5 Cars That Reveal Chevrolet's Future

DETROIT. TheStreet) -- As it turns 100, Chevrolet is looking to the future.

That means Chevrolet is focusing on being global, green and innovative; even as it looks to maintain the long tradition that has made it one of the best known brand names in the world.

In 1911, the first Chevrolet was built in a garage near downtown Detroit. Louis Chevrolet, who lent his name to the enterprise, resembles an early version of Steve Jobs in this sense, getting ahead in an emerging industry by developing technology in a garage.

A hundred years later, it is safe to say that Chevrolet and parent General Motors (Stock Quote: GM) have had more ups and downs than Mr. Chevrolet ever dreamed possible.

Among the ups, it has sold more than 209 million cars and trucks. As for downs, look no farther than the 2009 bankruptcy filing. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Chevrolet is this: The original concept, that people wanted cars to drive, was so compelling the company has managed to survive 100 years of challenges.

As Chevrolet sets its sights on the next 100 years, here are five concepts to build on.