The bottom line for the Gurley-Leep Automotive Group looked pretty good as it headed toward November.

Jato Dynamics, the world's leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, has reported that the European new car market fell by 25.3 per cent (313,361 units) in November, when compared to the same month last year.

"A promise is a promise," said Ratan Tata while unveiling the Nano at the beginning of the year, putting India on the global automotive map. However, the year 2008, which began with a bang, ended with a whimper, with controversy and the downturn dogging the auto industry.

We've long been obsessed with driving in these parts, and as 2008 comes to a close, the subject seems more topical than ever. The news is filled with talk of the Big Three automotive bailout, toll hikes, and new gas taxes to pay Big Dig debts, roller-coaster fuel prices, and energy-saving cars.

Dahl Automotive of La Crosse has opened its new and used automobile showroom at 712 S. Fourth St. after a major remodeling project.

The slowdown in the automobile industry has already hit Tata Motors hard. The impact is now being felt by the Tata Group's automotive component companies.

Despite the cloud hovering over the automotive industry, local dealerships say they aren't getting hit as a hard as the rest of the country.

Are you growing tired of bailout news? You have company. Take a word from a columnist who majored in economics: the economy WILL Come back. It always does with spectacular results. It is just a matter of time, patience and a return of confidence.

DuPont, the world's leading market-based science products and services company, recently announced significant progress toward the development and commercialization of a new refrigerant for automotive air conditioning that offers a considerably lower global warming potential than the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) R-134a product currently used.

General Motors Corp. is suing a bankrupt automotive supplier for immediate access to specialized parts and equipment, contending that a delay would hamper the launch of its new Chevrolet Camaro, disrupt assembly operations and cause millions of dollars in damages it can ill afford.