The annual North American International Auto Show is the big event in the industry, when manufacturers gather to unveil the latest and greatest of their new vehicles and technologies. Given the recent eco-friendly vehicle movement, it comes as no big surprise that new green autos are making headlines at the 2009 show.

☆ Fisker Automotive Inc, a new green vehicle manufacturer in North America, officially introduced their 2010 Fisker Karma, the company's first production car. The Karma is being marketed as the world's first luxury plug-in hybrid car and can travel up to 50 miles on a charge from a 110-, 220- or 240-volt electric outlet.

☆ Speaking of electric vehicles, if one thing at the show has been evident, it's that these vehicles and hybrids are going to be The Next Big Thing. It seems the government bailout was incentive to change their ways after all.

☆ What's that we heard today? It sounded like Toyota lifting the curtain on the new 2010 Prius. Hopefully the vehicle's 45 per cent drop in sales in December weren't an indication on the success of the car in the future.

☆ Michelin is set to launch their Energy Saver All-Season tire, which increases fuel-efficiency by decreasing the amount of energy lost in the tire.

☆ GM is building a plant in Michigan that will produce lithium-ion batteries, which will serve as support for their Chevrolet Volt which will be on sale starting in November.

» The Auto Channel