More than 50 Vehicle Debuts to be Unveiled at the LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The Los Angeles Auto Show opens Nov. 19-28with a record 50 vehicle debuts.  This year’s show features more elaborate and interactive exhibits and more manufacturers, making it one of the most dynamic LA Auto Shows in years.  As sales of new cars improve and consumers are faced with more vehicle choices, the show provides the most convenient way to compare the available options under one roof.  The annual event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, hosts more than 900 new vehicles and is one of the top automotive events worldwide.

Among the world debuts are three premieres from Nissan including the completely redesigned Quest minivan.  Land Rover will unveil its all-new, 5-door Range Rover Evoque and SAAB will showcase its first crossover, the 9-4X.  Convertibles are always a favorite in Los Angeles and two popular drop-tops making world debuts include the new Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and the redesigned Volkswagen Eos.  Several top-selling vehicles have received all new designs for 2011 including the Ford Explorer crossover, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Hyundai Elantra sedan.  And, returning to the United States after a 27-year hiatus, Italian automaker Fiat will feature its new compact vehicle, the Fiat 500–Cinquecento.

This year’s show also marks the arrival of the modern electric car era.  After years of anticipation, consumers can now purchase mass-production electric vehicles.  Los Angeles is expected to be one of the biggest markets for electric cars and the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF are the first to arrive.  With more than a dozen electric vehicles ranging from production to concept, the show provides a picture of the present and future of electric transportation.

Futuristic concept vehicles continue to be popular at the LA Auto Show.  This year features more than 15 concepts, including Mazda’s dramatic Shinari concept, Jaguar’s C-X75 electric super car and KIA’s POP electric concept with a spaceship-like cabin.  Lotus is completely relaunching its brand and will unveil five new concept sports cars that outline its future for years to come.  Also, several yet-to-be-seen and highly anticipated concepts are planned from Cadillac, Honda, Nissan and Subaru.

Attendees this year will benefit from more test drive opportunities than ever before.  Every day of the show, Ford and Land Rover will be offering unique test drives, including a rugged Land Rover off-road course and Ford’s outdoor urban expo featuring cars and trucks.  On Fridays through Sundays, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Toyota will let drivers get behind the wheel to test out a variety of its latest models.

The LA Auto Show also has an entire hall dedicated to the latest specialty vehicles, automotive accessories and customizing trends.  Everything from exotic custom cars, wheels, tires and performance products to the latest mobile, audio and entertainment systems can be found in Kentia Hall.  In addition to the dozen electric vehicles located throughout the show, several smaller manufacturers with pure electric vehicles will also be exhibiting in Kentia Hall.

The Nissan Quest Kids’ Fun Zone returns for a second year and is open both weekends, including the Thanksgiving holiday.  This family friendly play area features fun activities for kids of all ages and will offer video games, toy car rides and a variety of other games, crafts and activities free to show attendees.  With free admission for kids 12 and under, the LA Auto Showcontinues to be a popular and affordable destination for families.

The LA Auto Show is open to the public Nov. 19-28. Hours are: