Seattle Auto Show highlights the boom in electric vehicles and hybrid technologies

Find your favorite EV at the Seattle Auto Show. From left: the Wheego Whip LSV, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Smart ForTwo Passion ED, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is one of the supercars that will be on display at the Seattle Auto Show.

The Puget Sound region has been a leader in embracing hybrid and electric vehicles, and this year's Seattle Auto Show will reward "green" technology fans with five cutting-edge electric cars.

The show, opening Wednesday at the Qwest Field Event Center, will feature the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Smart ForTwo Passion ED and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Seattle company Wheego also will be showing the Whip LSV.

"With all the natural beauty that surrounds us, there's an enhanced appreciation for the environment and a dislike for pollution of all kinds -- noise, air quality, congestion," says show publicist Craig Chastain. "Electric vehicles represent an aggressive effort to take our transportation options in a new direction that's going to be well-received here."

The Leaf is sure to draw attention, Chastain says, as Washington will be among the first states to get the all-electric compact starting next month. Hybrids are also proving they're here to stay; almost all of this year's automakers are showing a hybrid model, Chastain says. New hybrids on display at the show will be the Infiniti M35, the Hyundai Sonata and the Honda CR-Z.

Show organizers are hoping that the resurgence of American automakers, as well as the car market in general, will generate interest in this year's event. The Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Cruze will be on display, showcasing both companies' emphasis on value-packed entry-level cars, Chastain says.

"American carmakers are back in a leadership role in terms of quality, innovation and customer satisfaction," he says. "Buyer-satisfaction numbers for American-made cars are among the highest in the industry."

In addition to practical favorites, show attendees can get up close and personal with their favorite dream cars, including the Lamborghini Superleggera, Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari 458 Italia and Bentley Mulsanne.

New to this year's show is the General Motors Experience the Drive program, in which drivers 21 and older will be able to take Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles for extended test drives around Qwest Field. On opening day, Mitsubishi will be giving test rides in the all-electric i-MiEV.