The San Francisco International Auto Show

The Moscone Convention Center was the scene of the forty-ninth annual San Francisco International Auto Show, from November 18 to the 26th 2006. Supported by the California Motor Car Dealers Association, the International Auto Show represents the major influences shaping the auto industry from the past, present, and future. With over 40 of the world's auto, SUV, truck, and van manufacturers participating, the Moscone Convention Center was resplendent with hundreds of unique 2007 cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Innovative High Tech Displays

A number of the world's major manufacturers attracted enthusiastic crowds to their special exhibits. Among the informational kiosks and revolving display platforms were classic cars, interactive hybrid and alternative fuel promotions, concept and prototype cars, and an extensive aftermarket auto accessory area.

Ford Focus FCV Hybrid

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle - The Ford Focus FCV is one of the industry's first hybridized fuel cell vehicles and combines the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall environmental benefits of a fuel cell. The hydrogen-powered Ford Focus FCV-Hybrid was Ford's third generation fuel cell vehicle. It combined an innovative power train with a Ni-MH high voltage battery and a hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine to help increase performance and efficiency while still providing zero emissions. All this was packaged in the world's best-selling compact car and offered traditional comfort and driving feel to the customer.

Tesla Electric True Performance Car

All Electric high performance, high fuel efficiency vehicle - recharges overnight, range 250 miles, top speed 135mph, 0-60 in 4 sec. Price: $95,000. An automobile manufacturer who took the risks and pulled out all the stops to making a truly production-ready electric car. A technology initially thought reserved for tree huggers, the 200 horsepower electric motor in this vehicle gives you all the torque and speed you would need to add a bit of excitement to your driving.

Globalization of Domestic Automotive Production

San Francisco Bay area import auto dealers have, for the past 49 years, had the International Auto Show to display their foreign-made cars. Eventually broadening its scope due to greater global cooperation in automotive production, the San Francisco International Auto Show now includes domestic and international manufacturers worldwide.

Alternative Cars To Watch

Taken as a whole, this year's San Francisco International Auto Show will not stir much controversy. There were plenty of lovely American and other Pacific Rim vehicles. Sequestered in smaller halls were some of the usual exotic foreign players, such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. The atmosphere at Moscone was very much geared to displaying hot sellers and a "business as usual" attitude.

Disappointingly, there were only a few vendors who pushed the automotive industry envelope with alternative fuel vehicles or an environmentally positive approach. It turns out that the real show is in a couple of weeks, at the Los Angeles Convention Center where the 2006 LA Auto Show promises to show more "green".

Crowds did gather at booths of some interesting innovators, such as ZAP Voltage Vehicles of Santa Rosa (zapworld.com). Voltage Vehicles is a nascent, full-service alternative fuel vehicle distributor specializing in the full spectrum of electric vehicles (EV) and full-performance alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) including automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, personal watercraft, hovercraft, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV), commercial vehicles and accessories.

Muscle Vehicles

Dodge Tomahawk, Chrysler Imperial, Ford Mustang Shelby 500, Ford Super Duty Truck represented what is perceived as the less evolved of the automotive industry. As long as the auto buying public seeks out and buys large, fuel-inefficient status symbols, the automotive industry will follow the money, and lionize these monuments to waste of environmental resources.

Read more articles about automotive industry news including the Paris Motor Show at Carseek.com