Reporter’s Notebook: Motown Mojo in L.A.

Special Coverage

Greater L.A. Auto Show

Motown Mojo

Porsche Cars of North America is returning to Detroit for the 2011 North American International Auto Show after a 3-year absence.

The auto maker pulled out because Detroit is not major market for its vehicles. But the NAIAS is a major draw for media.

“We couldn’t stay away,” a Porsche insider tells Ward’s here.

Potty Mouth

Dodge-brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles is not one to mince words.

So it’s no surprise when he says the new-for-’11 Dodge Charger sports sedan, because of its aggressive styling, will make another motorist “wet his pants” when it pulls up to a stoplight.

Janitors here are standing by.

Laurea Soave presenting Fiat 500.

Fugheddaboudit

Laura Soave, head of Fiat Brand North America, is a proud Italian-American. And as the launch of the Fiat 500 minicar draws close, she confides to Ward’s she is not alone.

“Italians, whether it’s about food or design or fashion, have this great passion,” Soave says.

“The reality is, there are 27 million Italian Americans in the U.S., and I swear to God, every single one of them has contacted me.”

Seal of Approval

Supermodel Heidi Klum brings some starpower to Volkswagen of America stand, where she pitches the Eos hardtop convertible.

Klum is married to the singer, Seal.