Autoline This Week - Video: Recent Episodes
John McElroy
Autoline This Week is the first stop for auto executives, insiders and consumers looking for the latest automotive news. Each week John McElroy, one of the deans of the Detroit automotive press corp, brings his expertise and analysis to the issues and interviews driving the automotive world. He moderates a panel of automotive journalists as they discuss the week’s news and interview top industry newsmakers
You cannot believe how many laws regulate the auto industry. So many that it’s almost impossible to keep track of. But two legal eagles, Kevin McDonald from VW Credit and Karl Hochkammer from Honigman LLP, have compiled a very complete catalog of laws and they explain what they’re about in plain English that anyone can understand. They’ve managed to take a boring topic and make it very interesting.
You’ve heard of the chip shortage that crippled automotive production. But you probably haven’t heard about the critical shortage of headlamp engineers. And you also probably didn’t know that thanks to consolidation in the industry, there aren’t many headlamp manufacturers left, either. All automakers are struggling with this problem, but that’s especially true for the EV startups. They can’t get the lamps they need. Klaus Matauschek from Forvia HELLA, Wolfgang Huhn from Driving Vision News and Michael Pickholz from MagWerks Vision, talk about how the industry got into this mess.
Lordstown Motors changed its business plan. Instead of building electric trucks, it’s going to have Foxconn build them for it—in the plant that Lordstown used to own. It raised the money it needs to launch its truck by selling the plant to Lordstown. That truck, called the Endurance, will start production in Q3, 2022. But Lordstown is already working on other commercial models that will use a skateboard chassis. Edward T. Hightower, the President of Lordstown Motors, explains the new direction the company is going in.
Automotive suppliers have strong opinions about the automakers they sell parts and services to. Some automakers have great relations with their suppliers, others not so much. Plante Moran, the consulting company, does an annual supplier survey that captures what suppliers are saying. Dave Andrea and Mark Barrott from Plante Moran go through their latest findings.
Powered roads, where EVs pick up electric power from the road as they drive, is a dream that goes back decades. But now a convergence of technologies could turn it into reality. Prefabricated road sections with embedded sensors and inductive charging are the game changing technologies. By collecting data that can be monetized and by selling electricity, private industry wants to build these roads—at no cost to taxpayers. Tim Sylvester from Integrated Roadways, Jeremy McCool from HEVO and Michele Mueller from the Michigan Department of Transportation, talk about the latest developments.
Every year the SAE Foundation chooses a recipient for its Leadership Award. This year it chose GM President Mark Reuss. At the awards banquet, Reuss sat down with Autoline to talk about his career, GM’s transition to electric vehicles, and the challenges that lie ahead for the automotive industry.
Five years ago, foreign automakers saw China as an unending source of growth and profits. Not anymore. Today, companies like Volkswagen and General Motors are seeing sharp drops in sales and profits. And Chinese automakers are emerging as world class competitors. So, are foreign automakers in trouble in China? Michael Dunne, CEO of ZoZo Go and Tu Le, the head of Sino Auto Insights, provide their insight and analysis.
In addition to the terrible loss of lives, the tragic lines of refugees and brutal war crimes, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is upending the auto industry. Automakers and suppliers felt the impact immediately, and the long term implications could take years to resolve. Joe McCabe, the CEO of AutoForecast Solutions, and Justin Cox, the director of Global Production at LMC Automotive, go through the details of what we’re likely to see.
It takes a certain type of person to be an entrepreneur. But even those people need to know their strengths and weaknesses and how to avoid common pitfalls. Three start-up experts discuss what sets entrepreneurs apart from everyone else: Khanjan Desai, CEO and Co-Founder, Alchemy; Adrien Cote, Executive Director, Velocity; and Helge Seetzen, CEO, TandemLaunch.
Gill Pratt, Toyota’s Chief Scientist, says we’re going to hear a lot more about the company’s move into electric cars. Up to now Toyota’s public statements have focused on hybrids and fuel cells. But it’s been quietly developing EVs behind the scenes. And now it’s ready to talk about them. Gill Pratt lays out Toyota’s strategy on solid state batteries, recycling, EV platforms, EV manufacturing and more.
Batteries for electric cars are extremely expensive. But Tal Sholklapper, the CEO of Voltaiq, a battery design consultancy, says that cost is coming down fast, and will soon reach $50-60 per kilowatt-hour. That’s about half of what it is now, and that would give EVs cost parity with piston powered cars and trucks. He also talks about battery recycling, a potential raw material shortage and other topics. Chad Kirchner from EVPulse.com also joins the discussion.
Despite the perception that auto shows are losing their appeal, Foresight Research says the public is just as interested in auto shows as it ever was. Moreover, people are hungry to learn more about electric vehicles and auto shows are the perfect place to learn more about them–especially when that includes ride-and-drives. Auto shows are an effective way to reach consumers without the sales pressure they’ll run into at a dealership.
Multimatic, PEM Motion and Ettractive are three Canadian companies with expertise in turning ideas into reality. Here’s their advice on what startups need to keep in mind, from the typical kinds of problems they’ll run into, to how to meet the standards set by the automotive industry.
General Motors is jumping into online retailing with both feet. It’s launching a web portal called CarBravo to sell used cars, including non-GM brands and models. Dan Ahearn, the senior manager in charge of CarBravo, explains why they’ll happily sell you a car that was made by a different automaker.
They used to call it the Rust Belt. But Midwest states like Michigan are actually at the leading edge of a revolution in new mobility. Smokestack factories are giving way to modern manufacturing facilities and R and D centers. Garlin Gilchrist, the lieutenant governor of Michigan, gives a detailed account of the initiatives going on in the state.
The public is hyper aware that a wave of electric cars is about to hit the market. But the public doesn’t know a lot about the public EV charging infrastructure. And in many cases what it knows is flat out wrong. Mark LaNeve, the president of Charge Enterprises, and Sarah Nielsen, the executive director of Transportation, Renewables and Storage from Consumers Energy, set the record straight.
CES is renowned for being a mecca for tech companies. Even so, for 2022 it’s attracting a record amount of automotive exhibitors and speakers. One out of three attendees will be coming from automotive and mobility companies. Gary Shapiro, the CEO of the Consumer Technology Association which runs CES, talks about why automotive companies are so devoted to the show and why they want to be there. Also joining the discussion are Pete Bigelow from Automotive News and Sam Abuelsamid from Guidehouse Insights.
There is a critical shortage of automotive technicians in the US. Car dealerships, body shops and automotive repair facilities can’t find the people they need. But a high school and community college in North Carolina have figured out how to get students excited about working on cars. In fact, they have a waiting list of students who want to enroll. Roy Jennings and Dustin Ford from the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, as well as Erik Mortensen from Watauga High School, explain why the program is so successful.
The auto industry is learning how to slash the time it takes to develop new cars and components with a technology called Digital Twins. By simulating a product or a process, automakers and suppliers can perfect the design before it’s actually used in the real world. Digital Twins are revolutionizing the product development process. Prith Banerjee from Ansys and Ashish Naik from NI discuss the impact it’s having.
Automakers are heavily investing in EVs. The Biden Administration wants 50% of all new cars to be electric by 2030. Yet, the US depends on China for 80% of the raw materials needed to make EVs. It’s a matter of national security. How should the US respond? John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, argues that what’s needed is a comprehensive national industrial strategy.
The Ford Motor Company has laid out an ambitious plan to transform the company by the end of this decade. It has to transition to electric, autonomous and connected vehicles. And to get there it has to change the way the company operates. Lisa Drake, the chief operating officer for North America, talks about the changes the company will make, and the role that women can play in this transformation.
Cybersecurity is a threat that no automaker or supplier can handle on its own. So the auto industry formed an Auto ISAC: an information sharing and assessment center. Members of the Auto ISAC share info on how they’ve been attacked and how they responded. Three cyber experts provide an up to date report on the latest issues the Auto ISAC is dealing with.
Automotive safety technology can prevent accidents and save lives. But it can also be maddeningly annoying. All those beeps, buzzes and warning chimes. So researchers are carefully collecting data on how humans drive, and using artificial intelligence to make those safety systems less intrusive and more effective.
China’s automotive industry used to rely on foreign automakers and suppliers to develop cars and technology. Not anymore. China set a goal to become self-sufficient by 2025. Not only is it on track to achieve that goal, it’s leading the world when it comes to electric and connected cars. Tu Le of Sino Automotive Insights shares his views on where it’s all going.
The auto industry knows the future is with electric vehicles. But it’s also facing a slew of new legal issues that EVs bring with them. Battery fires are pitting automakers against suppliers. Electric utilities face legal challenges from companies that operate charging stations. And consumers are demanding protection from any of these problems. Autoline This Week tackles the legal issues that have not got the attention they deserve.
Power Play is a new book about the history of Tesla. Its author, Wall Street Journal reporter Tim Higgins, interviewed hundreds of people both inside and outside of the company, to get the inside story of what actually happened and what is happening today.
Magna makes all the major components that go into cars. It even assembles cars for various automakers, something that no other Tier 1 supplier can do. The company is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, it’s growing rapidly, and CEO Swamy Kotagiri lays out how his vision of how it can grow even more.
The Automotive Hall of Fame has already Inducted some of the most famous names in the history of the industry. Now it's reaching out to induct minorities who may not be well known but who achieved impressive accomplishments for their day.
Alfonso Albaisa is the Senior VP of Design at Nissan. He talks about how he had his team design the new Nissan Z sports car, incorporating new technology yet retaining the classic lines of its predecessors.
Mark Rosekind is a former NHTSA administrator. Now he’s with autonomous vehicle startup Zoox, which was recently bought by Amazon. Zoox has a clever design for a vehicle that is going to be safer than anything that’s ever been on the road.
The auto industry is working hard to reduce its carbon footprint. And while everyone is aware of the big push to electric cars, there are other efforts underway. One of those includes making automotive components from biomaterials. These are materials made from plants and vegetation, not from petroleum. And they’ve reached a level of sophistication and development where they are lighter, cheaper and offer better performance.
China cornered the global market for the critical metals and minerals needed to make EV motors and batteries. Now the Biden Administration wants to develop a US supply chain. Is that even possible? And if so, how long will it take? Three experts in mining and processing talk about the challenges that lie ahead.
Over the next three years there will be a flood of electric vehicles hitting the market. Can the electrical grid handle the load? How about on hot summer nights when people are running their air conditioning? And will transformers at the neighborhood level be able to take it?
Autonomous vehicles are not years away from going into commercial operation. They’re already on the road today providing rides to the public. May Mobility and Beep are two of the pioneers in this technology. They’re growing their operations and see a bright future ahead.
The auto industry got clobbered by a shortage of chips. It could also face a shortage of critical materials needed to make batteries and motors for electric cars. The industry needs long term planning to avoid future shortages, and may need the federal government involved to make it happen.
At some point the pandemic will end and people will be able to go back to the office. But many will opt to keep on working from home. The auto industry is trying to figure out how it can accommodate both. In the meantime, it’s learning new processes and etiquette for how people work together online.
Automotive suppliers who make parts for piston engines know their future is threatened by electric cars. They have three choices. 1. jump on the EV bandwagon. 2. ride the piston engine into the sunset. 3. try to make parts for both. So which is the right strategy?
Connected car technology can dramatically improve vehicle efficiency and safety at the same time it slashes emissions. Better still, it costs a fraction of any other way to do this. Some cars already have the technology, and it’s only a matter of time before they all do.
A year ago the future of the Canadian auto industry looked doubtful. But then GM, Ford and Stellantis announced billions of dollars in investments to make electric cars there. Moreover, Canada has all the raw materials needed to make EV batteries and electric motors, as well as a green electric grid to manufacture them. All this transformed the outlook for the Canadian auto industry from bleak to bright.
Automakers must meet government mandates for Zero Emission Vehicles. They’re investing billions of dollars to develop battery electric cars. Yet last year EV sales came to only 1.6% of all vehicles sold. This show explores the challenges and opportunities to selling more electric vehicles.
Automakers around the world are struggling with a shortage of computer chips that is bringing their assembly lines to a grinding halt. How did the industry get caught with this shortage, how is it trying to cope, and how will the problem get resolved? Our panel of experts explains what’s going on, and what needs to happen.
Car dealers are creative and adaptive. They adjusted to lockdowns and social distancing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and learned how to maintain sales with much lower levels of inventory. Auto analyst and retail expert Maryann Keller explains that they’re also going to outlast EV startups who try to sell direct to consumers.
The auto industry is transforming itself to make electric vehicles. But EVs need 30% fewer labor hours to manufacture and could eliminate tens of thousands of jobs. The UAW is keenly aware of this and is preparing for an all-electric future. Jeff Dokho, the director of the Research Department at the UAW, lays out the union’s plans to prepare for it.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are not going mainstream anytime soon. But they make a lot of sense in other parts of the transportation sector, such as with semi-trucks, trains and ships. Wall Street is also waking up to the possibilities and investors are sniffing out investment opportunities. Bryan Pivovar, a Senior Research Fellow at the National Renewable Energy Lab, talks about the progress being made in hydrogen production and fuel cell development.
When the auto industry shut down last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic it lost a lot of production. Even now, car dealers are running on bare-bone levels of inventory. But Chevrolet is using new digital tools to let customers peer into its pipeline and discover the delivery date for the exact vehicle they want. It’s also engaging customers online with experts who can answer their questions, including technical ones about electric cars. Steve Hill, the head of Chevrolet, talks about how they’re using these digital tools to boost market share.
Elaine Buckberg, the Chief Economist at General Motors, provides her economic outlook, the need for more stimulus, why the stock market is so strong, and why pickups are selling so well.
Ford and Nissan are going through the largest new product launches in the history of their respective companies. Mark LaNeve is the Head of Sales for Ford, and Allyson Witherspoon is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nissan U.S. They talk about the importance of bringing all of these new products to market and new ways they’re going to make the world aware of them.
Automakers are going through a historic transition on multiple fronts. They have to develop a lineup of electric cars. They have to learn all about mobility services and data monetization. And they have to learn how to deal with a changing retail infrastructure. This show is all about what the industry will look like at the end of the decade.
To develop connected and autonomous cars and provide smart mobility doesn’t require a lot of natural resources. It requires a lot of brain power. The right kind of brain power, organized and working in the proper direction. These trends play to Canada’s strengths, as we discuss in today’s show.
Today’s cars are the safest they’ve ever been, but they could be even safer. Part of the problem is the cost of new safety technology, part of it is because new regulations take too long to put in place. David Harkey, the president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, talks about ways to cut the cost of safety technology and how to get it to the market faster.
Toyota used the COVID-19 pandemic to learn what it was not doing well, what it is doing well and how it can do better coming out of this. Jack Hollis, Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations at Toyota, takes us through the company’s strategy.
Electric pickups are getting big headlines and a lot of media coverage. In just a couple of years there will be at last 9 of them hitting the market. But these pickups are priced and configured in a way that will only appeal to a small segment of truck buyers. Industry veteran Warren Browne explains that these EVs are going to face.
Dana is one of the leading automotive suppliers in the world for drivetrain systems. And it is powertrain agnostic. So whether automakers want to use internal combustion engines, hybrids, batteries or fuel cells, it doesn’t matter. Dana’s plan is to have whatever kind of powertrain they need. Bob Pyle, President of Light Vehicle Systems, takes us inside their strategy.
Canada has an excellent education system that is developing the talent needed to develop leading edge processes to recycle EV batteries, to provide smart mobility and play a leadership role in the auto industry’s transition to a new world of moving people and goods.
Hyundai is not just a car company. It’s a multi-industry conglomerate that plans to leverage its technology across all those industries. Jose Munoz, COO of Hyundai Motor Company, talks about where this technology will take it, including passenger drones.
Only three car companies have been able to boost sales during the pandemic, and Volvo is one of them. Anders Gustafsson, the President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, talks about how they had the right product at the right place, as well as the success of their subscription service, and their move into electrification.
Mazda is a relatively small car company that can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest automakers. So far this year it’s doing better than any other automaker in the American market, and is picking up market share. Jeff Guyton, President, Mazda North America explains how and what they’re doing.
Just a few years ago, the Chinese economy and auto industry were booming. Foreign automakers and suppliers rushed in with massive investments. Today things do not look as promising. Michael Dunne, Founder of ZoZo Go, talks about the changes and the pitfalls ahead.
Automotive startups have discovered a new way to raise a lot of money fast. They’re called reverse mergers, which involve what are called blank check companies, also known as SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. If you have not heard of reverse mergers, you’re going to. They’re the hottest topic in the investment community.
Volkswagen used to dominate the import segment in the American market. Today, it’s one of the smaller automakers in America. But the company is betting big on electric vehicles, and Scott Keogh, the CEO of Volkswagen of America, sees them as the key way to build market share back up again.
Because Subaru is so successful in the American market, most people don’t realize it’s actually quite a small car company. But it has the highest brand loyalty and resale value of any automaker. On this show, Tom Doll, the President and CEO of Subaru of America, talks about how they plan to keep their momentum going.
The Jeep brand grew exponentially over the last decade, mainly because it hasn’t faced much competition. That’s why Ford is bringing back the Bronco. One model is aimed right at the Jeep Wrangler, the other is aimed at the Jeep Compass. Today’s show is all about how Ford is bringing back the Bronco brand.
Automotive Lease Guide helps automakers figure out what a car will be worth in three years. That helps automakers figure out what they can charge for lease payments. It’s what they call residual values. But how do you figure out residual values? And what can car companies do to improve them? Those are the topics on this show.
Car dealers just went through the greatest economic shock that they’ve ever experienced. But right now, there are signs that the auto business is starting to recover. Even so, it’s not going to back to normal. Sandy Schwartz, CEO of Cox Automotive, says this is a teaching moment for car dealers to learn new ways to do business.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.
Traditional automakers work at a much slower clock-speed than Silicon Valley. In many respects, they have to. Automobiles are very complicated pieces of machinery and can have a big impact on public safety. Even so, automakers want to speed up their clock-speed. Today’s show is about how they’re doing that.
Automakers and their suppliers desperately want to get back to normal production. If they don’t get revenue coming in soon they could face bankruptcy. But even after they restart their assembly lines, will there be customers ready to buy their cars? Today’s panel examines the challenges the auto industry faces and the likely steps it will take to get things going again.
The automotive industry made good progress over the last 30 years broadening its inclusion of women and minorities in its executive workforce. Even so, it’s falling woefully short of where it needs to be. On Autoline This Week, the panel discusses ideas and best practices on how the industry can do a better job.
Detroit used to be known as the Arsenal of Democracy. Not so much anymore. Now the U.S. military would like a lot more engagement from automakers and automotive suppliers. On Autoline This Week, the panel discusses the business opportunities the auto industry can pursue and how it can go about doing it.
The coronavirus crisis is wreaking havoc in the automotive industry. It’s never been through anything quite like this before, not even in wartime. What is the outlook for the industry, how can it respond and when can it get back to normal? Though the situation is still in a state of flux, three automotive experts provide their insights as to what may lie ahead for automakers, suppliers and dealers.
Automakers are equipping cars with ADAS, or advanced driver assistance systems, including radar, sonar and video cameras. This is the technology that can make cars safer with blind spot detection, automated emergency braking and lane keeping. But if your car gets bent up in an accident, who’s going to make sure these sensors are properly aimed and calibrated? In collaboration with I-CAR, the independent collision auto repair association, we have three automotive repair experts weighing in on what the industry needs to do to make sure ADAS technology truly keeps your car safe.
Automakers have to sell electric cars. It’s the law. But so far EVs only account for 1.4 percent of all new car sales. So how can automakers grow the EV segment? Escalent is a research firm that’s identified six different groups of new car buyers and what motivates them to buy a new car. You might be surprised by its findings because “saving the environment” is not high on their list. Instead, automakers need to key in on other attributes, which is the topic of this show’s discussion.
For over a century, cars were all about nuts and bolts and stamping and welding. Not anymore. Today, the automobile is going through an electronic metamorphosis that is going to transform the driving experience. How far will it go, how fast will it happen and can the traditional auto industry keep up with the change?
Some experts say we’re on the verge of a tipping point with electric cars. Other experts say the internal combustion engine will be around until the middle of this century. On Autoline This Week, three reporters from Wards, who intensely cover powertrains and propulsion systems, join us to share what they’ve learned about where the automotive industry is really headed.
There’s a lot of talk about a U.S. manufacturing renaissance. But to make new cars and trucks you need tools, dies, molds and fixtures. And in the U.S., the tool and die industry is under a lot of stress. What will it take to make this vital industrial sector thrive or can it even survive?
Automotive suppliers account for 80% of the parts and components that go into cars. They are also a major source of technological innovation. Right now, they face a lot of financial pressures and economic uncertainty. But if just a few things fall into place, the future could look a lot more optimistic.
Every year, the editors from Wards evaluate the newest engines and propulsion systems from the world’s top automakers. Then they pick what they believe is the best of the best, from V8s to battery electrics to fuel cells. On Autoline This Week, they announce which engines made the list and why they were chosen.
The North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) jury comprises roughly 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada. Every year they vote on the best new cars, trucks and utility vehicles that came out in North America. Three of the NACTOY jurors join us on Autoline This Week to discuss the three cars that made it to the finalists list, as well as some of the cars that did not make the list. They also predict which vehicles will win the awards for best car, truck and utility.
The North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) jury comprises roughly 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada. Every year they vote on the best new cars, trucks and utility vehicles that came out in North America. Three of the NACTOY jurors join us on Autoline This Week to discuss the three cars that made it to the finalists list, as well as some of the cars that did not make the list. They also predict which vehicles will win the awards for best car, truck and utility.
A decade ago, the automotive industry was struggling to recover from the worst recession it had seen in decades. The industry went on to recover, reporting record sales and profits. But as this decade winds to a close, there’s fear and uncertainty as to what lies ahead. On Autoline This Week, four automotive journalists discuss what got us here and where we’re going.
In the past two years, electric scooters have magically appeared in almost every major city in the world. They became instantly popular, yet brought a host of problems with them. How will cities try and manage these scooters? And what kind of standards will they have to meet? On Autoline This Week, two micro mobility experts discuss the impact these scooters are having.
The UAW says that it’s fighting for jobs and social justice against the Detroit based automakers. At the same time, federal investigators are uncovering a culture of corruption at the union that goes to the very top. On Autoline This Week, three experts on the situation discuss the details and look ahead to what the likely outcome will be.
Fleet sales used to be scorned by many automakers. It was unprofitable and not a sexy part of the business. Today it’s just the opposite. Fleet sales are profitable and are up strong, while retail sales are down. This week’s show is all about how and why it changed.
Automakers are rushing into a new business opportunity called mobility services. It involves ride hailing, ride sharing, electric scooters and e-bikes. It could even involve passenger drones. But so far no one is making any money on this. So the question is: is there a business case for mobility services?
Import tariffs, electric cars, and over-the-air updates are just some of the issues that could disrupt the automotive retail business. Yet transportation in the United States is still built around the automobile. On this week’s show, Charlie Gilchrist, the chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, talks about how car dealers will adapt to a changing world.
Acura has been around for 30 years but it’s hard to define exactly what the brand stands for. Moreover, Acura only has four volume selling vehicles in its showrooms. This week’s show is all about how Acura is rebuilding itself to become a true performance brand and where it plans to expand its model lineup.
The USMCA, the trade agreement that was negotiated to replace NAFTA, was supposed to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. But will it? Right now, the trade pact is stuck in Congress and could be stuck there for some time. On Autoline This Week, three trade experts discuss how it will impact the auto industry if and when it’s enacted.
Government regulations around the world are mandating that automakers build electric vehicles. And they’re doing it. The only problem is, no one knows how to make a profit on EVs. Moreover, they don’t know how to recycle the batteries. On this week’s show, we get into all that and the issues that are hindering EV adoption.
Though most people don’t realize it, modern cars generate a tremendous amount of data. That data is very valuable from a variety of standpoints and it has to be protected from cyber thieves. On Autoline This Week, we discuss the current state of affairs and where its headed in the future.
Just a couple of years ago, automakers were talking as if autonomous cars were right around the corner. Today they all seem to be backing away from that. Why? What happened? And what’s it going to take to put autonomous vehicles on track? On Autoline This Week, two executives from tech companies dive into the issue.
The Management Briefing Seminars represent one of the most important conferences in the global automotive industry. On Autoline This Week, three panelists talk about the top issues that came out of this year’s conference: Trump tariffs, industry restructuring, road blocks to electrification, reinventing the work place and a world of new opportunities.
Flying cars have been part of science fiction fantasy for nearly a century but now fantasy is turning into reality. And the auto industry is starting to explore how it can play a role in what could be a brand-new market. Flying cars could be less than a decade away. That’s today’s topic on Autoline This Week.
The Ford Motor Company is completely changing the way it develops new cars and trucks. They call it EPLM or Enterprise Product Line Management. Ford is also using what it calls customer-centric-design. What does it all mean? On Autoline This Week, Jim Baumbick, the VP of Enterprise Product Line Management at Ford, explains what it’s all about and why it could transform the Ford Motor Company.
Automakers and suppliers are investing heavily in electric and autonomous cars as well as mobility services. But AlixPartners says the industry is entering a profit desert because nobody is making money with these technologies…at least not yet. On Autoline This Week, Mark Wakefield explains how the industry will have to handle this transition.
Continental was founded in 1871 and its corporate structure hasn’t changed a lot since then. Now its reinventing itself to deal with an industry that’s quickly moving into electrification, autonomy and connectivity. On Autoline This Week, Jeff Klei, President of North American operations for Continental, talks about how and why the company is changing. And he also discusses the challenge of getting consumers to accept this new technology.
Every year, Bank of America Merrill Lynch comes out with a study they call Car Wars. It looks at all aspects of the automotive industry, especially on the lookout for where problems could arise. John Murphy, the senior automotive analyst with Bank of America, is the main author of the report. And on Autoline This Week, he gives us his outlook for future sales, mergers and acquisitions, electric cars, autonomous cars, import tariffs and labor negotiations.
Silicon Valley is world renowned for its startup culture. That’s why so many electric car startups are located in the Bay Area…but not all of them. Now we’re seeing a startup migration to the Motor City. Have you heard of Bollinger Motors, Bordrin or Quadrobot? Learn why they decided to locate in Detroit on Autoline This Week.
Automakers are plunging headfirst into developing technology that automates certain driving functions. Ultimately, they want fully autonomous cars. But are human beings ready for this type of technology? And how will drivers make the transition from semi-automated to fully autonomous vehicles? That’s the topic of this week’s show.
Cadillac came out with a product onslaught in the last decade but it hasn’t gained any ground. It will soon become the point of the spear for General Motors big push on electric cars. In the meantime, it needs to leverage technology like Super Cruise, it new SUVs and its high-performance V-Series to build momentum in the marketplace. On Autoline This Week, Deborah Wahl, Cadillac’s Chief Marketing Officer, talks about their strategy and plans.
Roger Penske is an icon in the automotive industry and he’s this year’s recipient of the SAE Foundation’s Leadership of the Year Award. His businesses touch all aspects of the industry including, trucking, manufacturing, logistics and racing. On Autoline This Week, he discusses what keeps him inspired to be involved in his business at his age. He also discusses the industry’s move into autonomy, electrification and mobility services.
American automakers invested heavily in China and for years enjoyed great growth. But they taught their Chinese partners a lot and now they’re losing sales to Chinese automakers and profits are declining. “Made in China 2025” is an ambitious Chinese program to globally dominate certain key technologies and industries, including the automotive industry. This has significant implications for the US automotive industry. Michael Dunne, an expert on the Chinese auto industry, and the CEO of a consultancy called ZoZo Go, shares his insights and warnings about what is likely to happen.
Tesloop is a ride sharing company. Carmiq is a car sharing company. And Rahul Sonnad is the CEO of both. The companies specialize in using Teslas to provide rides, or allow Tesla owners to rent out their cars. On Autoline This Week, we learn how the startup is exploring new opportunities in mobility.
About five years ago, the Lincoln Motor Company initiated a new design theme for its lineup called Quiet Flight. Instead of adopting a sporty, aggressive look like its competitors, the company chose to go in an opposite direction. On Autoline This Week, David Woodhouse, the Design Director of Lincoln, discusses how the new styling elements, like in the new Corsair, are helping to distinguish it from the competition.
BorgWarner is a century old auto supplier that always specialized in technology for internal combustion engines. Now its repositioning itself to be a significant supplier in propulsion electrification. On Autoline This Week, Fred Lissalde, the CEO of the company, discusses BorgWarner’s strategy for stepping into the new world.
Magna is an impressively diversified automotive supplier that is growing at double digit rates. It’s the only traditional auto supplier in the world that manufactures cars for automakers. In fact, it can even do full vehicle development. On Autoline This Week, CEO Don Walker talks about Magna’s involvement in ride hailing, autonomy and electrification. And why all the startups are knocking on Magna’s door.
Cyber security is an increasingly important topic in the auto industry and also the commercial truck industry. And with the growth of autonomous and connected vehicles, it’s only going to become more of a concern. On Autoline This Week, we’re on location at the National Defense Industrial Association’s cyber security meeting, to discuss how vehicles are being protected from hackers.
Bosch is the world’s largest automotive supplier and is viewed as an old, traditional company that is set in its ways. But with so much change happening in the auto industry, the supplier needs to become more adaptive and flexible. On Autoline This Week, Mike Mansuetti, the President of Bosch North America, joins us for a discussion about the evolution of what is going on in the supplier industry.
Auto shows are in trouble. Some automakers are skipping certain auto shows and some are dropping out of others. On this week’s show, we dive into what is going on and what it will take to turn it around.
Ford had a terrible 2018. It wants to bury it and focus on the future. That future involves a complete redo of its product line and an effort to find new partners. And Ford is doing this knowing full well that it is sailing into unchartered waters. Ford’s Executive Vice President and President of Global Markets, Jim Farley, joins us on Autoline This Week to discuss the company’s future.
The number one problem facing every automaker and supplier is recruiting the talent they need. Baby boomers are retiring by the thousands and the automotive industry is struggling to replace them. It’s a crisis in recruitment. How do we get new talent to join the automotive industry? Find out on Autoline This Week.
The emergence of electrification, autonomy and mobility is rapidly changing the landscape of the auto industry. That’s why a big Tier 1 supplier like ZF, needs to evolve to keep up with the competition. On Autoline This Week, Aine Denari and Mamtha Chamarthi from ZF, discuss how the company is becoming more flexible and agile, while it transitions away from making traditional vehicle components.
Every year, the editors at Wards Auto choose the top engines in the market for its annual 10 Best Engines award. This year, they evaluated 34 new or updated powertrains, including traditional ICEs, hybrids, battery electrics and fuel cells. On Autoline This Week, the Wards Auto staff joins us to discuss their picks for the 10 Best Engines.
Every year, 54 automotive journalists vote on the best new car, utility vehicle and truck, that were introduced. On Autoline This Week, we discuss the vehicles that made the finalist list in each of these categories. Not only do we discuss the attributes of these vehicles, we predict who the winners might be.
While a lot happened in the auto industry all year long, 2018 is really wrapping up with a bang. From Nissan’s CEO being thrown in prison, to GM announcing major plant closings, to Tesla scrambling to build Model 3’s, to President Trump enacting import tariffs, there was no end to the news. On today’s show, we dive into the details.
Not too long ago, Lincoln wasn’t viewed as a major player in the luxury segment. However, its launched several new models, the Navigator, MKC, Nautilus and Aviator, that are changing the perception of the brand. On Autoline This Week, Joy Falotico, the Group Vice President of the Lincoln Motor Company, discusses how she plans to boost sales while improving residual values and why China is playing a big role in the revival of the company.
A decade ago Volvo was flat on its back. Some wondered if the company could survive. Today it’s a completely different story. Sales are soaring thanks to an impressive lineup of all new vehicles. On Autoline This Week, Anders Gustafsson, Volvo’s Senior Vice President of the Americas, talks about how they’ll keep the momentum going and how they’re exploring new ways to move the metal.
Schaeffler is a traditional Tier 1 supplier that makes components for internal combustion engines, transmissions and chassis. Now it’s plunging into the world of electrification, autonomy, and mobility. On Autoline This Week, Jeff Hemphill, the Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler Group USA, talks about how they’re making the transition.
The National Auto Dealers Association is one of the most powerful lobby groups in the United States. It has a clear idea of where it’s going and what it wants. On Autoline This Week, Wes Lutz, the 2018 Chairman of the NADA talks about the Trump Administration’s plans for imported car tariffs. He also shares his views on electric cars, autonomous cars and how mobility services may impact automotive retailers.
While everyone in the automotive industry focuses on new cars, the used car market is red hot right now. But how long will it last? Technology is both enhancing and disrupting sales of used vehicles. On Autoline This Week, our panel discusses if the used car market will continue to boom or if it’s just another bubble.
One of the hottest parts of the U.S. auto market right now is with pickup trucks and SUVs. And while they’re perceived to be gas guzzlers, these vehicles are getting a lot more fuel efficient. In fact, Fiat-Chrysler is in the process of converting most of its pickups and Jeeps into hybrids. On Autoline This Week, Brian Spohn from FCA powertrain explains how the company is doing these conversions.
Automakers are starting to introduce new technology in their factories that is making working safer, faster and more productive. Technology such as drones, 3D printing, co-bots and exoskeletons. On Autoline This Week, Dan Grieshaber, the Global Director of Manufacturing Integration at General Motors, explains how today’s factory workers are at the forefront of a new industrial revolution.
The convergence of autonomy, connectivity, electrification and ride sharing is going to change the auto industry as we know it. It’s going to have as much impact on society as when the automobile first appeared over 100 years ago. On Autoline This Week, Larry Burns the author of the book "Autonomy," lays out his vision for how the world is about to change.
The common perception is that millennials don’t want to buy new cars and don’t even want to drive. But Professor Mike Bernacchi at the University of Detroit Mercy, has data that refutes that perception. On this episode of Autoline This Week, he explains how car companies and dealerships should be marketing to millennials.
Automakers, suppliers and tech companies are investing tens of billions of dollars in developing ACES cars. That’s the industry vernacular for Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Shared cars. But AlixPartners, a global consulting company, says much of that money is going to be wasted. On today’s episode of Autoline This Week, Mark Wakefield of AlixPartners explains how these companies need to get into this field with their eyes wide open.
Almost 40,000 people are killed every year in the United States in car accidents but the auto industry has impressive new technology coming that could slash that number. Some of the technology is going into cars right now and some will come later. On Autoline This Week, Jada Smith talks about the role Aptiv is playing in bringing this technology to market.
Cars used to be made out of wood and steel. Today, they’re made out of many different grades of steel and aluminum and different kinds of plastics and even carbon fiber. Moreover, today’s cars bristle with all kinds of safety sensors. They’re being electrified and soon will be autonomous. That makes today’s cars far more complex to repair. So, how do technicians get proper training when cars are constantly changing? And how do body shops ensure they have the right kind of commitment? This show delves into how automakers and independent repair shops are trying to meet the challenge.
Automakers face a dizzying choice of propulsion systems to use in their vehicles, which includes piston engines, hybrids, plug-ins, battery electrics and fuel cells. On Autoline This Week, Dan Nicholson, the Vice President of Global Propulsion Systems at General Motors, discusses GM’s strategy on where and when to use each one. And he also talks about the need for a new national standard on high octane gasoline.
Automakers face a big challenge of where to devote their capital and R and D efforts in powertrain development. How do they balance their efforts between internal combustion engines, hybrids, battery electric vehicles and fuel cells? Dave Filipe, the Vice President of Powertrain Engineering at Ford, lays out the company’s strategy of how they’re going to proceed.
Automotive retailers are enjoying a terrific business climate right now but they face an uncertain future. On Autoline This Week, experts in the automotive retail business talk about the market shift away from passenger cars, what it will take to sell electric vehicles, how they’re dealing with margin compression and the impact President Trump’s import tariffs can have on their business.
Dana is a traditional automotive supplier that’s been around for 114 years. It manufactures axles for all kinds of vehicles but now it has to transform itself into an agile company that’s ready for an autonomous and electrified world. On Autoline This Week, we’re joined by Bob Pyle, the President of Dana’s Light Vehicle Driveline division, to discuss how Dana is getting ready for big changes in the automotive industry.
Shiloh Industries is a traditional auto supplier that pours, bends, machines and welds metals. And yet sales have tripled in four year’s time. On Autoline This Week, Ramzi Hermiz the CEO of Shiloh Industries, talks about how the company’s light-weighting experience is propelling that growth and will continue to do so even with electric and autonomous vehicles. He also talks about his experience serving on the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The auto industry is undergoing massive technological change. That’s why LEAR, a traditional seat supplier, is adding the technical capability to ensure the company can grow as the industry evolves. Ray Scott, the CEO of LEAR joins us on Autoline This Week, to discuss a number of topics, including how the seat in your car, is about to join the internet of things.
