Autoblog

China still 10 years away from globally competitive car company

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST

It may be a spell before Chinese automakers are capable of turning out a globally competitive vehicle. That's the findings of a sprawling 200 page report by Bernstein Research. The group went through the trouble of purchasing two Chinese-made cars, importing them to Europe and disassembling them down to every last nut and bolt. The study also included in-depth interviews with CEOs at each of the major manufacturers, including Great Wall, Chery, Brilliance and SAIC among others. Researchers found that by and large, global partners aren't holding up their end of joint venture deals, with the vast majority of foreign automakers seemingly not taking the Chinese market seriously.

The one exception to that rule, according to Bernstein, is General Motors and SAIC. GM has pumped a staggering amount of cash into China, and as a result, SAIC seems leagues ahead of its peers on the design and engineering front. Speaking of engineering, the study found most Chinese cars to simply be reverse-engineered examples of foreign models, with the Toyota Corolla being the most popular. That's due in part to the fact that Chinese automakers spend $100 million a year on research and development on average. For comparison's sake, a company like Volkswagen or Toyota spends closer to $1 billion. The Truth About Cars has a closer look at the report's contents. You can find that writeup here.

China still 10 years away from globally competitive car company originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM opens China's largest proving ground

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: China, Technology, GM

China's best-selling carmaker can now claim China's largest proving ground. General Motors, Shanghai GM, China JV partner SAIC and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) opened the $253 million facility in China that has more than 37 miles of roads, simulating 67 different driving conditions and nearly 250,000 square feet of engineering and repair space. It occupies a little more than two square miles in Guangde County, Anhui, about 130 miles from Shanghai.

The grounds will soon verify the mettle of the many brands GM oversees in China, including Buick, Cadillac, Baojun and Jiefang among others. Shanghai and PATAC will oversee the facility's operation, with more than ten million miles of testing expected annually in areas like development, certification and quality control evaluation. The press release below spells it out in even more detail.

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GM opens China's largest proving ground originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China's SAIC sets up shop in suburban Detroit

Zach Bowman — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:16:00 EST

Filed under: China, GM

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation has opened a new North American headquarters in Birmingham, Michigan. The Chinese automaker says the facility will help build a stronger connection and further cooperation between U.S. manufacturers and their Chinese counterparts.

SAIC refurbished a 30,000-square-foot building for its new HQ, which should employ around 100 people. Specifically, the location will help SAIC purchase the parts it needs from the strong base of local suppliers in the area while also coordinating import and export operations. The Chinese automaker says the facility will also house some technology and engineering research development, as well.

SAIC said the company chose Birmingham for the city's proximity to partners like General Motors as well as numerous parts suppliers. Michigan's pro-business environment didn't hurt the decision either. SAIC is the largest automaker on the Chinese stock market. Take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading China's SAIC sets up shop in suburban Detroit

China's SAIC sets up shop in suburban Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab union asks Obama to pressure GM for licensing deal

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, UAW/Unions

The door has not yet closed on Saab. Hoping for yet another 11th hour stay of execution, the defunct carmaker's chief union, IF Metall, has written directly to President Obama, asking him to intervene, according to Just-Auto. While on the surface, this may seem silly, it's actually rather clever, even if it has little likelihood of working.

With the United States government still owning 26 percent of General Motors, the Swedish union is hoping it can appeal to Obama to pressure General Motors into granting licenses to continue manufacturing Saab vehicles, according to the report. It's this sticking point that has torpedoed every attempt to forestall Saab's dissolution, as GM fears that were it to allow continued production of Saabs developed under GM's ownership, it would open up the possibility of intellectual property conflicts, particularly if a Chinese manufacturer that competes with GM's own Chinese partner, SAIC, acquires Saab.

You have to admire Saab loyalists, as they clearly have not given up hope. But in this case, they just don't have any other options: Unemployment in the Saab hometown of Trollhättan has hit 40 percent, according to the report.

