Chatham Auto Show returns with more than 100 vehicles, fundraising for local charities

The Chatham Auto Show is coming back this weekend, bringing more than 100 vehicles to the John D. Bradley Convention Centre.

More than 100 vehicles are on display this weekend as the 14th annual Chatham Auto Show returns to the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, offering residents a chance to browse the latest models from local dealerships all under one roof.

The three-day event features vehicles from 10 Chatham-area dealers, including electric, hybrid, and gas-powered models, giving prospective buyers a chance to compare options without visiting multiple showrooms.

Organizer Greg Hetherington says the event is designed to be relaxed and family friendly.

“This is a great place to come, because you can see everything from the 10 car dealers that are in Chatham,” Hetherington said.

“Electric, hybrids, gas powered — whatever you’re looking for, they’re all here. The part that we love to really promote is it’s a show and not a sale. So, there’s no pressure. You can ask a ton of questions. You can bring the kids and family, wander through cars, sit in them, do whatever you like, whatever you would do, and it’s all inside where it’s warm and dry.”

This year’s event also includes a new ticketed preview night aimed at offering a quieter experience for visitors while supporting a local cause.

“We’re trying to do something a little bit different,” Hetherington said.

“We’ve got a great venue here, we’ve got all these cars set up, and we thought, why don’t we do something extra special? So, we’re doing a special preview event — ticketed only — where people can wander the cars with about 150 people. It’s very intimate. A great opportunity for you to see everything and have a drink and something to eat while you’re here.”

Hetherington said the show also comes as the auto industry continues to navigate supply issues that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with uncertainty tied to tariffs.

“We’ve gone through two phases,” he said.

“In 2019, everything was fine, then 2020, COVID hit and that caused some shortages. And then tariffs had people a little concerned. I’m here to tell you on behalf of all the car dealers, tariffs are not a problem. The price points are very aggressive and we’re getting zero per cent financing back again.”

He says that means buyers can once again expect vehicles to be available sooner, something that was not always the case during recent supply chain disruptions.

Interest in electric vehicles continues to grow, but Hetherington says hybrid models are currently drawing the most attention from shoppers.

“People want the convenience of having gas so they can go on long trips and not have to worry about a charging station,” he said.

“But at the same time, they want to be economical, and they want to be environmental. So, they’re looking at hybrids — you get the best of both worlds.”

Beyond showcasing new vehicles, the event also serves as a fundraiser for local charities.

A ticketed preview event Friday night is expected to raise between $7,000 and $8,000 for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, while donations collected throughout the weekend will go directly to local food banks.

“Last year we raised almost $10,000 in food and cash,” Hetherington said.

“It’s a great fundraiser for our community.”

The Chatham Auto Show runs through Sunday.