Justin Pizzala

DETROIT – This year’s auto show in Cobo Hall was hyped as having the
most practical and affordable alternative-fuel vehicles ever displayed
under one roof.

“It’s interesting to see the new technology out there,” said Midland
senior Jorge Soto, Saturday when the North American International Auto
Show officially opened to the public.

The 2007 Toyota Camry is the first American-built hybrid ever
introduced. The Camry – which has become the best-selling car in
America with more than 6.5 million already sold – will have the 2007
gasoline-electric model on sale later this year.

Toyota’s Fine-T concept is powered by a new downsized,
high-performance fuel cell stack configuration.

Its futuristic-looking interior features a substantial amount of
plant-sourced, “carbon-neutral” materials, adding no new
carbon dioxide to the environment when disposed.

The Fine-T has no side mirrors, as the concept car is equipped
with cameras.

The independent four-wheel large-angle steering system and
independent four-wheel drive makes it possible to do U-turns while
coming out of parallel parking.

Mitsubishi Motors Concept-CT is an electric vehicle that uses
in-wheel motors and high-energy density lithium-ion batteries as core
technologies.

The CT pairs the MIEV concept with a gasoline engine for
series-paralleled hybrid propulsion, which delivers higher power and
allows longer cruising ranges, to drive all four wheels.

Essentially energy used to charge the battery is created by the
wheels’ movement, and the more it’s driven, the more it charges, a show
spokeswoman said.

“We’re looking to bring it out by 2010,” the spokeswoman said.
“It’s being tested on roads in Japan right now.”

Vendors said alternative-fuel SUVs – like the Silverado Hybrid,
Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid – also are popular.

“It’s actually done pretty good – a lot of people are looking for
hybrids to come out in the SUVs, not just the cars,” said Anita
Stefanowski, Saturn show manager.

She said the Saturn Vue Hybrid will be released this fall, available
only in a four-cylinder engine starting at $23,000.

“It’s going to look like all the other Vues,” Stefanowski said.
“Same look, just hybrid.”

E-mail the author: Kate Finneren