Washington /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The intense debate undey about the future of the American auto industry has generated a lot of discussion about the public's attitudes.

“Right now, the American people are justifiably very concerned about the state of our economy and an overriding fear for their futures,” said pollster Peter D. Hart. “Polls I conducted in mid-November showed deep concerns about the harmful impacts of the collapse of the U.S. auto industry,” said Hart.

• 90% fear the harm it would do to America's manufacturing sector
• 84% of Americans say it would harm the U.S. economy
• 70% fear the harm it would do to America's standing in the world
• 68% worry about the lack of consumer choice for America's car buyers.

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© Citroën Communications

Paris — Coming out in November 2009, the new Citroën C3 has a strong ambition: to replace a bestseller that has sold more than 2 million units. “This is a major renewal for the Marque and gives us the wherewithal to achieve our target of increasing market share even more, among both individual and corporate customers,” says Frédéric Banzet, Managing Director of Citroën.

The winning formula: take the best of the C3 and make it even better. The new C3 is packed with seductive features: tauter styling, high-class trim, intelligent architecture creating exceptional interior space in what is still one of the most compact vehicles on the market more …

Detroit — A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4 L four-cylinder engine will be the third engine offered in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city* — making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

“Buick LaCrosse customers will have the fuel-efficient option of the Ecotec 2.4 L direct injection engine, a four-cylinder that is not available by key competitors, such as the Lincoln MKZ and Acura TL,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “Features such as a rear-seat entertainment system and remote starting are other technologies more …

© GM Corp.

Rüsselsheim — The new Opel Astra brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand's award-winning design language of combining sculptural artistry with German precision first seen in the Insignia. Its strong sporty lines and elegant details add to a new handsome look.

The exterior of the new generation Astra, which debuts in September at the IAA in Frankfurt, boasts a strong cab-forward, fluid silhouette. Inside, high quality materials and a total re-think of the design add to the excitement of driving a compact car. Moreover, Opel has added innovative extras — higher quality materials, more storage, improved seats and safer bumpers more …

Zurich — General Motors Corp. and Koenigsegg Group AB, a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, today confirmed the details of a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of Saab Automobile AB that secures Saab's future.

The sale, expected to close by the end of the third quarter of this year, includes an expected $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. Additional support is to be provided by GM and Koenigsegg Group AB to fund Saab's operations and product program investments. This includes plans to launch several new products that are in the final stages of development. Saab had filed for reorganization under Swedish Law on Feb. 20, 2009. This tentative agreement is a key milestone for Saab to successfully emerge from its reorganization process. more …

The Company is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations to secure a partner for its manufacturing joint venture (“JV”) in China with the signing of an agreement to form a Joint Venture with Chong Qing Landai Industries Co., Ltd. (“Landai”).

Under the terms of the agreement the JV will develop Antonov's 6-speed automatic transmission (“TX-6”) for start of production, planned to begin during the course of 2011. The TX-6 will be manufactured in the JV's facilities, which will provide capacity for a minimum 200,000 transmissions per year. The manufacturing plant will be established at Landai's new site in Chong Qing, reducing the level of investment originally anticipated. Consequently, additional funding will be available to focus on accelerating the development program to achieve production at the earliest possible date. more …