Autoline This Week Episode Archives
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Show 1146
 
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“The Newest Point”Since the Private Equity group Cerberus took over Chrysler it's been shaking up the executive floor, seemingly pulling in high-priced talent to match up each point in its Pentastar logo. From CEO Bob Nardelli to Asian Operations Chief Phil Murtaugh to Chief Marketing Officer Debra Wahl Meyer to Chief Customer Officer Doug Betts, the hiring was punctuated by the most surprising coup, and one of the biggest stars in the automotive universe, Jim Press. Chrysler didn't just steal him from Toyota, it pulled the only non-Japanese member ever elected to the Board of Directors out from under the company, making him Vice Chairman and President of Chrysler LLC. Guests
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Show 1145
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“Something New, Someone Blue (Oval)”It isn’t often that a high-powered automotive executive receives second billing on Autoline, but then again it isn’t often that we unveil a totally new look for the show including, an animated open, theme music, announcer, graphics as well as a brand new set! Guests
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Show 1144
Bonus EXTRAs:
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“The Green Mile”To many of us Los Angeles is known for its silky beaches and bucolic neighborhoods, but recently, it could've been mistaken for the Pacific Northwest because the talk around town was pretty much green. Green as in the environment, with much of that energy and attention coming from the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. From General Motors unwrapping its two-mode Tahoe hybrid to Honda announcing the availability of its new hydrogen fuel cell Clarity, to a bevy of other OEM alt fuel options, about the only thing not alternatively-powered was the spotlight caressing these new products. Guests
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Show 1143
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“The A's Have It”The semester is over, the numbers are in and now it's time to post the grades. This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy unveils the 2007 edition of his Original Equipment Manufacturers Report Card. It compiles the financial performance of the top 13 automakers in the world in seven different categories. For example, which do you think is the most efficient car company in the world from a total productivity standpoint? Which car company devotes the most amount of resources to research and development? Which one has the best profit margins? And, when you add it all up, which is the best run car company in the world? We think you’re going to be surprised by the results. Joining John on the broadcast to assess the numbers and offer their own opinions on the OEM’s and how they're doing are Michael Robinet from CSM Worlwide and industry analyst Jim Hall. Panel
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Show 1142
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“I, Robot - Part 2”Once programmed, robots just go, go and go some more. And that's just what the Autoline Detroit crew did at the DARPA Urban Challenge last week. We shot so many interviews that they could not all be included on the broadcast version of Autoline. So we have put together an Internet-only "part-two" show from Victorville, California, the site of this Defense Department-sponsored autonomous vehicle contest. Joining John McElroy to talk about robots, the competition and the future of driverless vehicles are: Dr. Jurgen Leohold, the head of R & D for all Volkswagen brands, Bill Kozyra, the president of Tier One supplier Continental North America, and Ed Olson, an MIT Ph.D. student specializing in robot navigation. Guests
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Show 1141
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“I, Robot - Part 1”If the participants in last week's DARPA Urban Challenge could talk, these might be the first words they utter...and not because they're big Will Smith fans. No, the contestants in the third installment of this U.S. Defense Department-sponsored race were, in fact, robots themselves. The Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has been searching for military applications of autonomous vehicles. In an effort to accelerate the R & D effort, DARPA developed the Grand Challenge a few years ago with a monetary reward for the top finishers. Many academic institutions saw this as a perfect extension of the classroom. Meanwhile, many corporations believed there would be numerous research advantages from being involved in the competition and thus, teamed up with their university counterparts. But this contest contains not only the academic & corporate behemoths you'd expect, but the Walter Mitty-types as well--teams with few resources but big robot dreams. Guests
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Show 1140
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“Van Go”There are a handful of artists in history that the world knows by name along with one or two of their creations. The same scenario applies to the automotive universe. There are certain vehicles, particular nameplates that nearly everyone knows along with who created them and the company responsible. This week on Autoline Detroit, we talk about one of those iconic vehicles: the Minivan. More than that, we talk about THE Minivan that started the segment more than two decades ago along with its latest and greatest iteration -- the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country. Guests
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Show 1139
