Weekly auto agenda: Japan Car of the Year

Next week sees the presentation of the prestigious Japan Car of the Year Award, ahead of the start of Chevrolet Volt production at General Motor's Hamtramck plant in Michigan - the car is expected to be in showrooms only a few weeks after.

Japan Car of the Year Award
November 9
Tokyo, Japan

Selected by a panel of automotive journalists, Japan's Car of the Year is a prestigious award that recognizes the best of Japan's auto industry. Who will take the crown from the Prius after a tough year for Toyota?
http://www.jcoty.org/

Chevrolet Volt production begins
November 11
Detroit/Hamtramck, MI, USA

General Motors has confirmed that series production of the Volt, one of America's first electric vehicles, will start November 11, with deliveries expected before the end of the year.
http://www.gm.com

Green Car of the Year Award
November 18
Los Angeles, CA, USA

For the first time ever, electric vehicles will be among the contenders for the Green Car of the Year Award presented at the LA Auto Show. Last year the prestigious prize, presented by Green Car Journal, went to the Audi A3 TDI.
http://www.greencar.com/

Los Angeles Auto Show
November 19-28
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Traditionally used as a venue for automakers to announce high-tech and green innovations, this year's LA Auto Show is expected to be more high profile than ever, given its proximity to the US launch of the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt. Organizers promise more than 20 world premieres, including major debuts and news from Nissan/Infiniti and the return of Fiat to the show after some 27 years' absence.
http://laautoshow.com

European Car of the Year 2011
November 29
Paris, France

This award recognises the best of the European auto industry and is selected by a panel of respected automotive journalists from 23 European countries. The all-electric Nissan Leaf is up against contenders including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60.
http://www.caroftheyear.org

35th Bologna Motor Show
December 4 - 12
Bologna, Italy

The Bologna Motor Show traditionally focuses on the grandest and most powerful machines, although for its 35th edition even this show has gone electric, announcing a new "Electric City" exhibit on electrically powered vehicles and associated products and services. Other staples such as the Motorsport Arena and stunt shows will also be making a return.
http://www.motorshow.it