The LA Auto Show has been dazzling car lovers for decades. It launched in 1907 with only 99 cars on display. Over 100 years later, attendees are still in awe of the technology transforming the automative industry. These days those enhancements look a bit different than they did at the start of the 20th century, and there are now hundreds of cars on display.
LA Splash got the chance to get a sneak preview of the beautiful cars on display and the amazing technologies being launched at the LA Auto Show during Automobility LA, a media preview day that kicks off the weeklong show. There were two big trends that all the car companies seem to be focusing on for the future – ELECTRIFICATION and COLOR.
The day kicked off with a press conference with Hyundai executives where they unveiled the Ionic 9 – the first of many electric vehicles to be highlighted that day. The Ionic 9 not only looks sleek and sophisticated, it will also charge faster than your cellphone and go from 0-60 MPH in 5 seconds. The company, which is now the 3rd largest automaker, said they are committed to innovation and sustainability, and they will be partnering with GM and Waymo, which will expand capabilities for each company in the clean vehicle space.
Ford, Jeep and Fiat also unveiled electric vehicles, and like Dodge, who will launch the RAM Rev in 2025 as their first fully electric vehicle, each company is committed to making a footprint on the environment in a positive way. Most vehicles offer bi-directional charging which means the car can come in handy should you have a power outage.
Many companies talked about their vehicles being “lounges” where drivers and passengers alike can enjoy comfort and style whether on the road, parked for a tailgate or camping. The new Ford Expedition, which was on display in all its glory was designed for riders to “linger longer.” It has a cargo tailgate for seating and food display, zoned exterior lighting for visibility outside the car at night, and luxurious seating inside. The new Jeep Wagoneer’s will be similar, and will be priced at a lower price point, as Jeep executives shared “it can’t just look like a Jeep and function like a Jeep, it needs to be priced like a Jeep too.” In fact, all Jeeps will be available at some of the lowest prices on the market, without compromising style or functionality.
We were treated to time on the test tracks too and got to enjoy vehicles in motion. The Ford Bronco proved it not only looks stunning but can handle the steepest hills and the bumpiest rocks – all with the smoothest possible ride. It drove over boulders better than a regular handles the streets of Los Angeles. Jeep had some incredible off-roading experiences on their test track, showcasing the off-roading capabilities the company is known for and the incredible suspension of their vehicles. Volkswagen gave a ride in their sleek new ID. Buzz, an updated nod to the famed VW Bus. This vehicle might just make vans cool again. It comes in 11 color styles and the interiors are just as stunning as the exteriors.
Speaking of color, next to the number of electric vehicles on display, this was the most common trend of the show. So many cars in so many new colors. When you think of vehicles from yesteryear, color was common – seeing a car pass by that was teal, pink, yellow or blue was an everyday occurrence. While today’s vehicles don’t have the same glamour as their vintage counterparts, it certainly is nice to see them in more colors than the standard black, gold, silver and white we are used to. At the LA Auto Show, we saw vehicles in beautiful shades of green, blue, orange/rust, and more – from the softest hues to the most electric shades.
While modern cars showcase innovation and creativity, seeing what an artist can do to transform a vehicle is inspiring. West Coast Customs had a huge display at the LA Auto Show, where guests could see some of the amazing transformations the team has made on vehicles both old and new. The center showpiece was the souped-up Maybach 57 that West Coast Customs did for Kanye West and Jay-Z, which was used in their music video, “Otis.” While the company reached fame with their TV show, they are paying it forward with the West Coast Customs Academy, where students learn the ins and outs of the automotive technician industry in detail. They work from the inside of the car to the out, learning everything from upholstery to metal fabrication. We had a chance to talk with Julian, who runs the academy. Staying in touch with students, Julian has seen them grow into incredible artists and technicians and find stability in their lives. He coaches and guides students, helping them find and achieve their highest potential. Other ladies will agree, it’s no surprise to hear that Julian said the most badass students they have had have been women. The academy is proving that dedication to a trade you love can pay off, no matter your gender, your age or your background. Los Angeles County’s Justice Care & Opportunities Department agrees and is now partnering with West Coast Customs to help keep people off the streets of LA, out of the justice system and on a path to fulfillment. We know that cars transport us from point A to point B, but the LA Auto Show also shows that a livelihood in the industry can change lives.
For more information on the LA Auto Show, visit laautoshow.com. The show will run through December 1, 2024 and will return in fall 2025. To find an auto show near you, visit autoshowsofnorthamerica.com.
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