This year’s recipient of the SAE Foundation’s Leadership of the Year Award, is Jose Munoz, the Chief Performance Officer at Nissan. He’s in charge of the company’s efforts in China and on this edition of Autoline This Week, Munoz presents his views on how the country is moving into the forefront of automotive technology. He also discusses the industry’s move into electrification, autonomy and mobility services.
There’s a big concern over robots eliminating manufacturing jobs. On Autoline This Week, we’re joined by three robotics experts who say that while some jobs will be lost, more new ones will be created. And that robots will make manufacturing companies cost competitive in global markets.
After dropping out of the American market in 1991, French automaker PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen, wants back in. Before it starts building or selling cars in the U.S., it wants to launch a ride sharing service called Free2Move. Larry Dominique, the CEO of PSA North America, talks about their plans and how big this business could be.
The Management Briefing Seminars have been held for over half a century, which covers all aspects of the auto industry. The conference is organized by the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On Autoline This Week, three executives from CAR discuss a multitude of topics that will be covered at this year’s conference.
General Motors is preparing itself for the coming decade, where there will be massive change coming from autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, connected cars and shared cars. Dan Ammann, the President of GM, explains the company’s strategy and outlook for the future.
Africa’s population is almost as large as China’s and will double in the next 20 years, which means the demand for cars and mobility will be massive. On Autoline This Week, our special guest is Edward Hightower, an auto industry veteran, who’s written a book that identifies six countries on the continent that are ripe for industrialization.
With more and more technology being added to cars, automakers can no longer design vehicles that delight customers, they now have to design vehicles that build trust. Input is needed from many different disciplines, so design can encompass a customer’s entire experience. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy is joined by three design experts who explain why “designers have to become stewards of morality.”
The market for ride sharing is growing fast. At the same time, customers are ditching cars and snapping up trucks, CUVs and SUVs instead. So how will dealers play a role in the new world of mobility? We’ve invited three experts from the dealer world to Autoline This Week to find out.
Cyber security is a growing concern in the auto industry. There are all kinds of cyber-attacks that aren’t getting talked about publically. But it’s not enough to just protect cars from hackers, automakers must look at their entire operation. However, the auto industry can’t do it alone, it must seek out the help of experts. There are lessons for the industry to learn from the military and vice versa. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy is joined by members of the auto industry, military and the tech world for a dive into cyber security.
Automotive suppliers are critically important to developing new technology, they account for 70 percent of the value of a car. But they face a number of important issues, like possibly losing NAFTA and the impact of aluminum and steel tariffs. Joining us on this edition of Autoline This Week is Julie Fream, the President and CEO of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, to discuss the issues facing suppliers.
Automakers spend a great deal of time and money developing a new vehicle and surprisingly one of the most time-consuming parts of the process is choosing its colors. It takes two to three years to get a color certified for a car. On this edition of Autoline This Week, we’re joined by color experts from Axalta, BASF and PPG, to discuss everything from how color will play a role with autonomous cars, to how it can affect the way people feel about a vehicle they’re in.
Is corporate America too focused on the short term? That’s what author and former President of JCI’s North American Automotive operations, Rande Somma says. On Autoline This Week he shares why he thinks Boards of Directors aren’t properly incentivizing management and why executives are paid too much.
It’s an exciting time to be an automotive designer but creating a new style for a brand isn’t an easy task. Designers must be able to predict the future and identify styling trends years before a new car is launched. On this edition of Autoline This Week, John McElroy sits down with designers from Jeep, Buick and Ford to discuss how they go about creating a new car design.
The auto industry is going through enormous technological change right now, with the development of electric vehicles, autonomous cars and mobility services. But there’s a lot of fights developing behind the scenes over the patents, the trade secrets and the intellectual property that backs up that technology. On this edition of Autoline This Week, our panel of experts discuss the best way to protect those industrial secrets.
Ten years ago analysts were advising Ford to bury its luxury brand Lincoln; the Germans and Japanese had too much of the market they said, plus its U.S. competition, Cadillac, was already in the midst of making a comeback. However, Ford ignored the naysayers and resurrected the brand with new product, new leadership and even reviving some of its historic nameplates to boot. This week on Autoline, we talk with our special guest Kumar Galhotra the head of Lincoln about where the brand is today and where it will be going as we move into the 2020s.
Despite the fact that it has six different brands, last year the two that made the most money for FCA were Jeep and RAM. And this year both brands are debuting new product. However, today there seems to be nothing more important to the public than a truck, and RAM has a dynamite light-duty version, which it unveiled recently at the North American International Auto Show. This week’s Autoline talks to the two men responsible for the interior design and marketing of the truck. Join us for a deep dive into the 2019 RAM 1500 half-ton pickup.
Many analysts say that automakers who continue to make cars like the ones produced the last 100 years, may find themselves out of business in the not too distant future if that continues to be their concentration. And that’s a big reason why OEMs like Ford have made a big investment on mobility. Whether it’s technology, ride-sharing or product planning, the executive in charge of all mobility for the Blue Oval is Executive Vice President Marcy Klevorn. Autoline recently caught up Ms. Klevorn at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada where she sat down with Autoline to share the Ford mobility story.
It’s one of the most coveted design jobs in the automotive world. Only seven talented men, throughout its 90-year history, have been lucky enough to hold the title “Head of GM Design.” The most recent is Michael Simcoe, the first Aussie to steer the ship. This week he sits down with John McElroy along with Alisa Priddle from Motor Trend and Automobile’s Todd Lassa as they talk about this historic job and where he’d like to take General Motors Design.
Imagine how difficult of a job it is to be in charge of Ford’s Product Development. And then how about if we put you in charge of Ford Purchasing as well. This combination is the latest job description of Ford executive Hau Thai-Tang. He joins John as Autoline THIS WEEK’s special guest as he discusses his engineering past, his latest roles with the company and his nearly three decades with Ford Motor Company.
It’s one of the most sought-after engineering awards in the world and Autoline has the inside scoop. The WardsAuto editorial staff joins us to discuss this year’s 10 Best engines in the world.
It’s almost time for the North American International Auto Show where manufacturers not only unveil the newest cutting-edge cars, but a group of North American auto writers award the coveted NACTOY best car, truck and sport utility of the year prize. Join juror John McElroy and three of his fellow NACTOY auto writers as they discuss the finalists and who they each believe is the vehicle of the year.
There’s so much changing with today’s auto industry from people to products and customers, the one thing that doesn’t change is the bottom line. That’s why it’s always interesting to see how the automotive economists see the coming year. Joining John McElroy on his annual show will be the chief economists from General Motors, Ford and the Original Equipment Specialty Association or OESA.
John McElroy and three top auto journalists – Joe White with Reuters, Greg Migliore from Autoblog and Automobile’s Todd Lassa -- examine the top automotive news stories from 2017.
Back in January 2016, GM saw that it needed to make a move; actually several of them if it wanted to remain viable for the future. Since it already had the cars it started with a Zipcar-like rental service called Maven and now has graduated to something called Maven Gig. Joining John McElroy to explain the story of Maven and how GM plans to expand it is Rachel Bhattacharya, Maven’s director of Commercial Mobility Strategy.
Today’s cars collect data. The computers and electronics on cars, trucks and SUVs capture almost everything we do and where we go with it. And some of that information can be valuable to different sectors of the auto industry. To explain to us what this data is and who owns it, John McElroy is joined by a powerhouse panel including Acxiom information analyst Michael Perugi, privacy expert Jennifer Dukarski from the law firm Butzel Long and automotive analyst Sam Abuelsamid from Navigant Research.
Entrepreneur Dale Pollak made his name developing software to solve day-to-day dealership issues. But along the way he witnessed the tsunami of changes that would envelope 21st century automotive retailers and chronicled many of them in his book “Like I See It.” Today he joins Autoline to discuss not only his book, but how the changing retail world is affecting your local car dealer and how it impacts both you and me. Joining John McElroy on his journalist panel is Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production and WardsAuto’s Steve Finlay.
With so much of the auto industry working on autonomy, it’s hard to say who is doing what. On this week’s Autoline we talk to a manufacturer, a Tier One Supplier and an auto analyst to get the straight scoop on where we stand with autonomous cars.
The newest Chairman of the National Auto Dealers’ Association, Mark Scarpelli of Illinois, makes his annual pilgrimage to the Autoline THIS WEEK panel to talk about sales, product, customers and how things look for 2018.
So much of what the country is, can be traced to transportation: especially the car. And boy do we love to drive. But with all the talk of mobility services and autonomy, some worry that our wanderlust will wither if we’re not driving for enjoyment anymore. Join John and noted transportation author Peter DeLorenzo, McKeel Hagerty of the Hagerty Group and Mark Gessler from the Historic Vehicle Association for a fascinating discussion of what driving does for Americans.
John McElroy invites the head of Tier One Supplier Lear Corporation to join him on the panel to talk about the current state and future of the auto industry from a supplier’s perspective.
Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton turned many long-understood answers into questions, especially when it comes to trade. For instance, Mr. Trump claimed NAFTA was a much bigger benefit to our neighbors and threatened to change it. And with so much of the auto industry involved John McElroy invited Washington, D.C. NAFTA expert, Les Glick, to enlighten us on what may, can or will happen. Joining the panel is Jamie Butters of Bloomberg and Daniel Howes of The Detroit News.
Most all of us know how autonomous cars are progressing and that many of us already drive vehicles with autonomous elements in them already. But what about autonomous plane travel? This week’s panel features a discussion on how autonomous travel drones are not too far away. On the panel are: Bob Lutz, Former Vice Chair of General Motors; Robin Lineberger, Deloitte; Jon Rimenelli, Detroit Aircraft Company.
This is Part 2 of a look at Mobility Services taped onsite in Traverse City, MI. This panel features Carla Bailo of The Ohio State University; Kristin Welch, SPLT; Mellisa Cefkin with Nissan Research.
On location in Traverse City, MI, this is Part 1 of two separate segments on mobility and what is coming sooner rather than later. Joining John McElroy on this panel are Larry Dominique, the CEO of PSA North America; analyst Michael Robinet from IHS Markit; and John Waraniak with SEMA.
What’s going on with your local auto show? Is it still viable or is the steam running out on this 100 year old tradition as the baby boomers find less need for autos in retirement and the younger generations seem more wedded to the concept of mobility? You may be surprised by what the experts say. Joining John McElroy for this roundtable is Rick Deneau, the Head of Product Communications for FCA; Steve Bruyn is with Foresight Research and Stephanie Brinley is an auto analyst with IHS Automotive.
Ford, like its competitors, is facing the future straight on. And perhaps the biggest question to answer is what will be powering its cars: hybrids, fuel cells, electrics or the good old I.C.E.? The man on Ford’s frontline of propulsion systems is Robert Fascetti. Today he joins John McElroy and his panel to discuss Ford’s future driving options.
The new cars, trucks and SUVs that we’re all buying are not only filled with new technology, they are also filled with data. Data that some companies will pay dearly for such as where we go and what we listen to. But how can automakers monetize that data? They have enough to do just designing and engineering the vehicles. On today’s show, John McElroy and his panel explore how to turn that data into gold with John McFarland from General Motors, Ben Hoffman the CEO of supplier Movimento and Joe Vitale, the Global Automotive Leader from Deloitte.
You might know Dearborn, Michigan as the home of the Ford Motor Company. But what you may not know is that Henry Ford wanted to make the city the model suburb for the rest of America. Join John McElroy as he welcomes author and historian Heather Barrow as she highlights the Ford philosophy as it moved from the factory floor to mass suburbanization.
Many know Jack Roush from his NASCAR teams, but his businesses reach far beyond just racing. Join John McElroy for a very special one-on-one interview with the man who started at Ford in the ‘60s and today commands companies that touch everything from the environment to autonomy.
It burst onto the scene at the NY Auto Show, with a stunt worthy of Hollywood itself. And in fact, the Dodge Demon has teamed up with the Fast and Furious film franchise. So what’s all the hoopla about? Join John McElroy and the man responsible for this 840 horsepower muscle car coming up on Autoline THIS WEEK.
If you look back 8 or 9 years, the state of Michigan was an absolute mess. As two of its largest tax payers – GM and Chrysler -- declared bankruptcy, there was a legitimate fear that many tangential companies would also fall, putting the layoff totals in numbers not seen since the 1930s. But of course that did not happen. And in fact, Michigan’s automotive recovery couldn’t have been stronger. So what happened and how did the state avoid the worst? Joining John McElroy on this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK are representatives from three organizations who had a front seat to everything that happened.
Automakers may have their logo on cars and trucks, but more than any time in history, what they produce is a team effort. And much of that team consists of Tier One Suppliers. Joining John McElroy to discuss the relationship of Suppliers and the OEMs are Lon Offenbacher, President and CEO, Inteva Products along with Rainer Jueckstock, Co-CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board, Federal-Mogul.
Before the Great Recession, General Motors had its hand in a lot of different powertrains. But once it slimmed down it had lost a lot of those options. But 2017 is certainly a new day. Now there are diesels, hybrids, electrics and let’s not forget the good old internal combustion engine in both the car and truck lineup. On today’s show John McElroy and his panel get the inside scoop on GM engines from Dan Nicholson, the vice president of Propulsion Systems.
From the floor of the New York International Auto Show, John McElroy interviews three Wall Street analysts whose job it is to keep an eye on what’s going on with the automotive landscape. We’ll see where they think the industry is headed and how soon autonomous vehicles may be driving off dealer lots.
As the consumer appetite grows for more luxury vehicles, automakers are trying to differentiate themselves from the competition. One addition that’s been successful is turning the car into a rolling concert hall with the help of high-end audio systems. On this week’s show, representatives from HARMAN Audio and Lincoln Motor Company discuss why this option seems to be working for the buyers of today’s upscale autos, and how the two companies work together to pump out the jams.
It’s not just urban planners who are looking at the layout of the city of tomorrow. It’s also companies like Ford. On today’s show, two futurists from the Ford Motor Company are joined by a University of Michigan engineer to explain how they are working together to make sure the transportation fits the future urban landscape.
When it comes to alternative powertrains, over the last few years most automakers have been concentrating on electrics or hybrids. But the question is what happened to fuel cells? Early on it seemed like hydrogen was going to be the fuel that most cars would feature. This week our expert panel discusses if fuel cells are still a viable alternative.
Each year automakers continue to introduce several new products containing new materials, processes and technologies. But will the lack of skilled talent and manufacturing constraints slow new cars and trucks getting to dealer lots? On today’s show John McElroy talks with two OEM executives and an auto expert on where we go from here.
The new administration in Washington, D.C. means lots of changes; and some of those changes impact consumers. On today’s show the CEO of the American Financial Services Association talks to our panel about how President Trump will affect the car industry especially the loan process.
As the number of electronics continue to grow on cars one of the biggest concerns is cyber security: how to keep a car safe from hackers. This week three experts discuss the latest in protecting a vehicle’s software including: Karl Heimer from Autoimmune, General Motors’ Jeffrey Massimilla and SSA Thomas Winterhalter, FBI Cyber Division.
Just because you don’t see any Chinese automakers in America doesn’t mean they aren’t here competing. In fact, they’re already here in a big way. Chinese auto expert Michael Dunne joins host John McElroy with panelists Michelle Krebs from Autotrader and Reuters’ Joe White to discuss where they are and where they aren’t…just yet.
It’s almost like the film classic Godzilla versus Mothra only this time car shows are the antagonists. On one hand is CES, the largest convention in the city of conventions, Las Vegas, Nevada; on the other there’s the long-running champ from Detroit, the North American International Auto Show. With CES fast becoming a destination for car companies to show their latest, and NAIAS – the first auto show of the year -- only days afterward, something has to give. This week a debate on what should happen with the 2017 Chairman of NAIAS, and three attendees with different views.
It used to be that the CES convention in Las Vegas was a big electronics show. But since the automakers started coming a few years back it’s looking more and more like a car and technology show. Join host John McElroy from the floor of CES 2017 with his guests from the cutting edge software firm Mobileye, luxury electric carmaker Lucid Motors as well as the futurist from Mercedes-Benz.
It may be hard to believe but the historic Willys Jeep wasn’t created by an automaker but rather an independent manufacturer, that today goes by the name of AM General. As the only full-scale contract assembly facility in the U.S., the company currently produces everything from the military’s HUMVEE to the Mercedes-Benz R Class Crossover. Joining host John McElroy and his panel in studio to discuss his company and what it creates today is Chief Executive Officer Andy Hove.
Recently, the massive automotive supplier Johnson Controls decided to get out of seating so it created an independent, publically traded company called Adient. On this week’s show, its new CEO Bruce McDonald joins John McElroy and his panel to talk about where he will take the leader in automotive seating.
The old days of buying a car are quickly fading. Times are changing for dealerships and manufacturers alike, driven partly by Gen X but mostly by Millennials. On this week’s show John McElroy talks to two different automakers about how they are changing their approach to servicing your car in hopes of attracting new customers. In addition, he’s also joined by the head of a new website that, if you can believe it, allows you to buy your car online without ever having to go to the dealer.
There’s a new administration taking over in Washington in January that has many wondering about what happens to the economy. And obviously the automakers are wondering as well. Join the chief economists from General Motors and Ford as well as the senior economist from the Original Equipment Manufacturers Association as they try to read the economic and business tea leaves for 2017.
At the end of 2016 the WardsAuto.com editors took their analysis of the more than 60 new vehicles released during the year and determined which had the 10 Best Engines. Join host John McElroy as three of those editors, Drew Winter, Tom Murphy and Bob Gritzinger, reveal their winners for 2017.
Three North American Car and Truck of the Year jurors join host John McElroy to analyze the three finalists for Truck of the Year as well as their predictions for Car and Utility of the Year.
Three North American Car and Truck of the Year jurors join host John McElroy to analyze the three finalists for Car of the Year as well as their predictions for Truck and Utility of the Year.
As we sit on the edge of the electronic transformation of the car, into the fray steps Jay Rogers, a man who is pioneering a new way to make cars. As the founder of Local Motors, his vision is to print cars, yes, that’s p-r-i-n-t cars, with the help of today’s technology. And, in fact, he’s already doing it! Mr. Rogers joins, John McElroy and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production from the site of the LA Auto Show to talk about Local Motors.
Some only think of Continental as a tire company, but it’s so much more. From interior to safety, to even what it calls Clean Power, Continental is a huge company supplying so much of today’s car. Joining us to talk about the Automotive Group and what it’s doing to prepare for the future is Samir Salman, CEO NAFTA Region of Continental Corporation.
As one of the largest suppliers of automotive seating, Lear Corporation actually makes seats for every manufacturer in the world. On this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK its CEO and Director, Matt Simoncini, discusses the company’s global reach and how he sees things changing in the auto industry in the next few years.
As the auto industry changes, so must everything that it touches, including dealerships. On this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK, NADA Chairman Jeff Carlson joins John McElroy and his panel – Mike Colias of the Wall Street Journal and Gary Vasilash of Automotive Design and Production – to discuss where car dealers are today and how they will adapt to a changing auto industry.
Is Ford still a car company or has it morphed into something else? Mark Fields, its CEO has been saying that today Ford is a mobility company. On this week’s Autoline, John and his panel talk with Mr. Fields about the future of Ford as well as the entire transportation industry.
Enthusiasm, Passion, Innovative and Commitment are the four key words that describe the people that Honda wants in its workforce. So many of today’s youth ignore manufacturing jobs that companies like Honda have reached out to local communities to create programs like the one in central Ohio called EPIC. John McElroy takes his show on the road to Honda’s Development Center in Marysville, Ohio to talk with a variety of educators, students and workers on how to develop an interest in today’s high-tech manufacturing jobs.
Enthusiasm, Passion, Innovative and Commitment are the four key words that describe the people that Honda wants in its workforce. So many of today’s youth ignore manufacturing jobs that companies like Honda have reached out to local communities to create programs like the one in central Ohio called EPIC. John McElroy takes his show on the road to Honda’s Development Center in Marysville, Ohio to talk with a variety of educators, students and workers on how to develop an interest in today’s high-tech manufacturing jobs.
This week’s show talks about the technology that is dominating transportation today and into the near future, and does it with a macro view in language we can all understand. Joining John McElroy on his panel discussing Connectivity, Mobility and Autonomy are: Richard Wallace from the Center for Automotive Research; Lindsay Brooke, Society of Automotive Engineers; and Sam Abuelsamid, Navigant Research.
After a little more than two years on the job, United Auto Workers’ President Dennis Williams joins Autoline THIS WEEK to discuss the UAW, the automakers and how both are surviving in the 21st Century. Joining John McElroy on his panel are Brent Snavely from the Detroit Free Press and Mike Wayland of the Detroit News.
Ask any of the automotive media who they prefer to talk to at an automaker and it’s usually the company CEO. But if you happen to be a supplier to that same automaker the line usually starts at this week’s guest Thomas Lake, the Vice President of North American Purchasing at Honda North America. Joining host John McElroy on his panel are Gary Vasilash of Automotive Design and Production and Joann Muller with Forbes.
It was 8 years ago that the world economy was on a knife’s edge. And it was also the time when some of the world’s largest automakers declared bankruptcy while others stood by holding their proverbial breath. Now, a decade later it’s a brand new story, or is it? Have the OEMs really cleaned up the poor practices that led to their own knife’s edge or just rearranged the deck chairs? John McElroy welcomes three observers of the auto industry from Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Center for Automotive Research including Bernard Swiecki, Brett Smith and Dave Andrea, to discuss the car industry’s current health and what the future holds on Autoline THIS WEEK.
Autoline THIS WEEK doesn’t usually have a live audience but then it’s not usually taped in front of the Industrial Designers Society of America conference held recently in Detroit, Michigan. Joining John McElroy to discuss using “Design as a Change Agent” is Amko Leenarts the Global Director of Interior Design from Ford; Kevin Kerrigan from the Automotive Office of the Michigan Economic Development Authority; and Marc Greuther, the Chief Curator at the Henry Ford.
The U.S. EPA just released the TAR, better known as its Technical Assessment Report. This is sort of a scorecard on where the auto industry is with regard to Emission Standards and the 2025 mandate. John McElroy caught up with three experts involved in the emissions process at the Center for Automotive Research’s annual August conference. Joining him on this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK is Mike McCarthy from the California Air Resources Board, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturer’s Mitch Bainwol and Christopher Grundler, the Director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
If there’s an auto company getting more publicity these days than Tesla and its electric powertrain, we’d be surprised. That’s why Autoline has brought together three Tier One Suppliers who have specialized in the good old Internal Combustion Engine (I.C.E.) to talk about what’s going on with that franchise and put the rumors of its demise to rest. Joining host John McElroy will be representatives from AVL, FEV and Ricardo.
Everywhere you turn these days, when the topic of automotive comes up mobility is not far behind. There’s so much expansion in that area alone, OEMs are taking it very seriously. In fact, General Motors has put Julia Steyn as the VP in charge of what it calls Urban Mobility. She joins us on Autoline THIS WEEK along with host John McElroy, Rebecca Lindland of Kelley Blue Book and John Voelcker of Green Car Reports to see what direction GM is going in the field.
You’ve been drinking from its cans for years. More recently, you’ve probably sent an email or answered a phone from one of the computing/telematics companies it supplies. And soon, if not already, you may be driving an aluminum-bodied car or truck brought to you, in part, by Novelis. On this week’s show, John McElroy welcomes Novelis president of North America Marco Palmieri to the Autoline studios to talk about its expansion into automotive and where the company goes from here. Also on the panel are Alisa Priddle of Motor Trend and Richard Truett from Automotive News.
In the past, whenever the initials IP came up in conversations about cars, you were sure to be talking about the instrument panel. But nowadays with the global software explosion in auto technology, the new IP talk focuses on Intellectual Properties. On this week’s Autoline John McElroy is joined by Dr. Christal Sheppard, the Director of the Midwest Region for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as well as Pete Bigelow from Car and Driver and I.P. lawyer Jennifer Dukarski from Butzel Long to discuss Intellectual Properties in today’s auto industry.
John McElroy and GM Global Design Chief Ed Welburn discuss his career in cars and corporate America as he prepares to retire after 44 years at General Motors.
The General Motors Design Dome is 51 this year, just 12 months after celebrating a long-awaited makeover. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy and GM Global Design Chief Ed Welburn broadcast from this historic architecture surrounded by some of the classics that had their start in that very building. Joining John and Mr. Welburn to discuss the arc of GM design over the years are John Cafaro, the Executive Director, Global Chevrolet Design and Helen Emsley, Executive Director, Global GMC Design and User Experience.
Three Asian automotive experts including Michael Dunne of Dunne Automotive, James Chao of IHS Automotive Asia-Pacific and Bill Russo from GaoFeng Greater China, join John McElroy on the floor of the Beijing Auto Show to discuss the, up to now, booming Chinese automotive market and where it goes from here.
Three top automotive designers including Peter Horbury from Geely, Ken Parkinson of GM Shanghai and Chery Automobile’s James Hope, join John McElroy on the floor of the Beijing Auto Show to discuss the challenges of creating cars for the Chinese automotive market.
Every great ride has to end sometime: whether it’s at the amusement park or the retail world. For instance, most auto analysts predict the U.S. car market will soon slow down; everyone, seemingly, other than John Murphy of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In fact, Mr. Murphy is so stoked he’s doubling down per his data which says the good times for the auto industry will continue to roll into the 2020s. Joining host John McElroy to discuss John Murphy’s antithetical view of the auto economy is Joann Muller from Forbes.com and Greg Gardner from the Detroit Free Press.
From now to April 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency is engaged in a Midterm Evaluation of the CAFE standards announced a few years ago. Those Greenhouse Gas Emission rules are set to go into effect by 2025. Joining John McElroy to discuss if those standards will be adopted or changed is Margo Oge, the former EPA director of the office of Transportation and Air Quality along with Joe White from Reuters and Todd Lassa of Automobile.
Factory work in 2016 is a new universe compared to just 20 years ago. Today’s manufacturing has more in common with Google than it does heavy duty grease. But despite its clean environment and use of computers, the under 30 crowd just doesn’t seem interested in these jobs and that’s troubling for manufacturers of all types. So some companies have joined together with states, municipalities and schools to try to attract workers from both Millennials and Generation Z. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy looks at what one area of South Carolina is doing to bring a younger work force into manufacturing. His panel includes: Dirk Pieper, President and CEO of Sage Automotive Interiors; Lewis Gossett, Executive Director SCMA (South Carolina Manufacturing Alliance); Matt Critell, Program Director, Fisher Middle School.
Steve Kiefer has a big checkbook. As head of Purchasing for General Motors he awards billions of dollars of contracts to suppliers across the globe. But he doesn’t just hand out money. He has to make sure that he’s giving it to the right partners and they deliver high quality products for GM vehicles. Easier said than done. On this week’s show John McElroy’s special guest is Steve Kiefer, the Global VP of GM Purchasing and Supply Chain. Joining John on his panel are David Welch of Bloomberg and Doron Levin from Fortune.
Steve Miller is an automotive turnaround specialist. His bona fides date back to the bankruptcies of Chrysler and Delphi with stops at Federal-Mogul and Ford for good measure. Now he presides over the International Automotive Components Group as it moves from a private Wilbur Ross company to a publically traded firm. Mr. Miller joins John McElroy as his special guest for this week’s Autoline discussing the consolidation of the automotive interior business and where he sees it going. Joining the panel are Jeff Bennett of the Wall Street Journal and Tom Murphy from Wards Auto.
When experts are asked what will be powering our cars now and into the future, you hear any number of options ranging from electric to plug-in to hydrogen just to name a few. In reality, there are a number of companies around the world working on just that: three who join us today on Autoline THIS WEEK. Joining John McElroy’s Advanced Propulsion panel to discuss the products they’re working on are Dave Johnson from Achates Power, Matthew Riley from Nautilus Engineering and Isak Lofgren from KASI Technologies of Sweden.
Electrics were all the rage a few years ago. Nissan, Mitsubishi and Chevrolet, among others, gave consumers their first taste of gas free driving. But as manufacturers improved the performance of their internal combustion engines, electrics almost went into hibernation. But now, suddenly, they are de rigueur once again. Join John McElroy from the floor of the New York Auto Show as he discusses this electric resurrection with Salim Morsy from Bloomberg New Energy Finance, John Voelcker of High Gear Media and EV enthusiast Chelsea Sexton.
Once not too long ago it was king of the luxury hill. But having lost that title to the Germans years back, Cadillac has sputtered on every end. By the time the product was fixed much of the customer base had defected. But now Cadillac has turned to the luxury brands’ Mr. Fix It, Johan de Nysschen. Responsible for transforming Audi into the U.S. sales powerhouse it is today and was on his way to attempting the same for Infiniti before Cadillac came calling. On this week’s show, Mr. de Nysschen talks about his strategy for Cadillac to regain the luster, and more importantly, sales it has lost since 2000. Joining John McElroy on his panel are John Stoll of the Wall Street Journal and AutoPacific analyst David Sullivan.
Personal phones and computers aren’t the only items that need protection. Hackers are at work everywhere. We saw recently how they controlled a car driving down the road. And despite layers of protection, even the U.S. military is worried about its platforms. Cybersecurity has become the clarion call of the times. From the site of the National Defense Industrial Association Conference join John McElroy for an in-depth look at what members of the NDIA are doing about Cybersecurity. Today’s guests include Bryson Bort, CEO of Grimm, a cyber research and development company; Dr. Anuja Sonalker, VP, Engineering and Operations, TowerSec Automotive Cyber Security; and BG Michael A. Stone, Assistant Adjutant General for Installations, Michigan National Guard.
Ever since the gas cap dropped on VW and its diesel shenanigans last fall, it seems that the company has been stuck in first gear. Not only has there been no resolution so far, but no one seems to know what’s going on. In addition, the company hasn’t engaged the media very effectively and its customers are still trying to figure out what’s up. Joining John to discuss where the company goes from here and what it needs to do now are Todd Turner, auto analyst from Car Concepts; Jason Vines, Independent PR consultant and author; and Lisa Whalen, auto analyst with Frost and Sullivan.
Apple, Intel and Facebook are there. So are electric and autonomy leaders Google and Tesla. But in addition to these tech giants, today’s Silicon Valley in Northern California also contain a lab or office from nearly every major automaker as well. Joining John McElroy from the floor of CES 2016 in Las Vegas to talk about why they’re attracted to Silicon Valley are top executives from three different major car companies including: Ken Washington, VP, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford; Frankie James, the Managing Director of General Motors’ Advanced Technology Silicon Valley Office; and Arwed Niestroj, the CEO for MBUSA Research and Development North America.
Back in 2011 when the original Fisker Karma was released, seeing it on the road was breathtaking. The vehicle turned heads with its beautiful designs so there was never a problem with looks. The issues for this electric/hybrid car were technical. From breaking down during a Consumer Reports drive to actual customer cars catching fire, it proved too much for the startup automaker and it filed for bankruptcy in November 2013. However, its new Chinese owners believe they have worked out all the problems and are ready to re-commence production of the car. And the man chosen to run Karma Automotive is no stranger to Detroit. Jim Taylor, who formerly ran Cadillac, will now be responsible for selling the Karma 2.0 to the world. Joining John McElroy to talk to Jim about Karma, Cadillac and more will be Joe White for Reuters and Dave Guilford from Automotive News.
Driving has always mattered at Mazda. From its iconic “Zoom-Zoom” tagline to classic cars like the Miata to its involvement with motorsports, this small Japanese company remains a favorite of automotive enthusiasts around the world. Joining John McElroy on this special edition of Autoline is the Senior Vice President of Mazda’s North American Operations, Robert Davis. Rounding out the panel are Todd Lassa from Automobile and Dutch Mandel of Autoweek.
Back in the day, General Motors was so big there was a famous quote that went: if GM sneezes, America catches cold. Even though its stranglehold on the economy is not as great as it once was, GM and the rest of today’s auto manufacturers still play a significant economic role. That’s why it’s important to see how the car companies make their internal predictions. Joining John McElroy on this week’s Autoline to talk economy is Mustafa Mohatarem, the chief economist for GM, Emily Koliniski Morris, Ford’s chief economist as well as Charles Chesbrough, the Senior Principal Economist for IHS Automotive.
Automakers are mammoth organizations with campuses, plants and offices across the globe. So you can imagine with so many divisions and employees, it’s tough to speak with one voice. And for the most part that voice is Corporate Communications. Whether it’s talking to the automotive press, crafting a vehicle campaign or dealing with a crisis, this is the company voice. Joining John McElroy on this very special edition of Autoline to discuss OEM Communications, where it is today and how it’s changed over the last few decades are: Tony Cervone, the SVP of Global Communications for GM, Chris Hosford, the Director of Corporate Communications for Hyundai Motor America and Stuart Schorr, the VP of Communications and Public Affairs for Jaguar Land Rover North America.
If you’re one of those car folks who just can’t get enough of numbers like horsepower, pound feet of torque and zero to 60 times, then this is the show for you. It’s our annual Autoline where some of the Ward’s Auto editors join John McElroy to discuss the winners of its Best Engines competition. Tune in to see who made the cut for 2016.
The competition is as tough as some of the trucks themselves. The vehicles up for North American Truck of the Year include: the Nissan Titan XD, the Volvo XC90 and the Honda Pilot. On this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK, John McElroy is joined by fellow NACTOY jurors Mike Austin of Autoblog.com, Jeff Gilbert from CBS Detroit and Ron Sessions of AutoWeb.com.
Will it be the Honda Civic? Maybe the Chevrolet Malibu? Or possibly the Mazda MX-5 Miata? Yes, it’s that time of year again to highlight the possible winner of the North American Car of the Year. Joining John McElroy to discuss these cars and more are fellow NACTOY jurors Kirk Bell from Motor Authority, Mark Phelan from the Detroit Free Press and Mike Austin from Autoblog.
The Consumer Electronic Show, now known simply as CES, has become the Disney World for technology. Last year more than 170,000 from around the world came to Las Vegas for what used to be a small trade show. It has now blossomed into an event that even the car companies can’t ignore anymore. The man in charge of not only this enormous trade show, but also the Consumer Electronic Association who puts it on is Gary Shapiro. Today he joins John McElroy and his panel to discuss technology, the auto industry and CES 2016.
Freightliner Trucks is the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. It was founded in 1942 and bought by Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s. From its headquarters in Portland, Oregon the company has recently been producing some groundbreaking technologies including the DTNA “Super Truck” which improved freight efficiency, and the Inspiration which is the first licensed autonomous commercial truck. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy is joined by its North America president and CEO Martin Daum along with Jeff Allen who leads the company’s Detroit Diesel operation. And joining John to help question the Freightliner executives is Neil Abt from Transport Topics.
The automotive world is changing faster than at any time in its history. More and more game changing innovations are popping up with seemingly each new vehicle. John McElroy and his blue ribbon panel of auto analysts Maryann Keller, David Cole, the Chairman Emeritus of C.A.R. and Edward Lapham the Chief Editorial Officer at the Normington Group, roundup their top choices of automotive innovations for the year in Autoline’s Game Changers for 2015.
Anyone who lives in America has undoubtedly noticed that cars have been flying off dealer lots. New, Used, Pre-Owned…whatever the type, the numbers are staggering. But is it just a one country story? How are sales in some of the other great economies of the world? On Autoline THIS WEEK John McElroy and three global auto analysts look at sales from the four corners of the world to see if this has been just a one country recovery.
It broke in mid-September but had been boiling for some time. Volkswagen, the largest automaker in the world had done wrong with its diesel engines. VW was hoping it might go away but this huge story has done nothing but grow. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy is joined by an all-star panel including, Csaba Csere, Contributing Editor, Car and Driver, Pulitzer Prize reporter Joe White from Reuters and AutoPacific car analyst Dave Sullivan, to look at what VW did and if it can get itself out of this global quagmire.
There are 8 classifications for trucks in America. Many of us know the first three, which are all Light duty. The other five, Medium and Heavy duty, are not as well known though we do see them on the road all the time. On this week’s show John McElroy introduces us to the larger class of trucks, who uses them and where they are bought and sold. Joining him on his panel are Shaun Skinner, the VP of Sales for Isuzu Commercial Truck, analyst John Stark from the Stark’s News Service as well as Greg Reefer a veteran Peterbilt Heavy Duty truck dealer.
In the old days, the phrase was if you owned a dealership it was like a license to print money. These days, with so many options for consumers, the dealers aren’t making nearly as much on the cars like they used to. But they’re still expected to participate in the community like they always did. This week John McElroy welcomes current NADA chair William Fox to talk about the world of today’s car dealer. He is joined on the panel by Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business and Jeff Bennett of the Wall Street Journal.
His name is Kumar Galhotra and he’s got what many consider the toughest job at Ford. He is in charge of rebuilding its famous luxury brand, what they now call the Lincoln Motor Company. John McElroy welcomes Mr. Galhotra as his guest for this week’s show along with Alisa Priddle from the Detroit Free Press and Keith Naughton of Bloomberg.
