And the auto show is a chance for automakers to show off what they do best.
BMW, for example, is here praising this huge market for performance cars.
"No surprise, we sell more M vehicles here than anywhere else in the world," said Ian Robertson, a member of the BMW board who was here to introduce the latest M5 model.
That latest high-performance 5-series will surely help keep the streak going when it hits showrooms next spring, at a starting price just into the six-figure range.
But BMW is also touting its future as a builder of vehicles that are gentler to the planet.
"Now, we enter the era of 'electro-mobility' with full strength. This year alone, we will sell more than 100,000 electrified vehicles," said Klaus Frohlich, another member of BMW's board of directors who spoke at the show.
That will include the return of an electric Mini, part of the BMW family. They brought their original Mini E, a limited production two-seater EV - to this very show eight years ago.
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Mercedes-Benz is also touting both kinds of performance. Traditional, and more carbon-neutral.
"We at Mercedes also intend to play a lead role in shaping the future of mobility. And this charge will be led by our brand, EQ," said Dietmar Exler, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
That electric vehicle specialty brand will be along soon, but for now Mercedes-Benz rolled out the new CLS, a four-door with couple styling. It's a trend they can take credit for starting with the original CLS in 2004.
Speaking of trends, every brand is trying to drum up more SUV offerings, as that's what the buying public is frequently interested in these days.
Nissan unveiled its new compact sport utility called the Kicks. It'll replace the Juke in their lineup next year.
And even though the future looks bright here, this show is also paying tribute to the past.
Prestone is celebrating its 90th birthday, and rounded up a collection of classics to welcome visitors to the show. They arrived at the convention center Tuesday night from the Petersen Automotive Museum with a police escort, and will be parked in Kentia Hall for the duration of the auto show.