11/29/2006-12/10/2006 2007 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

A NEW BEGINNING FOR THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW The world's automobile companies will be stepping forward with a number of production and concept vehicle world debuts to help usher in "A New Beginning" for the Los Angeles Auto Show. The theme conveys the increased national and international stature due to the show's earlier dates. Press days for the LA Auto Show are Nov. 29 and 30, 2006, followed by public days on Dec. 1-10, 2006. The new dates give the show its own time period on the international auto show calendar, thereby resolving a 25-year-old conflict with the auto show in Detroit. The date change has been universally applauded throughout the automotive industry. With the change of dates, the LA Auto Show becomes a significantly more important venue for the industry. Considerably more journalists are expected to attend this year because of increased debuts of production and concept vehicles, resulting in greater national and international media exposure. Following press days, the focus will shift from industry to consumer outreach. Los Angeles is one of the world's largest automobile markets and its sales trends are continually analyzed. The region is also recognized as an important trendsetter for the nation. As such, it is a crucial battleground for all brands. "Changing the dates of the LA Auto Show is the single most dramatic development in the show's history," says Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show. "It's similar to when the Detroit show changed its name and dates, which was the beginning of its rise to international prominence that it now enjoys." Automakers are looking at the LA Auto Show in a decidedly new way. "They're backing it up by elevating their presence with production and concept world debuts and more elaborate exhibits" Fuzesi adds. "The activities will also spill into the Hollywood night, as a number of automakers are planning offsite evening parties for journalists." For the first time in the show's history, Los Angeles has received international sanctioning from the Paris-based Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA). The international automotive trade association acknowledged the significance of this year's LA Auto Show by placing it on the international show calendar. The increase in world debuts, greater media attendance and worldwide news coverage aptly reflect the show's "A New Beginning" theme. It also lays the foundation for the future direction and growth of the LA Auto Show.

For more information, go to www.laautoshow.com.