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Opel product chief Weber quits to take job with yet-unnamed rival

Frank Weber, the German-born engineer who helped lead development of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera hybrids, is leaving General Motors' Opel unit to work for an as-yet unnamed competitor. Weber has been Opel's product chief since November 2009. His departure was reported Thursday by Automotive News Europe and confirmed by company sources.

Dodge Hornet is go

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 04 July 2007 12:30 The newly independent Chrysler Group has saved its deal with Chinese maker Chery - which means that the Dodge Hornet is a step closer to production. Dodge needs a partner with which to develop new smaller cars, like the Hornet, as it's too cash-strapped to fund them solo. The deal signed last night means that the two car makers will 'work together to develop, manufacture and distribute Chery-made small and sub-compact cars in North America, Europe and other major automotive markets under the Chrsyler Group brands.' No mention was made of the Hornet, but Chyrsler’s international director for sales and marketing, has previously told CAR Online that the firm would produce the butch supermini.

Skoda Rapid & Rapid Spaceback GreenLine from £17,195

Skoda Rapid & Rapid Spaceback GreenLine (pictured) cost from £17,195 With the Skoda Rapid already on the market, and its sibling with a hatch – the Rapid Spaceback – about to launch, Skoda is introducing the emissions-friendly GreenLine versions of both cars. Both the saloon (liftback) and the Spaceback (hatch) get the same 89bhp 1.6 litre diesel driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Despite differences in dimensions and weight, Skoda are claiming the same 99g/km emissions and 74.3mpg for both saloon and Spaceback, practically perfect if you’re a company car driver.