The L.A. Auto Show Babes - in Motion

Automakers have been placing pretty girls next to their cars at auto shows for a long time. It's the same reason they put attractive faces on the covers of magazines. Why argue.

But let's try.

Is it exploitive? Yes. And what you don't see in that video is how arcane the distinction between the sexes is at these auto shows, where you have a collection of middle-aged, male executives in business suits and ties mingling with the scantily clad women who probably couldn't tell you much about the car they've been assigned to stand next to and smile.

But if you look closely at that video, the more augustly attired ladies are the ones that come with the premium and luxury brands. Apparently, it's not just sex that sells, but elegance and style too. Which isn't so bad, after all.

Sex appeal is used to sell just about anything for the simple reason that it works. And that is one thing you cannot argue with.