Suzuki Goes Away – After years of circling the drain, the U.S. arm of the small Japanese auto brand calls it quits, although it will continue motorcycle and marine sales in this country.

Toyota Fined Again – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration levies the highest fine ever against an automaker – $17.4 million – for what it calls unacceptable delays by Toyota in addressing throttle-pedal entrapment in Lexus RX crossovers. Toyota has agreed to pay up without admitting fault.

The General Lee with the confederate flag painted on its roof was featured in the film remake of the 'Dukes of Hazzard' TV show. (Photo: Warner Bros.)

Stars and Bars – The publicized rumor that future toy, model or movie editions of General Lee, the 1969 Dodge Charger from Dukes of Hazzard, would lose the Confederate flag from its roof turns out to be untrue. Or at least it was hotly denied by Warner Bros., holder of the copyright.

Ford MyTouch – The communications and entertainment interface goes back to the drawing board for the second time in an attempt to make it more user friendly.

Chevrolet Malibu – After a lackluster introduction, the midsize Chevy is also heading back to the designers for a mid-cycle revamp, the result of reviewers’ criticisms and slipping sales.

Spyker Sues General Motors – The Dutch supercar brand files a legal action claiming that the Detroit auto giant’s actions made it impossible to save Saab, which Spyker owned before selling its remains to a Chinese firm.

Mahindra Sued – Jilted would-be dealers sue Indian automaker Mahindra and its U.S. promoters, claiming they were lied to, misled and ripped off when the promised compact trucks failed to materialize.

A Mini Convettible set sail on the Charles River during the Head of Charles Regatta in Boston. (Photo: Mini)

Mini Identity – The Mini brand’s “Not Normal” campaign fails to resonate, partially because of lackluster YouTube reality videos. Although, the odd Mini “boat” that sailed during a recent regatta was kind of cool.

Chevrolet Silverado – The double onslaught of successfully revamped Ford F-150s and Ram pickups – along with significant factory incentives – takes its toll on the aging Chevy truck, with a burgeoning inventory of Silverados hanging around unsold. A new GM pickup generation, including the GMC Sierra, will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

Nissan Leaf – Blame it on range anxiety or whatever, but the innovative electric compact car is not selling nearly at the rate it was expected to. Nissan recently announced deep discounts.

This Just In – The Walter P. Chrysler Museum of Auburn Hills., Mich., has announced that it is closing down at the end of this year, most likely because of poor attendance.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at