Meet L.A.'s Thriving Car Culture
Recognized as the undisputed entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles invented the magic of movies and television. A cutting-edge metropolis, Los Angeles rolls out the red carpet for business professional and events. But the destination’s offerings go beyond the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour; L.A. is also widely recognized as the capital of car culture and serves as the perfect setting for automotive groups to connect individually and innovate collectively.
An epicenter of automotive design and transportation, L.A.’s current environment policy is motivating significant investment and research into the automobile industry, according to Michael Kelly, executive director of the Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy & Jobs. L.A.’s 292 days of sunshine, lush scenery, picturesque mountaintops and miles of stunning coastline all serve as inspiration to more than 20 automotive design studios that call the city home for brands such as Tesla, Honda, General Motors, Kia, Volkswagen and Ford.
Los Angeles has been influencing auto designers for decades, due in large part to its creative talent and one of the most famous art schools in the country, ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena – just minutes from Downtown L.A. The next generation of 21st century transportation designers can all be found at ArtCenter, a leading institution in art and design education that encourages students to learn to create and influence change. In fact, about half of the world’s current auto designers have graduated from this prestigious school, according to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).
Automotive groups can feel right at home in Los Angeles when seeking a dynamic setting for business meetings and events. For example, Westside hotels such as Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Hotel Angeleno, Hotel Bel-Air, Hotel Palomar Los Angeles-Westwood and The Hotel Wilshire all boast ample outdoor spaces for staging and displaying vehicles. L.A.’s roads are perfect for great rides too; drive up renowned roadways such as Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland Drive or Angeles Crest Highway to test or showcase vehicles, night or day. Don’t forget, L.A.’s near-perfect sunshine means there’s no need to worry about a car’s bodywork getting exposed to moisture, dirt or salt.
A uniquely L.A. venue for meetings, gatherings and events boasting more than 50,000 total square feet of jaw-dropping event space, the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the finest automotive museums in the world. The completely redesigned Petersen seamlessly blends cutting-edge interactive technology with rare and historically significant vehicles and features 25 new galleries. The stunning new exterior wraps the museum with long ribbons of stainless steel. Host private events at the Museum’s various galleries or pavilion and terrace with stunning views of the city. Highlights include interactive displays, exhibits dedicated to art and design, media and industry, motorsports and technology and the unique role motorized transportation had in the development of Los Angeles.
As true destination experts, L.A. Tourism offers award-winning experience, personalized service and seamless convenience. Want to learn more about Los Angeles or ready to plan your next event? Contact the L.A. Tourism Sales Team to make your planning and decision-making easy, simple and stress-free. sales@latourism.org
