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General Motors fires back at Volkswagen

General Motors issued a terse response this week to published comments by Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, who suggested to the German press that Opel could be sold to a Chinese competitor. Detroit-based GM called Winterkorn's comments “regrettable” and accused him of “fanning speculation.” Opel was nearly sold to Magna and Russian investors in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy. But then-CEO Ed Whitacre and the corporate board reversed that decision, igniting controversy from German political and labor leaders who have long chafed under American oversight.

Chrysler unveils new ads to follow 'Halftime in America' campaign

A quartet of 60-second spots from the Chrysler/Fiat group launching this weekend comprises the next installment of the automaker's campaign that began famously during the Super Bowl with the two-minute "Halftime in America" commercial. Or, as Chrysler terms it, this is "the second half." The spots, all the work of ad agency Wieden & Kennedy, Portland, each aimed at a different company brand, are themed to the same "hope and encouragement" message delivered by Clint Eastwood in the campaign's first incarnation and continue the spirit of the "Imported from Detroit" motto. You can watch the ads at www.youtube.com/chrysler.

Nissan GT-R gets light upgrades for new model year

Nissan revealed the next iteration of the Japanese-spec GT-R supercar last week. The 2013 model will enter that market sometime this month, but those sold in the U.S. will debut in January and be sold as 2014 models.