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The time is now if you're in a car-shopping mood as the 46th edition of the Montreal Auto Show is in full swing.

More than 500 new cars and trucks will be on display throughout the Palais de Congrès' multiple levels.

This year's show promises to please something fierce. The likes of the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang, 2015 Volvo V60, and 2015 Nissan Micra are on hand as Canadian and North American premieres.

Of the many exhibitions not to miss is the collection of exotic cars, the Performance Zone presented by Volkswagen, and the electric and plug‐in hybrid vehicle test-drive CAA Quebec, in partnership with the Montreal International Auto Show.

Not only will you find every car available under the Canadian sun, but as a consumer and enthusiast of all things cars, you'll also get to learn more about related aspects from established brands such as Antirouille Métropolitain, Desjardins Assurances generals, and Vortex Racing.

The Montreal International Auto Show is truly a one-stop shop for buyers and browsers alike.

As in years past, Press Day is held on the Thursday preceding the official opening of the show floor to the public, which takes place on Friday, the 17th of January. The show runs a full 10 days and closes on Sunday, January 26th.

It's never too late to buy tickets. They are available online at Ticketmaster or in person at the Palais des Congrès.

More than ten years ago a sponsorship extension of team that wasn't in position to contend for a championship would hardly raise an eyebrow. Wednesday it was big news.

In today's tough economy even the biggest NASCAR teams seem to be struggling to get a 14-race deal on the side of name driver's car. The announcement of Smithfield Farms three-year extension of Richard Petty Motorsports and driver, Aric Almirola, coupled with increased support (meaning funds) for 29-races isn't the light at the end of the tunnel but it's a good start.

What makes the development extra special is that the company known for pork products was acquired by a Chinese company last year, but, they have left the US side of the deal in the capable hands of CEO Larry Pope. And Mr. Pope and Smithfield love NASCAR.

Photo: NASCAR

For the last few years some big name corporate sponsors have left NASCAR and other series leaving all motorsports in the lurch. Whether it was by merger, in the case of STP, which used to be synonymous with the “King” Petty or moving to another sport such as UPS which used to be a full ride for drivers like Dale Jarrett, the lack of sponsorship has put a crimp on the growth of the sport.

The key is a fancy word, activation. That's shorthand for getting the word out, whether by clever television commercials or fan engagement activities on or off the track and more.

The B to B (business-to-business) trend may have actually hurt growth as third party customers and fans may have been left out in the cold as business connections were more important. It's not that B to B doesn't work; it's abandoning the loyal fans that is the problem.

Now comes Mr. Pope and Smithfield farms who says they're “100 per cent” committed to NASCAR. And they are likewise committed to Petty and Almirola. That's because the relationships they've developed over the last few years of the deal.

As Mr. Pope put it “I'm probably more satisfied with Aric in 15th place than Aric Almirola is.” What he means is that the sponsor is sticking with the team. Now, with the extra support, RPM a two car Ford client is in a better position to compete against Roush Fenway Racing, the Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and others.

Once upon a time the late Italian racing impresario and car builder, Enzo Ferrari, used to call his suppliers and sponsors “partners.”

NASCAR and all other motorsports here in North America need more sponsors that will view their participation as partnership rather than just a return on investment.

Otherwise there'll be even less sponsorship announcements in the future.

Visitors at the 2014 Montreal Auto Show can charge their electric vehicles at the two service areas in the underground parking garage (accessible via rue Cheneville) thanks to a partnership agreement between the Electric Circuit and Palais des congrès.

"We have been committed to sustainable development for more than a decade, so we are pleased to offer this new charging service for electric vehicles to our customers and visitors," said Gaétan Prud'homme, Director of Building Management for the Palais des congrès de Montréal. "Having these two new charging stations installed is perfectly in line with our desire to continue to develop sustainable services while managing our infrastructures in the most environmentally responsible way possible."

With this addition, the Electric Circuit now has 55 corporate partners and close to 250 charging stations across the province of Quebec.

Sahara Force India Formula 1 team announced Thursday an exciting multi-year partnership with Roshfrans, the lubricant oils specialists from Mexico.

