Centric Parts 150.65101 Brake Hose on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes S Class production cut as sales fall

Mercedes is cutting production of the range topping S Class to a one shift operation as sales fall ahead of the new 2013 S Class. But there are now plenty of signs that even premium car makers are not immune from the economic climate – particularly in Europe – as sales start to slide. We recently commented that Jaguar sales are not as strong as they were and now it seems Mercedes is starting to feel the punch as sales of the range-topping S Class falter.

GM's Ed Whitacre meets the press in Web chat

General Motors' new front man, Ed Whitacre, remains a bit of an elusive figure in the car world. But at the very least, the former telecom honcho who's now the leader of the nation's largest automaker does like cars. “Oh yes,” he answered in response to that question during a Web chat on Tuesday, one of his first interactions with the media so far in his tenure at the helm of GM.

BMW 5 Series GT (w/ Video)

BMW officially took the wraps off the production version 5 Series Gran Turismo today. The new model, previewed in concept form at the Geneva motor show in March, is set to bridge the gap between the automaker's X5 SUV and the 5 Series Touring wagon. As we expected, BMW has remained true to form: the 5 Series GT is identical to the design of its concept precursor, including a lower body section and taillamps that call to mind the latest BMW 7 Series, a front end reminiscent of the CS concept, and an upper cabin design familiar to anyone who's seen an X6.  The interior has seen the most change, if only in color and trim.