Universal Motorcycle Scooter Mirror Right Left on 2040-parts.com

Saab 92 coming – it just needs a platform

The original 1950s Saab 92 Victor Muller – the man who saved Saab from GM’s closure plans – wants the company to build a compact premium car, something we’ve know since before he managed to close the deal to take on the troubled Swede. And it looks like that’s close to being confirmed as Victor declares that the decision will be made in the next 100 days. Which sounds to us as if there is a deal in progress with another manufacturer to supply a platform.

Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.

Ford at CES 2011

Ford has been the automotive darling of the Consumer Electronics Show for several years now. On Friday morning, Ford CEO Alan Mulally made a historic third keynote speech, during which he introduced the new Focus Electric and a host of new supporting technologies, which appear to keep Ford near the top of the technological pack. Two aspects of Ford's approach are interesting.