Nine new publications added to the Forum since last Friday. The first four are posted under the GM, Ford and Chrysler tab. The first article comes from the Detroit News telling that potential investors, in General Motors IPO, are focusing on Dan “melon head” Akerson, a GM board member with a financial and telecommunications background, who will replace Chairman and CEO Ed “old coot” Whitacre. Akerson’s immediate and huge task will be to line up investors to buy GM stock and convince them he has the skills to run the automaker effectively, even though he is an industry outsider.  The second article comes from AOL Autos. It reports that next April is when GM’s Chevrolet Caprice PPV, Police Patrol Vehicle, will be hitting the roads. At 355 horsepower, the Caprice will be the fastest police car in America, until the Ford Taurus goes on sale with its 365 horsepower. The third article comes from the Wheels section of the New York Times. It states that eighteen Ford concept cars were sold this past Thursday by RM Auctions at the Sports and Classics of Monterey sale. The sales raised nearly $1M, with Ford Motor Co. donating proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Children’s Center of Wayne County, Michigan, which assists troubled children and families. The fourth article comes from Free Press Staff Reports. It tells that according to Kelley Blue Book’s brand watch study, for the second quarter in a row, Ford is the most-considered automotive brand among new-car shoppers.

Two new posts have been added to Hodgepodge. The first article comes from Bloomberg News as found in the Washington Post. It reports of a famed trial lawyer that died in a traffic accident. He had collected more than 800 classic cars. What the twice-divorced lawyer didn’t leave behind was a single sheet of paper that would have bequeathed to his longtime companion the 28 cars she says he meant for her to have. This is a strange and sad story that goes to show that if you want somebody to have something, make sure you put your wishes down in writing. The second article comes from AOL Autos stating that as cars become more technologically advanced, they leave the door open to vulnerabilities. The tire pressure monitoring system and four other technological vulnerable areas are listed.

Two new posts have been entered into the Open Discussion section of the Forum. The first article comes from the Detroit News. It gives more information on the article posted in GM, Ford and Chrysler section about Ford concept cars being sold for charity. The second article comes from the New York Times. It reports that after a dismal period of huge losses and deep cuts that culminated in the Obama administration’s bailout of GM and Chrysler, the gloom over the American auto industry is starting to lift. Sales are rebounding, with the Commerce Department reporting Friday that automobiles were a bright spot in July’s mostly disappointing retail sales.

One new post has been placed in the Opinion category and comes from AOL Autos. The article reports that when you pull up to the pumps at a gas station you are usually faced with three options: regular, mid-grade and premium. There is more to the choice than good-better-best. It goes on to tell all the differences of the three. I personally have always used the mid-grade in all my vehicles, unless premium was required.