Autos 0-60

The 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show opened to the public on Friday, November 30, with more than 50 World or US debuts, including models such as the new all electric cars 2013 Chevy Spark e and 2013 FIAT 500e, modern versions of classics like the 2014 Chevrolet Impala and the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, and a new push of the Clean Diesel Technology by Audi, among other great exhibits.

Here’s Autos 0-60 interviews with Car Manufacturer’s Presidents and CEOs, engineers, designers and Public Relations Executives during the Media Days at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

► Jonathan Browning, CEO VW Group: The new 2013 VW Beetle Convertible and exploding growth in the US during the past 3 years.

► Scott Keogh, President Audi of America: Audi debuted full line of Clean Diesel models that now includes the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 and
showed the many advantages of Diesel against gasoline with it’s Diesel Saving Clock at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

► Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc.: The new Porsche US Headquarters in Atlanta and the new 2013 Porsche Cayman.

► William Vetter Mercedes-Benz AMG, Product Manager: Mercedes-Benz presented the new 2013 SLS AMG Black Edition, the 2013 GL G63 AMG and the Ener-G Force concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

► Manuel Sattig BMW i, Communications Director: BMW introduced the all electric car i3 Concept Coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

► Wayne J Burbess, Production Studio Director Design:  The F-TYPE – Jaguar’s all-new two-seater sports car. Seen for the first time with special-order Firesand paintwork and equipped with optional ‘Design’ and both exterior and interior ‘black’ packs, this individual F-TYPE – a V6 S model – demonstrates the range of personalisation options that are available for customers.

► Kurt Karl, Kia of America Design Center Design Manager: The all-new 2014 Kia Forte will represent the heart of KMA’s small-car line-up, replacing the current Forte, which has been a sales success story since launching in 2009.

► Jordan Leal, Hyundai Graphic Designer:  Expanding on the qualities that have made the Veloster a sales success, the C3 (which stands for Convertible 3-door) combines open-air freedom with the style of a coupe and the functionality of a tailgate. The Veloster’s efficient coupe design with hidden passenger-side third door introduces an innovative
dual-function roll top and tailgate, adding unique utility to a convertible.

► Russ Clark, Chevrolet Marketing Director:  The all-new 2014 Impala, Chevrolet’s flagship sedan, will go on sale this spring with a starting price of $27,535, including an $810 destination charge.

► Chris Perry, Chevrolet Marketing Vice President: The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV, introduced today ahead of the Los Angeles International Auto Show, packs smart performance and connectivity technologies into an affordable five-door urban mini car designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. It will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives.

► Chad Lyons, Communications Manager at General Motors:  When fans fire up their PlayStation®3 (PS3™) systems today they’ll have a chance to become part of Corvette history. Chevrolet and Sony Computer Entertainment America, LLC (SCEA) are giving gamers a first-of-its-kind driving experience by offering a camouflaged Corvette C7 Test Prototype as a vehicle download in the critically acclaimed PS3™ racing game Gran Turismo®5.

► Ralph Gilles: Vice President Product Design Chrysler LLC, CEO SRT & SRT Motorsport: The all-new 2013 SRT Viper makes its long-awaited return to the high-performance sports-car market flush with new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its legacy of American craftsmanship and visceral performance.

►  Lou Rhodes, Chrysler Group Electric Vehicles Chief Engineer:   Designing city-friendly, environmentally responsible and fun-to-drive small cars is what the FIAT brand and its “Simply More” belief stand for. The all-new 2013 Fiat 500e electrifies the next chapter of the brand’s legacy by embodying the FIAT brand’s simple, purposeful and fun-to-drive values – through iconic style, engaging dynamics and an environmentally responsible zero-emissions design.

► Alvaro Cabal, Ford Motor Company Multicultural Communications Manager:  El debut del nuevo 2013 Ford Fiesta con su motor de cuatro cilindros de 1.0 Litro y la tecnología Eco-Boost.

Tags: aviation, Cars, Los Angeles Auto Show, mercedes benz amg, porsche cars north america inc, transportation