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Green cars: the new black

The Chevy Volt - the Car of the Year for 2011.
Flickr user: citizen of the deep
The Chevy Volt - the Car of the Year for 2011.

In past years, most of the so-called “green cars” at the North American International Auto Show were concept cars – not ready for prime time. This year is different.

The Toyota Prius has been America’s premier environmentally friendly car for ten years. Now, the car has some serious competition. Both the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf have an EPA fuel economy rating the equivalent of more than 90 miles to the gallon.

Tracy Samilton talked with Brad Berman, founder of plugincars.com

“Suddenly it makes the Prius' 50 mpg seem mild. Now it’s Toyota’s turn to say, hey, we’re still relevant.”

Toyota is turning the Prius into an entire brand. People going to the show will be able to see three new Prius vehicles, including a plug-in being unveiled in Detroit.

You can hear Tracy's thoughts on what we'll be driving in the future.

Rebecca Williams is senior editor in the newsroom, where she edits stories and helps guide news coverage.