LA Auto Show to highlight 30 announcements, several speeches

The LA Auto Show (Jan 6-15) will highlight more than 30 major announcement from automakers, according to organizers of the event. Included in the lineup is the North American premier of the 2007 Volkswagen Eos, the company's two-door, five passenger hardtop convertible (see our report on recent delays affecting the Eos). Toyota will conduct the world premiere of its stylish new 2007 Yaris subcompact car, while Mazda will showcase "design, technology, style and versatility"? with the worldwide introduction of its all-new Mazda CX-7 crossover. General Motors is once again using the LA Auto Show to unveil a significant number of production vehicles. Seven vehicles, six of which are world debuts, will be introduced following its media breakfast. Also on display: the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayman S, and the new Mercedes S-Class. Most interesting among the slew of executive speeches is BMW's Chief of Design Chris Bangle, who will "provide an engaging and thought-provoking look into the world of design."