The inaugural edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show was held from January 21–27, 1907. The event was held at Morley’s Skating Rink, featured almost a hundred vehicles and attracted about 3,000 visitors. The show expanded as the country’s auto industry grew. It had to change venues four times throughout the 1920s. The show went to hiatus from 1940 through 1951 due to WWII, but reopened in 1952 with more than 150 vehicles on display. It was the first time it showcased cars from international manufacturers.
In 2006, the team of the LA Auto Show moved the show’s dates from early January to late November/early December in order to avoid overlapping the North American International Auto show held in Detroit every January. The mover resulted in two LA Auto Shows during one year, the second being the 100 year anniversary show.
The LA Auto Show’s program includes a wide range events for both industry professionals and the general public. The show’s main industry event is the trade show AutoMobility LA which resulted from the merger of the Los Angeles Auto Show Press & Trade Days and Connected Car Expo. It’s a conference for industry professionals that features networking events, exhibitions, keynote speeches and lectures, press conferences, test drives, presentations, discussions, workshops, etc. The event is typically held several days before the main show.
The part of the LA Auto Show which is open to the public also has much to offer. It showcases over 1,000 cars in four exhibit halls and hosts a special showcase of cutting-edge mobility tech such as rocket skates, hoverboards, mobility apps, e-bikes, wearables and more. The Garage offers to check out the newest in customized, tuner and aftermarket vehicles. There are production model debuts, concept care presentations, and test drives.
