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.

Large engines and large horsepower numbers are always easy ways to draw-in the automotive enthusiasts at auto shows. But these days, Detroit is busy turning out sporty and fun to drive cars that feature smaller dimensions, and smaller engine displacements as well.

One of the best examples of this new trend is the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept which broke cover this week at the North American International Auto Show. While it’s technically a concept, the Aveo RS likely displays much of the next generation Aveo’s styling and dimensions. Competing directly with the upcoming Ford Fiesta, the new Aveo will likely mark a turning point for Detroit automakers as they begin to build small cars that are not only sexy, but also a blast to drive.

Powering the Chevy Aveo RS is a turbocharged 140 horsepower 1.4-liter four cylinder engine mated to a six speed manual transmission. In addition to the small, but likely peppy powertrain, the Aveo RS features a number of styling cues that add a high-performance attitude, including large 19-inch wheels, integrated rear spoiler, and center-mounted exhaust. Its aggressive styling is said to be inspired by motorcycle design.

Although Chevrolet has not yet committed to producing the Aveo RS, it’s clear that the next generation Aveo will be a far cry from the dull car that’s available today. Despite boasting stellar fuel efficiency and affordability, the next Aveo will likely offer something that even driving enthusiasts will benefit from. But if you ask us, we also think it’s a pretty safe bet that the stunning Aveo RS will be available on the streets by 2011.

Read more about the Aveo RS Concept via the press release below.

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DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the world debut of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.

Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car’s upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.

“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

First impressions

The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round taillamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminum. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.

Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminum structural surround, are inspired by the designers’ affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-colored turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area.

“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”

No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tires. The Aveo RS show car’s wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake calipers.

The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps feature tinted aluminum housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.

Spacious and stylish interior

With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.

The motorcycle inspiration also carries inside, with a round, analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cutouts; and round, aluminum-trimmed side vents.

The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.

Efficient performer

The Aveo RS show car is powered by the same highly efficient 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze.

A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminum insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the center of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel color.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Timing for retooling Orion Assembly for Aveo production is anticipated to begin in late 2010.

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Keep reading this automotive blog for more auto industry news.