As the auto industry continue to evolve, we can note a significant change in the direction in which auto makers are developing new vehicles. It would appear as if over the last decade or two the favored trend seemed to be found in the bigger, faster vehicles. However, over the past few years it's not hard to observe the notable change in the way these vehicles are being developed. With the scare of global warming knocking at our door, auto manufacturers have answered by beginning to develop a new line of vehicles which are much more environmentally friendly. There have been a variety of ways in which this task has been executed.

Perhaps the most obvious ways are found in the increasing popularity in using electric or hybrid cars. Electric cars are completely electric. Before they can be driven, they must be plugged in and charged. Also, the distance they can drive, or their Range, is determined by the charge. Hybrid cars have a wider range due to the fact that they use a combination of gasoline as well as electric power. This has enabled these vehicles to be partially electric and much more fuel efficient. Certain hybrids have even been further developed to the point where they're able to run completely off of electric power, switching to gasoline only in the case of an emergency.

Another way auto manufacturers have been attacking this problem is by creating regular, gas powered vehicles that are more fuel efficient than their predecessors. When the economy took a dive and America's auto industry nearly went under, the Government implemented a program to help stimulate the industry while replacing old gas guzzling vehicles with newer, more fuel efficient choices. The CARS or “cash-for-clunkers” program, took approximately 690,114 vehicles off of the road, including around 450,700 SUV's. For the most part, these vehicles when traded in would provide an approximated $4000 rebate towards a new eco-friendly option.

One concept which emerged some time ago was the development of smaller vehicles. The idea here is the smaller the car, the more ability it has to be fuel efficient. The main concern with these smaller vehicles for most is that people consider them to be like “driving in coffins”; meaning if anyone was to ever get into an accident in one, they would surely be injured, especially against an SUV of some sort. One Italian auto company known as Pininfarina has been developing a vehicle known as none-other-than “Nido.” The Nido's design is truly one of a kind. The idea is to bring “real-world impact safety to smaller vehicles.” The main design of the Nido would be appear to be egg shaped. The vehicle is able to isolate the driver/passenger within a safety cage which can provide roll and crush resistance. Though the Nido is still considered a “Concept Car”, the technology is promising. Theoretically if the car was in some sort of accident, the Nido's design will help reduce the risk of organ bruising, whiplash, and other severe injuries such as concussions.

These smaller cars will more than likely be increasing in production across the globe in the coming years. They seem to adapt well to newer technologies ranging from iPod compatibility, to built in navigation, as well as devices such as interlock ignition devices – a device used by those who have been charged with drinking and driving to ensure the individual is not under the influence at the time they are attempting to operate their vehicle. Other branches such as the auto transport industry as well as auto manufacturers will also be affected by the new age technology as procedures and other policies may change the face of the industry as we know it.