2011 Ford Focus

Next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit promises to be greener than ever before. That's a recognition that more fuel-efficient and smaller cars are a permanent part of the U.S. automotive landscape, but it's also desperation to fill space in a show that's losing exhibitors. Padding out the new cars on display: Not only the return of last year's basement Eco Xperience ride-and-drive, but a main-floor area called "Electric Avenue" just for electric cars, of any variety. Our bet: You won't see a Tesla Roadster or a Chevrolet Volt anywhere near what will likely be a...