2002 L.A. Auto Show Sets New Attendance Record

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 -- If auto manufacturers are probing for a sales barometer for the coming year, they may have found it in the record-breaking crowds who streamed into the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Total attendance climbed 16 percent over last year to a new high of 1,050,887 visitors during the nine-day show that ended Jan. 13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

``Southern Californians' enthusiasm demonstrates that the automobile is more than just a mode of transportation -- it is a statement of their lifestyle,'' explained L.A. Auto Show General Manager Andy Fuzesi. ``They are truly interested in the latest designs and technology being offered in the marketplace. Now, we'll have to wait and see if the increased interest translates into new car sales.''

The more than two dozen vehicles that made their World or North American debut at the L.A. Auto Show were among the highlights of the more than 1,000 vehicles on display. Leading automobile executives were on hand to introduce the newest production and concept vehicles to journalists during the two Media Days that preceded the show's opening. Vehicles receiving their debut were:

2002 Audi A4 Avant 2002 Audi A4 Cabrio 2002 Acura NSX 2003 Acura CL 2002 BMW 745i 2004 Chrysler Crossfire 2002 Dodge Neon SRT 2003 Ford Expedition Ford Fusion concept 2002 Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Model X concept 2003 Hummer H2 2003 Infiniti G35 2002 Jaguar S-Type 2002 Jaguar S-Type R 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago Lexus "Minority Report" concept 2003 Lincoln Navigator Lincoln Continental concept 2002 Maserati Spyder 2002 Maserati Coupe 2002 Mazda MPV 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 2003 Mini Cooper S 2003 Nissan 350Z 2002 Porsche Carrera 4S 2002 Porsche 911 Targa 2003 Pontiac Vibe Suzuki GSXR-4 concept Th!nk City 2003 Toyota Matrix 2002 Volvo S80 Volvo PCC II concept 2002 Volkswagen W8 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S