Latest GM shakeup shuffles execs in product planning, development

General Motors Co. has reassigned dozens of product development executives and appointed new heads of global product planning, powertrain engineering and quality in its latest departmental shakeup. Responsibility for global product planning moves to CEO Ed Whitacre from Vice Chairman Tom Stephens.

GM to drop plans for range-topping Cadillac sedan

General Motors has decided to deep-freeze a range-topping ultraluxury sedan it was developing for Cadillac, according to three people with knowledge of the company’s plans. GM executives recently concluded that the rear-wheel-drive car, which would have been a low-volume showstopper priced well north of $100,000, didn’t offer enough brand-building pizzazz to justify the investment, the sources said. Designers recently were taken off the program and reassigned.

MG Icon concept

The MG Icon concept will be unveiled at the Beijing motor show next week in order to test public reaction to a small crossover, as well as suggesting a new design direction for the brand. Similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Icon – as its name suggests – plays on MG's back catalogue of classic cars, something the company hasn't done since its takeover by Nanjing and subsequently SAIC in 2005. Despite clearly different proportions the Icon pays homage to the MGB GT sports coupe via its lamp and grille graphics, bumper overriders and fastback tailgate.