Saab finds a buyer

Bankrupt automaker Saab has found a buyer. But instead of picking up where the Swedish firm left off, the buyer plans to use Saab's resources for the production of electric cars. The new owners of Saab, a Chinese-Swedish investment group with Japanese backing called National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS), did not release details on how much it paid for Saab or how much it planned to invest in the company.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line released in Japan

To bring its flagship performance sedan to the masses, Subaru has released the Impreza WRX STI A-Line in Japan. The A-Line swaps-in a traditional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift in place of the six-speed manual. Paddle shifters and a blipping control system that automatically raise engine revs during downshifts are standard.

Honda Gear Concept

Rather than fighting for headlines at NAIAS, Honda debuted its new GEAR Concept at the Montreal International Auto Show. The subcompact GEAR is apparently inspired by fixed-gear bicycles (although quite how is unclear), described as a customizable vehicle that demonstrates the carmaker's way of providing vehicles for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles. "Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.