2005 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview

The covers will be flying off of morethan two dozen new vehicles as they make their World or North American debutsduring media days, January 5 and 6, at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. Of those, 12 vehicles will be making their worldwide premieres. Motor Trend's live-from-the-showfloor coverage also begins on Wednesday, January 5, so check back here for photos and captions as they are unveiled by the manufacturers.

Car makers don't typically reveal too many details in advance of anew model's official introduction, which is certainly the case for BentleyMotors: The luxury automaker has only said that it plans to reveal a world premiere at the show.

For the past several years, General Motors has capitalized on the LA AutoShow to introduce a host of significant new vehicles. This year, Chevroletand Pontiac are leading the way by showcasing 2006 production models includingthe all-new Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Torrent.

But GM is not the only manufacturer putting a major emphasis on the LAAuto Show in order to reach the broad base of media and North America'slargest new car-buying market. Volkswagen has stepped forward with asignificant debut and enhanced overall presence at the show.

The most important vehicle in Volkswagen's lineup, the Jetta, has beencompletely redesigned for 2005 and will make its World debut in Los Angeles.Volkswagen AG Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder demonstrates the vehicle'simportance to the company by paying a special visit to attend theintroduction. Pischetsrieder also will be the keynote speaker at the MotorPress Guild kickoff breakfast on January 5.

"Pischetsrieder is one of the automotive industry's most influentialCEOs -- and one who knows cars," says Matt Stone, executive editor of MotorTrend, and MPG's Keynote Address chairman. "He has a lot to say about ourbusiness, and he's not afraid to say it."

In addition to Bentley, General Motors and Volkswagen, other manufacturersare utilizing the LA Auto Show to conduct World debuts. This includes BMW,DaimlerChrysler, Ford and Jaguar, all of whom are keeping quiet on specifics.