Some people use airport layovers to sleep, read, or get a meal. Sam and Sebastian took the opportunity to record AutoblogGreen Podcast #19. While waiting for a plane to whisk them back home from the Chicago Auto Show, we recapped a few things we saw at the show. It wasn't the greenest show we've seen, but they have the biggest building, by their own admission. A few things left impressions on us, first of which was the GMC Denali XT. The Zeta variant is the first use of GM's Two-mode hybrid system on a passenger car platform. Other exciting GM news is the announcement that ICM and Coskata will be working together to build a cellulosic ethanol plant. Ford came out with a couple of ideas aimed at truck customers that could boost CAFE numbers. The Transit Connect is a right-sized utility van, and their new Work Solutions system could be a stealthy way to improve economy. Honda has hybrids and diesels coming, and Toyota will be trying to add lightness to its fleet. Our interview this time around is with Bridgestone's Dan McDonald about their "One Team, One Planet" initiatives.

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Truth be told, there was not much new in the way of green technology at the Chicago Auto Show this year. Most of the vehicles that are of interest to our readers have been covered in depth here in our Detroit Auto Show coverage and L.A. Auto Show coverage.

However, I was undeterred, and went around the show looking for signs of greenery. I made a gallery of my findings. I also went through the Toyota Mobile Hybrid Experience trailer where I learned how to reduce my carbon footprint. At the end, I chose where they were to plant me a new tree. I hope you enjoy the pictures in the gallery. Goodbye, Chicago! I hardly knew ye.

While I was walking around the Chicago Auto Show today, it occurred to me just how many large trucks, SUVs and gigantic vehicles were in attendance. So, I decided to take pictures of them, and if a fuel mileage estimate were there, I took a shot of that as well. I'm finding it kinda hard to choose which one is really the least green. There were the three International trucks, which make much more sense as semi trucks than daily-drivers. Of course, no non-green list would be complete without mentioning the Hummers. There was the SRT8 Grand Cherokee, which took the "Worst Listed Fuel Economy" award. But, I really think that the six-door Ford Super Duty truck that was lifted to the moon wins the award. I just can't see any real purpose for the vehicle to exist. Large trucks, such as the Super Duty trucks, are necessary in today's society, but not this one. I didn't ignore the cars either, as I shot a four-door Maserati and the new four-door Bentley with it's twelve cylinder engine. Enjoy our gallery, and let us know what you think.

Don't think that I didn't drill the on-site ZAP representative for any information about the ZAP\Lotus APX collaboration, but, alas, he knew nothing. Is it just vapor-ware? The jury is still out on that one, hopefully more information will be coming in the next few months. Not all was lost, however, as I did come away with a gallery of high-quality images of ZAP's current production models. As you may know, they already have a series of three-wheeled vehicles for sale, including a four-door, a truck and a little Segway-like scooter. I took pictures of them and you can see them in all their electric-only glory here.

Toyota has announced that the world premier of the all-new 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs will take place at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 7. The Highlander, Toyota's mid-sized SUV, was first unveiled during the 2001 model year and is receiving its first complete revision. Along with the Camry Hybrid and the Prius, Toyota boasts the industry's only three-vehicle hybrid line-up.

Analysis: Its great to see that its becoming a standard announcement with new vehicles from Toyota and others that in addition to the expected straight petrol models, there is also a hybrid/flex fuel/diesel to enhance the range and offer consumers more options with better fuel economy and lower emissions. As battery technology in particular advances, I expect to see the proportion of hybrid and low emissions models take over from the straight petrol models as the dominant options in the market.

Check back on the 7th when we'll have all the details and a host of high resolution photos to show off the new model.

Related:

• Singer KT Tunstall wants celebrities to make it "very uncool to drive an SUV"
• Recent drop to $2 gas just might help Detroit's SUV sales, Europe is immune
• Detroit Motor Show: Audi Q7 V12 TDI with photo gallery

[Source: Toyota]