Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: , , ,

CHRYSLER CONSIDERS GETTING BACK INTO BIG RIGS

One of the more intriguing tidbits that dribbled out of Chrysler's grueling 8-hour press conference on Wednesday is that the company is considering getting back into the heavy truck business. They're not talking about heavy duty pick-ups, they're talking about 18-wheelers.

Up until the early 1970's Dodge sold heavy trucks, including semi-tractors. In fact, Dodge trucks were famous the world over. But like GM and Ford, the Chrysler Corporation decided to get out of that business at a time when the commercial truck sector was under pressure.

When times are good heavy trucks generate a significant amount of profits. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota (Hino), Nissan and Mitsubishi (Fuso) are still in the business. But it takes a lot of capital investment to get into and stay in the highly cyclical heavy truck segment, which is why the American car companies abandoned that market years ago.

In this case, the idea to get Chrysler back into the heavy truck market is Fiat's, not Chrysler's. And that is precisely why this could actually happen.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline detroitautoline on autoblogAutolineDetroitAutolineOnAutoblogchryslerchrysler big rigchrysler semichrysler trucksChryslerBigRigChryslerSemiChryslerTrucksfeaturedfiativecojohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: ,

Brazil's E100 Drives Innovative Fuel Injection

A few weeks ago Rio de Janeiro landed the 2016 Olympics largely thanks to the fact that Brazil is climbing up the rank of nations. It has grown to become the 10th largest economy in the world and a key reason has to do with the country's energy policy.

By committing heavily to ethanol, Brazil no longer imports oil to make fuel. That means the country now has a trade surplus and a positive balance of payments. The economy is growing while unemployment is dropping. Ethanol doesn't get all the credit for Brazil's impressive growth, but it's playing a significant role. Instead of talking about kicking its oil addiction, Brazil did it.

An unexpected side benefit of committing to ethanol is that Brazil is also taking the lead in developing new fuel injection systems that allow cars to run on pure ethanol (E-100). This is arguably the first time that Brazil has ever taken the lead on automotive technology.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogbrazile-100featuredjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline After Hours with John McElroy: Demise of Saturn Edition]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-demise-of-saturn-edition/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-demise-of-saturn-edition/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-demise-of-saturn-edition/#comments Filed under:

On this week's Autoline After Hours, John McElroy, Peter "Autoextremist" DeLorenzo and BusinessWeek's David Welch are joined by Erich Merkle, President of Autoconomy, to discuss the week that was in the world of automobiles. We suspect a large part of the discussion will center on the imminent demise of Saturn after Penske pulled out of its deal with General Motors to take over the ailing brand and its considerable dealer network. Make the jump to get in on the insider conversation, and be sure to posit your own thoughts in the chat window below the video.

Continue reading Autoline After Hours with John McElroy: Demise of Saturn Edition

Autoline After Hours with John McElroy: Demise of Saturn Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> after hoursAfterHoursautolineautoline after hoursAutolineAfterHoursjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: ,

Why Saturn Failed

In the early 1980s General Motors launched a top-secret program to figure out how it could build a small car to successfully compete against the Japanese automakers. It was called the S-car program and the results of this study shocked top management at GM.

It conclusively proved General Motors could not profitably build a small car in the United States that was priced against the Japanese -- at least not under the current GM system. And that launched another study to figure out what it would take become competitive.

GM concluded that it needed a clean-sheet approach to designing, engineering, manufacturing and retailing small cars in the American market. In other words, it needed a whole new car company. And so Saturn was born.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutobloggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroypenskesaturn Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Why Car Names Really Matter

What's in a name? Does it really matter what you call a car, or will a car sell well as long as it's well designed?

As an enthusiast, I always felt that the name of a car never really mattered all that much. I was always more interested in the design and the mechanical aspects of the machine rather than the badge. If it had a cool sounding name, sure, that was good. But to me a great car was a great car no matter what they called it.

