SAAB filed for bankruptcy last week... brought low by GM's bankruptcy and pathetic management, who've blocked its sale to Chinese companies in fear that Chinese would get GM technology and processes. Like that hasn't happened already

Saab CEO Victor Muller said "the last nail in the coffin" was previous owner General Motors Co.'s rejection of a Chinese company's attempts to gain control of the ailing Swedish brand.
Volvo Cars, Sweden's other car maker, is presently ramping up production after China's Geely Holding Group bought it from Ford Motor Co. last year.


Muller, a Dutch entrepreneur, used his luxury sports car maker Spyker Cars to buy Saab from GM in 2010 for $74 million in cash plus $326 million worth of preferred shares. He vowed to gradually increase production while restoring Saab's Swedish identity — which critics said was diluted under GM ownership. But the company ran out of money just a year later.

As production stopped and salary payments were delayed, Muller fended off bankruptcy by selling Saab's real estate and lining up financing deals with investors in Russia and China. He bought time by placing the company in a reconstruction process under bankruptcy protection.

But the deals fell through, blocked by regulators or by GM, which was concerned that its technology would end up in the hands of Chinese competitors.

GM spokesman Jim Cain told The Associated Press Saturday that each new proposal "results either directly or indirectly in the transfer of control and, or ownership of the company in a manner that would be detrimental to GM and its shareholders."http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45720823/ns/today-today_news/t/saab-declares-bankruptcy-gm-blocks-chinese-deal/

this is what happens when a company loses control of it's ownership and the whims of takeover corporations dictate its fate. Stay independant my friends, either be your own master, or work for someone else, but don't let them own you.

Car news, Cuba loosens up on car ownership laws, lets Cubans buy and sell cars now

For the full story: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-cuba-cars-idUSTRE7BC21820111213/

Liberalizing car sales is one of more than 300 economic reforms the government of President Raul Castro is undertaking as part of an "updating" of its socialist system.
Since it entered into effect at the start of October, around 300 people are lining up daily to register vehicles, or buy and sell others, and the vehicle registration office has processed around 3,300 buy-sell certificates, state media reported.
In the small country of 11 million people, news of sales or potential buyers spread through word of mouth, a few informal car brokers who hang around in parks or a few websites - though occasional "For Sale" signs dot cars lining the boulevards.
"It made the buying and selling between people flexible. It recognizes vehicles as property which wasn't recognized before," said a Cuban lawyer waiting in a park outside the vehicle registration office

No Red Bull air races in 2012

Red Bull says the one year break its race series that happened this year will extend another year through 2012.

A spokesperson for Red Bull Air Race told the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association there will be no races again in 2012 saying, “a revamped concept and a fixed race calendar will be revealed in 2013.”

Found on http://www.wired.com/autopia/

Morgan will be making the 3 wheeler again, and selling them in the US

the Morgan Motor Company is officially the largest British-owned carmaker in Britain, and still fashions cars out of ash wood and hand-beaten metal operating out of the same set of red brick sheds its founders erected in 1918.

Weighing 1000 pounds, powered by a fuel-injected American motorcycle engine mated to a Mazda Miata gearbox, making it capable of a 4.5-second dash to 60 mph and a top speed of more than 115 mph, and since it's a 3 wheeler... it's exempt from federal automotive emissions and safety standards. Like its forebears, it's classified as a motorcycle, which means that Morgan's eleven U.S. dealers are taking deposits on this 30-plus-mpg, $45,000 piece of built-to-order mechanical lunacy now.

photos and info from  http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1112_morgan_3_wheeler_driven/index.html

Magazine journalists selling out

The Truth About Cars Edward Niedermeyer says "the pimpatorial game is becoming more subtle and cites the participation of Jean Jennings and her Automobile Magazine staff in one of Ford's sock puppet TV commercials.
(read more about that here: http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/158739/  which is fair about telling both the pro and con of this new ad campaign and how it relates to media and car companies that try for their praise) Tried to find that video... no luck, becuase there are dozens of  "Doug the Sock Puppet, Ford" videos on you tube, and Automobile.com doesn't have any.

He also criticizes Motor Trend boss Angus MacKenzie's "Subaru-funded
 adventure of personal discovery" that was featured in both his publication and Subaru's Drive Magazine. He says, about the new trend away from straight out testimonials, "to paraphrase Homer Simpson, I like my beer cold, my meat red, and my sell-outs shameless." How about entertaining or interesting?

