MBN: THE MONTE BUBBLES NETWORK: LA AUTO SHOW

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California announces green vehicles at La Auto Show November 30, 2006, 10:10 AM

The former Hollywood action star, whose General Motors Hummer has been converted to run on hydrogen, spoke at the Los Angeles Auto Show alongside prototype cars powered by environmentally friendlier technologies.

"We challenged the car companies to innovate, to think beyond gasoline and to deliver cleaner, more efficient cars," he told reporters, a day after GM accelerated plans to roll out electric-powered cars and a new hybrid engine.

Schwarzenegger appeared besides hydrogen-fuelled BMW and Honda cars which can emit only water, and a Mercedes-Benz powered by a new breed of ultra-clean diesel.

GM showed off an ethanol-running version of its chunky Chevrolet Tahoe sport-utility vehicle, while niche manufacturer Tesla unveiled an electric sports car capable of reaching 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) in just four seconds.

The Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights

The Los Angeles Auto Show celebrates its 100 year anniversary and “a new beginning”. The LA show has grown in importance on the auto show circuit, evident by the show’s historical record number of 24 manufacturer press conferences scheduled with 18 production and concept vehicle world debuts. There are 12 North American vehicle debuts.

In previous years, the LA Auto Show was held in January, just days before the Detroit Auto Show and during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas . With the change in date, press coverage has grown exponentially and displays appear as a practice run for Detroit . Being there, it felt like you might be at the Detroit Auto Show, at least what you’d seen on tv.

Rick Wagoner of General Motors Corporation opened press days as the Motor Press Guild Keynote Speaker.

After a day’s worth of press conferences, it’s always interesting what you remember without referring to notes or the press schedule. Molly Simms of Vegas and James Denton of Desperate Housewives at the Audi Roadster world premiere, Jennifer Love Hewitt dropping by the Chrysler Sebring convertible intro that fits 2 sets of golf clubs in it when the top is down, the Versace Lamborghini so special no one could get close, the Batman like new Acura, the moving blocks of ice in BMW’s world premiere of the BMW 7 hydrogen car, having to ask repeatedly for an Aston Martin press kit, and the stunning Mazda concept car that I’m hoping is more than just concept, although it is the direction the company’s headed.

The Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public December 1st and continues through December 10th

This morning GM Announced its intention to produce a Plug-In Hybrid SUV.

Honda REMIX Concept Shines Brightly at Los Angeles Auto Show

Styling Concept Mixes Sports Car Attitude With Everyday Functionality

Nov. 29 The Honda REMIX small sport concept vehicle made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on agile and fun-to-drive performance that can also provide exceptional practicality as a daily driver.

Sports car in shape and design, the low-slung REMIX features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fighter jet-feel to the driving experience. The aluminum-color exterior accentuates every line and curve in the geometric, yet fluid styling. Capable of delivering more than just driving performance, the rear storage area supplies generous cargo room.

"Pure Honda to the core, the REMIX concept vehicle focuses on a simple, lightweight and fun-to-drive philosophy," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The concept balances sports car virtues with real-world practicality."

The REMIX small sport concept is a product of the Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Advanced Design Studio in Southern California. Purely a design concept, the vehicle is fashioned around a front-wheel drive small car platform with a 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A sport suspension, along with aggressive tires and brakes, further supplement its performance side.

"The REMIX blends familiar Honda themes into a new, fresh design," said Ben Davidson, REMIX lead designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "Smooth and fluid surfaces provide a sports car identity to the geometric shapes that form the functional aspect of this vehicle."

Honda R&D Americas, Inc., began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 30 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products like the Honda Ridgeline, Pilot, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.

The company will operate 10 major facilities in North America with the addition of two new design centers by the end of 2007. More than 1,300 designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura passenger cars, motorcycles and power equipment products for North America and global markets. Its main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance) responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio) responsible for complete product development, testing and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and two dynamic test facilities in Mojave Desert, California, and East Liberty, Ohio.

Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

KEYNOTE LA AUTO