Saab union asks Obama to pressure GM for licensing deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel to debut engines developed with SAIC at the Paris Motor Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

The resurrected Opel/Vauxhall Junior is expected to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this year with a three-cylinder engine tucked in its engine bay. That motor will be a joint product of General Motors and its Chinese partner SAIC and the heart of Opel and Vauxhall's gas-powered, small-capacity engine family.

Both three- and four-cylinder engines are on the way ranging from 1.0 to 1.4 liters. The Junior is predicted to get a three-cylinder, but Opel hasn't confirmed that or even if the Junior will be the first car to get one of the co-developed motors. Automotive News reports that the engines have "direct injection and turbocharging capability," but with double-digit gains in fuel economy and torque out of the box, those features might not appear immediately.

Above that, there will be 1.6-liter diesel and gas engines to replace current units, perhaps like the 1.4-liter in the Opel Insignia. GM says those engines will come to the U.S. "within two years."

The three-door Junior will be smaller than the Opel Agila (pictured), a challenge to the Mini Cooper and Audi A1. An electric version is a possibility for 2015.

Opel to debut engines developed with SAIC at the Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM announces new global small engine family

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, GM

General Motors announced today that it would be overhauling its smallest engines, replacing three engine families with a new, modular Ecotec design. Production of new three- and four-cylinder powerplants should begin mid-decade, ramping up to over two million engines a year by 2020.

While GM didn't indicate which models might benefit from the redesigned mills, with displacements ranging from just 1.0 to 1.5 liters, these new Ecotecs are more likely to find homes outside of North America. GM did state that the U.S. is "not in initial market plans" for the three-cylinder. The company expects to use the engines throughout its global vehicle programs, with multiple manufacturing locations. The engines were co-developed with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC), Shanghai General Motors (SGM) and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC).

As for details on the new design, GM said in a statement, "They will feature lightweight design and advanced technologies such as direct injection, turbocharging and alternative fuel compatibility" as well as being "designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness."

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GM announces new global small engine family originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Chinese automaker SAIC sign EV deal

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Electric

General Motors has announced that it will partner with China's SAIC Motor Corporation on the development of an all-new electric vehicle. The final product will be sold in China under the SAIC brand, but GM will benefit from the deal by having a new electric vehicle platform which can be used to spawn new vehicles in other global markets.

The new EV will be developed at SAIC and GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai, where teams from both companies will work together to develop key components of the vehicle's structure. Of course, it's still unclear exactly what type of vehicle will come from this partnership, though GM notes that this partnership's work was previewed by the Sail concept that debuted late last year. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading GM and Chinese automaker SAIC sign EV deal

GM and Chinese automaker SAIC sign EV deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roewe to get own version of Buick Regal

Dan Roth — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: China, Buick, GM, Roewe

Even in the vehicle-hungry Chinese automobile market, there are winners and losers. SAIC has seen its passenger vehicle sales fall to just under 91,000 units for the first seven months of 2011. That's a two-percent drop versus 2010, and the company is making several moves to reverse that trend. Forty-five billion Yuan will be poured into research and development over the next four years, and the sales figure are also likely to get a shot in the arm from the July showroom debut of the Roewe W5, the first SUV for SAIC.

On the heels of the new W5 SUV, and joining other SAIC models like the Roewe sedans and several MG models will be a new midsize sedan that's based on the Buick Regal. Codenamed BP31, the new Roewe sedan will be yet another model to employ the widely-used General Motors Epsilon architecture. General Motors already works with SAIC building Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles, as well as Wuling vans. It's not going to stop with this sedan, either; there will be a total of nine new or redesigned vehicles rolling out between now and 2015.

Roewe to get own version of Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MG Motors to launch UK MG6 production next week

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing

2010 MG6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The MG6, MG's first all-new car since 1995's MG F, will begin UK production next week in Birmingham, England. The new start of English production of the iconic brand marks its return from the dead after MG Rover folded and was bought by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation [SAIC].