With computers running more of your car’s activities these days, is it safe from hackers? We recently discovered Jeeps weren’t. Joining John McElroy on this week’s Autoline to discuss the growing problem of Cybersecurity is Jeff Massimilla from General Motors, analyst Egil Juliussen from IHS Automotive and Erika Anden from the Sandab Group.
Johnson Controls is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. Mary Ann Wright leads its global engineering and product development where she is responsible for driving technology and energy storage solutions. She joins John McElroy as his guest on this week’s Autoline along with Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal and David Welch from Bloomberg.
100 years ago 21-year old Edsel Ford was preparing to join his father running Ford Motor Company. Just before he took the reins, Edsel and six buddies drove 1915 Model T’s cross- country on, what Bruce Springsteen would later call, “a last chance power drive.” Mark Gessler of the Historical Vehicle Association re-enacted the drive this year and joins John McElroy and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press to talk about “both” journeys.
We all hear the word “CAFE” and think consumption – coffee/food – but in the auto industry it’s all about miles per gallon. Two men from different agencies who each have a lot to do with CAFE sat down separately with John McElroy to discuss where the standards are going. Joining John are Christopher Grundler from the Environmental Protection Agency and Dr. Alberto Ayala from the California Air Resources Board or CARB.
How do you buy your cars? Do you still negotiate or do you use one of those 3rd Party programs that set the price for you? Joining John McElroy to discuss this new option for buying a car is the CEO of the Costco Auto Program Jeff Skeen and dealer Ken Foster from Brown Honda in Toledo, Ohio.
Takata might’ve gotten the most headlines this year, but recalls have hit the auto industry hard across the board. Joining John McElroy in separate one-on-one interviews to talk about the topic is Mark Rosekind, the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and Ben Hoffman the CEO of the company Movimento that might just have an answer to help with recalls.
With as much change that is currently encompassing the automotive industry, the big rigs aren’t very far behind. Joining John McElroy to talk about topics including everything from lightweighting to platooning is attorney Tom Manganello from Warner, Norcross and Judd, Mihai Dorobantu from Eaton and trucking company owner Brian Pohl.
With car and truck sales predicted to hit around 17-million for the year, you’d imagine that most dealers are singing “Happy Days Are Here Again.” But is that really true? Joining John McElroy as his Autoline THIS WEEK guest is Steven Szakaly, the Chief Economist for the National Auto Dealer Association. John and Steven are joined by Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business and the Wall Street Journal’s John Stoll.
With so much of today’s engineering revolving around the connected car and autonomy, many automakers are setting up shop in Silicon Valley including Detroit Three member Ford. Autoline went west to take a sneak peek and see what Ford is developing in the midst of its neighbors like Google, Tesla and Apple. Host John McElroy talks with Ford executives Raj Nair, Ken Washington and Don Butler about how this lab will impact future product. In addition, he takes you for a quick tour behind the scenes at some of the experiments being done within the walls of this high tech lab.
With auto sales going gangbusters you’d think it’s the perfect time for the United Auto Workers to sit down and talk a new contract, right? The union gave up a lot to keep GM and Chrysler alive – along with its members’ jobs – but with the automotive landscape changing daily with CAFE numbers, the growth of Mexico and autonomy, there’s a lot to talk about. Joining host John McElroy on his panel to discuss where the talks could be going are Kristin Dziczek, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Former GM labor negotiator Art Schwartz from Labor and Economics Associates and Robert Chiaravalli from Strategic Labor and Human Resources.
It’s a company that doesn’t make sexy cars. Pickups and big SUVs aren’t part of the mix either. And when it comes to luxury, as Tony Soprano would say, “forget about it.” So we know what it doesn’t make but the question is what does it make? And the answer is…profit! Join John McElroy as he welcomes for the first time to the Autoline studios the man who runs Subaru of America, very successfully we might add, president and COO Tom Doll. Appearing on the panel with John are Michelle Krebs from AutoTrader and Joe White from Reuters.
Making cars isn’t a charity case. We all know that. Every manufacturer wants to be first to market with that groundbreaking vehicles because that means big bucks. So how does the auto industry not only do its own R and D but keep an eye on the competition as well. On this week’s show John McElroy is joined by GM’s Adam Bernard, Joe McCabe from AutoForecast Solutions and Michael Omotoso from Eaton to talk about how you get the competitive edge.
As the reality of autonomous cars gets closer and closer, a world of hurdles still face everyone from the manufacturers, insurance companies and especially governments before they hit the road on a regular basis. Joining John McElroy on this week’s show are three legislative experts who are dealing with those issues every day. Jude Hurin is with the state of Nevada’s DMV, Catherine Curtis represents the American Association of Motor Vehicles and Chan Lieu is a lawyer with the Washington, DC powerhouse law firm Venable LLP.
He was the 14th Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who dealt with automotive issues like unintended acceleration and airbags. Now he’s a partner at one of the biggest Washington, D.C. law firms. This week he joins John McElroy as his special guest talking about his time at NHTSA and the future of the agency.
It used to be a this or that question. But now when you ask what’s powering your car it could be almost anything as Kia proved with in its tongue-in-cheek hamster campaign over the last few years. But this week John McElroy is joined by 3 experts – Charlie Freese from GM, Prof. Levi Thompson from the University of Michigan and Jeff Kessen from battery manufacturer A123 – to discuss the options that consumers face today as well as into the future.
On this week’s Autoline John McElroy and a panel of expert analysts dive into the topic of automotive mergers. Joining the panel are Paul Eisenstein from The Detroit Bureau, Fortune’s Doron Levin and Jason Stein from Automotive News.
They deliver just about everything that’s in your house…heck they probably even delivered that, too, when it was still in the building stages. “They” are commercial vehicles and on this week’s Autoline, John McElroy and his expert panel introduces to what qualifies as a commercial vehicle, how they’re used and who buys them.
Ralph Gilles joined Chrysler back in 1992 and has been with the company – which is now called Fiat Chrysler Automobiles – for more than half of his youthful 45 years. He started in Design Office and has held a number of positions over the years until recently when he was promoted to the top design job in FCA, Head of Design. On this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK John McElroy, Scott Burgess of Motor Trend and Car and Driver’s Eddie Alterman talk to Ralph about his career and the fruits of a life in design.
When you think cars and charity the first thing that usually comes to mind are dealers sponsoring their local little league teams. But truth be told, auto companies have a long history of helping the world’s less fortunate among other worthy causes, yet don’t get to talk about it very much. On this week’s edition of Autoline we look at some of the philanthropic works courtesy of companies like Ford, GM and Nissan.
After 32 years at the Environmental Protection Agency and countless improvements in air quality, Margo Oge knew it was time to retire. But it seems she retired in title only since she appears to be as busy as ever. Ms. Oge is on several energy-related boards and commissions and recently released a book entitled “Driving The Future: Combating Climate Change with Cleaner, Smarter Cars.” This week she joins host John McElroy and Motor Trend’s Frank Markus on Autoline THIS WEEK to talk about her book and time at the EPA.
Many consider today the golden age of design when it comes to cars. From the fantastic look of the Tesla Model S to Ford’s powerhouse the GT and so much more, today’s car designers have almost a rock star quality about them. Perhaps that’s why the design schools are overflowing with applicants. On this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK John McElroy explores the future of automotive design with Joe Dehner, the head of Dodge/Ram Exterior Design and FCA’s intermediary with education; Paul Stanley, the Transportation Design Chair at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies as well as Darby Barber a student at the same school and former contestant on Tru TV’s reality show “Motor City Masters.”
Are you still filling your car with gas or charging it with electricity? Well, don’t blink too soon because before you know it hydrogen may be powering your next car. Automakers have had fuel cells under heavy R and D for a number of years. In fact, some OEMs even have these cars in the hands of customers. But how viable is the hydrogen alternative and what will have to happen for you to be driving one soon? Joining John McElroy to ponder a hydrogen future is Gil Castillo from Hyundai; Chris Hennessy from IAV Automotive Engineering and Prof. Levi Thompson from the University of Michigan.
The auto industry is enjoying a tremendous sales boom. It seems almost everyone is buying a new car these days. But there are all sorts of issues facing dealers as they strategize about the future. For instance who will be buying the cars if Millennials aren’t interested and how will ride-sharing businesses effect business? Joining John McElroy to discuss these topics and much more are Rob Kurnick the president of Penske Automotive Group; Doug Fox, the president of Ann Arbor (MI) Automotive; and Katie Coleman, the co-owner of Sellers Auto Group.
Gone are the days of the AM radio blasting out the day’s pop hits from some 50,000 watt giant. Of course today’s cars still have both AM and FM radio but your entertainment options certainly don’t stop there. And let’s not forget about information: not only from your car but also from your phone. Infotainment in the auto is going places we never would’ve dreamed only a few years back. Bringing us up to speed on where we are with today’s version of the car radio – though it’s so much more – are John Robb from the Hyundai Motor Group, Richard Wallace from the Center for Automotive Research and the Chief Technology Officer from DENSO International America Doug Patton. All three experts join host John McElroy on this week’s edition of Autoline THIS WEEK.
In the old days, when you searched for a used car you were at the mercy of your car dealer; sometimes they were quality vehicles while others were worn out lemons. However nowadays with the success of CPOs, or Certified Pre-Owned, the consumer has a lot more going for him or her than the mercy of some manager. Joining John McElroy to discuss the growth of the CPO business is Jared Rowe from AutoTrader.com, Todd Fites from Ford Motor Company and dealer Sam Slaughter from the Sellers Auto Group.
Looking at Ford Management most experts believe that the Blue Oval has the best bench strength in the business. So when Alan Mulally retired last year and Mark Fields moved into the CEO role, it was no surprise that Joe Hinrichs was promoted to run The Americas for Ford, Mr. Fields old position. Joining John McElroy for his first Autoline interview as the new second in command at Ford is Joe Hinrichs along with journalists Alisa Priddle from the Detroit Free Press and the Wall Street Journal’s Mike Ramsey.
The economy is growing. Automakers are building cars and trucks that customers want. And car sales, in fact, are nearly back to the glory days before the fall as they push 17 million in the U.S. But are things really that great or are we wearing rose-colored glasses? On this week’s Autoline John McElroy is joined by some of the top economists in the auto industry for their perspectives on where we are. His guests include: Dr. Mustafa Mohatarem, Chief Economist, General Motors; Emily Kolinski Morris, Chief Economist, Ford; Charles Chesbrough, Senior Principal Economist, IHS Automotive.
If you’re interested in horsepower, MPGs and all things under the hood, this week’s Autoline is right up your alley. John is joined by the editors from Ward’s who discuss which powertrains made their Top Ten Engines for 2015. Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg talk to John McElroy about who made the grade and why.
He may be a Brit working for a quasi-Italian company running an All-American brand, but don’t be fooled. Al Gardner has a long history with the Chrysler Corporation. In fact, he started with the company back in 1986 and has worked his way up to where he is now in charge of the Chrysler brand for FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Joining Mr. Gardner and John McElroy on today’s Autoline panel is Lindsay Brooke from SAE and The Detroit News’ Mike Wayland.
Join John McElroy and three members of his blue ribbon panel as they discuss this year’s candidates for Autoline Automotive Executive of the Year. Among this year’s contenders are Akio Toyoda the head of the world’s largest car company, Toyota and his Italian counterpart from Fiat- Chrysler Sergio Marchionne.
Mark Reuss has been around General Motors for so much of his life, if cut he probably would bleed GM blue. Not only was his father Lloyd a former GM president, but Mark himself – who has been with the corporation for over 20 years – started as an intern and has now risen to Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain -- in essence the Number 2 position in America’s largest auto company. He joins John McElroy along with his panel on this very special edition of Autoline THIS WEEK.
There’s an all-aluminum pickup truck in the running, a new pony car as well as a midsize pickup truck. Those are only three of the six finalists for this year’s NACTOY car and truck of the year awards. Join founding member of the award John McElroy and three other jurors as they review the finalists and tell you who they think will walk away with Car and Truck of the Year.
Who do you turn to when you need advice? If it’s personal, perhaps a friend; if it’s spiritual maybe a priest. But when many folks want advice on hardware – everything from a dishwasher to a smart phone to a television -- they turn to Consumer Reports: the product watchdog who has been reviewing, comparing and contrasting consumer goods since 1936. On this episode of Autoline THIS WEEK, CR’s head of auto testing Jake Fisher joins host John McElroy along with Brent Snavely of the Detroit Free Press and Joe White of the Wall Street Journal to discuss the organization’s latest test results on automotive multimedia devices.
Factories used to be no place for a kid. In fact, there were some that might’ve even scared the bravest of men. But with today’s super clean 21st century factories some almost resemble a hospital operating room. That’s only one of the reasons that Michigan’s Macomb County – just north of Detroit – has gone all in to educate young students on the benefits of working with today’s manufacturing. Joining John McElroy to talk about this groundbreaking program is County Executive Mark Hackel, Michael DeVault, Superintendent of Intermediate Schools and Larry Drake from Kuka Systems.
Maybe it’s the snappy new product or the effective marketing campaign, whatever is accounting for Buick’s sales growth in 2014 Duncan Aldred is a happy man. Appointed VP of Buick-GMC Sales, Service and Marketing only last February, this former European executive joins John McElroy for his first time on the Autoline panel. Mike Colias from Automotive News and Autotrader.com’s Michelle Krebs join in on the questioning.
What happens when “60 Minutes” shows up at a corporation’s door or some crisis occurs that it wasn’t ready for? That’s when they turn to crisis communications experts like Jason Vines, the former automotive PR executive who has experienced more than his share of corporate trauma. So much so that he’s written a book, which brings him back to Autoline for the first time in a decade. Joining host John McElroy to discuss Jason’s book is Peter De Lorenzo from the Autoextremist.com and Detroit Free Press columnist Tom Walsh.
As the auto industry continues to explore new and different ways to power cars and trucks, engineers keep coming back to the good old battery. With the days of GM’s EV1 seeming like ancient history even though it’s only about 20 years old or so, today’s batteries are light years better. And on today’s panel John McElroy is joined by three experts: Ann Marie Sastry from Sakti3, LG’s Prabhakar Patil and Brett Smith from the Center for Automotive Research.
Where do you buy a car? These days you can do so on the Internet, a big box retailer and even certain OEM stores. But to this day, the tried and true model, and the place where most people still buy their cars, is the local car dealer. And the man currently in charge of America’s dealers is the NADA’s Forrest McConnell. This week he joins host John McElroy along with Steve Finlay from Wards and AutoTrader.com’s Michelle Krebs for a look at the latest in today’s retail world.
The aluminum onslaught has begun. It started years ago with Jaguar but now Ford is making its F-150 truck part of the lightweighting foray as it works to increase the MPGs of its best-seller. But it’s not just aluminum and it’s not just those two companies making vehicles lighter. It’s a long list of manufacturers as well as suppliers making all kinds of contributions to cars. Joining John McElroy on Autoline THIS WEEK to discuss all aspects of lightweighting are Chuck Evans from Henkel as well as Dura Automotive's Nizar Trigui and Richard Schultz from Ducker Worldwide.
By all accounts, the Greatest Generation may have won World War II with its blood, sweat and tears, but as author A.J. Baime writes in his new book “The Arsenal of Democracy,” Ford Motor Company had a little bit to do with it as well. Join host John McElroy, Henry Payne from The Detroit News and Mark Phelan from the Detroit Free Press as they talk about the great automotive contribution to the war effort with Mr. Baime on Autoline THIS WEEK.
From toys to sporting goods and even some replacements parts for cars, it looks like 3D Printers are tackling more in more in the world of manufacturing. For a look at how this industry is growing, especially within the automotive industry, join host John McElroy with his panel of 3D Printing experts including, David Darbyshire from DASI Solutions, Bruce Bradshaw from 3D manufacturer Stratasys and Brian Levy of Joe Gibbs Racing on Autoline THIS WEEK.
Auto sales in America have recently been on a tear. In fact, some suggest the SAAR might actually challenge those heady days of 18 million units. Enter AlixPartners whose newest study indicates that U.S. sales may have already peaked. Joining host John McElroy to discuss this topic and more are Mark Wakefield from AlixPartners, Charles Chesbrough from IHS as well as Jeff Schuster from LMC Automotive.
The front pages may be filled with news about Mexico, but the real story about our neighbor to the south can be found in the business section. The country is quickly becoming a second home to auto manufacturers from around the globe. On this week’s Autoline, join host John McElroy along with John Martin from Nissan North America, Norm Jacobs from SANLUIS Rassini and Ernst and Young’s Randy Miller for a look at Mexico: the new Mecca for manufacturing.
It wasn’t until the late 20th Century that the all-powerful auto industry started to realize it didn’t operate in an autonomous protected bubble; that forces around the world impacted everything it did. So many of the manufacturers started to pay closer attention to trends, not just in their backyard but around the world. On this week’s Autoline John McElroy is joined by three experts who make it their business to not only watch but sometimes affect global trends including: Marketing strategist John Gerzema, Sheryl Connelly from Ford and technology designer Gadi Amit.
Do you still go to your dealership and kick the tires? Or are you one of those that go online and buy your car? These days you can get a new car in a variety of ways including from Costco, yes, you read correctly Costco the warehouse retailer! This week on Autoline join host John McElroy along with TrueCar’s Larry Dominique, Jim Prueter from Costco and traditional Chevy dealer Scott LaRiche as they discuss options for today’s 2014 new car customer.
Connectivity is driving so much of what we do in our daily lives that it’s natural that the connected car and telematics deserves an Autoline spotlight of its own. Joining John McElroy to discuss the latest developments in the industry are: Henry Bzeih, CTO and Head of Connected Car, KIA; Thilo Koslowski, VP and Distinguished Analyst – Automotive, Gartner; Jim Keller, Chief Engineer Automobile Technology Research, Honda R and D Americas.
Mobility seems to be the flavor of the month these days. Everyone from manufacturers to tier one suppliers to even academics are trying to discover secrets to the way people will move around in the future. Joining John McElroy on his panel to discuss the topic are Erica Klampfl, Global Future Mobility Lead, Ford; Kaye Ceille, president, Zipcar; Peter Sweatman, Director, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
The world of intelligent transportation is a broad umbrella that covers businesses, municipalities and people across the globe. That’s why when the ITS Conference comes to America every 3rd year it’s important to take account of what has changed and what will be changing with mobility. Joining John McElroy to discuss the 2014 conference is Richard Wallace, The Center for Automotive Research; Michele Mueller, The Michigan Department of Transportation; and co-chair of the conference Jim Barbaresso of HNTB Corp.
Between the increase in power and improvement in mpgs, today’s engines are giving drivers the best of both worlds. Join John McElroy and his panel Chris Thomas, the Chief Technical Officer from BorgWarner; Tod Hynes, Founder and President XL Hybrids; and Oliver Schmidt, Volkswagen’s GM of Engineering and Environment, as they discuss today’s cutting edge engines.
Reality TV is ruling the airwaves these days. From dancing to singing to surviving, you knew it wouldn’t be long until cars became involved. Joining John McElroy to talk about their new car design reality show are two of the contestants, Camilo Pardo and Darby Barber, along with veteran auto editor and judge, Jean Jennings.
If Chevrolet still used the old ad line “baseball, hot dogs and apple pie” to sell cars, it might be considering updating today’s version with “soccer, sushi and strudel” to reflect the global growth of the brand. And the man responsible for making all marketing decisions for the brand as it continues to expand around the world, Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney joins John McElroy as his special guest on Autoline THIS WEEK along with Michelle Krebs with AutoTrader Group and Nathan Bomey from the Detroit Free Press.
Technology might be on every car buyer’s wish list these days, but what designers are doing to make the whole package more attractive to the eye might surprise you. From conjuring new cutting-edge colors to adding luxury elements to even economy cars, designers are having a field day in the creative process. Join John McElroy and his panel including GM’s Sharon Gauci, Susan Lampinen from Ford and Nissan’s Francois Farion as they talk about the design secrets of making today’s cars and colors cool.
With the closing of so many of America’s manufacturing factories over the last few years and seeing those jobs go to countries like Mexico and China, many have asked if the U.S. was getting ready to retire from that type of business altogether? Join John McElroy and his panel Jay Baron from the Center for Automotive Research, Michael Robinet from IHS and analyst Laurie Harbour from Harbour Results as they discuss the future of automotive manufacturing in America.
Have you noticed the changes going on inside new cars these days: Softer materials, accent lighting and tip-top technology to name just a few. On this edition of Autoline THIS WEEK John McElroy talks with three experts involved in the process of making your car like a mobile living room. Joining him on the panel is Helen Emsley from GM Design, and two Tier One suppliers, Jay Hutchins of Faurecia and Inteva’s Pat Stewart.
It’s no secret that auto manufacturers are making their cars and trucks lighter for a variety of reasons in a number of ways. On this week’s edition of Autoline, John McElroy talks with three men on the front lines of taking weight out of vehicles including, Ed Moss from Chevrolet, Alcoa’s Randall Scheps and John Van Alstyne of I-Car.
Historians have long chronicled the rough and tumble world of the United Auto Workers union. But few have seen what it was like from the inside, as author Bob Morris did. His father, Ken Morris, was there during the founding of the UAW and held a leadership position for more than 3 decades. Bob has captured it all in a sizzling book called “Built in Detroit” and he joins host John McElroy on this week’s show along with Henry Payne of The Detroit News and Mark Phelan from the Detroit Free Press.
Though manufacturing has been changing the last 25 years many of the workers remained the same. Now as they prepare to retire, how do we get the millennials interested in 21st century factory work? On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy explores that question with Karl Klimek from SquareOne, the SAE’s Chris Ciuca and Tim Grewe from FIRST Robotics.
It was April 14, 1964 the day the world met Mustang. From that historic day in New York to the unveiling of today’s latest pony car, the Mustang has become one of the most beloved automotive icons. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy welcomes the dream team who brought the 50th anniversary edition to life including: Chief Engineer Dave Pericak; Moray Callum Ford’s VP of Design, and Marketing Manager Steve Ling.
Today people may use Google to search the Internet but someday soon it may be driving their car as well. The search engine giant is also the leader in autonomous vehicle research, though the traditional auto industry is not too far behind. Joining host John McElroy to discuss the future of autonomy on Autoline THIS WEEK is John Capp from General Motors, Steffen Linkenbach from the automotive supplier Continental and Raj Rajkumar from Carnegie Mellon University.
The experts keep saying the future is now when it comes to mobility. And though we’re seeing inroads, there’s still a lot going on in R and D. On Autoline THIS WEEK. John McElroy’s panel discusses where mobility is today and where it’s going. He’s joined by Chris Borroni-Bird from Qualcomm, Jean-Francois Tremblay of Ernst and Young and Jim Sayer from UMTRI (University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute).
Ford dominates the light duty truck market. Its F-150 is and continues to be the top seller so why mess with success by going to an aluminum truck. Join John McElroy on this week’s Autoline along with Raj Nair, Ford’s Group VP for Product Development, the F-150’s Chief Engineer Peter Reyes along with Doug Scott the Marketing Manager for a deep dive on Ford’s aluminum gamble.
OnStar, General Motor’s telecommunications in-car system, is pushing 20 years old next year. That’s nearly two decades of cutting edge safety, security and a variety of other customer-oriented communications; all driven by the blue button on the rear view mirror. The man charged to lead OnStar into its 19th year and beyond is Terry Inch, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. This week he joins John McElroy, CBS Detroit Radio’s Matt Roush along with Mike Wayland from the website MLive.com to talk about the next steps for this unique telecommunications network.
When Autoline took its first trip to China last year, we not only met many members of the fledgling Chinese auto industry, but also several industry veterans who came to this huge country to share their experience. Joining John McElroy on this week’s Autoline are three of those western auto experts including: Jack Perkowski from JFP Holdings; James Hope, Design Director, Chery Motors and Daniel Kirchert, Managing Director, Infiniti China.
Every four years the world’s elite athletes gather in one location for the Winter Olympic games which requires a lot of planning and training by both the teams and the athletes. To pull it off they reach out to corporations for help; and it’s not just the monetary kind these days. This week on Autoline John McElroy looks at what the auto industry is doing for some of these teams and what it gets out of it. Joining John are Trudy Hardy, the head of BMW North American marketing, Florian Schattenmann from Dow and Prof. Dae Hee Kwak, sports marketing specialist from the University of Michigan.
Did you just tweet or post to Facebook before reading this paragraph? That’s what millions of Americans are doing with their phone, tablet or laptop at any second of the day. And that activity is not lost on automakers. All of them have some sort of social media presence. Today on Autoline This Week John McElroy is joined by Mary Henige from GM, Ford’s Scott Monty and Ed Garsten of Chrysler to talk about what their companies are doing in the social media universe.
The last few years haven’t been kind to Honda. With all the strife caused by the tsunami, sales took a huge tumble. But now after some time rebuilding, Honda’s core brands are on the rebound. This week on Autoline, Michael Accavitti, American Honda product and marketing boss, joins host John McElroy, Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau to talk Honda and the road back to the top.
For two decades WardsAuto.com has been choosing what its editors consider the 10 Best Engines of the year. Joining John McElroy to discuss the 20 years of Ten Best Engines as well as this year’s winners are Ward’s editors Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay.
It’s award time again and Autoline has the scoop on the biggest prize for automakers each year: the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. Joining NACTOY founding member John McElroy on this week’s truck panel are fellow jurors Jack Nerad from Kelly Blue Book and Chris Paukert of Autoblog.com.
It’s award time again and Autoline has the scoop on the biggest prize for automakers each year: the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. Joining NACTOY founding member John McElroy on the car panel are fellow jurors Larry Webster from Road and Track along with Matt DeLorenzo of Kelly Blue Book.
This week Autoline unveils its first annual Automotive Executive of the Year award. Joining John McElroy to sort through the short list that his expert panel has winnowed down over the three month process is Dave Cole, former CEO of the Center for Automotive Research; Neil De Koker of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association; and Edward Lapham, retired columnist from Automotive News.
Automotive Leasing Guide, or ALG as it’s known in the industry, is a very powerful force in the automotive world and it doesn’t even make cars. It’s the automotive website that sets the residual values of cars and trucks. In other words through its mountains of data the company tells automakers what its cars are worth. Executive Vice President of TrueCar Larry Dominique joins host John McElroy along with panelists Joe White of the Wall Street Journal and Craig Trudell of Bloomberg to discuss ALG and how it works with automakers and consumers alike.
Join John McElroy for his first broadcast from behind the Great Wall of China as he talks to automotive executives and experts at the Global Automotive Forum in Wuhan, China on Autoline This Week.
The United Auto Workers haven’t had much success unionizing plants from foreign automakers. But VW’s new Chattanooga, Tennessee plant may prove to be different. Join host John McElroy along with his panel labor lawyer Gary Klotz, union analyst Robert Chiaravalli and Sean McAlinden from the Center for Automotive Research as they discuss whether or not the volunteer state of Tennessee may lead to its first success with a foreign automaker.
It used to be that you took your car from place to place. Nowadays it may be the other way around. Vehicles are so loaded with technology that in some cases they are driving themselves. But that’s not the only story behind today’s connected car. Join John McElroy along with Richard Wallace from CAR, TomTom’s Nick Cohn and Steven Surhigh from Compuware to discuss what makes a car connected on Autoline This Week.
In the ongoing effort to reduce weight in their cars, automakers look at every opportunity to lose a pound here, a pound there. Some have even taken to using aluminum and carbon fiber in the body which has left the steel industry wondering how to remain relevant in these days of lightweighting. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy is joined by experts Ron Krupitzer from SMDI, Terry Cullum from the Auto/Steel partnership and GM’s Lou Hector to talk about taking everything but the strength out of steel.
The bi-annual Frankfurt Motor Show never fails to disappoint. Being in the backyard of so many European OEMs, there never seems to be a shortage of interesting and expensive cars unveiled at this important show. Join John McElroy and crew as they visit each of the show’s 13 buildings to talk with the men and women behind the scene stealers for this year’s show.
He started out drawing cars and became a Hollywood sensation. Syd Mead, the inspiration behind the futurist world of the film “Blade Runner” as well as many other hit films, makes a return visit to the Autoline studios to talk about everything from autonomy to “the electronic herd.” Joining John McElroy on his panel are Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics and John Manoogian from the College for Creative Studies.
Alan Mulally and Mark Fields – the top two executives at Ford -- get much of the credit for bringing the Blue Oval back from the brink during dire economic times. But the man whose contribution shouldn’t be overlooked because he sets the tone with the buying public through television, print and social media is Jim Farley. The once Toyota and Lexus Golden Boy, now in his 6th year with Ford, continues to break the automotive marketing mold by pushing the envelope. Joining John McElroy to discuss Ford marketing with Jim Farley are Karl Henkel from The Detroit News and Keith Naughton of Bloomberg News.
There aren’t too many historical figures who have their 150th birthday celebrated. But if your name is Henry Ford, the man who gave us the modern auto industry, you might even get a book as well. And that’s just what the Henry Ford Museum did in celebration of the man’s sesquicentennial. Joining John McElroy to discuss the man, the museum and the world’s premier automotive exhibit –called Driving America – are the people who put it together, Transportation Curator for the Henry Ford Museum Matt Anderson, the man who he replaced, Bob Casey, and Patricia Mooradian, President of the Henry Ford Museum this week on Autoline.
As the price of petroleum and diesel keeps creeping higher, companies with fleet vehicles are looking for ways to save money. One way more and more of them are turning to is propane or as the Europeans call it autogas. Joining John McElroy’s panel to discuss converting their fleets to autogas is Abe Stephenson from the Dish Network, Denis Gallagher from Student Transportation of America and Edgar Benning of the Flint, Michigan Mass Transit Authority.
Why are men attracted to a certain style of car? Why do women buy the type of car they do? And what about teenagers? Are there circumstances that drive what you buy or is it something unique inside each individual person? The latter is what the personality gurus at Myers-Briggs think and the folks at Ford are ready to run an experiment to test this theory. On this week’s Autoline we examine if people buy cars based on their personalities. Joining John McElroy are Lori Costew from Ford Motor Company, personality expert Michael Segovia from Myers-Briggs and Prof. Christie Nordhielm, marketing professor from the University of Michigan.
The U.S. auto industry has had its share of characters and personalities over its first century, but you’d be hard pressed to find one bigger, at least in the last 40 years, than Bob Lutz. He’s been practically everywhere, seen everything and met nearly everybody in the industry. So when he decided to write his latest book on the men he has worked with along the way, everyone took notice. So this week he joins John McElroy, Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com and former Car and Driver editor Csaba Csere on Autoline to discuss his new book, “Icons and Idiots.”
Each year automakers are releasing 50 to 60 new or refreshed vehicles. That means design teams are logging tons of hours trying to bring a fresh look to an old nameplate or break the mold with a brand new vehicle. Just how they’re doing it is the subject of this week’s Autoline. Joining John McElroy are three men steeped in design heritage. David Lyon worked at General Motors the last 20 years until he recently went out on his own, John Manoogian started at Ford in the ‘70s before spending the bulk of his career at GM. He now teaches design at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies. And rounding out the panel is Jim Hall, Autoline’s own resident design expert, and managing director of 2953 Analytics.
The exterior designs of today’s car may evolve from year to year, but for sheer amount of change, all you have to do is look inside any of the latest models. Not only are there softer materials, rounder surfaces and quality accents, but the cars are loaded with technology like we’ve never seen before. Joining John McElroy to discuss what’s going on inside today’s cars on Autoline This Week are: Chevrolet’s Interior Design Chief Crystal Windham, Han Hendriks from Tier One Supplier Johnson Controls and software designer Rick Comiskey from OPTIS.
These days when it comes to automobiles, technology is everywhere. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a 12,000 dollar Nissan Versa or a 190,000 dollar Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG…though auto experts might expect to find a little bit more in the Mercedes. But how does it get there and who decides what car gets what? Those are questions that this week’s Autoline guest deals with on a daily basis. Joining John McElroy for the entire show is Johann Jungwirth, the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development in North America along with our panelists the former head of Car and Driver Csaba Csere and Mike Austin of Popular Mechanics.
Before the big recession, leasing was a hefty 25 to 28 percent of new car sales in the U.S. But then in 2009, like so many other businesses, it took a huge tumble to just single digits. However today – three years later – it’s back up to 24 percent and who knows where the ceiling will stop. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to three experts in the leasing community that will answer that question and more. Joining him on his panel are Scot Hall from the website Swapalease.com, Geoff Robinson, the VP of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services in the United States along with car dealer Sam Slaughter from Sellers Buick GMC in Farmington Hills, MI.
As smart phones get smarter and more powerful, more and more people are relying on them to get through the day…in much the same way they have relied on the car. But now the trick is to integrate both. On Autoline This Week John McElroy explores what manufacturers are doing with today’s electronics both in and outside their cars and how they are coming together. Joining him on the panel are Danny Shapiro, from west coast-based chipmaker NVIDIA, the head of Chrysler’s Uconnect Systems, Marios Zenios and Thilo Koslowski, an electronics analyst from Gartner Research.
If you’ve ever walked into a retailer like Nordstrom – which is known for its outstanding customer service – and wondered why buying a car couldn’t provide the same type of experience, you’re not alone. In fact, some manufacturers have thought the same thing and are attempting to upgrade the buying experience. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy is joined by Jeri Ward, Audi’s Director of Customer Experience, Audi dealer Chris Consiglio (of Rochester Hills, MI), along with Customer Service research analyst Megan Burns to discuss how the OEMs and dealers are attempting to upgrade the entire experience of buying a car.
More than ever before, engines across the world are becoming more efficient with better gas mileage while not sacrificing performance…and we’re not just talking about those small 1 or 2-cylinder jobs either. No we mean the 6-cylinders and even the big boy V-8s as well. But what magic are the manufacturers using to achieve such a hefty cocktail of efficiency and power? On today’s Autoline John McElroy is joined by three experts who drive the engine business at the Detroit Three. Jamie Strandring is in Powertrain Integration for Chrysler while Jordan Lee is the Chief Engineer of the Small Block at General Motors and Mazen Hammoud is from Ford’s Powertrain Electrification department.
Today’s hybrid and electric cars are famous for their double digit mpgs. They get those great numbers, in part, by a combination of products under the hood that start in the earth’s crust. That’s where 17 chemical elements in the periodic table are found which go into lasers, rare-earth magnets and batteries that help power our 21st century transportation. Joining John McElroy on our Autoline expert panel is Kevin Moore, a Rare-earth metals consultant, Dr. Edward Becker who was GM’s Rare-earth expert before retiring and Jack Lifton co-founder of the company Technology Metals Research.
Everybody in the auto industry is looking to lose weight these days. With CAFE requirements creeping ever closer, all manufacturers want to improve their miles per gallon average. And the best way to do that is by lightweighting – finding lighter materials that are just as safe to use in production. And since everyone is doing it, John McElroy has put together the perfect panel to touch on the topic. Joining him is Carla Bailo the head of R and D for Nissan Americas, the CEO of CSP Plastics Frank Macher and Rose Ryntz from International Automotive Components.
Though not as big as it once was, General Motors is still a formidable global corporation with offices and factories all over the world and the numbers and financials to match. And the man in charge of making sure all those add up correctly is John McElroy’s special guest on Autoline This Week. Joining GM CFO Dan Ammann is Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg’s Tim Higgins.
The United Auto Workers is going through an identity crisis. From the bankruptcies to the VEBA to the loss of over a million members, the UAW is plotting its future path. Will it unionize transplant factories in right-to-work states? Maybe expand beyond automotive and bring in other industries or services? The man with the answers – UAW President Bob King -- makes his first official visit to the Autoline set on this week’s show. Joining John McElroy’s panel are Brent Snavely from the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News’ Bryce Hoffman.
Regular viewers of Autoline know that few topics get host John McElroy’s attention like autonomous cars. He can’t wait for a Star Wars world here on earth. To get the latest lowdown on what’s going on with the self-driving set, John is joined by three special guests on Autoline This Week. Christian Schumacher runs Continental’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems while Annie Lien - a veteran of the DARPA Challenge - now works for VW’s Electronic Research Lab in California and Gary Silberg from KPMG wrote the definitive white paper on the topic.
2013 has been a pretty good year so far for Chrysler’s Ram brand. It started with its 1500 winning the North American Truck of the Year award before unveiling two new Cargo Vans at the Chicago Auto Show. Fred Diaz picked the right time to be in charge of a brand that’s clearly on the move. Join John McElroy and Ram's Fred Diaz along with panelists Scott Burgess from Motor Trend and Car and Driver’s Tony Swan as they talk trucks on Autoline This Week.
Automakers are still hunting for the 21st Century Holy Grail – better known as the next cheap energy source. With the jury still out on petroleum -- and ethanol, electricity and natural gas all having their issues -- what’s a vehicle manufacturer to do? Well some, like our three guests on Autoline This Week, say check out liquid propane. Join host John McElroy along with Wayne Moore from CleanFUEL USA, Ford’s Rob Stevens and Joe Thompson from ROUSH CleanTech for a look at what may be the next great fuel.
