January 6-15 at the LA Convention Center

Hybrids and horsepower, luxury and economy will all come together at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, January 6-15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year's show will include more than 30 World and North American debuts, plus concept cars that offer a dramatic preview of possible future production vehicles. This is the last January show before moving to new November dates beginning November 2006.

As diverse as Los Angeles itself, the show will cover the entire automotive landscape. Featured will be more than 1,000 vehicles - from sport compacts to supercars, and from trucks and SUVs to hybrids and customs. These models reflect the hottest trends in the automotive world today, including expressive design, luxury crossovers, fuel-efficiency, and of course power.

Design and economy go hand in hand with Toyota's Yaris, an all-new stylish compact four-door making its World debut. Honda has radically redesigned its best-selling Civic for 2006 and Chevrolet's redesign of its 2007 Aveo boasts a long list of standard features.

Rising fuel prices and environmental issues are contributing to heightened interest in hybrid vehicles that combine electric motors with fuel efficient gasoline engines. First appearing in sedans, like the popular Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Accord, the model range is expanding. Currently, there are six SUVs or trucks available as hybrids, including the luxurious Lexus LX 400H, the popular Ford Escape Hybrid and the new Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

Yesteryear's station wagons have given way to the new breed of "crossover" vehicles that cleverly combine the practicality of an SUV with the driving performance of a sports sedan. Mazda will conduct the World debut of its all-new aggressively-styled CX-7 that comes to market in the spring. Mercedes-Benz offers what it calls a Sports Tourer, the elegant R-Class that has three-row seating for six adults, while Cadillac scores praises with its stylish car-based SRX.

Broad arrays of SUVs fill nearly every automaker's garage and are becoming more fuel efficient in the process. Audi introduces its first-ever SUV, the athletic and luxurious Q7, while Hummer retains its authentic looks on its smaller H3. Chevrolet has redesigned its full-size Suburban for 2007 and Toyota is rolling out its versatile V-6-powered and exciting new FJ Cruiser.

High-performance luxury cars are a natural for Los Angeles' climate, and their popularity keeps growing. BMW is introducing its sleek M6 and Lamborghini pops the top off its Gallardo with the new Spyder. And for sheer exclusivity and performance, there is the $1.2 million 987-horsepower Bugatti Veyron that makes its North American debut.

For dreamers, concept cars are right up their alley. Jeep rolls in a pair of concepts - the rugged Gladiator that is a cross between a pickup and SUV, and the Hurricane, which features not one, but two Hemi V-8 engines that enable it to spin in a 360 degree circle. Audi introduces its 250-horsepower Shooting Brake three-door hatchback, GM showcases its Sequel, an aerodynamic coupe powered by an advanced fuel cell engine, and Hyundai introduces its NEOS III concept that is packed with technological innovations.

The LA Auto Show literally has something for everyone. In addition to all the new vehicles, there's an entire hall the size of nearly three football fields dedicated to the aftermarket. Here consumers will find specialty vehicles, plus custom wheels and tires, body and interior components, electronics and audio systems, and high-performance parts to satisfy their personalization needs.

Los Angeles Auto Show hours are:

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors (65+) on weekdays only. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

For general information, call 213-741-1151, ext. 1, or visit online at www.LAautoshow.com.