This Year's L.A. Auto Show Had An Environmental Theme
Los Angeles' automotive showcase celebrated its 100th birthday and received a little more respect. For years, the auto show in America's most vibrant car market was relegated to the B list because of its overlapping scheduling with the huge North American International Auto Show in Detroit, each January. In 2006, however, the L.A. event moved to November, and was rewarded with greater attention from automakers-21 world debuts, seven concept car debuts, and 14 North American debuts-and increased attention from the press.
This year's LA Auto Show had an environmental theme, prompting manufacturers to showcase eco-friendly technologies such as hybrids and even hydrogen-fuel-cell prototypes. Rick Wagoner, CEO of GM, announced that his company will offer a plug-in hybrid-which means it can also be charged from wall power-in the Saturn Vue Greenline, in the future. GMC showed off its two-mode hybrid Yukon. BMW showed a 7-series powered by a 260 hp 12-cylinder engine that can switch between two tanks carrying hydrogen and gasoline fuel, and has a range of 400 miles. Companies gave rides and drives in their hydrogen-powered prototypes. Even the annual Los Angeles Auto Show's California Design Challenge focused on environmental sustainability, receiving fascinating, blue-sky, eco-friendly concepts. Check out these photos of some of the show's debuts and concepts.
Promoters:
Want us to post your upcoming events in Happenings? Then send the name, date, venue, city, state, contact information, and details about your events to: brandan.gillogly@primedia.com. Make sure that you send us this information at least three months ahead of the event's scheduled date.
Happenings
February 16-18
Portland, Oregon
The Portland Rod & Custom Show is celebrating their 9th year at the Portland Expo Center and has become the highest attendance rod and custom show in Oregon. 2007 marks the introduction of the Rose City Rod, a new top award to honor their host city. For more information, call (877) 236-0632, or visit www.hotrodshows.com.
February 24-25
Monticello, Iowa
The 38th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show will be held at the Monticello Berndes Center. The show is open to all custom trucks, hot rods, and motorcycles. Admission is $8 for adults, and $2 for children ages 12 and under. For more information, contact Galen Muller at (319) 465-5119, or visit www.rodandcustomcarshow.com
March 11
Perris, CA
The 10th Annual Forbidden Fantasy Show-N-Shine & Vendor Expo will take place at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, 18700 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, CA, 92571. Get more information at http://fffshow04.tripod.com, or contact Brian Goude at (951) 750-8023.
March 11-12
Panama City Beach, FL
The 11th Annual Spring Fling Car and Truck Show will be at the Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL. Go to www.springflingcarshow.com to download a flyer, or call Doug at (850) 258-4077 for more information.
March 10-11
Costa Mesa, CA
1st Orange County Get-Together will be held at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center at 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA. Go to www.good-guys.com/info/eventSchedule.aspx, or call (925) 838-9876 for more information.