Autoline This Week Episode Archives



Show 1341

Internet Premiere
Friday, 12/25 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 12/27 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1340

Internet Premiere
Friday, 11/20 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 11/22 @ 10:30am ET

“Thin Air Part 2”

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 that everyone from manufacturers to oil companies continue to chase. We've heard for years we're getting close, but, it seems, never close enough. On this week's Autoline, GM's new R and D guru, Dr. Alan Taub, shows us how the finish line is getting closer thanks to the success of developing "thin" materials. From batteries to fuel cells, Dr. Taub lays out the where his company is and the near-term future of plucking what we could call "thin power" out of the "thin air."

Guests

Panel

Show 1339

Internet Premiere
Friday, 11/13 @ 4:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 11/15 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1338

Internet Premiere
Friday, 11/6 @ 5:30pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 11/8 @ 10:30am ET

“Stella Sconosciuto”

Aaron Bragman, IHS Global Insight, Erich Merkle, Autoconomy.com, Michael Robinet, CSM Worldwide. Topic: Chrysler's turnaround plan.

Unknown stars pepper our existence. From the night sky to our daily culture, we can't seem to take our collective eyes off them because you're never quite sure what they'll do. That's why, with a nod to our Italian brothers and sisters, the biggest story of the automotive week was the "Stella Sconosciuto" or unknown star in the business constellation, Chrysler.

After months of intra-continental maneuvering, Chrysler's new CEO Sergio Marchionne left the security of Fiat's Italian headquarters and landed in Auburn Hills Wednesday to unveil his plan to save Chrysler. And what a meeting it was. The flight from Rome to Detroit might've been shorter.

This week Autoline devotes its entire program to Marchionne's marching orders for Chrysler. John McElroy is joined by three top automotive analysts who will discuss and dissect these plans and tell us if this "unknown star" will shine brightly in the near future, or eventually burn out of existence.

Panel

Show 1337

Internet Premiere
Friday, 10/30 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 11/1 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

  • Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics

Show 1336

Internet Premiere
Friday, 10/23 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 10/25 @ 10:30am ET

“10%”

Bruce Dale, Ph.D., Biofuels Expert, Michigan State University, Tim Higgins, Detroit Free Press, James Amend, WardsAuto.com. Topic: Biofuels.

When most folks see a number like 10% they're receiving a discount on a sale item or reading a nutritional chart at the grocery store. But the number that we're talking about on this week's Autoline is more dramatic, and it has to do with your everyday transportation. When it comes to refining crude oil and turning it into gasoline in this country, the government has strict regulations. And when you start stretching a gallon of gas by adding ethanol -- which we've been doing for years -- you can only go so far...10% so far. Now, that used to be fine as we looked to find alternatives to imported oil, saving a little gas in each gallon, but we need more. We need, our experts have been preaching, to break through the "Blend Wall." That's what the industry calls the government's imaginary line in the corn field, so to speak. Experts say it's time to move beyond that 10%, especially when biofuels are coming from products other than corn. With cellulosic ethanol and other options inching closer each day to becoming viable fuel alternatives, that 10% number, hopefully, may be a thing of the past. So join John McElroy and his panel for an insightful discussion on ethanol, biofuels and the near future for both.

Guests

Panel

Show 1335

Internet Premiere
Friday, 10/16 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 10/18 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

Show 1334

Internet Premiere
Friday, 10/9 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 10/11 @ 10:30am ET

“Mamma Mia”

Doug Speck, Volvo Cars North America, David Welch, BusinessWeek, Michelle Krebs, Edmunds.com. Topic: Volvo’s North American plans.

Sweden has never had an export like the band ABBA. And it's not just that first ten year run ('73-'83) of success it enjoyed with all those famous top ten singles. What's most amazing about ABBA is how the band morphed into a brand that has continued to score financially even twenty-five years after the original members officially called it quits. A business plan that Sweden's other major export Volvo can only lust after. A fact not lost on this 82-year old automaker nor its parent -- at least at this point -- Ford Motor Company which put the Swedes on the block in one way or another over two years ago.

And now as its stay in Glass House comes to a close with two bidders fighting over the "Volvo For Life" pedigree, the company is preparing to not only change addresses, but to change face as well. New products linked with a new strategy are, the company hopes, leading the way to new customers. At least that's the plan for this mid-luxury brand according to Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars North America. Mr. Speck joins John McElroy and his panel to talk about some of the new products like the well-received XC60 CUV and next year's new flagship sedan the S60 and how he expects they will match up against the competition. He also updates us on the Volvo mantra -- safety -- and how the company intends to stay a step up on everyone, especially since safety plays such a big role in almost all of today's vehicles.

