GM electric car takes off on YouTube

More than eight years after discontinuing the now-notorious EV1 electric car, General Motors Corp.’s quirky little ride just won’t go away.

Fans of the EV1 still haven’t forgiven GM for halting the electric car program — and destroying most of the cars — in 1999. That decision inspired the documentary, "Who Killed the Electric Car."

A crowd of EV1 supporters snagged a vehicle that had been donated by GM and took it for a quick spin on a California street. The act was caught on tape and has spawned videos on YouTube.com. As of this week, thousands have logged on to watch.

However, rumors posted on the site that GM issued an order to "cease and desist" from using the vehicle and threatened to sue appear to be overblown.

According to vocal EV1 supporter Zan Scott, the automaker just reminded the car’s owners that the still existing vehicles aren’t to be driven.

Mercedes benefits for Chrysler

Daimler-Chrysler underwent a messy divorce, but one local Mercedes dealer says they can still be friends — with benefits.

Mercedes-Benz of St. Clair Shores hopes to lure Chrysler workers and their families into its showroom with two billboards on area freeways that feature the slogan, "Chrysler employee plan still applies."

Daimler owns the German luxury brand and while it controlled the Auburn Hills automaker, employees, family and friends were eligible for discounts on Mercedes vehicles. Those deals still apply by virtue of Daimler’s 19.9 percent stake in the now privately held Chrysler.

"It’s important in Detroit (because) everyone’s father, brother and sister work for the Big Three," said Stanley Clark, vice president at the St. Clair Shores dealership. "We see it as a public service announcement."