There will only be six automakers by 2010. 

That's the word from Sergio Marchionne.  The CEO of Fiat, a sometime manure distributor, says that the world auto market demands vast corporations capable of producing more than five and a half million automobiles a year--only five companies presently have that capacity.

Bob Lutz, in an interview with Advertising Age, stated the obvious: GM has too many brands.

Actually, he stated: "It's really much better to have fewer brands, do it well and then market the hell out of them."  In the piece, Lutz made it official: GM is going to axe a number of divisions, which now appears to be widening in scope.  A number of nameplates will, obviously be joining them. 

Corvette Racing Program Manager Doug Fehan announced that Corvette chief Tom Wallace will be retiring from General Motors effective November 1st. This announcement was made at a Petersen Museum event honoring Corvette Racing history.

Some speculation suggests that Wallace's decision is related to the production plan of the C7 Corvette because he may not be willing to commit to the vehicle's extended launch schedule. The C7 was originally set for a 2012 model year launch, but it has reportedly been pushed back to 2014.

This announcement has come as a shock to many, especially since Wallace was always so dedicated to the Corvette marque. We had a chance to speak with Mr. Wallace last year at Laguna Seca while showing the winners of our "Be Corvette's Boss" contest a good time and really admired his enthusiasm for all things Corvette. Wallace's extensive knowledge of the performance car market will indeed be missed.

+ Autoblog: Corvette Chief Tom Wallace retiring (via Corvette Action Center)

http://imsaturn.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2033334%3ABlogPost%3A42511

Perhaps still on a high from recent dealings as a possible engine supplier for the vaunted Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai CEO Dr. Kim Dong-Jin is making some bold claims about the company’s upcoming range of hybrids and fuel cell cars.

Autocar reported in its print magazine that the good doctor said his green line would be “more advanced than the Prius,

 

Ford cleared one major hurdle in completing its sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Indian automaker Tata on Wednesday, receiving the go-ahead from U.S. government antitrust officials.

 

Volkswagen reported yesterday that it had narrowed its list of possiblel locatins for a potential manufacturing facility in the U.S. The German automaker said that a final descision on whether or not to build in the U.S., and where, will come sometime this summer.

While Audi is still planning to bring forth a hotted-up version of its TT coupe by around 2010, the car’s name has been the subject of a little wrestling within the larger Volkswagen Group family.