http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/172924-0/content.html

Solberg signed a contract with Subaru in 2006 that runs through 2009. This article says that Subaru has given him permission to drive another brand of car. In other words, they'd rather not pay him to stay home.

Well, sort of.

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.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSSP20627520081215

Suzuki had been mounting a very respectable effort in WRC. It's sad to see them pull out because of the "global economic crisis". Unfortunately, it will be repeated across motorsports.

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. 

Hide the children and get ready for the new Roadster Revolution.  All right, it isn't that dramatic unless you're professional blogger and longtime virgin Alex Nunez.  Just joking: he's not a professional.

Acura's American diesel program is deader than John McCain's presidential ambitions--so says Autoblog Green.  Just prior to their Prop 8 protest walkout, the Green gang was informed by Sage Marie of Honda's US arm that the Acura diesel plan was being put on indefinate hold.  Marie remarked that business factors, such as diesel costs and falling car sales, caused the decision. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/12/05/f1.honda/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Here is another example of how the economy is affecting motorsports.

Sad to see two very talented drivers (Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello) without a ride.

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=315052

The Le Mans 24-hour race is sanctioned by the Autombile Club de l'Ouest. The ACO has canceled a scheduled test day, which cuts out a week of travel and accomodation expenses.

In other words, at one of the highest levels of motorsports, they're trying to cut costs. Expect it at all levels, and also from manufacturers. Get ready for fewer models with fewer choices of trim on each model. 

It may sound odd to you, but the Renault-Nissan Alliance hasn't produced any modern V6 Diesel engines - so far. After all the alliance, will have a decent engine to go with their 10th anniversary next year.

The first Diesel V6 engine developed and produced by the Alliance bares the code V9X. It is based on dCi common rail technology, and know-how derived from the 2.0 dCi straight four engine (year 2005).

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122419486740342439.html?mod=djemalertNEW...

The Wall Street Journal reports that GM and Chrysler "are accelerating merger discussions amid strong support from potential lenders that are eager to see a deal done."

When you're up to your neck in debt, and your lender tells you to do something, you listen. I would not be surprised if this deal is inked within a week, with Monday being the most likely day.

I ENJOYED YOUR ARTICLE ON THE NEW IMPROVED GAS MILEAGE OF CARS IN THE USA.IT WAS HUGE LIKE 20 SOMETHING.WELL HERE ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA ANY CAR EVEN WITH A FLAT TIRE CAN GET 35 MPG.SO LETS GET REAL AND REALLY IMPROVE OUR GAS MILAGE IN AMERICA.

Subaru
http://www.carcentral.com.au/200806281752/hybrid/electric/g8-hokkaido-summit-hosts-unveiling-of-subaru-plug-in-hybrid.html

KIA expects to sell around 220,000 of Forte sedans, including 170,000 exports to such markets as Russia (where Hyundai is ranked number 1), Central Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, where it would replace the KIA Cerato.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/18/news/companies/gm_employee_price/index.h...

As last year's cars languish on the lots, GM is hoping "employee pricing" will clear them out. This CNN article says that's typically 10% below invoice.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_32/b4095040365207.htm

In market analysis, Business Week cover stories are often used as a contrary indicator. When BizWeek puts a falling US Dollar on the cover, that's typically the bottom for the US Dollar. 

http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/30/news/companies/nissan_buyouts.ap/index.htm

Nissan is taking an unusual approach here, trying to avoid laying workers off, and offering generous buyouts.