Guests

Panel

Show 1333

Internet Premiere
Friday, 10/2 @ 4:30pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 10/4 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

Show 1332

Internet Premiere
Friday, 9/25 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 9/27 @ 10:30am ET

“Balance”

Tom Stephens, Vice Chairman, Global Product Development, General Motors, John Stoll, The Wall Street Journal, Csaba Csere, automotive journalist. Topic: GM’s new product czar.

Walking a high-wire was the dangerous vocation of the world-renown daredevil Karl Wallenda. Whether it was over desert canyons or city streets, the most important aspect of this death-defying act was balance. One wrong step would yield terrible results.

The same can be said about the auto industry. Balance is important on several levels, in many arenas. But perhaps the most important area when it comes to a brand are its front line products. Those the consumer sees when they visit dealer showrooms. There has to be the right balance for not only the buyer, but the brand as well. That is one of many beliefs of General Motors' new Product Czar Tom Stephens.

This GM veteran, who has worn a variety of hats during his years with the company, now slips on the rather large shoes of Bob Lutz, the previous Product Czar who receives much of the credit for spearheading its recent vehicle renaissance. On this week's Autoline, Mr. Stephens discusses not only his automotive philosophy which will drive this side of the business, but the balance he says he must continue to bring to the burgeoning GM product lineup.

Guests

  • Tom Stephens, Vice Chairman, Global Product Development, General Motors

Panel

Show 1331

Internet Premiere
Friday, 9/18 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 9/20 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1330

Internet Premiere
Friday, 9/11 @ 11:40am ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 9/13 @ 10:30am ET

“Oxymoron”

Dr. Michael Leiters, Cayenne Program Manager, Porsche, Todd Lassa, Motor Trend, Joe DeMatio, Automobile Magazine. Topic: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.

Over the last century, Ferdinand Porsche built his brand on speed, power and performance. So it was almost anathema 7 years ago when, to compete in a market it never knew, Porsche introduced its first Sport Utility Vehicle the Cayenne. Despite the outcry from some critics the car was a hit with consumers. Which is probably why, a year away from the last gas scare with surely more to come, the company is introducing the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid to the North American market. Yes, you read that right -- a hybrid coming from the Germany's Crown Prince of performance -- almost a textbook definition of oxymoron.

Joining John McElroy to explain this small shift to the green side is Porsche's Cayenne Program Manager Dr. Michael Leiters. Motor Trend's Todd Lassa and Joe DeMatio from Automobile Magazine fill in our performance panel as we pursue the inside story on Porsche's new Cayenne Hybrid.

Guests

  • Dr. Michael Leiters, Cayenne Program Manager, Porsche

Panel

Show 1329

Internet Premiere
Friday, 9/4 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 9/6 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

Show 1328

Internet Premiere
Friday, 8/28 @ 1:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 8/30 @ 10:30am ET

“Stuck In the Middle”

John Hoffecker, AlixPartners, Tom Walsh, Detroit Free Press, Alex Ortolani, Bloomberg News. Topic: The good, the bad and the ugly facing manufacturers, suppliers and customers.

Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to remind us what "the middle" is all about. It was Hollywood's whirling creative derbish who took a long forgotten early '70s song, “Stuck in the Middle With You,” and burned it into today's consciousness. Whether it was nostalgia, shock or sympathy that helped, it's clear that "the middle" was not necessarily the place you want to be. And yet that's exactly where we find today's auto industry -- stuck in the middle -- according to John Hoffecker from the global turnaround company AlixPartners. In fact, that was even the title of his presentation earlier this month to a session at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan.

On this week's Autoline, Mr. Hoffecker takes us inside his analysis of where we are and where we will be in the global auto industry. From the good news for the top 25% of North American suppliers to what he terms the "new normal" for sales going forward, Mr. Hoffecker analyzes the good, the bad and the ugly facing manufacturers, suppliers and customers alike. Joining John McElroy on the panel are Tom Walsh, the business columnist from the Detroit Free Press and Alex Ortolani with Bloomberg News.

Guests

Panel

Show 1327

Internet Premiere
Friday, 7/31 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 8/2 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

Show 1326

Internet Premiere
Friday, 7/24 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 7/26 @ 10:30am ET

“No Bull”

Lon Zaback, Design Manager, Interior, Ford, Earl Lucas, Design Manager, Exterior, Ford, Mike Crowley, Group Marketing Manager, Ford. Topic: 2010 Ford Taurus.

Some may know it from the stories of Zeus in Greek mythology. While others, who study the stars, are familiar with the famous constellation bearing its name in the Northern Hemisphere. Then there are the rest of us who just read our sign in the Astrology column. Whichever group you fall into, these descriptions are how most became aware of Taurus the Bull. That is, up until the year 1986. That's when Ford Motor released "Taurus the Car" which grabbed the spotlight and became a hit for the company for years. However, like its namesake constellation on a cloudy night, the Taurus brand began to whither and fade in the '90s until it was finally gone from sight. Well, today, some years later, it's back in a big way. But it’s not the same old midsize car you remember -- this Taurus is a show stopper. That's why John invited some of the Taurus team onto to this week's Autoline to give us all a look at a large part of Ford's new future. Joining John on the panel are the two men most responsible for the design of the car: Earl Lucas did the exterior while Lon Zaback did the interior. But as great as a car may be it can't sell itself and that's where the marketers come in. Also here to explain Ford's marketing plans for Taurus is Mike Crowley, Group Marketing Manager for North American Cars and Crossovers.

