The agenda features announcements from Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Ineos, Volkswagen, Downtown Porsche, Hypercar NILU, Exodus Rigs (elite camping) and Plugin America Awards.
On display are vehicles from Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Jeep, Lucid, Nissan, Polestar, , RAM, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast, Volkswagen and Volvo
2024 ZEVAS Winners Announced at LA Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show revealed the winners of its 2024 signature zero-emission vehicle awards, THE ZEVAS™, chosen through public voting across October and November. Highlighting innovation in electric and hybrid vehicles, eight winners emerged from over 130 eligible models:
– Top Compact/Coupe: BMW i4 eDrive40
– Top Crossover: Hyundai IONIQ 5
– Top Hybrid: Toyota Prius Prime
– Top Sedan: Lucid Air
– Top SUV: Rivian R1S
– Top Truck: Ford F-150 Lightning
– Top Ultra Luxury: Ferrari SF90 Stradale
– Most Anticipated: Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Select winners will feature at the LA Auto Show, running from November 22 to December 1. THE ZEVAS website remains a resource for exploring the latest zero-emission innovations. The LA Auto Show continues its legacy as a hub for automotive excellence and innovation.
2025 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists
he North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards organization announced finalists:
Car of the Year Finalists:
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Kia K4
- Toyota Camry
Truck of the Year Finalists:
- Ford Ranger
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tacoma
Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists:
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Hyundai IONIQ 9
Hyundai claims it offers the most advanced EV lineup. Hyundai is now the world’s third largest automaker.
The upscale, adventure-ready IONIQ 9 offers a spacious interior, modern aerodynamic design, reassuring range and the IONIQ family’s signature digital pixel lighting.
José Muñoz, president and global chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor Company, and president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America reported the IONIQ 9 will be made in the plant in Georgia starting in Q1, 2025.
Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America reported that the EMP is the largest platform and the IONIQ ( charges faster than your iPhone plus bi-directional charging.
“It is more than a 3-Row SUV it is a game changer,” said Boyle.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Overview
Key Features
- Spacious Interior:
- Accommodates 6-7 passengers with ample second- and third-row space.
- Features Relaxation Seats with Dynamic Body Care massage and second-row Swiveling Seats for enhanced passenger interaction.
- Panoramic sunroof and elliptical design create a serene, lounge-like atmosphere.
- Storage and Versatility:
- Flat-folding third row adds trunk space.
- Slidable Universal Island console offers flexible storage and accessibility.
- Aerodynamic Design:
- Sleek “Aerosthetic” exterior with a low drag coefficient of 0.259 Cd.
- Parametric Pixel lighting and innovative design features enhance aesthetics and performance.
- Sustainability:
- Materials include recycled leather, PET fabrics, bio-paint, and recycled tire waste.
- Performance:
- Available RWD and AWD models, with a range of up to 620 km (WLTP).
- Quick charging from 10-80% in 24 minutes with 350 kW fast charging.
- Towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs (North America).
- Technology:
- Panoramic curved display, Hyundai AI Assistant, and over-the-air updates.
- Advanced climate control.
- Driving Innovations:
- Enhanced suspension, dynamic torque control, and self-leveling dampers for a smooth ride.
The IONIQ 9 delivers a harmonious blend of comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology, developed as a top choice for eco-conscious families seeking luxury and practicality in an EV.
Simon Loasby, senior vice president, head of Hyundai Design Center reported the IONIQ 9 Aerostectic Lounge design with it’s unique parametric pixels.
Ahead of the show, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept, marking its commitment to pioneering a sustainable hydrogen society. The concept previews a production model set for release in 2025 and showcases Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, combining bold SUV aesthetics with practicality for urban and outdoor lifestyles.
INITIUM emphasizes performance, range, and safety, featuring improved hydrogen fuel tanks for a range exceeding 650 km, enhanced fuel cell technology, and a spacious interior suited for families. It also includes advanced features like a built-in FCEV route planner and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function for powering household appliances.
