Autoline This Week Episode Archives

“The Result of Care: Part One”

Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com, Jeff Gilbert, WWJ Newsradio 950. Topic: Nominees for the North American Car of the Year.

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.

Panel

• Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com
• Jeff Gilbert, WWJ Newsradio 950

“Connect the Dots”

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar, Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver, Gary Vasilash, Automotive Design & Production. Topic: Jaguar Design.

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.

Guests

• Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar

Panel

• Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver
• Gary Vasilash, Automotive Design & Production

“Seaweed Part 2”

Josh Tickell, Director, “Fuel”, Rebecca Harrell, Producer, “Fuel”, Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics. Topic: Algae biofuel.

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.

Guests

• Josh Tickell, Director, “Fuel”
• Rebecca Harrell, Producer, “Fuel”

Panel

• Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics

“Thin Air”

Alan Taub, General Motors, Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau, Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog. Topic: Future propulsion technologies.

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."

Guests

• Dr. Alan Taub, VP, Global R&D, General Motors

Panel

• Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog.com
• Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

“Seaweed”

Josh Tickell, Filmmaker, “Fuel”, Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics, Peter De Lorenzo, Autoextremist.com. Topic: Algae biofuel.

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.

Guests

• Josh Tickell, Filmmaker, “Fuel”

Panel

• Peter De Lorenzo, Autoextremist.com
• Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics

“Alphabet Soup”

Nina Beckhardt, President & Creative Director, Namebase, Jean Halliday, Advertising Age, Peter De Lorenzo, Autoextremist.com. Topic: The art and science that goes into naming vehicles.

"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.

Guests

• Nina Beckhardt, President & Creative Director, Namebase

Panel

• Jean Halliday, Advertising Age
• Peter De Lorenzo, Autoextremist.com

“Hangover”

Rebecca Lindland, IHS Global Insight, Keith Naughton, Bloomberg News, Drew Winter, WardsAuto.com. Topic: Assessing Cash for Clunkers.

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 WardsAuto.com.

Guests

• Rebecca Lindland, IHS Global Insight

Panel

• Keith Naughton, Bloomberg News
• Drew Winter, WardsAuto.com

“Coleslaw”

Dr. David Cole, Chairman, Center for Automotive Research, Edward Lapham, Automotive News, Tom Krisher, Associated Press. Topic: The latest news on all the automotive turmoil.

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.

Guests

• Dr. David Cole, Chairman, Center for Automotive Research

Panel

• Edward Lapham, Automotive News
• Tom Krisher, Associated Press

“'Green' Cross”

Michael Robinet, CSM Worldwide, Steve Finlay, Ward's Dealer Business, Professor Christie Nordhielm, Author, "The Big Picture.” Topic: Challenges GM & Chrysler face.

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.

Panel

• Michael Robinet, CSM Worldwide
• Steve Finlay, Ward's Dealer Business
• Professor Christie Nordhielm, Author, "The Big Picture”

“Fresh Metal 2”

Stephanie Brinley, AutoPacific, Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver, Frank Markus, Motor Trend. Topic: Expert analysis of the latest cars and trucks.

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.

Panel

• Stephanie Brinley, AutoPacific
• Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver
• Frank Markus, Motor Trend

“Fresh Metal 1”

Stephanie Brinley, AutoPacific, Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver, Frank Markus, Motor Trend. Topic: A look at the latest cars that have come out so far this year.

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.

Panel

• Stephanie Brinley, AutoPacific
• Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver
• Frank Markus, Motor Trend

“Focus”

Mark Fields, President, The Americas, Ford Motor Co., Jean Jennings, Automobile Magazine, Bryce Hoffman The Detroit News. Topic: Interview with Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas.

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.

Guests

• Mark Fields, President, The Americas, Ford Motor Co.

Panel

• Jean Jennings, Automobile Magazine
• Bryce Hoffman, The Detroit News

“People”

Jim Dollinger, BuickMan, David Kiley, BusinessWeek, Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau. Topic: A look into GM's sales efforts.

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.

Guests

• Jim Dollinger, BuickMan

Panel

• David Kiley, BusinessWeek
• Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

“Starburst”

Kate Linebaugh, Wall Street Journal, Jim Hall, 2953 Analystics, Craig Fitzgerald, Plante & Moran. Topic: The Chrysler bankruptcy and what the company does next.

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.

Panel

• Kate Linebaugh, Wall Street Journal
• Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics
• Craig Fitzgerald, Plante & Moran

“Supply Shock”

Neil De Koker, OESA, Tom Murphy, Ward's AutoWorld, Jewel Gopwani, Detroit Free Press. Topic: The latest on the supplier side of the auto industry.

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.

Guests

• Neil De Koker, OESA

Panel

• Tom Murphy, Ward's AutoWorld
• Jewel Gopwani, Detroit Free Press

“The Brothers Grimm”

John Stoll, Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh, Detroit Free Press, Michael Robinet, CSM Worldwide. Topic: The latest news surrounding GM and Chrysler.

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.

Panel

• John Stoll, Wall Street Journal
• Tom Walsh, Detroit Free Press
• Michael Robinet, CSM Worldwide

“Fork in the Road”

Elon Musk, Chairman, Chief Architect and CEO, Tesla, Mike Donoughe, Executive Vice President Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing, Tesla, Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer, Tesla, Mike van der Sande, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Serivce, Tesla

Topic: Interview with Tesla executives.

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.

Guests

• Elon Musk, Chairman, Chief Architect and CEO, Tesla
• Mike Donoughe, Executive Vice President Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing, Tesla
• Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer, Tesla
• Mike van der Sande, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Serivce, Tesla

“Diamonds Are Forever”

William Santana Li, Chairman & CEO, Carbon Motors

Topic: Interview with William Santana Li the Chairman & CEO of Carbon Motors, the producers of the world's first purpose-built police car.

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.

Guests

• William Santana Li, Chairman & CEO, Carbon Motors

“Guilt-Free”

John DeCicco, Environmental Defense Fund, Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

Topic: Green automotive technology in the coming future.

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.

Panel

• John DeCicco, Environmental Defense Fund
• Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

“Hanging In”

Mark LaNeve, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, General Motors, Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler LLC, Jim O'Donnell, President, BMW North America, Don Esmond, Sr. Vice President, Automotive Operations, Toyota

Topic: Interviews with OEM executives from the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

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.

Guests

• Mark LaNeve, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, General Motors
• Frank Klegon, Executive VP, Product Development, Chrysler LLC
• Jim O'Donnell, President, BMW North America
• Don Esmond, Sr. Vice President, Automotive Operations, Toyota

“Nuts & Bolts”

Natalie Neff, AutoWeek, Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

Topic: 2009 NACTOY Awards

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.

Guests

• Natalie Neff, AutoWeek
• Paul Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau