He spends the morning catching up on Renault business and then climbs into his black chauffeur-driven Vel Satis (a sales disappointment for Renault in Europe) for the 30-minute drive to the carmaker's technical center for some product-review sessions.

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Some increase in sales is also expected to come from seasonal demands, the colder months of November and December drive energy requirements for heating in North America and Europe.

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The slowdown in Europe was gloomy news for Asia, which depend on exports to the region to help drive their economies.

NPR: Asia Stocks Fall On Slumping German Economy

Plus, Mr. Kelson says he also thinks yields on German bonds could continue to fall as the situation in Europe is far from resolved, and any fresh scares will likely drive more capital into Germany for safety.

WSJ: Yields Rise on German Bunds as Big-Name Investors Sell Down

Uncertainty over the timeline for a resolution in Europe and falling levels in the stock market have also helped drive investors into safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries, which has left the 10-year bond today yielding 2.11% and the 30-year long-term bond yielding 3.13%.

FORBES: Even As Treasuries Go Higher, Downgrade Fears Return

That, combined with signs of increased funding stress in Europe, helped drive the U.S. dollar to the highest since January, which did not bode well for gold.

FORBES: Still A Bull Market for Gold -- Gartman

At the moment, for example, arcane regulations make it illegal to drive a hydrogen-powered vehicle in much of Europe.

ECONOMIST: Stepping on the gas