2010 Chevrolet Volt. Photo: Mariordo Retrived from Wikimedia Commons.

The annual North American International Auto Show opens today in Detroit.

Among the snazzy new models is the winner of the North American Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Volt. With those of you with at least $32,780 to spare – that’s after a $7,500 tax credit - this little number offers 35 miles of gas-free travel and with gas an EPA-estimated 37 mpg for highway and city combined.

Also on the green side, this year’s show presents “Smarter Living in Michigan.” The exhibit, hosted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with help from DTE energy, highlights alternative energy technologies.

Last year the Ford Fusion Hybrid snagged the title of North American Car of the Year. The eco-friendly car eats up 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Other past hybrid winners: The Toyota Prius in 2004 and the Ford Escape Hybrid that won North American Truck of the Year in 2005.

This all may be a sign that “green” in the auto industry is in.

But I still prefer the cheaper (and even more eco-friendly) methods of using my own two feet or my bike.

The show runs until January 23^rd.