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.
- Fiat’s Q2 Results
- Toyota Maintains Global Sales Lead
- 2015 Lexus NX
- U.K. Cracks Down On Phone Use in Cars
- Cadillac ATS Stretched
- Autoline Garage
- Honda Financial Earnings
- Renault Financial Earnings
- Kia Sorento’s Third Generation
- Electronic Parking Brakes for the Masses
- Autonomy? Don’t Mind if Baidu
- Rethinking the Dealer Franchise System
Seat Time is a chance for us to share our impressions of vehicles being tested in the Autoline Garage and at media previews from around the globe.
Reviewer: Chip Drake Manufacturer: Daimler AG Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: E350 Wagon Type: Sport Wagon Competitors: Volvo XC70, Acura TSX Sportwagen, Cadillac CTS wagon (BMW 5 Series wagon, Audi A6 Avant — currently unavailable in U.S.) Price: $58,600 (base); $73,275 (as tested) Made in: Final Assembly: Sindelfingen, Germany (Engine & Transmisson from Germany) Drivetrain: 3.5-Liter V 6 Engine w/ Direct Injection (302horsepower) EPA Ratings: 19city, 26highway, (21combined)
Final Impression:
The station wagon was once an unquestioned icon of American car culture. From the ’60s Woody Wagon to the Griswold’s Family Truckster to the even Simpson’s animated Canyonero, it was the moveable feast for a variety of U.S. families. But then the minivan became de rigueur followed closely by the crossover, leaving the wagon wandering for 21st century relevance. But thanks to Europe, the station wagon never fully disappeared from American roads. Volvo and VW continue to lead the way with the German luxury brands adding models to the station wagon stable until there was only one. So when the LAST LUXURY WAGON STANDING — a Mercedes-Benz E350 — showed up in the Autoline driveway it was time to evaluate the state of today’s station wagon.
- Could July SAAR Hit 17 Million?
- Nissan’s Ghosn has the Golden Touch
- Ford: Buyers Willing to Pay Even More for Pickups
- Former GM CEO Speaks Out on Recall Issues
- Automakers Ahead of EPA Curve
- Recap of Automotive Fantasy Draft 2014
It’s that time again! Join us for the Autoline Automotive Draft as some of the best minds in the auto business assemble their fantasy car companies. This year’s event features some all-new challenges; team owners will have to choose at least one executive from outside the auto industry, choose a premiere vehicle and even fire an executive during the course of the contest.
2014 Roster: Gary Vasilash, Basic Motors Aaron Bragman, Ursus Motors Paul Eisenstein, Motor City Mammoths Jeff Sabatini, Automobiles Portlandia
Thanks to our sponsors who make Autoline After Hours possible: Bridgestone and Hyundai
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- U.S. Car Sales Continue to Rise
- OEMs Want to Delay EV Sound Rule
- Aston Teases New Lagonda Sedan
- GM Cars Now Internet Ready
- China’s Top 10 Automakers
- Buying a Car in 2014
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.
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