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L.A.’s Auto Show: Where Art Takes Center Stage

2024-11-26

The Los Angeles Auto Show is making a significant impact by bringing art to the forefront. This collaborative effort between Cart Department and the renowned West Coast Customs showcases 10 artist-designed vehicles from leading creatives in fine art and culture. One of the standout exhibits is a 1983 Buick handpainted by Keith Haring, while Virgil Abloh's Project Geländewagen also catches the eye. Additionally, West Coast Customs' AMG Mercedes customized for Don Toliver and the Tesla concept refashioned for Wil.i.am complete the dream lineup.

Uniting Art and Automobiles at L.A.'s Auto Show

Cart Department: Bridging Art and Car Culture

Cart Department, a relatively new force in the automotive world, embarked on a mission to celebrate the convergence of art and traditional car culture. Through various content, collaborations, and events, they have been able to make a mark. Their partnership with West Coast Customs has allowed them to combine the deftness of a digital upstart with the deep knowledge of an established player, quickly building awareness for their endeavors.This is not just a one-time show but a part of a decades-long history. For nearly 50 years, BMW has been commissioning top artists to use its cars as a canvas for their work. Artists like Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Jenny Holzer, Robert Rauschenberg, and most recently, Julie Mehretu, have left their mark. In 2017, Rolls-Royce also started exploring its connection to art with the launch of Phantom Gallery, allowing for an immersive art display within its Phantom interiors.The LA Auto Show, which runs now through December 1, is a platform that showcases the beauty and creativity that emerges when art and automobiles come together. It offers a unique opportunity for future generations to understand and appreciate our current culture through these remarkable art cars.

West Coast Customs: Premier Car Customization Shop

West Coast Customs has spent over 30 years building its reputation as one of the premier car customization shops in the world. Their expertise is evident in the customized vehicles they have created for this show. From the AMG Mercedes customized for Don Toliver to the Tesla concept refashioned for Wil.i.am, each vehicle tells a story and showcases their ability to transform ordinary cars into extraordinary works of art.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality make them stand out in the industry. They understand the importance of blending art with functionality, creating vehicles that are not only visually stunning but also perform at a high level. This show is a testament to their skills and their ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the automotive world.

The Significance of Art Cars

The Art Car Series represents a vital new genre of art that bridges the gap between art and popular culture. One of the most compelling aspects of these art cars is their capacity for storytelling. As Larry Warsh, founder of Cart Department, stated, "This presentation sets the stage for the cars as a time capsule for future generations to understand and appreciate our current culture."These art cars allow artists to express their creativity in a unique way and reach a wider audience. They break down the barriers between different forms of art and popular culture, creating a dialogue that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The LA Auto Show provides a platform for these art cars to shine and for people to appreciate the beauty and innovation that they represent.

One Nissan R35 GT-R owner found themselves in a precarious situation when a lighting truss randomly fell during the DBTK Auto Salon in the Philippines. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected dangers that can occur at such events.

An Automotive Miracle

During the weekend, a lighting truss came crashing down, nearly crushing several JDM classics and a Gulf-liveried R35 GT-R. The videos don't provide clear details on how the truss fell, leaving it uncertain whether it was due to human error or improper setup. One of the stands tipped over before the entire truss collapsed between the R35 and a classic AE86 Toyota Sprinter Trueno. Miraculously, the truss either gave the GT-R the lightest of brushes or landed just a hair's width away. It's a close call that could have had much more severe consequences. If there had been a slight breeze in the direction of the GT-R, the truss would have likely crushed the car's front end and totaled it.The fact that no one was hurt and no car was damaged in this strange incident is truly a blessing. It's a reminder of how lucky we can be in certain situations.

The Close Call

As we watch the video, it's hard to believe the narrow margin of safety. The truss seemed to hang in the air, just inches away from the GT-R. It's a testament to the precision of fate that the car was spared. This incident highlights the importance of safety measures and proper setup at such events. Even a small mistake could have had disastrous consequences.

The Aftermath

After the incident, people were seen standing around calmly, seemingly in disbelief. They had just witnessed an automotive miracle as the car gods decided not to take the owner's GT-R that day. It's a strange sight to see people reacting so calmly in such a tense situation. Thankfully, no one was in harm's way, but it's a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.In conclusion, this incident serves as a lesson for all event organizers and participants. Safety should always be a top priority, and proper precautions should be taken to prevent such accidents from happening. The Nissan R35 GT-R's miraculous escape is a story that will be remembered for a long time.

In recent years, many shops have witnessed an increase in customers expressing "sticker shock" upon seeing the cost of windshield replacements. This trend is not isolated but is part of a broader phenomenon in the auto repair industry. Alongside collision repair costs, windshield replacement prices for newer models have seen a significant rise.

Uncover the Hidden Costs of Windshield Replacements

Impact of Inflation on Auto Repair Costs

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on this issue in the broader auto repair industry. It highlights that inflation has played a role in the 28% growth of car maintenance and repair costs over the past three years. However, this is not the only factor contributing to the increased costs.Auto repair costs are affected by various elements, and one significant aspect is the additional labor required when working with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking (AEB), help enhance driver safety but also add to the complexity and time required for repairs.

The Auto Glass Industry's Dilemma

Internet forums are filled with queries like "When did windshield replacements become $700?" and responses indicating that this is a low estimate. Many owners of newer model vehicles complain that replacements on their cars can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. This shows the significant disparity in windshield replacement costs for different vehicle models and the challenges faced by the auto glass industry.In July 2024, Kelley Blue Book published an article for drivers titled "It May Cost More Than You Think to Replace a Windshield." The publication explains to consumers that ADAS components associated with the windshield need recalibration after a replacement. This extra process requires additional time and specialized work, which leads to higher costs.

Future Trends and Integration

With technological advancements and the passage of regulations like the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 127, which mandates AEB for new cars and light trucks starting in 2029, industry experts predict that ADAS will become even more integrated with windshield replacements. This means that customers can expect to see further increases in windshield replacement costs in the coming years.We are interested in hearing from you. How do you handle explaining windshield replacement costs, especially those associated with ADAS recalibration, to customers? Please share your thoughts by emailing abowman@glass.com.