Chatham Indoor Auto Show rolls into town this weekend

CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell talks tariffs and the possible impact at the Chatham car show.

Car enthusiasts and prospective buyers in Chatham-Kent are in for a treat this weekend as the 2025 Chatham Indoor Auto Show takes over the John D. Bradley Convention Centre.

From March 7 to March 9, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest makes and models in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

The 12th annual show kicks off on Friday, March 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with doors opening again on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final day of the event, Sunday, March 9, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s a show, so it’s not a sale, so there’s no pressure,” stated organizer Greg Hetherington. “You can ask questions and at the end of the day you walk away and there’s nobody chasing you to your car. Right? So they want to connect with people. It’s an opportunity for us also to raise money.”

More than just a showcase of sleek sedans and powerful trucks, the event serves as a way to give back to the community. Admission is a canned good or cash donation, with proceeds supporting local charities, including the Salvation Army, Outreach for Hunger, Chatham Goodfellows, CKHA Foundation, CK Hospice, and the Children’s Treatment Centre.

Organizers say the Chatham Indoor Auto Show provides a unique opportunity to check out a variety of vehicles while bringing the community together, offering an enjoyable experience for car lovers, those in the market for a new vehicle, and families looking for a fun outing.

With a wide array of options to browse under one roof, they say attendees can take their time comparing models and discovering the perfect fit for their lifestyle. From cutting-edge technology to expert craftsmanship, the latest automotive innovations will be on full display.

Hetherington said, “All the newest vehicles are inside here that you can see in Chatham-Kent … every convertible, every SUV, truck, they’re all inside here. A lot of electric vehicles as well.”

However, concerns over rising automotive prices due to U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts remain a pressing issue for consumers. Trade tensions have contributed to higher costs for manufacturers, which may ultimately be passed down to buyers.

Officials suggest with potential price hikes on the horizon, events like the Chatham Indoor Auto Show offer a valuable chance for shoppers to assess their options and make informed decisions before further market shifts take effect.

Chatham Chrysler General Manager Mike Hogue said incentive rates are the best they’ve been since pre-COVID, while boasting the latest selection is fantastic.

“There’s great incentives to purchase right now. Zero per cent interest options, huge manufacturer discounts,” Hogue explained. “So I would say there’s no better time than right now to purchase the vehicle. Lock yourself in, and you know, that’ll keep you from the unknown.”