Four More Automakers Confirm World Debuts for Los Angeles Auto Show

Acura, Aston Martin, BMW and DaimlerChrysler Join The Debut Parade

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 -- The Los Angeles Auto Show's theme of "A New Beginning" is clearly evident as Acura, Aston Martin, BMW and DaimlerChrysler are the latest companies to confirm world debuts for this year's show. This brings the total number of automakers planning world introductions to 12, with some having multiple vehicle unveilings. The four new additions join Audi, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen as companies with production and concept world debuts for Los Angeles.

This has been a resounding statement from the world's automakers for the LA Auto Show's earlier new dates. "The show is taking a significant jump in stature throughout the automotive industry," says Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show.

Press days highlights:

* A record 24 manufacturer press conferences over two days, with 18 World

debuts and more than a dozen North American debuts * GM Chairman Rick Wagoner opens press days as MPG Keynote speaker

* Significantly more media attendance and coverage is expected

* Off-site evening manufacturer media events

* Yokohama Media Center doubles in size and offers new services

* Convenient new online media registration opens Sept. 15

For the first time in the show's history, Los Angeles has received international sanctioning from the Paris-based Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA). The international automotive trade association acknowledged the significance of this year's LA Auto Show by placing it on the international show calendar.

Press days are Nov. 29 and 30, 2006. The show will be open to the public Dec. 1-10, 2006.