Now I'm not so sure.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autolineautoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline Detroit LIVE with special guest Tom Stephens, GM VC of Global Product Development]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/autoline-detroit-live-with-special-guest-tom-stephens-gm-vc-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/autoline-detroit-live-with-special-guest-tom-stephens-gm-vc-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/autoline-detroit-live-with-special-guest-tom-stephens-gm-vc-of/#comments Filed under: ,

Join John McElroy and his journalist colleagues for an all-new LIVE webcast discussion with Tom Stephens, GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development. First, you'll get to see a LIVE taping of Autoline Detroit starting at 10AM EST, then we will hand the mic over to the audience, and Tom Stephens will answer your questions coming through the website and our hotline 1-620-288-6546 (1-620-AUTOLIN).

Live Videos by Ustream

Enter your questions into the field above. Note that this chat is only open for questions this morning. General chat and off-topic comments will not be added. Please enter your questions only once, they will start to appear during the viewer Q&A portion later in the show. Thanks! You may also call in a comment or question at 1-620-288-6546 (1-620-AUTOLIN).

Autoline Detroit LIVE with special guest Tom Stephens, GM VC of Global Product Development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autolineautoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitautolineonautobloggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmtom stephensTomStephens Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: , ,

TOYOTA'S HYBRIDS COULD BE BANNED FROM THE AMERICAN MARKET

In a shocking development Toyota faces a lawsuit filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission that seeks to ban the import of all hybrids to the American market. Toyota is being sued by Paice LLC for patent infringement on its hybrid system.

Before you think this is just a frivolous lawsuit that has no standing whatsoever, consider the fact that Paice has already successfully sued Toyota on five counts of patent infringement, and won on three of them. In April of this year, Paice was awarded by the Federal district court in the Eastern District of Texas a future royalty of $98 for every Prius sold.

Toyota is appealing that verdict, but just to up the ante Paice decided to file its suit with the ITC and go for an all-out ban on all the hybrids the giant Japanese automaker brings into the U.S. market.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autolineautoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitautolineonautoblogfalsejohn mcelroyjohn mcelroy autoblogJohnMcelroyJohnMcelroyAutoblogpriustoyotatoyota priusToyotaPrius Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Peter DeLorenzo, David Welch and David E. Davis, Jr.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-peter-delorenzo-david-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-peter-delorenzo-david-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-peter-delorenzo-david-w/#comments Filed under:



In this week's episode of Autoline After Hours, John McElroy, Peter "The Autoextremist" DeLorenzo, and David Welch of BusinessWeek are joined by the dean of automotive journalism, David E. Davis, Jr., for an unusually candid discussion about the issues and events affecting today's auto industry.

You can join in by submitting questions to the panel at viewermail -at- autolinedetroit.tv (put "AAH QUESTION" in the subject line) to be answered on-air tonight during the show's Rapid Fire segment. Follow the jump to watch it live beginning at 7 PM EST.

Continue reading Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Peter DeLorenzo, David Welch and David E. Davis, Jr.

Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Peter DeLorenzo, David Welch and David E. Davis, Jr. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autolineautoline after hoursautoline on autoblogAutolineAfterHoursAutolineOnAutoblogDavid E.David E. Davis Jr.DavidE.DavidE.DavisJr.Davisjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyJr.Peter delorenzoPeterDelorenzo Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Cash For Clunkers Conspiracy?

To hear the government tell it, foreign automakers and compact cars were the big winners in the Cash for Clunkers program. The Department of Transportation makes it look like consumers all wanted small fuel-efficient cars, particularly from the import brands.

But an analysis by Edmunds.com tells a very different story. It found that a fair number of Clunker buyers bought pickups and Ford came out as the clear winner in the Top Ten list. Indeed, Edmunds' analysis shows that the government came up with a bizarre way to count Clunker sales and we know now that the DOT counted sales based on the drivetrain in a vehicle, not by its nameplate. For example, the front-wheel drive version of the Ford Escape was counted separately from the all-wheel drive version. As a result, vehicles that only offer one drivetrain came out on the top of the list.