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“See a Little Light?”Recently there have been some well-documented dark days around Ford Motor Company. From products to sales to finances, the perpetual forecast for Glass House has been overcast and cloudy. Guests
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Show 1138
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“Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes”Evolve, remake, transform...whichever verb you choose it all comes down to major change in the auto industry these days on many fronts. From the revolutionary new contracts with the United Auto Workers to the surprising talent drain from Toyota to Detroit, the automotive press has been staying up late trying to keep up with all the change going on. This week Autoline Detroit devotes the show to updating and analyzing many of these recent disruptive automotive moves. Panel
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Show 1137
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“Middle Ground”After weeks of negotiations and its first strike in 37 years, General Motors and the United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement for a new contract. It’s billed as historic for both sides -- the company sheds legacy health care while the union receives some job security guarantees. Everybody's happy, right? On this week's Autoline Detroit, John McElroy and his guests Csaba Csere from Car and Driver, and Daniel Howes from The Detroit News, look between the lines on the agreement and discuss its impact on GM, the UAW and what may happen with Ford and Chrysler as they wait in the wings. Panel
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Show 1136
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“The New Journalism”Of course equating the Internet phenomenon "blogging" with the profession of journalism would probably have Joseph Pulitzer rolling around in his grave. But there's no denying that the "web log" or "blog" -- as it’s come to be known -- has shaken the foundation of 21st Century information; the way it's delivered and who does it. It truly is today's new frontier that has touched virtually every sector of society, and it's not going away. Panel
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Show 1135
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“manu factura”The original Latin for the noun "manufacturing" translates to the phrase "making by hand." In today's auto industry, that's about as popular as the use of Latin itself. With CAD, robotics and modular assembly, hands are having less and less to do with vehicle construction every day. And the guests joining John McElroy on this week's Autoline Detroit know that better than most. Guests
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Show 1134
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“Change At The Top”The roulette wheel of change continues to spin around the auto industry never knowing where it might land. Two of the most striking changes this summer came from Chrysler and Toyota. One was a personnel change – Robert Nardelli taking over at the Pentastar. One is all about numbers -- Toyota on the precipice of passing GM in global sales. Change indeed. Guests
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Show 1133
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“High Voltage”Ever since GM "electrified" the auto world with its Chevy Volt announcement a few months back, they've been working behind the scenes trying to make this "game-changing" concept into a viable production vehicle. Negotiations with Tier Ones & Twos, tweaking designs along with testing, testing and more testing recently led GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development Bob Lutz to charge up to Traverse City, Michigan and update the automotive industry on the Volt's progress. As one of the main speakers at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars, he not only spoke to the packed house but also stopped by Autoline Detroit's mobile studio for a talk with John McElroy. He brought along the E-Flex Global Vehicle Line Executive, Frank Weber, so John could get the latest update first-hand on the design challenges GM faces as it hopes to bring this vehicle to market by 2010. In addition, John speaks to CAR Chairman Dr. David Cole to get his analysis on where the industry is today and what impact this seminar has on it year in, year out. Guests
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Show 1132
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“Supply Side Tabulations”With so much negative news emanating from automotive suppliers over the past few years, you might think the "Closed For Business" signs were just about to be hung up on the front doors. Well, despite the bankruptcies, reorganizations and cries of "No Mas" to the OEMs, the bottom line numbers are telling a different story; some of these companies are actually making money....a lot of money. Panel
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Show 1131
Bonus EXTRAs:
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“The Yellow Brick Road”Over the years the promise of energy alternatives, at times, has seemed as fictional as the Land of Oz. The 21st century was supposed to usher in a phalanx of Hydrogen, Bio-diesel and Electric-powered vehicles. Instead, the world, for the most part, fills up with the same petroleum that has powered our cars and trucks for over a hundred years. But change is in the air...in the ground...and even in some vehicles already. Guests
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Show 1130
Bonus EXTRAs:
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“Lithium-Ion "Live"”What will it take to break America's addiction to oil? There are a variety of options on the table, but many believe the "Holy Grail" under the hood will be Lithium-Ion Batteries. This week Autoline Detroit goes on-the-road with its first-ever "live" audience to look at where this industry is right now as far as research, development and eventual delivery of Lithium-Ion Batteries. Guests
