Chevy Spark to make U.S. debut in 2012; Hummer reaches end of the road

General Motors

Chevy Spark will get a shot in the U.S.
The Chevrolet Spark minicar, already on sale in Europe, is coming to the U.S. in 2012. General Motors showed off the five-door Spark, the smallest car in Chevrolet's lineup, at the Detroit auto show this month. GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says the company considers Spark its "insurance policy" in case gas prices go up and consumers flock to microcars. But he says he's unsure U.S. consumers will want to drive a car that is even smaller than the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

--Associated Press

General Motors

Era ends: GM halts Hummer production
The production of Hummers, once synonymous with America's love for big off-road vehicles, is now stalled until sale of the brand to a Chinese company is completed. General Motors stopped production at its Louisiana plant last week because there's "sufficient inventory in the field" to sustain dealers while the sale makes its way through the regulatory process, Hummer spokesman Nick Richards says. Hummer sales peaked at 71,524 in 2006, but have declined precipitously since.

--Associated Press