Improving fuel economy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions have become primary goals for international automakers, as hybrid and electric car offerings dominated the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

While automaker Toyota was the first to make headlines when its Prius hybrid model was introduced worldwide back in 2000, eco-friendly car options are now becoming increasingly standard. From Ford to Mercedes-Benz, hybrid and electric vehicles now form a key part of almost every car company's 2013 lineup or upcoming plans.

What's more, hybrid models are now being done with increased style and sophistication. The sleek contours of their frames have become decidedly sportier, while the electric engines inside them are now racking up enough horsepower to match gasoline rivals.

Throughout the North American International Auto Show special press preview, automakers hurried to tell journalists of the efforts each had put into the developing electric car market, as well as their visions for the future.

While General Motors promoted its plug-in Volt model and Ford praised the EcoBoost technology of its cars, perhaps the most notable evidence of the rise in electric auto technology was the fact that fuel efficiency also remained a frequent topic at luxury carmaker displays.

The increased environmental emphasis demonstrates the growing social importance of hybrid vehicles, as the wealthy buyers of brands like Maserati and BMW hardly need to worry about rising fuel prices. Despite this, however, luxury carmakers still took the effort to improve the fuel efficiency and environmental aspects of their vehicles - efforts they were eager to share with the public.

For Japanese company Infiniti, all eyes were on the world premiere of the new luxury Q50 sports sedan, which is set to go on sale this summer. While detailing the car's new features, Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen took the time to point out that the Q50 was also available in a hybrid version, in addition to the traditional 3.7 liter V-6 option.

At BMW, before rolling out its much-anticipated new 4-Series, the German automaker first outlined its latest innovations in ecofriendly vehicle offerings.

"We are committed to electromobility, and we will offer the world's first purpose-designed all-electric vehicle, the BMW i3," said BMW Development Board Member Dr. Herbert Diess, adding that BMW aimed to "reinvent how electric vehicles can compete."

While BMW said the i3 concept car would emit zero carbon dioxide emissions, the automaker stressed it would also be a superior driving experience and achieve 0-60 miles per hour in less than eight seconds. Additionally, the i3's passenger cabin would be made from carbon fiber, a more sustainable material.

Sustainability also brought out Hollywood power couple Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson, who introduced the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. After driving the new 2014 model onto the showroom floor, Kruger and Jackson told onlookers they wanted to bring more attention to sustainability efforts, and complimented Mercedes on the vehicle's clean diesel engine.

Even sport utility vehicles, once derided by environmentalists as "gas guzzlers" are becoming progressively greener.

At the very first press conference of the North American International Auto show, Chrysler chose to present three new models from its Jeep brand, which specializes in sport utility vehicles.

While the 2014 Jeep Compass, Patriot and Grand Cherokee all sport the traditional SUV look and four-wheel drive capability, their fuel economy is a huge jump from even four years ago.

Jeep said the Grand Cherokee's new 8-speed transmission increases fuel efficiency to as much as 30 miles per gallon highway, and that the car's 3.0 liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine produces the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in its class.

The eco-conscious innovations are only set to continue Tuesday, with a much-hyped morning press event from General Motor's Cadillac brand.

Cadillac, whose ATS model already took the prize for 2013 North American Car of the Year, will debut its new plug-in ELR hybrid. The Cadillac ELR will use the powertrain plug in technology currently featured in fellow GM offering the Chevrolet Volt, though be marketed to the luxury buyer.

But GM will have company in the luxury electric car segment, as Silicon Valley company Tesla Motors has already made significant headway.

Priced at 87,400 US dollars, however, Tesla's elite Model S Performance model could be out of reach for all but the most high end eco-conscious consumer.

In one of the final media events of the North American Auto Show, Tesla will also premiere its new Model X electric sport utility vehicle.

While gas-powered cars now average about 30 miles per gallon, hybrid models can achieve up to 50 miles per gallon. When the technology is upgraded to a plug-in full-electric vehicle, car owners can experience the equivalent power of around 100 miles per gallon.