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Show 1129
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“Re-Engineering GM”The improved, and in some instances, award-winning product released by GM of late has the auto world talking. From the media to dealers to Wall Street, everyone has been analyzing the company's product renaissance and accessing its next steps. One of the executives with a front row seat for all the planning is Jim Queen, GM's Group vice president, Global Engineering. Mr. Queen visits Autoline Detroit this week to discuss among other topics, what he calls, "regionalizing" General Motors vehicles around the world. Join John McElroy and his panel, Frank Markus from Motor Trend and Shaun Bailey of Road & Track, as they talk to Jim Queen about GM's global engineering strategy. Guests
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Show 1128
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“The Best In Trucks...so far”Fresh from our look at the best cars from the first half of 2007 is this week's show spotlighting the top trucks released so far this year. From the "white hot" crossover segment to the latest SUVs to heavy duty trucks, consumers will have nearly twice the number of new trucks over cars to consider when they visit dealer lots the next few months. Panel
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Show 1127
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“The Best In Cars...so far”At the halfway point of 2007, the auto companies have released a spate of new products from performance cars to heavy duty trucks to everybody's vehicle of the moment, "the crossover." For the next two shows John McElroy and a couple fellow NACTOY (North American Car and Truck of the Year) jurors evaluate the latest offerings from the OEMs so far to see what may make the finals come the end of the year. Panel
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Show 1126
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“Now the UAW’s Turn: Part 2”Buckle up and get ready for the second installment of Autoline Detroit’s exclusive interview with UAW president Ron Gettelfinger. In this week’s show a feisty Gettelfinger lambastes Delphi and its executive leadership, explains the union’s push for the Employee Free Choice Act (better known as the “card check”), talks about the impact of Alan Mulally at Ford, and gives his outlook for the future of Detroit’s Big Three. A rare glimpse into the thinking at the very top of the industry’s most important union. Guests
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Show 1125
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“Now the UAW’s Turn: Part 1”Autoline Detroit is best known as a great forum for discussing industry issues with the “captains of industry.” But now it’s time for labor’s viewpoint. Guests
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Show 1124
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“So Close”The Chrysler Group sweepstakes had no shortage of bidders, but none more serious than Magna International. In fact, many experts believed the Tier One supplier -- who contributes parts to many North American Chrysler products and builds European vehicles for the company as well -- had the inside track. And the man who most likely would've been running that new company was already in-house, Mark Hogan, the president of Magna International and former GM executive. Guests
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Show 1123
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“Electronic Harmony”The telematics explosion makes communications easier for all of us, but at the same time creates a bundle of problems. Cell phones, PDAs, and iPods all contain unique information or entertainment that is not usually shared between devices. And whenever you get into your vehicle, that bundle ends up in a heap in-between the seats. Automakers have been searching for integration opportunities for several years. Guests
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Show 1122
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“Closing the Gap”The top three Japanese automakers are ahead of Chrysler, Ford and GM in manufacturing productivity and quality. But their lead is narrowing and is now the narrowest the Harbour Report has ever documented. The annual study of automaker productivity shows the Detroit Three are getting awfully close. Ron Harbour, president and CEO of Harbour Consulting, joins John McElroy on this week's show to discuss the latest findings in the 2007 Harbour Report. Findings that will boost the spirits of many around Detroit. Guests
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Show 1121
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“"Smart" Surrogates”It isn't very often that you can point to a true breakthrough in how cars are made. But we could be on the verge of witnessing a revolution in automotive design and manufacturing. This week on Autoline Detroit one of the leaders in this field, Dr. Alan Taub of General Motors gives us a preview of this manufacturing revolution in the making. His team has been integrating what it calls "smart materials" into design elements of future vehicles. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are plastics and metals that morph into different forms with a slight electrical charge. When you design them into a car or a truck, the weight savings are enormous, and that, of course, leads to lower costs. To hear about this high-tech wizardry that's just a few years away, catch John McElroy's interview with Dr. Alan Taub and see for yourself the kind of "shape shifting materials" in store for perhaps your next vehicle. Guests
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Show 1120
