DETROIT (January 2009) - Despite the financial woes faced by the automobile industry since autumn 2008, the mood at Detroit's annual auto show wasn't quite as gloomy as might be expected. Sure, most executives making presentations to journalists - prior to the show's public opening - explained that sales had been sagging and 2009 looked to be another troubling year. Even so, most of them retained at least a little of their usual upbeat outlook when outlining plans and products for the coming season.

As its name suggests, the North American International Auto Show, held at Detroit's Cobo Hall each January, draws media coverage from around the world.

Some presentations were the same as usual, stressing power and performance, style and flair. Yet, the two-day press period revealed an impressive number of debuts of "green" vehicles though some appeared in strictly concept form, as show cars that may never see the light of production.

Toyota and its Lexus luxury division both cemented their stake in hybrid technology: Toyota with a third-generation version of the well-known Prius, and Lexus with a brand-new battery/electric model dubbed the HS 250h. GM presented a microcar that will eventually become a Chevrolet model. BMW promoted a pair of hybrids. Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac revealed concept cars with electric powertrains. Audi and Volkswagen emphasized diesel engines.

Even some manufacturers that lacked alternative-fuel vehicles to talk about had their spokespersons acknowledge improvements in fuel-efficiency for coming-soon models. Bentley, for one, used the Detroit show mainly to introduce its 600-horsepower GTC Speed model. But the British motorcar maker also announced that a biofuel-compatible automobile will debut later in 2009.

Here are the "green" highlights, starting with production models that will go on sale soon:

Although the Prius hasn't been selling as strongly lately as it did in summer 2008, when gasoline prices peaked, it's still a potential winner for Toyota. First launched in the U.S. market for 2000, then redesigned with larger dimensions for 2004, the gasoline/electric Prius has the "highest owner loyalty in the entire industry," according to general manager Bob Carter. A million Priuses have been sold worldwide, with 700,000 in the U.S.

In its new Generation Three form, the 2010 Prius promises combined (city/highway) fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon - more than the current model. Engine size has been increased to 1.8 liters, with a 98-horsepower rating. Because the bigger engine can run at lower rpm, fuel efficiency at highway speeds has risen. Uphill performance also has improved, Carter said. Drivers of the newest Prius can select from three modes: EV (electric), Economy, or Power. Underbody panels and a larger spoiler help the 2010 Prius achieve a coefficient of drag (a measure of aerodynamic slipperiness) of only 0.25.

Although the Prius's profile hasn't changed appreciably, the roof's peak has been moved back nearly 4 inches. Helpful options include a Pre-Collision System, Lane-keep Assist, Intelligent Parking Assist, and a solar sunroof. Sales begin in late spring. Toyota's goal is "about finding solutions for mobility challenges," said Irv Miller, group vice-president for environment and public relations.

Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, launched a brand-new hybrid model at the Detroit show, to join its existing trio of battery/gasoline models. Positioned between the conventional IS and ES sedans, the coming-soon front-drive HS 250h sedan is a "dedicated hybrid." That means Lexus will not offer a gasoline-engine equivalent.

Aerodynamically refined, the HS 250h contains a 187-horsepower, Atkinson-cycle 2.4-liter gasoline engine the first four-cylinder under any Lexus hood. Lexus expects fuel economy beyond that of any other luxury automobile. An exhaust heat recovery system helps the engine warm up faster, which reduces emissions. Unlike most luxury vehicles, the HS runs on regular-grade gasoline. Standard or optional features include a 190-degree front-view monitor, Pre-Collision system, heads-up display, Lane-keep Assist, and the Lexus Enform system. About 85 percent of the car is recyclable. Ten airbags will be standard when the HS goes on sale in late summer.

Leading off the manufacturers' media news conferences in Detroit was General Motors, hosting what turned out to be the loudest and flashiest presentation of them all. Chairman/CEO Rick Wagoner presided over a parade of 17 current and coming-soon GM cars and crossover wagons. Responding to cheers and screams from a crush of GM employees and retirees, many of them waving signs that proclaimed "Here To Stay," Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm led the exuberant procession, accompanied by a gaggle of corporate executives.

