After one delay and one cancellation, the LA Auto Show is back for the first time in two years.

Like many businesses, the automotive industry has suffered. But its first major auto show since the Covid-19 pandemic began will be held Nov. 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The 2021 LA Auto Show will emphasize auto mobility but will feature its traditional large selection of vehicle debuts.

David Fortin, Head of Consumer Marketing for the event, is our guest on Episode #205 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Fortin the pending show and the expected highlights.

LA Auto Show: It's Back

Founded in 1907, the LA Auto Show has built its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious auto shows. It hasn't been held since November 2019.

As it did two years ago with further emphasis, the LA Auto Show will focus on the continued electrification of the automotive industry.

The LA Auto Show always has its share of prototypes one-offs, including designer Jeremy Scott's Smart Car Concept.

From startups to established brands, the 10-day show with packed days of test drives, never-before-seen vehicles, custom and exotic cars, all-new zero-emission vehicles, interactive activations and one-of-a-kind experiences.

LA Auto: Plenty of Test Drives

Influencers and shoppers can test-drive vehicles from brands such as Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, Subaru and Toyota.

Featured this year is the inaugural ZEVAS award program. It's the first people’s choice award program of its kind that celebrates the top zero-emission vehicles available for sale or pre-order."

The Byton all-electric sedan concept debuted at the 2018 LA Auto Show.

"The ZEAVAS is probably one of the things we are there most proud of," said Fortin. "It was born within our company. Our owner and CEO, Lisa Kaz, really has always been connected to where vehicles are and where they are going.

LA Auto Show: Future Is Now

"As the EV mandate started to come into play even as a whisper and now as a true mandate she recognized that the LA Auto Show has always had a place in history, almost an obligation, to inform, educate and inspire people to ask 'what does mobility look like in the future?"

Among the several additional attractions:

• Camp Jeep (Outdoor): The long-standing manufacturer will present in a 25,000-square-foot indoor exhibit test course the opportunity for attendees to experience the off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles.

Product specialists, sometimes called Ambassadors, are an integral part of the LA Auto Show presentation of new vehicles.

• EV Track Powered by Electrify America (Indoor): The largest open ultra-fast DC charging network—is the show's exclusive sponsor of the all-new indoor electric vehicle (EV) test track and charging provider for the automotive brands and vehicles featured in this year’s outdoor test drives.

Please join us as Fortin provides details about the much-anticipated return of the LA Auto Show.

The event will be operated in full accordance with all safety protocols required by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Vaccination cards or a negative COVID test within 72-hours of arriving onsite at the LA Convention Center along with masks will be required for entrance to the show. Free onsite rapid testing will be available to those who wish to test onsite.

For additional information, including further COVID protocols, ticket information, show hours and parking, visit: www.laautoshow.com.

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