World and North American Debuts Showcased at L.A. Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20, 2002; Automobile companies are developing more new models faster than ever before to appeal to consumers' broadening interest. Their efforts will be well represented at the first international automotive event of the year as the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show opens its doors Jan. 4 through 12.

Visitors to the show will see the most exciting, innovative and technologically-advanced vehicles ever built. From economical to luxurious and practical to fanciful, automakers are offering every type of vehicle to meet consumers' transportation needs, all conveniently displayed inside the Los Angeles Convention Center.

More than two dozen vehicles will be receiving their World or North American Debut this year at the L.A. Auto Show. Crediting Southern California's market strength and its influence on design and trends, automakers are preparing these production and concept vehicles for their first public appearance.

One company that's capitalizing on the region is Toyota, which is using the L.A. Auto Show to introduce its entirely new SCION brand. SCION is targeting the youth market with two new vehicles that will first be sold in California before expanding nationally eight months later.

Trucks and sport utility vehicles continue to dominate the automotive scene and have spurred several companies to enter the segment for the first time. Known exclusively for performance sports cars, Porsche is introducing the Cayenne SUV that, true to its heritage, offers up to 450 horsepower. Volkswagen unveils the Touareg, its first SUV that goes on sale in June, while Volvo introduces the first front-wheel drive variant of its all-new XC90.

Families who need a little extra cargo space are quickening their pulse for Crossover Utility Vehicles. Blending the roominess of an SUV with the handling characteristics of a sportier coupe, these new vehicles are creating quite a sensation. Best exemplifying this trend are the elegantly-styled 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, the muscular 2003 Nissan Murano and the recreational-inspired 2003 Honda Element.

Consumers are also going to see a bumper crop of all-new sedans, coupes and sports cars. Several models that are debuting have been completely redesigned for the new model year. Jaguar's flagship XJ is larger for 2004, yet lighter thanks to its all-aluminum construction, and the 2004 Audi A8 is the most sophisticated Audi ever built.

Not only is Mercedes-Benz introducing a more powerful version of the C320 Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan for 2003, it's also re-introducing the Maybach brand after a 62-year absence. The Maybach 57 is a $300,000 ultra-luxury automobile that buyers will individually commission to suit their personal preferences.

Sports car purists will find an abundant number of exotic wheels to dream about. Heading the list is the 2003 Ferrari Enzo which, at 660-horsepower, is the most powerful Ferrari ever built. BMW reveals the 2003 Alpina Roadster that is based on the svelte top-of-the-line Z8. Aston Martin will also be introducing something entirely new, and Cadillac becomes aggressive with the all-new XLR Roadster that exemplifies its new breakthrough design philosophy.

Southern California is known as a mecca for design. Therefore it's fitting that a number of innovative concept vehicles will be seen. Some of these will provide stark differences in their design approach, such as Cadillac's fighter jet-inspired Cien and Chevrolet's retro-looking Bel Air. Some concepts, like the Dodge M-80 pickup truck and the Saturn Sky, are being considered for production. The automakers will have product specialists observing consumers' likes and dislikes for further feedback.

Southern Californians continually buck conventional thinking, and nowhere is this more evident than in their transportation choices. Inside the L.A. Auto Show's Kentia Hall, visitors will discover a wide array of performance and aftermarket products to customize and care for their vehicles. More than 60 companies will be selling everything from custom wheels and high-tech electronics to car care products and body graphics, among much more.

Each year, the L.A. Auto Show selects one automobile company to showcase a slice of its motoring heritage. This year, the show pays tribute to James Bond and the Aston Martins that secret agent 007 helped popularize. The exhibit will feature the type of cars driven by the consummate connoisseur, including the legendary 1963 DB5 (Goldfinger) and 2003 V-12 Vanquish seen in Bond's newest film Die Another Day.

The L.A. Auto Show runs daily from Jan. 4 through 12. Admission for adults is $10 on weekends and $8 on weekdays. Senior citizens are admitted for $5 on weekdays. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.