2006 L.A. Auto Show Highlights

The big goal for the organizers of the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show was to demonstrate that there remains life within the gathering itself, and that with the coming move to a November/ December show date (later this year), this assemblage can indeed stand on its own and, thus, deserves its place at the table of auto show legitimacy.

Fall Ahead
Accordingly, with the impending changes there was an overriding sense of old and new within this final January show. Old because this show, while traditionally the first auto show of the year, has never quite held up against its peer near the Canadian border, particularly once the Detroit show became the "North American International Auto Show" and fell within the top tier of internationally acclaimed motor events. New because there is still plenty of fresh blood coursing through its convention center veins.


The new dates should give the Los Angeles Auto Show its own platform; the risk of competing with Detroit resolves itself, and auto manufacturers may take advantage of its late fall timeframe to release a final model for the year, or use the event to announce year-ending prices or other relevant news.

Getting Personal
The "old versus new" theme also played itself out on the show floor, as there was a sense that while many of the cars, trucks and SUVs were new and revolutionary, some had roots to vehicles past. Retro is an overused term, but remains a popular one as its strategy and intent continue to serve as catalysts for many designers and corporate brand managers.


Yesterday became today with the return of economy cars now taking the form of stylish compacts from Toyota and its dramatic Yaris (lead photo), along with Chevy's new world car, the Aveo, and a chic entry from Volkswagen, the Eos, which offers drop top comfort and a potential return to the VW passion for fun transportation.