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 He's been replaced by GM engineering veteran Micky Bly, who has also been involved with development of the Volt.

GM sketches out order deadlines for 2012, 2013 Chevrolet Corvettes

We've already told you how General Motors plans the honor the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette with a special trim package for the 2013 model, along with the fire-breathing 427 convertible. But GM has given Chevy dealers the heads-up on its production plans. In short: Buyers have less time than usual to place their orders.

Obama calls for shared sacrifice in auto bailout

President-elect Barack Obama says he wants to keep tough conditions on automakers that get federal loans. The companies must develop sustainable business models because it would be unacceptable "to keep them on their lifeline through taxpayer dollars in perpetuity," Obama told The Washington Post. Obama said industry restructuring will require "everybody, from labor to management to creditors to shareholders, giving something up." His comments contradict suggestions that the new administration will relax federal loan agreements reached last month with General Motors and Chrysler LLC, possibly with softer demands on the UAW.