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BMW, electric start-ups set for big presence at LA Auto Show

James Raia

BMW will unveil several new vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Much like the unusual circumstance of new vehicles debuting throughout the calendar year, the global auto show circuit begins at the end of the year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The show, preceded since 2016 by press and trade days and a connected car expo, AutoMobility LA, doesn’t bill itself by age. It’s had several hiatus years. But since its debut in 1907 when 99 vehicles were showcased on a skating rink, the LA Auto Show has become a go-to event for automakers to unveil new models and concept vehicles.

BMW will unveil several new vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
BMW will unveil several new vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The tradition will continue this year, beginning Nov. 26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, when established manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW will have several models making their global or North American debuts.

Rivian and Byton, electric vehicle newcomers, will also unveil models during AutoMobility LA, the show’s expanding presence in the alternative fuel vehicle segment.

Billed as its largest-ever presence at the Los Angeles Show, BMW will feature three world premiere production vehicles and a concept car. Additionally, the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle will make its North American debut as will the BMW Z4 M40i Roadster and BMW 8 Series Coupe.

Following the four-day AutoMobility exhibit, the 10-day LA Auto Show will be open to the public. Show organizers recently announced more than 60 vehicles are confirmed to make their North American debuts in the Nov. 29-Dec. 9 show.

Toyota plans to launch five new vehicles, including special editions and hybrid models. Volkswagen has several North American and global debuts confirmed, including special editions and a GTI model. Subaru will also unveil several new vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid. Volvo, Nissan and Porsche also have also confirmed model debuts.

Volkswagen has confirmed both global and North American unveilings, including an electric concept and GTI and Beetle special editions. Toyota is launching five new vehicles, including hybrid and special edition models. Subaru will also have multiple introductions, including a plug-in hybrid.

“As the nation’s number one green vehicle market, it is fitting that nearly one-third of the debuts slated for this year’s AutoMobility LA are electric or alternative fuel,” said Lisa Kaz, President and CEO of AutoMobility LA and the LA Auto Show. “It is exciting to see how many volume and luxury brands are offering greener mobility options for environmentally-conscious Southern Californians.”

Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Porsche, Volvo and several other marques have confirmed model introductions for AutoMobility LA. Carmakers debuting vehicles at AutoMobility LA will also have their new vehicles available during the public show.

Concept vehicles always attract crowds at the LA Auto Show, and plenty are scheduled this year. Last year, Red Square, a Chinese-built box on wheels touted as a combination of transportation, mobile business and living space. Created a former BMW executive, Red Square drew crowds throughout the show.

Like last year, more than 1,000 vehicles will be displayed — entry-level gas sippers to the newest, performance sports cars, off-road trucks and family vans.

Rivian, a 10-year-old start-up headquartered in suburban Detroit, will unveil its first vehicles, an electric adventure pickup and a full-sized sport utility vehicle.

Byron, the nameplate for the Chinese manufacturer Future Mobility Corporation, will introduce its electric sedans, M-Byte and K-Byte. Industry insiders have categorized Byton as a potential challenger to Tesla.

The LA Auto Show has numerous advance ticket options at discount prices. Test drives for more than 100 vehicles are included with admission. Show hours, parking information, a sign-up for a free newsletter, a downloadable podcast and other show details are available on the show’s website, https://laautoshow.com.

Article Last Updated: November 6, 2018.

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