Hyundai highlighted its 27-year history of hydrogen innovation and its commitment to advancing hydrogen as a clean energy source, with plans to expand global market leadership through INITIUM and its HTWO hydrogen value chain business.
KIA Reveals EV9 GT, EV 6, New Sportage New Models at LA Auto Show
The fast-paced reveals by KIA executives started with the Kia EV 9 GT
2026 EV9 GT
Kia is redefining a large 7-seater with the 2026 EV9 GT, unveiled at the LA Auto Show. This three-row electric powerhouse cranks out an estimated 501 horsepower courtesy of dual electric motors—a 160-kW unit up front and a 270-kW monster at the rear. It’s enough to rocket this sizable SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds, making it the most potent three-row Kia ever built.
Performance, Elevated
The EV9 GT introduces Kia’s first electronically controlled suspension in an SUV, adjusting shock damping on the fly depending on drive mode or a tap of the neon green GT button on the steering wheel. Alongside larger front brakes, it ensures this electric bruiser can stop as confidently as it accelerates. For those who crave engagement, the EV9 GT comes with Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), simulating traditional shifts for a dynamic driving feel, and an electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) to boost grip through corners.
Style That Stands Out
Visually, the EV9 GT looks as serious as it drives. Outside, exclusive 21-inch wheels, high-performance tires, and neon-green brake calipers scream performance. Inside, Alcantara-trimmed sport seats with bright green accents and GT logos deliver a sporty vibe. GT-exclusive ambient lighting and a massive 12.3-inch display complete the cabin’s futuristic aesthetic.
Electric Excellence
While packing thrills, the EV9 GT doesn’t compromise on practicality. The SUV retains its 5,000-pound towing capacity and 800-volt charging architecture, enabling a 10–80% charge in under 25 minutes. Like all EV9s, it will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port by mid-2025, giving access to over 35,000 fast chargers nationwide.
Tech to Impress
Advanced driver-assistance systems abound, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with cyclist and pedestrian detection, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Kia’s over-the-air update capability ensures the tech stays fresh well into the future.
Set to arrive in late 2025, the EV9 GT is a bold step forward for performance SUVs, proving you don’t need to sacrifice thrills for family-friendly practicality. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but one thing’s clear—this EV9 is aimed squarely at drivers who want it all.
EV 6 is still going strong with sales up 8%. The 2025 EV 6 GT is sportier and starmap lighting and a steering wheel with hands-on detection. Digital phone keys. 84KWh battery
Video streaming will be added to EV9 and EV6. The EV 6 will be made in the US.
Refreshed 2025 Kia EV6 — Sportier Look and Even More Range
Then 2025 Kia EV6 arrives with an updated design, an enhanced lineup of features, and a renewed focus on performance and tech. As one of the first electric crossovers to make a serious mark, the EV6 continues to build on its success—including its title as the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year—with refinements aimed at keeping it ahead in the ever-competitive EV market.
The EV6’s design gets a modern refresh that tightens up its futuristic vibe. Up front, Kia’s distinctive Star Map lighting now shapes the headlights and DRLs, flanked by a sharper bumper design and more aggressive hood lines. The rear follows suit with Star Map-inspired taillights and a reshaped bumper that echoes the front’s wide, wing-like stance.
From the side, new cladding and sharply angled sill moldings refine the crossover’s profile, while updated 19- to 21-inch wheels keep things fresh. Inside, the EV6 adopts styling cues from the award-winning EV9, including Star Map ambient lighting, a dual 12.3-inch curved display, and a redesigned center console. Add a D-shaped steering wheel and premium material upgrades, and you’ve got an interior that feels as cutting-edge as it looks.
