Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler has said that the company will announce a small car partner mid way through 2010. Daimler has been in talks with French automaker Renault, with rumors that the two may partner on a new line of small cars and electric city cars. This partnership could also help produce future Smart models (including a 4-door) as well as future versions of the B-Class and A-Class (shown above).

Recently Renault’s CEO, Patrick Pelata confirmed discussions are ongoing saying that, “Yes, we are discussing serious matters with Daimler. Carmakers are holding discussions with each other. There are a lot at the moment.”

There is a possibility that the talks with Renault could be over more than just small cars, as industry consolidation seems to be a common trend as of late. Along with Volkswagen’s acquisition of Porsche and its purchase in a share of Suzuki, rumors have pointed towards Mitsubishi teaming up with French automaker Peugeot Citroen. Meanwhile Mazda, recently cut off from Ford’s hybrid technology, has cozied up with Toyota to develop a new line of hybrids.

Pelata has confirmed that a potential Daimler/Renault deal could see the two automakers co-develop and share engines, transmissions and even vehicle platforms.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog, LeftLaneNews]

Renault may be planning a return to North America, a market that it has been absent from since 1987. The news comes from a report in the Wall Street Journal, where Renault’s entry-level vehicle boss, Gerard Detourbet, admitted to the possible re-introduction of the French brand; a move that hinges on the success of the Duster SUV (above).

The Duster, which is being manufactured by Renault under the sub-brand of Dacia, will eventually also be sold as a Renault-badged vehicle. If it is successful in markets like South America and Eastern Europe it may just make its way to North America. The likelihood of Renault bringing over just one vehicle hardly makes sense and so Detourbet suggests the brand could launch with a small collection of vehicles.

Perhaps this move could bring about the introduction of two of the French automakers best-known vehicles, the Clio and the Megane, including the hot-hatch Megane RS, (pictured below).

GALLERY:Renault Megane RS

[Source: WallStreetJournal via Autoblog]

If all goes as planned the Penske-owned Saturn brand could be selling rebadged vehicles from French automaker Renault in the U.S. Thought to be a wild rumor at first, Renault has now confirmed that Penske has in fact approached the automaker to supply both parts and cars.

Currently Penske Automotive Group has a tentative deal with General Motors to buy its Saturn brand. Penske is expected to take full control of the company by September. The deal would see GM continue to supply vehicles for two years and does not include any manufacturing abilities, meaning that Penske must forge an alliance with another automaker to obtain vehicles.

Renault spokeswoman Frederique LeGreves would not comment further on the proposed deal but did say that it would not involve any part of Renault’s Nissan division.

Penske Automotive spokesman Tony Pordon wouldn’t comment specifically either but did say that his company is in talks with several different manufacturers.

In Europe Renault sells a full line of vehicles including the popular compact Clio as well as high performance models like the Megane RS (pictured above).

[Source: Automotive News]

General Motors has reached an agreement with the Penske Automotive Group on the sale of its Saturn brand. An official announcement is expected to be made by both parties later today.

The Penske Automotive Group was thought to be one of the front-runners in the bidding war, which also reportedly included Nissan/Renault, Mitsubishi and investment firm Telesto Ventures.

The news comes just days after GM sold off its Hummer brand to Chinese industrial equipment manufacturer Tengzhong.

The Penske Automotive Group is comprised of several key automotive related companies and boasts the second largest dealer network in the U.S., accounting for sales of 171,872 vehicles in 2008.

Penske also distributes the SMART car throughout the United States under a deal with Mercedes parent company Daimler.

As a former race car driver, Roger Penske continues to be involved in motorsports, and currently runs teams in three major racing series: the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the Indy Racing League (IRL).

The sale of Saturn would leave GM with just the Swedish brand Saab to dispose of. It has been reported that buyers for Saab have been narrowed down to just two: Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg and the U.S.-based Renco Group.

The news was reported this morning in the New York Times, which also said that after an initial contract with GM runs out, the Penske operated Saturn brand is expected to sell Renault vehicles in the United States. Does this mean North America will finally get cars like the Clio and Megane…. or even the Megane R.S.? (pictured above)

[Source: New York Times]

The possibility that Penske Automotive Group may in fact purchase the Saturn brand from General Motors has just increased significantly. Penske has acquired the services of former Chrysler President Tom LaSorda as an adviser on the bid.

Penske is the second largest dealership group in the U.S. and also distributes the SMART brand of cars in the U.S. for Mercedes parent company Daimler.

The Detroit News is reporting that the Penske bid may involve other partners, including Serra Automotive Inc. and the Suburban Collection. Serra Automotive is the 15th largest dealership group in the U.S. with 21 stores in six states. The Suburban Collection is the 13th largest group and boasts 7 Saturn dealerships.

While many of GM’s brands have received little attention from prospective buyers the list of parties interested in Saturn seems to grow daily. Bloomberg is reporting that Canada’s Magna International is interested in Saturn, while other recent reports indicate Renault/Nissan is interested.

Saturn has said it has engaged in talks with the investment firm Telesto Ventures about a possible sale.

Currently GM is eager to part with Saturn as it faces a June 1st restructuring deadline.

[Source: Automotive News]

The sale of Saturn to Nissan-Renault could see cars like this Mégane Renault Sport roaming U.S. streets.

The rumor mill keeps churning out new and exciting candidates interested in buying GM’s Saturn brand. The most recent speculation is that Nissan/Renault might be interested.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting the Nissan-Renault interest in Saturn, while Bloomberg says that company may team up with the Penske Automotive Group (rumored yesterday to be an interested party) to take over the brand.

With Nissan struggling worldwide the thought of such a buy seems unlikely and yet it may pave the way for Renault to bring its lineup of fuel-efficient compact cars to North America. Currently the Saturn brand has 400 dealerships in the United States and Canada that could be used to distribute Renault products like the Clio and Megane… or even performance versions like the 250hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Mégane R.S. (shown above).

While French vehicle might not normally be attractive to North American consumers, the Renault brand has a strong awareness with younger consumers due to the Gran Turismo video game series.

Under the latest General Motors viability plan, Saturn is scheduled to be sold by the end of the year.Currently GM says that is has several offers, the most recently publicized ones being from Penske Automotive Group and Telesto Ventures, which would transform the Saturn dealership network into a retail chain selling several brands of foreign-made cars.

[Source: AutomotiveNews]