No one in the history of the auto industry has ever counted sales this way, and it's mighty peculiar why the government would choose to do so. Is there some other agenda at work?

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:26:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

THE CLUNKERS PROGRAM EXCEEDED EVERYONE'S EXPECTATIONS

Despite a lot of skepticism from industry analysts, the "Cash for Clunkers" program exceeded just about everyone's expectations. It brought in new customers, cleaned out a lot of old inventory, and started putting auto workers back to work.

A lot of critics, me included, thought this was just a government giveaway that really wouldn't have much effect. And while there's no question it was a giveaway, it did meet the goals of the program: to help reduce America's dependence on oil and stimulate the economy.

Most impressively, dealers tell me that the Clunkers program brought in customers they had never seen before. They were people who would not normally buy a new car. The only reason they came into the showrooms shopping for new cars was because of the cash they could get for their clunkers. And the dealers are pretty sure they'll never see most of them ever again.
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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogcash for clunkersCashForClunkersfeaturedjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:19:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Why Are German Automakers Exempt from U.S. CO2 Standards?

If you've ever wondered why the American automakers have such a hard time competing in their home market, all you have to do is look at the latest move from the American government. It's going to exempt the worst gas-guzzling European luxury cars from having to meet U.S. CO2 standards. Companies like Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche can continue to sell cars that don't meet those standards, all with the gentle blessing of generous Uncle Sam.

Do you think for a second that the American government would ever let GM, Ford or Chrysler sell vehicles that pump out more greenhouse gases than the law allows? No, never.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Ford Says Series Hybrids (Chevy Volt) Are a Mistake

The Ford Motor Company is not going to chase GM and do a plug-in series hybrid like the Volt. In fact, the Blue Oval thinks that approach is a mistake. Instead, Ford is taking a three-pronged attack to developing hybrid and electric vehicles, with one technology building upon the other.

And by the way, Ford, like most other automakers, is putting fuel cell technology on the back burner. Until a hydrogen infrastructure for automobiles is put in place, there isn't much sense in developing cars that run on hydrogen, especially when that hydrogen infrastructure is many years and many billions of dollars away.

Ford's approach is to develop strong hybrids, which it already has in the market (Fusion, Milan, Escape, Mariner), followed by plug-in hybrids, followed by electric vehicles. In two years time it will have each of those kinds of vehicles in its showrooms.
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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: ,

GM DON'T NEED NO CULTURE CHANGE

If I have to read another article about how GM needs to change its culture, I think I'll puke. It seems that every analyst and pundit in the business feels the need to write an article about GM's need for culture change.

They wring their hands about how this is going to take years or even decades to achieve. But I've seen enough culture changes at car companies to know it doesn't have to take very long at all.

Human beings are highly trainable animals. We're easier to train than dogs! All you have to do is tell us what needs to be done and, if we agree, we'll pretty much comply.

There's an old adage in business, "tell me how you're going to measure me, and I'll show you how I'm going to perform." You want people to "change their culture?" Then start to measure them the way you want them to perform.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutobloggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Jason Vines, and Peter DeLorenzo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-jason-vines-and-peter-d/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-jason-vines-and-peter-d/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-jason-vines-and-peter-d/#comments Filed under: ,



In this week's episode of Autoline After Hours, John McElroy, newly minted Christian publishing mogul Jason Vines and Peter "The Autoextremist" DeLorenzo gather for another unusually frank discussion about the motoring industry's ups and downs.

You can even join in by submitting questions to the panel at viewermail -at- autolinedetroit.tv (put "AAH QUESTION" in the subject line) to be answered on-air tonight during the show's Rapid Fire segment. Follow the jump to watch it live beginning at 7 PM EST.

Continue reading Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Jason Vines, and Peter DeLorenzo

Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Jason Vines, and Peter DeLorenzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autolineautoline after hoursAutolineAfterHoursautolinedetroitautolineonautoblogjason vinesJasonVinesjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroypeter delorenzoPeterDelorenzo Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:50:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Hybrids Stumble While Diesels Surge

The new-car sales figures for June must be a cause for concern for fans of hybrids. But at the same time they're very encouraging for diesel proponents. You don't want to read too much into one month's sales numbers, but the numbers do tell a story.

