Weekly auto agenda: Nissan Leaf comes to America

Next week will witness the arrival of the Nissan Leaf EV in the western hemisphere, as it debuts in Los Angeles on November 13. Plus a preview of key events for the following weeks.

Nissan Leaf North American Tour
November 13
Los Angeles
The Nissan Leaf, the early pick to become the Prius of electric cars, will be on display in the western hemisphere for the first time. The car will embark on a 21-city tour that will take it across the US and Canada. Nissan will hold events to offer interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students the chance to learn more about the EV model that is expected to take the world by electrical storm in 2010.
Website: www.nissan-zeroemission.com

European Car of the Year announced
November 30
The 47th European Car of the Year will be chosen by representatives from seven prominent European car publications. Which car will be picked to follow the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, last year's winner? Will it be the Toyota Prius, which was elected Japanese Car of the Year on October 22? The trophy will be awarded in January to the winning manufacturer.

Los Angeles Auto Show
December 2-13
Los Angeles Convention Center
One of the world's most important auto events, the 2008 version displayed 23 world debuts, the most in the exhibition's history. The list of world and North American debuts for this year is still being finalized but the latest Ford Fiesta, which has topped the bestseller list in Europe this year, will no doubt make a big splash. General admission for the public begins December 4. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for seniors over 65 and free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.
Website: http://www.laautoshow.com

2010 Green Car of The Year Award
December 3
This prestigious award will be announced the day after the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Five cars -- three hybrids and two diesels -- are in the running to follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel. The award is selected by an international jury panel in conjunction with Green Car Journal, a US-based quarterly publication that focuses on vehicles which use environmentally friendly technology.
Website: www.greencar.com

10th Dubai International Motor Show
December 16-20
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center
Held every two years, the largest international automotive event in the Middle East is expected to attract over 100,000 guests from 25 countries, with over 500 exhibitors. Major automakers such as Volkswagen, General Motors, Rolls Royce and others have large exhibitions planned, but the star may be the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwinged sports car. With a significant market for high-priced vehicles in the region many super-luxe cars are expected to be on display.
Website: http://www.dubaimotorshow.com