Media Days Attracts Journalists, Auto Designers and Industry Executives
The covers will be flying off of more
than two dozen new vehicles as they make their World or North American debuts during media days, Jan. 5 and 6, at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Of those,12 vehicles will be making their worldwide premieres.
Car manufacturers don't typically reveal too many details in advance of a new model's official introduction, which is certainly the case for Bentley Motors. The luxury automaker plans to bring an up-to-now totally confidential
world premiere to the show. Details will be announced at the Bentley Motors news conference on Jan. 5.
For the past several years, General Motors has capitalized on the LA Auto Show to introduce a host of significant new vehicles. This year, Chevrolet and Pontiac are leading the way by showcasing 2006 production models including
the all-new Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Torrent.
But GM is not the only manufacturer putting a major emphasis on the LA Auto Show in order to reach the broad base of media and North America's
largest new car-buying market. Volkswagen has stepped forward with a significant debut and enhanced overall presence at the show.
The most important vehicle in Volkswagen's lineup, the Jetta, has been completely redesigned for 2005 and will make its World debut in Los Angeles.
Volkswagen AG Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder demonstrates the vehicle's importance to the company by paying a special visit to attend the
introduction. Pischetsrieder also will be the keynote speaker at the Motor Press Guild kickoff breakfast on Jan. 5.
"Pischetsrieder is one of the automotive industry's most influential CEOs -- and one who knows cars," said Matt Stone, executive editor of Motor Trend, and MPG's Keynote Address chairman. "He has a lot to say about our business, and he's not afraid to say it."
In addition to Bentley, General Motors and Volkswagen, other manufacturers are utilizing the LA Auto Show to conduct World debuts. This includes BMW,DaimlerChrysler, Ford and Jaguar, all of whom are keeping quiet on specifics.
Supporting the worldwide launches is a host of significant vehicles making their North American debuts. Among the automakers are Audi, which unveils three models, including its all-new sporty 2006 A3 five-door hatchback, and Porsche with its redesigned 2005 Boxster.
This year, newcomers Spyker and Venturi will be making their North American debuts as car companies. The Netherlands-based Spyker builds a two-seat roadster called the C8 that makes use of a 4.2-liter Audi V-8 that, in twin-turbocharged form, helps reach a top speed of 200 mph. And Monaco-based Venturi makes an electric-motored sports car called the Fetish, which will
sell in limited quantities.
LA Auto Show Theme -- Design Los Angeles
The theme for this year's LA Auto Show is Design Los Angeles, which recognizes the global influence of the Los Angeles region as an automotive
design center. A fundamental part of the theme is the integration of an automobile designers' conference within the second media day, Jan. 6.
This is the first conference of its kind developed at an auto show that provides designers with meetings, prominent speakers and discussion topics
specifically geared toward the automotive design discipline. Some of these sessions will be open to media, providing journalists with access to and
interaction with designers.
The 2005 LA Auto Show will be open to the public from Jan. 7 through 16, with media days held Jan. 5 and 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For
additional information, please click here.