MONTREAL — ExpoCam 2009 has come and gone, but it left smiles on many faces after its three-day run at Montreal’s Place Bonaventure, April 16 through the 18.

Trucks and trailers both were sold right off the show floor, and there were many scenes of attendees handing over real, hard cash for a wide variety of smaller items. It all seemed to suggest that, while things are bad, this industry — at least in Canada — still has a very strong heart with a regular beat.

In fact, there was a markedly upbeat mood to the show, a vibrant spirit in the air. Attendance was almost at 2007 levels, and on Saturday morning the long line of visitors waiting for the doors to open at 9:00 a.m. started forming two hours earlier.

And once inside, visitors were presented with much to see and do.

According to Daniel Canning of Fardiers Quebec/Fardiers Montreal, “[There were] very good quality of visitors. We met serious buyers front the trucking industry." 

Truck simulators are an attraction at any truck show

All truck makers were represented on the show floor, including Mack’s big new Titan and International’s LoneStar, both of which drew crowds. There was keen interest in the 2010 engines on display, of course, and that group included one example of the new MaxxForce 15 from International, set to launch some time in 2011. On the trailer front Manac showed its new and lightweight Darkwing flatbed.

Commented Tony Primiani, Manac’s regional director: “We sold two units right at the show. Thursday and Friday we met with existing and potential customers. On the Saturday, we met future customers and user of products, like drivers who have an influence towards their bosses for purchasing of the product."

A new feature to this year’s show was the ExpoCam Green Route, which highlighted exhibitors whose products promote fuel efficiency or reduce emissions. More than 40 products were featured, from hybrid trucks to aerodynamic trailer skirts and next-generation HVAC units.

ExpoCam is produced by Montreal-based Newcom Média Québec, which also stages the CamExpo show in Quebec City and publishes Transport Routier and Logistics magazines. Its sister company, Newcom Business Media of Toronto, publishes this website, Today’s Trucking magazine, highwaySTAR and Truck & Trailer and also produces Toronto’s Truck World show, set to go in April 2010 at Toronto’s International Centre.