The Los Angeles Auto Show which opened yesterday will this year have an even stronger emphasis on alternative fuel vehicles.

General Motors has been basking in good news lately, with their post-bailout recovery making headlines. They are continuing that streak at the auto show as their Chevrolet Volt was named the Green Car of the Year.

A Mini Cooper stuffed with real money is described as a “Safe place to put your money,” at the show.

The future of green transportation is everywhere at the show, with more electric cars than ever before from Ford, Volvo, Saab, Honda, Smart and Toyota. They’re showing off the electric Rav4 VE, a name that might sound familiar to some.

“We had one in the late 1990s, early 2000s. People who have them really love them, are really loyal to them. We’re hoping that they’ll love this one as well,” said Amy Taylor, a Toyota official.

There are also many electric vehicles from less familiar companies – Fisco, Koda and Wego. Beyond electric vehicles there are also hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars and a clean high-tech diesel from Mercedes-Benz.

Many of the cars are still a ways off from being available to consumers, but production of hybrids is coming on like gang-busters. New offerings include models from Infiniti, Hyundai, Volkswagon, Kia and Porsche.

“It’s part of our broadening campaign of higher performance to stay relevant and meet the increasingly changing requirements,” said David Pryor with Porsche. “We have to embrace alternative drive-line technologies and we have done that.”