The theme reflects the fact that California's lifestyle and attitudes have an impact upon how people around the world perceive and utilize automobiles. Cars are an integral part of both ist lifestyle and culture, and with Hollywood movies and television shows to spread the word, the world looks to California for the latest trends and styles. Expressive, health-conscious, fun-loving and daring-to-be-different; these are the qualities that give California its unique character.

Four of the world's largest automakers have already committed to unveil at least one concept vehicle each as a part of their support for the California Dreamin' 2000 theme. DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen will lead the way to what will be the most world debuts of concept cars and production vehicles in the history of the L.A. Auto Show.

"Manufacturers recognize that California is not only a huge marketplace, but also a trend-setter for new ideas and products. Consequently, they regard the L.A. Auto Show as an important part of their strategic plans," says Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. "The show is still over six months away and we already know there will be more than a dozen world debuts of concept cars and production vehicles. In the coming months, additional announcements will be made about the world debuts and other California Dreamin' 2000 activities," says Lisa Kaz, show director of the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

Storied Oldsmobile nameplate personified power and sales to division
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More than 11.9 million models were built over the 38-year span including coupes, convertibles, hardtops, sedan and station wagons.

1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass-GLS Sedan

Photo: GM

With performance on the mind in the mid-1960's from all auto makers, Oldsmobile turned up the heat in 1965 when a 400 cubic inch engine was added to the "442" model.
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1961 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Photo: GM

An even hotter version was added in 1968. Oldsmobile and Hurst Performance teamed up to produce the Hurst/Olds version of the "442", a low volume car that packed a massive 455 cubic inch V8 producing a whopping 360 horsepower.
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The 1970's brought many sales records for the model, as the Cutlass became the best-selling intermediate car in 1973. By 1975, Cutlass was the best seller for the division and in 1976 Cutlass was the best seller in the country! Nearly a quarter of a million Cutlass Supreme hardtops was sold in 1977.

1976 Oldsmobile Cutless "S"
- America's best-selling passenger car

Photo: GM

The next major change to the line-up occurred in 1982 when the first of the front-wheel-drive Cutlass Ciera models were introduced. A new Ciera coupe was added in 1986. The same year, Oldsmobile had three nameplates in the top 10 domestic sales race including Cutlass Ciera and Cutlass Supreme along with the Delta 88. The final model Cutlass was introduced in 1997 as part of Oldsmobile's Centennial line-up. All new and replacing the Ciera, the last Cutlass was a trim sedan with a crisply tailored, elegant interior and exterior look. With a long list of standard features, it became a whole new expression of value for Oldsmobile.

As the Cutlass name passes into automotive history, Karen Francis, general manager for the division, places the final version of the car in its rightful context as one of the brands that helped turn Oldsmobile around. "The Cutlass was one of the most popular cars in GMs history and this last model played a key transitional role for Oldsmobile," Francis said. "The Cutlass was instrumental in the evolution to the new Alero, which is a key ingredient of our expressive product portfolio for the future."