Preview: Automakers struggle with the future in Los Angeles
26/11/2017 13:00
By Joseph White
DETROIT, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Car manufacturers' attempts to
square what U.S. consumers want against the clean vehicles
regulators and investors demand will be on display in Los
Angeles this week at an auto show that has moved away from
calling itself just an auto show.
Automakers on Monday will begin previewing new models for
the media at an event called AutoMobility LA, reflecting an
emphasis on digital technology and new ways to get around, such
as self-driving cars. On Friday, the Los Angeles Auto Show will
open to the public for 10 days, attracting visitors from one of
the world's most affluent and culturally influential
metropolitan markets.
For now, self-driving cars are not ready for consumers, and
sales of the battery-powered vehicles demanded by California
regulators remain marginal and money-losing. Profits are
generated by gasoline-fueled sport utility vehicles and trucks.
Automakers caught between the petroleum past and the digital
future will send muddled messages.
Volkswagen AG VOWG_p.DE will try to replace memories of
the diesel emissions cheating scandal that tarnished its image
with many California customers by promoting its $40 billion wave
of electric vehicles. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL8N1NN3IV
In the next breath, the German automaker will tout its
gasoline-fueled Audi A8 large luxury sedan, which can pilot
itself under limited circumstances but is out of step with a
market where buyers are switching to sport utility vehicles.
Rivals overshadowed by electric vehicle pioneer Tesla Inc
TSLA.O are in a quandary, too. Despite a booming stock market,
sales for luxury brands BMW, Daimler AG's DAIGn.DE
Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Motor Corp's 7203.T Lexus are down
for the first 10 months of 2017. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL2N1N131G urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL2N1MN0QW
BMW AG BMWG.DE is expected to roll out new versions of its
i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. But for those not interested in
electrification, the company will use the show to promote a
high-performance version of its 5 Series sedan.
Tata Motors TAMO.NS unit Jaguar Land Rover will accompany
its new gasoline-powered Range Rover SVAutobiography, billed as
the "pinnacle" of a lineup that already has models priced above
$100,000, with its first plug-in hybrid Range Rovers.
At AutoMobility LA, auto and technology industry executives
will debate how ride-sharing, self-driving vehicles and electric
cars will shape the future. At the auto show itself, the stars
will be gasoline-burning SUVs, such as the Subaru Ascent, a
large, three-row SUV from a brand known for compact,
all-wheel-drive cars.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV FCHA.MI will unveil a new
Jeep Wrangler with styling that still harks back to the trusty
vehicles that helped the United States win World War Two.
(Reporting by Joe White; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
((Joe.White@thomsonreuters.com))
Keywords: AUTOSHOW LA/PREVIEW