Guest post by Eric Capper

"2009 was a bad year."

We heard it over and over again on the first day of the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The signs that manufacturers are still facing hard times were everywhere: a drastic decrease in free food for the journalists (a near crime) and only a few legitimately exciting concept cars. Of course, sustainability is the word of the moment, and many concepts wrestled with a basic question: how to make efficient cars desirable.

The show-stopper at Geneva and Los Angeles, Audi's all-electric e-tron concept (pictured top), tweaked slightly for NAIAS, once again caused jaws to drop. This latest installment has been further refined and made "more emotional" while maintaining its fantastical concept roots.

Toyota's FT-CH hybrid concept is an attempt by the manufacturer to add an entry-level hybrid to its lineup. Smaller and less expensive than the Prius, the FT-CH is aimed at the so-called "8-bit" generation, and takes its inspiration from Mega Man 2, Super Mario Brothers and Contra. This awkward yet fun and exuberant styling, combined with a lower price tag than the Prius, gear the FT-CH towards a younger, less affluent and equally awkward demographic.

Audi e-tron

Volkswagen Compact Coupe Concept

Toyota FT-CH