The North American International Auto Show kicked off in Detroit on Monday, after a year of bankruptcies and bailouts.

"Last year we had that sky-is-falling mentality, and everybody was running for cover," said Doug Fox, an Ann Arbor, Mich., car dealer. "We are seeing a little more investment made in the actual exhibits than last year."

Much of what is on display this year tends toward the lean and green, as electric, hybrid and small cars take centre stage. Americans who formerly loved gas guzzlers in their driveways are now open to smaller, more efficient cars, a testament to the change the industry is facing.

Some of the electric cars may be making their way to Canada soon. Toyota is mulling over a decision to bring the production of hybrid vehicles to Ontario.

Stephen Beatty, managing director of Toyota Canada, says it plans to launch nine new or remodeled vehicles in Canada in 2010, plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars in 2012 and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2015.

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What do you think of the new cars being featured by automakers? Will you buy leaner and greener in 2010?