Record Attendance Kicks Off the New Year at the 1998 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show

21 January 1998

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20 -- An all-time record crowd of
902,882 automotive consumers viewed the newest vehicles at the 1998 Greater
Los Angeles Auto Show and gave the industry a strong look into the upcoming
year.  The overwhelming consumer turnout set a new attendance record during
the Shows 10 public day run from January 2 through 11 at the Los Angeles
Convention Center -- shattering last year's record by approximately
150,000 people.
    Southern California consumers flocked to the Los Angeles Convention Center
not only to see the industry's newest vehicles, but debuts of more than two
dozen models, concept cars and the all-new Volkswagen Beetle, which
simultaneously debuted in L.A. and Detroit.
    "This consistent increase of public interest re-confirms the Show's
importance," said Andy Fuzesi, the Show's general manager.  "Los Angeles is
the most culturally diverse and largest new car buying market in the world,
which automakers capitalize on through their involvement with the Show."
    The energy started mounting around 7 a.m. opening Friday morning when
anxious visitors began lining up at the ticket booths, although the Show
didn't officially open until 11 a.m. later that morning.  More than
100,000 people explored manufacturer exhibits on the first day -- setting a
strong precedence for the Show's remaining nine days.
    "Consumers are just as anxious as the media in wanting to see the latest
industry technology, designs, safety features, upgrades and
environmentally-friendly vehicles.  They know that the Show gives them an
opportunity to browse, research and discuss vehicles with qualified
manufacturer and dealer representatives all under one roof," said Jack Ellis,
president of the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association, which
annually endorses the L.A. Auto Show.

SOURCE  VL Communications Group