Electric, Hybrid Cars Highlight Ft. Lauderdale Auto Show

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - As gas prices inch toward four dollars a gallon, new part-electric hybrid cars like the 2011 Chevy Volt and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid are sure to draw their fair share of attention at this year's Ft. Lauderdale International Auto Show.

"I drive a Hyundai, which I love," said Paul Akkaway as he waited to get into the auto show. "I'm getting about 35 miles on the highway, and I'm going to look at the Alega, I think it's called, 40 miles to the gallon."

The annual show, which opened Thursday at the Broward County Convention Center, features mid-year designs and new 2012 cars, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles and concept cars from the world's top automakers.

Interested drivers and buyers will be able to take a test drive in the part-electric Volt, recently named the North American Car of the Year.

"Ford is the only manufacturer that offers 4 vehicles that deliver over 40 miles per gallon," touted Audrey Morris, who represents the carmaker.  Auto companies are going after buyers looking to save, but do not want to skimp on the high tech perks.

Ford is showing off their fuel efficient cars, like the Fiesta. It gets about 40 miles per gallon on the highway,  and is affordable.  "We've absolutely packed all the technology into it that you'll find in a lot of up market cars. This is not your typical "econo box" from the 70s and 80s rolling down the street," said Ford's Mike Mueller.  "You can get into one for around $13000."

The ultimate gas saver is the Chevy Volt. It's electric with a gas back up,  but pricey at $40,000.

"You can drive 25 to 50 miles on the electric charge then go an addition 340 miles on gasoline," said a GM spokeswoman.

We found fuel efficient cars of all shapes and sizes – with prices for all budgets.

Those who attend the show can also check out the new Ford Focus, a hybrid which gets more than 40 mpg, GMC's Yukon Denali hybrid, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the 2012 Hyundai Volester.

This year's auto show also offers free test drives.  GM is allowing people to drive 12 different models of their cars, including the Volt.

More than 100 thousand people are expected to attend the four day show which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

If you're plan on going the show will be open:

.
Friday 3-11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Admission is eight dollars for adults and only two bucks for kids ages six through twelve.