#175, 2021 LA Auto Show virtual media preview

After a postponement and cancellation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, LA AutoMobility and the LA Auto Show will be back later this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Collectively, the automotive industry can't wait. Plenty of other auto shows didn't occur last year and won't until later this year. But organizers of the Los Angeles show, the first major industry event of the season, decided to offer a glimpse into the future. The 2021 Toyota Mirai was discussed during the recent LA Auto Show virtual Media Day. A virtual media gathering with representatives from many carmakers was recently held, and The Weekly Driver Podcast was part of it. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia listened to several presentations and follow-up question-and-answer sessions. We even submitted a few questions that were answered. The LA Auto Show will be held Nov. 19-28. In the meantime, on episode No. 175 of The Weekly Driver Podcast, we'll hear from representatives from Magna, Toyota and Volkswagen. Magna International is a Canadian mobility technology company for automakers. It produces automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components supplied to BMW, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Tesla. The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was introduced during the 2021 LA Auto Show virtual Media Day. Toyota's presentation is the introduction of the 2021 Mirai. It's one of only three mainstream hydrogen fuel cell cars available in the United States. LA Auto Show: EVs on the horizon In the ever-expanding electric vehicle segment, Volkswagen's latest offering is the ID.4. It debuted in late 2020 in Europe and in early 2021 to North American customers in early 2021. It's the fully electric crossover SUV under the Volkswagen brand. The German manufacturer is marketing the ID.4 as a high-volume, mass-market electric vehicle — a car for “the millions, not the millionaires." We'll hear VW's presentation, too. Please join Bruce and me for this virtual presentation hosted by the Motor Press Guild. It's an audio-only preview of the pending LA Auto Show. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: james@jamesraia.com. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify Stitcher