Speaking of rough seas… The past few weeks has stirred up a number of rumors involving Chrysler and General Motors. Chief among those whispers is word that the two may be merging to fight off a stagnant auto market and mounting debts. It looks like there’s more substance to those rumors than previously thought, with USA Today reporting that both companies are looking to seal the deal before the presidential election—just two weeks away. While those at the helm of both companies see more benefits than drawbacks, the plan isn’t without its criticism.

Some say that joining the two at the hip will supply a gross overlap in brands and models, offsetting any gains or savings the move might make. It was clear from the get go that 2008 would bring some drastic alterations to the automotive landscape here in the United States, but we don’t think anyone saw this one coming. [MotorAuthority]