L.A. auto show will move to May, create spring blitz of big events

The Los Angeles Auto Show scheduled for November will be postponed by six months because of the coronavirus, setting up a calendar packed with major U.S. auto shows next spring.

The L.A. event, which had been scheduled to run Nov. 20-29, will now take place May 21-31, 2021, show organizers confirmed Thursday.

A rescheduled L.A. show will pit the event between April's New York show and June's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The quick succession will force automakers to make tough decisions on which venues get the most significant unveilings.

Barring any further postponements or cancellations, the three shows will be compressed within a three-month window instead of being spread out over seven months.

Public days for the next New York show are set for April 2-11, while the Detroit show is planned for June 19-26. Both shows were canceled this year because of the pandemic.

The biggest auto shows had been struggling before the onset of COVID-19 as automakers sought to rein in expenses while increasing their products' time in the media spotlight.

Some automakers have opted for standalone events and online vehicle reveals. Social distancing and other public health requirements brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak have eliminated many large public gatherings in the U.S., including auto shows.