Growing Number of World Debuts Staged for Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1 -- In a shift of emphasis, automakers are planning to conduct more world debuts than ever before at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Earlier dates now make the LA Auto Show the first major North American auto show of the season. A record-breaking 21 world debuts and 12-plus North American introductions are set to occur during press days, Nov. 29, 2006 and 30.

Bolstered by manufacturers' support of the new dates, the LA Auto Show will be the platform for world debuts from automakers looking to gain an early edge for their newest production and concept vehicles. Yet even before press days begin, several automakers are infusing Los Angeles' entertainment spirit by hosting off-site media events beginning Nov. 28.

According to Ed Welburn, General Motors' vice president of global design, all things indicate that 2006 is the year the LA show really catches stride.

"California has long been a leader in cutting-edge design, advanced technology and environmental awareness -- three areas that are literally redefining the automobile around the world, and three areas where GM is intensely focused right now," Welburn said. "As a trend-setting show in arguably the most influential market in the world, the Los Angeles Auto Show is a major platform for positioning our company with global automotive leaders and media."

Punctuating GM's presence will be four world debuts, including an all-new hybrid SUV. Additionally, GM Chairman Rick Wagoner will deliver the opening press day keynote address on the challenges and opportunities facing GM and other automakers.

Global News

Introductions cover the global spectrum, with debuts coming from European, Asian and domestic automakers. Several companies are keeping their plans secret until press days, while others are beginning to reveal which production models will be introduced. Among some of the vehicles now being publicly teased are the Audi TT Roadster, BMW's X5 and the first-ever BMW Hydrogen 7, a roadster version of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, a re-designed Ford Escape and the all-new Buick Enclave.

Another shift occurring with the LA Auto Show is the growing emphasis of design. In addition to the show hosting upwards of 500 automobile designers at the third Design Los Angeles conference, there will be a record number of seven concept vehicles making their world debut. Four of these seven -- Acura, Honda, Hyundai and Mazda -- were designed by their Los Angeles-based studios. These concepts are expected to be forward-thinking expressions of new design directions for their brands.

"With our U.S. headquarters in the Los Angeles area and our R&D Design Centers playing an ever increasing global role, it makes great sense for American Honda to increase our presence at the LA Auto Show," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Co., Inc. "Both Honda and Acura will conduct world debuts of new concept vehicles at this year's show and we believe these concepts reflect the automotive excitement and passion of our Southern California designers."

Additionally, more than a dozen vehicles are being introduced to the North American market for the first time. From Audi and its R8 super sports car to Volvo's nimble new C30, a wide range of model types will be revealed, including vehicles from Ferrari, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

The stature of the LA Auto Show is being elevated significantly as a result of more world debuts and an increase in media attendance and coverage. Thus, the adopted theme for this year's show, "A New Beginning," aptly captures this pivotal point in the show's history.

Acknowledging the growing importance of the LA Auto Show, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), an international automotive trade association, has placed the show on its international calendar for the first time.