Ever since gasoline prices tumbled from their highs of last year, sales of hybrids have tumbled along with them. And while most automakers are shunning diesel engines right now, Volkswagen turned in sales numbers in June that should make everybody sit up and pay attention.

So, are we going to see a battle royale between hybrids and diesels? It's too early to tell, but here's what's going on in the market at this snapshot in time.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: ,

Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation

The Ford Transit Connect is a cool little van unlike anything else on the American market. In fact, I think it has the capability of becoming something of a cult car. But it's also a shining example of why the auto industry faces too much regulation.

Even though the Transit Connect is already sold in 55 countries around the world it had to undergo numerous modifications before it could be sold in the American market. And while it's not at all unusual to modifiy imported vehicles up to our standards, it's hard to see how some of these changes will help the health or safety of American citizens.

Some of these changes are so ridiculous and inconsequential that it's actually funny to see what they are. Funny, that is, until you realize all they're doing is driving up the price of the product.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogford transit connectFordTransitConnectjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroy Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Unlocking GM's Inner Value

Even though it's bankrupt and the price of its stock has collapsed, General Motors is worth a lot more money than most people realize. And if the company were to take a radically new approach to how it runs its business the payoff could be enormous.

GM's market capitalization is at ridiculously low levels. The total value of its stock is presently less than half a billion dollars. But the company is really worth a lot more than that. When you add up the value of all the land, buildings, tools, machinery, equipment, patents, research labs, proving grounds and every other asset it has, GM is worth over $140 billion. There's even more value in the know-how, knowledge and experience of its people.

But how do you unlock all that value?

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline After Hours with John McElroy and GM's Mark LaNeve]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-and-gms-mark-laneve/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-and-gms-mark-laneve/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/autoline-after-hours-with-john-mcelroy-and-gms-mark-laneve/#comments Filed under: ,



In this week's episode of Autoline After Hours, General Motors V.P. of Sales, Mark LaNeve, joins the intrepid trio of John McElroy, Jason Vines and Peter "Autoextremist" DeLorenzo for another "unusually frank" discussion about the motoring industry. You can submit questions to the panel at viewermail -at- autolinedetroit.tv to be answered on-air tonight during the show's Rapid Fire segment. Make the jump to watch it live beginning at 7 PM EST.

Continue reading Autoline After Hours with John McElroy and GM's Mark LaNeve

Autoline After Hours with John McElroy and GM's Mark LaNeve originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Three Ways to Save the Big Three

Now that the Big Three are finally brooming out all their old legacy costs, they're going to be in the best fighting shape they've been in for nearly 40 years. But how do we make sure they don't slip back into their bad habits like they have after every other crisis?

A lot of people have a lot of opinions about what's got to be done, but to me it all gets down to how the executives run these companies. Get them to do the right things and everything else will fall into place.

There's that old adage in business that goes, "Tell me how you're going to measure me, and I'll show you how I'm going to perform." And while it's all fine and good to establish specific benchmarks that trigger bonuses, it's got to go deeper than that.

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:27:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under:

Does Killing Off Dealers Really Help?

Thousands of GM and Chrysler dealers are getting wiped out as part of each company's bankruptcies. And while the surviving dealers will be much better off, GM and Chrysler are likely to see less revenue, lower market share and fewer service parts sales as a result of this action. Is it worth the trade off?

Actually, debating the pros and cons is now just an academic exercise. It was the Presidential Automotive Task Force which decided that thousands of dealers had to go, then set a quota they wanted met, and told the car companies to go out and do the dirty work. GM and Chrysler didn't have a choice, but in many cases they acted all too eagerly. Shutting down dealerships fit in beautifully with their long term plans, and now the government was telling them that they could do it for free!






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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST