Volkswagen announced plans Nov. 17 to cut 30,000 from its workforce over the coming years as a result in part of the diesel emissions scandal as well as a switch to electric cars.

It's kind of like elementary school where there's no longer real competition and every kid gets an award. I'm talking about the plethora of automotive awards.

Organizers have already confirmed at least 20 world debuts, including Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Jeep, Mazda, Mini, Subaru and Volkswagen. Press days start on Nov. 14, and if I were going, I'd have plenty to do, given all the invitations I have received from a variety of automakers. Alas, I will be covering the show remotely from Detroit while I gear up for the North American International Auto Show, which is also just around the corner in January.

It's an unspoken rule of journalism that three of anything makes a trend. However, I'm nothing if not a rule-breaker, so I'm going to tell you about two automakers who are doing something unique for the environment. I think it's interesting enough to sidestep the rule of three.