Call it the Great Mall of China. The world's largest and most robust economy is attracting automakers like never before as they line up to unveil new models at Auto China 2010 in Beijing this coming weekend.

The event, which previously couldn't compete with major shows in Detroit, Paris and Tokyo, is now attracting a lot of attention because of the sizzling growth of automobile sales in the Chinese market, which is up 45 percent last year, and 63 percent in the first three months of this year.

At the show, GM will debut an all-electric Volt MPV5 concept car and Daimler will unveil an ultra-luxury Mayback sedan. Toyota will unveil the latest version of the Prius hybrid plus an electric concept car. Chinese carmakers also plan to showcase more than 60 new models.Continue reading...

Delta and Northwest Airlines cleared for merger. [WSJ]

Smart phone apps can send targeted coupons and promotions based on location. [SF Chronicle]

Volvo, Geely to cooperate, remain separate. [WSJ]

AT&T drops their sponsorship of Tiger Woods. [FT]

New milk recall plagues China. [WSJ]

Goldman Sachs reviews London operations, may quit the city. [Telegraph]Continue reading...

It's been a tough year for automotive brands with foundations in Sweden.

Saab's future looks grim, as many have speculated the brand's demise is immanent. Meanwhile, Volvo is in better shape, but only comparatively.

Both brands, however, boast a cadre of loyal consumers and fans, and more importantly, nearly unparalleled reputations for safety. This may be exactly why China's Geely auto group is one step closer to fully acquiring the Volvo tag. Continue reading...

NBCU will stream the Winter Olympics via "TV Everywhere." [MediaPost]

GM will not consider Spyker's bid for Saab. [AFP]

Citigroup needs a brand makeover. [BNET]

Ford finalizes sale of Volvo to Geely. [WSJ]

Asian airlines ramp up customer service, perks. [NY Times]

Whole Foods CEO John Mackey gives up Chairman position in compliance with governance rules. [WSJ]Continue reading...

McDonald's internal branding campaign, Voice of McDonald's, fosters goodwill with employees, consumers. [NY Times]

Lego expands brand "virtue" into videogames, movie tie-ins. [WSJ]

Ford may finally sell Volvo to Geely. [LA Times]

PepsiCo. pushes social responsibility internally, in advertising. [Warc]

Spyker wants to make the Saab "more Saabish." [WSJ]

Hyundai emerges from the recession a winner, sales up 6.2%. [WSJ]Continue reading...

GM launches ads comparing their cars with competitors, extends money-back guarantee to year end. [Detroit News]

Toyota plans to introduce the Scion brand to Canada in 11 months. [Financial Post]

German caution: Volkswagen, Continental and MAN issue sobering outlooks. [NY Times, FT]

Morgan Stanley falters in China. [FT]

Steep price tag thwarts iPhone's ascendancy in China. [WSJ]

Android line puts Motorola back on track; surprises Street with profitable third quarter. [BusinessWeek, NY Times]

Let's make a deal: P&G to sell stagnant brands, acquire new properties as sales slide. [WSJ, FT]

(More headlines: UBS, Avon, Geely Volvo deal, Diageo, Kellogg's.)Continue reading...

On 80th anniversary of 1929 crash, US recession ends. [Guardian]

Volvo deal advances as Ford indicates preference for Geely's bid. [FT]

Google shakes up GPS industry by offering free service. [NY Times]

Google signs MySpace deal to include music in search. [Brand Republic]

Slowing Wii sales cause falling profits for Nintendo. [WSJ]

Regulation fears scotch National Express merger with Stagecoach. [Times of London]

(More headlines: GM, Motorola Droid, YSL.)Continue reading...

The long PC nightmare is over: Windows 7 arrives today. [NY Times]

Wal-Mart will aggressively cut prices throughout the holiday season. [WaPo]

Madewell moves out of J. Crew's shadow, plans e-commerce site for the spring. [LA Times]

Ford's Volvo deal with Geely faltering over privacy concerns. [FT]

Car manufacturers market cars to Canadians based on needs, not desires. [NY Times]

Automakers revive classic and traditional models with bright, bold colors. [NY Times]

Consumers inclined to spend on brands perceived to do "social good." [MediaPost]

(More headlines: Behind Windows 7's branding and naming.)Continue reading...