Weekly auto agenda: European Car of the Year 2011

(Volkswagen)

The European Car of the Year 2011 winner is set to be unveiled November 30, ahead of the start of the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Last year's Car of the Year went to the Volkswagen Polo - but will this year's judges continue the green trend recently set by Japan's Car of the Year prize and select the Nissan Leaf?

European Car of the Year 2011
November 29
Paris, France

This award recognizes the best of the European auto industry and is selected by a panel of respected automotive journalists from 23 European countries. The all-electric Nissan Leaf is up against contenders including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60.
http://www.caroftheyear.org

35th Bologna Motor Show
December 4-12
Bologna, Italy

The Bologna Motor Show traditionally focuses on the grandest and most powerful machines, although for its 35th edition even this show has gone electric, announcing a new "Electric City" exhibit on electrically powered vehicles and associated products and services. Other staples such as the Motorsport Arena and stunt shows will also be making a return.
http://www.motorshow.it

Future of Electric Vehicles Show 2010
December 7-8
San Jose, CA, US

This show is unique in that it covers sea and air transportation as well as land, highlighting "potentially disruptive" breakthroughs in materials, components, propulsion and other fields related to electric vehicles.
http://www.idtechex.com/electric-vehicles-usa-10/

North American International Auto Show
January 10-23
Detroit, Michigan, US

NAIAS is the biggest event on the North American motoring calendar and draws visitors and exhibitors from all over the world. With Detroit looking healthier than it has for a few years now, guests can expect to see a renewed focus on innovation and more aggressive attempts from North American automakers to oust foreign competitors from some of the turf they've grown to occupy.
http://www.naias.com/

Tokyo Auto Salon
January 14-16
Chiba, Japan

Japan's answer to the massive SEMA enthusiast show in Las Vegas is billed by organizers as the largest such show in the world. With over 600 vehicles in display, it promises to showcase the best of Japan's varied and advanced after-market industry, with live entertainment from top musicians and appearances by well-known drivers.
http://www.e-autosalon.net/tokyo/english/index.php