Chrysler's ecoVoyager concept vehicle (Photo by Paul Sancya/AP) The typical U.S. automaker did not have a good year in '07.  Many found themselves troubled by emissions requirements being upheld, rapidly falling sales numbers, and ample representation on lists of the year's worst cars. These beleaguered American divisions may look to the Detroit Auto Show, which opens to the public this Saturday, to start '08 with a sunnier outlook. While flashy mock-ups get plenty of attention (see Mazda's retro-futuristic Furai concept car, Mini's cutesy Clubman, and the super-hot Corvette ZR1), the growing focus at these shows is on green options -- and they can be hard to get right. BMW didn't quite get their hyped first hybrid into production, and Toyota hit the skids when the announcement of their 14 mpg Sequoia SUV didn't jibe with their "green" promotions. Though still in concept form, more American companies are offering cars that rise to the technology challenge. The Dodge Zeo and Chrysler ecoVoyager (both electric) and the Cadillac Provoq (hybrid) are evidence that shifting attitudes toward environmental impact may also pay off on showroom floors. Consumers are paying attention, and certain tiny imports are raising the stakes. Suggested Sites... North American International Auto Show - in Detroit. Media and industry this week, the rest of us get in on Saturday. Edmunds - keep up on all the photos and specs coming out of the current show. Jalopnik - slightly snarky auto site gets our stamp of approval.

Directory categories: Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Auto Shows, Buyer's Guides, Cars and Autos

Archived under: Autos, Detroit, Environment, Green Products, Marketing, Technology, Transportation

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