Katsuaki Watanabe does not seem content to rest on the laurels of Toyota Motor Company’s successes in the burgeoning green vehicle market. Watanabe and the TMC board of directors have found winning combinations in the Toyota Prius as well as fuel-efficient vehicles like the Corolla. The recent announcement by Watanabe of additional initiatives toward greener vehicles and manufacturing processes shows Toyota’s desire to push this niche market to its limits.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner and the company’s board have apparently noted the frustration and anger of consumers over gas prices in recent months. General Motors has announced several changes to its business practices including the potential sale of the Hummer name and the closing of several truck plants this week. These steps show that General Motors is concerned with its image and cognizant of changes in the auto industry.

Wagoner made a more impressive announcement that should please drivers looking for domestic hybrid vehicles. The board of General Motors has approved funding to produce the flex-fuel Chevy Volt in the company’s Hamtramck, MI factory. This move is meant to quell skepticism by competitors and industry observers that the Volt would reach showrooms by 2010.

The South Korean car company SsangYong spent time during the Geneva Auto show courting interest for its aggressive five-year plan. The auto manufacturer plans to roll out 20 new models over the next five years to customers in Africa, Asia and South America. This massive move by the growing automaker involves a $3 billion USD investment in research, production and marketing five engine types and five platforms to form the foundation of these new models.

The Alternative entry in the X Prize was introduced last week at the New York International Auto Show. The MDI utility vehicle features two doors, three seats and a $6,000 price tag that should appeal to many consumers. This vehicle will show the limitations and advantages of a single-fuel air compression engine once it hits the road for the X Prize.