Jeff Napshin, Detroit, Michigan, said, "The timing for this green revolution couldn't be better. After nearly collapsing in the recession auto sales are on the rebound. And rising gas prices have put a new emphasis on fuel efficiency."

Hot new models range from the high end Tesla Roadster that goes more than 200-miles on a charge to the more affordable Hyundai Veloster.Then there's the new line up from China's B-Y-D hitting the American market next year. These zero emission electric cars can be fully charged in less than an hour.

But perhaps the most talked about new automobile comes from General Motors.

Scott Miller, Chevy Volt Engineer, said, "It's pretty exciting. We've been working so hard to make this a reality."

The brand new Chevy Volt was honored as North American Car of the Year. It's a huge technological breakthrough for G-M -- combining an electric and gas engine.

Scott Miller, Chevy Volt Engineer, said, "This is one of the most significant steps to electrification of the automobile. Which is ultimately what we wanna get to."

The Volt is a pure electric car for nearly forty miles before switching to the gas engine. Customers who drive short distances could go weeks without filling up the tank! All this high-tech isn't cheap -- but with government tax credits the price is dramatically reduced.

After years of promoting bigger is better -- the auto industry appears to have decided the future is in fuel efficiency.