Two GM divisions were the most noteworthy in terms of "green" vehicles. In addition to its conventional models, current and near-future, Chevrolet touted a Beat concept car. Despite having been shown before, the Beat was notable because it will provide the framework for a new Spark "global minicar." Sometime after its official debut at the Geneva (Switzerland) Motor Show in March, the Spark will go into regular production. Scheduled for sale initially in Europe, it should reach U.S. dealerships in 2011, positioned just below the current Aveo subcompact. Chevrolet also focused on the 2010 Equinox crossover, with a choice of two direct-injection engines and a six-speed automatic transmission, claiming highway fuel economy of up to 30 miles per gallon.

Robert Lutz, GM's vice-chairman for product development, introduced the Cadillac Converj concept, with an electric powertrain similar to the one headed for the Chevrolet Volt (which is scheduled to arrive in 2010). Pointing out its beauty and proportions, Lutz advised that electric power and luxury can meld. If such a vehicle were to be produced, the Converj driver would suffer no "range anxiety," because a small gasoline engine keeps the batteries charged, in a "range extender" configuration. "Electricity is one of our best opportunities to displace gasoline," Lutz added.

At a later news conference, Wagoner announced that GM will manufacture the battery pack for the Chevrolet Volt electric car in the U.S. probably in Michigan. This will "create new, green jobs," Wagoner said. LG Chem will supply the battery cells. Battery production "must be a core competency for General Motors," Wagoner advised.

BMW used Detroit primarily as the launch pad for its redesigned Z4 roadster, which gets a new two-piece retractable roof instead of the previous fabric top. In addition, the German premium-car maker promoted hybrid powertrains under its "Efficient Dynamics" banner of sustainable technology, aiming to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. Seen previously at the Paris Motor Show, the Concept 7 Series Active Hybrid uses a twin-turbo gasoline V-8 engine combined with a 20-hp electric motor. It's a "mild" hybrid. Also shown in concept form, the X6 Active Hybrid contains a dual-mode version of the battery/gasoline powertrain, and promises about 20 percent better fuel economy than a gas-only equivalent. Considered a "full hybrid," this X6 can deliver improved fuel economy for both city and highway driving.

As a rule at the Detroit show, Chrysler puts on the most lavish media presentation to promote new models. Not this year, when Chrysler is the most troubled of the "Detroit Three" automakers. Vice-chairman Jim Press had a tough task: trying to explain, with facts and figures, that Chrysler isn't as feeble as news reports have suggested. "We're more nimble," he said, "confident that we'll see a better year" after eliminating four models, destocking dealers by 12 percent, reducing fleet sales, and cutting 3,200 jobs.

No new production models were announced, but Chrysler unveiled a batch of battery-powered concepts, which employ what the company calls ENVI technology. The group included "range-extender" versions of the Jeep Wrangler and Patriot, plus an all-electric Dodge Circuit EV sports car with a tangerine-colored body, which claims a range of 150 to 200 miles per charge. Highlight of the presentation was the Chrysler 200C EV Concept, described as "what a Chrysler sedan should be." Distinctive features even include a teen setting, which limits speeds and monitors erratic driving.

If Chrysler survives, electric cars could be part of the near-future picture. Soon after the Detroit show opened to the public, Fiat announced that it intended to buy a 35-percent share of Chrysler.

As part of its off-site preview of the next-generation E-Class sedan, Mercedes-Benz presented a battery-powered minicar called the Concept BlueZero E-Cell Plus. It's the company's first model with electric drive. The five-passenger car could be all-electric, run on a fuel cell, or (in E-Cell Plus form) operate with a "range extender" powertrain to go as far as 600 kilometers (366 miles) without a fill-up. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a fuel-cell vehicle late in 2009, in low volume, followed in 2010 by a full-electric version.

Ford premiered the next-generation Taurus sedan in Detroit, along with vehicles at the extremes of the fuel-efficiency spectrum. After a brief introduction of the revived Fiesta compact, which will be manufactured in Mexico, the final edition of the Shelby GT500 a super-performance Mustang offshoot roared toward the stage in the Cobo Arena. The latest GT500 contains a 540-horsepower V-8 engine, but claims 2 mpg better fuel economy than its predecessor.

