Auto enthusiasts got an early Christmas present.
The L.A. Car show returned to the Convention Center Dec. 4 featuring more than 900 vehicles, most of which trended towards smaller, fuel-efficient designs. At least thirty cars made their world or North American debuts at the event, considered one of the largest auto shows in the country.
The show, which runs through Dec. 13, comes at the end of one of the most difficult years in the American auto industry's history.
In 2009, the Big Three -- General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler -- closed dozens of their mid-western factories, eliminating more than 400,0000 jobs in the process of corporate restructuring.
Despite their latest woes and the tough years that likely lie ahead for auto makers, the L.A. car show proved America still loves its wheels. And with that comes a promise of better days ahead for the industry.
"As consumers start showing a renewed interest in buying vehicles, the auto show is the ideal place to experience the newest cars, trucks and sedans being offered as well as a get a look at some amazing concepts that provide a glimpse into the future, " said General Manager Andy Fuzesi in a prepared statement.
A sluggish economy has given rise to the popularity of compact, fuel-efficient cars as Americans eagerly look forward to the day electrical cars rule the roadways, and spending $100 to fill up a tank of gas becomes a thing of the past.
Three such fuel-efficient vehicles made their North American debuts: the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Cruze, and Mazda2. While it's unclear how much the Mazda2 will cost once it's on the North American market, company representatives have said it will be the most fuel-efficient Mazda ever sold.
And while the Cruze seemed like a good concept, the Chevy Volt definitely overshadowed the Cruze.
In line with the push towards more fuel efficient designs,crossovers have grown in popularity as gas-guzzling SUV's have largely fallen out of favor. Kia introduced it's first ever American built vehicle, the Sorento crossover, a cross between an SUV and a traditional vehicle.
But aside from fuel efficiency, safety is a major concern for American drivers, and auto makers were happy to indulge.
Volvo, which has built its brand around its high safety ratings and family-friendly vehicles, debuted the 2011 XC60. The vehicle resembles a cross between a minivan and a station wagon and comes equipped with sensors that can detect slowing traffic. These sensors automatically stop the car if the XC60's driver hasn't pressed the brakes.
This comes in handy for those momentary lapses in concentration that happen to every driver, no matter how experienced or adept.
And that's what drew Ozzie Diaz and his partner Gaby Ventura to the XC60.
"That's number one, safety and after that, mileage," Diaz said, adding that he plans to purchase a new vehicle upon his impending graduation from nursing school.
While Diaz came to the show to research vehicles with the intention of purchasing one, others, such as Jorge Gutierrez and Jorge Florez, came for no other reason than their love for cars.
Though they're not old enough to drive yet, the high school sophomores sat in a stunning steel colored 2011 Ford Mustang on display.
While Gutierrez said he liked the Mustang, it was the Dodge Challenger he had scoped out earlier that won his heart.
"The design, the color," he said, referring to the Challenger. "It's beautiful."
Thinking lIke a typical motor enthusiast, Gutierrez's friend, Roy Rodriguez said the body of the car doesn't impress him as much as what lies inside.
"The engine is the best part," he said, bumping fists with Gutierrez.
