The 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA brought the industry together for a full day of press moments, show floor walk throughs, and brand updates that ranged from mainstream product strategy to heritage driven storytelling. The pace was steady and the messaging was direct. Many of the strongest presentations were built around practical next steps rather than distant concepts.
Kia opened the day with the next generation Telluride. The team highlighted the model’s role in Kia’s momentum since 2019 and introduced the 2027 Telluride with a larger footprint, a roomier interior, and updated exterior design elements including signature lighting and more chiseled surfacing. A key update is the introduction of a first hybrid powertrain for the nameplate. Kia also revealed the Telluride X Pro, positioned as the most rugged expression of the lineup with enhanced off road features and integrated towing focused details.
Volkswagen delivered one of the most memorable non product moments with the restored Type 2 bus Azul. The presentation centered on the vehicle’s connection to the Palisades fire story, the owner, and the restoration work completed by Volkswagen’s team. VW also noted Azul’s planned public visibility in Los Angeles, adding a local dimension to a brand that has long relied on cultural relevance as part of its identity.
Scout Motors returned to an auto show for the first time in more than forty five years. The appearance marked Scout’s first major show moment as a new company. The Traveler and Terra were shown as modern EV interpretations of an American off road icon. The team also shared operational updates including ongoing factory construction in Lakewood and investment in a supplier park intended to support battery assembly, just in time suppliers, and accessory installation.
Lucid added a premium anchor to the day with the Gravity Touring. The Touring variant extends the Gravity lineup with a three row EV option positioned below the highest tier trims, while still emphasizing space, range, and performance. The message focused on delivering a family sized SUV that maintains Lucid’s design and driving priorities within a more accessible price band.
For enthusiasts, the Revology 1969 Boss 429 offered a strong counterpoint to the broader electrification narrative on the floor. The car pairs a classic silhouette with modern engineering, including a supercharged Ford five liter V8 and contemporary chassis and braking systems. The presentation underscored continued demand for high craft restomods that are built to be driven rather than displayed.
The industry day in Los Angeles showed a market balancing progress with familiarity. Hybrids earned more visible stage time as brands refine the pace of electrification for mainstream buyers. Heritage was used in meaningful ways, both through community focused storytelling and through the revival of iconic nameplates with real operational backing. The most effective presentations were clear about who the vehicle is for, how it fits real use cases, and why the brand’s next chapter should feel credible.
For AutoMobility Advisors, LA reinforced the value of this show as a practical barometer. It is a place where product strategy, brand identity, and customer expectations intersect in a way that is easy to read. The 2025 edition made one point especially clear. The next wave of winners will be the brands that pair modern powertrains with simple, confident stories customers can trust.
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