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GM shifts gears, will keep Opel

General Motors' board of directors has decided that it will keep the Opel business and restructure it, putting an end to plans to sell the European operations to auto supplier Magna International. GM said it expects the restructuring of Opel to cost $4.42 billion (3 million euros), which it says is lower than the costs associated with outside bids for the company. GM said it will soon present its restructuring plans for Opel to the German government and other governments in Europe.

One Lap of the Web: Small cars, thrifty cars and AWESOME cars

-- In Mexico, Chevrolet launched a special version of the Spark called the Dot Edition. It has dots on the hood, roof, and bumper. That says it all, really.

Fiat launches the Eco-Drive Challenge

The Fiat Eco-Drive Challenge. Launched in London this week by Jodie Kidd. But as we reported earlier today, Fiat are also getting in to the Eco-Car thing in a big way with their joint venture with BMW, which will see the relaunch of the Isetta and Topolino marques.