by Evan Duggan

VANCOUVER, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 98th Vancouver International Auto Show in Vancouver is focusing on economical and environmentally friendly and at the same time more extravagant and grand models.

The four-day event, which opened on Wednesday, is one of the three largest shows in Canada with a rising attendance rate, attracting more than 115,000 people each year. It underlines the Canadian city's status as one of North America's strongest markets for super cars.

Jason Heard, the show's executive director, said there are over 450 cars on site. Forty-four brands are showcasing their latest models, including some ultra-rare cars, classics and the latest in clean-tech vehicles.

"It's a celebration of all things automobile and it's all about what's coming next," Heard said. "It's about providing information, it's about education and entertainment."

J. Dubec, a local doctor, displayed his rare and highly-customized NSX, a sports car manufactured by Japan's Honda.

"It was a highly anticipated car," he said. "When it came out ... I was one of the first 200 owners in the world. This is car no. 178."

His model is one of only three in Canada and includes several firsts with a unique, wide body kit, titanium exhaust system and innovative air ride system.

He has taken care to maintain much of the stock components while working with car parts companies to modify the two-seater, which hovers only centimeters from the floor.

"Vancouver is neat because it is the unofficial super car capital of North America," Dubec said.