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Some secured lenders object to quick sale of Chrysler

A minority group of Chrysler LLC secured lenders has objected in bankruptcy court to the quick sale of Chrysler to a new corporate entity led by Fiat S.p.A. The group of about 40 banks and hedge funds holds about $3 billion of the $6.9 billion in secured loans that Chrysler has with the banks. Four major New York banks holding $4 billion of that debt agreed last week to settle for $2 billion in payment for the $6.9 billion owed.

Lotus gets a new boss – former Citroen Peugeot President Jean-Marc Gales

Jean-Marc Gales left) new Lotus CEO with Aslam Farikullah Following the debacle of Dany Bahar’s grandiose plans to turn Lotus in to a cross between Aston Martin and Ferrari, owners DRB-HICOM/Proton have been busy trying to get ship Lotus back on an even keel. That started with the appointment of engineer Aslam Farikullah as chief operating officer at Lotus when Bahar got his marching orders, and he’s been busy for the last two years bolting Lotus back together, cutting costs, improving quality and increasing sales. Now, it looks like Lotus are readying themselves for the next stage of their recovery – which will include new models – as former PSA president Jean-Marc Gales is appointed as Lotus CEO to work with Aslam Farikullah.

Mercedes-Benz slots 4 compacts for U.S.

Mercedes-Benz will launch four compact vehicles in the United States in the next three years with starting prices of $30,000 or below. The vehicles will include a production version of the A-class coupe concept shown last week at the New York auto show. Three variants of Mercedes' new-generation compact family also are headed for the United States.