NADA asks U.S. to suspend clunkers program

National Automobile Dealers Association officials asked the government to suspend the cash-for-clunkers program because a survey by the group found that the $3 billion fund has been exhausted, NADA Chairman John McEleney said. "We asked them to put a halt to the program--I think we said 'very soon'--but a suspension at midnight tonight would make sense," McEleney said in an interview Wednesday. "Our survey opened the eyes of the Transportation Department." A suspension would allow dealers to submit all pending claims and permit the government to process them so that a precise determination could be made of how much money, if any, is left in the program, he said.

Free of GM, Saab declares its independence

Saab Automobile AB is reinventing itself as an independent automaker. Since its sale by General Motors Co. to Spyker Cars NV in February, Saab has been re-evaluating every aspect of its business.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK revealed

Following its premature unveiling in a French-language marketing video late last year, Mercedes-Benz has now issued official photographs of the new SLK. Set to make its debut at the German carmaker's 125th birthday celebrations in Stuttgart at the end of January--prior to North American sales beginning this summer--the popular two-seat roadster was thoroughly re-engineered with a new rear-wheel-drive platform and more contemporary engine and gearbox combinations. The car will make its auto-show debut in Geneva.