LOS ANGELES, California (November 17, 2010) For the past several years, the Los Angeles Auto Show has waged a quiet war against Detroit for the title of top auto show in the country. It's an unofficial war, and the only battles are the number of new-model introductions and attendance figures - for both the press and the general public. Still, both sides consider themselves to be Number One. So, for that matter, does the Chicago Auto Show, which arguably has the best venue of the trio, but for the past couple of years hasn't provided nearly as many vehicle launches as in the past.
New York, the fourth contender, hosts one of the most active auto shows, but it doesn't take place until just before Easter each year. Nowadays, the fact that Los Angeles holds its auto show in November, versus January for Detroit and February for Chicago, is a point in its favor.
Before the 2010 show opened, the Los Angeles organizers were promising more than 50 new-model debuts (either global or North American). That's an impressive total, making Los Angeles one show not to be missed this fall. More than 20 major manufacturers held news conferences during the two-day Press Period, along with several lesser-known makes.
As expected, alternative-fuel vehicles - especially electrics - took the spotlight in Los Angeles. But style and performance definitely weren't forgotten. Several auto companies that have been through troubled times in the past couple of years used Los Angeles as a launch pad, to demonstrate that they're back on track and ready to roll into a fresh future.
Stefan Jacoby, the recently-named president/CEO of Volvo, delivered the keynote address on the first Press Day of the show. Now owned by a Chinese holding company, after many years of falling under Ford's stewardship, the Swedish automaker needed to show that it remains an independent organization, not under the thumb of the Chinese.
Volvo is an "independent company," Jacoby advised, "with GSP [the Chinese company] our shareholder." In the future, "Volvo will be even more Volvo than ever before." Acknowledging that Volvo has "lost ground" in the U.S. market since its peak in 2004, Jacoby stated that "now you can say we are starting at the bottom and looking up.... At Volvo, we are incurable optimists." In the years ahead, "Volvo will be one global brand." Jacoby further emphasized that "we will not give up our quality standards, our safety standards."
Jacoby recalled that Volvo had entered the U.S. market way back in 1955, when 26 PV544 models were sold. Four years later, a Volvo engineer developed the three-point safety belt, helping to initiate the Swedish automaker's long-standing reputation for safety. Today, Volvo provides a "special kind of luxury," Jacoby said: "Scandinavian luxury," focusing on "elegant simplicity." Furthermore, "if a design isn't functional, it can't be beautiful, either." Even though people are turning to fuel-efficiency, Jacoby noted that "they don't want to compromise with the joy" of driving.
Here's a quick rundown on the major news conferences that followed Jacoby's speech, in alphabetical order.
Audi: A completely new model from the premium German automaker made its North American debut at Los Angeles. Dubbed the A7 Sportback, this sizable hatchback is reminiscent of the 5-Series GT that BMW introduced a year ago, defying the conventional wisdom that hatchbacks won't attract customers - especially in the near-luxury league. Audi promises sedan-like comfort, combined with the convenience of a wagon, powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
Also seen for the first time in North America was the latest version of Audi's flagship sedan: the long-wheelbase A8L. A 4.2-liter V-8 engine drives an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, delivering a claimed 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway,
Buick: After introducing an abundantly redesigned Regal sedan for 2010, Buick - one of four remaining General Motors brands - brought out the production version of a sporty Regal GS at Los Angeles.
Chevrolet: Finally ready for sale, the Volt extended-range electric sedan made a splash in Los Angeles, including the introduction of a group of owners who are ready to receive their cars. Chevrolet announced that the Volt had been named Motor Trend Car of the Year. A day later at the show, the Volt would earn the title of Green Car of the Year. Deliveries begin in late November-early December. Chevrolet also showed a new TV commercial with the theme: "It's more than electric."
Also on hand was a far different sort of Chevrolet: the Camaro convertible, ready to join the Camaro coupe that debuted for 2010. Marketing vice-president Chris Perry promoted the convertible's reinforced structure, promising "coupe-like dynamics." Sales begin in February.
Chrysler: Olivier Francois, president/CEO of the Chrysler brand, began by acknowledging that "we are at a crossroads," with one side pointing toward failure and other to "greatness." In his view, "this is our one chance to make it right." Reworking each model involved "what we didn't even know was missing," he said.
Francois introduced a pair of models for 2011: the new Chrysler 200 sedan, and the Town & Country minivan. The 200 is actually the successor to the Sebring, though no mention of that model was made. Elegant mood music accompanied Francois' presentation, in which he slowly ticked off the areas that had been attended to: "every cut ... every angle ... every detail ... stronger ... tighter ... faster ... louder ... meaner ... sexier." Chrysler claims 29-mpg highway mileage from the 283-horsepower V-6 engine. The 200 "delivers what you deserve," Francois concluded, "not just what you paid for." It's "time to close the elusive gap between aspiration and ownership."
