Record Number of Debuts Help NAIAS Shatter Attendance Records

18 January 2000

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17 -- A new nine-day record
1,004,275 consumers went California Dreamin' for the newest automobiles at the
2000 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show that closed yesterday at the L.A.
Convention Center.  The new attendance figure surpasses last year's nine-day
attendance of 860,229.
    Fueled by a healthy economy and surging new car sales, automakers rolled
out nearly three dozen never-before-seen production models and concept
vehicles to highlight the more than 1,000 vehicles on display.  The number of
vehicles that received their World or North American debut also is a record
for the L.A. Auto Show.
    The two Media Days that preceded the public opening attracted journalists
and industry executives from around the world and across the U.S. who watched
as automakers staged entertaining and informative news conferences.  Many
automakers took advantage of the show's California Dreamin' 2000 theme by
incorporating it into their presentations.  For instance, Los Angeles Lakers
Center Shaquille O'Neal made a surprise appearance by helping Lincoln Mercury
President Mark Hutchins introduce the extended Lincoln LS.
    Among the new models and concept vehicles that received their World or
North American debut were:

    Production Models
      2001 Acura CL
      2001 Audi TT Roadster
      2001 BMW Z8
      2001 BMW 3Series Sports Wagon
      2000 Daewoo Korando
      2000 DeTomaso Mangusta
      2001 Infiniti QX4
      2000 Kia Spectra GS
      2000 Kia Spectra GSX
      2001 Lexus IS 300
      2001 Mazda Tribute
      2001 Pontiac Aztek2000 Porsche 911 Turbo
      2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche
      2001 Saturn SC

    Concept Vehicles
      Buick Regal Cielo
      Cadillac EldoRODo
      Chrysler Java
      Dodge Neon SRT
      Ford Desert Excursion
      Ford Mustang Bullitt
      Honda Spocket
      Hyundai Equus
      Lincoln LS
      Mazda Miata Mono Posto
      Mercury Mountaineer
      Mitsubishi SUW
      Oldsmobile Profile
      Saturn CV1
      Subaru ST/X
      Suzuki GV Platinum
      Toyota Ultimate Celica
      Toyota Celica Convertible
      Volkswagen Baja Bug

    In addition to the many debuts and news conferences, the Art Center
College of Design showcased senior design studies and works in progress, while
the panel discussion attracted an overflow crowd to listen to design
luminaries discuss the future of design.