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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - After a one-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the L.A. Auto Show returns today, beginning a 10-day run at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This year's edition of the popular motor mecca will put a particular spotlight on zero-emission vehicles, as well as the usual wide array of gas- powered and hybrid cars, SUVs and pickups -- and, for the first time in two years, the chance for visitors to test many of them in-person in 1 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
Highlights of the show -- which runs through Nov. 28, and will be open Thanksgiving Day -- include:
-- VinFast, the first Vietnamese automaker, making its North American debut with two new vehicles;
-- a 55,000-square-foot electric-vehicle test track with start-up and legacy vehicles to try;
-- product reveals from all-new Southern California-based brands Fisker Inc. and Mullen Automotive, as well as legacy brands such as Hyundai, Kia, Porsche and Subaru. Other companies debuting their brands or showcasing innovations are BILITI Electric, EdisonFuture, ElectraMeccanica and SONDORS;
-- the debut of the ZEVAS -- awards that honor the latest zero- emission vehicles available for purchase or pre-order.
-- ``Camp Jeep'' -- a 25,000-square-foot exhibit that offers visitors the chance to experience extreme off-road conditions as professional drivers navigate simulated obstacles.
-- and the Ford Bronco exhibit, which features a ride over a 38-degree hill in the North Plaza of the Convention Center.
In all, some 1,000 vehicles will be on display, organizers said.
There will also be opportunities for attendees to adopt dogs through the entire run of the show.
The Auto Show will operate in accordance with all safety protocols required by the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
That means that, inside the Convention Center, everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask; and everyone 12 and older must also present proof of full vaccination more than 14 days prior to entry or proof of negative PCR or antigen COVID test within the previous 72 hours of entry. For outside activities, masks will also be required.
Free onsite rapid testing will be available to those who wish to test onsite.
The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 and Nov. 27; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 28.
``Any Day'' tickets, good for one day, cost $20 for people age 13-64, $12 for seniors and $6 for kids 6-12, with those under 6 getting in free. There are also ticket packages for early-entry visitors, groups and guided tours. Go to laautoshow.com/tickets/ for details. For additional information on the show, go to laautoshow.com.