Corvette 1979-82 Rear Storage Compartment Tray 14007098 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Mini may drop Paceman, Coupe, and Roadster

Mini may discontinue the Paceman, Coupe, and Roadster models as it seeks to trim its lineup, following the introduction of the third-generation Mini Cooper three-door Hardtop. Instead, the company plans to focus on three "pillar" models: the Hardtop, the Countryman, and the Clubman. The third model, the Clubman, is technically still speculative as the company presented a Clubman only in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show last week, but given the amount of real-world testing of Clubman prototypes observed, coupled with the production-ready appearance of the Clubman Concept, this model is virtually assured to reach production in its current form.

Who's Where: Moray Callum to head Ford Americas Design

Moray Callum has been named Executive Director for Ford Americas design effective May 1, 2009. He will be taking over the position from Peter Horbury, who has been appointed to replace Steve Mattin at Volvo Cars. In his new role, Callum will be charged with leading the design for all cars and trucks designed in Ford's North and South America studios, as well as guide the design of Lincoln and Mercury products.