Chrysler's minivan gets new front and rear suspension, a new fascia and foglamps, and a fresh grille and rear end. A fuel economizer switch is installed, and 25-mpg highway gas mileage is estimated with the 283-horsepower engine and six-speed automatic transmission. A new gated shifter is used, a heated steering wheel is available, and the remote starter unit can warm the interior and seats. Moving past the "era of de-contenting," buyers should pay extra for "features you want, not features you need," Francois said.
Dodge: Ralph Gilles, who rose from design chief to president/CEO of the Dodge brand, delivered what was arguably the most exuberant, hype-laden presentation on the show floor to introduce the 2011 car lineup. "This is a huge day for Dodge," Gilles began, running past his allotted 20-minute time span despite talking rapidly and nonstop to describe each reworked Dodge model. The Avenger gets a new global four-cylinder engine that "brings the fun back," Gilles said, and "has that menacing look." Reaching past the prior Avenger, this one will "just about intimidate you," Gilles insisted. Before, Gilles went on, the Avenger "just didn't handle the way it looked." Now, he continued with youthful bravado and boastfulness, "I would love to meet someone at the traffic light" with the 2011 Avenger.
Next came the Caravan minivan, with a new crosshair grille that "took away that really commercial aesthetic." Gilles claimed that the redone Caravan "stunned journalists" who'd driven it, but no journalists in attendance indicated whether that claim was accurate. "We took all the slop out of the suspension," Gilles said. Moving to the Journey, Gilles asserted that "you sit in there and you're just grinning," adding that "we gave the Journey a soul." Again, no comments from the audience as to the veracity of these claims, or to Gilles' statement that the 2011 Journey has "steering that makes your eyes water."
Dodge's Challenger coupe has a new 305-horsepower V-6 engine, and the available Hemi V-8 goes from 6.1 to 6.4 liters, gaining 45 horsepower. You "barely touch the pedal and you're slammed back into the seat," Gilles said in another bout of boasting. "It's a great feeling [and] the new Challenger dances."
Next, Gilles turned to the Durango, which has changed considerably - now related to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Durango has been out of Dodge's fleet for two years. Finally, in Gilles' estimation, the redone Charger coupe, when parked next to rivals, "makes the other vehicles wet their pants" and delivers "much more sex per pound." Summing up, Gilles asserted that Dodge owners will now get "guilt-free enjoyment of visceral vehicles." If words alone could sell cars, Dodge would be hitting a home run.
Fiat: Laura Soave, head of the revived Fiat brand in America, arrived onstage in a vintage Fiat 500 minicar. Launched in 1957, the Fiat 500 sold some 4 million copies in its lifetime. The "Cinquecento is a car that empowered an entire generation," Soave said, displaying a photo of herself at agree three, standing atop an original 500 in Italy. The 500 "ignites the most Italian of all emotions," she said: "true passion."
Already sold in more than 80 countries, the modern-day Fiat 500 goes on sale in the U.S. early in 2011, under the auspices of Chrysler (Fiat's partner). Soave recalled a saying that's posted at Fiat design studio in Turin, Italy: "It's not how big your car is, it's how big your life is." With its 100-plus horsepower engine that employs MultiAir Technology, the new Fiat 500 is described as "a small car that looks big." Three models will be offered, with a six-speed automatic transmission available. Priced at $15,500 and up, Fiat 500s are manufactured in Toluca, Mexico.
Ford: Fuel-efficiency has been one of Ford's focal points lately, so the redesigned 2012 Focus has grabbed plenty of attention already. During its news conference at the show, Ford emphasized the reworked model's technical achievements and features. Ford even compared its technical merits to the Bentley line. A Focus ST will be part of the 2012 lineup, packing a 247-horsepower engine and a six-speed manual gearbox with "sporting ratios."
Honda: Because Honda has been in the forefront of hybrid powertrains for the past decade, it's no surprise to learn that another battery/gasoline model is underway. Revealed in concept form at the show was a subcompact hatchback Fit EV. This was the first time Honda has used the Los Angeles show to introduce a new model. Claimed to be capable of a 100-mile range (city cycle), the Fit EV uses a 3-mode drive system.
