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Crunch watch Sept 09: the auto industry in crisis

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 30 September 2009 11:30 Welcome to CAR's news aggregator as we round up the seismic change in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hour  Wednesday 30 September 2009• Mitsubishi's global production in August was 62,924 units, a decline of 32.1% compared to August 2008. It was also the 18th consecutive monthly decrease for the Japanese car company (Mitsubishi)• Fernando Alonso has signed a three-year deal to drive for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team.

Chrysler unveils new ads to follow 'Halftime in America' campaign

A quartet of 60-second spots from the Chrysler/Fiat group launching this weekend comprises the next installment of the automaker's campaign that began famously during the Super Bowl with the two-minute "Halftime in America" commercial. Or, as Chrysler terms it, this is "the second half." The spots, all the work of ad agency Wieden & Kennedy, Portland, each aimed at a different company brand, are themed to the same "hope and encouragement" message delivered by Clint Eastwood in the campaign's first incarnation and continue the spirit of the "Imported from Detroit" motto. You can watch the ads at www.youtube.com/chrysler.

Chevrolet to market diesel-powered Cruze in U.S., report says

General Motors has decided to sell a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze compact in the United States, the Associated Press reported today, citing two people familiar with the plans. Sources told the AP the car would get about 50 miles per gallon on the highway and help GM address stricter government fuel economy standards. The diesel-powered Cruze is at least two years from U.S.