Apparently, smaller vehicles are the auto industry’s response to demand for more fuel-efficiency. 
Of course, dropping vehicle weight and bulk is one of the quickest ways of boosting fuel economy. This was clearly evident at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, held in Detroit. The list of the small and smaller on display at this year's show includes production vehicles, concept vehicles and concepts that will soon go into production. Here’s a partial run-down of this year’s new models:
BMW expanded its smallest model lineup (the new 1 Series) with a convertible that will be on sale later this year.
Toyota showed off a concept pickup smaller than its Tacoma compact. It’s powered by a 4-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, but no word on whether it will see production.
The automaker also showed off the Venza, a concept crossover that will be smaller than the Highlander model.
Ford displayed its Explorer America, a concept that hinted at the next-generation Explorer SUV, built this time on a car platform that will deliver better fuel economy, the automaker says. Ford also introduced the Verve sedan concept, a subcompact that would be the smallest car in the automaker’s U.S. lineup.
Hummer shrunk its brand with the smallest vehicle, the HX concept, which may be on the market next year.
Cadillac unveiled its concept small SUV in Las Vegas to get ahead of the Detroit buzz. 
The Provoq runs on a fuel cell, but when it likely sees production in 2009 it will probably just have a gasoline powerplant.
Land Rover brought out the two-door LRX Concept, which will be the brand’s smallest model if it sees production by 2009 as predicted. The concept features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter diesel engine.
Mercedes-Benz introduced what will be its smallest SUV, the GLK FREESIDE, powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine. It will go on sale in a year.
Nissan brought out a minivan concept, the Forum, that was smaller than its current Quest, featuring an efficient 4-cylinder diesel engine. No word on whether it might see production.
Chrysler LLC, in its first show as a stand-alone company, was all green in its trio of concept vehicles. The Chrysler ecoVoyager is a fuel cell-powered people mover of the future; the Dodge Zeo is a battery-electric muscle car; and the Jeep Renegade features a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain.
Mitsubishi wowed crowds with its Concept-RA sport coupe that probably previews the next-generation Eclipse.
This one has an emissions-compliant diesel engine.
Saab presented a small concept crossover, the 9-4X BioPower, which has a flex-fuel engine.
Not all of the concepts and production models presented in Detroit showed a trend to downsizing. Two of the biggest introductions—Ford’s new F-150 pickup and Dodge’s latest version of its Ram pickup—certainly bucked that trend. But even some of the larger models were introduced with new fuel-saving features. Toyota, for example, announced that it will add diesel engines to its Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV. The long list of models above demonstrates the direction in which the industry is moving. New cars and trucks will be smaller than current models, and more fuel-efficient. They may not directly replace larger models, but they will give consumers a choice.