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“Performance Art”Is Audi a "performance" brand? Is Audi a "luxury" brand? Is Audi a "design" brand? Or is Audi an "engineering" brand? The answer to all four of those questions from this week's Autoline Detroit guest Johan de Nysschen is YES! As Executive Vice President of Audi of America he believes his brand is all that and more. Guests
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Show 1119
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“Carry-On”Sometimes Autoline Detroit is like packing luggage for a trip -- you can only fit so much into your bag before it's full, so you look for options like carry-on. Well, that's what we discovered with our last two shows featuring Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove and GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. Both guests offered so much insight on so many different topics that we couldn't fit it all into one program per person. Guests
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Show 1118
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“The Lutz Touch”Since the late '60s, Bob Lutz has had both hands on the auto industry, and so far hasn't let go. With more than 40 years under his belt, his influence has touched both product and people at several manufacturers -- having worked for a number of them and even at a supplier for good measure. These days he's in his second stint at General Motors helping spearhead the corporation's turnaround as Vice Chairman. Guests
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Show 1117
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“Maple Leaf Labor”Nearly everyone has an opinion on the Chrysler sale saga. Should it be sold? Who should buy it? And how much is it worth? But when it comes down to it there's only a small number of players whose opinions count...and one of those, Buzz Hargrove, the president of the Canadian Auto Workers Union, joins us this week on Autoline Detroit. Mr. Hargrove talks candidly about the proposed sale, how he believes Daimler dropped the ball, and who, in the end, he thinks will come out of the pile with the Pentastar. John McElroy is joined on the panel by Joe Szczesny of the Oakland Press and Chris Vander Doelen of the Windsor Star. Guests
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Show 1116
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“Design + Experimentation + Money =”...this week's Autoline Detroit anchored from the 2007 SAE World Congress in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Amid the hundreds of exhibitors and technology seminars on future product are presentations by some of the top executives in the automotive industry. Three of those executives join Autoline Detroit from the convention floor to talk about the cutting edge issues of 2007. Guests
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Show 1115
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“The Chrysler Carousel”The chase for the Pentastar has been joined, and joined, and joined yet again. But like the horses on a Merry-Go-Round, the suitors are chasing one another with no one seemingly gaining the advantage. Despite its many problems, interest continues to grow in the Chrysler Group, the struggling American appendage of German-based DaimlerChrysler. From private-equity firms to automotive suppliers to even manufacturers, this OEM is generating the type of takeover interest usually reserved for the hottest high-tech startup. Panel
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Show 1114
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“"Re-modeling" the Oval”The Ford Motor Company continues to be in a very public high wire balancing act to revive the company. And about the only experts it hasn’t turned to for help are the Flying Wallendas! But when it comes down to it, maybe it’s less about the walk than it is about the drive...especially when that drive needs to be a phalanx of new Ford product that is both cutting edge and competitive. Guests
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Show 1113
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“The "New" Old Boys Club”For the last quarter of the 20th century women executives were on the rise. Whether it was driven by politics, the mood of the country or merely more opportunity, more and more women became decision-makers in corporations around the country. They even managed to infiltrate the oldest "boys club" of all -- the U.S. automotive industry, especially the Big Three. Guests
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Show 1112
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“Black and Blue”The story of General Motors the last few years can be told in color. But not merely the Polo Greens or Steel Greys that paint a customer's new GMC Sierra. No, the colors that stamped the corporation's name in headlines around the world are the accountant's palate: red and black. And unfortunately for GM, the story of the 21st century so far has pretty much been written in red. But 2007 has been a pleasant surprise so far. The product has continued to pick up which have led to prestigious automotive awards and with it a boost in sales. The pressure is still not off but it's making the job of selling General Motors vehicles easier. Guests
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Show 1111
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“Split Vision”Experts say the simplest way to examine the auto industry is to evaluate where it is today and imagine where it's heading next. This week Autoline Detroit features two guests -- one who looks at the problems of today and another who envisions the promise of tomorrow. Guests
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Show 1110
