
You know that old reel you hear governments spool off when something suspicious happens? GM has covered up the rumors of a diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze being built in Lordstown, OH in essentially the same way by stating that “if and when the time comes, there is no doubt GM will be able to produce a diesel Cruze in America.” My, how neutral.
But really, we’ve all heard this song before. Don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last we ever hear about a U.S.-built diesel powered Chevy Cruze.
Source: The Youngstown Vindicator

According to a report from Motor Trend, the drop-top variant of the highly anticipated Cadillac compact vehicle (internally referred to as to as the ATS) may feature a rag-top convertible cover, rather than going for a classier hard-top approach. Additionally, the report goes on to say that the ATS-V may feature a twin-boosted 3.2L V6, though no power ratings were given.
As far as we know, the Cadillac ATS-V will be sporting a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 that will produce around 470 horsepower — a power rating that currently outclasses all other compact sport luxury sedan on the market — though it’s unlikely the range-topping ATS will be able to claim that by the time it rolls off the line in 2013. Both engines are capable of fitting, it’s just a matter of what road GM is going to take with its sporty new baby.
Source: Motor Trend
Thanks to Tim for sending these photos in, who says, “Anyone else find it humorous (if not ironic) that Chevy is pimping its fuel efficiency at a gas station?” Yeap, we certainly do Tim! Continue for the gallery.
Denise Johnson, head of GM of Brazil has stepped down after eight months. In a statement written by GM South America chief Jaime Ardila, Johnson left GM after 22 years “in search of new career opportunities.” Ardila will take over as GM Brazil head until a replacement is found.
During Johnson’s time as head of GM Brazil, market share has slipped to 17.7%, a drop of 4.3% over the course of a year.
(Translated from Portuguese)
Statement
2011-02-22
Dear (a) journalist
I regret to inform you (a) that the President of GM Brazil, Denise Johnson, decided to leave the firm to pursue new career opportunities. The reasons for the departure ofDenise are personal. I take this opportunity to thank Denise for her contributions to General Motors and, especially, the GM of Brazil during his tenure here.
Until a new executive is appointed to the post, I will assume the responsibilities ofPresident of GM Brazil in addition to the responsibilities as president of GM South America
Jaime Ardila
President of GM North America

According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, General Motors plans on releasing its annual earnings this Thursday. Expected to post a profit in the vicinity of $5.3 billion, it will be The General’s first full profitable year since 2004. At the same time, however, the company is keeping its Q4 expectations “significantly lower” than the previous three quarters of 2010.
Across the pond, GM Europe isn’t expected to share the same success as GM’s North American division. GM Europe was $1.9 billion in the red for the first nine months of 2010, with analysts hoping it will break even… at best.
Source: The Detroit Free Press

A trio of Wall Street’s biggest movers and shakers have gone and purchased a combined $384 million worth of General Motors stock, just days before the company will disclose its annual financial report, which is expected to be the company’s first full year of profit since 2004. Billionaires George Soros, David Tepper, and Bill Ackman have all decided to move in on their major investments supposedly based on market research. Ackman was by far the largest investor of the three, throwing in $265 million (7.2 million shares) while Soros and Tepper threw in $53 million (1.3 million shares) and $66 million (7 million shares), respectively. Also of note is Fidelity Investment’s purchase of $696 million in The General’s stock.
GM is expected to report $5.3 billion in annual profits on Thursday.
Sources: The Detroit News, The Detroit Free Press

Ah, the GMC Granite. This little boxy hatch has spurred all sorts of heated discussions amongst the crew of GM Authority the moment it made its debut at the 2010 North American Auto Show last year. No doubt, controversy has constantly erupted all over the automotive enthusiast blogosphere surrounding the vehicle. Many could never see a youth-oriented compact hatch fitting in with the brand’s “professional grade” image, rambling on that the car would have belonged best under the late Pontiac brand. Then there were photos of a pickup truck version, which seemed to excite and confuse everyone at the same time. At one point, the car was reported to be confirmed, only to find that a false alarm was set off.
Now, here we go all over again, as sources of Motor Trend state that the Granite has indeed been given the green light, reverse-swinging suicide doors and all. Oh, snap.
General Motors has announced that it has contracted Russian automotive manufacturer GAZ Group to assemble the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo for the Russian market. Continue reading.

Does that wheel look familiar? That's because it's the same as that used by the Camaro ZL1... or at least it looks that way.
Well what-da-ya-know? Upon browsing the GM Authority photo galleries, I noticed a certain similarity between the steering wheels of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Sonic Z-Spec Show Car. Upon closer examination, it appears that both cars have the same exact flat-bottom steering wheel — save for the fact that the ZL1′s wheel is covered in suede while that of the Sonic is wrapped in leather. Really? Continue reading.