Responding to customer demand, the 2025 EV6 now offers more battery options and more power across the board. A 63.0-kWh battery powers the base model’s rear motor, delivering 167 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. For those chasing longer road trips, the 84.0-kWh battery boosts the EV6’s range to an estimated 319 miles in rear-wheel-drive configurations. Need more kick? Dual-motor AWD trims pump out 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. And for thrill-seekers, the EV6 GT steps up to 641 horsepower with an optional Virtual Gear Shift for a visceral driving experience.
Charging remains a strong point, with Kia’s 800-volt DC fast-charging system capable of juicing up to 80% in just 18 minutes. Better still, the new Integrated Converter Control Unit (ICCU) improves efficiency, while the relocated charge port (excluding GT models) adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for added convenience.
Tech Forward
Kia has packed the EV6 with its next-gen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), offering faster processing, over-the-air updates, and a customizable interface that can display your favorite NBA team’s colors and logos. Want more entertainment? The new Kia Connect Store unlocks streaming options, gaming, and in-car Wi-Fi for up to five devices.
Drivers will also appreciate tech upgrades like Digital Key 2.0, which lets your smartphone or smartwatch double as a key—even allowing remote sharing. Parking assist systems, improved driver aids, and flush door handles now come standard, ensuring the EV6 delivers convenience to match its futuristic persona.
Safety
The EV6 steps up its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) game with features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, capable of recognizing and reacting to vehicles during junction turns, lane changes, and evasive maneuvers. Highway Driving Assist 2 keeps you centered in your lane and can even assist with lane changes when signaled.
Adventure-ready buyers will love the improved towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds with the long-range battery option. The system automatically adjusts range estimates based on trailer weight, making the EV6 a true multitasker for families and gear haulers alike.
The 2025 Kia EV6: Coming Soon
Assembled alongside the EV9 in Georgia, the 2025 Kia EV6 will roll into dealerships by mid-2024. Available in Light, Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line, and GT trims, Kia’s electrified crossover is primed to make a bold statement in the CUV and EV segments. Pricing details are expected closer to launch, but if history is any guide, the EV6 will once again deliver serious bang for your electric buck.
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with a major overhaul that enhances its appeal for tech-savvy, adventure-ready, and eco-conscious buyers alike. With its most significant update since the fifth-generation model, the 2026 Sportage features cutting-edge technology, fresh styling, and a powertrain trio—ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)—that delivers something for everyone.
Kia isn’t holding back with the Sportage’s expansive lineup, which includes trims ranging from the urban-savvy LX to the trail-blazing X-Line and X-Pro Prestige. Hybrid enthusiasts now have new S and X-Line trims, while the PHEV retains its top-tier X-Line Prestige. This broad spectrum ensures the Sportage stays competitive in a crowded segment.
Kia’s “Opposites United” design language shines here, blending sleek curves with rugged edges. Updates include restyled front and rear bumpers, a revamped grille, and striking “Star Map” LED lighting at both ends. Optional cube-style headlights and new wheel designs (ranging from 17 to 19 inches) elevate its curb appeal.
Inside, the Sportage offers a cabin tailored for comfort and connectivity. Highlights include a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new 10-inch head-up display, and Kia’s cutting-edge Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). Premium trims add features like SynTex seating, panoramic sunroofs, and Harman Kardon sound systems.
Enhanced Capability for Urban and Off-Road Drivers
The 2026 Sportage doesn’t just look tougher—it backs it up. X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims feature off-road-ready tech, including standard Active AWD with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) and beefy BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Whether it’s navigating a snowy driveway or heading off-grid, the Sportage is ready.
Powertrain Options for Every Preference
- ICE: A 2.5L engine delivering an estimated 187 hp.
- HEV: A turbocharged 1.6L hybrid with 231 hp, up 4 hp from last year.
- PHEV: A turbocharged 1.6L plug-in hybrid delivering 268 hp (7 hp gain) with a robust AWD system.
Both hybrid models now offer increased power for confident highway cruising or spirited backroad drives.
