Brembo, Bollinger, Kia presidents interviewed at LA Auto Show

The Weekly Driver Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia spent three Media Days at the LA Auto Show and interviewed the presidents of Brembo, Bollinger and Kia.

The show’s public days began today (Nov. 22) and continue through December 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The multi-floor, multi-hall extravaganza will feature more than 500 exhibits and dozens of manufacturers and the North American or global debuts of their vehicles. It’s all about entry-level cars, top-end luxury vehicles, the ever-expanding alternative fuel industry, custom made machines and unique concepts.

But unlike visiting a car dealership where the goal of salespeople to sell, auto shows are public question and answer sessions. Attendees are encouraged to ask manufacturers’ representatives, sometimes called ambassadors or product specialists, about the new vehicles. The consultants aren’t salespeople but have a singular goal to talk about new vehicles.

On Day 1 of the show, Bruce and I spoke with Daniel Sandberg, president and CEO at Brembo North America, Inc. Sandberg oversees the industry’s most well-known innovator of premium disc brake technology. We also spoke with Robert Bollinger, CEO of Bollinger Motors and founder of the country’s most unique electric trucks.

The B1 Electric Sport Utility Truck and B2 Electric Pickup Truck. Both are currently in pre-production mode. The company recently announced the aluminum truck’s debut MSRP of $125,000, with reservations of $1,000 available for the pending two vehicles.

A 4×4 off-road and street legal, all-wheel-drive electric truck, Bollinger’s utilitarian looks challenge the norms of mainstream truck design. Its specs include a 200-mile range, 514 horsepower dual motor and 15-inch ground clearance.

On Day 2 of the show, we interviewed Michael Cole, the newly named President of Kia Motors America. We discussed the reveal of the Kia Seltos and the Kia Telluride and its new MotorTrend honor as the SUV of the year.

The three executives couldn’t be further apart in their respective areas of expertise on the automotive landscape. But the companies they represent will all have a prominent presence throughout the show.

Here are the links to our podcasts from the LA Auto Show:

Day 1, Brembo Brakes, Bollinger Motors

Day 2: Michael Cole, President of Kia Motors

For those considering a visit: The LA Convention Center is located in the city’s busiest metropolitan area.

In addition to various ticket prices, suggestions for parking and public transportation and well as instructions to download the show’s app are available on the website: laautoshow.com.