I guess when you’ve been a Plant Manager for Chevrolet, a VP of Manufacturing for VW and re-engineered Chrysler’s operations in addition to founding American Axle and Manufacturing, it’s time to write a book. And then when you call it “American Drive” with a subtitle that states “How Manufacturing Will Save Our Country,” you better have the experience to back it up, and Dick Dauch sure does. This week he joins John McElroy, The Detroit News’ columnist Daniel Howes and Jeff Gilbert from CBS radio on Autoline This Week.
Even the home of the UAW wasn’t safe from Right-to-Work legislation. With Michigan’s law taking effect last month that makes nearly half the country covered by the right-to-work umbrella. Just how it will affect unions and the car companies is still up in the air. Join Autoline’s John McElroy along with his panel Kristin Dziczek from CAR, Robert Chiaravalli of Strategic Human Resources and legal expert Gary Klotz from Butzel-Long as they talk about the auto industry and the impact of right-to-work.
Automakers buy from all sorts of suppliers – from global-sized to small “neighborhood” parts producers. It’s a complicated system, especially for purchasing, which is why many of these companies are turning to the Cloud to improve everything from information flow to payment. Joining John McElroy to discuss the advantages and potential dangers of this 21st Century system is Fred Hensel from the number crunchers at KPMG along with Tim Burke from Plex Online with its ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning software and CBS Detroit Technology Editor Matt Roush.
For more than 100 years, it’s been a man’s world in the auto industry. But if the business leaders from Inforum have anything to say about it, that’s all about to change with programs like “Automotive Next.” On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to four participants in the program; two professionals – Nancy Gioia from Ford and Maximiliane Straub of Bosch – along with two students – Alicia Luzkow from Michigan State and Laree Gardner from Wayne State, to hear how female executives are helping to mentor young women in the auto industry.
Over the past five years automotive suppliers did whatever they could to save money. Much of that savings came from eliminating their manufacturing capacity. Today with the auto industry once again going great guns Tier Ones are straining to meet demand, however, with the economy still suspect…they are as well. From the floor of the North American International Auto Show join John McElroy along with his guests Neil De Koker of OESA, Bridgestone’s Michael Martini along with Doug Grimm from casting component creator Grede on Autoline This Week.
Cajoled out of retirement by President Obama in 2009 to steer the troubled car maker General Motors, Ed Whitacre became its CEO during the company’s most turbulent times. After a career spent in Telecom, the native Texan looked to resurrect this American institution with the same experience that took him to the top of AT and T. And guess what? It worked! Join John McElroy along with the New York Times’ Bill Vlasic and Joe White from the Wall Street Journal as they talk to Ed Whitacre about his book, “American Turnaround,” this week on Autoline.
We all know that cars and trucks and what's inside them have changed since the '70s, but that's usually as far we go. But what about the personalities that ran those organizations, their policies and automotive journalism itself? To ponder these questions Autoline's host John McElroy takes a different seat on this week's panel as he turns the show over to WWJ62-Detroit host Carol Cain and joins veteran automotive journalists Edward Lapham from Automotive News (40 years in the business) and Tony Swan from Car and Driver/Kelly Blue Book (35 years) to discuss the changes they have seen over their years covering the auto industry.
Remember back in the early '90s when the Detroit Three -- GM, Ford and Chrysler -- were still the Big Three dominating the global auto industry? It was at that time the three companies, with the blessing of the federal government, formed a partnership to help develop technologies to keep the American auto industry vibrant. That organization was and is today USCAR or the United States Council for Automotive Research. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week to give us an inside look at this important organization is its Executive Director Steve Zimmer. Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production round out the panel.
Lincoln has been undergoing a renaissance. Not only our 16th president with an award-winning theatrical film, but also the car brand that was named for him. Over the past decade or so, Ford's Lincoln had lost its way. It fell from a top selling luxury brand to a name that almost faded away replaced by the thriving European luxury lines. But with a new chief designer, some great looking product and an automotive veteran to guide the car company, has Lincoln finally turned the corner? John McElroy hosts Matt VanDyke, Lincoln's new global head of marketing, sales and service to see where he intends to take the company. Joining John on his panel is Keith Naughton from Bloomberg News and William Vlasic of the New York Times.
No one knows engines like the editors from WardsAuto.com. Each year for the past two decades they have put together their winners of the top ten powertrains. The Ward's 10 Best Engines list has become a coveted award in engineering circles and a great research tool for the car buying public. John McElroy welcomes four of the Ward's judging panel -- Drew Winter, Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinsberg and Steve Finlay -- for a look at this year's winners.
It's award time again and it starts with the finalists for the North American Car of the Year. John McElroy is joined by two fellow jurors from the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury to review the top three finalists and make their predictions for this year's winner. John welcomes Mark Phelan from the Detroit Free Press and Karl Brauer of TotalCarScore.com.
It's award time again and it starts with the finalists for the North American Truck of the Year. John McElroy is joined by two fellow jurors from the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury to review the top three finalists and make their predictions for this year's winner. John welcomes Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Tony Swan from Car and Driver and Kelly Blue Book.
The Environmental Protection Agency's calendar keeps turning. Auto manufacturers are on a deadline to raise their total mpgs. Most are pushing their engineers to come up with gas-sipping ICEs as well as alternative powertrains like electrics and hybrids. But in addition, they are also turning to lighter weight materials like carbon fiber. Though still extremely expensive, manufacturers and suppliers alike are looking at ways to make the product cheaper so it can go on vehicles of all prices. On Autoline This Week John McElroy welcomes three people from the carbon fiber world. Florian Schattenmann is the Global R and D Director for supplier Dow Chemical, Graham Henkel is the designer of the new Viper from Chrysler's SRT division while James Staargaard is the president of Plasan Carbon Composites.
Despite being one of the largest and most successful automotive suppliers in the world, most consumers only know the BorgWarner name from its connection to the Indianapolis 500. It has sponsored the winner's trophy since 1935. And despite the products it does produce for racing, namely its turbo systems, this company founded in the 19th century produces high-tech powertrain components along with a variety of other automotive products for cars across the globe. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week is James Verrier, the company's current President and Chief Operating Office. Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com and Joe Szczesy of the Oakland Press join in on the discussion.
Many believe the biggest news of 1982 was the Falklands War invasion while in business the DeLorean Motor Car Company hit the brakes for the last time. Meanwhile, the big winner at the movies was the overachieving period film “Chariots of Fire.” Those stories grabbed the headlines but in a rural hamlet near central Ohio, Honda was quietly opening the first Japanese auto factory on U.S. soil. It’s been 30 years since those doors opened and the factory is not only still going strong but continues to grow and expand. This week on Autoline, John McElroy goes on-the-road to Marysville, Ohio to visit this historic plant and see what it has meant to not only Honda for the last 30 years, but the community as well.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
AM Radio was king in the car for nearly 50 years. But since the 70s, its evolution has been fast and furious. First FM was all the rage followed by music on 8 Track and Cassette tapes. It wasn’t long before CDs started flooding the front seat and now, well you know, anything goes. Today’s Multi Media Interface can offer the driver everything from Satellite Radio Services to Navigation to even the Internet without breaking a sweat, but that’s just the tip of the chip. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy talks with three experts in audio electronics to hear first hand about the latest and greatest that they’re offering the consumer. Joining John are Marios Zenios, the head of Chrysler’s Uconnect Systems, Mike Hichme, GM’s Infotainment Design Manager and Allen Kudla from Panasonic Automotive.
You may be buying your car from the biggest auto dealer in the country and not even know it. AutoNation has over 200 dealerships selling cars under 18 different local brands around the USA. From luxury to economy, from Sacramento to Orlando, this 16-year old corporation has the country blanketed with cars so if there’s any one person who has a good sense of where the retail is heading in this industry it’s Mike Jackson. On Autoline This Week the Chairman and CEO of AutoNation joins John McElroy to share his views on the state of the auto industry and where it goes from here.
They arrived with such fanfare a couple years back, that you’d have thought we’d all be driving electrics by now but that’s not the case. In fact, even today some manufacturers are reticent to even offer an electric option. But that hasn’t stopped everyone from the biggest OEMs to the single car startups from designing and building all-electric cars. On Autoline This Week John McElroy and his panel look at the world of electric cars, if there’s a want, a need or a business case to be made for their existence. Joining John in studio is Csaba Csere, the former Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver magazine and Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics.
Heavy steel, hard plastic and thick rubber used to dominate an automaker’s assembly line. But these days those elements have been replaced by high strength, lighter weight cousins of the earlier versions along with newer materials, like aluminum. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy introduces you to his panel of materials experts who talk about how their latest products are impacting the auto industry. Joining John on his panel are Rose Ryntz from IAC talking about the new softer, stronger plastics, Blake Zuidema from steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal discussing today’s high strength steel and Ganesh Panneer from Novelis, who provides lightweight aluminum to many auto manufacturers.
Scott Painter is the essence of the 21st century entrepreneur. Having started several dot-coms since his days at Berkley, he turned his sights to the auto industry with TrueCar.com, an attempt to educate the automotive consumer with data and pricing. And that’s where all the trouble began. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy welcomes Scott Painter to the studio to talk about how TrueCar is attempting to change the auto buying customer experience. John’s panel of industry experts includes Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com and Joe White from the Wall Street Journal.
When GM product guru Bob Lutz retired, many automotive insiders wondered what would happen to the company’s revived product line and, more importantly, who would fill those big shoes. It turns out they didn’t have to look very hard. GM veteran Mary Barra was appointed Senior Vice President of Global Product Development soon after and the stunning products have kept rolling off the line. This week on her first visit to the Autoline studios host John McElroy is joined by panelists Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal to talk to Ms. Barra about the company and her vision for future GM products.
You may only know the company as the one that uses hamsters in its ads but with 24 straight months of U.S. sales records as well critically-acclaimed product, it’s not surprising that South Korea’s Kia is the least known success story in the car industry. Well, joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week to correct that are the men who can talk, first hand, about Kia’s slow and steady growth in the American market. Tom Loveless is Kia Motor America’s vice president of sales and Michael Sprague is its executive VP of marketing (aka., the man responsible for green lighting the hamsters). Also joining John is Brent Snavely from the Detroit Free Press.
Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com.
AM Radio was king in the car for nearly 50 years. But since the 70s, its evolution has been fast and furious. First FM was all the rage followed by music on 8 Track and Cassette tapes. It wasn’t long before CDs started flooding the front seat and now, well you know, anything goes. Today’s Multi Media Interface can offer the driver everything from Satellite Radio Services to Navigation to even the Internet without breaking a sweat, but that’s just the tip of the chip. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy talks with three experts in audio electronics to hear first hand about the latest and greatest that they’re offering the consumer. Joining John are Marios Zenios, the head of Chrysler’s Uconnect Systems, Mike Hichme, GM’s Infotainment Design Manager and Allen Kudla from Panasonic Automotive.
It used to be a Cadillac world. Recognized as the top luxury car, its name became synonymous with the best of anything. But then came the 1980s with production issues, an aging demographic and worse, competition from around the world. Suddenly, as Eric Burdon and The Animals sang, their best just wasn’t good enough. For 5, 10, 20 years, the brand wavered until the latest models have shown a bit of life. The man in charge of restoring the luxury nameplate to the top is Don Butler, VP of Global Marketing for Cadillac. He is John McElroy’s special guest on Autoline This Week. Joining the panel are Tim Higgins from Bloomberg and Aaron Bragman from IHS Automotive.
A few years ago many believed ethanol was the answer to our fuel questions. There was refining capacity, plenty of corn and OEM commitment with their Flex Fuel option. Fast forward to 2012 and it’s a totally different landscape. There are more and more small cars on the road being powered by 40+mpg engines. But just as important, we’re facing the effects of the worst drought in 50 years. In fact, the USDA says the corn yield may come in at 1995 levels, which is worse than predicted. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to an expert panel for an in-depth look at the ethanol issue and see where we go from here. Joining John are Candace Wheeler from General Motors, James Frusti of Chrysler and Professor Bruce Dale from Michigan State University.
Automakers protect their secrets like the U.S. Army guards Fort Knox. And the biggest secrets they have are their future designs. That’s why few people and fewer cameras are granted access to the inner sanctum of automotive design studios. So it is with great pleasure that John McElroy and the Autoline crew take you inside one of the most historic buildings in the auto industry, as well as one of the toughest to gain admittance, General Motors Design. Global Design Chief Ed Welburn talks with John and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com before giving them a behind-the-scenes tour through this top secret facility.
Hidden down a long driveway behind two locked gates and four garage doors is the private car collection of one of the most respected “car guys” in history, Bob Lutz. Rarely do journalists get a glimpse of these cars let alone an exclusive tour as he gave Autoline. So join host John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com as “Maximum Bob” gives them a look at some of his prized cars including a 1934 LaSalle, his unique ‘70s Swiss-made Monteverdi and even the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 he found completely by accident a few years ago which originally belonged to his father. Exotic cars, rare motorcycles and even collector bikes all from the garage of Bob Lutz this week on Autoline.
There’s been a product renaissance at Ford the last few years, thanks in large part to Global Product Chief, and 33-year veteran of the company, Derrick Kuzak. But when Kuzak announced he was retiring earlier this year it didn’t take Ford long to find his replacement. Raj Nair started with the company in 1987 and has worked all over the world in various capacities. Now as he takes control of the product wheel for Ford we’ll see if he can keep the momentum going. This week he joins host John McElroy and panelists Tony Swan from Heart Magazines and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press as our guest on Autoline This Week.
It’s tough to get to the top of the auto industry, but it’s especially hard for female executives. That’s why even today the culture continues to be male-dominated. So with more and more women involved in the industry how do the experts see them breaking through the Sunroof Ceiling and eventually running a car company or some of the top suppliers. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week to discuss the topic are three executives with personal knowledge of the struggle. Jeneanne Hanley is vice president of Lear Corporation while Colleen Haley is the Executive VP of Yazaki and Terry Barclay is the president and CEO of Inforum, a professional women’s alliance.
We buy brands. Sure, there are those consumers who diligently search out the best product or deal, but for the most part, Americans love their brands. Especially when it comes to cars. But as the competition continues to get tougher, how are car companies caring for those brands? On Autoline This Week John McElroy is joined by a panel of marketing experts who explore the provocative questions: are some automakers deluding their brands by removing the essence that made it special, or are their marketing departments delusional believing everything is just fine and they don’t need any TLC. Joining John with insight on those topics and more are Christie Nordhielm, Marketing Professor from the University of Michigan, Peter De Lorenzo, Editor-in-Chief of Autoextremist.com and Michael Robinet an analyst with IHS Automotive.
Back in 5th grade science class we all learned what happens when a snake molts -- it loses its skin, becoming in-essence an all-new serpent. That’s kind of what’s been going on over at Chrysler the last few years with Viper. Once Dodge’s proud ruler of the performance road -- nearly lost amid the financial turmoil -- has been reborn under the Street and Racing Technology brand, is now ready to take on the competition with the new 2012 model. Our special guest on Autoline This Week to discuss Viper, the SRT brand as well as Dodge Design itself is the man in charge of all three, Ralph Gilles. Joining John McElroy on his panel are Scott Burgess of AOL Autos and Chris Paukert of Autoblog.com.
There are more cars on the road getting 40 miles per gallon than ever before. Partly due to new CAFE standards and driven by the engineers at OEMs and their suppliers, consumers now have a number of gas-saving powertrains to choose from today. Whether it’s the new ICEs, hybrids, electrics or a plug-in version like the Volt, we’ve never had more fuel efficient transportation that didn’t walk on four legs. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to a panel of powertrain experts about today’s advancements and what will be driving us in the near future and beyond. Joining John are Christopher Thomas from BorgWarner’s Advanced Engineering Group, Roger Clark from GM’s Energy Center, and Chrysler Powertrain VP Dr. Mircea Gradu.
During any race there’s always that one point where you evaluate where you are in the pack and what it’s going to take to get to the finish line. That’s what John McElroy and his panel do on Autoline this week for the 2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year candidates. Joining him to discuss cars like the Acura ILX, Cadillac’s XTS and the all-new Nissan Altima are fellow NACTOY jurors Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press and Paul Eisenstein from The Detroit Bureau.
In 1963 Avis Rent-a-Car came up with iconic “We Try Harder” slogan, which it has carried ever since. But it also seems to be the perfect phrase to describe the current race for the number one selling car in America. After years of playing not just second but third fiddle to the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, Nissan has unveiled its striking new Altima and believes this car is prepared to finally challenge that number one slot. That’s why John McElroy and Autoline go on-the-road this week to Nashville, Tennessee to visit the home of Nissan Americas and to talk with the team in charge of taking Altima to number 1.
Pick up any car magazines and you’ll find lists. Lists for best car, lists for worst MPGs, lists for most collectible and so on. But the one list that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Ingrassia could not find is the subject of his new book “Engines of Change.” Mr. Ingrassia looked at our car culture and has come up with a list of vehicles and how they have impacted our entire American society. John McElroy leads a fascinating discussion with Mr. Ingrassia and panelists Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com.
As more and more of those alternatively-powered vehicles hit the streets around America, the potential legal issues grow. We’ve already seen batteries burst into flames so who knows what lies ahead with hybrids, pure electrics, hydrogen or natural gas vehicles? Manufacturers are keeping a close eye on the situation within not only their research and development departments, but legal ones as well. Joining John McElroy to talk about these potentially explosive issues is an expert panel including, Fred Fresard from the suburban Detroit law firm Dykema, automotive consultant Thomas Livernois and Mike Ramsey from the Wall Street Journal.
Running a car company in Europe is decidedly different than in America. Especially if you’re on the Board which makes all the big decisions. Join John McElroy and his guest Dr. Walther Kiep, the longest serving member of Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board, for an inside look at his years helping run this mega-automaker as he promotes his recollections of a life in politics and business in his new book “Bridge Builder.” Joining John on his panel are Christina Rogers of Automotive News and Mike Ramsey from the Wall Street Journal.
Both boardrooms and government agencies are guiding design teams to create the vehicles of tomorrow. But how you achieve cost-savings and meet standards all in a slick package remains the (insert outrageous cost projection amount here) question. On Autoline This Week John McElroy brings together a cutting-edge panel of auto experts who are doing just that on the inside with interiors. Klaus Busse sees it from the OEM side as Head of Chrysler Group Interior Design. Meanwhile, representing the supplier community are Fiona Doskocz with Benecke-Kaliko and Gerald Winslow, VP of Sales and Marketing for InfiChem Polymers LLC.
Just a few short decades ago, the only way to get information on a new car was to go to a newsstand or go to a dealership. Since then, as consumers have learned how to use the maturing internet, the number of car-buying options have exploded. One of the newest on the web is TrueCar out of California. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week is Larry Dominique, former Vice President with Nissan, who signed on with TrueCar to help challenge the competition like Edmunds. Included on this week’s panel are Craig Trudell from Bloomberg News and Steve Finlay of WardsAuto Dealer Business.
How to break the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) ceiling? Some manufacturers don’t think we need to and continue to upgrade their current crop of engines. But then there are companies like Nissan-Renault, whose leader Carlos Ghosn, gave the world the all-electric Leaf and is continuing down that path. As Senior VP in charge of Research and Development for Nissan Americas, Carla Bailo has to walk a delicate line -- continue to provide the company with ICE vehicles all while working with Japan to develop those ground-breaking high mileage electric cars. Joining host John McElroy and Ms. Bailo on this week’s Autoline are Brent Snavley from the Detroit Free Press and Lindsay Brooke with Automotive Engineering International.
We all know Manhattan for its Wall Street institutions, Broadway musicals and idyllic Central Park, however, let’s not forget about transportation. Even though the city has perhaps the best public subway and bus systems, cars are very important in New York’s daily routine. And we don’t mean just those yellow ones with the meters. Joining John McElroy from the shadow of Times Square to talk about the Big Apple and its unique relationship with the auto industry is Jamie Lincoln Kitman from GQ, Bank of America analyst John Murphy and Joe Phillipi with AutoTrends Consulting.
It won nearly every serious automotive award and had a huge carbon-free footprint of positive reviews from critics and consumers alike. So if that’s the case, why is the Volt GM’s slowest selling product? More than that, why does there seem to be such a negative charge to the car? People across the country who have never even seen a Volt let alone driven this engineering marvel have nothing good to say about it, confounding both auto analysts and company executives. On Autoline This Week John McElroy and his panel look at the strange state of GM’s engineering masterpiece the Volt. Joining John on the panel are Joe White of the Wall Street Journal, Manny Lopez from the Michigan Capitol Confidential and Gary Witzenburg an auto journalist and former engineer on GM’s original electric project, the EV1.
The word on the street is the economy is getting better. And we mean “on the street” literally with new car sales leading the way. But how is this happening in the middle of a slow recovery? Are the manufacturers doing something special to move metal or is it simply that the 2008 recession caused such a large pent up demand for new vehicles that consumers couldn’t wait any longer? The man with answers to these questions and more joins John McElroy on Autoline This Week. Jeremy Anwyl is the Vice Chairman of Edmunds.com, the automotive do-all website. He joins John and his panelists, Edward Lapham of Automotive News and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com to talk about the state of automotive retail and more.
Washington, D.C. has been leading a double life of late. Not only is it the American Capitol but it seems to have usurped the title of the Motor City from Detroit as well. With federal loans to automakers, Car Czars and CAFE requirements, there’s been an extraordinary amount of auto activity in the District the last few years. That’s one of the reasons that Autoline visited our nation’s capitol earlier this year to talk autos with a variety of influencers. Join John McElroy on this week’s show as he speaks with Phil Murtaugh from CODA Automotive, Roland Hwang of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Dave Zukchowski from Hyundai Motor America and Margo Oge of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Ford Motor Company was in trouble even before that breathless September four years ago that sent the world economy searching for financial oxygen. But armed with a bold strategy and solid leadership, Ford survived the crisis, steering clear of both bankruptcy and government loans. And then as it released some of the new products it had in the pipeline, suddenly the company started making money and the blue oval was back in the black in a big way. That’s the story of how Alan Mulally and his team brought Ford back from the brink as told in the new book “American Icon.” Bryce Hoffman of The Detroit News spent two years engrossed in the culture that Henry Ford built and Alan Mulally arguably saved. On Autoline This Week, John McElroy talks to Mr. Hoffman about “American Icon” and is joined in the discussion by Keith Naughton from Bloomberg News and Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics.
Four years ago he was a one of 435, just a seven-term Congressman from a sleepy section of western Illinois. But since then life has been a bit harried to say the least. When Representative Ray LaHood joined the Obama Administration as the 16th Secretary of the Transportation in January 2009 little did he know that he would be presiding over the most dramatic time in the American auto industry since Henry Ford drove his first car around Detroit. From bankruptcies to bailouts to batteries driving green vehicles, his department oversees everything we drive or ride in on the ground or on the water, as well as divisions like the FAA, the FHA and NHSTA to name three. This week on Autoline from the floor of the Washington Auto Show, John McElroy welcomes Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for an exclusive one-on-one interview on everything automotive and more.
Children do it out of spite when they don't get their way. They may turn a different color for a bit but the good news is it usually doesn't last very long. However, when economists hold their collective breath that's a bit more mysterious. Being an inexact science, the answer is open for interpretation -- a conservative economist sees it one way while a liberal economist sees it another. There is no agreed avenue to prosperity which is unfortunate especially for those whose business it is to watch the auto industry. Unemployment spikes to near record levels and lo and behold auto sales rise. Huh? It's not supposed to happen that way. Maybe it's time to break out the emergency tea leaves. So as Autoline prepares to examine the automotive outlook in 2012, instead of those tea leaves, John McElroy turns to three top professionals in the auto industry to take a look at what they believe is going to happen around the globe. Joining his panel this week are the Chief Economists from Ford, Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, and her counterpart at General Motors Mustafa Mohatarem along with Charles Chesbrough, IHS Automotive's Senior Principal Economist.
It was a masterwork in the making that suddenly became the Rip Van Winkle of records. That project was Beach Boy Brian Wilson's 1967 composition "Smile" which was finally released just a few years ago. Given the global economy of late, It's not surprising that car shows have endeared a similar soporific stage. With the auto industry riding a strong wave of creativity and sales throughout the decade, suddenly the 2008 economic meltdown shook the industry to the core -- something that not even auto shows could avoid. Iconic showcases like the North American International Auto Show became mere shadows of what they were just a few years earlier. While some manufacturers offered striped down exhibits, others didn't show up at all. But fast forward three years to the 2012 show where the NAIAS is once again at the top of its game and "Smile" is what manufacturers and the world press were doing as they viewed all the new product. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week from the floor of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show are five auto executives who are all smiles indeed. John Maloney is the CEO of Volvo of North America, Klaus Busse the Head of Interior Design at Chrysler, Fred Diaz is the president and CEO of RAM Brand, Ludwig Willisch is the new president of BMW North America, and Max Wolff the Director of Design at Lincoln.
It was a masterwork in the making that suddenly became the Rip Van Winkle of records. That project was Beach Boy Brian Wilson's 1967 composition "Smile" which was finally released just a few years ago. Given the global economy of late, It's not surprising that car shows have endeared a similar soporific stage. With the auto industry riding a strong wave of creativity and sales throughout the decade, suddenly the 2008 economic meltdown shook the industry to the core -- something that not even auto shows could avoid. Iconic showcases like the North American International Auto Show became mere shadows of what they were just a few years earlier. While some manufacturers offered striped down exhibits, others didn't show up at all. But fast forward three years to the 2012 show where the NAIAS is once again at the top of its game and "Smile" is what manufacturers and the world press were doing as they viewed all the new product. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week from the floor of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show are three auto executives who are all smiles indeed. Jim Farley is the Group Vice President of Global Marketing for Ford which has been on a roll with its EcoBoost technology, Reid Bigland is the president and CEO of the Dodge Brand which unveiled its hot new Dodge Dart at the show and Mary Barra, GM's Senior VP of Global Product Development whose products have helped the company regain the title as the world's number 1 automaker.
National Rifle Association members are famous for their passionate slogan “I’ll give you my gun when you take it from my cold, dead hands.” Well, slogans are great but in the end they’re only words. Just ask those American car dealers who, over the last few years, had their franchises unceremoniously ripped from their very live hands and were powerless to stop it. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to mega dealer and author Tammy Darvish about her book “Outraged – How Detroit and the Wall Street Car Czars Killed the American Dream” as well as two of her fellow dealers – one former and one still fighting – as they discuss what it’s like to have corporate America try to deal independent business owners a death blow.
China is a communist country with capitalist tastes and the money in the bank to prove it. That’s why nearly all Western automotive manufacturers are now in the country importing, building and selling cars. But despite all this economic attention, Chinese consumers are still a mystery to many in the auto industry. Thank goodness for men like Michael Dunne who packed up and moved to China some 25 years ago. Over that quarter century this automotive consultant has learned plenty about China, its people and manufacturers like General Motors who brought its products east early on. This week on Autoline Michael Dunne joins John McElroy, Sharon Terlep of the Wall Street Journal and David Welch of Bloomberg BusinessWeek to talk about his book “American Wheels, Chinese Roads” and the exploding Chinese automotive market.
Cadillac has long been known as the Standard of the World when it comes to luxury, but especially cars. However, no matter how good the product, even standards can hit on hard times which is what happened to the brand when it nearly closed its doors in the 1930s. Luckily it was saved by a group of men who, at that time, couldn’t even officially buy the car. On Autoline This Week join host John McElroy, Economic Historian John Steele Gordon, Photographer Bill Gaskins and Blues musician Johnnie Basset for a provocative discussion on how African-American men saved the Cadillac brand.
About the same time the great Tina Turner made the phrase “Simply the Best” household words, a group known as NACTOY was creating its own “best.” But this one – built by 50 veteran automotive journalists -- was a list of the top cars and trucks released in North America that year. Since then, every December that jury narrows its list to three candidates and prepares to crown the winner of the North American Car and Truck of the Year at Detroit’s International Auto Show in January. On this week’s Autoline, founding member John McElroy is joined by two of his NACTOY colleagues to talk about the top trucks, SUVs and Crossovers of the year and to predict the winner of this year’s North American Truck of the Year.
About the same time the great Tina Turner made the phrase “Simply the Best” household words, a group known as NACTOY was creating its own “best.” But this one – built by 50 veteran automotive journalists -- was a list of the top cars and trucks released in North America that year. Since then, every December that jury narrows its list to three candidates and prepares to crown the winner of the North American Car and Truck of the Year at Detroit’s International Auto Show in January. On this week’s Autoline, founding member John McElroy is joined by two of his NACTOY colleagues to talk about the top cars of the year and to predict the winner of this year’s North American Car of the Year.
In the middle of some of our bleakest economic times, the Blue Oval has strung together a few impressive years. Not only with sales and solid product, but with stability. Something that hasn't been seen in the auto industry for quite a while. And much of the credit has gone to the leadership of its CEO Alan Mulally. But as Mr. Mulally nears retirement people are beginning to ask who will take his place at the helm of the Ford Motor Company. Experts point to the extraordinary bench strength in its boardroom and believe the next leader will come from there, with one the top candidates the company's Executive Vice President and President of the Americas, Mark Fields. And this week Mr. Fields joins John McElroy on Autoline to talk about Ford, its future and the health of the auto industry as a whole. Joining John on his panel are Jean Jennings of Automobile and Jason Stein from Automotive News.
Car Spy
They seemed cut from the same cloth. Single syllable names engaged in undercover work that was linked to exotic cars. The difference is one man, James Bond, is of course a fictional character while Jim Dunne, the original Car Spy, is a real photo journalist with stories that could have been crafted by Ian Fleming himself. But Dunne’s exploits are factual and his pictures were ground breaking as he revealed prototype after prototype much to the chagrin of the OEMs. Long since retired, he now shares these juicy stories in a new book on his career called "Car Spy." And this week he joins John McElroy on Autoline to discuss those great "gets" from his career. Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics join in on the discussion.
Cars vs. Beans
What sounds like a lawsuit working its way through the U.S. court system is in reality the epic struggle that plagued the American auto industry the last four decades.
And Bob Lutz is the auto executive who has seen it all. Over his nearly 50 years on the inside, he ran BMW, Ford, Chrysler and GM. Now that he’s retired and on the outside he’s pointing out problems with the industry. In his latest book "Car Guys Versus Bean Counters" he spotlights those, he believes, who have hurt the industry the most. And you don’t need an MBA to figure out who he means.
This week the man known as "Maximum Bob" joins John McElroy on Autoline along with panelists Csaba Csere and Peter De Lorenzo to discuss his book and the industry he devoted his life to.
Clearing the Haze
For more than 40 years, one inconspicuous building outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan has been making the air we breathe cleaner. It’s the home of The Environmental Protection Agency’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. No engine can be sold in America without its stamp of approval.
This week John McElroy gets an exclusive look behind the walls of the Lab as he talks with the EPA’s Chris Grundler about the work they do there, how it impacts the auto industry and the motorized products that we all buy.
The heavy lifting is finally done, at least for a couple more years. A few weeks ago the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) and Chrysler, Ford and General Motors each reached agreement to continue making cars uninterrupted. In fact, as these things go, the 2011 process was pretty painless. But then it was the first time that -- thanks to the government bailout of Chrysler and GM -- the union's hands were tied on two of the three contracts. No walkouts and no strikes equaled little leverage. And then toss in the weak economy and membership had few options but to approve. Or did they? Was the latest contract in the best interest of the UAW and its members? Did the automakers win big or given the circumstances was it just window dressing? For the answers and analysis on the latest UAW contract John McElroy assembled his Labor Panel to evaluate the winners, losers and whatever. Joining him are Sean McAlinden from the Center for Automotive Research, Joe Szczesny of the Oakland Press (MI) and labor analyst Robert Chiaravalli.
Most of us have read it at one time or another. The small yellow reference guide that tells you what a used car is worth. Well the National Auto Dealers Association has been publishing that book since 1933 but it’s really the only NADA effort that consumers touch. Most times the group is serving the needs of the more than 17,000 new car and truck dealers in the United States. And each year those members elect one of their own to run the organization. In 2011 Stephen Wade, a multiple brand franchisee from Utah has been leading the U.S. dealer body as they fight to survive our fickle economy. This week John McElroy welcomes Mr. Wade to the Autoline studios to hear what’s going on with the retail end of the business. Joining them on the panel are Steve Finlay of Wardsauto.com and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal.
Anniversaries are special. That’s one of the reasons they’re celebrated with a particular metal, element or stone. But rarely do they break out the 10-carat diamond because that denotes 100 years, 10 decades or nearly 37,000 days if you wish. Well, besides making cars, that’s just what the Chevrolet brand has been celebrating throughout 2011. From its namesake founder to its iconic product (Corvette) to its darkest day (GM’s bankruptcy), the bowtie has not only seen it all, but survived it as well. So what better time to take a look at this brand that, in its heyday, separated from General Motors, would’ve been one of the largest companies in the world on its own. That’s why John McElroy and Autoline This Week come to you from GM’s World Headquarters in downtown Detroit, Michigan with special guest Chris Perry, the brand’s global marketing chief. Joining John and Chris as they talk about the first century of Chevrolet and beyond are Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press and Frank Markus from Motor Trend.
Auto shows are about the outlandish. Huge displays, science fiction technology and cars, cars, cars. The most eye-catching being those stunning, figments from a Designer’s imagination: The Concepts. Recently in Frankfurt, Germany, John McElroy caught up with three of the more elusive European-based designers for an Autoline exclusive walk-around of their significant reveals at the September show. Joining John at Walkaround Central is Ford’s VP of Global Design J Mays who explains the significance of the Evos and its design language; meanwhile Maserati’s Marco Tencone gives a close-up look John at his high-end Kubang SUV Concept based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee; and finally we get a look at the stunning rear-drive GT Concept from Kia’s Peter Schreyer. All that this week on Autoline.
Stephen King may have frightened readers all over the world with his twisted tales but he can’t scare Detroit. His imagination pales in comparison to the daily coverage on the travails of the Big Three that greeted readers each and every day just a few years ago. For a city, a state, a country so dependent on the production of the automobile, we all watched in horror as these great institutions nearly ceased to exist. A man with a front row seat to all the inside action has now committed it to paper; a heavier grade than where his normal work resides. Bill Vlasic, Detroit Bureau Chief for the New York Times captures the tumult of the years and the behind-the-scenes intrigue that nearly brought down the Big Three and clearly changed the automotive landscape forever. He joins John McElroy for an exclusive one-on-one talking about his book, "Once Upon a Car” on Autoline this week.
Every two years the massive Messa in Frankfurt, Germany plays host to one of the largest, if not the largest auto show in the world. Twelve huge buildings with another constructed just for that event alone, it’s the center of the automotive universe for those days in September. This backyard advantage provides the hometown German automakers with the opportunity to impress the auto world with displays the size of zeppelins filled with cutting edge concepts. John McElroy anchors Autoline this week from the site of this biennial show getting the latest from executives for three important German brands, including Jonathan Browning of Volkswagen of America, Ian Robertson from BMW AG and Johan de Nysschen of Audi America.
Since that epic day when Henry Ford turned the switch on the assembly line some 85 years ago, manufacturing has been pretty straight. Oh maybe a turn was added here and there as the years went on, and robots, too, but essentially, ever since 1913 automobiles have been made one way and Thomas Crumm says it’s time to blow it up. Literally! John McElroy’s guest on Autoline this week is a former General Motors engineer who writes in his provocative new book “What is Good for General Motors” that the only way for GM to survive into the 21st Century is to destroy the assembly line. And replace it with what. Tune into Autoline and discover how. Joining John in questioning this manufacturing revolutionary is Drew Winter of WardsAuto.com and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production.
The Pill box hat, the Mini skirt and the Little Black Dress along with hood ornaments, mood lighting and tail fins. What all six of these obviously different elements have in common are fashion. They just happen to be from two divergent universes: Women’s clothing and automobile design. However, there are times that they cross paths and have done so for 50, 60 some 70 years. And that place is the auto show. The same environment that author Margery Krevsky captures in her book “Sirens of Chrome.” On this week’s Autoline John McElroy talks to Ms. Krevsky and fashion consultant Karen Buscemi about the intersection of automotive and fashion. And don’t miss Autoline’s own Fashion Show where four professional product specialists, as they’re called, model some of the great historic dresses from auto shows past.
You know the game. It’s been played for years. All it takes are three shells, one pea and a gullible audience to bet money on what is know as a short-con. Well these days there’s another shell game going on, this time with cars; most of them damaged in one way or another. Titles are being washed, VINs cloned and Salvage Pools decimated as used cars disappear into the wild blue yonder. It’s a big problem that not many consumers know exist which is why it’s the topic for this week’s Autoline. John McElroy looks into this “new shell game” with Michael Wilson from the Automotive Recyclers Association and Eric Widmer of Alliance Inspection Management also know as AIM.
Stuck in Time
Many agree that the auction house Barrett-Jackson has its grips on some of the greatest collector cars in America. But there’s a large group of classic cars just 90 miles off the Florida coast that no collector - try as they might -- has been able to buy-because they reside in the communist country of Cuba.
