2023 LA Auto Show: The Future of Mobility Takes Center Stage
The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show has concluded its press days, leaving automotive enthusiasts and industry watchers with plenty to discuss. While the event felt more subdued than previous years—partly due to Stellantis’ notable absence—the show still delivered exciting reveals, technological innovations, and insights into the evolving automotive landscape.
Lucid Gravity: The Luxury EV SUV to Watch
Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson and head designer Derek Jenkins showcase the Gravity SUV. (Image: Harri Weber/TechCrunch)
Lucid Motors stole the EV spotlight with its Gravity SUV debut. Key features include:
- Projected 440-mile range
- Starting price around $80,000
- Spacious interior despite low-slung design
The luxury electric SUV represents Lucid’s crucial expansion beyond sedans, though accessibility remains a question for mainstream buyers.
The Cybertruck Lookalike That Isn’t
AITEKX’s angular RoboTruck turns heads. (Image: Allen J. Schaben/Getty Images)
Emerging automaker AITEKX made waves with its RoboTruck, whose angular design inevitably drew Cybertruck comparisons. Company representatives firmly denied any inspiration from Tesla’s controversial pickup, sparking conversations about design trends in the EV truck segment.
Hollywood Meets Automotive: Fast & Furious Exhibit
The infamous rocket-powered Pontiac Fiero from F9. (Image: Harri Weber/TechCrunch)
The show’s most entertaining display came from the Fast & Furious franchise, featuring:
- The orbital-launch-capable Pontiac Fiero
- Vin Diesel’s iconic Charger
- A celebration of automotive fantasy over realism
Amazon Enters Car Sales: Hyundai Partnership Announced
Hyundai vehicles coming to Amazon in 2024. (Image: Screenshot/Kirsten Korosec)
In a major industry shift, Amazon revealed plans to sell cars online starting with Hyundai in late 2024. This move signals:
- Evolving car-buying behaviors
- Potential disruption to traditional dealership models
- Amazon’s continued expansion into major retail categories
The EV Spotlight: Bright but Shared
Subaru’s gas-powered Forester still commands attention. (Image: Harri Weber/TechCrunch)
While electrification dominated conversations, observations revealed:
- Every major automaker displayed hybrid or EV options
- Some presentations emphasized traditional ICE vehicles
- Industry balancing future commitments with current profitability
Chevrolet notably illuminated “EV” in its logo, while Subaru and Hyundai devoted significant stage time to combustion-engine models.
Sustainability Beyond Electrification
Kia’s eco-conscious concept EV. (Image: Harri Weber/TechCrunch)
Environmental considerations extended beyond powertrains:
- Lucid incorporated sustainable materials like leather alternatives and recycled yarn
- Kia showcased concept EVs with mushroom-based leather and hemp fibers
- Most automakers offered limited public sustainability commitments
The contrast highlighted how sustainability narratives vary across manufacturers, with some prioritizing production-ready solutions while others focus on futuristic concepts.
The Evolving Auto Show Landscape
This year’s LA Auto Show reflected broader industry trends:
- Shift toward standalone brand events
- Continued emphasis on electrification
- Balancing traditional and futuristic offerings
- Exploring new retail models like online sales
While the show’s energy may have diminished from pre-pandemic levels, it remains an important barometer for automotive innovation and consumer trends.
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