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Statement "This is not a car" from Volvo for the 2018 Los Angeles auto show
Most major auto shows, like that of Los Angeles, have always had two components: new production and the sale of cars. And this is the second part – the public days – that flourishes today.
People attend record numbers in traditional consumer-focused auto shows. Counter-intuitively, on this day when most new car research is done on phones and tablets, they have become a more important place for shoppers who drive vehicles in "neutral terrain". It is also what pays brands bills with buyers, or introducing technology with real seat time, if not driving time.
Meanwhile, all-in-one vehicle introductions on auto-shows are almost a thing of the past. But more and more, auto shows have become a place for business announcements and technical details requiring more than 140 (or 280) characters to explain.
Re-branding for problems and electro-mobility
To keep the first part of the equation of the auto show, the Los Angeles Auto Show was renamed Automobility LA a few years ago to focus on the ads related to connected cars and to mobility, technical demonstrations and general problems.
Some automakers have taken the mission literally, with Volvo moving this year to a main stand that states: "This is not a car." It opens a discussion on the role of car manufacturers in mobility services and highlights the speed with which the company evolves.
That said, this year's show is packed with green vehicle launches. Come back through the week as we introduce some of the most important new models of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids shown at the show, including:
Audi e-tron GT prototype teaser
Audi e-tron GT
The production Audi e-tron GT, a fully electric sports car, will be the second 100% electric vehicle of the German luxury brand, after the SUV e-tron will be delivered to US dealers next spring. Although the GT e-tron, co-developed with the Taycan Porsche (E-mission), probably does not arrive until 2020, it will serve the brand much like the Tesla Roadster, a cheerleader who explains how sexy-electric performance cars. Sharing the Taycan's 800-volt architecture, expect fast charging times due to fast acceleration.
BMW Vision iNext concept
BMW Vision iNext
As part of the development of its future generation of 100% electric vehicles, BMW is expected to introduce a new version of its Vision iNext concept vehicle. According to BMW, the iNext "marks the beginning of a new era of driving pleasure" and would be the first time that innovations in automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services are fully integrated into only one vehicle.
This latest concept of iNext will be one more step towards a "flagship technological" production vehicle, which should be produced in Germany from 2021.
Byton K-Byte Concept
Byton K-Byte
Electric vehicle manufacturer Byton, which has offices in China, Germany, California and Hong Kong, as well as manufacturing facilities in China, unveiled its K-Byte sedan last July in Shanghai. The Los Angeles show will debut in North America. Although it is a concept, it aims to produce in much the same way – with a large information screen and an interface screen – as early as 2021, says the company. Byton first showed his M-Byte crossover at CES last year in Las Vegas. This could show yet another concept this week in Los Angeles.
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