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Chevrolet Volt chief leaves GM

A key driver of the Chevrolet Volt project is defecting to start his own consulting firm, according to published reports. Volt chief Bob Kruse, 50, has left General Motors. He's been replaced by GM engineering veteran Micky Bly, who has also been involved with development of the Volt.

Italy auctions government cars

OFFERS started rolling in on unneeded government Alfa Romeo, Lancia and BMW cars, which prime minister Matteo Renzi is auctioning off on eBay as a sign of his seriousness in tackling government waste. Renzi has pledged to sell 151 vehicles by April 16, saying he was taking a cue from the former mayor of Florence - himself - who auctioned off four cars early in his term. Besides cashing in, the government will save on upkeep, maintenance and running costs.

Cadillac XTS to use modified Buick LaCrosse underpinnings

Cadillac's next flagship sedan, the XTS, will borrow its underpinnings from the Buick LaCrosse. The XTS is the code name for the car due in 2011, and it's a two-for-one proposition. The XTS will replace the front-wheel drive DTS and the rear-wheel STS, Automotive News reports.