Saturday morning kicked off the 2010 Cleveland Internation Auto Show at the I-X Center.  Vehicle manufacturers from all over filled the I-X Center with new models and concept vehicles to show off what they've been working on.  Of course there were flashy convertibles, trucks, and massive SUVs, but how many vehicles were shown for the environmentally conscious motorist?
 
Ford showed off its new Fiesta, which will hit our showrooms in a few months.  The vehicle is geared at younger markets and city dwellers.  Introduced in Europe in 2008, the Ford Fiesta promises to be a joy to drive and easy to run.  Starting at roughly $14k well equipped while maintaining 30 city/ 40 highway mpg.  Of course, Ford presenting their wonderfully executed hybrid Ford Fusion and Ford Escape.  The Ford Fusion being the 2010 North American Car of the Year and the most fuel-efficient family sedan in America.  Fusion Hybrids are being sold as soon as the carrier hits the dealer, so the best way to see one up close is at the auto show.
 
General Motors showed off the new production models it will be unveiling for the North American public starting this summer.  In the Chevrolet exhibit, the 2011 Cruze sedan shows promise.  The small compact sedan is geared for competition with the likes of the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla.  At Buick, the General showed off the much anticipated 2012 Buick Regal.  The baby of the Lexus-Competitor's line up, the Regal is based on the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia; a Eurpean GM with a huge trophy case.  Expect the Regal to maintain the low to mid 30s in mpg ratings with a normall aspirated or optional turbo-charge 4 cylinder engines.  GMC promoted its Granite concept crossover as it did at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  If it enters production, the vehicle will be based on the platform and powertrains of the Cruze.
 
In true company fashion, Honda would not be outdone by the likes of other automakers.  The company promoted its committment to the environment and manufacturing in Ohio.  However, there has not been a significant change in the Honda line up as far as green efficiency is concerned.  The only new vehicle for Honda in 2010 would be the Honda Accord Crosstour; a vehicle starting close to $30k that doesn't offer the space or utility or a crossover and is only available with Honda's 3.5L V6 in either front or all-wheel drive.  Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this author thinks it looks incredibly awkward.  Save the money; just buy a CR-V.
 
Nissan showed a rather interesting exhibit; the only exhibit that was closed off from the rest of the show.  Other than the introduction of the new Nissan Cube, there are no significant additions to Nissan's promising line-up of vehicles.  The new Cube, powered by a 1.8L 4 cylinder engine offers funky styling, high combined mpg ratings and responable comfort.  In this author's opinion, say what you want about the Cube, but those seats are the most comfortable seats in a new car today.  Cadillac, Mercedes, Lexus; eat your hearts out.  I'm surprised we don't see reports of driver's falling asleep at the wheel; they're that comfortable.
 
Recovering for its on-going problems with safety recalls and investigations by Congress as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Toyota stuck with its program of being the leading environmental steward of major automakers.  The only new vehicles in the massive fleet of Toyota products would be the all-new 4Runner SUV and Sienna minivan.  Though the 4Runner isn't necessarily the best environmentally friendly SUV, the Sienna minivan shows promise.  With an all new design, chasis, suspension, and new or significantly redone engines available, the old, boring Sienna is out of the window.  The chief engineer on the Sienna project was a race car driver.  The Sienna offers a 2.7L 180hp 4 cyl. engine promising low emissions, 7 or 8 seats, and 26 mpg freeway; the most efficient minivan in it's class (the Honda Odyssey cannot obtain the claimed 28 mpg with cylinder deactivation).  Expect the Sienna to start around $26k.
 
The diesel line of Volkswagen cars and SUVs shows the committment of environmentally friendly vehicles that are actually fun to drive.  Though the old VW Bus was cool, these new V-Dubs don't tip over at a light summer breeze.  2.0L turbo diesel 4 cylinder engines with a boat load of torque online at under 2000 rpm are available in the Jetta, Jetta Wagon, Golf, and Toureg SUV.  The best bang for your buck would be the 2010 VW Golf TDI.  Set up just like a Golf GTI in construction and handling, but with a massive lump of torque and hybrid-like fuel economy for around $23k with 3 yr./36,000 mi. of maintenance on VW.
 
The most impressive environmentally friendly automaker at the auto show would have to be, hands down, Subaru.  The only new vehicle in the Subaru line-up would be the new for 2010 Legacy and Outback.  With standard all-wheel drive, both vehicles promise ULEV-II California emissions qualifications standard with over 90 percent of the vehicle able to be recycled.  Expect to see around 30 mpg with the 6-speed transmission and the wonderful 2.5L 4 cylinder boxer engine.  Both vehicles are assembled in their zero-landfill West Lafayette, Indiana plant.  This same plant was the first to achieve this zero-landfill status according to the U.S. EPA and is designated a wild life reserve for animals such as White-tailed Deer and Blue Heron.  Looking in your local paper, expect to find a Legacy or Outback for around $21K.
 
The Cleveland International Auto Show continues through this week, ending Sunday, March 7th.  Ride and Drive programs are available inside and outside from General Motors and Kia.  Check the stands at the show for availability.  The show also has a green gallery of vehicles.  Tickets are $12 for adults with reductions for children and seniors.  Tickets can be purchased in person or online at the auto show's website.  As always, parking is free.