November 17th 2024.
Last year, the organizers of the Los Angeles Auto Show were eagerly anticipating a return to normalcy after the Covid-19 pandemic. However, their plans were unexpectedly disrupted by a 46-day strike by the United Auto Workers and a fire in the downtown district of the city.
The strike, which began in mid-September, affected workers from major car manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, a relatively new company formed in 2021 and comprising of 14 different brands. Then, on November 11th, a fire broke out just 10 days before some of the show's initial events were scheduled to take place.
As a result of the fire, Interstate 10 and its exits and entrances were shut down, prompting Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to urge citizens to stay on the freeways. The show's organizers were forced to make adjustments and the end result was a more streamlined version of the event. Despite the challenges, there were still plenty of new vehicles and industry showcases on display, including electric vehicle test drives and vintage car exhibits. Some outdoor events were moved indoors to fill the empty spaces.
According to Andy Steinhauser, the show's director of sponsorship and business development, there was a noticeable gap in the proceedings that wouldn't normally be seen at the LA Auto Show. However, he also acknowledged that the automotive industry is constantly evolving and the concept of auto shows is shifting towards a more consumer-focused approach. The organizers are working hard to bring back the industry event and adapt it for the future.
In recent years, some manufacturers have chosen to debut their vehicles at private events rather than at the auto show. This trend has become more frequent at the LA Auto Show as well. The next edition of the show is scheduled to take place from November 22nd and will run for 10 days. It will feature over 1,000 vehicles on display in the convention center and surrounding areas, with several consumer test drives of electric and off-road brands also scheduled.
The LA Auto Show is unique in that it takes place towards the end of the year, in line with the changing nature of the industry. With vehicles being launched throughout the year, it's possible to see models from 2024 to 2026 being showcased as new. Stellantis and many other major manufacturers will be returning with their brands, while some, like Porsche, will have their own separate exhibition halls. Other returning brands include Buick, GMC, and Hummer, while new debuts will include INEOS Automotive's Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster models. The Nilu Hypercar, which was unveiled at Monterey Auto Week in August, will also make its first appearance in Southern California.
There will be a wide range of brands on display, from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen and Cadillac to Toyota. The show will also feature its usual array of concept cars, up-and-coming brands, and unique vehicles.
According to Steinhauser, the show caters to two types of audiences: those who simply love cars, and those who may not attend every year but come back every few years when they're in the market for a new vehicle or their family situation changes.
This year, the show will also feature a new section called the Fleet Mobility Showcase, which will showcase vehicles, technology, and product innovations in the fleet sector. This will include everything from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks from companies like Ford Pro, Nikola, Isuzu, GM Envolve, Bollinger Motors, and Motiv Power Systems.
In recent years, the LA Auto Show has seen the debut of promising new car brands such as Byton, Canoo, EdisonFuture, Elio, Fisker, and Mullen. However, many of these brands have since disappeared or are currently on hiatus or in development. Steinhauser believes that the show provides a unique environment where people can see all of these brands and vehicles in one place, an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
For more information on the LA Auto Show, including ticket prices, show hours, transportation options, and parking, please visit their website at laautoshow.com or contact them via email at
[email protected] or by phone at 444-1850. James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also writes about business, lifestyle, sports, and travel for various print and online publications. He can be reached at
[email protected].
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