The 2024 LA Auto Show was held Nov. 22 to Dec. 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It has served as one of the major U.S. auto shows for decades, but the Covid 19 pandemic caused a serious and abrupt decline in participation of auto manufacturers. Consequently, I skipped covering the show the past few years. Since then, however, it has been trying hard to make a comeback.
The laautoshow.com website enthusiastically encouraged visitors to: “Get on the road to your next new vehicle. Explore over 1 million square feet and discover HUNDREDS of the latest gas, hybrid and EV models from Acura, Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Ineos, Jeep, Kia, Lucid, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche Downtown LA, RAM, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast, Volkswagen and Volvo. Plus dive into the fun of car culture with hundreds more customs, exotics, classics, lowriders, motorsports and offroad vehicles showcased at every turn!”
Similar pre-auto show hype, distributed in press releases, got me so excited about the LA Auto Show that I decided to make the significant investment in time and resources, drive out to LA and cover it again. While it was still not as big and bold and spectacular as in its heyday, nevertheless it was worth the effort to return.
Annual auto shows serve the auto-buying public by showing us a wide variety of new vehicles from which to choose, from many auto manufacturers. They provide consumers with opportunities to see, sit in and sometime even drive vehicles — all in one location, and without any sales pressure. This helps consumers compare the automobiles and make informed decisions about which to purchase.
There are basically two kinds of new auto shows. Cities across the country typically present what are referred to as dealer shows, in which local auto dealers pool their resources and exhibit vehicles that represent what is available from their respective auto manufacturers. Specialty/custom vehicles and concepts are also added in to the mix, to further attract visitors.
Exhibits tend to be modest, mostly limited to a representative selection of new vehicles grouped together by auto manufacturers and displayed, with signage, on carpeting inside convention centers’ exhibit halls.
In contrast, major national auto shows have much greater direct participation by auto manufacturers. Los Angeles is one such show; Detroit and New York are others. Prior to Covid, there was wide-spread auto manufacturer participation. Many went all-out with elaborate, expensive, custom exhibits, unique and clever stunts, special press events and more to better compete for attention, to generate excitement for their new vehicles and technology.
Covid 19 changed that. Auto manufacturers drastically scaled back their participation in auto shows. Some long-time participants stayed away entirely.
The LA Auto Show represents a step in the right direction. There were lots of new vehicles, as well as some gorgeous concepts.
Hyundai remains committed to an automotive future that includes hydrogen. They presented the INITIUM — a new generation fuel cell concept SUV that will soon replace the NEXO.
Harbinger and Stellantis showed off innovative new chassis designs.
We got a close look at the new, all-electric, next-gen Dodge Charger. The Scat Pack serves up 670 horsepower, all-wheel drive, 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds.
Even Tesla made a rare appearance, featuring their fully autonomous Cybercab robotaxi — with no steering wheel.
One particular production vehicle that attracted attention was the FIAT Topolino. With its available ropes instead of side doors, it makes sense that it is not intended for use above 35mph.
Despite the organizers’ best efforts, the 2024 LA Auto Show still had a way to go to return to its former glory. Several of the world’s major auto manufactures did not make the trip to LA — including Mercedes, Audi and BMW. On the plus side, however, their absence left more room for the remaining exhibitors, who used it well (particularly GM). Additionally, some of the available space was allocated to indoor test drive opportunities, which were well-suited to the wide variety of electric vehicles. Hopefully, momentum is building for an even bigger and better 2025 LA Auto Show.
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Copyright © 2024 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #862
