A couple trends have dominated the auto industry in the past few years: a focus on fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, and a rise in technologies that are turning science fiction into dashboard reality.

Both of those will be on display this week when the 104th Los Angeles Auto Show opens at the Convention Center. About 900,000 people are expected to attend the event that runs Nov. 18-27. The show is open on Thanksgiving.

Although no vehicles are sold during the show, car manufacturers from around the globe will be on hand to tout and answer questions about their products. Approximately 1,000 cars and more than 50 vehicle debuts are scheduled for the show, everything from SUVs to futuristic concept cars. Attendees will have the chance to check out the autos up close, sit inside, admire the gadgets and even test drive a few models.

A highlight of the show each year is the announcement of the Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year. This year’s finalists are the Ford Focus Electric, Honda Civic Natural Gas, Mitsubishi i, Toyota Prius V and Volkswagen Passat TDI.

With enhanced gas and diesel engines, and all-electric options, automakers are redefining “green.”

The Los Angeles Auto Show runs Nov. 18-27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. More information atlaautoshow.com.

HIT FROM: LADOWNTOWNNEWS.COM