(November 3, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Auto Show will surpass 50 vehicle debuts when it opens Nov. 16 and 17 for press and Nov. 18-27 for the public. 

As a bright spot in the overall economy, the auto industry continues its momentum at the L.A. Show, highlighted by more than 22 manufacturer press conferences.

It will be clear that automakers have invested significantly to deliver vehicles consumers want, featuring an unprecedented number of technological advancements, improved performance and design, all while decreasing carbon emissions. 

In addition to the 1,000 new vehicles at the show, a significant number of manufacturers have upgraded exhibit spaces and added enhanced features with more interactive content and experiences. There will also be more than a half-dozen test drives that put consumers in the seats and on the streets in these new vehicles.

Chevrolet Spark

Notable this year will be a significant increase in fuel efficiency across the board in all categories.  Nearly 20 highly-efficient, 40-mpg-plus vehicles, using internal combustion engines — such as the world debut of the Chevrolet Spark — will be at the Show.  A renaissance is underway for the four-cylinder engine, which in an era of rising gas prices and concern for fuel economy has become a powerplant of choice for many automakers.

Completely reengineered to deliver the power and torque normally associated with larger displacement engines, four cylinder designs are not just powering compacts, but finding their way into multiple platforms. Most notably, the hotly contested small crossover segment will feature two head-to-head competitive world debuts — the Ford Escape and Honda CRV.  Mazda also has a new entry in this category with the North American debut of its all-new CX-5 crossover.

Underscoring that many solutions exist for reducing carbon emissions, a whole pack of electric vehicles are in or entering production and will be highlighted at the show, including Mitsubishi's all-electric i, the Ford Focus Electric, BMW's i3 Concept, CODA's Sedan, Nissan's LEAF and an import from Croatia, the DOK-ING XD.  Hybrids and plug-in hybrids continue to grow and highlights at the show include the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the new Honda Civic Hybrid and the updated Honda Insight Hybrid. BMW will also have its groundbreaking, i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe concept.

More than half of the 50 L.A. Show debuts fall in the performance and luxury vehicle category like the Audi R8 GT Spyder, Porsche 911 and Jaguar C-X16 sports car concept. Bentley is returning to Los Angeles this year, premiering the marque's 2012 Continental GTC ultra-luxury convertible.

Watch for a complete preview of Los Angeles Auto Show introductions on MotorwayAmerica.