Founded in 1955, Comercial ROSHFRANS S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican company dedicated to the formulation, manufacture and distribution of lubricant oils and greases.
A few years ago, Roshfrans sponsored several Mexican drivers who competed in the CART/Champ Car series, and also became an official partner of the ChampCar series.

The agreement will see prominent Roshfrans branding on the team's new car, the VJM07 (rear wing endplate) as well as on the drivers' suits, helmets and team clothing.

Let's underline that Sahara Force India's new recruit, Sergio Perez is a Mexican.

The Nissan's full-size Titan pickup will become the automaker's next crowd-sourced project vehicle, the Japanese company announced on Wednesday during a special media event at the 2014 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show and Conference in Las Vegas.

Photo: Nissan

With ''Project Titan,'' fans will take to social media to submit their ideas for the ultimate off-road capable truck equipped with customized features designed to conquer extreme terrain.

In the months to come, additional phases will roll out and be communicated via Nissan's Twitter account (@NissanTrucks, #ProjectTitan) and Facebook page (Facebook.com/NissanTrucks).

Project Titan will build upon the success of its predecessor, Project 370Z.

The all-new 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe made its Canadian debut today at the Montreal Auto Show. Starting at $26,655, the sportiest version of Canada's top-selling car for the past 16 years has been rejuvenated thanks to a sharper silhouette and more youthful, energetic styling.

The 2.4L i-VTEC engine under the hood of the 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe is also more powerful (205 hp vs. 201 hp). It remains paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox, however.

Exterior highlights include a redesigned front fascia, a distinctive grille and bumper, a new taillight design, and 18'' wheels.

The 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe interior is sportier than ever courtesy of an exclusive seat fabric and decoration in a dynamic black/red combo. There's an all-new 7'' touchscreen and the latest generation of HondaLink.

Photo: Honda

Kia Canada has revealed pricing and content detail of the all-new 2014 Kia Soul at the Montreal Auto Show. The company has also reunited the Forte family by revealing pricing and content detail of the all-new 2014 Kia Forte 5-Door and Forte Koup.

While the Soul is currently on sale across the country, the two new Forte models will be available before the first quarter of 2014 ends.

2014 Kia Soul
Based on the Track'ster concept, the second-generation Soul delivers improved handling courtesy of a stiffer chassis and revised suspension. From a design standpoint, the large trapezoidal lower air intake is nearly a direct carryover from the concept, and the unique body-coloured "floating" panel inset into the liftgate originated with the Track'ster as well.

The roomier cabin of the 2014 Kia Soul was given a more premium look and feel. Highlights include push-button start, a round shift knob, and steering-wheel mounted controls that are housed in Soul-exclusive circular groupings along the lower spokes. Let's not forget the available 8'' touchscreen multimedia interface and leather seating.

Prices - Soul

• LX (manual transmission): $16,995
• LX+ (manual transmission): $18,595
• LX (automatic transmission): $19,495
• EX (automatic transmission): $20,795
• EX+ (automatic transmission): $21,995
• EX ECO (automatic transmission): $22,595
• SX (automatic transmission): $23,595
• SX Luxury (automatic transmission): $26,995

Photo: Kia

2014 Kia Forte 5-Door and Forte Koup
Boasting European-influenced style, these two Forte models offer a 2.0L engine rated at 173 horsepower and a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower.

The sporty interior features premium materials and soft-touch points including carbon fibre-textured materials on the dash and seats. You'll also find Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, front fog lights, heated sideview mirrors, and heated front seats.

Prices - Forte 5-Door

• LX+ (manual transmission): $19,395
• LX+ (automatic transmission): $20,595
• LX+ (automatic transmission, sunroof): $21,495
• EX (automatic transmission): $22,195
• EX (automatic transmission, sunroof): $23,095
• SX (manual transmission): $23,695
• SX (automatic transmission): $24,895

Photo: Kia

Prix Forte Koup 2014

Prices - Forte Koup

• EX (manual transmission): $20,895
• EX (automatic transmission): $22,095
• EX (automatic transmission, sunroof): $22,995
• SX (manual transmission): $23,595
• SX (automatic transmission): $24,795
• SX Luxury (automatic transmission): $28,195

Photo: Kia

Here is a video of a visit of the factory of the Toro Rosso Formula 1 team in Faenza, Italy.