According to MG, the first new English MG will roll off the line at 11:00 a.m. on April 13, almost six years to the day since the last MG Rover was built in April, 2005. This rebirth marks yet another chapter in MG's rocky existence, from its inception as a sports car brand in 1924, to its Austin Metro-based econobox days of the 1980s, to the revival of the brand with 1995's MG F, to its new identity as a subsidiary of a Chinese conglomerate.

The MG6 is a Chinese-designed four-door liftback sedan that shares similar dimensions with the Volkswagen Golf. Power comes from a 133-horsepower, naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 160-horse variant.

Gallery: 2010 MG6

[Source: MG]

MG Motors to launch UK MG6 production next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: SAIC to sell new MG models through GM showrooms in UK

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: China, GM, Roewe, UK, MISC

The notion that Chinese automakers would begin selling cars in competitive export markets seemed laughable only a few years ago. But that's what they said about the Koreans, and before them the Japanese. Also laughable: the notion that a British brand like MG would have no outlet to sell their cars in the UK. But that's the situation that MG Rover found itself in after it was taken over by Chinese automakers SAIC and Nanjing.

A new arrangement, however, could see MGs being sold through GM dealers in the UK before too long. The deal would actually be an extension of the cooperative venture the two auto groups embarked upon years ago in China, giving The General a foothold in the rapidly growing market to sell Chevrolets, Buicks and Cadillacs, of which it has already sold a reported 2.2 million so far this year.

According to reports, MG already has a memorandum of understanding with GM to distribute the Sino-British cars in the UK. If that's the case, it could be just a matter of time before MGs are sold alongside such vehicles as the Cruze and BLS from London to Scotland.

[Source: The Telegraph]

Report: SAIC to sell new MG models through GM showrooms in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra joining forces with Ssangyong

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Earnings/Financials, India, South Korea

India's Mahindra & Mahindra may be joining forces with South Korea's Ssangyong to share technology, costs and to create one of the biggest producers of SUVs in the world.

Ssangyong hasn't exactly had the best track record when it comes to foreign ownership. While China's SAIC Motor Group was at the helm, the South Korean automaker took a nose-dive that eventually led to bankruptcy, which is where the company is now. Earlier this month, Mahindra was picked as the preferred bidder for Ssangyong, though the principles involved in the transaction aren't willing to say how much Mahindra & Mahindra has offered for the sinking Korean company.

Back in 2004, SAIC purchased 49-percent of Ssangyong for $500 million, but was largely criticized for failing to invest enough in the partnership. Analysts typically point to the lack of investment as the main reason behind the venture's failure. Bloomberg reports that the Mahindra bid is somewhere in the $452 million range. Ssangyong has market value of $340 million.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Mahindra joining forces with Ssangyong originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM launches new low-cost brand in China and it's a 'treasured horse'

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, GM

While the German automakers - and Buick - mop up outrageous demand for their wares in China's major metropolitan and coastal cities, General Motors wants to be the nameplate of choice in the secondary cities and the interior. And now in conjunction with its joint-venture partners SAIC and Wuling, it has launched another nameplate: Baojun. Meaning "treasured horse," Baojun is the low-cost brand that will sell passenger cars built in China for priced in the area of $7,000.

The Baojun's sales network will be built after the car is launched, but GM hasn't let slip when that will be. The aims are lofty for the small runabout tasked with opening up another market segment, with the general manager of SAIC-GM-Wuling declaring, "We aim to surpass customer expectations by creating a brand that combines world-class quality with low ownership costs." Follow the jump for the press release on the venture.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM launches new low-cost brand in China and it's a 'treasured horse'

GM launches new low-cost brand in China and it's a 'treasured horse' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM and SAIC gearing up to take on Tata Nano

Zach Bowman — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Wagon, China, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, India, Tata, Rumormill

2011 Chevrolet Sail

General Motors has saddled up with Chinese automaker SAIC in an attempt to bring a Nano-fighting value car to the Indian market. GM says that it will rely on SAIC mostly for its low cost manufacturing techniques instead of parts or components due to hefty tariffs on goods imported from China. That also means The General may also be able to skip out on some of the quality woes associated with the Chinese automotive universe by relying on the pool of parts already available in India.

