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More than 50 Vehicle Debuts to be Unveiled at the LA Auto Show

As the LA Auto Show grows in importance as a global stage for vehicle debuts, so does the number of debuts. The 2010 show will host 20 world debuts and more than 30 North American debuts across virtually all vehicle categories. The show opens amidst improved auto sales and a growing sense of optimism that is evident from the increased number of debuts, more participating manufacturers and larger, more elaborate exhibits.

Of the 20 world debuts, several have been already announced, including Nissan’s three world debuts; the completely redesigned Quest minivan, the Murano Cross Cabriolet crossover convertible concept and a sedan concept called the Ellure. Land Rover will unveil its all-new, 4-door Range Rover Evoque and SAAB will showcase its only crossover, the 9-4X. In addition, KIA will unveil its first hybrid the Optima sedan; Volkswagen will unveil its new Eos and Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep plan to reveal a handful of products highlighted by the new Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible.

The show will also feature more than 30 North American debuts, including the completely redesigned Hyundai Elantra, which will be the next high-volume vehicle made at its Montgomery, Alabama factory. Audi will unveil its all-new A7 Sportback, representing a new market segment for the brand, and BMW will feature its redesigned X3 crossover. Porsche will showcase its new 911 Carrera GTS as well as its 911 Speedster. Lotus, long heralded for specialty sports cars, is completely relaunching the brand and will unveil five new concept sports cars that outline its future for years to come. Also, Fiat is reentering the U.S. market after a 27-year hiatus and will feature its new compact vehicle, the Fiat 500–Cinquecento, specifically designed for the North American market.

This year’s show also marks the historic arrival of the modern electric car era. After years of anticipation, consumers can finally purchase mass-produced electric vehicles complete with factory warranties. The first two highly anticipated vehicles to kick-off this modern era of electric transportation include Chevrolet’s range extended electric Volt and Nissan’s battery electric Leaf. Los Angeles will be one of the first markets to receive these two vehicles in Nov. and Dec. of this year and the LA Auto Show will be the ideal place to learn all about EV ownership. Featuring more than a dozen electric drive vehicles arriving in the near future, the show will map out how electric transportation will progress in the coming years.

The North American, production version of Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV will also make its official debut. The all-electric compact car will get a new name, a wider stance and a variety of new features to make it more attractive to U.S. buyers. Toyota’s RAV4 EV will use battery technology developed with Tesla and is scheduled to hit the market in 2012. Other production electric vehicles at the show range from luxury sports cars such as the Fisker Karma to economy sedans like the debut vehicle from Coda Automotive.

The LA Auto Show will also feature at least 15 concept vehicles ranging from futuristic design studies to realistic brand design directions. Mazda will debut its Shinari concept, which will serve as a basis for Mazda’s new design language in future production vehicles. Jaguar will unveil its C-X75 sports car capable of running purely on electric power for about 68 miles per charge, and up to 560 miles with the use of an on-board power-generating system to extend its range. KIA will feature its POP electric concept with its spaceship-like cabin and front-hinged doors and Audi will debut its Quattro concept to mark the 30th birthday of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Several manufacturers have world concept debuts that will be unveiled at the show.

www.laautoshow.com/Press.html