Automakers Unveil Significant World and North American Debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES -

A cautiously optimistic automotive industry will kick off the North American auto show season by launching all-new vehicles and featuring ground-breaking technology at the Los Angeles Auto Show’s press days Dec. 2-3. The show will open to the public Dec. 4-13.

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Approximately 30 vehicles will make their World and North American debuts in Los Angeles. World debuts will be unveiled from manufacturers including Audi, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota and others yet to be announced. As the first major North American auto show of the season, it will deliver a preview of how the recent changes in the industry, the environment and the economy will ultimately affect what consumers drive.

“This is a critical time for the auto industry and we are already seeing the manufacturers respond to the new challenges with some truly innovative products,” said Andy Fuzesi, general manager, LA Auto Show. “It’s exciting that the LA Auto Show will play host to manufacturers showcasing the future of the automobile.”

This year’s show will feature advances in green technology in nearly every car category from compact to luxury vehicles. Electric vehicles are a significant trend at this year’s show with several manufacturers featuring dramatic, all-electric or plug-in concepts. Virtually every manufacturer will showcase its upcoming, fuel-efficient vehicle lineup including the latest advances in clean diesel, hybrid and other alternative fueled vehicles. There will also be new small-car offerings with more fuel-efficient yet powerful traditional gas engines.

As a traditional feature of the show, sports cars and luxury vehicles will continue to have a strong presence in Los Angeles with debuts from Audi, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls Royce and others.

It is expected that nearly all major manufacturers will be communicating positive company momentum and unveiling their road maps for growth in North America. Many automakers, including Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, will have a stronger presence in Los Angeles than the previous year. Both Ford and General Motors will be unveiling world debuts and GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson will be delivering a special keynote presentation on opening press day. Ford is increasing its exhibit presence and says auto shows are gaining in importance due to the increase in new product introductions.

The LA Auto Show has continued to grow in stature as an international auto show since it changed its dates to the fall three years ago. Since then, media attendance has more than tripled and the show has seen an increase in the significance of vehicle debuts unveiled. Also, with Los Angeles as the nation’s largest car market, the show continues to be a leading harbinger of the nation’s consumer trends.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held on Dec. 2-3 for press and Dec. 4-13 for the public. Media registration is now open. This year, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), the world automobile trade association, has officially named the Los Angeles Auto Show as one of its sanctioned international exhibitions. For more information, please visit www.laautoshow.com

Source: 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

Jessica Schmidt of The Rogers Group, +1-310-552-4177, LAautoshow at rogerspr.com, for 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show; Logo: https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO