(August 13, 2010) A report in the Sacramento Business Journal notes that the California Senate approved legislation that would allow advanced technology vehicles, such as BEVs, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, access to carpool lanes during commute hours until 2015.

Authored by Senator Leland Yee of San Francisco, SB 535 passed on a bipartisan vote of 28-3 in an effort to help jump-start sales of green vehicles.

(August 13, 2010) MONTEREY, Calif. — Ford gave the green light only once before: In 1968, management approved a special Mustang — a car that sacrificed nothing in its quest to be the best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company. That car became the 1969 Mustang Boss 302, and it remains one of the world’s most sought-after examples of American performance.

(August 12, 2010) DETROIT — General Motors annopunced today that Edward E. Whitacre, Jr.  will step down as chief executive officer on Sept. 1 and as chairman of the board by the end of the year, having successfully led the company’s return to profitability after the most turbulent period in its history.

Earlier today, GM reported its second consecutive quarter of profits after a string of losses dating back to 2007.

(August 12, 2010) Lamborghini, maker of the $450,000 Murcielago SuperVeloce sports car, would consider adding a four-door sedan to its portfolio of two-seater models to attract customers amid declining sales, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

“A third model would fit Lamborghini very well,” CEO Stephan Winkelmann, 45, said in an interview. “A four-door car would be a very feasible approach.”