Since the U.S. embargo was enacted in the early ‘60s, no American products have been allowed either into the country, or out. And experts agree, sitting on that small island is a treasure trove of pre-1960 vehicles that many collectors would love to own.
During a trip to Cuba John McElroy captured the story of these incredible vehicles and their owners in a short Autoline documentary called "Stuck in Time" which begins this week’s broadcast. John then follows that story with a trip to our studio with two men well steeped in the car collecting culture. McKeel Hagerty knows the value of cars like these since insuring vintage vehicles is part of his business at Hagerty Insurance. And Ken Lingenfelter of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has been collecting classic cars for years. This week on Autoline they join John to share their thoughts on Cuba, these unique cars and whether or not they’ll ever make it off the island.
Car Spy
They seemed cut from the same cloth. Single syllable names engaged in undercover work that was linked to exotic cars. The difference is one man, James Bond, is of course a fictional character while Jim Dunne, the original Car Spy, is a real photo journalist with stories that could have been crafted by Ian Fleming himself. But Dunne’s exploits are factual and his pictures were ground breaking as he revealed prototype after prototype much to the chagrin of the OEMs. Long since retired, he now shares these juicy stories in a new book on his career called "Car Spy." And this week he joins John McElroy on Autoline to discuss those great "gets" from his career. Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics join in on the discussion.
My 409
No one seemed to capture the culture of cars better than the Beach Boys. When they weren’t singing about California girls in the early ‘60s they were worshiping hot rods and muscle cars. And those cars, like the songs, seem to get better with age. That’s why those 40 to 50 year old classic cars evolved from a weekend hobby for some, to a collector’s heaven for others. In fact the entire market has been exploding of late. Just ask McKeel Hagerty & Ken Lingenfelter. These successful business owners - Hagerty in insurance, Lingenfelter in engineering - have extensive collections that go far beyond just hot rods. Both men join John McElroy this week on Autoline to discuss the rocketing vintage car market.
Reach Out
Most would say the soundtrack of U.S. labor union movement is closer to the edgy guitar of Woody Guthrie than the smooth sounds of Burt Bacharach. But it’s a new day at beleaguered unions like the United Auto Workers as they, like the Bacharach song says, "reach out" to not only stay relevant but rebuild a membership that has been collapsing. And that "reaching out" for the UAW is the job of union Vice President Cindy Estrada who joins John McElroy this week on Autoline. Ms. Estrada talks to John and panelists Alisa Priddle of the Detroit News & Joe Szczesny of the Oakland Press about her rise through the UAW and her plans to replenish those dwindling membership ranks.
Eyes of Silva
About the time that the Doobie Brothers burst onto the ‘70s music scene with songs like "China Grove" and "Eyes of Silver," the design eyes of Walter de’Silva were just coming into focus across the Atlantic at FIAT. Over the next 40 years his influence could be seen on not only European cars but eventually in global brands like Audi, Bentley and Bugatti as well. And now in 2011, as the current head of Volkswagen Group Design he is responsible for the look of every model that is created by the eight brands in the group. This week in a very special edition of Autoline, Walter de’Silva joins John McElroy, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics for a look inside the fascinating world of automotive design.
Down the Road
With the auto industry as volatile as ever, it pays to have a good analyst to keep an eye where it might be heading. Well, this week Autoline has invited three of the best in the business to discuss the issues driving the industry. Joining John McElroy is Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds, IHS Automotive’s Michael Robinet and Jeff Schuster of J.D. Power and Associates. The group talks about a variety of issues including, slowing car sales, the impact of alternative vehicles and Asia’s continuing affect on the global industry.
The Union Label
Change has been the theme at the United Auto Workers union for the last few years. As it fought to keep members and jobs, it met face-to-face with today’s economic reality: Bankrupt automakers, unprofitable corporations and strong non-union foreign transplants. But now, with the UAW’s new president Bob King firmly in control, a new reality is taking shape.
Joining John McElroy to discuss where the UAW goes from here is Sean McAlinden from the Center for Automotive Research, Robert Chiaravalli, the president of Strategic Labor & Human Resources and Joe Szczesny of the Oakland Press.
Vote Early and Often
The rough-and-tumble world of Chicago politics is often given credit for the mantra "vote early and often." Even though not a legal option, it may not be bad advice when it comes to those car-of-the-year candidates. In fact, there are so many new vehicles being released by manufacturers each year it comes out to almost one per week. That makes it tough for auto reporters who need to drive and evaluate each one of them and then get the word out to their readers, listeners or viewers.
Well tough or not, John McElroy was able to convince two of his North American Car & Truck of the Year judges him to join him on this week’s Autoline to talk the latest in vehicles. Car & Driver’s dynamic duo of Tony Swan and Eddie Alterman sit in on this week’s broadcast to evaluate what they’ve already driven, and what may be coming before the end of the year.
Stuck in Time
Many agree that the auction house Barrett-Jackson has its grips on some of the greatest collector cars in America. But there’s a large group of classic cars just 90 miles off the Florida coast that no collector - try as they might -- has been able to buy-because they reside in the communist country of Cuba.
Since the U.S. embargo was enacted in the early ‘60s, no American products have been allowed either into the country, or out. And experts agree, sitting on that small island is a treasure trove of pre-1960 vehicles that many collectors would love to own.
During a trip to Cuba John McElroy captured the story of these incredible vehicles and their owners in a short Autoline documentary called "Stuck in Time" which begins this week’s broadcast. John then follows that story with a trip to our studio with two men well steeped in the car collecting culture. McKeel Hagerty knows the value of cars like these since insuring vintage vehicles is part of his business at Hagerty Insurance. And Ken Lingenfelter of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has been collecting classic cars for years. This week on Autoline they join John to share their thoughts on Cuba, these unique cars and whether or not they’ll ever make it off the island.
Chain Links
More than ever before, auto manufacturers rely on suppliers to produce and provide parts for today’s vehicles, especially those on the top called Tier Ones. And there are few Tier Ones bigger than Bosch’s Automotive division. Take North America as an example. Just last year it was responsible for $5.6 Billion in sales employing more than 13,000. The man in charge of the Americas for Bosch is Peter Marks where he not only oversees automotive, but the group’s entire business including healthcare, a variety of technologies and even consumer goods. This week on Autoline, John McElroy welcomes Robert Bosch North American Chairman, President and CEO Peter Marks along with our panelists Michelle Krebs fro Edmunds.com and Tom Murphy from WardsAuto.com.
Eyes of Silva
About the time that the Doobie Brothers burst onto the ‘70s music scene with songs like "China Grove" and "Eyes of Silver," the design eyes of Walter de’Silva were just coming into focus across the Atlantic at FIAT. Over the next 40 years his influence could be seen on not only European cars but eventually in global brands like Audi, Bentley and Bugatti as well. And now in 2011, as the current head of Volkswagen Group Design he is responsible for the look of every model that is created by the eight brands in the group. This week in a very special edition of Autoline, Walter de’Silva joins John McElroy, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics for a look inside the fascinating world of automotive design.
Down the Road
With the auto industry as volatile as ever, it pays to have a good analyst to keep an eye where it might be heading. Well, this week Autoline has invited three of the best in the business to discuss the issues driving the industry. Joining John McElroy is Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds, IHS Automotive’s Michael Robinet and Jeff Schuster of J.D. Power and Associates. The group talks about a variety of issues including, slowing car sales, the impact of alternative vehicles and Asia’s continuing affect on the global industry.
Oval Shine
Glass House has been glistening more than usual of late. Whether it’s profits or products, Ford has been on quite a roll. Alan Mulally, the company’s president & CEO receives much of the credit, but he’s quick to share the spotlight with his team. And one of those executives who has played a big part in that success is Derek Kuzak, the Group Vice President in charge of Global Product Development. This week on Autoline he joins John McElroy to discuss the Ford product trail and where it leads into the future. Joining John on the Autoline panel are Tony Swan from Car & Driver and Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau.
Cars vs. Beans
What sounds like a lawsuit working its way through the U.S. court system is in reality the epic struggle that plagued the American auto industry the last four decades.
And Bob Lutz is the auto executive who has seen it all. Over his nearly 50 years on the inside, he ran BMW, Ford, Chrysler and GM. Now that he’s retired and on the outside he’s pointing out problems with the industry. In his latest book "Car Guys Versus Bean Counters" he spotlights those, he believes, who have hurt the industry the most. And you don’t need an MBA to figure out who he means.
This week the man known as "Maximum Bob" joins John McElroy on Autoline along with panelists Csaba Csere and Peter De Lorenzo to discuss his book and the industry he devoted his life to.
The New Guard
Ad agencies tend to have a long shelf life at GM. Buick signed McCann-Erickson in 1958 while Chevy and Campbell-Ewald went all the way back to 1919. That was until the 2009 bankruptcy. And that was until Joel Ewanick.
Ewanick was the Hyundai marketing guru who made actor Jeff Bridges the voice of the Korean automaker and subsequently improved sales. He joined GM in 2010 as VP of U.S. marketing and was quickly named the automaker's global chief marketing officer in only 6 months. Ewanick moves decisively and has a "take no prisoners" mentality. Just ask any of GM's old ad agencies. He changed each one in less than a year which was pretty historic at Chevy; that's something the brand hadn't done in nearly a century.
This week John McElroy welcomes special guest Joel Ewanick for his first visit to Autoline. He is joined by Chrissie Thompson of the Detroit Free Press and Peter De Lorenzo of Autoextremist.com.
Dodge & Designs
You'd think being in charge of design for an automaker would be a big enough job, but not for Ralph Gilles. As the designer of the iconic 2005 Chrysler 300, he was promoted to oversee design for all 5 of the company's brands. But in addition, when CEO Sergio Marchionne started handing out second assignments, Gilles was tagged to run the Dodge brand as well. On this week's Autoline he not only discusses the demands of both jobs but also Chrysler's rapid renaissance with both product and sales. Host John McElroy is joined by Natalie Neff from AutoWeek and Jeff Gilbert from CBS Radio Detroit-WWJ 950.
The Union Label
Change has been the theme at the United Auto Workers union for the last few years. As it fought to keep members and jobs, it met face-to-face with today’s economic reality: Bankrupt automakers, unprofitable corporations and strong non-union foreign transplants. But now, with the UAW’s new president Bob King firmly in control, a new reality is taking shape.
Joining John McElroy to discuss where the UAW goes from here is Sean McAlinden from the Center for Automotive Research, Robert Chiaravalli, the president of Strategic Labor & Human Resources and Joe Szczesny of the Oakland Press.
What’s Next
Technology has been transforming the car today more than ever. Since its beginning, the auto industry has always pushed the envelope when it comes to power, ride and design. But these days consumers are demanding more and more. Whether it’s under the hood or in the cloud, a vehicle’s technology is now a top buyer consideration.
Paul Mascarenas knows that more than most. He is Ford’s chief technical officer, in other words, the man in charge of research and development. This week he joins John McElroy to discuss the company’s leading edge technology and what’s next.
Clearing the Haze
For more than 40 years, one inconspicuous building outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan has been making the air we breathe cleaner. It’s the home of The Environmental Protection Agency’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. No engine can be sold in America without its stamp of approval.
This week John McElroy gets an exclusive look behind the walls of the Lab as he talks with the EPA’s Chris Grundler about the work they do there, how it impacts the auto industry and the motorized products that we all buy.
The Profit Chain
It's been a tough couple years in the automotive supply chain. Tough for everybody it seems except for BorgWarner. The century-old global giant reported record sales and profits for last year and even registered a profit for 2009 during the great collapse. Obviously the company is doing something right. And among the items this Tier One automotive supplier has checked on its list are designing new parts for 21st Century vehicles while still producing those for its bread and butter: today's combustible engines.
Joining John McElroy to discuss a variety of topics including new technologies, the Chinese auto market and the interruption in the supply chain is BorgWarner Chairman and CEO Tim Manganello. Joann Muller from Forbes and Mark Clothier of Bloomberg News round out this week's Autoline panel.
The New Guard
Ad agencies tend to have a long shelf life at GM. Buick signed McCann-Erickson in 1958 while Chevy and Campbell-Ewald went all the way back to 1919. That was until the 2009 bankruptcy. And that was until Joel Ewanick.
Ewanick was the Hyundai marketing guru who made actor Jeff Bridges the voice of the Korean automaker and subsequently improved sales. He joined GM in 2010 as VP of U.S. marketing and was quickly named the automaker's global chief marketing officer in only 6 months. Ewanick moves decisively and has a "take no prisoners" mentality. Just ask any of GM's old ad agencies. He changed each one in less than a year which was pretty historic at Chevy; that's something the brand hadn't done in nearly a century.
This week John McElroy welcomes special guest Joel Ewanick for his first visit to Autoline. He is joined by Chrissie Thompson of the Detroit Free Press and Peter De Lorenzo of Autoextremist.com.
Washington's Auto Influence
From all the bailout coverage the past few years, you might've thought that automakers only looked to Washington for money. But in reality, the Department of Transportation is involved with every OEM in one way or the other. Take Patrick Davis for instance. He runs a DOT office that searches for new fuels and groundbreaking batteries for electrics and hybrids. Over at the EPA, Margo Oge, who's in charge of, among other things, emissions, has a phalanx of staff who test every engine and the fuels that run them. And then on the flip side there are executives like Daimler's Jake Jones who works with the government on programs like the company's new Student Driving Academy. All three guests join John McElroy from the floor of this year's Washington Auto Show.
Dodge & Designs
You'd think being in charge of design for an automaker would be a big enough job, but not for Ralph Gilles. As the designer of the iconic 2005 Chrysler 300, he was promoted to oversee design for all 5 of the company's brands. But in addition, when CEO Sergio Marchionne started handing out second assignments, Gilles was tagged to run the Dodge brand as well. On this week's Autoline he not only discusses the demands of both jobs but also Chrysler's rapid renaissance with both product and sales. Host John McElroy is joined by Natalie Neff from AutoWeek and Jeff Gilbert from CBS Radio Detroit-WWJ 950.
Two Triple Cheese
What would prompt you to pull off the road while driving? Well, for Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen -- you know, the "Hot Rod Lincoln" guys -- it was the mere thought of their favorite food which they sang about in the '70s culinary classic, "Two Triple Cheese Side Order of Fries."
But 30 years later no one seems to be pulling off the road for much of anything. Certainly not for eating evidenced by the galaxy of restaurant drive-up windows; not for phone calls thanks to cell towers & electronics; and now not for the latest eye-averting activity -- texting.
These days distracted driving appears to be running rampant. It used to be that your biggest distraction was lunging for the radio whenever that "Titanic" song came on. Instead, today drivers of all ages are multi-tasking behind the wheel leaving one to ask just when did piloting 3,000 pounds of metal at 70 miles per hour become a second or third thought, and is there anything we can do about it?
For answers to those questions and more tune into this week's Autoline where John McElroy and his panel tackles the issue that's confronting everyone on the road today, distracted driving. He's joined by three experts who have had an impact on the issue in different arenas. Louis Tijerina is a safety engineer with Ford while Paul Green is with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. John's third guest, Buzz Thomas, is a former Michigan State Senator who had a hand in crafting an anti-texting law in his state.
Motors and Parts
Antifreeze was created to start cars and not necessarily brands. But sometimes the stars align -- or in this case the Pentastars -- giving the world a 75-year old company that's still going strong. Such was the humble beginning of Mopar, Chrysler Corporation Parts. From a name developed for cans of antifreeze to, can you say the word HEMI, Mopar has a rich heritage in engineering, accessories and replacement parts.
But today as manufacturers look to find new revenue streams some, including Chrysler, are turning to their brands like Mopar for that growth. And that's what Pietro Gorlier, the president and CEO of Mopar is doing with service, parts and even with vehicles themselves. This week on Autoline Mr. Gorlier joins John McElroy to discuss the brand and where he and his team are targeting that growth.
Turnaround
If you happen to be in a jazz band, a turnaround -- chords that take you back to an earlier part of the song -- is something easy that you do all the time. If you're an executive in the auto industry, a turnaround is a massive undertaking with no guarantee of success. Welcome to Mark Reuss' world.
As a GM legacy, Mark's father Lloyd was president of General Motors in the early '90s, he witnessed the ups and downs of this automotive giant from a closer vantage point than others. As the boss' son and then an employee, he rode the company roller coaster like everyone else until, as a corporate executive, he was there when they finally ran out of track and declared bankruptcy.
But since that point the GM turnaround has taken hold. And as head of North America, earlier this year Mark's operation helped GM achieve its largest profit since 2004. There's still a lot more work to be done but things are back on the right track...and right now there's plenty of it. This week on Autoline, GM's Mark Reuss joins John McElroy and his panel to discuss GM, its brands and where it goes from here.
Here Comes the Sun
This January, 2011 Detroit seemed to be channeling 1969 London for a time. That's when Beatle George Harrison, to escape the burdens of the business world, took some time off to commune with nature and stroll around the home gardens of friend Eric Clapton. With a clear head, he emerged with his epic song "Here Comes the Sun;" a tune that 42-years later you could almost hear walking around the floor of this year's North American International Auto Show.
Gone was the financial gloom of the 2009 NAIAS as well as the shrunken floor space from 12 months ago. This year Detroit welcomed back big aisles, bigger reveals and even some big names -- like Porsche -- who had been staying away. Here comes the sun, indeed.
This week Autoline captures a little bit of these sunnier climes with four interviews from the floor of Cobo Hall. Joining John McElroy from Detroit, in order of appearance, are: Adrian Hallmark, the Global Brand Director for Jaguar; the President and Co-CEO of IAC Group North America and Asia, James Kamsickas; Scott Strong, the Director of Interior Design for Ford Americas; and the COO and CFO of Subaru of America, Tom Doll.
Travels with Farley
The headline might look vaguely familiar. Think early 1960s where it borrows everything but the "Ch" from author John Steinbeck's famous travelogue "Travels with Charley." But where that work involved a camper, dog and the continental United States, "Travels with Farley" features a camera crew, a cutting-edge crossover and the hillsides of southern France. Oh, and not to mention a conversation with Ford's Global Marketing Chief.
This week on Autoline join John McElroy as he and Ford's Jim Farley roam the French countryside, in a brand new C-Max crossover, and talk marketing, comebacks and cars, cars, cars. Some of the topics Jim covers during their conversation include his early days in the business, Ford's refound success and the company's plans and hopes for its new-to-the-USA crossover, the C-Max.
**Special thanks to FremantleMedia North America for its assistance with the production of this week's Autoline.
And don't forget, Autoline is now available on public television across the country. Consult your local listings. And if you can't find it in your city contact your local public station and ask for Autoline.
Technotronic
When you're looking for an example of a huge fast marketing splash, few have been more effective than Jo Bogaert. He's the Belgian music producer who, in 1988, created the "Techtronic" sound that spread like wildfire over land, air and ocean to seemingly everything and every place that played music. His global hit single "Pump Up the Jam" with vocalist Ya Kid K was ubiquitous whether you were at a club in New York, an elevator in Tokyo or a cafe in Paris. The song and the sound spread like Kudzu and kept its grip on world music well into this decade.
Jim Newton wouldn't discourage a "viral" splash like that, but both he and his clients would really prefer to build it themselves. And that's exactly what they're doing at Tech Shop. Mr. Newton is the founder of this nationwide nirvana for those who never got enough of Industrial Arts in high school. But actually Tech Shop is much more since it allows anyone with a manufacturing idea, to create, design & produce that dream all for about the cost of joining your local YMCA.
For this week's special "On-the-Road" edition of Autoline, John McElroy takes you inside the original Menlo Park, California Tech Shop location. Here you'll meet some of the members of this creative community, experience their dreams coming to life and see why this idea is already spreading Technotronic-like across America, perhaps coming soon to a neighborhood near you.
Blipvert
Remember the computerized character MAX HEADROOM? In the fictional future that he called home, television corporations, not governments, ran the world. And what ran television was advertising. In fact, a high-speed, super concentrated three-second dangerous version called blipverts.
Well, despite its continuing influence on our 21st Century culture, television isn't quite the ogre as the show's creators imagined. Plus advertising is still viewed in manageable 15, 30 and 60-second doses. But what they didn't miss was the ongoing symbiotic relationship of the two. A relationship that goes on display to the world's largest television audience each year during the NFL's Super Bowl.
So far there have been 45 Super Bowls played which means 45 sets of advertisers as well. Over the years the auto industry has played a major role in both creativity and content. In 2011, nine separate automotive manufacturers populated the game with nearly 20 different ads spending in excess of $50-million dollars. On this week's Autoline, John McElroy and his panel of advertising experts examine the Super Bowl and see if the automakers got their money's worth.
But in addition to our Super Bowl ad discussion, John also has his panel look at what the OEMs and their agencies were doing in the months leading up to that big day. With so many automotive accounts having changed hands last year, there's a lot more than just new creative driving these campaigns. Joining John McElroy on his advertising panel are Jean Halliday from AutoAdOpolis, David Kiley of AOL Autos and Advertising Age and Gary Topolewski, an award-winning advertising creative director.
The DC Dance
If recent history is any guide, many Americans believe that the easiest way to reform our government is to attend a couple of town hall meetings, kick some politicians out of office and wait for the inevitable change to come. However there's a flaw in that formula, and it has nothing to do with the three branches of government, the Fourth Estate or the voters themselves. The formula simply doesn't account for three little letters that spell out the powerful acronym NGO.
Non-governmental organizations have a mighty hold over how Washington works. Their influence blankets everything from monetary policy to drug laws to environmental edicts. And whether they're called think tanks, foundations or associations, these organizations are the pipeline through which much political influence travels. The kind of influence that molds many of our laws, especially those that effect the auto industry.
That's why, on a recent trip to the Washington Auto Show, John McElroy made it a point to catch up with two of these DC insiders, along with a California outsider, to talk about our all-around federal automotive policies. Daniel Weiss is a Senior Fellow at the left-leaning Center for American Progress while Fred Smith is the president and founder of the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute. Both card-carrying members of the Washington NGO fraternity. Meanwhile, rounding out the panel is Ron Cogan, the editor of Green Car Journal and GreenCar.com, a leading outlet for green transportation information. And though it's based on the west coast, most of its content is driven by what happens in Washington.
So check out this week's Autoline and see why the auto industry, at times, looks a little dizzy thanks to the DC Dance.
Mighty Clouds of Joy
Since his appearance in last week's Super Bowl commercial, many have automatically linked Chrysler with the gritty music of the artist Eminem. And while the soundtrack of "Lose Yourself" worked as a reflection of Detroit's streets, the song that may in fact be more relevant to the company today has its roots in 1971.
Given where Chrysler was just 20 months ago, the music that seems to best capture the emotions coming out of its Auburn Hills headquarters is the 40-year-old pop tune "Mighty Clouds of Joy." As the company continues to introduce its well-reviewed new or significantly refreshed products -- vehicles that they were working on throughout those dark days of bankruptcy -- lines from the song like "those old storm clouds are slowly drifting by" take on a whole new meaning. Just ask some of those who were there...which is exactly what John McElroy does in this week's edition of Autoline.
Joining John on an all-Chrysler panel are three company veterans who, like many, witnessed the bad times but kept pushing ahead because of the product. Joe Dehner, the head of Dodge Design, Chris Barman, the VLE of E-Segment vehicles and Klaus Busse the head of Interior Design, all talk with John about Chrysler -- the company, its people but most importantly its new product -- and where they all go from here.
High Cotton
Three hundred years ago when cotton was king, the tallest and healthiest plants were the most valued. Farmers were said to be in "high cotton" when they had a bumper crop of plants like those because it translated directly to their status and wealth.
These days the phrase "high cotton" may be a bit dated, however, it still carries the distinction of wealth. And during January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, there was no one sitting in "higher cotton" than those few who were invited to "The Gallery."
A few years ago, to cater to the customer that F. Scott Fitzgerald described as being "different from you and me," the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, sponsors of the NAIAS, developed this special preview of the most exclusive vehicles at the auto show for the crowd that Fitzgerald termed "the very rich." Well, if the Rolls-Royce fits...and in this case it does. As does the Maybach, the Bentley, the Maserati and more.
Join John McElroy as he takes his cameras behind-the-scenes and into a world that even Jay Gatsby couldn't imagine. He'll talk to the men behind the event as well as dealers and customers who crossed the country to attend it. Why he even catches up with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck who developed an exclusive meal for this very exclusive group. It's a peek inside "The Gallery," this week on Autoline.
Here Comes the Sun
This January, 2011 Detroit seemed to be channeling 1969 London for a time. That's when Beatle George Harrison, to escape the burdens of the business world, took some time off to commune with nature and stroll around the home gardens of friend Eric Clapton. With a clear head, he emerged with his epic song "Here Comes the Sun;" a tune that 42-years later you could almost hear walking around the floor of this year's North American International Auto Show.
Gone was the financial gloom of the 2009 NAIAS as well as the shrunken floor space from 12 months ago. This year Detroit welcomed back big aisles, bigger reveals and even some big names -- like Porsche -- who had been staying away. Here comes the sun, indeed.
This week Autoline captures a little bit of these sunnier climes with four interviews from the floor of Cobo Hall. Joining John McElroy from Detroit, in order of appearance, are: Adrian Hallmark, the Global Brand Director for Jaguar; the President and Co-CEO of IAC Group North America and Asia, James Kamsickas; Scott Strong, the Director of Interior Design for Ford Americas; and the COO and CFO of Subaru of America, Tom Doll.
Travels with Farley
The headline might look vaguely familiar. Think early 1960s where it borrows everything but the "Ch" from author John Steinbeck's famous travelogue "Travels with Charley." But where that work involved a camper, dog and the continental United States, "Travels with Farley" features a camera crew, a cutting-edge crossover and the hillsides of southern France. Oh, and not to mention a conversation with Ford's Global Marketing Chief.
This week on Autoline join John McElroy as he and Ford's Jim Farley roam the French countryside, in a brand new C-Max crossover, and talk marketing, comebacks and cars, cars, cars. Some of the topics Jim covers during their conversation include his early days in the business, Ford's refound success and the company's plans and hopes for its new-to-the-USA crossover, the C-Max.
**Special thanks to FremantleMedia North America for its assistance with the production of this week's Autoline.
And don't forget, Autoline is now available on public television across the country. Consult your local listings. And if you can't find it in your city contact your local public station and ask for Autoline.
Technotronic
When you're looking for an example of a huge fast marketing splash, few have been more effective than Jo Bogaert. He's the Belgian music producer who, in 1988, created the "Techtronic" sound that spread like wildfire over land, air and ocean to seemingly everything and every place that played music. His global hit single "Pump Up the Jam" with vocalist Ya Kid K was ubiquitous whether you were at a club in New York, an elevator in Tokyo or a cafe in Paris. The song and the sound spread like Kudzu and kept its grip on world music well into this decade.
Jim Newton wouldn't discourage a "viral" splash like that, but both he and his clients would really prefer to build it themselves. And that's exactly what they're doing at Tech Shop. Mr. Newton is the founder of this nationwide nirvana for those who never got enough of Industrial Arts in high school. But actually Tech Shop is much more since it allows anyone with a manufacturing idea, to create, design & produce that dream all for about the cost of joining your local YMCA.
For this week's special "On-the-Road" edition of Autoline, John McElroy takes you inside the original Menlo Park, California Tech Shop location. Here you'll meet some of the members of this creative community, experience their dreams coming to life and see why this idea is already spreading Technotronic-like across America, perhaps coming soon to a neighborhood near you.
NACTOY's New Day?
Since 1994, the first awarding of the North American Car of the Year, there has been a parade each year of three finalists with one winner. Amid the 48 contenders and 16 eventual winners with their sleek designs and top-notch engineering there's been only one car that many observers considered a gateway to the 21st Century, and that was the Toyota Prius Hybrid. Well, it may be 11 years later but welcome to the 21st Century.
This year the more than 50 jurors of the North American Car of the Year chose not just one but two ground-breaking finalists by adding both the Chevy Volt plug-in and Nissan's Electric LEAF to its final three. But let's not forget the third member of the COY finalists, Hyundai's hot-selling Sonata, with its more standard internal combustion engine which received review after glowing review throughout 2010.
On this week's Autoline, NACTOY founding member John McElroy is joined by two of his fellow jurors, Eddie Alterman from Car & Driver and Marty Padgett from High Gear Media, as they discuss all three finalists, what they mean to the auto industry and who they each believe will be the 2011 North American Car of the Year.
King of the "NACTOY" Hill
Thanks to producer/animator Mike Judge, most people connect "King of the Hill" with the former Fox TV series. And though there's a lot to be said for a 12-year old cartoon series that centered on one character and his life with propane, here at Autoline any "King of the Hill" reference points to one word and one word only, and of course that word is TRUCK! And this time of year when you talk truck, you're talking about three specific trucks or SUVs -- as the case may be -- who end up as our own "Kings of the Hill," better known as the finalists for the North American Truck of the Year.
That's right, twelve months have flown by and left us with the latest top three trucks voted on by the jurors of NACTOY -- the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards. These finalists -- Ford's Explorer, Jeep's Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango -- have been narrowed down from a long list of top-notch candidates with the winner to be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit January 10th.
Joining Autoline host and original juror John McElroy to talk about these finalists and who may be crowned this year's "King of the Hill" are fellow NACTOY jurors Larry Webster from Popular Mechanics and Chris Paukert of Autoblog.com.
Roman Holiday
It was the movie that turned a trio into stars. Even though William Holden was arguably already there and his leading lady Audrey Hepburn was well on her way, the romantic comedy "Roman Holiday" really focused the spotlight on the third star of this 1953 movie, the Italian motor scooter Vespa. As the trio whipped around Rome it sold us on the delights of small lightweight Italian transportation.
Now fast forward to 2010, and small Italian transportation is poised to make a comeback here in America as the FIAT brand returns to the market thanks to its tie-in with Chrysler. Even as Sergio Marchionne has been putting the Pentastar pieces back together so Chrysler, Dodge, Ram & Jeep all have viable futures in the industry, at the same time he is ready to unleash his own brand back into the American car culture. The dealers have been chosen and they're getting ready to showcase the first FIAT product in years, the small, nimble Cinquecento better know as the 500.
And the person in charge of the North American reemergence of the FIAT brand joins John McElroy on this week's Autoline. Laura Soave is well aware of what FIAT stands for. Not just from last few months of running the brand here in the Americas but from her Italian heritage and spending time growing up in Europe. She has an interesting task in front of her as she tries to resurrect a brand that disappeared from American shoes for a variety of reasons, none of them good. Joining John on his journalist panel to discuss the future of FIAT is Alisa Priddle from The Detroit News and Tim Higgins from Bloomberg News.
Innocence Lost
There was a seismic shift 45 years ago. And as all change goes it was unwelcome at the time. So much in fact, that in a manner of fifteen short minutes it transformed a cultural hero to social pariah, all thanks to the innocence of choice.
But that's what happened on July 25, 1965 at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival when Bob Dylan plugged in, turned on and embraced the sound electric. The audience reaction was an early version of shock and awe. His fans became horrified that he had abandoned his acoustic legacy when he launched into an electric version of "Maggie's Farm." But in reality what they didn't know was that he was simply evolving as an artist as evidenced by the success of his beloved "Like A Rolling Stone," which had been recorded just days before the event. It was clear he was moving on.
For more than 100 years the internal combustion engine has driven the car. And though it continues to be tweaked and improved to the point where automotive's pioneers might not even recognize today's highly-efficient ICEs, evolution persists. We've been talking alternatives for years -- hybrids, PZEVs, Natural Gas and Hydrogen have all piqued our interest, but our muse has always been electrics. So much promise, so much promised, so much never delivered. But finally like Dylan, we're starting to move on...welcome to the world of the Nissan LEAF.
On this week's Autoline John McElroy travels to Tennessee -- a state that brought human evolution to the headlines last century -- to talk about the evolution of the car this century as the LEAF goes electric. John gets a deep dive on the car from Nissan Product Planner Mark Perry while marketing chief Jon Brancheau talks to him how they are rolling it out across the country. In addition, John drives the LEAF all around the city of Nashville and gives you his impressions of this first mass produced all-electric pioneer.
Politics as Unusual
Has the American public ever been so fickle? Two years ago the country went heavily Democratic. This year the pendulum swung strongly Republican. Who knows what next two years hold in store. But what we need to know is: what does this mean for the auto industry?
New fuel economy standards, stricter CO2 legislation, generous EV subsidies, the controversial cap and trade policy, our free trade policy, and the Employee Free Choice Act are all on the agenda. Or, at least they were. Thanks to the mid-term elections, committee chairmanships are switching from one party to the other. That means the legislation agenda is going to switch as well.
To learn about how the agenda will change, and to put a name to faces of who’s going to be running the show, this week’s Autoline is all about the abrupt about-face in the American political scene. Joining host John McElroy on the show are Nolan Finley, the Editorial Page Editor of the Detroit News, and co-host of the public television program "Am I Right?," as well as Edward Lapham, the Executive Editor of Automotive News.
Movin' On Up
The 1970s was the touchstone for transformation in two important American industries.
The world of television was changed forever by producer Norman Lear with ground-breaking shows like 'All In The Family' and its successful spinoff whose theme song has given us this week's headline, 'The Jeffersons.'
But at the same time that TV was "movin' on up" the U.S. automotive industry was starting a decades long decline. Fueled by OPEC in tandem with the rise of the imports, the Big Three produced model after model of lower quality cars and they began to pay the price. And we all know what price they eventually paid.
But since the start of the new century the 'downgraded' Detroit Three have been on the road back. Designing and building better cars that are not only attracting both old and new customers into showrooms, but they're starting to appear on lists that many consumers use to shop for vehicles. One of those tabulations -- the Consumer Reports Reliability Rankings -- was just released and David Champion, the Senior Director of its Auto Test Division joins John McElroy as his guest on this week's Autoline. Doron Levin of AOL Autos and Fortune Magazine and Scott Burgess, Autocritic of The Detroit News, join John and David to talk about today's best cars.
Champagne Wishes
Celebrity and luxury have been part of our culture since the beginning. But that potent combination didn't truly take off until about twenty-five years ago when television host Robin Leach made "champagne wishes and caviar dreams" our daily mantra. Suddenly greed was good, TV cops became Armani models and we all worshiped the people and products consumed nightly on the juggernaut "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."
That was the springboard that brought us to today's luxury-satiated society where even ten year olds discuss the merits of Louis Vuitton's latest. We're now undeniably smack dab in the middle of a pop culture that's in love with luxury; and don't think any of this has been lost on certain companies that make cars.
The American luxury car market used to be just a few select players that came from Italy, Germany and the UK with a couple of homegrowns thrown in for good measure. Today the list of both cars and countries have exploded. But how has the market grown, who are today's players and which customer is buying what?
Joining John McElroy for a look at today's luxury car market is an all dealer panel who pretty much have all the brands covered. Ken Meade of Meade Lexus is one of the brand's original dealers whose stores continue to be among the brand's top-sellers in the Midwest while Chris Consiglio is the Group General Manger of the Eitel Dahm Motor Group who handles three different high-end brands from Germany. And rounding out the panel is a man with a multitude of luxury brands to look after. Rob Kurnick is the president of Penske Automotive Group which operates 325 dealerships which nearly half could be considered luxury -- everything from Bugatti to Rolls Royce to Cadillac and more.
The Left Bank 2
Last week Autoline Detroit began its coverage of the 2010 Paris Motor Show with four different interviews. This week we've decided to emulate the Seine River, take a couple of twists and turns and do something a bit more avant-garde. Yes, we still have a couple of in-depth automotive interviews that you've come to expect in Autoline Detroit such as talks with J Mays from Ford and Mike Manley from Jeep. But in addition, this week you'll get something completely different. In fact, get ready for John McElroy to take you on a walking tour. Not of Paris mind you, but of some of the brands of cars that populate the city, the country, the entire European Community and that you never see here in the states. From Lancia, to Renault to Alfa Romeo and more, John goes from booth to booth sharing with us some of the history of the brand and as well as why these European vehicles may be influencing what we park in our driveways in the coming years.
Oh, and don't miss our preview of the Special Edition Autoline Detroit that we shot in the Ligurian Alps just above Nice. That's also in this week's wrap-up from the Paris Motor Show.
The Left Bank
The river Siene slices through the city of Paris like the gentle folds of a fresh croissant. To the south is a section known as "La Rive Gauche" or The Left Bank. The moniker is artistic in origin thanks to the community of superlative painters and writers who called it home at one time or another. From Picasso to Hemingway to Matisse to Fitzgerald, some of the greatest works that we still admire today trace their ancestry to the southern section of the City of Lights.
And even though those days are gone it doesn't mean that today The Left Bank is bereft of artistic merit. In fact just the opposite. Over the years it has become home to some of the greatest works of contemporary art though with a more technological feel. And for the next two weeks Autoline Detroit will spotlight this "21st Century Art" as we visit the Paris Motor Show.
