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Chrysler jolted automotive journalists ready to see the world premiere of four production-vehicle-based electric cars and trucks at North American International Auto Show, adding a surprise electric show car dubbed the 200C EV.

The stylish concept car features the same range-extending electric drive system deployed in several other production-intent Chrysler EVs revealed at the Detroit show, in

U.S. light vehicle sales at General Motors and Chrysler plunged more than 40 percent in November, while Ford's sales dropped 31 percent, battered by an economic storm that has sent consumer demand for new vehicles to the lowest level in more than 26 years.

GM's sales fell 41 percent, while Chrysler's dropped 47 percent. Their overseas rivals posted abysmal results Tuesday as well.

Allying with Fiat should provide Chrysler with the vehicles and powertrains it needs to offer a line of appealing and fuel-efficient small cars. Fiat, in exchange, gets the dealer network and assembly capacity it wants to become a player in its return to the United States.

Rochelle Riley's Dec. 18 column, "Offer help one vehicle at a time," portrays a heartening effort in putting a human face to the problem that confronts the Big Three in attracting customers. Her subject, Michael, makes a good argument for buying American. The biggest obstacle for the Big Three to overcome is the myth that they build junk.

In the last 100 years, humans lives have sped up exponentially. 100 years ago, 100 miles an hour seemed a long way off. Yet in the last 100 years, we've seen trains, planes and automobiles smash past that!

Below are 50 cars from the last 108 years of American auto manufacturing. You might expect to know all of them, but there may be some surprises in there for you.