Auto News Roundup 8-04-09: GM to lay off 7,500 by year’s end, luxury brands on a comeback

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-- GM buyout offers fall short of goal -- 7,500 layoffs expected before end of year. Detroit Free Press

-- Luxury brands such as Mercedes and Lexus are not included in ‘clunkers’ program, showed improved sales in July. Bloomberg

-- VW diesels-- especially Jetta sedan and wagon -- sold well in July versus most hybrids. Cars.com

-- Early video released of Jay Leno as a guest on the BBC’s popular auto show ‘Top Gear.’ Edmunds

-- 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (wagon) leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut. Autoblog

-- Joni Gray