FRANKFURT -- Daimler AG unveiled 18 alternative-fuel vehicles at the Frankfurt auto show, 17 of which will go into production by 2010. A half dozen or more of them will come to the United States.

Hybrid versions of the Mercedes ML 450 and S 400 will go on sale in the United States in 2009, Klaus Maier told Automotive News. He is executive vice president of sales and marketing at the Mercedes Car Group.

Mercedes will launch clean-diesel versions of the GL and ML SUVs and the R-class crossover next year. Those light trucks will meet emissions requirements in all 50 states.

Currently, the E 320 Bluetec passenger car's diesel engine is sold in 42 states. When that car is redesigned in 2010, it will be eligible for sale in 50 states.

Alternative-power versions of the Smart city car also could cross the Atlantic.

A trial with 100 electric Smart ForTwo cars has begun in London. Roger Penske, CEO of Penske Automotive Group, wants the experiment extended to the United States. His company is Smart's U.S. distributor.

"We think it is the next step for Smart," said Penske, who has driven the electric car.

Europe will get a Smart hybrid this fall, as well as diesel hybrid versions of the E and S class in 2010.

The unveiling of the 18 alternative-fuel vehicles came at a DaimlerChrysler extravaganza.

Said CEO Dieter Zetsche: Every one of the cars "demonstrates breathtaking design, driving pleasure, safety, dynamism and responsibility for the environment - all of which belong together at Mercedes-Benz across our entire model range."

Maier says Mercedes put on the extravaganza to demonstrate that "we want to be in the forefront with the environment."

You may e-mail Diana T. Kurylko at dkurylko@crain.com