Why Auto Shows Still Matter with Andy Steinhauser

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This exclusive interview series from Automobility LA at the LA Auto Show is brought to you by Cars Commerce.

Auto shows aren’t dying — they’re evolving. And according to someone who runs LA’s, they may be more important to the industry now than at any point in the last decade.

Recorded live at the LA Auto Show, this episode goes behind the curtain with the person responsible for building one of the most influential automotive events in the world. Andy Steinhauser, Director of Business Development, explains how a 118-year-old show is reinventing itself for a new generation of buyers, media, and industry leaders. From food trucks to multi-track thought leadership sessions, Andy shares how LA has shifted from a traditional OEM exhibit to a full automotive culture experience — one designed to spark curiosity, influence decisions, and get consumers into the “car-buying ether.”

But this isn’t nostalgia for auto shows. Andy lays out a sharp, honest case for why manufacturers should still show up, how conquesting happens in ways the industry underestimates, and why the two fastest-growing segments — huge adventure vehicles and small affordable EVs — reflect the psychology and economics of America today. Whether you’re an OEM, dealer, analyst, or just someone who loves car culture, this conversation reframes how auto shows fit into the future of automotive retail, branding, and decision-making.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro — Live at LA Auto Show

0:18 How a “Small and Mighty” Team Builds a Massive Auto Event

0:59 Why LA Uses Food Trucks and Culture to Redefine the Auto Show Experience

2:15 Who Actually Comes to Automobility LA (And Why It Matters)

3:34 The Truth About OEM Pullback — And Why Shows Still Work

3:58 118 Years of Auto Shows: Reinvention vs. Relevance

4:49 “People Pay to See Your Car — You Should Probably Be There”

5:40 How Auto Shows Shortcut the Entire Car-Shopping Experience

6:46 The Conquesting Power of Auto Shows (You Can’t Replicate This Online)

7:59 Two Automotive Trends Running Side-by-Side: Big Adventure vs. Small EVs

9:06 Why Industry People Need to Attend Automobility LA

10:10 Andy on the Rise of New Media at Auto Shows

10:24 Closing Thoughts & Invitation for 2026

Connect with Andy Steinhauser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysteinhauser/

Learn more about the LA Auto Show: https://laautoshow.com/

Our coverage of Automobility LA is brought to you by our friends at Cars Commerce: https://www.carscommerce.inc/

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