Eight
Manufacturers Confirm World Debuts for Los Angeles Auto Show
Automakers
Respond to Earlier Dates
LOS ANGELES - In
a town renowned for its star-studded premieres, the automotive
industry's stars will shine brighter than ever in Hollywood
this November. Already, eight manufacturers -- Audi, Ford,
General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen
-- are staging world debuts of production or concept vehicles
at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. And, some of these
companies are planning multiple debuts.
Manufacturers are
intensifying their efforts on the LA Auto Show. For example,
Nissan is hosting its first world premiere in LA since 1999.
And in addition to more debuts, automakers are increasing
their off-site evening activities for journalists.
"This is the
earliest the show has received such major commitments for
world debuts," said Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the
LA Auto Show. "We're still four months away from the
show, and there will be even more debuts announced."
The stature of
the LA Auto Show will be 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.
The enormity
and significance of the Southern California market have long
made the LA Auto Show a desirous venue for automakers to
stage debuts.
However,
conflicting dates with the Detroit show made it difficult
for automakers and journalists to devote resources
simultaneously to both shows.
The new November dates
resolve that 25-year conflict and allow the LA Auto Show to
stand alone on the international auto show calendar.
For the first
time in its history, the LA Auto Show has received
international sanctioning from the Paris-based Ogranisation
Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA). The
international automotive trade association acknowledged the
significance of this year's LA Auto Show by placing it on the
official international show calendar.
General Motors
Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will open press days by
delivering a keynote address at the Motor Press Guild
Breakfast on Wednesday, November 29. Wagoner is expected to
discuss the challenges and opportunities facing GM and other
auto manufacturers in the 21st century.
Press days for
the LA Auto Show are November 29 and 30, and public days are
December 1-10, 2006.