The car is supposed to be smaller than the current Spark and hit the market at around $5,000. That's on the north end of how much Tata asks for the Nano, but GM still feels it can compete against the world's most affordable car. According to Gasgoo, the pint-sized econobox may actually borrow elements from the Chevrolet Sail. Evidently, the car has already spent its fair share of time under the baleful glare of Indian focus groups.

If it does take off, the GM/SAIC creation will be India's very first joint-venture vehicle.

[Source: Gasgoo]

Report: GM and SAIC gearing up to take on Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SAIC opens design center at MG's Longbridge site

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Plants/Manufacturing, UK, Design/Style

MG Zero Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. has done a stand-up job evangelizing the MG brand with the MG6 and the Zero Concept (the latter slated for production as the MG3). Now, the automaker has added an $8.2 million design center to its Longbridge site.

Antony Williams-Kenny, MG's design director, says the studio "gives us superb tools and facilities to go further forward on projects such as the MG Zero concept and beyond." An MG spokesperson adds, "The designing of new cars and the engineering and technical aspects of the cars is all happening here in the UK."

Along with MG6 production moving back to Longbridge later this year, the forthcoming Zero/MG3 is expected to offer 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines when it's finalized for retail. That kind of news gives folks in the Midlands (and sporty-car folks everywhere) something to look forward to from The Octagon. Finally.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: MG Zero Concept

[Source: BBC, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

SAIC opens design center at MG's Longbridge site originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China reportedly adding big incentives for hybrid, electric purchases

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, Government/Legal

Geely Emgrand plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you pay them, they will come. At least that's the philosophy China is applying to the electric car business these days. The people's republic is set to roll out new pilot programs in four of its largest cities aimed at curbing emissions by promoting plug-in hybrids and EVs. The country is handing out the equivalent of around $7,320 in incentives for the purchase of more green-minded automobiles. At first, the program will only be available to those who live in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei, though depending on its success, it may spread to other parts of the country.

As a result of the incentives, Chinese manufacturers are beginning to give EVs and plug-in hybrids some serious thought, and automakers like BYD, Geely and SAIC Motor Corp have all announced varying plans for production. The news will likely go a long way toward helping China get a grip on its raging air quality problems, especially in its larger metropolitan areas.

According to Automotive News, the Chinese government is also offering a nationwide subsidy program for small-engine vehicles. Any car with a 1.6-liter engine or smaller that consumes 20 percent less fuel than current standards is eligible for a $440 incentive.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE

[Source: Automotive News]
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

China reportedly adding big incentives for hybrid, electric purchases originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Will a new Roadster spearhead MG's return to America?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, China, UK, Rumormill

Inside Line has a rendering of that still-in-the-works successor to the MG TF. It isn't exactly a shock, as it looks much like a slightly evolved version of the current and soon-to-be-dead MG TF. The real revolution will be what the body rests on and what powers it - Chinese owner SAIC is reportedly still playing around with platform possibilities, but it doesn't look like the company is any closer than before to finding a partner for that aspect of the project.

The roadster's motivation will be thanks to an engine in front turning the wheels in back, just as God intended. Powerplant options are said to be a small General Motors diesel, a conventional V6 and an in-house hybrid. The natural question posed is: where is the four-cylinder? Who knows, maybe SAIC plans to skip that step and pwn the Mazda MX-5 Miata with its revelatory handling chops. No matter which they choose, if the body in the illustration can be trusted, it will be handsome enough to make the attempt. No hurries on a decision - we still have three years before it goes into production, and we've heard promises of MG's revival in the States before, so we're not holding our breath.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rendered Speculation: Will a new Roadster spearhead MG's return to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SAIC wants you to help rename streets at Longbridge

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., UK

Pictured above is one tiny corner of the formerly mammoth Longbridge factory complex that last made MGs. Now owned by SAIC, the site is meant to be undergo extensive repurposing. To help keep it British - and perhaps pick up a little more interest in MG - SAIC has called for help in naming five access roads that will grace the new site.

