G.M. BANKRUPTCY: "In Overhaul, G.M. May Find Solace in Its Far-Flung Units," by Heather Timmons, New York Times, 4 June 2009.

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY: "One Ford for The Whole Wide World: America will be the big test for the Fiesta--popular in Asia and Europe--and for Mulally's global game plan," by David Kiley, BusinessWeek, 15 June 2009.

MONEY & INVESTING: "Penske Will Buy, Remake Saturn: Racing Legend/Auto Magnate Will Add Auto Brand and Dealers to Empire," by Sharon Terlep and John D. Stoll, Wall Street Journal, 6-7 June 2009.

First article: what caught my eye was the chart on the jump page that showed GM sells as much in China + Brazil + Britain +Canada + Russia + Germany as it sells in the U.S., and that's just the top 6 after the U.S.

Second article: I think Ford is learning the lessons of Honda and Toyota, meaning you become a truly global integrated enterprise that markets the same basic products globally. A good sign, in my mind.

Also happy to see Penske get Saturn. Everything but the manufacturing at first, with the notion that it becomes a new kind of car company that outsources the production.

When you think of this, it's brilliant. Saturn owners are legendary in their satisfaction and devotion, and it's primarily the great service--from what I've heard. Car is good, but many cars are good. Dealerships matter. So why not buy the truly branded part (the everything else, if you will), and then just outsource the most unchangeable part--the manufacturing?

I am beginning to think these bankruptcies will be bitter but good medicine.

No great knowledge, just an impression from the stories.