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DETROIT - The Detroit Auto Show, which proudly proclaims itself "International" and "North American" (after all, Windsor, Ontario is just across the river) was pretty green this year. It could hardly help it, since 2011 is the year that the green cars finally hit the road. Finally, the electric cars on the show stands are actually in production, facing a verdict from the public. (There are 7 electric cars available in 2011.)



Here's a look at some of the most interesting new green cars featured at the show.



The Chevrolet Volt





The plug-in hybrid (the company prefers "range extender") Chevrolet Volt made a big splash, winning the North American Car of the Year award. The Volt, like the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, has had a winning season ? it's on everybody's best list. The electric Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Sonata hybrid were also-rans.

The Ford Focus Electric



Also hitting the road soon is the Ford Focus Electric, which offers 100 miles of range from lithium-ion batteries. The car was actually debuted a week earlier in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show, but it got another big welcome in Detroit. (See The New Ford Focus: An Electric Car, with Apps.)



Ford isn't talking volume about the Focus, and we don't know the marketing plan yet ? the car has youth appeal, but it will likely be priced out of the Fiesta generation's reach. Nonetheless, the Focus bristles with user-friendly cellphone apps and helpful dash displays (blue butterflies spell out remaining range). Ford also finally found a home for its 2012 plug-in hybrid: It will be based on the C-Max, a small but versatile Europe-derived five-seat minivan. Some 500 miles of range is planned. (The Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Fiesta and the Ford Escape Hybrid both made the most fuel-efficient cars list for 2011.)

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6 Standout Green Cars from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show was originally published by thedailygreen.com blog post feed. Read the full story by clicking here.