In this week's first part, John McElroy talks with Stephen Odell, the CEO of Ford of Europe, Jonathan Browning, the new CEO of Volkswagen of America, Ian Callum, Jaguar's Director of Design, and Fiat's Giovanni Mastrangelo, Platform Manager for Small Gasoline Engines.
Don't Look Back
The longtime Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Satchel Paige once said "Don't look back -- something might be gaining on you." In the case with today's luxury car leaders BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus that "something" is Audi.
The great luxury car maker that, in the past, could never quite get over the top has been gaining momentum with awards, marketing and, most importantly, sales. Halo vehicles like the R8 have grabbed the headlines but the real gains are coming across the entire lineup putting pressure on the traditional leaders of the segment. Just what are Audi's sales goals and how does the company plan to keep the momentum rolling? This week on Autoline Detroit to answer those and other questions on this blazing hot German luxury car maker is Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of America. John McElroy is joined on his Autoline Detroit panel by David Welch of Bloomberg/Businessweek and Chris Paukert from Autoblog.com.
Predictive Power
Ensconced in the ivy-covered halls of universities around the world are men and women who spend their days looking for answers. Answers to questions that might not even exist called "Unknown Unknowns." Many recognize this function as engaging in scientific theory which, over the years, has led to accepted works like Einstein's "General Theory of Relativity." But before his or Newton's or even Darwin's research was accepted, their theories had to generate testable predictions otherwise known as Predictive Power.
Predictive Power appears on Autoline Detroit but not in the guise of any ground-breaking theories. Here, as is the case with this week's show, we divide the phrase and spotlight one word at a time.
For instance take "power." Who better to talk about it than an executive of McLaren Automotive, the British manufacturer of high performance vehicles? And what better vehicle to talk about than its first sports car developed for those who don't wear fire-retardant suits, the MP4-12C. McLaren's Tony Joseph not only talks to John McElroy about the company and its move into production cars for consumers but also takes him for a walkaround the car that you won't want to miss.
Then as far as "predictive" or in this case "predictions" go, we turn to Jeremy Anwyl, the CEO of Edmunds.com. This 45-year-old firm along, with its sister sites, gather automotive information and distribute it to largely a consumer audience. Mr. Anwyl and his team keep their eyes glued to the OEMs do and analyze everything from production to sales to the executives who run the organizations. He stops by Autoline to give John a look at the automotive world from the Edmunds' perspective.
Family
It's often said that the most important part of human life is family. Despite the fact that you may argue with your father on almost everything or your Aunt Rose still squeezes your checks at 35, being able to gather, celebrate and mourn together is unique to the human existence. Plus, that structure provides a perfect environment, which allows us to learn from one another, perhaps about our heritage or maybe life itself.
Of course when it comes to corporations things are a little different to say the least, however, some do embrace the family structure for a variety of reasons. In the automotive industry, for instance, a company like Toyota offers customers three distinct brands that are aimed at different socioeconomic groups. The youngest member of that family, Scion, was created just a few short years ago and provides the entire corporate unit a young and unique set of products and customers. Jack Hollis is in charge of Scion in North America and he joins John McElroy on this week's edition of Autoline Detroit. Mike Ramsey from the Wall Street Journal and Greg Gardner of the Detroit Free Press join in the discussion.
Containment
It may be a noun with three different meanings, but the word containment has filtered into our daily lives. From news stories spotlighting the Gulf of Mexico to military strategies on the Asian continent, we think of it in big picture terms, but it effects us much differently. Containment is more personal, especially as it relates to transportation. Whether it's your own vehicle or public transportation, the driving force underneath the hood of both modes are fluids; oil, water and gasoline to name three. Delivering those fluids throughout the vehicle is complicated to say the least. And that's where containment comes in.
One of the top companies in the automotive "containment" field if you will, is TI Automotive. It's been building fluid delivery systems since the days of the Model T. Joining John McElroy to discuss today's complicated world of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology is TIA President & CEO Bill Kozyra. And joining in on the conversation is Dave VanderWerp of Car and Driver.
Listening Booth: 2010 - Part 2
With a nod to our inspiration, musician Marc Cohn's new release "Listening Booth: 1970," in Autoline's 2010 version last week, our focus wasn't on forty-year-old songs, but rather a fresh look at Ford's recent comeback. And that look came from the eyes of someone who has watched it up close -- the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lewis Booth. In last week's Part 1 he gave us an accounting of that comeback touching on a variety of subjects including its well-received new products, its surprising profit as well as its still-looming debt.
This week Mr. Booth is back for Part 2 of our discussion with a deeper dive into Ford's present and future. Join John McElroy along with the New York Times' Bill Vlasic and former Car & Driver chief Csaba Csere as they talk with the man who could be the company's next Alan Mulally.
Listening Booth: 2010
Putting a new twist on "the classics" is suddenly chic and popular. Just ask musician Marc Cohn whose new recording, "Listening Booth: 1970" -- a collection of songs from that year -- is a hit on Billboard. Who would've thought re-creating 40-year-old songs like "Wild World" from Cat Stevens, The Grateful Dead's "New Speedway Boogie" or "Make It With You" by Bread of all groups would raise a winner, yet it did. But maybe given what's been going on in Dearborn recently we shouldn't be so surprised.
After all, who would've thought even just two years ago that re-creating "classics" like Fiesta, Taurus and Explorer would be returning Ford to its past sales glory, but it is. Of course it's much more than just a couple of new cars that's making the difference, but, as any of the Ford team will tell you, having fresh, quality product doesn't hurt. To understand what's driving Ford back to the top of the industry, this week Autoline takes a turn in its own "Listening Booth", as the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth joins John McElroy for the first of two shows. Joining John and Mr. Booth on the panel are Bill Vlasic from the New York Times and former chief of Car & Driver magazine Csaba Csere.
Autolineian
Analysis always seems more important when it has a name attached to it. Take the world of psychology for instance. Sigmund Freud's surname established the famous 'Freudian' school of psychoanalysis while his contemporary Carl Jung gave us the 'Jungian' version. Two names that have stood the test of time when it comes to branding analysis. So when it comes to the automotive world is it out of bounds to ask if that type of analysis should also have some sort of moniker? Well this week Autoline Detroit does its best to answer that question as it features three top-notch automotive analysts who opine on everything from the current state of the industry, its 2010 sales, the resurrection of the Detroit Three and those all-important breakthrough vehicles like the Volt and the Leaf we keep waiting for. Joining John McElroy on the his 'Autolineian' panel are Rebecca Lindland and John Wolkonowicz two senior analysts from IHS Global Insight and Erich Merkle from Autoconomy.
Hands Down
Without a doubt, some of the reasons are simple. Old line factories have closed, there's more automation in those that remain and foreign companies are building in right-to-work states. With all that working against them, it's understandable why membership in the United Auto Workers has fallen the last thirty years. Like the constant drip from a faulty faucet, the pool of workers from this once dominant union has been slipping away losing more than a million since its peak in the '70s.
But don't cry for Bob King, the new UAW president. Elected merely a month ago, he knows the job in front of him and it's no easy task. Not only does he have to retain his current members, but reach out and recruit new ones. Just how he does that is one of the biggest challenges he'll face. But wait, don't forget about the questions surrounding The Detroit Three. How will the UAW deal with not only the success of Ford, but also the rebuilding at GM & Chrysler?
These are just a few of the tough questions that our all-star panel tackles on this week's Autoline Detroit. Joining John McElroy to discuss the future of the UAW are Sean McAlinden from CAR, Joe Szczesny from the Oakland Press and Robert Chiaravalli of Strategic Labor & Human Resources.
B Driven
You can see it, can't you? The slow-motion black and white shots of sweaty sinewy muscles inter-cut with close-ups of a certain athletic footwear and a simple closing graphic. Of course you could "IF" this really were the next iconic brand message from Nike. But this "B Driven" headline references the tsunami of new compact cars that will soon engulf America.
And though the Bs lead the list, this week on Autoline Detroit we look at several new cars, trucks and crossovers either out now or poised to hit the marketplace soon. Joining John McElroy for this new vehicle smorgasbord are two of his fellow voters on the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, Tony Swan from Car and Driver and Michelle Krebs of Edmunds.com.
Throughout the show they'll be discussing many of the potential award-winners that could come from virtually any segment including luxury entrants like the CTS Coupe from Cadillac or the latest XJ from Jaguar. Of course performance cars are always in the spotlight especially with new products such as BMW's 5 Series and Ford's iconic Mustang with not one but two all-new powertrains: a V-6 and, finally, an honest-to-goodness 5-Liter. And of course there are crossovers as well like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento and Infiniti QX56 to talk about. But without a doubt, the largest group of important cars coming out this year are indeed the Bs: Ford Fiesta, MAZDA2 and Chevrolet Cruze -- to name three of the bigger volume models -- will be getting the most attention from critics and consumers alike. So join John and his NACTOY panel for a look at the latest and greatest coming to dealer lots this week on Autoline Detroit.
Detroit Drift
Even though it may sound like the next installment in "The Fast & Furious" franchise, this drift refers to what's going on right now in the auto industry in not only Detroit but across the globe. Fresh leaders, closed brands and new marketing plans are just a few of the topics that go into evaluating today's automotive landscape by R.L. Polk, the 140-year-old analytical firm with long-time Detroit roots.
So if anyone knows what's going on with sales trends, market position and brand loyalty -- to name a few -- it's Stephen Polk, Chairman, President and CEO of the company. On this week's special July 4th edition of Autoline Detroit, Mr. Polk joins John McElroy to discuss the latest news on everything from sagging spring sales to the potential plug-in revolution. And joining John on this week's journalist panel are Jeff Green from Bloomberg News and Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press.
Mythology
The Greek culture has given the world significant contributions in several areas. One of the more interesting is the bizarre mixture of heroes, villains, mortals and gods constructed, most experts say, to explain the mysteries of life. How ironic that so much of what we know as 'Greek Mythology' was centered around the ancient city of Delphi. Ironic because the Delphi we're familiar with today had its own mythology; a Tier One supplier born from General Motors in the '90s with a similar lineup of enigmatic characters who mysteriously turned a thriving company into a bankrupt one.
For the last five years the corporation has struggled until it emerged from bankruptcy late last year. Led out by Rodney O'Neal, its current CEO and President who has been around the company since its GM years, Delphi today is much leaner and much less dependent on its former #1 customer. So equipped with a variety of new clients as well as fresh innovative electronic products, Mr. O'Neal believes that Delphi is ready to reclaim what it lost over these last few years, namely sales and market share.
This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy welcomes Rodney O'Neal of Delphi Automotive. Joining John on his panel are Tom Murphy from WardsAuto.com and Carol Cain of CBS Television Detroit.
Grand Re-Opening
Fourteen months ago Chrysler was closing down. We're all familiar with the strange turns the story took. From bankruptcy to Obama to Italy and back, Chrysler survived, jobs were saved and the Pentastar was back in business. Well almost. There was that little thing about new product; it didn't have any and wasn't expected for some time. With its competitors pumping out fresh cars and trucks seemingly each month, it didn't seem like a scenario for success.
But somehow, someway Chrysler cobbled together a year of better sales with that aged product and, lo and behold, today it finally has something it hasn't had in over twelve months: a new vehicle in the form of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now it still is the "only" new vehicle available to its dealers for the near future but don't try to rain on Mike Manley's parade with that observation. Jeep's President and CEO is excited about this brand new SUV and what it says about his brand, the company's upcoming products and the future of the new Chrysler itself.
For a closer look at this all new Grand Cherokee, the Jeep brand and how it fits into Sergio Marchionne's plan for Chrysler, join John McElroy as he welcomes Mike Manley as his guest on this week's Autoline Detroit. Joining John on his panel are Bob Gritzinger from AutoWeek and Scott Burgess of The Detroit News.
Elbow Room
Like it or not, we're all fast becoming neighbors. As the world's population continues to boom and more and more people congregate in urban areas we've created a phenomenon known as megacities. These are metropolitan areas around the globe with populations that exceed 10 million. New York and Los Angeles are the U.S. flagbearers in this urban Olympics which includes places like Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai and 20 others (so far). The development of these small population nations has a unique set of challenges in which 'movement' is perhaps the most vital. No matter how you cut it whether it comes to work, food, education or entertainment, transportation or 'movement' within the megacity is the key. How does it take place now? How will it take place in the future as these megacities continue to grow? What will move people around the area and, finally, what are automotive companies designing for that eventual future?
These are just some of the provocative questions that were tackled at the 7th Annual Michelin Auto Design Panel recently held at the Detroit Athletic Club and the subject of this week's Autoline Detroit. John McElroy served as the Master of Ceremonies for this Automobile Press Association sponsored event. Joining John on the panel were: Clay Dean, director of GM Advanced Design, Scott Strong, Ford's Global Interior Design Director, Phil Zak, Chief Designer at Hyundai North America and Larry Erickson, the Transportation Design Department Chair at the College of Creative Studies.
Purchasing Power
Buying in bulk has never been more popular. Warehouse shopping at places like Costco and Sam's Club has sold many consumers on the procurement secrets of the Big Three -- buy in quantity and the unit price goes down. Whether or not that practice is good for every household is another question, however, there's no doubting that it's a winner for the OEMs. Just ask Tom Stallkamp. The former vice chairman and board member of DaimlerChrysler worked his way to the top through Procurement and Supply. Perhaps the only Big Three CEO to ever do so. And he got there by developing innovative purchasing programs and partnerships for Chrysler like SCORE (Supplier Cost Reduction Effort) and the company's 'Extended Enterprise' concept.
Today, removed from the the daily automotive grind for more than a decade, Mr. Stallkamp is an Industrial Partner with the private equity group Ripplewood Holdings, yet he remains a keen observer of the industry. This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy welcomes Thomas Stallkamp, one of the most successful automotive leaders in the last thirty years, to the program for his analysis on the continuing upheaval in the automotive world. Joining John on his panel are Edward Lapham from Automotive News and Neal Boudette of the Wall Street Journal.
An Incredible Ride
It started last year with a simple e-mail between two 'car guys.' That's when Victor Muller the creator of the small exotic luxury brand Spyker petitioned Bob Lutz, the then Vice Chairman of General Motors. Mr. Muller was interested in the corporation's plans for his childhood dream car SAAB. GM, as you'll recall, was staggering out of bankruptcy and in the middle of jettisoning brands like a Golden Retriever sheds its winter coat. Pontiac was closing while Hummer, Saturn and SAAB were all up for sale but in danger of winding down as well. That one November e-mail sparked a heart-pounding 'live-or- die' three months for this iconic Swedish brand. The "incredible ride" as Victor Muller himself describes it finally ended earlier this year with ownership firmly in the hands of this Dutch entrepreneur.
On this week's show John McElroy welcomes the new owner of SAAB Victor Muller to Autoline Detroit where he'll discuss not only his suspense-filled acquisition of the car company, but more importantly, how he intends to do what GM couldn't do with the brand and that is sell cars and make money. Joining John on the panel are Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and David Welch from Bloomberg Businessweek.
Platforms
Like many other areas of 21st century life, the publishing world is in an upheaval. Newspapers are consolidating and closing while books are turning into digital devices and music virtually floats around the Internet for free. Yet perhaps the sector with the most on the line is the magazine; those recurrent glossy periodicals that cater to our every interest, taste and whim. The problem is that the magazine audience is getting a little long in the tooth -- to put it mildly -- yielding decreasing sales across the board. And no place is that more evident than with the automotive enthusiast magazine crowd. From Automobile to Car and Driver to Motor Trend to Road & Track, no matter the name, no matter the content, everyone is losing out to the Internet. So the multi-million dollar question is how can these grand old dames of the enthusiast set transfer the magazine experience to a new generation -- one that doesn't so much read information as it does devour it. Well, one answer may be platforms. Creating unique content specifically for a digital device. Of course that's easier said that done because then you still have to have an audience who buys it.
Joining John McElroy to discuss the short and long term future of the automotive enthusiast magazines is a panel who knows the issues first hand. Csaba Csere worked for Car and Driver magazine for nearly three decades leaving as Editor-in-Chief in 2008. Eddie Alterman is charged with facing those challenges today as the current Editor-in- Chief of Car and Driver while John Neff and his popular website, Autoblog.com, is just one of the reasons that the enthusiast crowd is looking for new workable options like platforms.
The Perfect Marriage
It happened last century. Way back, nearly a hundred years ago; a union so sweet, so hand-in-glove that to this day many of us still take it for granted. The alliance was a smart, sublime coupling of west coast imagery and Midwest manufacturing yielding the perfect marriage: the mating of cars and movies.
That's right from Laurel and Hardy to Roger and Me, from the Love Bug to Bullitt, celluloid seemed made for our four-wheeled wonders. In fact, if anything its worked almost too well. From the early days of the silent films all the way up to today's 3D digital blockbusters, cars continue to be enormous stars. But with so many movies in the car film universe, whenever you start to pull together your favorites, it's a list that can careen out of control pretty "Fast and Furious." That's why here at Autoline we leave that sort of heavy lifting to the experts. Joining us for Round Two of our Autoline look at history's greatest car films are Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Peter De Lorenzo of Autoextremist.com. From racing to comedy to Bond to cult, our panel critiques these great films and tells you why, if you have yet to see some of them, you need to put them on your own personal list.
Just Do It
For more than two decades those three words have branded Nike into the public consciousness helping make it the success that it continues to be. Of course having great product didn't hurt, but really, the Wieden and Kennedy advertising team who developed the famous tag line, and subsequent media campaigns, are as responsible as anyone for putting Nike into homes and locker rooms around the world. That's why behind seemingly every successful consumer goods business is an ethos of creative energy -- a team if you will -- that helps sell that product to all of us.
The auto industry is no different. Its storied advertising history is not only well-documented but ingrained in our memories. The problem with that is the "history" part. Some experts believe that automotive advertising sort of flies under the radar these days trying to attract but not offend leaving the pubic many times with nothing more than a milquetoast impression. The question becomes is that the result of an overall strategy or is there something else at work? Are brand issues, globalization or perhaps the financial tumult responsible for this change of style?
This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy and his panel of experts tackle the ever-changing world of automobile advertising. Joining John to discuss what's been going on and where it all might be headed are advertising journalist Jean Halliday, former ad man turned commentator David Kiley with AOL Autos and an award-winning advertising veteran who is still on the front lines Gary Topolewski.
Soapbox
The next time you're in a store take a walk down the detergent aisle and check out the dozens of different products. Some of the packages that look so comfortable on the shelf may have actually started life as an avatar -- a virtual product in an equally digital grocery store. That may be news when it comes to consumer products but automakers have been engaged with 3-dimension computer design for some time now. In fact this virtual universe allows the manufacturers of these complex machines to take them from concept to clearance -- as it were -- through a process called PLM or Product Lifecycle Management. Not only is it a huge cost saver when it comes to time and materials, but it also gives designers, engineers and marketers alike, 21st Century advantages that their earlier counterparts could only imagine.
This week on Autoline the top executive at one of the world's pre- eminent PLM companies joins John to discuss the process and how it continues to revolutionize the auto industry. Bernard Charles, President and CEO of Dassault Systemes talks about the impact of PLM on all of us and how Dassault is out to bring the 3D experience to our daily lives. Joining John and Mr. Charles on the panel are Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com and Christopher Sawyer of Cars In Context.
Habits
They're defined as acquired behavior patterns that are uniquely involuntary. Known to most of the planet as habits, they come from two camps. Some can be bad if it's a personal glitch or foible while others might be good if it leads to a desired end product.
Especially if that product is quality. After all, it was the Greek philosopher Aristotle who was first to recognize some 2,300 years ago that "Quality is not an act, it is a habit." Unfortunately, during the late 20th century, American car makers weren't reading much Aristotle, or so it seemed.
Today we're not sure if the Greek Philosopher has become required auto industry reading or not, but we can say with certainty that U.S. quality numbers are up and up significantly. And on this week's Autoline, one of the executives in charge of that change joins John McElroy and his panel to tell us how they're doing it. Bennie Fowler has been on the front lines of this issue for more than three decades. From his days at General Motors in the '70s and '80s into his early years at Ford, he observed the mistakes, the lack of quality, the bad habits if you will, that the American OEMs had eased into. For the last four years he has been in charge of reversing that trend at Ford. And if you look at the numbers, he, and many others in the company, appear to be doing just that.
Joining John on this week's panel are Brent Snavely with Detroit Free Press and Bryce Hoffman of The Detroit News.
Knots Landing
When it comes to television dramas since the '70s, few have been more consistent than life within the California cul-de-sac called Seaview Circle. And when it comes to automotive drama over that same time frame who has been more compelling than Auburn Hills-based Chrysler?
On the precipice of bankruptcy one moment, onto salvation and success the next, then through a merger, a sale and then back to bankruptcy; if this had been a show on CBS it would have an armoire of EMMYs. Instead, today it has a mercurial Italian owner and a dubious future. And that's the GOOD NEWS!
Welcome to the "new, newer, newest" iteration of Chrysler, the smallest of the historic Big Three. The challenges of this company are too numerous to list here, but obviously one of the biggest is building quality cars and trucks. And these days you're not going to do that without good suppliers. But with the way that community has been treated by the last two regimes, you sometimes wonder who would still want to do business with Chrysler.
Enter Dan Knott, 20-year veteran of the Chrysler culture, and the new head of Purchasing. Mr. Knott joins John McElroy and his panel to discuss the new way of doing business with Chrysler. One that he hopes takes them back to the pre-Daimler days of strong vendor relationships and great Chrysler products.
Joining John on his panel are Eric Mayne from WardsAuto.com and Daniel Howes, columnist from The Detroit News.
Stop Your Sobbing
You may recognize the headline above as a famous '60s song written by the Kinks. However, when GM exited from bankruptcy last year it almost turned that hallowed tune on its head. With brands being jettisoned left and right, "Stop Your SAABBING" -- recorded by Big Ed & The Board -- seemed like the song Detroit was ready to export to Trollhattan, Sweden, home of the iconic motor company SAAB. And as word of its impending doom grew you could practically hear the cries from the Swedish automaker's loyal community for a white knight to save their favorite cars. But instead of resolution came the teeter- totering spectacle where one moment the the brand was saved by some international buyer, while the next the doors were being locked for good.
Yet in the end, Dutch businessman Victor Muller rode in to save the day on a white hand-built Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder and stopped all the potential sobbing with his purchase of SAAB. And now the resurrection begins. But how can a car company that sold less than 9,000 vehicles last year in America be reborn?
For those answers and details on the plan itself join John McElroy and his Autoline panel -- Todd Lassa of Motor Trend and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal -- as they talk SAAB with Mike Colleran the man in charge.
Reputation
Have you ever noticed the way pop culture treats a "good" reputation? We all want one but it hardly seems to get talked about. Take '80s music for instance where both Joan Jett & the Blackhearts along with college favorites the dBs both scored hits with their separate (and totally different) songs entitled "Bad Reputation." Now we all may want good to triumph over evil but is there anyone out there humming the tune "Good Reputation?" It almost harkens back to the simple journalism barometer of a dog biting a man. Of course that's not news. But switch the incisors around and suddenly you've got readers, viewers and P.E.T.A. probably jumping all over the man biting dog story.
That's sort of the situation Toyota finds itself in today. It spent decades building a rock solid reputation for its vehicle on the foundation of quality, care and customer service which it has seen start to crumble in a mere six months. Now that isn't to say there aren't some problems with the cars, in fact problems the company might've and should've caught earlier. But at this point the question becomes what happens to that reputation. It was once sterling and now it's teetering over a pool of muck. How does Toyota reclaim what it once had?
On this week's Special Edition of Autoline Detroit John McElroy sits down with longtime Toyota executive Don Esmond. Mr. Esmond has been out talking directly to the dealer body about their vehicles along with the problems they're facing in Washington, Tokyo and with that heretofore loyal customer base. He talks candidly about mistakes that were made, lessons learned and getting that "good" reputation back.
Hollywood Drivin'
In today's high-tech world, it may be hard to believe but there was once a time in America where the best place to enjoy a movie was in your car. This loose-knit community of film-goers would usually meet on a weekend night in a parking lot full of poles known as a Drive- In. Most are now gone, replaced by so many strip malls and condominiums. However, the yearning for that life lives on in many.
Well, Autoline may not be able to duplicate the experience in its entirety, but this week's show transforms itself into your own personal drive-in as we feature films "About, Starring and Containing" cars. Our panel of auto experts turned film critics reveal their cinematic interpretations of "The Good" (Bullitt), "The Bad" (Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill) and "The Ugly" (The Betsy), along with a fascinating list of films scattered in-between.
Join John McEloy as he goes to the movies with Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Peter De Lorenzo Autoextremist.com for a look at Hollywood's love and obsession with cars.
Tiger Woods or Tylenol
A dizzying number of consumer products have been introduced over the last thirty years. And though thousands have succeeded over that time few have achieved the Mount Olympus of brand recognition that translates into the multi-million dollar world of annual sales. And even fewer from that list have survived a potential public relations nightmare that backed the brand into a corner. For the last three months we've been watching the Tiger Woods brand undergo such scrutiny, while 28-years ago Johnson & Johnson faced an even greater disaster with its Tylenol over-the-counter medication. Tylenol, by all accounts, became the gold standard of resuscitating a brand with great corporate public relations. The same can't be said for the Tiger Woods brand though the entire story is yet to be written.
Meanwhile Toyota, long one of the most solid brands throughout the world, is currently at a similar crossroads. For the last six months the company has experienced one bad story about its products after another. Accelerators, brakes, cars and recalls have contributed to the public waterboarding of this once proud seemingly indestructible brand. And it doesn't help that the hits keep coming.
So going forward from today, what path will the company take? What are the challenges it faces in public relations, in marketing and with the automotive world itself? This week Autoline hosts three experts from these disparate fields to talk turkey to and about the Toyota brand, the Toyota company and the Toyota bottom line. Joining John McElroy to do just that are Maria Leonhauser from the world of public relations, Paul Haelterman an authority in auto analysis and Christie Nordhielm who gave us "The Big Picture," literally, with her book on marketing challenges and solutions for companies like Toyota.
The Eyes Have It
Whether it's in the U.S. Senate, the California State House or your own city council, any simple up or down tally where "the ayes have it" can have a significant impact on voters' lives. However, when it comes to having an impact in the world of advertising, there is no bigger forum than the Super Bowl. Especially when there are 106 million potential consumers watching. Truly a place where the "eyes" indeed have it. So for 44 consecutive years businesses have put their products in this spotlight of this special day hoping for a great ROI for the money they spend. And throughout the years automakers have been right there on Super Bowl Sunday trying their best to create the splash that translates to sales.
This year six OEMs braved the nearly $3-million dollar per 30-second advertising Olympics with one, Hyundai, seemingly saturating the entire game. So did Hyundai or the other five -- Audi, Dodge, Honda, Kia, or VW -- get their money's worth? Is it even possible?
Joining John McElroy to try to answer these questions is a panel of automotive advertising experts. Journalist Jean Halliday has written about the industry for years while advertising analyst David Kiley not only covered the business but also worked in it as well. They are joined by an award-winning creative director who is still in the trenches, Gary Topolewski, waiting to produce his next Super Bowl spot.
Nervous System
From the stub of a toe to the bite of a mosquito, our bodies rely on a complex network of neurons that tell our brain what's going on. And like our bodies, each car has a pseudo nervous system which controls everything from the steering to satellite radio. For all manufacturers the quality of their cars and the viability of their systems are extremely important. However, for the world's number one automaker Toyota, its been nothing short of the holy grail. Quality and reliability were once the keys to the design, production and selling of its products. But right now several of Toyota's top models are experiencing what could best be parenthetically described as a severe neurological disorder.
This week on Autoline John McElroy examines the latest reliability and quality woes facing Toyota and what some competitors like Ford have been doing to improve its numbers in those categories.
New clean diesel engines offer better fuel economy and lower emissions than their gas counterparts, so why aren't they more popular in the U.S.? That's the topic on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John and his guests discuss why there are not more diesels in the U.S. and whether or not something should be done to promote them. Joining in the discussion is Dan Weiss from the Center for American Progress, Fred Smith of the Competitive Enterprise Institute and Ron Cogan from Green Car Journal.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Many know this classic 1939 film pitted an everyman Jimmy Stewart against the rich and powerful under the U.S Capitol Dome. And though more than 70 years have passed, even the writers of this academy-award work of fiction couldn't have imagined that Washington would be even more corpulent and confusing in 2010. And one of the best examples of this weighty indecision can be found in what passes, or doesn't pass, for the nation's energy policy. Solar, Wind and Shale are just a few power options that we've added to the mix over the years while natural gas, electric and hydrogen hint at what may be driving our cars and trucks down the road: yet today no one knows for sure what's best and where we're going.
So the question remains: what is our policy and who is driving it? And where better to try to get a handle on what's going on than "inside the beltway" as they say, than by paying a visit to our nation's capitol itself. This week Autoline presents its own version of "Mr. McElroy Goes to Washington" from the floor of the Washington Convention Center. There John is joined by two members of what are known as NGOs or Non-governmental organizations along with the publisher of a cutting-edge automotive periodical to discuss everything from off-shore drilling to the EPA.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John talks with Larry Dominique, the VP of Product Planning for Nissan North America, from the floor of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Mr. Dominique talks about Nissan's new EV, the Leaf and where it will first be introduced in the U.S. and whether or not the company plans to build it in North America. And staying on the topic of electrics he also explains why the company is so bullish on them.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John sits down to talk with the President and CEO of Dodge, Ralph Gilles, from the floor of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Mr. Gilles talks about how he balances his dual role as the head of Dodge and also one of the leaders of design for the Chrysler Group. He also talks about how Dodge will hang on for the next year or so before new product hits showrooms.
The Sun Also Rises
After a decade of reporting everywhere from local streets to foreign wars, Ernest Hemingway wrote and published his first novel "The Sun Also Rises." And though you might think we chose this title to turn a clever phrase regarding this week's guest, it has more to do with what the book wasn't named...at least in the United States. With the novel focused partially on traveling in Europe in the 1920s, Hemingway originally titled the book "Fiesta." Of course it was changed here in America but used in several countries throughout the continent. And how appropriate for this week's guest who chose to make a splash here in the U.S. recently with a European car called, ironically enough, "Fiesta." Ford's Global Marketing guru Jim Farley has been turning the Blue Oval every which way trying to draw attention to the new crop of critically-acclaimed products it has been putting out and it's been working on. With a sweep of the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards earlier this month with Fusion & Transit Connect, and the Fiesta and Focus on the way, they might not be holding a party down in Dearborn quite yet, but clearly Ford is on the rise.
Watch John's full interview with John Casesa a Managing Partner at the Casesa Shapiro Group from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
Watch John's full interview with Susan Docherty, the VP of Sales, Service & Marketing at General Motors from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
Watch John's full interview with Mike Jackson, Chairman and CEO of AutoNation from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
Getting Better
Throughout the sixties the "sweet and savory" song writing from the Lennon & McCartney partnership produced lines that emphasized the beautiful schizophrenia of life. That's why this week it didn't take much to imagine that the good folks at the Detroit Auto Dealers Association might've been recalling the 2009 NAIAS with the Beatles' chorus "I've got to admit it's getting better...it can't get no worse" echoing in their ears. Yet the good news is true to the song, this year's edition is indeed "getting better" thanks to more OEM booths, more journalists and a heck of a lot of more smiles even though they -- the smiles -- are probably still bordering on the "cautiously optimistic" type.
This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy talks to three automotive professionals from disparate parts of the industry -- wholesale, retail and analytical -- to hear what they have to say about not only the 2010 North American International Auto Show, but where the next twelve months will take us.
Even though Chrysler will display some of its vehicles at this year's auto show in Detroit, they decided not to have a press conference or make any big announcements. This is somewhat perplexing since the show is right in Chrysler's back yard and they haven't held any press events since their day long one back in November. With that in mind, on this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John and his panel discuss what they expect to see from Chrysler at this year's show. Is the company missing a big opportunity or not? Joining John in the discussion are Sarah Webster from the Detroit Free Press, Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics and Guy Gordon from WDIV-Detroit.
Crawlin' From the Wreckage
Who would've predicated thirty years ago that a little known new wave song from England's Dave Edmunds would prove to be the perfect theme for the 2010 North American International Auto Show? Last January's edition of the world's most important auto show was less about cars, trucks and crossovers as it was about bailouts, Obama and bankruptcies. Add to that the strange Kabuki dance around the attempted restoration of Cobo Hall -- the show's longtime site -- and the '09 show had all the panache of sportscaster Howard Cosell's 1975 Variety show. But what a difference a year makes...
"Crawlin' from the wreckage, into a brand new car"
Just as the song's chorus suggests a rebirth, the 2010 NAIAS is likewise being resurrected. Manufacturers are again investing in their booths, prodigal sons have returned and the show is even recharging the career of '80s singer Eddy Grant with its "Electric Avenue" display. So watch this week's Autoline Detroit for an in-depth preview of all that is going on at this year's North American International Auto Show.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John and his panel discuss the nominees for the North American Car of the Year and share their opinions about the vehicles. Joining John for the discussion are fellow jurors Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press.
The Result of Care: Part Two
No matter the vocation it's a struggle to achieve quality or to be the best. Well, imagine trying to define it. Some write complex tomes containing various recipes which is fine for a Debate Team but hardly applicable to everyday life. Others like philosopher Robert Pirsig take a sleeker, more modern day approach. He believes the best or highest quality can be defined simply as producing whatever by "the result of care."
So if philosophers, lit experts and big thinkers battle over meanings, how do you come up with a standard that means "the best?" Well if you're the jurors of the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY) you have a criteria you work from. Sure there are still disagreements, arguments and fights over who is "more right" but that's the beauty of the award: subjectivity to the max.
And on this week's Autoline John McElroy and his panel discuss those fantastic sparks inside, outside and around the vehicle that made them go WOW! Joining John to discuss the finalists for Truck of the Year are fellow jurors Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John and his panel discuss the nominees for the North American Truck of the Year and share their opinions about the vehicles. Joining John for the discussion are Jim McCraw from NewCarTestDrive.com and Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio 950 -- CBS Detroit.
The Result of Care: Part One
No matter the vocation it's a struggle to achieve quality or to be the best. Well, imagine trying to define it. Some write complex tomes containing various recipes which is fine for a Debate Team but hardly applicable to everyday life. Others like philosopher Robert Pirsig take a sleeker, more modern day approach. He believes the best or highest quality can be defined simply as producing whatever by "the result of care."
So if philosophers, lit experts and big thinkers battle over meanings, how does one come up with a standard that means "the best?" Well if you're the jurors of the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY) you have a criteria you work from. Sure there are still disagreements, arguments and fights over who is "more right" but that's the beauty of the award: subjectivity to the max.
And on this week's Autoline John McElroy and his panel discuss those fantastic sparks inside, outside and around the vehicle that made them go WOW! Joining John to discuss the finalists for Car of the Year are fellow jurors Jim McCraw from NewCarTestDrive.com and Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio 950 -- CBS Detroit.
Thin Air Part 2
Climbing mountains is difficult and dangerous. Not only is it treacherous traversing the rocks and the snow, but if you're not in shape, just try breathing in all of the "thin air." Reaching for the summit of anything is time-consuming and perilous but rewarding as well. Especially when the prize -- like so many in the auto industry are striving for -- is alternative power independence. That's the brass ring that everyone from manufacturers to oil companies continue to chase. We've heard for years we're getting close, but, it seems, never close enough. On this week's Autoline, GM's new R and D guru, Dr. Alan Taub, shows us how the finish line is getting closer thanks to the success of developing "thin" materials. From batteries to fuel cells, Dr. Taub lays out the where his company is and the near-term future of plucking what we could call "thin power" out of the "thin air."
The design of the new Jaguar XJ is the topic of discussion on this week's Autoline EXTRA. Joining John McElroy to talk about the car is the man responsible for the new design, Ian Callum, the Design Director at Jaguar. Mr. Callum talks about what inspired the look of the new XJ and what compromises in design they had to make in the interior for it to function better. Joining in the discussion are Eddie Alterman from Car and Driver magazine and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design & Production.
Connect the Dots
One of the first things we all learn is to draw. A dot here, a line there -- it's a combination of art, entertainment and education for children around the world. But somewhere along the way most of us move on from this creative foundation to discover other vocations. Those, that is, who haven't been bitten by the bug of design.
One man who has, and devoted his life to it is Ian Callum. And his design of choice has been the car. Over the years he's had a distinguished career working for Ford, designing Aston Martin product and for the last decade leading the design team at Jaguar. This week he joins John McElroy on Autoline to discuss the latest vehicles from Jaguar, the state of the auto industry itself and what he sees for the future of automotive design.
On the broadcast version of the show, John and his panel discussed the big news of Chrysler revealing its turnaround plan. But that wasn’t the only bombshell dropped this week in the auto industry. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John and his panel discuss how Ford shocked just about everyone, reporting a $1 billion profit for the third quarter. The conversation then moves to October sales and what the big surprises were from those results. And finally the panel talks about GM’s decision to keep Opel and whether or not it was a good move. On the panel with John McElroy is Aaron Bragman from IHS Global Insight, Erich Merkle from Autoconomy.com and Michael Robinet from CSM Worldwide.