The video also gives a tour of the team's wind tunnel in Bicester, UK.

For 2014, the Italian team is producing its first Renault-powered Formula 1 car.

You will see the design offices, the aerodynamic department, the wind tunnel, the machine shop, the composite department and the assembly bays.

Volkswagen today unveiled three models at the Montreal Auto Show including the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, as well as the 2014 Jetta GLI Edition 30 and Beetle R-Line.

2015 VW GTI
The seventh generation of the popular high-performance Golf will arrive this spring with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 210 horsepower. It offers a 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-speed DSG, 3- and 5-door configurations. Despite this increase in power, and the fact that the GTI is now longer and wider, fuel efficiency has reportedly improved dramatically thanks to aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction. The car also achieves new levels of refinement.

Pricing will be announced during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto next month.

Photo: Volkswagen

2014 VW Jetta GLI Edition 30
To mark the 30th anniversary of the GLI, Volkswagen created the aptly named Edition 30. Now on sale at $31,275 across Canada, it's based on the sixth-generation Jetta GLI and stands out with a "GTI-esque" red stripe through the front grille and headlamps, "Edition 30" badging on either flank, 18" Watkins Glen alloy wheels, and an adaptive light system that turns the beams up to 15 degrees in either direction to improve visibility in corners. Under the hood is the same exact powertrain as the aforementioned GTI.

Photo: Volkswagen

2014 VW Beetle R-Line
Available with the Beetle Sportline, both in coupe and convertible variants, the new R-Line package includes more aggressive and more aerodynamic bumpers, 19'' Tornado alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Vanadium Grey interior trim, and ''R-Line'' badging inside and outside.

Photo: Volkswagen

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone claims F1 authorities are in talks with two potential new teams for the 2015 season.

The governing FIA recently invited new entrants to bid for the vacant spot on the grid, but until now there has been no sign of any serious interest.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone, however, told the Wirtschaftswoche publication: "We are in talks with two new names. Neither is an automaker," he added.

The 83-year-old Briton gave no further details.

But the new teams would come at a timely moment for the sport, amid fears several existing outfits are struggling financially.

The FIA is aiming to introduce a budget cap, and team bosses will reportedly meet in Geneva next week for early talks.

Diminutive Ecclestone, who said he has proposed a budget limit of "200 million", also commented on reports he is set to face trial in Germany over the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair.

"I'm sure there will be (a trial)," he told Handelsblatt, revealing that he would appear in person. "There are already charges.

"I would (appear), probably because I have no choice, but I like Munich, it's a beautiful city," Ecclestone joked.

"It's really too early to think about it. With the Constantin testimony I was out of the office for four days, but I could still work in the late afternoon and evening," he added.

Bernie Ecclestone said he could have "easily" settled that lawsuit, and he also ruled out settling with BayernLB in a forthcoming action.

"But that would be wrong," he said, "because I have not done anything wrong. My concern is to prove my innocence."

The executive whose responsibility it was to ensure the 2014 Jeep Cherokee's innovative drive system worked properly has left Chrysler Group to pursue other interests.

Automakers can meet the CAFE target without introducing high volumes of electric cars and plug-in hybrids, said members of the purchasing panel today at the Automotive News World Congress.

Everyone seems to agree that Ford has done nothing less than reinvent the modern pickup with the 2015 Ford F-150.

There's an opening for automakers to boost brand consideration on Facebook within the sea of vacation photos and witty status updates.

Of all the production-leaning concept vehicles at the Detroit auto show, the Volkswagen

General Motors' European Opel unit is in "the best shape it's been in a very long time" and gained market share for the first time in 14 years in 2013, GM President Dan Ammann said today.

UAW President Bob King today said he believes workers will 'overwhelmingly' support increasing dues for the first time since 1967 to shore up the union's strike fund and help it win better contracts.

BMW-owned luxury car brand Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed record sales results for 2013 and is adding jobs at its UK manufacturing site. Dave Leggett spoke with CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös about the brand's performance and prospects.

Ford chief operating officer, Mark Fields, says the closing of sites in Europe were "difficult decisions," but is satisfied they were handled in the right way.

If you thought the U.S. had been picked clean of Italian exotics sitting in barns waiting to be discovered, this 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS might give you a bit of hope.