Tripleheader to Open Show Season

The potential complications for automakers, as they struggle to allocate manpower, budgets and new models over a tripleheader of shows stretching across 17 time zones, is staggering. But at least one company, Jaguar, is trying to have some fun with it, introducing its new F-Type Coupe at a press preview on Tuesday evening in Los Angeles — at the same time it unveils the car to the press in Tokyo, where it will be lunchtime on Wednesday.

The conflicts play out this way: Press previews for both the Tokyo and Los Angeles shows are scheduled for Wednesday, but because of the time difference Tokyo’s Wednesday has a 17-hour head start. That’s why Jaguar scheduled its Los Angeles program for Tuesday night.

Adding to the confusion, Guangzhou’s press previews are set to start on Thursday, but with a 16-hour time change factored in, that’s effectively when Wednesday’s events will be unfolding in Los Angeles.

Automakers are approaching the conflicts with different solutions. Lexus, the luxury brand that Toyota first introduced in America a generation ago, is unveiling cars in Tokyo and Guangzhou, but not in Los Angeles. Infiniti, which is not sold in Japan, does have its logo on a new Skyline model being introduced by Nissan — but not wearing the Nissan name — in Tokyo. Confused? You’re not alone.

The Los Angeles show promises world premieres of nearly two dozen new models during its two days of previews, as well as a design competition. The Tokyo show, which underwent a severe downsizing in recent years as a result of the recession, is showcasing a mixed bag of new cars, trucks, farm equipment, motorcycles and power equipment. The upstart Guangzhou show, which aspires to become a major international event like its larger counterparts in Beijing and Shanghai, has more modest ambitions.

Sorting through the hoopla being broadcast by organizers of this global three-ring circus, here is some of what the major automakers have in mind. Unless otherwise noted, the introductions will take place in Los Angeles.

AUDI Showcasing its A3 line of small cars, Audi will highlight an E-tron plug-in hybrid version.

BMW Plans include the debuts of the 4 Series Convertible and the Concept X4.

FORD What is said to be the 2015 Edge crossover will be displayed as a design study.

GENERAL MOTORS General Motors is having twins: the new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups arrive.

HONDA A fuel-cell E.V. concept will be shown in Los Angeles. In Tokyo, there’s a cute Kei-class miniroadster that, sadly, is not headed to the United States.

JAGUAR The F-Type Coupe and a crossover concept, the C-X17, will be introduced.

KIA The luxury sedan presented earlier in Europe as the K9 and Quoris has a new name, the K900.

LEXUS Two design studies, the RC Coupe and the latest LF-NX, arrive in Tokyo. China gets a look at the next CT 200h.

MERCEDES-BENZ Among other German treats, there are two debuts from the AMG performance division: the 621-horsepower S65 and the Vision Gran Turismo.

NISSAN The Juke Nismo RS, 2015 GT-R and 2014 Rogue will be unveiled; in Tokyo, the BladeGlider mobility solution will be on view.

PORSCHE The long-anticipated Macan, a small sport utility the company expects to be its future best-seller, arrives.

RANGE ROVER The superluxury Long Wheelbase Autobiography Black should be in demand in China, but it will make its debut in Los Angeles.

SUBARU A near-production Legacy Concept will be introduced, along with the 2015 WRX and STi.

TOYOTA A Driver Attention Research Vehicle is due; Tokyo gets three major new models, including a wave-inspired fuel-cell vehicle, an FRS-based convertible concept and a taxi concept inspired by old London taxis.

VOLKSWAGEN The first electric VW for North America, the E-Golf concept, arrives.

After this tripleheader, the auto show circuit returns to normalcy: Detroit in January, Chicago in February, Geneva in March, New York and Beijing in April and Paris in September.