Stella Sconosciuto
Unknown stars pepper our existence. From the night sky to our daily culture, we can't seem to take our collective eyes off them because you're never quite sure what they'll do. That's why, with a nod to our Italian brothers and sisters, the biggest story of the automotive week was the "Stella Sconosciuto" or unknown star in the business constellation, Chrysler.
After months of intra-continental maneuvering, Chrysler's new CEO Sergio Marchionne left the security of Fiat's Italian headquarters and landed in Auburn Hills Wednesday to unveil his plan to save Chrysler. And what a meeting it was. The flight from Rome to Detroit might've been shorter.
This week Autoline devotes its entire program to Marchionne's marching orders for Chrysler. John McElroy is joined by three top automotive analysts who will discuss and dissect these plans and tell us if this "unknown star" will shine brightly in the near future, or eventually burn out of existence.
Seaweed Part 2
Many a boater has cursed that slimy green lake junk wrapped around the prop that killed his engine. But as today's technology continues to improve those curses may soon turn to congratulations when that same lake junk -- seaweed -- is used to power the boat. Of course that power source won't exactly be seaweed, however, it will be coming from the Latin derivative of the word known as algae. Yep, that tiny green chlorophyll organism may be the next best hope to replace petroleum and it's all good with the oil companies. At least that's the contention of the Don Quixote of the biofuels movement, Josh Tickell. You may remember him as the guy who drove the Veggie Van across America in the late '90s bringing attention to the ever-shrinking global reserves of fossil fuels. Well, for the last 11 years he's been making a movie about that very subject entitled "Fuel." And surprise, surprise, his documentary grabbed a big award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. This week Josh joins John in studio to discuss all aspects of his film and the future of the fuel that we put in our cars. And that future, Josh contends, is all about algae.
There’s a lot of debate over what should power our cars in the future. Hybrids and electrics are getting a lot of attention right now but what ever happened to biofuels? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, biofuels expert Dr. Bruce Dale from Michigan State University talks with John McElroy and his panel to defend ethanol as a source for fuel. Dr. Dale discusses if creating ethanol from water waste or algae are viable options and he also tells the panel what policies he would recommend for pursuing ethanol. Joining in the discussion are Tim Higgins from the Detroit Free Press and James Amend from WardsAuto.com.
10%
When most folks see a number like 10% they're receiving a discount on a sale item or reading a nutritional chart at the grocery store. But the number that we're talking about on this week's Autoline is more dramatic, and it has to do with your everyday transportation. When it comes to refining crude oil and turning it into gasoline in this country, the government has strict regulations. And when you start stretching a gallon of gas by adding ethanol -- which we've been doing for years -- you can only go so far...10% so far. Now, that used to be fine as we looked to find alternatives to imported oil, saving a little gas in each gallon, but we need more. We need, our experts have been preaching, to break through the "Blend Wall." That's what the industry calls the government's imaginary line in the corn field, so to speak. Experts say it's time to move beyond that 10%, especially when biofuels are coming from products other than corn. With cellulosic ethanol and other options inching closer each day to becoming viable fuel alternatives, that 10% number, hopefully, may be a thing of the past. So join John McElroy and his panel for an insightful discussion on ethanol, biofuels and the near future for both.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Mark Vann, the Project Manager of GM’s fuel cell program, called Project Driveway, which gave customers the opportunity to drive a Chevy Equinox equipped with GM’s fuel cell stack. Mark discusses how customer feedback helped improve the vehicle and he also talks about GM’s 2nd generation fuel cell stack and how it differs from the original.
Thin Air
Climbing mountains is difficult and dangerous. Not only is it treacherous traversing the rocks and the snow, but if you're not in shape, just try breathing in all of the "thin air." Reaching for the summit of anything is time-consuming and perilous but rewarding as well. Especially when the prize -- like so many in the auto industry are striving for -- is alternative power independence. That's the brass ring the everyone from manufacturers to oil companies continue to chase. We've heard for years we're getting close, but, it seems, never close enough. On this week's Autoline, GM's new R and D guru, Dr. Alan Taub, shows us how the finish line is getting closer thanks to the success of developing "thin" materials. From batteries to fuel cells, Dr. Taub lays out the where his company is and the near-term future of plucking what we could call "thin power" out of the "thin air."
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy is joined by Doug Speck the president and CEO of Volvo Cars North America. First they discuss HD Radio and compare it with satellite radio. The conversation then moves to safety, and whether or not customers like active safety features. Mr. Speck also highlights areas where safety needs to improve and even talks about why the company is studying locusts in order to help improve safety. Joining John in the discussion are David Welch from BusinessWeek and Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com.
Mamma Mia
Sweden has never had an export like the band ABBA. And it's not just that first ten year run ('73-'83) of success it enjoyed with all those famous top ten singles. What's most amazing about ABBA is how the band morphed into a brand that has continued to score financially even twenty-five years after the original members officially called it quits. A business plan that Sweden's other major export Volvo can only lust after. A fact not lost on this 82-year old automaker nor its parent -- at least at this point -- Ford Motor Company which put the Swedes on the block in one way or another over two years ago.
And now as its stay in Glass House comes to a close with two bidders fighting over the "Volvo For Life" pedigree, the company is preparing to not only change addresses, but to change face as well. New products linked with a new strategy are, the company hopes, leading the way to new customers. At least that's the plan for this mid-luxury brand according to Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars North America. Mr. Speck joins John McElroy and his panel to talk about some of the new products like the well-received XC60 CUV and next year's new flagship sedan the S60 and how he expects they will match up against the competition. He also updates us on the Volvo mantra -- safety -- and how the company intends to stay a step up on everyone, especially since safety plays such a big role in almost all of today's vehicles.
Josh Tickell, Director of the documentary "Fuel" stopped by our studios driving a car affectionately dubbed the "Algaeus." It’s a plug-in Prius that represents the future of automotive transportation because it’s powered by Algae.
Seaweed
Many a boater has cursed that slimy green lake junk wrapped around the prop that killed his engine. But as today's technology continues to improve those curses may soon turn to congratulations when that same lake junk -- seaweed -- is used to power the boat. Of course that power source won't exactly be seaweed, however, it will be coming from the Latin derivative of the word known as algae. Yep, that tiny green chlorophyll organism may be the next best hope to replace petroleum and it's all good with the oil companies. At least that's the contention of the Don Quixote of the biofuels movement, Josh Tickell. You may remember him as the guy who drove the Veggie Van across America in the late '90s bringing attention to the ever-shrinking global reserves of fossil fuels. Well, for the last 11 years he's been making a movie about that very subject entitled "Fuel." And surprise, surprise, his documentary grabbed a big award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. This week Josh joins John and his panel in studio to discuss all aspects of his film and the future of the fuel that we put in our cars. And that future, Josh contends, is all about algae.
Joining John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA is Tom Stephens, the Vice Chairman of Global Product Development at General Motors. He joined us for an exclusive web-only Q & A session with you, our audience. Watch as Tom responds to questions about the Pontiac G8, what General Motors’ answer is to EcoBoost, whether natural gas is a viable option going forward and more! Joining John in the discussion are automotive journalist Csaba Csere and John Stoll from The Wall Street Journal.
Balance
Walking a high-wire was the dangerous vocation of the world-renown daredevil Karl Wallenda. Whether it was over desert canyons or city streets, the most important aspect of this death-defying act was balance. One wrong step would yield terrible results.
The same can be said about the auto industry. Balance is important on several levels, in many arenas. But perhaps the most important area when it comes to a brand are its front line products. Those the consumer sees when they visit dealer showrooms. There has to be the right balance for not only the buyer, but the brand as well. That is one of many beliefs of General Motors' new Product Czar Tom Stephens.
This GM veteran, who has worn a variety of hats during his years with the company, now slips on the rather large shoes of Bob Lutz, the previous Product Czar who receives much of the credit for spearheading its recent vehicle renaissance. On this week's Autoline, Mr. Stephens discusses not only his automotive philosophy which will drive this side of the business, but the balance he says he must continue to bring to the burgeoning GM product lineup.
Some car names roll easily off the tongue while others can be a mouthful. So what’s the best strategy to go with when naming a car? That’s the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA as John sits down to talk with Nina Beckhardt, the president of Namebase, a company that specializes in naming products, including cars. They discuss what automakers Namebase has worked with and what vehicles they’ve named. The conversation then moves to the importance of having a car name that will not only work in the U.S. but outside of it and also if there are any advantages to changing a name of a vehicle that is already established in the market. Joining John in the discussion are Jean Halliday from Advertising Age magazine and Peter De Lorenzo from Autoextremist.com.
Alphabet Soup
"What's in a name?" When William Shakespeare wrote this question for Juliet Capulet in "Romeo and Juliet," it was a vehicle to release the characters from the bondage of their family names. While that undoubtedly worked as a theme in this classic tragedy, good old Bill didn't publish the work untitled because he knew how important a name really is when trying to draw patrons into a theater, customers into a store or buyers to a product.
That's why a name in today's high pressure retail world has never been so critical. With a cornucopia of seemingly endless products and advertisers blanketing a consumer's every waking moment, you've got to machete through the clutter to make a name memorable.
This is where some critics believe many of today's automakers have fallen short. From the "alphabet soup" of certain luxury brands to the head-scratching monikers of some midsize fare, customers sometimes don't know if they're buying a car or a croissant.
So this is where a company like Namebase, Inc. comes along. This New York firm specializes in designing a name to a product so they fit in a variety of ways. It has clients in a number of industries and has named everything from goods that you wear, to products you consume, and most importantly for this show, those that you park in your garage.
Joining John McElroy on this week's panel to discuss the auto industry name game is Nina Beckhardt, the president and creative director of Namebase, Inc., Jean Halliday from Advertising Age and Peter De Lorenzo of Autoextremist.com.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John and his panel sit down to talk with Dr. Michael Leiters, the Program Manager for the Porsche Cayenne. They discuss the hybrid version of the car and how Porsche’s hybrid system differs in design from the others already out on the road. Dr. Leiters also talks about Porsche’s collaboration with Audi on the hybrid and also what changes they made to the Cayenne in order to fit the hybrid in the vehicle. Joining John in the discussion are Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Joe DeMatio from Automobile Magazine.
Oxymoron
Over the last century, Ferdinand Porsche built his brand on speed, power and performance. So it was almost anathema 7 years ago when, to compete in a market it never knew, Porsche introduced its first Sport Utility Vehicle the Cayenne. Despite the outcry from some critics the car was a hit with consumers. Which is probably why, a year away from the last gas scare with surely more to come, the company is introducing the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid to the North American market. Yes, you read that right -- a hybrid coming from the Germany's Crown Prince of performance -- almost a textbook definition of oxymoron.
Joining John McElroy to explain this small shift to the green side is Porsche's Cayenne Program Manager Dr. Michael Leiters. Motor Trend's Todd Lassa and Joe DeMatio from Automobile Magazine fill in our performance panel as we pursue the inside story on Porsche's new Cayenne Hybrid.
Over the next few years automakers will begin to introduce smaller cars to the American market. But does that mean consumers will buy them? That’s the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John and his panel discuss whether or not there can be a popular small car like the MINI in the coming future. Joining John in the discussion are Rebecca Lindland from industry research giant IHS Global Insight, Keith Naughton from Bloomberg News and Drew Winter from Wards.com.
Hangover
How many summer hangovers can you handle? You may personally know your own limit, but now the country is about to find out just how many it can take. Over the past few months we've collectively already survived one in entertainment -- the popular hit comedy by the same name which grossed nearly $300 million domestically.
Meanwhile, on the durable goods front we had the "Cash for Clunkers" program which sold nearly 700,000 cars and trucks. And now as it fades in the rearview mirror, experts are wondering just what will happen with automotive sales over the last four months of 2009.
Will the public be suffering from "Clunker hangover" -- with no cash incentive to sweeten the deal will customers continue to visit dealerships and more importantly buy cars?
That's one of the many sales questions that this week's Autoline experts grapple with. Joining host John McElroy on the panel are Rebecca Lindland from industry research giant IHS Global Insight, Keith Naughton from Bloomberg News and Drew Winter from Wards.com.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel sit down to chat with John Hoffecker, the managing director of AlixPartners, a company that specializes in turning problem companies around and getting them back on their feet. From a supplier perspective they discuss what areas need to be focused on to make a struggling company viable. And they also get into whether or not access to credit and lending has improved for troubled suppliers and also the outlook for the U.S. auto industry. Joining John on his panel are Tom Walsh, with the Detroit Free Press and Alex Ortolani, with Bloomberg News.
Stuck In the Middle
Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to remind us what "the middle" is all about. It was Hollywood's whirling creative derbish who took a long forgotten early '70s song, "Stuck in the Middle With You," and burned it into today's consciousness. Whether it was nostalgia, shock or sympathy that helped, it's clear that "the middle" was not necessarily the place you want to be. And yet that's exactly where we find today's auto industry -- stuck in the middle -- according to John Hoffecker from the global turnaround company AlixPartners. In fact, that was even the title of his presentation earlier this month to a session at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan.
On this week's Autoline, Mr. Hoffecker takes us inside his analysis of where we are and where we will be in the global auto industry. From the good news for the top 25% of North American suppliers to what he terms the "new normal" for sales going forward, Mr. Hoffecker analyzes the good, the bad and the ugly facing manufacturers, suppliers and customers alike. Joining John McElroy on the panel are Tom Walsh, the business columnist from the Detroit Free Press and Alex Ortolani with Bloomberg News.
Now that the American auto industry has restructured and gotten rid of most of its legacy costs, are they at a competitive advantage over the foreign nameplates? That’s the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA, as John and his guests talk about whether the German, Japanese or Korean automakers will need to restructure in order to compete with Detroit’s new business model. Joining John for that discussion are Dr. David Cole from the Center for Automotive Research, Tom Krisher from the Associated Press, and Edward Lapham from Automotive News.
Coleslaw
It never seems like the Midwest is really rid of winter until, at that first picnic, when you spy the official side dish of summer, coleslaw, sidled up to the burgers, dogs and brats. Likewise, you never quite feel it’s summer in the auto industry until the first of August when the Management Briefing Seminars roll into to Traverse City, Michigan as they’ve done for over 40 years. Still leading that CAR caravan up north is Dave Cole, the Chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, and overall auto industry expert. This week on Autoline he joins John and our panel of Edward Lapham with Automotive News and Tom Krisher of the Associated Press to discuss a variety of topics, including where both General Motors and Chrysler stand after their visit to bankruptcy and how they're handling everything since; the current avenue Ford finds itself navigating with new product and public good will; and the future of the transplants in the North American market as they attempt to balance importing, manufacturing and marketing their products. And of course Dr. Cole also provides us a preview of this year's MBS schedule.
The new Ford Taurus is the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy continues his talk from the broadcast with three people involved in the program. They discuss what was done to make the interior quieter, the new EcoBoost engine that will be equipped on the SHO version of the Taurus, and how people have reacted to the ambient lighting feature in the interior, that allows you to choose from seven different colors. Joining John in the discussion from Ford are Lon Zaback the Design Manager of the Interior, Earl Lucas the Design Manager of the Exterior and Mike Crowley the Group Marketing Manager.
No Bull
Some may know it from the stories of Zeus in Greek mythology. While others, who study the stars, are familiar with the famous constellation bearing its name in the Northern Hemisphere. Then there are the rest of us who just read our sign in the Astrology column. Whichever group you fall into, these descriptions are how most became aware of Taurus the Bull. That is, up until the year 1986. That's when Ford Motor released "Taurus the Car" which grabbed the spotlight and became a hit for the company for years. However, like its namesake constellation on a cloudy night, the Taurus brand began to whither and fade in the '90s until it was finally gone from sight. Well, today, some years later, it's back in a big way. But it’s not the same old midsize car you remember -- this Taurus is a show stopper. That's why John invited some of the Taurus team onto to this week's Autoline to give us all a look at a large part of Ford's new future. Joining John on the panel are the two men most responsible for the design of the car: Earl Lucas did the exterior while Lon Zaback did the interior. But as great as a car may be it can't sell itself and that's where the marketers come in. Also here to explain Ford's marketing plans for Taurus is Mike Crowley, Group Marketing Manager for North American Cars and Crossovers.
There’s been a lot said lately about what Chrysler has done wrong in the past but not much has been said about what it has done right. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss what Chrysler does best and also what impact Fiat will have when its products are added to Chrysler’s lineup. The panel also discusses the Chevy volt and whether it’s a good idea for GM to advertise a car you can’t even buy yet. And they also discuss what Chevy must do to get back on its feet. Joining John in the discussion are Michael Robinet from CSM Worldwide, Christie Nordheilm a professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan and author of the book “The Big Picture”, and Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business magazine.
"Green" Cross
When the economic tsunami struck the auto industry last year leaving Chrysler and GM in shambles, the U.S. government role-played as the "Green" Cross, if you will, providing the relief both corporations required to stay afloat. But now after surprisingly brief visits to Chapter 11 yielding fewer dealers, a much smaller work force as well as a shrunken brand and/or product lineup for both, the future looks bright...or does it? Some say they cut to the bone in too many areas while still others believe each needs a transfusion of new blood to drive them farther into the 21st Century. Joining John McElroy this week to discuss the present and future of the (formerly) Bankrupt Two in three essential areas are product analyst Michael Robinet of CSM Worldwide, Steve Finlay of Ward's Dealer Business as well marketing expert and author of the "The Big Picture," Professor Christie Nordhielm of the University of Michigan.
Hyundai made a splash at the beginning of the year when it introduced its assurance program, that allowed customers to return a new Hyundai if they lost their job within the first year of purchase. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss their thoughts on the program and also if it was a good idea for Ford and GM to follow suit with similar programs. The discussion moves back to automotive TV ads from Audi, Toyota and Buick and whether or not those ads will help them. Joining John in the discussion are Bud Liebler, former Chrysler Marketing VP and head of the Liebler Group, Jean Halliday of Advertising Age and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.
Ad "Homonym"
The latest media darling of the hipster set, the award-winning series "Mad Men", has suddenly made it cool again to be in advertising. In fact, as we watch this world through its '60s prism, the show clearly spotlights the similarities of the American ad game across generations. Be it yesterday's print & television or today's Internet programming, it's still all about innovation, imitation and breaking through. And no one knows that better than the auto industry, who, ever since those "Mad Men" days, have watched advertising budgets spike alongside the prices of their latest people moving machines or luxurious mobile yachts.
But as they say "2009 is a new day" and everything has changed from the money to the medium to even the measurement. But what about the message? Is it the same as it ever was or is it striking out a new path to reflect the tenor of the times? This week on Autoline we'll look at what the industry is doing with advertising in a down economy with bankrupt manufacturers. Joining John to talk and review some of the latest in automotive advertising are Bud Liebler, former Chrysler Marketing VP and head of the Liebler Group, Jean Halliday of Advertising Age and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.
Fresh Metal 2
As a follow-up to "Fresh Metal 1," in this week's second part, John and his panel continue their talk about some of the newest product hitting dealer lots this year, including the hottest hybrids from Honda, Toyota & Ford, the latest in the luxury segment from Mercedes, BMW and Lexus and a discussion on the nearly non-existent diesel market in America as well.
Recently General Motors and Chrysler eliminated thousands of dealers in order to restructure their business. But what will happen to those dealers, will they turn to foreign nameplates to put product in their showrooms? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his colleagues discuss that and all the other issues related to the dealership closings. The conversation also touches on Volkswagens goal of reaching a million in sales in the American market sometime next decade. Joining John in the conversation are Michelle Krebs, senior editor with Edmunds.com, Daniel Howes, a columnist for the Detroit News, and Sean McAlinden, an economist for the Center for Automotive Research.
They Are Legend
Just two years ago actor Will Smith ruled the movie world with "I AM LEGEND," a post-apocalyptic tale of isolation, innovation and survival. In 2009, it doesn't strain credulity to imagine a follow-up version this time focused on the auto industry and starring at least two members of the former Big Three. All the ingredients are there -- two huge diseased corporations doing whatever they can to survive leaving in their wake a trail of despair led by suppliers, dealers, employees and let's not forget the customers. Well, that may be the plot line but what's the ending? Will they survive? Who will survive? Will anyone survive?
This week joining John on his Autoline panel to help craft the ending before it hits the Silver Screen are three great writers in their own right. Sean McAlinden is the chief economist at the Center for Automotive Research while Michelle Krebs is the senior industry editor for the industry website Edmunds.com and Daniel Howes is the business columnist for The Detroit News.
Which legend will live? See it all on Autoline Detroit...
Fresh Metal 1
Whether it's a local pro shop, jewelry store or hard rock radio station, there's a constant infusion of "fresh metal" or new product for consumers throughout the year. But the place where you find the most interesting and expensive metal is at new car dealers across the country. There, customers have the opportunity to buy everything from the latest hybrid technology to a new luxury crossover. Yet there are so many new products each year, and even more older models being refreshed, it's tough to keep up with everything. That's why two times each year Autoline brings some of the best auto experts together to spotlight the newest, most interesting and sexiest vehicles out there.
This week in Part 1, John is joined by Stephanie Brinley of AutoPacific, Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver and Frank Markus from Motor Trend to give their analysis on some of the hottest vehicle segments out there and the cars that go with them.
The "Re" Word
General Motors embarked on a new journey this week. It may have gone kicking and screaming but a new journey nonetheless. Some say it will lead to a "rebirth" of the company while others insist there will be a "renaissance" at GM. Yet the description the company seems to have decided on -- at least for its latest advertising campaign -- is re: invention; something that's been going on in the product end of the business for some time now. So as Fritz Henderson and his team begin to explore the new financial frontier ahead of them, outgoing Vice Chairman Bob Lutz and his replacement Tom Stephens along with Global Design Chief Ed Welburn put the company's best product foot forward this week by showcasing what the new GM has in store for the American public.
Autoline After Hours co-host Peter De Lorenzo had a chance to talk separately with all three men about where General Motors has been and where its headed in this brave new world.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy is joined by Mark Fields, the president of all of Ford’s operations in the Americas. The cash for clunkers bill that’s currently being debated in Congress is discussed and Mr. Fields gives his opinion on the proposal. Also talked about is the need for a national energy policy so not only Ford but all automakers can better plan products without worrying about fluctuating gas prices. Joining in the discussion are Jean Jennings the editor in chief with Automobile magazine and Bryce Hoffman with the Detroit News.
Focus
The word "focus" conjures a number of different reactions these days. For instance, some immediately hear the hit single of the 1970s while others visualize the action to the lens of a camera, and probably even more think of the compact car produced by Ford. But the interesting thing is when you hear "focus" used around Ford today, it may refer more to the company's concentration that it does the car. As the sole member of the former Big Three who has not taken any government money, it has been somewhat overshadowed by the tsunami of bad news that's been flooding the other two. But as the bankruptcies, resignations and negotiations have grabbed the headlines these past few months, the blue oval has been flying under the media's radar all the while winning awards, improving quality and regaining market share. Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, believes that it's thanks in big part to the company's "focus". On this week's Autoline, Mr. Fields talks about that focus as well as some of the new product it's releasing this year and the future of the company as a whole. Joining John on the panel is Jean Jennings from Automobile Magazine and Bryce Hoffman of The Detroit News.
With General Motors and Chrysler eliminating thousands of dealers last week, will those dealers turn to foreign manufacturers to put product in their showrooms? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, Joe Serra, president of the Serra Automotive Group joins John McElroy and his panel, to offer his insight on the issue. Mr. Serra also talks about his decision to start selling Fisker electric vehicles in some of his showrooms. And also discussed is the new fuel economy regulations and how it will affect the mix of vehicles in the United States. Also joining in the discussion is Neil Boudette from the Wall Street Journal, and auto analyst Aaron Bragman from IHS Global Insight.
Thinning The Herd
Darwin observed it in the Galapagos while Rockefeller watched it on Wall Street. Call it natural selection, call it the free market, it all comes down to survival of the fittest. But what happens if everyone survives; strong, average and the weak as well. Some, like elements of our federal government, believe it puts the majority in peril, and so, they opt to "thin the herd." And that's exactly what we saw happen last week with the cutting of more than 2,000 Chrysler and General Motors dealerships. So this week Autoline tackles the topic of the brave, new and sometimes unfair world of automotive retail. Joining John on the panel is Neal Boudette, Detroit Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal, Aaron Bragman, automotive analyst from IHS Global Insight and a man whose family has been knee deep in the car business for more than 50 years, Joe Serra of the Serra Automotive Group.
David Kiley from Businessweek and Paul Eisenstein from the Detroit Bureau join John McElroy in this edition of Autoline EXTRA to discuss the latest news. They talk about GM CEO Fritz Henderson hinting that the company could move its world headquarters out of downtown Detroit and whether or not it’s a possibility. And they talk about Fiat’s plans to take a stake in Opel and how that would work with the company just completing its alliance with Chrysler.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy continues his discussion with Jim Dollinger, a Buick salesman who has his own plan to turnaround General Motors. Find out why Mr. Dollinger argues for a change in management and who he would like to see in charge of the company. He also discusses why GM shouldn’t force dealerships to close. Joining John in the discussion are David Kiley from Businessweek magazine and Paul Eisenstein from the Detroit Bureau.
People
When you talk cars, ask any executive, engineer or even dealer and they will all probably tell you that they're in the auto business. But ask arguably the most successful car salesman in history, Jim Dollinger, and he tells you that he is in the "people" business. That's because he targets building a relationship with a customer rather than just "moving metal," and it's worked pretty well for him; six straight years as the number one Buick salesperson on the planet. Of course with those sorts of credentials you'd think he'd be a beloved figure within General Motors. Well you'd be wrong. Over the years, internal GM descriptions of Dollinger have ranged from gadfly to thorn-in-the-side to today's PG-13 branding of pain-in-the-a**. He describes himself as a shareholder activist who believes that GM has been on the wrong path for years. And he says he knew that by talking to "the people." Joining John on this week's panel to discuss where GM went wrong is David Kiley of BusinessWeek and Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau.
Bulking Up
When athletes look to add body mass many turn to an increase of their carb intake. When the largest car market in America looks to "bulk up" vehicle emissions, it turns to a different kind of carb, the California Air Resources Board. Known around the industry by its acronym CARB, this influential board's mission is to reduce air pollutants which of course affect drivers and automakers alike. This week in an Autoline Exclusive, John talks to CARB's Deputy Director Tom Cackette from his office in Sacramento via the Internet communications tool, Skype. Dominating the discussion is the future of auto emission regulations not only in California but across the country and throughout the world.
Afterwards, John is joined back in the Autoline studio by Jim Harbour to discuss his career in the auto industry that's captured in the new book, "Factory Man." Mr. Harbour, who in addition to his role as a Big Three auto executive, is also the founder of the influential eponymously-named manufacturing analytic, "The Harbour Report."
While there’s been a lot of press on Chrysler’s bankruptcy, not much has been said about what impact bankruptcy will have on Chrysler’s suppliers. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John and his guests discuss what the outlook is for suppliers and if Fiat’s suppliers have a chance to enter North America now that it is allied with Chrysler. Also talked about during the discussion is what impact bankruptcy will have on states where Chrysler operates. Joining John in the discussion are Kate Linebaugh of the Wall Street Journal and Craig Fitzgerald from Plante & Moran.
Starburst
The sweet tooth crowd knows it as candy. For star gazers it's a gaseous collision in space. And now the financial failings at Chrysler have given the automotive world its own unique version of the noun, Pentastarburst! This nearly 85-year old company has seen troubled times before and has always cheated financial death. And though it might have done it again, this time it's not without some major consequences for everyone involved. Who knows if its famous Pentastar logo, by the end of it all, might not even lose a triangle or two.
Joining John on his Chrysler panel to discuss the bankruptcy and where the company goes from here are representatives from the accounting, analyst & journalism worlds. Craig Fitzgerald is a partner from Plante & Moran, Jim Hall is a veteran auto observer from 2953 Analytics, and finally Kate Linebaugh, covers the auto industry for the Wall Street Journal.
One of the hottest brands in the luxury segment right now is Audi. After making strides in Europe and China, the company now appears to be on the verge of a breakout in the United States. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with the man in charge of Audi of America, Johan de Nysschen. They discuss Audi’s participation in the American Le Mans series and whether or not that’s helped Audi’s image in the US. Mr. de Nysschen also discusses how Audi’s marketing has changed in the American market and what its direction will be in the future. Joining John in the discussion are Scott Burgess from the Detroit News, and David Welch from BusinessWeek magazine.
Ring Leader
In the past when you talked of the North American luxury car market two names always jumped to the head of the class, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. But these days there's a bona fide third manufacturer in the mix, Audi. For the last few years, the high-end brother of the Volkswagen brand has been making its move in the American market with a fleet of freshly designed performance-based cars that have heads turning across the country. The luxury brand known for its four ring emblem has been growing market share in the states even during this sales slump. And that's good news at headquarters as the company prepares to celebrate its centennial this summer.
Joining John to discuss the brand, its 100-year heritage and its sizzling new products is Johan de Nysschen, president, Audi of America. Also on the panel are David Welch of BusinessWeek and Scott Burgess of The Detroit News.
Last week the government provided $3.5 billion in aid to auto suppliers that will be funneled through General Motors and Chrysler. But what about Ford’s suppliers, are they in just as much trouble as GM’s and Chrysler’s? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down to talk with the voice of the supplier industry, Neil De Koker from the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). They discuss the health of Ford’s suppliers and if they need financial aid, how the downturn is affecting suppliers R&D budgets, and also if Chinese suppliers are interested in joining the OESA. Joining John in the discussion are Jewel Gopwani from the Detroit Free Press and Tom Murphy from Ward’s Auto World.
Supply Shock
In the economic world, a dramatic change in the price of a commodity or service is known as supply shock. In the automotive world, that same phrase these days might as well mean life support -- what many companies find themselves on.
As manufacturers continue to deal with reorgs and slumping sales, the futures of the Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers who provide many of the parts for their cars and trucks are hanging in the balance. Some are waiting for payment, some are waiting for orders, while some are just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Doing what he can to prevent that is this week's Autoline guest Neil De Koker, president & CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association. The head of OESA since its founding in 1998, Mr. De Koker has nearly 50 years of automotive experience and has seen the industry from all sides. It almost goes without saying that he's never quite seen anything like this.
Joining John on his journalist panel are Tom Murphy from Ward's AutoWorld and Jewel Gopwani of the Detroit Free Press.
Sold!
In the world of retail there are few sounds as distinctive and final as the auctioneer's exclamation. Whether it's bidding for an original Van Gogh, a special stock cow or a foreclosed HUD home, the traditional English auction ends with the familiar sound of an emphatic "sold." And that shout is heard across America on a variety of goods. However one auction that shies away from the public spotlight, yet has a dramatic impact on so many of our lives, is the auto auction. Not the televised high-end ones with six-figure collector cars but those that fill dealer lots each week with the late model used that we all shop for. This week on Autoline John McElroy takes you on a tour of the auction process as the world's largest dealer Manheim opens its doors exclusively to Autoline. There you'll witness a vital part of the automotive life cycle that is normally closed to the buying public.
Meanwhile back in the studio, John sits down with Manheim's Chief Economist Tom Webb to discuss not only his company's remarketing -- as Manheim calls it -- of vehicles but also his unique perspective on the goings-on in today's automotive industry.
And finally, John takes a longer look at this week's New York Auto Show surprise authored by GM: Project P.U.M.A. -- the electric self-balancing son of Segway that's so, so much more.
March auto sales were released earlier this week and even though they were higher than February, sales were still off by over 30% from a year ago. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy and his panel discuss what number the annualized sales rate needs to be for the industry to be profitable and when it’s expected to reach that number. Also discussed is the "Cash for Clunkers" proposal and whether or not that would help give auto sales a shot in the arm. Joining John in the discussion are John Stoll from the Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press and Michael Robinet of CSM Worldwide.
The Brothers Grimm
Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm are the 19th century German authors who brought stories like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to life. Yet their authorship seemed lost to the majority once Walt Disney got involved. Walt put those stories to film, the legend exploded, and the Grimm’s became but credits in these 'Disney' branded fantasies.
To some degree Chrysler and General Motors could become this year's version of the Brothers Grimm. As each company struggles to successfully reorganize, there will no doubt develop a lengthy list of questions as to whom and what will remain in the wake at each. Those answers will most likely come courtesy of the White House. The same White House that will surely take credit for any rebirth of these brands. The same White House that GM and Chrysler might start referring to as 'Walt.'
This week on Autoline join John McElroy, John Stoll from the Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh from the Detroit Free Press and Michael Robinet of CSM Worldwide as they discuss the ramifications of the White House's automotive edict.
After nearly forty years in the music business, Tony Bongiovi is bringing his engineering prowess to the car with a revolutionary breakthrough that uses software to transform the standard radio in a car into a premium sound system. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, watch Mr. Bongiovi demonstrate his sound system.
Tony Bongiovi is a veteran in the music business and he’s bringing his ear for sound into the car with software that can transform a standard radio into a premium system. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, Mr. Bongiovi tells his fascinating journey through the music industry of the '60s and '70s with Motown, Record Plant, Media Sound and his own Power Station studios.
The Button
iPhone this. Touch screen that. Today we find ourselves in the middle of a design metamorphosis.
The conventional button, which used to be king from kitchen to computer to car, is increasingly becoming the 21st century's version of the dinosaur replaced by so many touch pads and Sof-touch photoelectric switches.
But this week's Autoline spotlights two men and their organizations who are bringing the button back into vogue, at least in the car.
The first is that little blue button on the rearview mirror of so many General Motors vehicles which, of course, is for OnStar. OnStar is the subscription-based communications service that caters to a car and its driver in a variety of ways. Chet Huber, the company's president, sits down with John to discuss the technology, services and as well as its budding competition.
Meanwhile, there's a button that's changing car audio as we know it and it belongs to someone named "Bongiovi." No, not the rock star Bon Jovi but his second cousin who kept the original family name and became a famous record producer in his own right. After nearly forty years in the music business, Tony Bongiovi is brining his engineering prowess to the car with a revolutionary breakthrough that uses software to transform the standard radio in a car into a premium sound system. He talks to John about his new product which you can also see and hear work in a short demonstration in Autoline EXTRA.
And to hear more about Tony Bongiovi's fascinating journey through the music industry of the '60s and '70s with Motown, Record Plant, Media Sound and his own Power Station studios, click on Autoline EXTRA.
Join Autoline correspondent Isaac Bouchard on this edition of Autoline Extra as he reports from Tesla headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Isaac will take you around the company’s campus, its sales showroom and where the electric vehicle is manufactured. Then Isaac takes the Roadster around for a spin and he shares his driving impressions of the vehicle.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy sits down to talk with Diarmuid O'Connell, Tesla’s VP of Business Development. Mr. O’Connell discusses why and how much the company is seeking, of the $25 billion the government set aside to provide manufacturers, to help fund alternative vehicle development. Also discussed is how Tesla will grow its business and what the future goals for the company are.
Fork in the Road
It's one thing to sing about electric cars like Neil Young is doing on his new concept album (Fork in the Road), it's another to actually design, build and sell them like Tesla motors is doing.
Started from scratch six years ago, this small California startup is producing one of the few road-ready electric car currently available to the public -- its luxury two-seater roadster. That car will soon be joined by not only a sport version roadster but also a new more affordable sedan called the model S.
This week on Autoline Detroit meet the team behind Tesla.
During January’s North American International Auto Show John McElroy sat down with the braintrust of this electric car company to find out what it was like to create a car company, especially one with such a specialized and dare we say "expensive" product.
Joining John from the Tesla stand at N.A.I.A.S. are Chairman & CEO Elon Musk, Executive Vice President and former Chrysler honcho Mike Donoughe, Senior VP of Global Sales/Marketing Michael van der Sande, as well as Chief Designer -- by way of GM & Mazda -- Franz von Holzhausen. Diarmuid O'Connell, Tesla’s VP of Business Development joins John on Autoline Extra.
Meanwhile, for an insider's tour of Tesla’s Northern California campus including its headquarters, sales showroom as well as the final assembly point of its luxury roadster, join Isaac Bouchard on Autoline Extra as he reports from Menlo Park, California.
GM and Chrysler submitted their viability plans to the US Treasury, so what’s next for the two automakers? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and three of his journalist colleagues not only discuss GM and Chrysler’s plans they also discuss the overall health of today's auto industry. Joining John in the discussion are Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics, John Stoll of The Wall Street Journal and Tom Walsh from the Detroit Free Press.
'Auto' Asphyxia
There's a disease running rampant around America. It's not new, we've seen it before - just never such a virulent strain. It attacks the breathing, or as some describe it the lifeblood of our economy, the auto industry. Its symptoms can be seen in not only the board rooms around the country, but in the design studios, factory floors and dealer lots alike. And despite the billions in monetary oxygen that's been pumped into them recently, the companies cannot yet wean themselves from the government's ventilator.
