Weekly auto agenda: European Car of the Year Awards

(Car of the Year)

The first week of November will witness one of the larger US motor shows and the shortlist of nominees for the European Car of the Year Award, the 2010 version of which will be awarded later this month. Plus a preview of key events for the following weeks.

European Car of the Year shortlist
November 2
The shortlist for the 2010 European Car of the Year will whittle the current field of 33 down to just seven. All of the new vehicles have a realistic prospect of reaching sales of 5,000 units and are currently or will be shortly available in five or more European markets. The 59-member jury panel is composed of senior motoring journalists from 23 European countries. The winner will be announced November 30.

SEMA Motor Show
November 3-6
Las Vegas Convention Center
The Specialty Equipment Market Association show is not open to the general public but it is the premier automotive aftermarket products trade event in the world, showcasing some of the most exciting auto parts, tools and accoutrements. More than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries are expected to traverse more than 2 million square feet of exhibits. While the public cannot attend, it's certain that the show will unveil some of the hottest aftermarket car products for the next year.
Website: www.semashow.com

Nissan Leaf North American Tour
November 13
Los Angeles
The Nissan Leaf, the early pick to become the Prius of electric cars, will be on display in the western hemisphere for the first time. The car will embark on a 21-city tour that will take it across the US and Canada. Nissan will hold events to offer interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students the chance to learn more about the EV model that is expected to take the world by electrical storm in 2010.
Website: www.nissan-zeroemission.com

European Car of the Year announced
November 30
The 47th European Car of the Year will be chosen by representatives from seven prominent European car publications. Which car will be picked to follow the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, last year's winner? Will it be the Toyota Prius, which was elected Japanese Car of the Year on October 22? The trophy will be awarded in January to the winning manufacturer.

Los Angeles Auto Show
December 2-13
Los Angeles Convention Center
One of the world's most important auto events, the 2008 version displayed 23 world debuts, the most in the exhibition's history. The list of world and North American debuts for this year is still being finalized but the latest Ford Fiesta, which has topped the bestseller list in Europe this year, will no doubt make a big splash. General admission for the public begins December 4. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for seniors over 65 and free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.
Website: http://www.laautoshow.com

2010 Green Car of The Year Award
December 3
This prestigious award will be announced the day after the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Five cars -- three hybrids and two diesels -- are in the running to follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel. The award is selected by an international jury panel in conjunction with Green Car Journal, a US-based quarterly publication that focuses on vehicles which use environmentally friendly technology.
Website: www.greencar.com