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End of the road for Mercury

Mercury has stood for hot-rodding, performance, style and even feminine appeal during various points in its 72-year history. But ultimately, the failure to stand alone in the Ford Motor Co.'s family of brands spelled its demise. Mercury, a brand founded by company scion Edsel Ford, will be shuttered as Ford concentrates its efforts on the core Ford brand and luxury-level Lincolns.

GM agrees to sell Saab to supercar company Koenigsegg

General Motors confirmed Tuesday morning that it has a tentative agreement to sell Saab to a group led by Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg Automotive. The deal would close by the end of the third quarter and put Saab in the hands of an upstart, boutique car company known for producing eye-catching cars with gaudy horsepower ratings and even gaudier price tags. The agreement includes $600 million in financing from the European Investment Bank.

One Lap of the Web: Racing heroes and ugly cars

-- Gary Bettenhausen finished 10th at Indy in 1971. But that's because he stopped his car, got out and pulled driver Mike Mosley out of his burning car, saving his life. Bettenhausen, who passed away last week at the age of 72, finished the race in 10th place but really came in first.