The government auditors responsible for monitoring the Trouble Asset Relief Program (i.e. TARP) say executives at three companies received pay that was "excessive" given the guidelines outlined in the program, including employees of GM and Ally (formerly GMAC).

Remember "Cash for Clunkers," that program implemented in 2009 where the federal government was giving people money to buy shiny, fuel-efficient new cars if they traded in their old gas-guzzling clunkers? It was supposed to be a win-win situation for both the environment and America's struggling economy.

Even though we keep hearing of rumors you'll be able to buy a new Saab 9-3 sometime next year in some part of the world, and an EV coming after that, there's still the matter of closing out the Spyker Era of the old Trollhattan firm.

Back in 2009, Barack Obama made a gutsy move at the beginning of his presidency. He used his political capital on an $82 billion gamble to put General Motors and Chrysler through bankruptcy, and deal with a bunch of collateral issues surrounding the auto industry.

GM is recalling 426,240 midsize sedans because the shift cable might break. That means that when you put the car into Park, it might actually end up rolling down a hill.

Selling used cars is a pretty good business: you buy crappy old cars at rock-bottom prices from desperate people; sell these crappy cars to desperate people at inflated prices; repo the cars when the desperate people run out of money; and then sell the same cars all over again.

Chicago's Second City takes on the Clint Eastwood Super Bowl ad and ponders a world where we'd given up on Chrysler. "It's halftime in America, and playing two halves is asking a lot. So, good game."

The Clint Eastwood Super Bowl Ad was a pep talk for Detroit and a threat to those people who don't think automakers like Chrysler are capable of making a comeback. People like Clint Eastwood, who voiced his opposition to the auto bailout in very clear terms just a few months ago.

Less than two weeks ago it looked like Saab was finally close to selling itself to the Chinese and thus saving the brand, again... maybe. At least a few more months. Not so if GM has its way. Oh my God! They killed Saab again! You Bastards!

A few things you didn't know about Vice President Joe Biden and cars: His dad had GM and Chrysler dealerships (while he, as a U.S. citizen, owns parts of GM and Chrysler). He once borrowed a Chrysler 300D for his prom, and the Secret Service won't let him drive his 1967 Corvette.