Modern Electric Car Era Begins November at the LA Auto Show
By Los Angeles Auto Show, PRNEMonday, September 20, 2010
Mass-Production Electric Vehicles Become Available to Consumers
LOS ANGELES, September 21, 2010 - A new era of modern, electric drive transportation begins at the Los
Angeles Auto Show this November. Worldwide, nearly all major automakers have
announced plans for an electric car in the next few years and Los Angeles
will receive the first arrivals in the next several months.
(Photo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100921/LA67374-a) (Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100921/LA67374-a) (Photo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100921/LA67374-b) (Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100921/LA67374-b) (Logo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO) (Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO)
Auto manufacturers are looking to Los Angeles to lead the charge in early
electric vehicle adoption, much as Los Angeles continues to lead in hybrid
vehicles sales. Since Los Angeles is recognized as a trendsetter for the
automotive industry, it makes sense that at least a half-dozen electric
vehicles will make news during the LA Auto Show Press Days Nov. 17 and 18.
The first electric cars to kick-off this new era are the Chevrolet Volt
and Nissan Leaf, expected to arrive in November and December of this year,
respectively.
Several other electric vehicles will debut at the LA Auto Show including
the North American, production-version of Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and Toyota's
RAV4 EV concept. Expected to be one of the next electric vehicles to hit
dealerships, the i-MiEV model debuting at the LA Show will be wider and will
also include an upgraded list of standard and optional interior features to
make it more attractive to the U.S. buyer. Toyota's RAV4 EV will use Tesla's
lithium-ion battery packs, which will be modified to become more aerodynamic.
Toyota has been testing prototypes of the car, which is scheduled to hit the
market in 2012.
This drive toward the electrification of the automobile has also spawned
new manufacturers focused exclusively on the electric vehicle market.
Expected to reveal important news are at least two leaders in this category,
including Santa Monica, California-based Coda Automotive and luxury electric
car maker, Fisker Automotive. Both manufacturers are expected to make
customer deliveries in 2011.
"After years of anticipation, electric vehicles are finally here," said
Andy Fuzesi, LA Auto Show general manager. "It may take years for electric
vehicles to be accepted broadly, but it's undeniable that an electric era has
officially begun."
For the first time ever, the coveted Green Car of the Year award nominees
will feature electric vehicles. The focus of the Green Car of the Year award
is to recognize significant environmental achievement in a production
vehicle. Having electric vehicles qualify for the prestigious award is
further evidence that the modern electric car era is finally beginning in
earnest. The winner will once again be unveiled at an LA Auto Show press
conference on Nov. 18.
Significant announcements about infrastructure are also expected at the
show. Specifically, one of the region's major utility providers, Southern
California Edison, will address important questions about the costs of
operating this new generation of plug-in vehicle. Also, PEP charging stations
will be on hand to demonstrate what is required for both in-home and
commercial charging of electric vehicles.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show
The 2010 LA Auto Show will feature at least 20 world debuts and more than
20 North American debuts. Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18, will feature more than
25 press conferences from manufacturers around the globe. To receive the
latest show news and information visit www.laautoshow.com. Media registration
is now open at LAautoshow.com/Press.html. Join the LA Auto Show conversation
by following the Show on Twitter at Twitter.com/LAAutoShow.
Jessica Schmidt, +1-310-552-4177, jschmidt at rogerspr.com, for Los Angeles Auto Show
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