We asked executives in town for the L.A. Auto Show a few questions about cars, driving and the future of the automotive industry.
Here’s what Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen had to say:
What current motorized vehicle (made by some other company than your own) do you particularly admire?
I suppose I will convey some of my traditionalist sense. My favorite plane is the Boeing 747-800i, which is the last of the genre and a magnificent aircraft.
What historic car or truck do you wish you owned?
A 1955 Cadillac Series 62 convertible in red with red and white interior.
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The Bollinger Motors B1, an all-electric utility truck, on display outside the 2017 L.A. Auto Show at the L.A. Convention Center.
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Times staff writer Charles Fleming test drives a Acrimoto SRK.
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Entry doors at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show. The event opens to the public Friday.
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Inside the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
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The West Hall at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
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Ford GT
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Acura NSX GT3 Carbon
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Toyota FT-AC concept
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Subaru Crosstrek
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Mazda Vision Coupe concept
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Nissan Rogue in Star Wars livery
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Tesla Model 3
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Tesla Model 3
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The falcon wing doors on the Tesla Model X.
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Attendees in the Porche area of the auto show.
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Porche Carrera T
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Porche 911
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Porche Panamera Hybrid
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BMW i8 Roadster
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Volkswagen ID Buzz concept
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Volkswagen ID Buzz concept
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Volkswagen ID Buzz concept
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At the Chevrolet booth
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At the Toyota booth
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At the Chevrolet booth
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Sarah Gao poses for a picture beneath a Ford GT.
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Two attendees view a virtual reality movie, “The Future of Tomorrow.”
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Girls’ Pit Stop in the Garage at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
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A man walks around the Burning Rubber store area in the Garage at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
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The Prestone custom car display in the Garage.
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Custom cars on display in the Garage.
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Lance Chikasawa walks past the Prestone custom car display in the Garage.
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Bicycles on display at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show.
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GMC Sierra all-mountain concept
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The new Kia Sorento
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Kia unveils the 2019 Sorento.
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Honda Clarity
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The Mitsubishi booth
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Jesus Gonzalez details cars in the Galpin Hall of Customs.
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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
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Cars on display at the Kia booth.
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A Ford racing driver made out of Lego blocks.
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The Volvo booth
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The Chevrolet Corvette ZR01.
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The Chevrolet Corvette ZR01.
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The 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition
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The 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition
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The 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition
(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) What’s the top speed you’ve ever traveled in a car and where did that take place?
I drove 321 km/h (199 mph) on the high-speed oval test track in Wolfsburg.
What’s the biggest challenge currently facing the automotive industry?
The biggest challenge is how to respond to changing consumer preferences, particularly when it comes to retail distribution. I think the business model of having fixed stores and demanding that customers come to us is ready for disruption.
What’s the most exciting change currently at work in the automotive industry?
The most exciting change is the convergence of technology through autonomous driving and the whole host of opportunities offered by zero emissions propulsion systems. I think as those come together, the companies that master them best are going to have a very compelling advantage and I think that we will see a change in the ranking of automotive companies as a result.
If the future offered flawless autonomous driving, would you still keep a car for weekend driving?
Absolutely, because real luxury means the freedom to choose. I think that for Cadillac, as a maker of exhilarating drivers’ cars, but also luxury automobiles, we want to give customers the choice of being driven or when the mood takes them, to do the driving themselves.
The L.A. Auto Show runs Dec. 1-10 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Times coverage is at latimes.com/autos.
charles.fleming@latimes.com
@misterfleming
