Five Thoughts About the Auto Industry for October 28, 2011

At this point, it almost feels as though Saab has been resuscitated more than a CPR training dummy. The latest injection of capital into the essentially bankrupt Saab comes from Pang Da Automobile Trade Co. and Zheijan Youngman Lotus Automobile Co., the very same two Chinese automakers whose initial bid for just over half of the company's stock was held up in regulatory limbo earlier this summer. The pair of conglomerates have now entered into a memorandum of understanding with Saab wherein they will purchase the entire company for 100 million euro, which translates into $143 million at today's exchange rates. Automotive News is also reporting that the Chinese interests have announced a 500 million euro investment program in order to bring Saab back to its former position as a viable premium brand.

The Ford MyKey system already allows parents to limit the volume on their vehicle's stereo system as well as the top speed of their car when they lend it to one of the teenage drivers in their household. The 2012 Ford Explorer will be the first model in the brand's lineup to offer the new "Do Not Disturb" feature which aims to eliminate cell phone use behind the wheel.

MyKey's "Do Not Disturb" system allows parents to command the Ford SYNC Bluetooth feature to direct all incoming calls to voicemail and store incoming text messages to be displayed once the vehicle has been turned off. For safety reasons, outgoing calls will still be permitted, which might end up being the Achilles' heel of the entire effort. That being said, it's a strong statement from Ford regarding the dangers posed by distracted driving and mobile phone use while driving.

Suzuki's well-publicized spat and subsequent failed partnership with Volkswagen has cast doubt on the automaker's future in the United States, where it is already facing low sales and the deleterious effects of a small dealership network. The brand's American image took another hit this past week with the announcement in Automotive News that due to budgetary concerns Suzuki would not be putting in an appearance at either the Detroit or los angeles auto shows. L.A. opens its doors in November, while the North American International Auto Show in Detroit kicks off in January of 2012. Suzuki's auto sales have dropped more than 75 percent in the United States since 2007.

OnStar operators are used to dealing with emergency situations, but this Halloween the atmosphere will be a little bit lighter on both sides of the telematics connection thanks to the OnStar "Monster Dodger" service. All day and night on Monday, October 31, OnStar subscribers will be able to get in touch with an operator through the OnStar feature and get the scoop on the location of any nearby "monsters." The game is intended to play along with the zombie craze that has worked its way into mainstream entertainment, with OnStar personnel providing tips and hints on how to avoid coming into contact with the undead on the spookiest night of the year.

BMW's M division is feeling the itch to put together its own unique high performance model. Currently, all BMW M cars are based on standard models and given go-fast chassis and engine goodies, as well as body modifications for improved aerodynamics and style. In an interview with Inside Line, M division product development head Albert Biermann discussed his desire to finally produce a completely new sports car design, but explained that in order for this to become possible a compelling sales case for the model would have to be made.

Such a vehicle could allow BMW to compete with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a supercar which was built in conjunction with the German brand's own in-house tuner. Speculation concerning what an M division-sourced car would look includes a possible homage to the original BMW M1 sports coupe, which was the very first effort from the automaker's speed-focused team.