Yamaha Motor Corporation

The 2012 New York International Auto Show featured some exciting new car reveals and awards, including "World Green Car of the Year." A key message in New York was that plugs are not going away, but the introduction of new clean diesel models and overall increased fuel efficiency from traditional engines gives a glimpse of the variety in high-efficiency, low carbon emissions vehicles to hit the market in the coming years.

In a conversation with Rich Steinberg, BMW North America's Manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy, he pointed to the ActiveE and i-Brand of electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars as evidence that "plugs are here to stay." At the show, BMW once again highlighted their commitment to electric mobility by showing off the i3 and i8 concepts, as well as touting their i Ventures group, located here in New York City, and tasked with finding, investing in, and incubating breakthrough technologies in future mobility.

Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, revealed the LE Concept (pictured at left), touted, "a new take on sustainability." Announced by CEO Carlos Ghosn, this is a premium electric vehicle with a 100 mile range and standard wireless charging technology. The LE Concept builds on Nissan's experience with the LEAF and showcases the drivetrain technology in a luxury automobile.

Fisker had a booth at the auto show as well and revealed the Atlantic (below at right) the evening before the show opened, where Fisker's newest addition to their vehicle lineup made its first public appearance alongside the production Karma.

The 2012 "World Green Car of the Year" was awarded to the Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. The Benz features a turbo-charged, 4-cylinder diesel engine that achieves 41 mpg. It beat the Ford Focus Electric and Peugeot 3008 Hybrid for the honors.

Continuing on the clean diesel theme, Porsche introduced the Cayenne Diesel (below at left) to the U.S. market. Porsche believes the U.S. market is well-positioned to receive the luxury SUV, playing on America's preference for capable SUVs, but adding 28 mpg and light weight design to the equation. Also, with 406 lb-ft of torque, buyers can most likely tow their GT3 to the racetrack without breaking a sweat.

A number of automakers showed off traditional, internal-combustion engines in their new car models, highlighted by increases in fuel efficiency brought on by technological advances like stop-start and high-strength, lightweight steel.