When Carlos Ghosn takes the stage Wednesday to deliver the keynote address at the Los Angeles auto show, the journalists and automotive executives gathered are likely to be hanging on the Nissan chief executive’s every word.

With its emphasis on future automotive technologies, the Los Angeles show is often an optimistic and forward-looking event, but there will be little to celebrate this year with the automotive industry in a full-blown crisis, struggling with low sales, massive financial losses and talk of bankruptcies.

The timing of the show could hardly be more pivotal. As automakers show off some of their latest vehicles, Congress will be debating the merits of a $25 billion bailout proposal for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

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