Detroit Auto Show to go green

(BMW)

Green technology will take center stage next week as the Detroit Auto Show opens with "Electric Avenue" as one of the main exhibits.

The Detroit show, officially known as the North American International Auto Show, is keen to champion its green credentials in order to regain ground lost to the Los Angeles Auto Show over previous years. As such, organizers have pinned a lot of hope on the success of Electric Avenue, a 37,000 square foot (3400 square meters) centerpiece which will feature well-known brands and "innovative entrepreneurs."

Vehicles scheduled to appear on Electric Avenue include announced production vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi iMiev, as well as concepts such as the BMW Concept ActiveE and Volvo C30. Toyota, manufacturer of the phenomenally successful Prius, has also announced that it plans to debut a new hybrid concept, a significant move considering that the firm reportedly manufactures two thirds of the world's hybrids.

Several small US firms will also get a place alongside the big boys on the display. Commuter Cars' Tango model, an ultra-thin electric vehicle designed to maneuver through traffic like a motorcycle, with be on display next to the Harvey Coachworks BugE personal mobility vehicle. The custom-built BugE retails at $9,295 (€6,495) and costs around a penny per mile using its electric motor. At the high-end, SABA Motors' Carbon-Zero Roadster, capable of 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, will be showcased ahead of its slated release later in 2010.

Selected visitors will be invited to test green vehicles in the "EcoXperience," a quarter mile (400m) test track sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The display will feature more than 200 evergreen and deciduous trees; over 600 evergreen and flowering shrubs; over 5,000 flowering tulips, daffodils and hyacinths; approximately 650,000 pounds (294,830 kg) of stone and over 130,000 gallons (492,100 liters) of water flowing through two water features, both with waterfalls.

http://www.naias.com