The typical U.S. automaker did not have a good year in '07. Many found themselves troubled by emissions requirements, rapidly falling sales numbers, and ample representation on lists of the year's worst cars.

These beleaguered American divisions are looking to the Detroit Auto Show to start '08 with a sunnier outlook.

While flashy mock-ups get plenty of attention (see Mazda's retro-futuristic Furai concept car, Mini's cutesy Clubman, and the super-hot Corvette ZR1), the growing focus at these shows is on green options. Though still in concept form, more American companies are presenting cars that rise to the technology challenge.

The Dodge Zeo and Chrysler ecoVoyager (both electric) and the Cadillac Provoq (hybrid), on display this week in Detroit, are evidence that shifting attitudes toward environmental impact may also pay off on showroom floors.

Consumers are paying attention, and certain tiny imports are raising the stakes.

Suggested Sites:

• North American International Auto Show - in Detroit. Media and industry the first week, then the public gets in.
• Yahoo! Autos - with a heavy emphasis on concept cars.
• Edmunds - keep up on all the photos and specs coming out of the current show.
• Jalopnik - slightly snarky auto site gets our stamp of approval.

Directory categories: Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Auto Shows, Buyer's Guides, Cars and Autos

Originally posted on The Spark, a daily blog where Yahoo! Directory editors highlight new and interesting content on the Web.