Guests

  • Lon Zaback, Design Manager, Interior, Ford
  • Earl Lucas, Design Manager, Exterior, Ford
  • Mike Crowley, Group Marketing Manager, Ford

Show 1325

Internet Premiere
Friday, 7/17 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 7/19 @ 10:30am ET

“'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

Show 1324

Internet Premiere
Friday, 7/10 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 7/12 @ 10:30am ET

“Ad 'Homonym'”

Bud Liebler, former Chrysler Marketing VP and President, Liebler Group, Jean Halliday, Advertising Age, David Kiley, BusinessWeek. Topic Automotive advertising.

The latest media darling of the hipster set, the award-winning series "Mad Men", has suddenly made it cool again to be in advertising. In fact, as we watch this world through its '60s prism, the show clearly spotlights the similarities of the American ad game across generations. Be it yesterday's print & television or today's Internet programming, it's still all about innovation, imitation and breaking through. And no one knows that better than the auto industry, who, ever since those "Mad Men" days, have watched advertising budgets spike alongside the prices of their latest people moving machines or luxurious mobile yachts.

But as they say "2009 is a new day" and everything has changed from the money to the medium to even the measurement. But what about the message? Is it the same as it ever was or is it striking out a new path to reflect the tenor of the times? This week on Autoline we'll look at what the industry is doing with advertising in a down economy with bankrupt manufacturers. Joining John to talk and review some of the latest in automotive advertising are Bud Liebler, former Chrysler Marketing VP and head of the Liebler Group, Jean Halliday of Advertising Age and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.

Panel

Show 1323

Internet Premiere
Friday, 7/3 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 7/5 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1322

Internet Premiere
Friday, 6/26 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 6/28 @ 10:30am ET

“They Are Legend”

Sean McAlinden, Center for Automotive Research, Michelle Krebs, Edmunds.com, Daniel Howes, The Detroit News. Topic: GM and Chrysler’s recent dealership closings and where the U.S. market is headed in the future

Just two years ago actor Will Smith ruled the movie world with "I AM LEGEND," a post-apocalyptic tale of isolation, innovation and survival. In 2009, it doesn't strain credulity to imagine a follow-up version this time focused on the auto industry and starring at least two members of the former Big Three. All the ingredients are there -- two huge diseased corporations doing whatever they can to survive leaving in their wake a trail of despair led by suppliers, dealers, employees and let's not forget the customers. Well, that may be the plot line but what's the ending? Will they survive? Who will survive? Will anyone survive?

This week joining John on his Autoline panel to help craft the ending before it hits the Silver Screen are three great writers in their own right. Sean McAlinden is the chief economist at the Center for Automotive Research while Michelle Krebs is the senior industry editor for the industry website Edmunds.com and Daniel Howes is the business columnist for The Detroit News.

Which legend will live? See it all on Autoline Detroit...

Panel

Show 1321

Internet Premiere
Friday, 6/19 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 6/21 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1320

Internet Premiere
Friday, 6/5 @ 12:00pm ET

“The "Re" Word”

Bob Lutz, GM, Ed Welburn, GM, Tom Stephens, GM. Topic: Interview with GM's Bob Lutz, Ed Welburn and Tom Stephens.

General Motors embarked on a new journey this week. It may have gone kicking and screaming but a new journey nonetheless. Some say it will lead to a "rebirth" of the company while others insist there will be a "renaissance" at GM. Yet the description the company seems to have decided on -- at least for its latest advertising campaign -- is re: invention; something that's been going on in the product end of the business for some time now. So as Fritz Henderson and his team begin to explore the new financial frontier ahead of them, outgoing Vice Chairman Bob Lutz and his replacement Tom Stephens along with Global Design Chief Ed Welburn put the company's best product foot forward this week by showcasing what the new GM has in store for the American public.

Autoline After Hours co-host Peter De Lorenzo had a chance to talk separately with all three men about where General Motors has been and where its headed in this brave new world.

Guests

Panel

Show 1319

Internet Premiere
Friday, 5/29 @ 12:05pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 6/14 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

Show 1318

Internet Premiere
Friday, 5/22 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 5/24 @ 10:30am ET

“Thinning The Herd”

Joe Serra, Serra Automotive Group, Neal Boudette, Wall Street Journal, Aaron Bragman, IHS Global Insight. Topic: A look into the turmoil regarding car dealers.

