The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show is a wrap – for the press, anyway. That means it’s time to recap the big launches, strange details, show cars, and strange absences we’ve noticed this year.
Highlights include the SUV that will make or break Lucid, the automaker Amazon, a pickup truck that calls to mind the Tesla Cybertruck, and the rocket-powered Pontiac Fiero that the two gearheads somehow launched into orbit (Not real).
The Los Angeles Auto Show was weak this year, thanks at least in part to the absence of Stellantis, which owns Fiat, Jeep, Chrysler and a host of other brands. As I was writing this, leaning against a wall on the convention center floor, a passerby commented unconvincingly that the day’s turnout was “still pretty good.” The comment seems to exemplify the auto industry’s shift toward standalone and online events, and how that trend has left auto shows looking for ways to fill their halls. However, there’s still a lot to chew on this year, so let’s dive into it.
Obvious appeal: handsome and expensive
Lucid had the biggest story of the show, regarding electric vehicles.
The company debuted the low-slung, fairly spacious Gravity SUV, which has an “expected range” of 440 miles and a price tag of around $80,000.
Sure it looks like a luxury SUV, but I can’t speak to how it feels; Too bad Lucid didn’t let me sit in the back seat. CEO Peter Rawlinson noted during his presentation that Lucid is more achievable than you might think. (As I put off fixing the bent wheel on my nearly $10,000 Smart ForTwo (2013), I automatically wonder, “What planet does this guy live on?”).
Don’t call it Cybertruck
A previous company called under the radar itikx The RoboTruck debuted in a small booth next to the West Hall of the auto show.
Tell me – does this look like a Tesla to you? When I asked someone at the booth if the car was inspired by the Cybertruck, he said a firm “no.”
imaginary
Some of the most memorable vehicles at the show were mere works of fantasy. The Fast and Furious exhibit featured several vehicles from the long-running series, including the Fiero orbital car and Vin Diesel’s Charger, both of which appeared in F9: Fast Epic.
Movies are not about realism. They are about cars. And family.
Automatic installation from Amazon
Another highlight of the show was Hyundai’s partnership with Amazon.
The online retailer said it will start selling Hyundai vehicles in its US store during the latter half of next year, adding that other brands will follow. It’s not a completely surprising move, given that the e-commerce giant already sells basically everything, including fully finished homes.
Have the lights dimmed on electric vehicles?
I wondered this myself going into the show, and to be clear: the spotlight is still on electric cars.
Almost every automaker in attendance had a hybrid or all-electric vehicle on display — Chevrolet flashed the letters “ev” in its logo to clearly drive home the point. (Like, okay Chevy, we get that.) However, during presentations by Subaru and Hyundai, battery electric vehicles appeared to be taking a backseat. Their presentations devoted more attention to gas consumers and hybrids. It thus reflects an industry that acknowledges the fate of internal combustion engines, but still relies on them for profitability.
Beyond electrification
Beyond electricity, other important environmental considerations – such as building with recycled materials and powering factories with renewable energy – were not top of mind during the presentations. Last year, Fiat showcased some unique vehicles featuring recycled gold and reclaimed marine litter. The move seemed like it was all about spectacle, but at least it meant “recycled materials” were on stage.
This year, when Subaru of America President Jeff Walters exited the stage, TechCrunch asked if he could talk about any environmental or sustainability considerations the company may have made, such as using recycled materials with the new Forester. “Not off the top of my head,” he replied.
Lucid didn’t say much onstage, but Lucid’s offstage design director, Derek Jenkins, told TechCrunch that the automaker has incorporated leather, burlwood and recycled yarn alternatives into the interior of its SUV. Jenkins also stressed that renewables make up a portion of the energy that powers its production facility.
In contrast, Kia has stood out this year when it comes to sustainability talking points. The company displayed two experimental electric cars, saying they feature a mushroom-based leather alternative, hemp fibres, recycled fabrics, natural dyes and bioplastics. However, take this with a grain of salt, as these are not production vehicles.