Today is the first day for the media to attend the Greater LA Auto Show.

The LA Auto Show doesn't have the flash and impact of the North American International Auto Show, which opens in Detroit next week, I still expect to see some surprises. All of the major manufacturers will be represented, and there will be at least 10 north American debuts. The auto industry treats LA like a warmup for Detroit, and it does tend to feel a little like a dress rehearsal at times. Still, I'll be there with my camera and notebook, looking for the great new cars.

I'll also be looking for the car company PR folk, buttering them up for test drives in the coming months. Have I mentioned how good the PR people are looking these days? Have they been working out?