Honda is not a newcomer to electric cars, having introduced an EV Plus model in 1997. That was a "purpose-built electric vehicle," said executive vice-president John Mendel, but only about 300 customers wound up with one. Honda advises that in the late '90s, "the world was not ready for the electric world."
Honda also unveiled a concept chassis, to be used for the plug-in hybrid model that's scheduled to debut in 2012. Meanwhile, in spring 2011, a reworked Civic Hybrid sedan with a lithium-ion battery pack will go on sale.
Hyundai: A redesigned 2011 Elantra highlighted Hyundai's Los Angeles presentation. "In this lookalike segment," said chief designer Phil Zak, the Elanta has a "sleek profile, alive with tension." Hyundai Motor America president/CEO John Krafcik noted that it delivers "midsize roominess," though still qualifying as a compact. Krafcik also advised that the Elantra earned a best-in-class award from Automotive Lease Guide for its residual value: worth as much as 63 percent of its initial price after 3 years of life. Production already has begun at Hyundai's plant in Alabama. Krafcik concluded with a statement that in 2011, Hyundai hopes to have four models on sale that deliver gas mileage above 40 mpg on the highway.
Infiniti: The first hybrid from Nissan's luxury division made its debut in Los Angeles. In addition to a slew of luxury features, the M Hybrid sedan has something different: a standard pedestrian warning system, to inform people at a crosswalk that a car is nearby. Activists for the blind community have been ardently pursuing the installation of such devices on hybrid and electric vehicles. Although the M Hybrid contains a 350-horsepower engine, Infiniti claims 30-mpg fuel economy on the highway.
Jaguar: A stunning concept called the C-X75 was meant to signify Jaguar's "return to its former glory, according to managing director Michael O'Driscoll. The wordy mission is to "remake Jaguar: to make Jaguar Jaguar again." More specifically, the deliciously-shaped concept coupe "celebrates the art of automobile design."
It's also technically distinctive, powered by twin micro gas turbines engines, driving four traction electric motors - one at each wheel. Capable of topping 200 mph, the dream car can accelerate to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds, according to Jaguar. Said designer Ian Callum: "The car comes close to art." A quick look at the shapely tail would make most observers agree.
Kia: Two very different vehicles appeared at Kia's display space. On the practical side, Kia introduced its first hybrid for the U.S. market: a battery/gasoline version of the Optima sedan. Also debuting at the show, for the first time in North America, was Kia's Pop concept, a bubbly urban-oriented microcar with angled-oblong side windows and a massive slanted windshield.
Kia claims the midsize Optima Hybrid sedan will get an estimated 40 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale early in 2011. The Hybrid can run on battery power alone at speeds up to 62 mph. Rated at 30 kilowatts, the lithium battery pack weighs under 96 pounds.
Measuring less than 10 feet long, the chrome-colored, three-passenger Pop provides a "glkimpse into the future of urban transportation," according to Kia. Created at Kia's European Design Center, the all-electric microcar claims a 100-mikle range. Inspiration came from gliders, high-tech bicycles, and other lightweight, aerodynamic items.
Land Rover: A five-door rendition of the Evoque crossover sport-utility vehicle joins the "coupe" version that had appeared at the Paris Motor Show in September. Both body styles go on sale in 2011, starting around $45,000. Evoque is "compact, capable, and clever," said Land Rover's Gerry McGovern. Managing director Phil Popham called it a "true Range Rover in a smaller, sustainable package." With its "flowing roof" and slim rear glass, the Evoque almost looks as if it's diving into the ground.
Lotus: Eager to demonstrate its intent to revive the appeal of its product in the U.S., Lotus brought to Los Angeles a quintet of new models. Details will be posted shortly.
Mazda: Stylish barely begins to describe Mazda's concept sedan at the Los Angeles show. Billed as a four-door, four-passenger "sport coupe," the Shinara follows a "KODO - soul in motion" - design theme. Mazda describes the sleek design as "fast and strong motion that strike the heart."
Mercedes-Benz: High performance and high style often coincide at Mercedes-Benz, and the new CLS63 AMG backs up that connection. Engine output has been boosted to a whopping 550 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque (with performance package), while fuel economy is claimed to be 32 percent better than before (around 24 mpg). AMG's motto, according to CEO Ola Kallenius: "The best or nothing."
Considerably greater fuel-efficiency is likely from Mercedes-Benz's other introduction at Los Angeles: a B-Class F-Cell. Not only is this the first compact-size Mercedes-Benz model intended for U.S. sale, it's the first small series production vehicle that's powered by a fuel cell. President/CEO Ernst Lieb noted that it's "perfectly capable for everyday driving," with a 3-minute refueling time and combined fuel-economy estimate of 54 mpg. All driveline components are beneath the floor, so the passenger area is unaffected. Series production already has begun on a small scale.
