Photos: Full speed ahead at LA Auto Show

Take a good look at your consolation prize.

Remember when Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design, told CNET News.com that he was willing to let the public decide on which of three concept cars shown at the 2007 New York auto show his company would produce? Well, the public has spoken and GM says it will oblige...sort of.

More than 1.8 million people voted for their favorite of three concept vehicles on GM's Web site. From the Chevy Groove, Beat and Trax, the Chevy Beat was designated the clear winner. There's just one thing: it's not going to be released in the U.S. The concept car, which strongly resembles a Smart Car, will become an actual production car in markets outside the U.S.

Instead, GM announced it is offering this 2009 Aveo 5 here in the states.