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.