The Frankfurt motor show 2009 review, by Ben Oliver

By Ben Oliver Motor Shows 16 September 2009 00:01 Taking the metro to the Frankfurt motor show, I was surrounded by men whose grey suits, lapel badges and reading matter made it obvious they were car company execs heading the same way. In previous years they probably had access to the fleets of chauffeur-driven cars that used to clog the town as they shuttled from airport to exhibition hall to hotel. But Frankfurt, like every other motor show, finds itself in reduced circumstances this year.  The Paris and Frankurt shows alternate, and the comparison with Paris this time last year is instructive.

One Lap of the Web: A dashing Debonair, a doppelg

-- We would have to imagine that Bill Hitchens was stuck behind too many people dallying in the left lane on his way to work. Fortunately for him, and every other Georgian who's ever held a deep loathing for the 60-mph rolling roadblock, Hitchens is a Representative in the Georgia House. Hence, House Bill 459, the "slow-poke bill" which would make it a misdemeanor for any driver who doesn't move to the right when a faster car approaches.

GM product chief Bob Lutz to retire

GM boss Bob Lutz Retires By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 09 February 2009 17:41 GM boss Bob Lutz will retire at the end of the year. The vice chairman of global product development – who has been at the centre of the automotive industry for the last 46 years – will be replaced by Tom Stephens, GM’s current veepee for global powertrain and global quality. Lutz, 76, will continue to report to GM boss Rick Wagoner throughout 2009 in his new role as GM vice chairman and senior advisor, before bowing out at the end of December.