The Los Angeles Auto Show opened to the public this week, showcasing the latest new vehicles and futuristic concepts from auto manufacturers around the world. More than 900 vehicles are currently on display through Sunday, December 13, from sportscars and sedans, to crossovers, trucks, and minivans. Los Angeles is the nation's largest car market and as the first major North American auto show of the season, it will deliver a preview of how the recent changes in the industry, the environment, and 
the economy will ultimately affect what consumers drive. Last year's Los Angeles Auto Show practically launched the carpocalypse, so this year's event opens the auto show season with a cautiously optimistic attitude.
"This is a critical time for the auto industry and we are already seeing the manufacturers respond to the new challenges with some truly innovative products," said Andy Fuzesi, general manager, LA Auto Show.
Big news led the launch of the show with the sudden departure of GM CEO Fritz Henderson the afternoon before he was scheduled to give the shows opening Keynote speech. While he officially "Resigned," some might say he was "Made to walk the plank," and the reasons why are not likely ever to be made public. Bob Lutz filled in as the Keynote speaker on Wednesday morning.
North American vehicle debuts at the show range from affordable and fun vehicles like the charismatic Ford Fiesta and its near-twin Mazda 2, adorable Mini Roadster, and Chevrolet's highly-anticipated Cruze, to such ultra-luxury vehicles as Fisker's Karma electric sportscar (which is said will exude the sounds of a jet fighter from speakers in the rear bumper), the Rolls Royce Ghost, Lexus LFA Supercar, and the Spyker Aileron (which is swathed in hides from free-range coldweather cows for the most indulgent and perfect leather - no barb-wire scratches and NO mosquito bites!).
Standout vehicles include Porsche's incredibly lightweight Boxster Spyder, Cadillac's beautiful new CTS Coupe, Buick's elegant Regal, Hyundai's new Tucson SUV (which is being built in Atlanta, Georgia, and was launched with delicious Peach Cobbler), and the legendary Morgan Aero, which combines classic Art Deco styling with modern technology.
In addition to traditional vehicles, more than 50 new hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are on display, showcasing hybrid, electric, hydrogen fuel cell, as well as natural gas and ethanol powered technologies. Examples of these high-tech cars include BMW's series of Active Hybrid cars, Lexus LF-Ch Premium Compact Hybrid Concept, Subaru's Hybrid Tourer, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell, Chevrolet's highly anticipated Volt extended range electric vehicle, and Toyota's Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com presented the award for Green Car of the Year to the 2010 Audi A3 TDI clean 
diesel wagon on Thursday morning, saying "The Audi A3 TDI really defines what a 'green' car should be. At 42 mpg, it sets the bar for highway fuel efficiency in the luxury car segment. Its 50-state certified clean diesel engine is quiet, responsive, and achieves its mission without the need for exotic technologies. Plus, it's sporty and just plain fun to drive."
Additionally, the show has a dozen futuristic concept vehicles on display, many of which showcase forward-looking green technology, from the Audi e-tron and Honda P-NUT to the Volkswagen Up! Lite.
