December 3, 2008 Auto show highlights cars of the future Play video

(Brad Puffer, NECN) - As the debate continues in Washington, car makers are showing off their vehicles of the future at an auto show in Boston. Clearly the future of the industry is on the minds of the auto reps at the event.

It's New England's largest Auto Show. But with auto sales near record lows, the big question this year - just how many people will come to browse?

Craig Carlson, Industry Analyst "The public is unclear what the future of the big three is going to be"

It's why companies like Ford are working to boost public confidence and prove they can produce the fuel efficient vehicles most in demand.

"Our auto shows are a great opportunity to highlight the product and the transformation of Ford is product led."

John Felice is a General Manager at Ford, Lincoln-Mercury. He says this new 2009 fusion Hybrid is one example of the new Ford. A car that is expected to get almost 40 miles to the gallon.

John Felice General Manager, Ford 22:21:52 "One of the things we have to change is perception the good news is we have a lot of alternate fuel technology vehicles coming out including the new Fusion and Milan hybrids early, next year that will make us the number one producer of hybrids in North America."

General Motors has on display a new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in limited release and they are talking about the Chevy Volt all electric vehicle but it's still years away from mass production and GM needs help now.

Because

"Building vehicles that people want and people can rely on"

But Wade Hoyt of Toyota says with a slowing economy - having the right products may not be enough. Toyota sales also way down.

"There is not a lot of traffic in showrooms people are staying out of the market."

And analyst Craig Carlson says with US automakers asking the government for billions of dollars in help - fear among the public will only slow sales even more.

"There have been a higher percentage dealers closing this past year than in modern history and people are very concerned if their local dealer is going to be here a year from now."