The Greening of the L.A. Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the largest and continuous auto shows in the world, held annually in November of each year at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Originally a January event, 
the show was moved in 2006 to distance itself from the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. That move has paid off as it has raised the visibility of the show, attracting an increased number of new models and concept cars while also bringing in an expanding press corps eager to provide coverage.
This year’s show will be held November 21-30, with several new cars expected to make their debut along with the first showings of a smattering of concept vehicles. Among the cars expected to be launched in Los Angeles are: the next generation Ford Mustang, Ferrari California, Nissan 370Z, Mazda3, electric MINI Cooper, natural gas-powered Toyota Camry, and more. Reportedly, General Motors is scaling back on which models will make their American debut at Los Angeles, with some reports indicating that major new releases will be saved for Detroit in a bid to control expenses.
As might be expected, the Los Angeles show has a strong environmental theme, with several special events being marked during the press days immediately prior to the public showing. Green Car Journal will announce the 2009 Green Car of the Year (GCOY) award, most recently bestowed upon the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid for 2008. That vehicle won because the judges recognized the importance of a large SUV achieving comparable fuel economy numbers to a midsize sedan.
The keynote speaker for the Motor Press Guild’s breakfast on November 19th will be Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Renault S.A. Ghosn, one of the most recognized names in the automotive industry. Reportedly, Ghosn has been quietly negotiating with Chrysler to obtain a stake in that automaker’s operation, a combination that would create an alliance just behind Toyota and General Motors in the number of vehicles sold. Presently, the Nissan-Renault Alliance produces more than 6.1 million vehicles annually; with a Chrysler stake that number could approach 9 million units.
For the press corps, perhaps one of the most interesting events will be the Green Cars/LA Auto Show Ride and Drive, set for Nov. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event will bring together one of the most significant selections of green and high-mileage vehicles available for side-by-side test drives. At least 25 vehicles will be available from 11 manufacturers representing North American, European and Asian automakers including hydrogen fuel cell, electric, gas-electric hybrids, biodiesel and clean diesel vehicles.
Online ticket sales begin on November 1st with prices set at $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. As in previous years, the show will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
Update: I plan to be at both Press Days at this year’s show and will share my findings with readers during and after the event.
(Source: Los Angeles Auto Show)
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October 28th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Many Americans want low cost, fuel efficient cars.
Kei cars are a special class of cars in Japan. They are limited to an engine size of 660cc and have vehicle size, but not weight, restrictions. They are made by many different Japanese car companies and they are mature designs that are reliable, and get up to 60 mpg. They can cost less than $10,000.
If these cars were converted to hybrids, they might get 100 mpg.
However, they can’t be driven in the U.S. because they can’t meet U.S. crash test requirements.
I believe that adding my crumple box invention to a Kei car will allow it to pass U.S. safety requirements. Then it could be driven in the U.S.
Some American auto companies have ties to Kei car manufacture. They could make these cars.
Please help me promote this idea.
See my website http://www.safersmallcars.com
October 28th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Shopa, crumple technology is necessary for smaller cars, but it doesn’t ensure that body trauma won’t be felt by passengers no matter how intact cars are after a crash.
There are many ways to get better fuel economy out of bigger and safer cars — I, for one, don’t want to drive a coffin on wheels and wouldn’t expose my family to such dangers either.
October 29th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I think it’s a very fine line between ultra-fuel efficient cars, and crash safety. Gotta agree with both the guys above in some respects. I’d be more than happy to see a fuel efficient ‘regular’ sized car. Kei=too small, Hummer=too large. Not to pin all the hopes on the Volt, but here’s to hoping it delivers as promised and inspires other manufacturers to follow.
gMoneys last blog post..Social Games developer Playfish lands $17 Million in Financing
October 29th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Midsize is something I can personally live with and have noticed several hybrid models from Toyota, Ford, and GM in this category, Honda too. I don’t care if I never see 100 mpg, but if I can get 35-40 mpg on the highway, then I’m thrilled — just keep me and my family safe and allow me to ride in some comfort.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I was surprised when I did the calculations that are shown on my website http://www.safersmallcars.com.
Only 15 pounds of honeycomb aluminum and a bumper on an
18 inch shaft will reduce the g forces of side impact to only 20 g’s. The federal standard allows up to 85 g’s. Big cars are narrow on their sides and don’t offer much crumple zone. You will be better off in a small car with my invention than in a conventional large car.