Found on http://mim.io/4c71d1?fe=1&pact=5730840065  Autowriters.com monthly newsletter

California lawmakers can't pass or balance a budget, but get 5 million dollars worth of new cars annually for their personal use

Don't sweat it... it's the only state that wastes money on rich politicians automotive needs. Well, unless you count free gas and insurance... I bet your lawmakers and politicians don't pay for gas or insurance. I bet they get chauffered limos as a way around your state purchasing cars for them. You likely know they get a lifelong pension better than double your annual income, free medical care you can't afford, and you'd scream to be told the free overseas flights on "fact finding missions" and subsequent luxury hotel accomodations and vacation in overseas countries.

Wankers as the Brits would call them (in polite company)

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2010/12/03/free-luxury-cars-for-lawmakers-amid-calif-budget-mess/ has the following to report about it: (I'm summarizing to avoid copyright BS)

California is the only state to provide rank-and-file lawmakers a luxury perk as the state has a 6 billion dollar deficit.
The state buys cars for lawmakers unlimited use under a decades-old program.
It spent more than $5 million for the latest suite of vehicles, including a $55,000 Cadillac and a $52,000 Lexus.


I listened to this today on KNX am 1070 Los Angeles

Think all of this is nuts? Heard of Speaker of the House Pelosi?
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=231461
"Since 2007, we U.S. taxpayers have paid $2,100,745 for now-outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to make 85 flights aboard a 42-seat Air Force C-32 – which is the size of a Boeing 757"

Suzuki and Cobra Engineering unveiled custom Boulevard M109R power cruise

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), in partnership with Cobra Engineering, launched a fully customizable Boulevard M109R power cruiser at the New York International Motor Show (IMS) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R ships - cruisers of the most powerful Suzuki has ever produced - has turned into a heavily modified racing style yachts, representing the company's strong racing heritage. Cobra Special Projects Division, led by renowned builder Denny Berg, utilized elements of Suzuki GSX-R champion sportbike line, including the GSX-R 20 years of blue and white paint scheme, GSX-R1000 foot pegs, and sportbike-style tail section, where sit and handlebar steps.

Custom M109R also features a more open frame, displaying 1783cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine with dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and seamless Suzuki electronic fuel injection. Shares of M109R engine has been designed to produce a large wave of torque from just idle to redline. And, comfortable chassis to handle all the power and torque of a big V-twin, and provide agile handling and a comfortable riding position.

"We are very pleased to work with the Cobra Special Projects Division is amazing custom designs," said Glenn Hansen, communications manager, ASMC. "We know that cruiser riders want 'true' high performance bikes and custom accessories fit their personal style and needs. With a series of Cobra accessories combined with the already strong M109R engine design, this customized cruiser giving at all levels."


2007 Boulevard M109R

Suzuki introduced the much-anticipated Boulevard M109R cruiser to its 2006 line-up to satisfy consumers’ needs for a more powerful cruiser. The M109R features Suzuki’s race-proven technology from the championship-winning GSX-R sportbike line, boasting awesome power with its 1783cc V-Twin powerplant and an innovative look with aggressive styling and long, sleek flowing lines that define a new generation of Suzuki cruising machines.

From the GSX-R inspired front fender to the purposeful front headlight to the long low fuel tank and stylish rear fender, the M109R drips with deep rich paint complemented by mirror-like chrome accents throughout the entire design. Other stylish features include a wide fuel tank with a generous 5.2-gallon capacity, a low comfortable seat, integrated frame side covers and a uniquely designed radiator cowl. Upfront, a streamlined headlight cover houses a unique trapezoid-shaped multi-reflector halogen headlight and a maintenance free LED taillight built into the tail section. Chrome dual slash cut mufflers complete the fashionable look of the M109R.

For 2007, Suzuki introduced the Boulevard M109R Limited Edition model. The limited edition M109R features all the benefits of the popular cruiser with a specially designed paint scheme, textured seat, clear taillight with red LEDs, clear turn signals and other design extras.

Rounding out the 2007 Boulevard cruiser line are the M50, M50 Limited Edition, S40, S50, S83, C50, C50T, C50C, C90 and C90T.

Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008

Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai’s four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda’s latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, it gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover. And in Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.

Source: Tuning News