New exhibit looks at the history of the Canadian car

A new five year exhibit at the Canadian Science and Technology museum in Ottawa is taking visitors on a journey to find the quintessential Canadian car. But who is sponsoring the exhibit that looks at the rich history of the Canadian automotive industry?

Click the jump to find out.

Toyota Canada is presenting the exhibit and educating visitors on “What Makes A Canadian Car.” The exhibit will celebrate the men and women who work hard to build the cars that we drive every day.

Toyota has a long history in Canada, dating back more than 40 years. Since 1988 Toyota vehicles have been assembled in Ontario. Approximately 50% of vehicles sold by Toyota in Canada are built in Canada.

Yoichi Tomihara, President of Toyota Canada said the following, “The past, present and future of Canadian vehicles reflects a collective cultural history which will be showcased through this exciting new exhibit – a great addition to the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Toyota, as a proud and long-standing member of Canadian communities from coast to coast - through our manufacturing, sales, dealership and parts operations - is pleased to be the automotive partner for this exhibition.”

Some of the vehicles on display include a first generation Toyota Prius and the first Canadian-made Corolla to be sold in Canada. Vintage advertising material will also be on display, as well as a current generation Toyota Prius.

The good news is that you have some time to visit this exhibit, as it is on for the next 5 years.

[Source: Toyota Canada]

Comments

[ME]

Oh brother Toyota trying to do more damage control, give it up Toyota.

[Kcurt]

Toyota builds more vehicles in Canada than it sells. By a long shot. 3X as many in some years. That makes them a net exporter.
You would be surprised if you compared this to the list of other OEs.
I say they deserve the recognition.

[Joe]

So we can forgive GM for taking all our tax money and forget the thousands of recalls, some just as serious as toyota's. But we can't forgive Toyota? People in Canada have to remember that GM, Dodge and Ford are not Domestic cars they are foreign companies. There is no such thing as a domestic car company in Canada. But many cars from all brands are made here, Toyota being one of them.

[Scott Provost]

It's surprising that they talk about a 'Canadian Car' yet there's no mention of the Manic or Manx or whatever that little sportscar/deathtrap that was built here. Nor is the Bricklin mentioned.

What about the Volvo 240/242 that was built on the east coast for a number of years?

Surely they'll have a McLaughlin Buick? Or perhaps a Beaumont (the Canadian Chevelle)? What about the Canadian-only versions of the Camaro and Corvair that featured a resevoir for 'traction aid' that was sprayed on the back tyres in the winter?

Maybe a GM 'Fishbowl' that was originally designed specifically for the TTC?

How about how Porsche FOR YEARS has used parts of the Yukon and NWT as their private cold-weather test track?

No.

None of those. Not 'Canadian' enough.

I love Toyota, but history is history, dilluting it with distinctively NON-Canadian vehicles like the Prius is just shameful.