CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Auto enthusiasts can expect the newest sports cars, SUVs, fuel-efficient hybrids and concept cars that Detroit and foreign automakers have to offer at this month's 2009 West Virginia International Auto Show.

The show is scheduled for Jan. 23-25 at the Charleston Civic Center.

"There's going to be a lot to look at," said Ruth Lemmon, president of the West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealers Association. "This is probably going to be one of our best shows ever. We really have some exciting product and things that are going to be at this show."

One car owner will showcase an original Batmobile used in the 1960s Batman TV show, which was purchased at a Barrett-Jackson auto auction, Lemmon said. The dealer will also bring along an original General Lee car that appeared in the show "The Dukes of Hazzard."

The Green Trail is an auto show feature that will guide visitors, using green arrows, to the fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel models on the Civic Center show floor and other new green technology.

New cars such as the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid also will be on hand, Lemmon said.

She defended the Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler - in the wake of criticism that they've been slow to adapt or design more fuel-efficient vehicles as Americans look for ways to reduce gasoline and foreign oil consumption.

"They've done a great job of improving fuel economy. ... The spotlight was on hybrid vehicles when gas was $4 a gallon," Lemmon said.

Gas prices have since dropped, and automakers now look to design all types of vehicles based on what consumers need and "what fits their lifestyle," she said.

Still, she said automakers have learned in the last few years from mistakes of the past. It will take the companies time, money and expertise to transform the industry, she said.

"I think we will continue to see the fuel efficiency improve and get away from foreign oil and so forth," she said.

The show is scheduled for Jan. 23-25 at the Charleston Civic Center.

"There's going to be a lot to look at," said Ruth Lemmon, president of the West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealers Association. "This is probably going to be one of our best shows ever. We really have some exciting product and things that are going to be at this show."

One car owner will showcase an original Batmobile used in the 1960s Batman TV show, which was purchased at a Barrett-Jackson auto auction, Lemmon said. The dealer will also bring along an original General Lee car that appeared in the show "The Dukes of Hazzard."

The Green Trail is an auto show feature that will guide visitors, using green arrows, to the fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel models on the Civic Center show floor and other new green technology.

New cars such as the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid also will be on hand, Lemmon said.

She defended the Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler - in the wake of criticism that they've been slow to adapt or design more fuel-efficient vehicles as Americans look for ways to reduce gasoline and foreign oil consumption.

"They've done a great job of improving fuel economy. ... The spotlight was on hybrid vehicles when gas was $4 a gallon," Lemmon said.

Gas prices have since dropped, and automakers now look to design all types of vehicles based on what consumers need and "what fits their lifestyle," she said.

Still, she said automakers have learned in the last few years from mistakes of the past. It will take the companies time, money and expertise to transform the industry, she said.

"I think we will continue to see the fuel efficiency improve and get away from foreign oil and so forth," she said.

Last month, auto dealers in the Kanawha Valley said hybrid-vehicle sales have slowed in recent months, along with declining gas prices.

Some of the redesigned sports cars on hand at the auto show will be the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Jaguar XF, Saab 9-3, Nissan GT-R and Hummer HT-3.

Lemmon expects some interesting concept cars, which the manufacturers may or may not decide to build.

Among the concepts is a Chevrolet Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Big Red" Silverado, which features several vehicle off-road accessories, such as 20-inch wheels, off-road suspension and roll bars.

The Jeep Gladiator is another concept vehicle that takes its inspiration from the old military Jeep Truck of the 1950s.

Featured luxury vehicles, such as Audi, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, are set in the Civic Center's upper level by way of some hefty equipment.

"There's a crane that actually lifts, car by car, to get them into that luxury lot," said DeeDee Taft, a spokeswoman for the auto show.

Reach Davin White

at davinwh...@wvgazette.com

or 304-348-1254.