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Who's Where: Bryan Nesbitt becomes General Manager of Cadillac

Bryan Nesbitt, who until last week was General Motors' North American Vice President of Design, started his new role as general manager of the Cadillac brand on Monday, July 27. His appointment, which surprised many, is part of an effort to integrate design, marketing and advertising, which have always been intrinsically linked. While this move marks a significant step change in the positioning of the new General Motors, which, under the direction of product czar Bob Lutz, has seen fit to promote a young designer into such a high level managerial position, it is a triumph not only for Nesbitt, 40, but for all designers: it is the first time that a designer has been promoted to one of the top executive roles at an automotive company.

Chevrolet debuts police-spec Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Chevrolet has rolled out the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Special Service Vehicle meant for law enforcement use, and this truck has a few tricks up its sleeve. The SSV package on the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab is coupled with 1W and 1LS trim levels, with the trucks using the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 producing 355 hp and 383- lb-ft of torque, all while returning as much as 23 mpg on the highway. Things get a little more serious with the addition of a 170-amp high-output alternator and 730-CCA auxiliary battery, which allows occupants to operate the computers, cameras, radios, and emergency lights on the truck.

Meguiar's condition improves to stable

Avid car collector and TV host Barry Meguiar is in stable condition and his health is improving, according to a statement from Meguiar's Inc., the car-care-products company that bears his family name. Meguiar, 67, was hospitalized in Monterey, Calif., last weekend while attending the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and on Wednesday, his condition was reported as serious. The company statement, released on Thursday afternoon, said Meguiar had contracted an undiagnosed virus recently while recording his TV show, "Car Crazy," outside the United States.