Advanced driver-assistance systems abound, including standard Auto Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and available Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change assist. Optional surround-view cameras and parking sensors make tight urban maneuvers a breeze.
Select Sportage trims are proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia, alongside Kia’s flagship models like the Telluride and EV6. Expect to see the 2026 Sportage hitting showrooms by Q2 2024, with pricing details coming closer to launch.
Fords on Display
During the Ford Media Showcase Ford showed its vehicles including the new Ford Expedition.
The all-new 2025 Ford Expedition has been redesigned for active families, emphasizing versatility, technology, and capability. Key highlights include:
- Expedition Tremor®: The most off-road capable model, featuring 33-inch all-terrain tires, advanced off-road tech, and 10.6 inches of ground clearance.
- Ford Split Gate: A unique tailgate design offering reconfigurable cargo space for added functionality.
- Third-Row Flexible Seating: Allows long objects to be carried without sacrificing passenger seating.
- Ford Digital Experience: A customizable command center with a 24-inch panoramic digital display, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, and driver-specific profiles.
- BlueCruise: Hands-free highway driving is available on nearly 90% of models, with features like Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi hotspot support for up to 10 devices and access to apps via Google Play.
- Powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, offering up to 440 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Best-in-class towing capacity of up to 9,600 pounds with advanced trailer-assist technology.
- Enhanced cargo management and interior flexibility for up to eight passengers.
- Available Digital Device Holders for rear-seat entertainment.
- Exterior zone lighting for activities like camping or tailgating.
The Expedition lineup—Active, King Ranch®, Platinum, and Tremor—will be available can be ordered now with deliveries beginning Spring 2025.
New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen of America has unveiled the fully redesigned 2025 Tiguan, their best-selling SUV in the U.S. The new model features bold styling, improved power, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced technology. Built on the MQB evo platform, the Tiguan offers a refined exterior with a shorter rear overhang, an athletic profile, and advanced lighting options, including an illuminated logo.
Inside, the Tiguan featurs premium materials like American walnut wood and upgraded leather, alongside modern conveniences such as a redesigned center console, exclusive two-row configuration, and innovative tech. A 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, a 12.9-inch infotainment system, and customizable “Atmospheres” enhance the in-cabin experience. Additional features include wireless charging, advanced climate control, and an optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower, the Tiguan benefits from reduced weight for improved performance and efficiency. Safety is emphasized with ten airbags and standard.
VW’s sophisticated suite of IQ.DRIVE® Level 2 driver assistance features standard across all trims. This includes Travel Assist (level 2 semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Light Assist, Park Distance Control, and Exit Warning are now standard, and Park Assist Plus is available.
Pricing and availability will be announced closer to its launch.
Thrilling Camp Jeep
At the 2024 LA Auto Show Jeep is offering a 30,000-square-foot “Camp Jeep” exhibit, an immersive off-road experience showcasing vehicle capabilities. Attendees will witness demonstrations of vehicles like the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe as skilled drivers tackle challenging obstacles.
Highlighting its commitment to sustainability, Jeep will also showcase its electrified lineup, including the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, combining off-road power with low-emission performance. The exhibit underscores Jeep’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and the future of off-roading.
2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition
The 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition combines luxury, sustainability, and Italian craftsmanship. This special edition, designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani and FIAT’s Centro Stile studio, features bespoke design elements, advanced technology, and eco-friendly innovation.
The car boasts an elegant exterior with two exclusive colors, green and ceramic Greige, alongside custom wheels featuring the Armani logo. Inside, the cabin reflects Armani’s sophisticated style with artisanal details like chevron stitching, laser-cut dashboard inserts, and embroidery. High-tech features include LED lighting, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a JBL audio system with virtual-reality soundscapes. Models are available in in two colors, dark green and ceramic gray-beige.
Powered by a 117-horsepower electric motor and a 42-kWh battery, the 500e offers a range of up to 149 miles, fast charging capability, and advanced Level 2 driver assistance. Produced in Turin, it will launch in early 2025, with pricing to be announced.
