2022 Los Angeles Auto Show promises electricity, tradition

James Raia

A one-off concept was showcased at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has lots of bright lights and bling, concept cars and customized cruisers from yesteryear. It’s the annual first major industry showcase uniquely held at the end of the calendar year.

Global debuts of the newest Aston Martin, Hummer and Porsche are fine. Concept cars are great, although many may never be made for consumers. The latest electric vehicle innovation are the industry’s future. But much was made of the Bollinger, Byton, Canoo and Elio and none have been manufactured.

VinFast, the first Vietnamese carmaker set to distribute vehicles in the United States, showcased it pending offering at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show.
VinFast, the first Vietnamese carmaker set to distribute vehicles in the United States, showcased it pending offering at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. Images © James Raia.

The 115th The Los Angeles Auto Show will be held Nov. 18-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Charge Cars, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Genesis, GMC, Hummer, Hyundai, INDI EV, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Porsche, Subaru, Supernal (Advanced Air Mobility), VinFast, Volkswagen and Volvo will have all exhibitions.

But arguably the best bets, the most consistent, the cars for the every person, are presented every year. New models from the top-10 best-selling vehicles from 2021 will all be presented.

Ford continued its dominance with the F-Series pickups accounting for 726,004 sales. The Ram pickup (569,388), Chevrolet Silverado (519,774), Toyota RAV-4 (407,739), Honda CR-V (361,271), Toyota Camry (313,795), Nissan Rogue (285,602), Jeep Cherokee (264,444), Toyota Highlander (264,128) and Honda Civic (263,787) completed the top-10.

Ambassadors represent auto manufacturers at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Ambassadors represent auto manufacturers at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Despite the continuing chip shortage and Covid-19 ramifications, only the Chevrolet Silverado (down 13 percent), Ford F-Series pickup trucks (8 percent) and Toyota RAV4 (5 percent) had lower sales tallies in 2021 than in 2020.

Manufacturers aren’t required to detail what vehicles will be shown at the LA Auto Show. Some new offerings have been announced, others will be unveiled as late as the week of the show.

Honda recently announced the public availability of the 315-horsepower 2023 Civic Type R. It’s the most powerful production vehicle the manufacturer has ever sold, and its will have a starting MSRP of $42,895.

Bollinger Motors exhibiting is pre-production models of its utilitarian electric pickup truck at the 2019 LA Auto Show.
Bollinger Motors exhibited its pre-production models of its utilitarian electric pickup truck at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s never been manufactured for consumer sales.

Toyota has eliminated V6 Highlander, replacing for 2-23 with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder. The new model will also feature new multimedia dashboard-area screens and new exterior paint choice, Cypress Green.

Charge cars is a new addition to the show. It will convert 500 1967 Ford Mustangs fastback models. The restoration and electrification will include an electric drivetrain comprised of four motors, producing 536 horsepower and 1,120 lb-ft of torque.

The customized Mustangs are touted to accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds and have a top speed of 150 miles per hour. The electric range is predicted at 150 mph.

New muscle cars always have their place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
New muscle cars always have their place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

One interesting concept, with a manufacturer’s “promise” of public availability in 2023, is the Ram Revolution. The new full-size trucks will measure 220 to 244 inches long and have 159-200+ kWh battery packs for about 500 miles of range.

VinFast, promoted as the first Vietnamese manufacturer to offer vehicles in the United States, debuted last year at the show, with a lavish presentation and big plans. It will return as the company continues its financing and manufacturing plans.

According to its marketing, VinFast in Vietnamese stands for “Style, Safety, Creativity, Pioneer.” It touts its vehicles as “the product of our inspiration to launch a distinctive, world-class automotive brand with Vietnam and demonstrates the ability of the Vietnamese people to skillfully implement cutting-edge technology.”

The Los Angeles Auto Show will have public test drives and ride alongs of new vehicles indoors and outdoors. Beyond cars and trucks, urban air mobility, electric scooters and electric bikes will also be showcased.

Tickets will be cashless, with a variety of individual, family, group, military, first responders and VIP packages available online and at on-site kiosks. For additional information, visit: www.laautoshow.com.

Article Last Updated: November 21, 2023.

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