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“Marketshare Gains”North America has been fertile ground for Asian automakers the last few years, and that trend is continuing to gain steam. Toyota is inching closer to global sales leadership, Hyundai is producing what JD Power proclaims are some of the best vehicles around, while Mazda keeps piling up great reviews for many of its latest products. This week Autoline Detroit talks with top executives from each automaker as they give us a closer look at what they’re doing to increase sales and keep those gains going. Guests
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Show 1109
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“Racing to the Future”NASCAR, Formula 1 and Indy Car have international appeal. From Egypt to Indiana, the audience for piston engine racing has never been bigger. But the racing industry knows this window is starting to close. As vehicle technology expands, sooner or later the piston engine will be a permanent museum exhibit. So, racing is starting to map out its future. And Peter DeLorenzo believes he knows what that future should be. The auto industry veteran -- and creator of the Autoextremist.com website -- says hydrogen is the answer. And that's why he’s formed the Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation, or HERF. Guests
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Show 1108
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“The SHIFT__ is on”Nissan is using its latest marketing theme, SHIFT__2.0, to attract attention to its newest generation of vehicles. But attention is something that hasn't been lacking around Nissan Motor Co. the last year. From the good--a major turnaround in sales, to the bad--lost personnel with its headquarters move, to the in-between--a dead-end alliance with GM, the Nissan name wasn't just on the business page, it was on the front page of newspapers, magazines and news programs around the world. Well that was then and this is now. Today, the media seems to have almost forgotten about last year's newsmaker amid the funereal headlines coming from Ford and DaimlerChrysler and the robust news trumpeted by Toyota and GM. Guests
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Show 1107
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“Behind the Communications Curtain -- Part 2”This week on Autoline Detroit, John McElroy continues the first-ever joint interview with the vice presidents of Communications for the Detroit Three. Recorded at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, Steve Harris from General Motors, Charlie Holleran from the Ford Motor Company and Jason Vines of the Chrysler Group discuss topics ranging from crisis management, to information overload, to the hot button issues facing each of their corporations today. Guests
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Show 1106
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“Behind the Communications Curtain -- Part 1”Corporate communications has never been more important or more challenging-- especially in the auto industry, and especially if you’re DaimlerChrysler, Ford or General Motors. Issues, products, sales, personnel: there’s hardly a topic--good news or bad--that doesn’t filter through their respective Communications departments. And how these professionals handle these issues can directly affect the corporation’s bottom line. Guests
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Show 1105
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“The Goldilocks Economy”Wall Street doesn't believe in fairy tales, but when the American economy was described as "not too hot, not too cold, just right" it was instantly labeled "The Goldilocks Economy." Few industries impact our economic engine like the automotive manufacturers do. So what’s their outlook for 2007? This week on Autoline Detroit, the chief economists for "The Detroit Three" give John McElroy their forecasts for vehicle sales, gas prices and GDP growth. Guests
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Show 1104
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“Pan Asian Progress”North America has been fertile ground for Asian automakers the last few years, and that trend doesn't show signs of letting up anytime soon. Toyota is poised to become the global sales leader, Hyundai is producing what JD Power calls some of the best quality cars & trucks around, while Mazda has been praised for its new vehicles by media from coast to coast. Guests
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Show 1103
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“The Luxury Evolution Continues”As the luxury field continues to expand, Cadillac has been working to restore the brand that for years was the undisputed luxury leader. This week on Autoline Detroit, Jim Taylor, General Manager, Cadillac joins John McElroy and his panel to talk about the latest product and plans for the brand. From second generation vehicles to growing the brand globally, Mr. Taylor outlines Cadillac’s strategy and where he hopes to take GM’s luxury division in 2007. Guests
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Show 1102
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“An "Electric" Event”Detroit was "electric" the past few days thanks to the 2007 North American International Auto Show. That energy came from many of the usual suspects -- the vehicles, the personalities and the media -- along with one unusual source called "the Volt." Guests
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Show 1101
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“The Automotive Super Bowl”In America, when the calendar turns to January many of us think of the events that make the month special...winter weather, college bowl games and the largest auto show from coast-to-coast. Yes, for car lovers across the country it’s time once again for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Guests
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