Car Biz Weekly

The auto industry has gone through many changes over the past few years, and this year’s North American International Auto Show truly exemplified this. These changes have been guided by people shying away from expensive, gas guzzling vehicles and migrating toward hybrids and other “green” options.

Attendees at the auto show saw a bevy of cars that are not normally on display, including hybrid vehicles from China and electric cars from Korea. These new cars symbolize the change that automakers have been making since the financial troubles of General Motors and Chrysler last year.

Every car company wants to be considered the leader of the electric car movement, a movement where over 97 percent of Americans do not even own a hybrid vehicle. However, that would not appear the case with the 37,000-square-foot Electric Avenue exhibit at the show. Automakers are betting that electric cars will be the next big thing.

Take a step back and think about it; it makes sense. With many Americans strapped for cash, wouldn’t they eventually prefer a car that could save them money in the end? It seems only logical that people want to save money in the long run. The only problem is splashing out more cash upfront. Only time will tell if this vision will come to fruition.

Aside from the electric vehicles, much hype was generated from the Honda CR-Z and the European-market Ford Focus, available in 2011. Things should be heating up over the next couple years and we will continue to bring you news from Electric Avenue.

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Stay tuned in for more information on electric cars, hybrids and other fuel-efficient options.