is really about – celebrating Canadian automotive excellence while having a genuinely good time. As the Road Apples tribute band channeled the legendary energy of The Tragically Hip, dealers found themselves not just networking but truly connecting. This was an automotive family reunion where everyone speaks the same language of challenges overcome and opportunities seized.

Dr. Helen Papagiannis’s mind-bending presentation on AI’s role in automotive retail had dealers simultaneously excited and contemplative about what’s coming. Meanwhile, Darrell Bricker’s demographic insights painted a picture of a changing Canadian landscape that smart dealers are already positioning themselves to serve.

The Power of Collective Knowledge

What makes events like ACE invaluable for Consolidated Dealers members isn’t just the individual sessions – it’s the collective intelligence that emerges when Canadian automotive professionals unite. Whether it was the practical wisdom shared in Finn Engsig’s workshop on service bay productivity (where dealers learned that every hour of lost productivity compounds into thousands of dollars annually) or the frank discussions about Chinese OEMs potentially entering the Canadian market, the insights gained were immediate and actionable.

The Women Driven awards, sponsored by Scotiabank, highlighted another crucial evolution in our industry – the recognition and celebration of diverse leadership that’s driving innovation from the showroom floor to the C-suite. Commander Paul Smith’s closing keynote about leadership and mentorship in challenging environments resonated deeply with an industry navigating its own transformation.

Looking Forward Together

As dealers headed home with tired feet but energized minds (one attendee logged over 10,000 steps on day one alone!), the real value of ACE 2025 became crystal clear. In an industry where change is the only constant, being part of Consolidated Dealers means never facing that change alone. It means having access to innovations like Hunter Engineering’s game-changing ADAS solutions before they become mainstream. It means learning from peers who’ve already solved the problems you’re just encountering. Most importantly, it means being part of a uniquely Canadian automotive story that celebrates our market’s distinct challenges and opportunities.

The dealers who attended ACE 2025 didn’t just witness the future – they touched it, questioned it, and began planning for it. They saw how proper ADAS calibration can transform from a mysterious burden into a profit center. They learned how AI will reshape customer interactions. They discovered that the demographic shifts reshaping Canada present opportunities, not just challenges.

As the automotive industry accelerates toward an electrified, connected, and increasingly complex future, one thing remains certain: those within the Consolidated Dealers network aren’t just along for the ride – they’re in the driver’s seat, with the best navigation system in the business: each other.

The countdown to ACE 2026 has already begun. For those who experienced this year’s event, it can’t come soon enough.