EcoBoost engines are a part of Ford's near-future plans, starting with the Flex crossover wagon. While producing 355 horsepower for V8-level performance, the EcoBoost engine delivers an estimated 22 mpg identical to today's less-potent Flex. An EcoBoost engine will be available for the redesigned Taurus late in 2009. Ford also promoted the new Fusion Hybrid, with its 41-mpg highway estimate.

Executive chairman Bill Ford made an appearance to speak about new alliances in the electric-vehicle field: specifically, an "Eco-Partnership" with China. An electric commercial van is scheduled to arrive in 2010. So will a small electric car, developed in conjunction with the Magna company in Canada. By 2012, Ford also expects to have a plug-in hybrid on sale. Mark Fields, president of the Americas, mentioned that Focus and Fusion cars also could go electric.

Cars might qualify as close to "green" using improved gasoline-engine technology, like the brand-new model Lincoln unwrapped in Detroit. Capable of seating seven, the new MKT crossover wagon will start with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine, but a 355-horsepower EcoBoost powerplant will be offered later. Ford's luxury division also revealed a Lincoln C Concept with a 1.6-liter, 180-hp EcoBoost engine, which promises up to 43 miles per gallon.

Audi divided its Detroit effort among supercar performance, a new five-door Sportback body style (shown as a concept model), and diesel technology. The next edition of the high-performance Audi S4 promises 25 percent better fuel economy with its 333-hp, 3.7-liter FSI engine. Topping the performance pack is the new R8 5.1 FSI Quattro coupe, with a 518-horsepower V-10 engine rather than the current V-8. With an automatic manual gearbox, this superpowered R8 manages up to 17 mpg, according to the German automaker. Not exactly frugal-car territory, but better than some supercars.

In February, Audi's first "clean diesel" engine will emerge in U.S. models, starting with the Q7 TDI sport-utility vehicle. Later in 2009, a 2.0-liter TDI (diesel) engine will go into the A3 compact hatchback, with claimed fuel economy beyond 40 miles per gallon.

Fisker is hardly a household word, but the high-end sports car maker is making a bit of a splash due to its adoption of hybrid technology. Making its second appearance at the Detroit show, Fisker introduced a production version of its Karma sedan, which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Built with an aluminum space frame, the Karma employs what's called Q-Drive technology and can go 50 miles on electricity alone. A small gasoline engine helps keep the Lithium-ion battery pack charged. When it reaches dealerships later in 2009, the Karma sedan will sell for $87,900. A prototype Karma S retractable hardtop also appeared at the Detroit show. Fisker has called itself the "green American premium car company."

A virtual pioneer in diesel technology, dating back to cars of the 1970s, Volkswagen has been pushing hard on "clean diesel" engines, starting with the Jetta TDI that emerged last fall. Adoption of environmentally-focused technology is part of the German automaker's plan for sharply increased U.S. sales in coming years.

At Detroit, VW unveiled for the first time a concept BlueSport mid-engine roadster with TDI power. Promising up to 55 miles per gallon, the BlueSport two-seater can accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 6.2 seconds. The 180-horsepower TDI engine mates with VW's Direct Shift Gearbox. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of the VW Group, noted that the BlueSport would provide "minimum consumption and maximum fun to drive." An automatic start/stop function can shut off the engine at stoplights. Production of the roadster is likely, but uncertain at this point. Coming soon to dealerships: a new version of the TDI Touareg sport-utility vehicle, perhaps accompanied by a diesel-powered compact Rabbit.

BMW's Mini division focused mainly on its new convertibles, which will soon join the Cooper and Cooper S coupes. Before introducing the soft-top models, though, Ian Robertson, member of the board of management for sales and marketing, stressed the status of the electric-powered Mini E. Since appearing at the Paris Motor Show in October, and the Los Angeles Auto Show a month later, Mini E coupes have been reaching the hands of some 500 potential customers in Los Angeles and New York City, for long-term test drives. Capable of being charged in 2.5 hours, the Mini E has a 156-mile range, according to the company.

Two Chinese automakers brought products to Detroit, including BYD (Build Your Dreams). After making its initial appearance at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, BYD introduced a "pure electric" e6 model this year. A small gasoline engine keeps the battery charged - a principle called the "range extender" in forthcoming U.S. electric vehicles. BYD currently makes a Dual Mode Hybrid car in China.