LA Auto Show will boast a host of fresh faces this year - LA Daily News

Hyundai shows their hydrogen Xcient semi truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Hyundai shows their hydrogen Xcient semi truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
ZEVAS shows their CANOO electric van at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new GT4RS race car at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Edison Future electric trucks on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People can test drive the newest Dodge trucks on a obstacle road course at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new GT4RS race car at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford rep Errol Bomar defines gravity as he talks about the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Edison Future electric trucks on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Edison Future electric trucks on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new GT4RS race car at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new Mission R fully electric race car with 1,100 HP at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new GT4RS race car at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new Mission R fully electric race car with 1,100 HP at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new GT4RS race car at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Porsche shows the new GT4RS race car at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Edison Future electric trucks on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Car still remain covered up at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The new 2022 Nissan Z car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Toyota new Tundra truck showing a older model in Baja, on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The newest electric charging stations at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The new 2022 Nissan Z car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The new 2022 Nissan Z car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The new 2022 Nissan Z car engine on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The newest electric charging stations at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows one of many of the new 2022 Broncos making a come back at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
50yrs of the Nissan Z car is on display as (R) a1970 Datsun 240 Z park with new 2022 Nissan Z(L) at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Ford shows the new 2022 fully electric F-150 Lighting truck at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The 2022 KIA EV6 on display with the New York New Years Eve 2022 light sign that is doing its USA tour across the country at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The Art Center concept car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
LEXUS concept displays at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)

COVID-19 canceled the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2020. Now that the show is back, some automakers have decided they didn’t need it anyway.

Audi, Cadillac, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo will skip the LA Convention Center this year. Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce gave it up long ago. Acura revealed an Integra prototype on Nov. 11, a week before the show’s opening. BMW will show a select group of reporters its big news: A new, high-powered, hybrid-electric concept vehicle is to be announced publicly on Nov. 29, a day after the show ends.

LA’s million-square-foot convention center will nonetheless boast some familiar faces. Porsche will show the Mission R concept that was the belle of the ball at the still-thriving IAA Mobility car show in Munich. It will also show a new edition of the Panamera, a new Taycan GTS, and the already announced, upcoming Cayman GT4 RS and Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

Land Rover will show the new model-year Range Rover. Chevrolet will display the 2022 Silverado ZR2 and the 2023 Corvette Z06 unveiled for the media last month. Kia and Hyundai will debut electric vehicle concepts the EV9 and Seven, respectively. Subaru will debut the Solterra EV it already showed in Tokyo; Mazda will debut a new crossover called the CX-50.

An event light on major announcements—new economy EVs notwithstanding, model year refreshes and novel variants on existing models are not exactly breaking news—means that headlines will dominated by brands considered newcomers or relative unknowns. That suits Lisa Kaz, the owner and CEO of the LA Auto Show. In fact, she says, proliferating electrification means auto shows are more essential than ever for teaching consumers about the new technology and for helping them cross-shop against a host of brands all in one place. It is similar to 100 years ago, when auto shows were used to introduce and educate the public about a new type of transportation: the automobile.

“Electrification is the biggest change within the automotive industry in the last 100 years, [and] the auto show offers the consumer a wonderful way to learn about and experience these new electric vehicles,” says Kaz. Many brands attending the show are planning extensive customer-oriented experiences, such as Jeep’s 25,000-square-foot “off-road” exhibit and Subaru’s immersive 180-degree LED wall and LED floor that will replicate the sights, sounds, and even smells of the wilderness across two levels of viewing. Subaru even boasts an interactive cave spotlighting “no-touch” technology, as well as ”Subaru Loves Pets” daily adoption events.

“In terms of customer interaction, auto shows remain significant,” Brinley says.

Car still remain covered up at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The Flying Car of the Racing League on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The Art Center concept car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The new 2022 Nissan Z car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
A 1958 Messerschmitt TG500 Tiger super micro car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The Toyota Indy car on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Chevy displays the 2023 Covrette Z06 at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Car still remain covered up at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Media from around the world wear masks as they cover the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Many of the fancy car booths displays at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Chevy displays the 2023 Corette Z06 engine at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Media from around the world wear masks as they cover the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
ZEVEN shows their concept electric car with no steering wheel at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Toyota’s electric wheelchairs on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Toyota RHOM3US concept cars on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
ZEVEN shows their concept electric car with no steering wheel at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Toyota RHOM3US concept cars on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The Corvette z06 at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Chevy displays the 2023 Corvette Z06 at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Toyota new Tundra truck showing it towing the space shuttle in Los Angeles, on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Media from around the world wear masks as they cover the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Toyota RHOM3US concept cars on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Chevy displays the 2023 Corette Z06 at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
World wide media people wait in line to get verified from covid to go into the show at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People will get to test drive all kinds of Jeeps on a road course at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People will get to test drive all kinds of Jeeps on a road course at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People will get to test drive all kinds of Jeeps on a road course at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
World wide media people wait in line to get verified from covid to go into the show at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
ElectraMeccanica 3 wheel cars out for test drives at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People will get to test drive all kinds of VW’s on a road course at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Media reporters try out one of the many car driving video games on display at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People will get to test drive all kinds of Jeeps on a road course at the 2021 LA Auto show media day, Wednesday, Nov 17,2021. The LA Auto show opens to the public from Nov 19th to the 28th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Lexus LF-30 concept car on display during media day on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. (Photo by Gene Blevins)

The newcomers are eager to take advantage of the brand openings.

“VinFast views the show as a perfect stage to demonstrate its commitment to promoting the global trend of green transportation and encouraging electrification,” Vinfast CEO Michael Lohscheller said about his company’s decision to join the auto show. Scratching your head? Vinfast is Vietnam’s first global automaker and will show two electric SUV models, the VF e35 and VF e36.

Chinese-owned EdisonFuture will debut an all-electric van called the EF1-V and an electric truck called the EF1-T. LA-based Biliti Electric Inc. will show a tiny three-wheeled GMW Taskman. Bremach, an obscure Italian brand now located near Las Vegas and selling vehicles sourced from Russia, will also show a 2022 4×4 SUV.

Closer to home for LA show attendees, Southern California-based Mullen Automotive will debut the FIVE electric SUV. Mullen was the company behind the little-known Mullen GT, which in the early 2000s was one of the first electric sports cars in the market. LA-based Fisker, in the latest of its reimaginings and iterations, will debut the “production intent” version of the Ocean SUV it debuted as a concept in early 2020, Fisker spokesperson Simon Sproule said in an email.

The company founded by Henrik Fisker has started building Ocean prototypes in Graz, Austria. Production of the consumer version will start in November 2022 — just in time for what could be the return of the auto show. According to Brinley’s analysis, it’s too early to entirely count out the auto show just yet.

“By 2023, we may begin to see what the next phase is for auto shows,” she says. “It will be different—but unlikely to be dead.”

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