Former General Motors CEO Robert Stempel dies

Former General Motors CEO Robert Stempel, who led the automaker during a turbulent period of recession and restructuring in the early 1990s, has died at the age of 77. "Bob was a very popular chairman with employees, and his many accomplishments as a visionary engineer included leading the development of the catalytic converter, one of the great environmental advancements in auto history," GM said in a statement. "His knowledge of battery development led to the push for the EV1 electric car, and Bob continued to build his expertise in the electrification of the automobile after he left GM in 1992." Stempel died Saturday in Florida, the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press reported Monday night.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake gets matching Jaguar Speedboat

Jaguar has revealed a Speedboat Concept at the first XF Sportbrake driving events to show how Jaguar design translates in other products. Before you get too excited, the Jaguar Speedboat isn’t a new item on the XF Sportbrake’s option list, but an exercise in translating Jaguar’s design philosophy in to an alternative product; one that fits seamlessly with Jaguar’s ‘Lifestyle’ pitch for the XF Sportbrake. Jaguar’s design guru, Ian Callum, said: We recognise that both our existing and future customers enjoy diverse and active lifestyles.

Drivers of GM vehicles will be able to control car features via smartphone

Drivers of most 2011 General Motors Co. vehicles will be able to use a smartphone to carry out functions usually found on a key fob -- such as remote starting, activating the horn and lights, and remote locking and unlocking of doors. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, working through OnStar, are developing brand-specific mobile applications than can be controlled on Apple's iPhone and phones using Google's Android operating system.