THE NATION'S biggest Auto Show, the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, has topped car shows of Detroit and Los Angeles as car makers chose Chicago as the venue to introduce their newest products. Some of the novel cars that are exhibited here include the Ford Transit Taxi, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Odyssey and the Sonata.

The Ford Transit Taxi, which is The Ford Transit Connect Taxi version runs on propane or compressed natural gas. The compressed natural gas taxi version will become available soon and offers more space, comfort and luggage space. Capable of using either compressed natural gas or propane for fuel, the vehicle produces much cleaner emissions, takes up less space and is economical to operate.

The next is Chevrolet Silverado which has been redesigned to satisfy customer demands for stronger, sturdier and better handling trucks.

On the other hand, Honda hopes to enhance its share of Minivan segment with the all new Honda Odyssey which would be introduced this fall. The Odyssey concept car exhibited at the show is the sneak-peek of the actual production car. This car has more interior space.

The Fiat 500, adored as 500 will be assembled in Mexico for export to the U.S. and other markets. Its 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine will come from a plant in Michigan. Already popular in Europe, the 500 is a 2-door subcompact that competes most directly with cars such as BMW’s Mini. The original 500, popular in Europe after World War II, was a rear engine car. This time around the 500 gets front engine and future plans may expand the range to include a convertible and other models possible.

Apart from this Sonata, featuring ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design, is a sleek midsize sedan, that copies the more costly sedan counterparts and in some respects advances the state of the art. It is a long, light and low with a high beltline that allows for a long sleek roof line and a third side window. Interior volume is 120.2 cubic feet, currently the largest in its class. It is powered by a new 2.4-liter direct injection engine that produces 200 horsepower while delivering up to 35 mpg in highway driving.