The only requirement looks to be that the names "reflect the heritage of the MG brand." You have until Friday, February 26 to get your submissions in. A friendly tip, though: you can probably skip names like "Leyland," "Phoenix," and "Do They Still Make Those?"

[Source: Motobullet | Image: Sludgegulper - CC2.0]

SAIC wants you to help rename streets at Longbridge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Chinese-owned MG planning TF roadster successor

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, China

Although it probably plummeted off your radar around the time "My Humps" and "Don' Cha" were topping the charts, the MG TF remains in production. Well, kind of - the factory was idled last year, but it will restart in April. After this year, however, the owners of MG, China's SAIC, have called full-time on the mid-engined convertible. As an encore, MG is considering building a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive convertible that has the cojones to say "I'm looking at you, punk" to the Mazda MX5/Miata.

Of course that will necessitate light weight chassis, peerless dynamics and a cozy cabin. It also necessitates a new RWD platform, which is something SAIC isn't currently in possession of and doesn't want to foot the bill for alone. Assuming SAIC can hook up with a partner or the MG6 and its sibling sell like bottled water when they're introduced to Europe, the new roadster will come online around 2013. The odds are long, surely, but the fact that we're still talking about the possibility of a brand new MG warms the cockles.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Chinese-owned MG planning TF roadster successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, GM, India, Rumormill

Though the minuscule Tata Nano hasn't even been on the market for a complete year, the impact it's had on the automotive world may be exactly inverse to its size and price. In other words, it's had a huge effect, proving to the world that it's possible to build a business plan around selling super cheap cars in rapidly expanding markets.

You can reportedly add the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and General Motors joint venture to the list of automakers that have taken notice of the Nano. According to reports rolling in from China and India, the 50:50 JV is considering a vehicle that would be positioned below the Chevy Spark/Daewoo Matiz that would sell for as little as $3,500.

So far, GM/SAIC isn't commenting on the reports, but has indicated in the past that it plans to build small vans, SUVs and cars for emerging markets like China and India.

[Source: WheelsUnplugged | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, GM, Earnings/Financials

It has been a busy week at General Motors. The week started off with CEO Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation, then executives converged on the LA Auto Show where Bob Lutz was the keynote speaker and then the U.S. market Chevy Cruze was revealed. Now, the General is reportedly deep in negotiations halfway around the world with its Chinese partner, SAIC, to sell its partnership stake in what is now the largest auto market in the world.

Here is how the deal will reportedly break down: According to Reuters, GM will give SAIC a scant one percent of its interest in the China venture and 50% of GM's India operations. In exchange, the General would receive what amounts to about 20% of the value of the China venture. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal considering the fact that GM isn't exactly a big player in the Indian market - but there is a very big downside. If GM cedes one percent of its joint venture with SAIC, then the Detroit, MI-based automaker would no longer control its China operations. The rumored deal will contain a proviso that the General can later buy back its lost percentage for a "premium price." That sounds a little like GM just got a loan from SAIC and put up one percent of its ownership as collateral.

While GM currently has over $40 billion in its cash coffers courtesy of its recent bailout and bankruptcy, The General is in a big hurry to pay back the money it owes the government. It also has to contend with what is still a very soft auto market - not to mention Opel restructuring costs that could tally $5 billion or more. But China is also a monster part of GM's business plan, so any money gained from this deal could come at an even greater cost. We have to wonder if this deal had anything to do with Mr. Henderson's abrupt exit stage left...

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM selling control of Chinese joint venture to SAIC, half of India operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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