Mitsubishi: An i-MiEV (pronounced EYE-meev) electric car was expected to debut by the end of 2010, but Mitsubishi decided to postpone its introduction, in order to make modifications that will suit an American audience. That includes widening the body. Shown in colorful form at the Los Angeles show, the i-MiEV will goes on sale in the U.S. next fall.
Shinichi Kujihara, president of Mitsubishi America, noted the desire for "affordable vehicles and sustainable technology," adding that Mitsubishi has a "history of building vehicles that are right for the time." The company's first electric vehicle appeared in Japan in 1975, and a Colt EV debuted in 2004. The Japanese version of the i-MiEV went on sale in Japan in July 2009, and more than 4,000 are already in use worldwide.
Nissan: Quite a trio of vehicles turned up at Nissan's exhibit space: a minivan, a category-bending crossover, and an elegant concept model. Redesigned for 2011, the Quest minivan is "a true parents' car that both Mom and Dad will enjoy," said Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan America. The "minivan remains the symbol of family commitment." Prices start at $27,750.
Compact SUVs have been marketed in the past, on occasion, but none of them ever caught on strongly - partly because they were on the crude, unrefined side. Nissan is the first to create a convertible crossover model, which appears to be anything but unrefined. In fact, the Murano CrossCabriolet has a delightful profile and all-wheel drive. Capable of seating four, it's aimed at "actively optimistic married couples in their 40s," Tavares said, adding that the $46,390 open-roofed Murano has "no real competition." Unlike most claims of that nature, Nissan's assertion is essentially correct. Tavares dubbed both new models "all-new expressions of innovation for all," which appears to be a Nissan theme at present.
Nissan No. 3 was a shapely Ellure concept car, dubbed "the sedan reimagined." Designed with women in their 30s and 40s in mind, it's an "homage to our Japanese heritage," Tavares said.
Porsche: Two new sports cars debuted from the legendary German automaker: a 911 GTS, and a 911 Speedster - the latter reviving a name that goes back to the company's early days. The 911 GTS will come as either a coupe or convertible, going on sale in January at around $104,000. Only 356 Speedsters will be made (a number that signifies the early Porsche model on which it's based, and an even hundred are destined for U.S. buyers.
Subaru: Most auto companies give their show cars memorable or significant names, whether they're aiming at actual production or developed strictly as design exercises. Not so with Subaru's concept car at the Los Angeles Show, billed simply as "The Subaru Concept." In reality, it's an early version of what will be the next-generation Impreza.
Tim Mahoney, senior vice-president/CMO, noted that the four-passenger “Impreza Concept," though basically a design statement, exhibits a “clear direction” for the future. President/CEO Ikuo Mori introduced Subaru’s new global brand statement: “confidence in motion.”
Toyota: Back in the late 1990s, Toyota marketed an electric version of its then-new RAV4 compact SUV. Not too many customers took advantage of the offer. That old RAV4 EV had an 80-mile range, but used massive nickel metal hydride batteries that took eight hours to charge. Only 1,484 were sold or leased over six years, and half are still running.
Now, Toyota is back with a battery/gasoline variant of the next-generation RAV4. According to Jim Lentz, president/CEO of Toyota Motor Sales, the second-generation RAV4EV will be powered by Tesla - the maker of high-end electric sportscars. Inactual driving, Toyota claims a 100-mile range. Toyota wants driveability characteristics as close as possible to a regular RAV4, which weights about 220 pounds less than the battery-powered version. Lentz further advised that Toyota will have a fuel cell vehicle available in 2015.
Volkswagen: In one of the shortest press conferences on record, VW introduced the next generation of its Eos retractable-hardtop coupe. A celebrity, Heidi Klum, joined president/CEO Jonathan Browning as a guest at the news conference, advising attending journalists that "to be Number One, you've got to look cool."
A bit earlier that morning, a Green Marketing Award was issued to Ford for its efforts in that direction. The mayor of Los Angeles also spoke about the future of electric cars in the region.
In addition to the electric cars from well-known manufacturers (described above), a couple of less-familiar companies brought battery-powered cars to the show: Wheego and CODA. Wheego unveiled its two-passenger Whip Life EV, claiming a 100-mile range and 70-mph top speed. Sales are expected to begin in December, with a price of $32,995. CODA showed a production prototype of the five-passenger model expected to debut during 2011, claiming a 120-mile range.
Note: Additional auto-show details and photos will be added soon. Please check again for the final report.
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