Accompanying its debut is the “Ovation” campaign, highlighting its arrival in Milan’s iconic fashion district with the tagline, “Don’t drive it, wear it.”
2025 Pacifica Family Adventure Vehicle (FAV) Edition
The Chrysler Pacifica has long been a staple of family road trips, and the 2025 Pacifica Family Adventure Vehicle (FAV) Edition is stepping up to redefine what versatility on wheels looks like. With its debut set for the 2024 LA Auto Show, the FAV Edition brings sporty design, best-in-class cargo space, and road-trip-ready accessories to a minivan already known for practicality and innovation.
At the heart of the FAV’s appeal is its black Thule rooftop cargo carrier, adding nearly 16 cubic feet of storage for a total of over 156 cubic feet of cargo space — the best in its class. Pair that with Mopar all-weather floor mats, premium blacked-out accents, and a sleek new FAV decal, and you’ve got a minivan ready for anything from a beach day to a camping expedition. Available in gas-powered front-wheel or all-wheel drive and as a Plug-in Hybrid, the Pacifica FAV offers something for every family’s lifestyle.
Inside, the FAV Edition amps up comfort and tech with a Harman Kardon audio system, added navigation on the 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, and optional features like Amazon Fire TV integration and a FamCam rear-seat camera. Starting at $45,345, or $53,950 for the Plug-in Hybrid, this special-edition Pacifica is set to hit dealerships in early 2025, giving families even more reasons to hit the road.
Ampure Named Official EV Charging Partner for 2024 LA Auto Show
Ampure, a leader in EV charging technology, has been announced as the Official EV Charging Partner of the 2024 LA Auto Show and the title sponsor of its Electric Avenue Powered by Ampure. With a legacy dating back to its work with General Motors on the EV1 in 1994, Ampure has become a trusted provider of high-quality charging solutions for both private and commercial use worldwide, including at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
At the event, Ampure will showcase its portable and home charging solutions, such as the Ampure Go Gen 2, Turbo DX 2, and TurboConnect. Visitors can test-drive EVs on a one-mile track powered by Ampure chargers and participate in its “Where Will You Go?” campaign, designed to highlight the freedom and versatility of portable EV charging. Attendees can win prizes, including portable chargers and adventure gear, by signing up at the Ampure booth.
Ampure’s sponsorship emphasizes its commitment to making EV charging accessible, reliable, and aligned with modern lifestyles, while promoting confidence in EV travel without range anxiety.
NILU Hypercar
The NILU Hypercar, created by designer Sasha Selipanov under the new brand Nilu27, is a groundbreaking tribute to raw, analog driving. Rejecting trends like electrification and digitalization, it emphasizes a visceral driving experience inspired by ’60s racing cars, Bauhaus design, American muscle, and avant-garde aesthetics.
Key features include:
- Design: A functional and aerodynamic exterior blending sculptural surfaces with an exposed V12 engine bay. The interior prioritizes manual controls and ergonomics, with a minimalist interface for heightened focus.
- Engineering: A bespoke carbon fiber chassis, aluminum tubular subframes, and a 6.5-liter V12 engine by Hartley Engines, delivering 1,000+ horsepower. The manual 7-speed transmission and pushrod suspension enhance the analog experience.
- Production: Limited to 15 units initially, with a future street-legal version capped at 54 units.
- Launch: Unveiled at exclusive events, including Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and debuting in CSR Racing 2.
Nilu27 challenges automotive norms, aiming for timeless appeal among car enthusiasts and collectors.
AutoMobility LA 2024 presented its inaugural Fleet Mobility Showcase, an exhibition highlighting the latest vehicle, technology, and product innovations in the fleet sector, featuring everything from passenger cars to Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. Alongside Ford Pro, Nikola, and Isuzu Trucks of America were GM Envolve, Bollinger Motors and Motiv Power. Systems