LA Auto Show Goes Mobile

Launch of new website optimized for mobile devices gives attendees and exhibitors new ways to connect, inform and share

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Oct 11, 2012, 09:15 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Auto Show today entered a new era of connectivity with the launch of its new website, redesigned from the ground-up with the increasingly mobile consumer in mind. Integrating the very latest platforms and functions available on today's smartphones and tablets, the new mobile-optimized site is a direct response to the rapidly evolving way information is shared and consumer purchasing decisions are initiated and cultivated.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO)

A staggering 96 percent of smartphone users have used their devices as a shopping tool and 80 percent are frequent social networkers, according to a new Google report, so the online experience needs to be seamless whether using a smartphone, tablet or a desktop computer. Nearly half of the U.S. population now has a smartphone¹, and Forrester Research predicts that tablets will become most users' primary computing device within the next four years.

In order to encourage increased sharing and usage of the new built-in social media tools, the site will feature more digital content than before, including an increased number of photos and videos. With three quarters of smartphone users watching mobile video¹,the new site seamlessly connects with the LA Auto Show YouTube channel and, for the first time, will feature a video of every press conference that takes place on Press Days.

The redesigned site is also well suited for the new generation of connected vehicles, which enable in-vehicle access to information, social networks and entertainment. With automakers bringing an increasing number of these vehicles to market, the new LA Auto Show site becomes even more relevant as a tool to keep mobile consumers engaged while on the move via social media platforms. According to Intel, automobiles will be among the top three fastest-growing market segments for connected devices and Internet content by 2014.

"This is an investment on our part that benefits both attendees and exhibitors," said Andy Fuzesi, LA Auto Show general manager. "Visitors now have access to more information and the ability to easily share content before, during and after the Show, while exhibitors benefit from the built-in viral nature and increased brand advocacy opportunities."

The redesign was managed and implemented by iconmobile, a mobile design and development agency with consummate experience in the automotive segment. As a company, iconmobile works closely with brands such as BMW, P&G, Microsoft, Samsung and others to create and develop connected digital solutions in a way that is both personal and contextual.

"This partnership showcases a company that is truly vested in connecting with their audience in the most direct and engaging way possible, using devices people love most and always have with them," said Chris Mann, VP Business Development, iconmobile. "LA Auto Show has built a foundation for the future, which will further enhance the show-going and showcasing experience in the coming years for visitors, press attendees and exhibitors alike."

About the Los Angeles Auto Show
As the first major North American auto show of the season, the 2012 LA Auto Show will host some of the industry's most important new vehicle debuts and set the tone for the rest of the year. The dates are Nov. 28 and 29 for press and Nov. 30 - Dec. 9 for the public. Media registration is now open. Following Press Days, the Show becomes one of the best attended public auto shows in the world. To receive the latest Show news and information, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter at twitter.com/LAAutoShow, visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/LosAngelesAutoShow and sign up for alerts at LAAutoShow.com.

About iconmobile
Founded in 2003, the iconmobile group is an international market leader in the area of mobile business solutions and mobile marketing. The company, part of the WPP Network, blends many years of design and marketing experience with deep technical expertise. This unique combination enables iconmobile to serve as a one-stop provider of the full range of services for companies and brands looking to maximize the mobile channel. Clients include BMW, P&G, Microsoft, Samsung, Telefonica, Vodafone and more. More information about iconmobile can be found online at http://www.iconmobile.com/.

¹ Source: Our Mobile Planet: United States, Google/Ipsos OTX MediaCT, US, May 2012

SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show