Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

GM product chief Bob Lutz to retire

GM boss Bob Lutz Retires By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 09 February 2009 17:41 GM boss Bob Lutz will retire at the end of the year. The vice chairman of global product development – who has been at the centre of the automotive industry for the last 46 years – will be replaced by Tom Stephens, GM’s current veepee for global powertrain and global quality. Lutz, 76, will continue to report to GM boss Rick Wagoner throughout 2009 in his new role as GM vice chairman and senior advisor, before bowing out at the end of December.

Smart Forvision concept (2011) first official pictures

Smart will show this Fortwo design study at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. Called – futuristically enough – the Smart Forvision concept car, it's a good stab at what 2014's new Fortwo could look like. It's brimming with the sort of tech designed to keep the Fortwo's eco credentials alive and kicking.

Silver linings: Saab and Mitsubishi see sales grow in May

Despite the company’s financial troubles, Saab sales are steadily increasing in 2011, with April and May numbers up 190 percent and 121 percent, respectively, from the same months last year. The Swedish automaker reported 385 units sold this May, versus 155 the year prior. So far this year, Saab has sold 2,765 vehicles, compared with 954 at the same point last year.