The Los Angeles Auto Show recently wrapped up, and among the crowd favorites were five vehicles that stole the show. In today’s episode of CBT Now, we’re joined by Lauren Fix, automotive expert and founder of Car Coach Reports, to explore some of the highlights from the show.
Fix notes an intriguing shift in the automotive industry: German brands, once the benchmark, are now surpassed by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis as the new industry standard. This sentiment became evident during the event, with the South Korean automakers unveiling outstanding vehicles and stealing the show in one fell swoop.
While several fantastic vehicles were unveiled, the standout was Hyundai’s flagship, all-electric, three-row SUV, the 2026 Ioniq 9. As the company’s largest EV, the Ioniq 9 combines luxury with practicality, effectively positioning it.
This all-electric three-row SUV will be the automaker’s new flagship EV vehicle and is the largest in its portfolio. It combines luxury with practicality and made a significant impact at the show.
Genesis also impressed with updates to the GV70, debuting a mid-cycle refresh that will be available in both gas and electric variants.
The Volkswagen Tiguan was a noteworthy exception among the South Korean-led highlights. The luxury SUV received a refresh, which included a new 14-inch screen, head-up display, and turbo engine.
Kia also showcased two exciting additions to their lineup: the premium performance SUV called EV9 GT and the compact EV3. While the EV3 remains shrouded in mystery with no confirmed release date, its debut signals Kia’s commitment to expanding its electric portfolio.
While many brands showcased innovation, Fix voiced concerns about the future of three prominent automakers. Additional challenges have risen following Stellantis’ decisions to discontinue its most popular performance lines, particularly the Hellcat, which was critical to the automaker’s market appeal. Dealers and consumers are concerned about the brand’s direction and are losing confidence in the brand.
Jaguar’s recent risky rebranding efforts were met with criticism from consumers and industry professionals. Fix expressed concern that the automaker’s blatant dismissal of its rich heritage may alienate core customers.
She also expressed concern for Nissan, whose struggles are measurable by a 17% drop in production for Q4 and a whopping 99% drop in dealer profitability. She remains hopeful that Nissan can get back on track and that the new models, such as the Nissan Kicks, can turn the tides.
Overall, the Los Angeles Auto Show served as a pivotal platform highlighting the automotive industry’s various trajectories. Some brands seized the moment by showcasing innovative technologies and designs that cater to consumers’ evolving demands, while others struggled to navigate the complexities of an uncertain market. As manufacturers unveiled their visions for the future, the show not only reflected the current state of the market but also hinted at the potential transformations that lie ahead.
"There’s a noticeable pivot [in the industry], and brands that used to define luxury and innovation are being outpaced by more agile competitors." – Lauren Fix
