GM says it will downsize RenCen workforce

Detroit -- General Motors Co. has trimmed the number of workers it vows to keep at its Renaissance Center headquarters to 2,000 from 2,500---...More

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GM in talks with Dutch, Chinese over Saab

Dutch carmaker Spyker Cars NV emerged as a suitor Sunday to acquire Saab from General Motors Co., which struck a tentative accord with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding for the right to produce versions of the Swedish manufacturer's older models in China, according to people familiar with the talks----...More

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GM moves CFO to new post

Ray Young, whose department has come under intense criticism from the White House, was named vice president of international operations this morning.---...More

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Motor Trend Truck of the Year: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

A heavy duty truck has won Motor Trend’s coveted Truck of the Year title -- an award the magazine has rarely given to a heavy duty truck that occupies a small niche of the market.

Dodge redesigned the Ram 1500 in 2009, adding a better driving experience and more amenities. For 2010, the heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models get the same treatment.

The award, however, reflects the changing way Americans view trucks. While pickups were common family vehicles before the recent recession, truck makers are increasingly focusing their efforts on industrial and commercial markets. The AP reports, “Motor Trend said it has refocused the prize this year to reward trucks with greater utility, as leisure truck buyers have largely deserted the market. The magazine said the new focus is reflected in the choice of finalists.”

The 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty beat out the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, a high-performance off-road truck built in limited quantities, as well as two vehicles aimed primarily at commercial buyers -- the Toyota Tundra 4.6-liter work truck and the Ford Transit Connect cargo van.....More

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Chrysler plans for future Ram after Dakota

One future product idea that has survived the transition from bankrupt Chrysler to the new Chrysler Group LLC is a unibody pickup to replace the Dodge Dakota, which will be discontinued in 2011.---...More

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Workers may get a stake in Opel

General Motors Co. is considering granting workers at the Adam Opel GmbH division a stake in the unit as the biggest U.S. automaker seeks to secure a deal on labor concessions in Europe---...More

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Whitacre shakes up GM brass

Edward Whitacre Jr. seized the reins at General Motors Co. three days into his tenure as CEO and reshuffled the automakers management team, giving more responsibility to younger executives and women and emphasizing accountability as a core GM value.---...More

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Chrysler Group LLC will translate into dazzling stock market success

Fiat may get mileage from Chrysler after all

Maybe, just maybe, Fiat Group SpA's link with Chrysler Group LLC will translate into dazzling stock market success.

While some investment analysts think Chrysler is unsalvageable, and therefore of no use to Fiat, others are now taking the view that Chrysler is a turnaround story in the making, one that could lift the Italian auto makers' fortunes....More

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Four Chrysler vehicles were named Top Safety Picks for 2010

Four Chrysler vehicles were named Top Safety Picks for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety while Toyota failed to place a single car or truck on the list. Chrysler also had more domestic models on the list than either Ford or General Motors.

Chrysler got the nod for the Avenger and Sebring sedans when equipped with optional Electronic Stability Control, the Dodge Journey and the Jeep Patriot with optional thorax side air bags.....More

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Chrysler zeroes in on quality

Chrysler Group LLC's senior vice president in charge of quality told The Detroit News on Wednesday that changing the companys culture to collectively attack quality problems has been as difficult -- and essential-- as making better cars---...More

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U.S. encouraged by Fiat plan for Chrysler

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government is encouraged by the turnaround plan for Chrysler presented by Fiat SpA (FIA.MI) but will not push for a quick offering of the automaker's shares, a senior official said.

"We see management with a huge sense of urgency. We see a huge dedication and commitment, working extremely hard," Ron Bloom, who heads the Obama administration's autos task force told Reuters on Tuesday. "It's an ambitious plan."

The U.S. Treasury directed and funded a restructuring of the No. 3 U.S. automaker in bankruptcy that gave operational control of Chrysler and an initial 20-percent stake to Fiat....More

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GM to make Volt announcement, show off Cruze at L.A. auto show

General Motors Co. will announce a list of initial retail markets for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car at next months Los Angeles International Auto Show.---...More

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