The show comes at a critical time for automakers. President Barack Obama last week ordered the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to finalize 2011 fuel economy standards by March 30.

Obama also directed the EPA to review whether to grant California and 13 other states the right to impose a 30 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions standards by 2016 -- a move vigorously opposed by automakers, who argue it would lead to an unworkable patchwork of requirements and cost the struggling industry billions of dollars.

The unusual number of top officials attending the show reflects the high priority the Obama administration is placing on automotive issues. During the campaign, Obama called for doubling fuel efficiency standards to a fleet-wide 50 miles per gallon by 2027, and vowed to grant California the right to set its own tailpipe emissions limits.

Auto alliance encouraged

Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, attended Obama's White House announcement on auto issues and extended show invitations to officials.

McCurdy heads the organization that represents Detroit's Big Three, Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler AG, BMW AG, and other automakers. He will be meeting with the government officials.

'We're very encouraged by the response from the Obama administration and from members of Congress,' said Charles Territo, a spokesman for the alliance.

'We are looking forward to having an opportunity to showcase all of the exciting new fuel-efficient technologies that manufacturers are working on.'

He said policy makers would be able 'to see firsthand the industry's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing fuel efficiency.'

Auto czar not coming

Last week, the alliance urged President Obama to publish fuel efficiency standards through the 2015 model year that the Bush administration drafted but declined to publish before leaving office. New rules are being set as required in a 2007 energy bill that called for raising standards to an U.S. fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020.

Missing from the show will be the White House auto czar. The Obama administration has yet to name someone to oversee restructuring plans due from General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC on Feb. 17 under terms of a $17.4 billion emergency loan package for the two automakers.

Obama also has not named a candidate to take over NHTSA.