We all love a good Top 10 List so for New Year's Eve I wanted to highlight and reminisce on the top automotive stories of 2009. It was a brutal year for the auto industry however there are signs of recovery and hope that 2010 brings in a more prosperous year for car makers and the automotive sector in general.

Top 10 Automotive News Stories in 2009

10. The closing of GM and Chrysler dealerships across the country affect millions of dealership owners, employees and communities.

9. GM and Chrysler comes out of Bankruptcy and is now "government owned" and has gone though many changes in senior management. Noteworthy: The promotion of Susan Docherty to General Motors' top U.S. sales position last week marks the first time a woman has held that position in the automaker's 101-year history, according to the company.

8. Cash for Clunkers - Despite that program’s temporary jolt, nearly 1,500 dealerships had shut their doors through October, making this the worst year for dealers since at least the 1950s, according to Automotive News, a trade publication.

7. Hyundai Motor Co. offers "assurance Program" allowing buyers to return new vehicles if they   unexpectedly lose their income.

6. Ford on track to show a profit, selling Vovlo to Chinese.

5. Incentives , Incentives and more incentives to buy cars in 2009.

4. Gas prices stayed stable and affordable all year.

3. New car loans and credit to buy used cars required higher credit scores from buyers.

2. Saab, Hummer and Saturn still looking for a buyer and Jaguar and Land Rover now belong to Tata Motors.

1. Pontiac - RIP- I cannot believe there will be no more GTO's!

Wishing one and all a very Happy New Year!