Given what we've seen the question needs to be asked, is today's auto industry -- the manufacturing giant that reshaped our lives -- on its last breath? If annual sales of 10 or 11 million are any indication certainly the industry of the last decade is gone; and given the economic times, perhaps gone for good.
Joining John McElroy to discuss the stability, viability & health of the auto industry are three of the foremost automotive journalists/analysts in America today: John Stoll from The Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press and Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics.
So take a deep breath and don't be afraid to exhale as our Autoline panel explores this "Auto" Asphyxia phenomenon this week on Autoline Detroit.
Joining John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA is William Santana Li the Chairman & CEO of Carbon Motors, the producers of the world's first purpose-built police car. Mr. Li talks about his time at Ford Motor Co. and what lessons he learned there and how he’s applying them to Carbon Motors. He also talks about how Carbon Motors operates differently from large automakers and also explains what happens to the police car at the end of its use.
Diamonds Are Forever
Fast cars, armed agents and the hardest substance on earth. Sounds like a recap of the celebrated James Bond novel & film about smuggled diamonds. Well, you may be surprised to learn those are also descriptors of a new American car company called Carbon Motors. The corporation, which uses a diamond (as in carbon) for its logo, actually bills itself a "homeland security" company because that's closer to the product it's producing: the world's first purpose-built police car. The E7 -- as it’s called -- is not some retro-fitted OEM mass produced model but an original design low production vehicle that law enforcement professionals around the world are clamoring for.
On this week's show John McElroy goes one-on-one with the auto industry veteran who is a hit in police departments from Miami to Madrid, William Santana Li, the Chairman & CEO of Carbon Motors. During the show Mr. Li discusses everything from the rationale of creating a new car company from scratch, to its challenges and benefits as well. But he not only talks about this unique car, we all get a chance to see it up close and personal, too. Mr. Li takes John to one of the E7's nationwide "Tour Stops," this one at the auto supplier BASF, to get a first hand look at what many believe is a law enforcement game-changer.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Jim Farley, the Group VP of Marketing and Communications at Ford. Mr. Farley discusses whether or not the American auto market will rebound and what may prevent it from making a comeback. And Mr. Farley also talks about how Ford must respond to start-up companies building purpose built vehicles, such as Carbon Motors police car. Joining John in the discussion are Amy Wilson of Automotive News and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.
Man on Wire
Thirty-five years ago a French daredevil named Philippe Petit walked where no human will walk again. He snuck his high wire to the top of the World Trade Center Towers and strolled solo between the buildings for nearly an hour. He survived, and today is retired and celebrated in an Oscar-nominated documentary.
This impeccable performance is the perfect metaphor for the economic storm swirling around Detroit where high wire walking is the norm, but so far there's very little celebrating.
One of those men walking the tightrope on a daily basis is Jim Farley, the Group Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Ford. For the last fifteen months he's been trying to advance the same type of Toyota/Lexus magic he learned from his years at the World's Largest Automaker. But so far the walk has been rough.
On this week's show Jim Farley joins John McElroy, Amy Wilson from Automotive News and David Kiley from BusinessWeek to discuss everything from marketing vehicles in this devastating economy to the fresh product like the Taurus, Fusion Hybrid and MKZ that Ford is releasing throughout the remainder of 2009.
Soon after Barack Obama was inaugurated he paved the way for California and other states to set its own emission standards for automobiles. But for automakers to meet the standards California wants its going to need alternatively powered vehicles to do so. But there are still a lot of question marks around this future technology. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his guests talk everything electric. They discuss the infrastructure for EVs and whether our electric grid can handle vehicles plugging in to it. And they also discuss the many battery challenges automakers face. Joining John for the discussion is John DeCicco from the Environmental Defense Fund and Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau.
Guilt-Free
America has a penchant for over indulgence. You can see it with our collective weight, which has ballooned of late and given rise to a cottage industry of guilt-free products that hardly look like diet foods. But we're told that we can have our cake and eat it too. Sound too good to be true? Well in many respects the auto industry has mirrored this individual over-consumption problem. For years it built vehicles that may have been big and comfortable but consumed far too much petroleum and got too few MPGs. Now with our new world financial order it's trying to wean Americans off of our "cheesecake" SUV and into that not-as-satisfying hybrid "sorbet" among other greener "lighter" options.
This week John McElroy is joined by two experts to talk turkey -- tofurkey more appropriately -- about the coming environmental options for the auto industry. John DeCicco is an automotive analyst who works for the Environmental Defense Fund and Paul Eisenstein is a veteran automotive journalist who has brought a special focus to hybrids, diesels and electrics for the last few years. Both have a unique perspective on both the processes and products that we'll be driving and riding in the not too distant future.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy speaks with Daniel Howes of The Detroit News on the floor of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Mr. Howes gives his impression of the show and which automakers made the biggest statements at the show.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Chief Engineer Pete Reyes the man in charge of creating the 2010 Ford Taurus. Mr. Reyes discusses the development of the new Taurus and how using new design and engineering technologies shaved months off the development process.
As the industry starts to shift from internal combustion to electric power, more and more automakers are racing to develop batteries and EVs, except Mazda. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy speaks with Jim O’Sullivan the President and CEO of Mazda North America. Mr. O’Sullivan explains what technologies Mazda will use instead of electric power to reach its goal of increasing its fleet MPG 30% by 2015.
Detroit Duck
Detroit's annual celebration of arguably its most important invention -- the car -- is just steps from the site of another Motor City discovery. Across the street from Cobo Hall and the North American International Auto Show is 234 West Larned, the former site of one of the city's most famous restaurants, the Pontchartrain Wine Cellars. It was there one night in 1937 that owner Harold Borgman thought he would save the red wine left in customers' bottles and combine them with a half bottle of undrunk champagne. It was at this epic moment in American history when the popular adult beverage "Cold Duck" was born.
So, with a nod to Mr. Borgman, we have gathered some of our tastiest interviews yet to be broadcast from the 2009 N.A.I.A.S. and put them in this week's show: a video homage to his famous drink that we'll call "Detroit Duck." Appearing with John from the floor of the show is a perfect Press Days potpourri: one OEM CEO, the Chief Engineer of one of the hottest cars unveiled in Detroit, the Executive Director of the dealer group who puts on the show and then we wrap-up interviewing the only Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive columnist going. All of that this week on Autoline Detroit. Cheers...
The big question these days in the auto world is, when are things going to finally pick back up again. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Don Esmond, the Senior Vice President at Toyota Motor Sales. Mr. Esmond gives his opinion on what sales will be like this year, when the market will recover and what needs to happen for it to recover.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with BMW’s North American President, Jim O’Donnell. Mr. O’Donnell talks about BMW’s successful certified pre-owned vehicle program and also the success MINI had in 2008.
There hasn’t been a whole lot of good news coming out of Chrysler recently but the company did make some noise at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year when it unveiled the 200C EV Concept. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down with Frank Klegon, the executive Vice President of Product Development at Chrysler. They discuss that vehicle and how it fits into their plans going forward.
GM must make and has already made tough decisions to prove to Congress that it can be a viable business. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down with GM’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark LaNeve. They discuss the Pontiac Solstice Coupe, Chevy Cruze, Cadillac CTS Wagon, and the Buick LaCrosse and how those vehicles fit into GM’s plans moving forward.
Hanging In
With all its problems these days, the picture that best seems to symbolize the auto industry is a famous inspirational poster from the '70s. You know, the one of the kitten with its young claws buried into a branch with the caption "Hang In There, Baby!" That's because with such a dim economic outlook for the next year, and so many positive changes and great product due in 2010, if the industry can survive the next twelve months many believe it'll be purring once again. And there was no better evidence of that than the mixture of reality, optimism and product on display at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Joining John McElroy from the floor of the show to discuss those topics and more are four OEM executives who all took double digit hits to their North American sales last year. Looking to rebound as best they can in 2009, they just may want to adopt "Hang In There, Baby" as an industry-wide mantra to get them through the next few months.
The Big Three bridge loan is the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy and his colleagues discuss, among other topics, why there was so much animosity directed toward the Big Three, Detroit and the UAW during the debate in Congress and around the country on whether or not to give the companies the money they needed. Joining John in the discussion are John Neff of Autoblog.com, Chris Paukert from Autoblog.com and Mike Dushane from CarandDriver.com.
Point and Click
Just a few years ago if you wanted to know anything about the latest cars or trucks you essentially had two choices, magazines or newspapers. Then came the Internet and everything changed. Today you may find that hot product on the web in some cases before it's even left the design studio. Things happen fast and the competition can be fierce. In some respects it's this century's version of the Wild West! The manufacturers still try to control the process but there are eyes everywhere. Often the scoop comes from a bevy of blogs and websites that cover the auto industry -- some independent, others corporate -- but all pretty darn fast! Joining John to discuss this new automotive media are members of that very fraternity. John Neff is at Autoblog.com while Mike Dushane is from CarandDriver.com and Chris Paukert formerly of Windingroad.com is now at Autoblog.com as well.
The 2009 North American Car & Truck of the Year award is the topic on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy and two of his fellow juror members discuss what vehicles they felt should have made the finalist list and they also predict what vehicles will take the awards home. Joining John in the discussion are Natalie Neff of AutoWeek and Paul Eisenstein from The Detroit Bureau.
Nuts & Bolts
It's that time of year again in the auto world when hardware takes on a special definition. Screwdrivers, sandpaper and galvanized nails are replaced, for a short time, with crystal trophies and plaques proclaiming "The Best of" for the most recently-produced cars or trucks. And for the 15th consecutive year, a group of veteran automotive reporters will be handing out the "hardware" for the 2009 North American Car & Truck of the Year. But before these awards are presented at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, these fifty voters winnow each list down to the three top cars and the three top trucks. On this week's show, John McElroy is joined by two of his fellow NACTOY jurors to discuss the six vehicles which made the cut. In fact, both Natalie Neff from AutoWeek and Paul Eisenstein with the Detroit Bureau along with John, will not only talk about these half dozen candidates but also discuss some of the other cars and trucks that they thought may have deserved to make the list. And in the end you might even hear their predictions about which manufacturer will walk away with this year's North American Car & Truck of the Year.
GM and Chrysler got the loans they requested from Congress, so now what? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down with Jeff Bennett of Dow Jones Newswire and David Welch of BusinessWeek, to discuss what will happen next for the American automakers. They discuss whether or not Congress will approve more money for them in the future and also if this is the perfect opportunity for Detroit to change its image and public perception.
GM and Chrysler got a lot of attention over the bridge loan requests they made recently but what got lost in the debate is that many suppliers are in trouble too. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with William Diehl, President & CEO of BBK, a firm that assists companies in turnarounds and restructuring. Mr. Diehl offers his advice to suppliers and what they need to do in order to turnaround business.
Emotional Rescue
"I will be your savior, steadfast and true."
It's pretty safe to say that the Rolling Stones and George W. Bush have little in common. But when it comes to the Big Three bailout, these Mick Jagger-penned lyrics sound like a sentence that might've come from the Oval Office as the President approved the $17 billion bridge loans. Ahhh, everyone in Detroit breathes a huge sigh of relief. But how much of a rescue -- emotional or otherwise -- are the loans? As they say, be careful what you wish for.
On this week's show we take a look inside the bridge loans from three different perspectives: players, participants and partisans. We start the conversation with Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, a suburban Detroit Republican who had to balance ideology and reality throughout the crisis. Then John talks to a couple of automotive reporters, David Welch from BusinessWeek & Jeff Bennett of Dow Jones Newswire, who watched as Detroit nearly crumbled these last couple of months. We'll hear how the companies dealt with the ever-changing situation and explore their plans going forward. And speaking of plans, as part of the loan language the Big Three will have to restructure. What exactly does that mean? Joining John is an expert in the field, Bill Diehl who is the President & CEO of BBK, a company that specializes in doing just that.
Who would've predicted a few weeks ago that these late '70s Mick Jagger lyrics would seem appropriate?
With the long-awaited news from the White House last week, this line might've seemed natural coming from the President as it did when it was originally sung back in 1980 by the Rolling Stones.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy continues his discussion with Anne Asensio the VP of Design Experience at Dassault Systemes. Ms. Asensio discusses moving from the OEM side of design to the supplier side and what the differences are between the two. She also shares her thoughts on if designs in the 3D world can be as beautiful and artistic as drawing with conventional tools.
Pure Imagination
When Gene Wilder first sang "Pure Imagination" in the 1971 movie classic 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,' he was strolling amid Chernobyl-sized eatable candied plants and a river of liquid chocolate -- obviously fictitious creations from the fertile minds of movie magicians. Some 28 years later, when it comes to the equipment we're seeing in today's automobiles compared to the early '70s, you almost shake your head in disbelief as we did when we first saw Wonka's Candy Factory: works of pure imagination, indeed.
In this week's show we talk with three executives from three different companies and discuss not only some of these incredible products but just how they are being developed for today's cars.
We start with Anne Asensio from Dassault Systemes, a French firm that creates products for its client base in the virtual world. Ms. Asensio says that today, more than in the past, design has become an extremely collaborative effort that involves everyone in the food chain -- from the very top to the customers themselves. Meanwhile, one of the products coming out of this collaborative effort, in this case from our second guest's company iBiquity, is HD Radio. Bob Struble heads this supplier which produces digital receivers that allow you to listen to all those restricted local AM & FM radio stations that are now being broadcast only on Hybrid Digital bands. And speaking of restrictive broadcasting, let's not forget about the Internet. Chrysler sure hasn't. It’s working with a firm from Silicon Valley that's bringing the Internet to its cars and trucks in the not too distant future. Jennifer Applebee from Chrysler joins John to tell us just how far away this technology is and what will be available with it once it's in the vehicle.
The Energy Independence and Security Act, which was passed into law last year, mandates that 36 billion gallons of bio-fuel be produced in the U.S. by 2022. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, Ford’s Chief Technical Officer, Gerhard Schmidt explains why that figure may be hard to achieve. And he shares his outlook for what type of fuels will be powering our vehicles in the future. Joining John McElroy in the discussion are Tom Murphy of WardsAuto.com and Csaba Csere from Car and Driver.
Technologic
Few might recognize this little used 19th century noun. Fewer still have probably noticed the word is the soundtrack to one of the slick new Lincoln MKS television ads. The song emphasizes the abundance of technology you find in the new sedan. And technology has been a key to not only Lincoln's renaissance, but Ford's as well. Dr. Gerhard Schmidt is the man who leads the team at the Blue Oval responsible for EcoBoost in the engine, Sync inside the car and everything in between. On this week's Autoline he talks about this latest technology and what may be coming in future Ford cars and trucks.
The bailout of the Big 3 is the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy and his panel discuss how the automakers could recover more quickly if the economy becomes more financially stable. Joining John in the discussion are Dr. David Cole, from the Center for Automotive Research, and Mike Stanton from the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.
Lifeboat
Long before he was dubbed the Master of the Macabre, legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock was known for his psychological thrillers. "Notorious," "Strangers On A Train" and the 1944 classic "Lifeboat" were prime examples of this work -- especially the latter film where a handful of strangers try to survive the unexpected adversity of their ship sunken at sea. One would think the group works together to overcome the odds, but that's not the way Hitchcock worked. And that may not be the way Washington works either when it comes to the proposed Detroit Three Bailout. GM, Ford and Chrysler are all asking for a monetary "lifeboat" but it's not going smoothly. The political forces are rocking the boat, pulling in opposite directions waiting for someone to take charge, while that someone -- President-Elect Obama -- doesn't take office for another 60+ days. Will something get done before then? Can something get done before Inauguration Day? Our guests offer their analysis on whether the lifeboat floats or not.
And speaking of lifeboats, Dow Automotive has created a quasi one for NASCAR in the form of energy absorbing foam. John is joined by the company's president Steve Henderson as he describes how they came up with the product Impaxx and what it's meant for the safety of NASCAR drivers since they started using it. Lifeboat, indeed!
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John and his guests continue their discussion about automotive quality. They shift focus to Hyundai and discuss the automakers unbelievable run up the quality charts over the last ten years. They also discuss if American consumers have different quality expectations than consumers in other countries. Joining John in the discussion are David Champion of Consumer Reports, David Sargent from J.D. Power & Associates and Dennis Pietrowski of The RDA Group.
Dromedary
When anyone thinks of a hump perhaps the first thought that comes to mind is that well-known beast of burden of North Africa - the Dromedary Camel. But in the auto industry, when the Detroit Three think of a hump those thoughts switch from camels to quality. That's because if there's any one hump or challenge that continues to hold them back from "import equality" it appears to be this. Now granted, all three OEMs have improved dramatically from the nadir of the '70s when they produced everything from poorly-designed diesels to flapping vinyl roofs. But today, with nearly all of those problems a thing in the past, GM, Ford and Chrysler are still looking up at many of the imports in a variety of quality rankings. So what accounts for that, and will any of them ever attain the top spot again? On this week's show John McElroy and his three experts on automotive quality will examine what it may finally take for the Detroit Three to get "over the hump.".
And don't forget you can watch the latest edition of Autoline right now at our website (http://www.autoline.tv/) along with our Internet-only Autoline EXTRA segment and any of our archived shows 24/7.
Scramble
If only describing a local golf event, a pressured quarterback or your morning breakfast, then "scramble" is a rather innocuous term. But when examining today's topsy-turvy automotive industry, where down is up, left is right and you may never know the players again with or without a scorecard, the word "scramble" takes on a darker connotation thanks to the worldwide financial meltdown. The credit and cash crunch may have started with banks but it quickly filtered its way to all businesses, especially the tenuous auto industry. Things were iffy before September when everyone was still hoping for somewhere around 13 million in sales. Now who knows how low the number could go? And then there's Chrysler, which, using Greek Mythology as our guide, seems in search of its own Hercules (see GM) to escape from Hades (see Cerberus -- the three-headed dog & the company). Confused yet? Well you're not alone. That's why John McElroy has invited these two top industry analysts to "unscramble" the situation on this week's Autoline.
And don't forget you can watch the latest edition of Autoline right now at our website (http://www.autoline.tv/) along with our Internet-only Autoline EXTRA segment and any of our archived shows 24/7.
The industry downturn looks to be turning into a problem for the entire globe, not just the United States. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss how Europe, China and emerging markets are being affected by the downturn in the auto industry. Joining John in the discussion are Paul Haelterman from CSM Worldwide and Rebecca Lindland from IHS Global Insight.
Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Radio joins John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. Mr. Karmazin discusses what role telematics will play for Sirius XM in the future and what applications are already in use. He also shares his thoughts on HD Radio and what impact it will have for Sirius XM. Joining John in the discussion are Neal Boudette from The Wall Street Journal and Jeff Gilbert from WWJ Newsradio 950.
Starman
Too many channels, not enough listeners, pools of red ink -- welcome to the world of satellite radio. Despite its myriad of advantages and incorporation into many new cars and trucks, both Sirius and XM Radio seemed more hooked to financial life support than to fleets of vehicles the last few years. It was as if the business was crying for, as David Bowie put it, "a Starman waiting in the sky" to supernaturally save the service. Well, that celebrity executive landed at Sirius some four years ago in the form of Mel Karmazin with a resume that included running Infinity Broadcasting, CBS Radio and as well as the entire CBS Corporation. Since his arrival he has not only increased subscriptions but more importantly brokered a merger between the two services believing that one strong company can prosper in this less than predictable economy.
This week Autoline welcomes Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Radio. Host John McElroy along with panelists Neal Boudette from The Wall Street Journal and Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio Detroit talk to this Hall of Fame broadcast executive about his survival plans for Sirius XM and the important role the auto industry plays in the process.
And don't forget you can catch more with Mel Karmazin at our website (http://www.autoline.tv/) in our Internet-only segment, Autoline EXTRA, as well as our brand new global automotive newscast Autoline Daily as soon as you see this e-mail.
So if you'd like to know what the "Starman of Sirius XM" plans for the media in your car or truck, check out this week's Autoline.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy talks with the man in charge of ENVI, Chrysler’s electric vehicle program, Lou Rhodes and also with Global Electric Motorcars CEO, Bruce Coventry. They discuss Chrysler’s plans to demo the EV’s with retailers and consumers next year and also what benefits GEM can provide Chrysler from its experience selling neighborhood electrics.
Watt's Next?
Even as oil prices continue to drop, everyone from consumers to the cognoscenti understand that the genie is finally out of the bottle: fossil fuels are not the future. The question becomes, what is? We all know the roulette wheel of options, but at this point everything is a gamble and manufacturers are wondering where to put their chips.
Well Chrysler, which has been quiet up to now, is betting on electric which some consider a surprise. Despite the fact that for more than a decade it has owned an electric car unit that builds neighborhood vehicles, the company sent shock waves through the industry when it recently unveiled three electric prototypes. That's because few experts considered Chrysler a major player in the electric game.
Joining John McElroy on this week's Autoline are the two men leading the electrical charge at Chrysler. Lou Rhodes is the President of ENVI, a special team within the company that oversees the R & D of alternative drivetrains, while Bruce Coventry is the CEO of GEM, the makers of those neighborhood electric vehicles. Among the topics these executives tackle are Chrysler's electric strategy, the models and options they're working on, and when they expect it all to be delivered.
And don't forget that you can watch this latest edition of Autoline along with our Internet-only segment Autoline EXTRA as well as our brand new global automotive newscast Autoline Daily at our website right now by clicking here (http://www.autoline.tv/)
So if you're looking to get a charge out of some provocative television, tune into Autoline and its lineup of automotive information.
Joining John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA is Joe Hinrichs, Group VP of Manufacturing at Ford Motor Co. and Jay Baron, President of the Center for Automotive Research. They continue their discussion from the broadcast about manufacturing in the 21st century. Mr. Hinrichs and Mr. Baron explain how last years agreement with the UAW will help lead to better technology to manufacture with and a more highly skilled workforce.
CHANGE
Change seems to be a popular theme these days. Some say it began with the political season but those in automotive know better. In fact, it's been on the horizon for a while. Big Change. The kind that will reshape American manufacturing for years to come. The last time we saw something like this was in the mid-20th century with World War II. And though the factors leading this retooling aren't quite as dire, they are just as dramatic led by a massive shift in consumer preferences, the technological challenge of reducing CO2 emissions at the same time as dealing with the booming developing markets.
How will OEMs execute what some are calling the "Greatest Peacetime Manufacturing Conversion?" What will the effect be on their Suppliers? And what about the labor force -- how much will it diminish? These are just a few of the questions that John McElroy has for our two manufacturing experts. Offering insight from the OEM side is Joe Hinrichs the group vice president of global manufacturing for Ford Motor Company. Joining Mr. Hinrichs with an analyst perspective is Jay Baron, the president of CAR, the Center for Automotive Research.
And don't forget you can watch the latest edition of Autoline right now at our website (http://www.autoline.tv/) along with our Internet-only segment Autoline EXTRA as well as any of our archived shows.
So for a look at the changes in store for 21st Century manufacturing, don't miss this week's Autoline with John McElroy.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, the product and technology PR manager of Mercedes-Benz USA, Rob Moran, explains what kind of planning goes into a press event. Such as, when planning starts, how a location is chosen and how many different people are involved to make sure it runs as smooth as possible.
5-4-3-2-1
For most observers, the word "launch" conjures up images of rockets and echoes of countdowns from the space race forty years ago. However, if you happen to be a member of the automotive press, "launch" means something totally different. To many in that crowd it means "Pay Attention" because a manufacturer is about to invite you to an exclusive activity surrounding its newest vehicle. This is one of the major ways stories and reviews of the latest cars and trucks appear in your local newspaper, favorite television shows or popular websites -- before or just as that vehicle arrives on local dealer lots. And depending on the importance of the vehicle and the number of media invited, manufacturers can spend more money and effort than they care to think about to shine a brief spotlight on their newest product.
On this week's program, an Autoline Exclusive -- John McElroy takes you behind the scenes of a new car press launch. From the international phone calls to developing the drive routes to building vehicle displays and much, much more ... you'll be right there with the media learning and experiencing everything about this brand new vehicle. And the vehicles that you'll see "launched" are Mercedes-Benz’s new 50-State Clean Diesel SUVs.
And don't forget to check out Autoline EXTRA, available on our website (http://www.autoline.tv/) where you can catch every interview we did for this documentary in its entirety 24/7.
So join John, a number of his media colleagues and the Mercedes-Benz team as we go "Behind-the-Scenes" in Manchester Village, Vermont for the 50-State Clean Diesel Launch this week on Autoline.
Automakers not only need to educate journalists about their products but they also need to educate the public as well, and this is where the marketing team steps in. Stephen Cannon is the VP of Marketing at Mercedes-Benz and he talks with John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA about how he plans to educate consumers on not only BlueTEC technology but also explain the advances in diesel technology.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy rides shotgun with Hank Chapman the Route Producer for the BlueTEC launch. Mr. Chapman explains how he goes about putting a route for the journalists together. How he tailors each route based on the vehicle and Mr. Chapman explains the specifics of the BlueTEC event.
Geoff Day is the Director of Communications at Mercedes-Benz USA and he sits down with John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA to explain the importance of having public relation events for the media. Mr. Day also explains what value these events have and what the PR team looks to get out of these events.
Chairman and CEO of AutoNation, Mike Jackson joins John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. Mr. Jackson is in charge of the nation’s largest automotive retailer with dealerships that cover just about every brand. Watch to see Mr. Jackson give his candid opinions on the domestic’s products and dealership network and what needs improvement. Joining in the discussion are Bill Vlasic from The New York Times and Steve Finlay of Ward’s Dealer Business.
"Mass" Exodus
Each time a dealer makes a sale and a car drives off the lot, along with it goes a few thousand pounds. And depending on the number of sales, those pounds can add up. But imagine losing one and a half billion pounds. Crazy? Well, that's just what America's largest automotive retailer AutoNation does every year. The company with nearly 250 dealerships across the country sells more than 500,000 units each year, which means more than 1.5 billion pounds of vehicles drive off its lots every twelve months. When it comes to the automotive retail world, all three of those numbers are staggering.
On this week's Autoline, AutoNation Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson joins John McElroy to talk about the industry, sales and how they're both reeling amid the economic disaster that is 2008. After that, they'll turn their attention to product. As a retailer who deals with nearly every OEM selling almost every kind of car and truck, he has unique insight into each manufacturer, its performance and its products. Plus, with dealerships throughout the United States, there isn't a demographic or geographic group he doesn't know or sell to. Joining Mr. Jackson and John McElroy on the panel are Bill Vlasic from The New York Times and Steve Finlay from Ward's Dealer Business.
As a reminder, you can now watch the latest Autoline immediately after receiving this email. Just click the link, http://www.autoline.tv/ and you'll find yourself at our website where you can watch this week's program, Autoline EXTRA or any of our archived shows 24/7.
So if you really want to know what's going on behind the curtain at your local dealer, check out this week's Autoline for the inside scoop.
Co-founder of DUB Magazine, Myles Kovacs joins John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. Myles talks about the beginnings of the magazine nine years ago and how it’s now grown to a $50 million business. He also shares his thoughts on the industry downturn, how it’s affecting DUB magazine and how he plans on steering DUB through the economic slump.
Natural Number
The number three has a unique heritage. From time, to matter, to grammar, for years humans have naturally divided elements and categories into three. That may be because it's a natural counting number or the first odd prime number. Then again it may be as simple as sets of three, for whatever reason, just feel right. Take this week's Autoline for instance. John McElroy interviews three separate guests discussing totally different topics related to today's auto industry.
The first, Tim Leuiliette the new CEO of auto supplier DURA, offers his observations on the poor state of business for everyone automotive these days, especially the Detroit Three. He even dares to mention the "B word" as in bankruptcy and how that may be a factor in the near future.
Meanwhile, joining John to discuss the new spinoff from ArvinMeritor is its President & CEO Designate Phil Martens. Arvin Innovation, as it is called, takes over the company's light vehicle systems business and will be looking to grow its existing 2.3 billion in sales (2007) in a U.S. market that hasn't had much positive news for OEM or supplier alike.
Finally, as we pass the one-year anniversary of Cerberus buying Chrysler, John talks to private equity expert Frank Dunne from the national law firm Dykema. Mr. Dunne, a long time General Motors veteran, chronicles the movers and shakers from these high stakes financial groups and shares with John his impressions for the future of Chrysler and if private equity as a whole is getting what it wants out of auto.
And remember, you no longer have to wait to the weekend to view this latest episode of Autoline. Just click on our link, http://www.autoline.tv/ , and you can watch it immediately at our website along with our Internet-only Autoline EXTRA segment and any of our archived shows.
Hypernova
Experts in Astronomy have studied collapsing stars for years. The phenomenon of Hypernovas is very rare but extremely destructive since they morph themselves into light-swallowing black holes.
Meanwhile, experts in the automotive industry have been watching their own collapsing star, or more appropriately, collapsing Pentastar in Chrysler. Some analysts believe that the venture capitalists at Cerberus bit off more than they could chew when it bought the troubled automaker last August. Now faced with a depressed truck market and a four-cylinder lineup that just isn't selling the way it should be in our $4 a gallon gas world, some fear that Chrysler will collapse like a Hypernova with its brands and pieces swallowed by other industry giants.
That is not a fear of Tom Lasorda. Chrysler's co-President insists that Cerberus is committed to the company and believes it can be profitable thanks to a future portfolio of energy efficient vehicles built by not just by Chrysler but an international alliance of partners as well. Of course that's easier said than done. To get to that point the company must slog through the next couple years of retrenchment like every other manufacturer. Hear how he believes Chrysler will circumvent this crisis as he joins John McElroy for an exclusive one-on-one interview from the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan.
And remember, if you don't want to wait until the weekend you can now watch this new episode of Autoline immediately by visiting us at http://www.autoline.tv/ . There you can also view our Internet-only Autoline EXTRA segment as well as any of our archived shows.
So if you're looking for the automotive stars to stay aligned, just follow the light from this week's all new episode of Autoline.
Every year around 40,000 people die in the United States in traffic accidents. And that’s the reason why the U.S. Department of Transportation is looking at “connected vehicles” as a way to significantly reduce this number. Paul Brubaker from the U.S. Department of Transportation joins John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA and explains the benefits of using this technology and his goal of reducing accidents 90% by 2030.
SIGN O’ THE TIMES - PART TWO
Serendipity can strike with serendipity. Sometimes it occurs in music when the right album comes along at the right time and affects the industry as a whole with both high sales and critical praise. And then again, it can also occur in other industries, sometimes with deleterious effects. Take today's energy crisis for instance. With gasoline roller-coasting around $4 a gallon, automotive manufacturers have suddenly seen the Truck market "tank" this summer. So the OEMs have circled the SUVs so to speak, and have reforged the truck future.
But as we're waiting for that future to take form, new product continues to hit dealer lots around the country. Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers of all types have been released in 2008. On this week's Autoline, John McElroy looks at some of these new vehicles like Ford's "Back to the Future" Flex Crossover, Mercedes’ new GL with its Clean Diesel technology, and Chrysler's Two-Mode Hybrid SUVs to see how they stack up when it comes to perhaps winning some "Best Of" awards later this year.
Joining John to talk trucks are two of his fellow judges from the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards. Natalie Neff is the Road Test Editor for AutoWeek while Mark Phelan is an automotive columnist with the Detroit Free Press.
And if you don't want to wait until Sunday, remember you can now watch this new episode of Autoline immediately by visiting us at http://www.autoline.tv/ . There you can also view our Internet-only Autoline EXTRA segment as well as any of our archived shows.
So if you're looking for a sign of times in the truck world, don't miss this week's Autoline for the best insight around.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel continue their mid-year review of trucks competing to win the 2009 North American Truck of the Year Award. They discuss the Volkswagen Tiguan, Chevy Traverse, and the BMW X6. Watch to see whether or not the panel believes these vehicles have what it takes to take home the award. Joining John for the discussion is Natalie Neff from AutoWeek, and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press.
SIGN O' THE TIMES - PART 1
It's been twenty years since the musician Prince released what many call his greatest work. "Sign O' The Times" debuted in the shadow of the market collapse of 1987 and the presidential election of 1988, two major events that shaped America over the next few years.
In an eerie irony, the title of this album couldn't be more relevant today. 2008 has had its own tumult. With our own presidential election in full swing and an energy crisis that's never been more serious, the sign of "these" times is about change...especially when it comes to the auto industry. $4 a gallon gasoline has given consumers a new fever for small cars.
That's why this is the perfect time to look at some of the lineup that has been released so far this year. From small and economical like the Honda Fit to the performance-based cars like the BMW 1 series to Ford's new luxury sedan the Lincoln MKS, it's Cars and NACTOY on this week's Autoline.
John McElroy is joined by two of his fellow judges from the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards as they examine the best in cars so far this year. Natalie Neff is the Road Test Editor for AutoWeek while Mark Phelan is an automotive columnist with the Detroit Free Press.
And if you don't want to wait until Sunday remember you can now watch this new episode of Autoline right now by clicking here www.autoline.tv and going to our website. There you can also watch our Internet-only Autoline EXTRA segment as well as any of our archived shows as well.
So get ready for new cars through NACTOY eyes on this week's Autoline.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel of colleagues continue their mid-year review of cars competing to win the 2009 North American Car of the Year Award. They discuss the Nissan GT-R, Dodge Challenger and the Acura TSX. Watch to see whether or not the panel believes these vehicles have what it takes to take home the award. Joining John for the discussion is Natalie Neff from AutoWeek, and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John sits down with Dominique Thormann, the Senior VP, Administration and Finance at Nissan North America. In addition to talking about Nissan’s new North American Headquarters in Tennessee, Mr. Thormann gives his perspective on the changing market and how Nissan has responded. And he also reveals when Nissan is looking to bring out electric vehicles for the U.S. market.
NEW ROOTS
Replanting can be tough. Just ask any backyard horticulturist how easy it is to move a ten-year-old tree. It's not. So imagine the degree of difficulty of moving a nearly 50-year-old company -- not within the same city or even the same state, but some 2,000 miles away. But that's just what Nissan did with its North American Headquarters. Two years ago the company rocked the automotive world with the news that it was leaving Orange County, California for the rolling hills of Nashville, Tennessee. And just last month that move became a reality as Nissan dedicated its $100-million North American HQ Campus. With a number of politicians, guests and employees looking on, the company's CEO Carlos Ghosn flew in to officially open the facility. Normally that would be news unto itself, but during his short visit to Tennessee, Mr. Ghosn sat down with John McElroy for a wide-ranging exclusive one-on-one discussion on all things automotive. From the oil crisis to electric cars to future partnerships, the twenty-minute interview even broke a little news, but we won't spoil the surprise here.
At the same time, don't forget you can always catch our Internet-only segment, Autoline EXTRA, at our website 24/7 along with our entire archived Autoline catalogue. Just go to http://www.autoline.tv/ and start watching.
Nissan recently unveiled its new $100 million North American Headquarters in Franklin, TN and on this edition of Autoline EXTRA Rob Traynham the Director of Corporate Services at Nissan North America, gives Autoline a preview of the new building. He explains how it was designed “inside out”, meaning it was designed with employee’s interests in mind. And you get a look at the environmental and technological features of the building.
AUTO ORACLES
Trying to figure out the future has probably been a hominid passion since the first Neanderthals grunted their way through the Ice Age. And even though their "more evolved" ancestors have employed tools like Astrology, Tarot cards and Clairvoyant readings since, the future, arguably, hasn't gotten any clearer.
So if it's darn near impossible to decipher if Uncle Jack is going to give you, and not your cousin, that Civil War sword you've longed for, how the heck do the auto companies, with billions of dollars on the line, accurately predict the future? With a multitude of products and a five year lead time facing them as they jostle external forces like rising steel, fuel and labor costs to name a few, this is not a job for the faint of heart. It requires the expertise of a top level engineer, a great understanding of tomorrow's consumer and perhaps even a little help from Dionne Warwick and that Psychic Friends Network doesn't hurt either.
On this week's Autoline, John McElroy interviews two of today's leading Product Planners for the Auto Industry. John Smith is the Group Vice President for Global Product Planning at General Motors while Larry Dominique is Nissan's Vice President of Product Planning for North America. Both men join John to discuss the high wire walk that many Product Planners are faced with as the market changes on seemingly a daily basis.
And as usual, don't forget you can catch our Internet-only exclusive segment Autoline EXTRA -- along with all our archived shows -- 24/7 at our website http://www.autoline.tv/
So if you're wondering what it's like to peer into a crystal ball and see the cars of the future, join John and the men who make it their business to know what we'll want to drive on down the line this Sunday.
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy talks with product planners at Nissan and General Motors. John gets their insight into what they believe will power our vehicles in the future. John Smith, Group VP, Global Product Planning, at General Motors and Larry Dominique, VP, Product Planning, of Nissan North America, share their expertise on E-85, electric vehicles and even T. Boone Picken’s energy proposal.