LA Auto Show Returns in November: Expanding Experiences from Test Drives to Purchase Planning
The LA Auto Show, the largest automotive festival on the West Coast, is set to open its doors again this November. With Chevron Techron joining as the title sponsor, this year’s event is expected to showcase shifting automotive market trends in one place, featuring 2027 model-year new vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and off-road vehicles.
In an interview with the Korea Daily on August 13, Andy Steinhauser, Director of Sponsorship and Business Development for the LA Auto Show, said, “The LA Auto Show is a special experience where you can directly test and feel upcoming automotive trends one step ahead.” He added that this year, the show plans to expand the scope of these hands-on experiences from vehicle comparisons and test drives to the purchase preparation phase.
First Official Financial Partner and Enhanced Interactive Programs
According to Steinhauser, Capital One Auto Navigator is participating as the LA Auto Show’s first official auto financing and vehicle shopping partner. This service will assist visitors in their future shopping process by helping them determine their estimated purchasing budget prior to buying a vehicle. The goal is to extend the auto show’s role beyond exploring vehicles and test-driving to include the financing and shopping steps for future purchases.
On-road test-drive programs featuring multiple brands will take place on public roads near the Los Angeles Convention Center. Indoors, visitors can experience the off-road performance of vehicles alongside professional drivers at “Camp Jeep” and the Ford Bronco Adventure Course. Furthermore, exhibition booths are evolving into interactive spaces, with an increased presence of gaming, photo opportunities, and various brand experience events.
The Importance of Direct Experience and Praise for Korean Automakers
Steinhauser cited “direct experience” as the reason why an auto show with a 119-year history remains essential even in the online era. “There is a lot of information online, but it cannot replace the experience of physically touching a product, making eye contact with people, and asking questions about a vehicle,” he explained.
He also offered high praise for the growth of Korean automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. “Comparing their exhibition 10 to 15 years ago to today, the evolution of their products and brand is one of the most amazing stories in the automotive manufacturing industry,” Steinhauser said. He added that for the three Korean automakers with U.S. headquarters in Southern California, the LA Auto Show holds a special significance virtually equivalent to a “hometown show.”
Visitor Schedule and Ticket Information
Steinhauser noted, “We will find out what creative ideas and events manufacturers will bring on November 19,” adding, “The fun of the LA Auto Show is seeing everything in person and discovering what trends emerge.”
The LA Auto Show opens to the general public on November 20. Admission tickets can be purchased through the official ticket sales website.