Darwin observed it in the Galapagos while Rockefeller watched it on Wall Street. Call it natural selection, call it the free market, it all comes down to survival of the fittest. But what happens if everyone survives; strong, average and the weak as well. Some, like elements of our federal government, believe it puts the majority in peril, and so, they opt to "thin the herd." And that's exactly what we saw happen last week with the cutting of more than 2,000 Chrysler and General Motors dealerships. So this week Autoline tackles the topic of the brave, new and sometimes unfair world of automotive retail. Joining John on the panel is Neal Boudette, Detroit Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal, Aaron Bragman, automotive analyst from IHS Global Insight and a man whose family has been knee deep in the car business for more than 50 years, Joe Serra of the Serra Automotive Group.

Guests

Panel

Show 1317

Bonus EXTRAs:
Internet Premiere
Friday, 5/15 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 5/17 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Panel

Show 1316

Internet Premiere
Friday, 5/8 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 5/10 @ 10:30am ET

“Bulking Up”

Tom Cackette, Deputy Director, CARB, Jim Harbour, Author, "Factory Man". Topic: California’s CO2 regulations and automotive manufacturing.

When athletes look to add body mass many turn to an increase of their carb intake. When the largest car market in America looks to "bulk up" vehicle emissions, it turns to a different kind of carb, the California Air Resources Board. Known around the industry by its acronym CARB, this influential board's mission is to reduce air pollutants which of course affect drivers and automakers alike. This week in an Autoline Exclusive, John talks to CARB's Deputy Director Tom Cackette from his office in Sacramento via the Internet communications tool, Skype. Dominating the discussion is the future of auto emission regulations not only in California but across the country and throughout the world.

Afterwards, John is joined back in the Autoline studio by Jim Harbour to discuss his career in the auto industry that's captured in the new book, "Factory Man." Mr. Harbour, who in addition to his role as a Big Three auto executive, is also the founder of the influential eponymously-named manufacturing analytic, "The Harbour Report."

Guests

  • Tom Cackette, Deputy Director, CARB
  • Jim Harbour, Author, "Factory Man"

Show 1315

Internet Premiere
Friday, 5/1 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 5/3 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1314

Internet Premiere
Friday, 4/24 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 4/26 @ 10:30am ET

“Ring Leader”

Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America, David Welch, BusinessWeek, Scott Burgess, The Detroit News. Topic: Interview with Audi of America's president, Johan de Nysschen.

In the past when you talked of the North American luxury car market two names always jumped to the head of the class, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. But these days there's a bona fide third manufacturer in the mix, Audi. For the last few years, the high-end brother of the Volkswagen brand has been making its move in the American market with a fleet of freshly designed performance-based cars that have heads turning across the country. The luxury brand known for its four ring emblem has been growing market share in the states even during this sales slump. And that's good news at headquarters as the company prepares to celebrate its centennial this summer.

Joining John to discuss the brand, its 100-year heritage and its sizzling new products is Johan de Nysschen, president, Audi of America. Also on the panel are David Welch of BusinessWeek and Scott Burgess of The Detroit News.

Guests

Panel

Show 1313

Internet Premiere
Friday, 4/17 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 4/19 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1312

Internet Premiere
Friday, 4/10 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 4/12 @ 10:30am ET

“Sold!”

Tom Webb, Chief Economist, Manheim. Topic: A tour of the auto auction process.

In the world of retail there are few sounds as distinctive and final as the auctioneer's exclamation. Whether it's bidding for an original Van Gogh, a special stock cow or a foreclosed HUD home, the traditional English auction ends with the familiar sound of an emphatic "sold." And that shout is heard across America on a variety of goods. However one auction that shies away from the public spotlight, yet has a dramatic impact on so many of our lives, is the auto auction. Not the televised high-end ones with six-figure collector cars but those that fill dealer lots each week with the late model used that we all shop for. This week on Autoline John McElroy takes you on a tour of the auction process as the world's largest dealer Manheim opens its doors exclusively to Autoline. There you'll witness a vital part of the automotive life cycle that is normally closed to the buying public.

Meanwhile back in the studio, John sits down with Manheim's Chief Economist Tom Webb to discuss not only his company's remarketing -- as Manheim calls it -- of vehicles but also his unique perspective on the goings-on in today's automotive industry.

And finally, John takes a longer look at this week's New York Auto Show surprise authored by GM: Project P.U.M.A. -- the electric self-balancing son of Segway that's so, so much more.

Guests

  • Tom Webb, Chief Economist, Manheim

Show 1311

Internet Premiere
Friday, 4/3 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 4/5 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1310

Bonus EXTRAs:
Internet Premiere
Friday, 3/27 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 3/29 @ 10:30am ET

“The Button”

Chet Huber, President, OnStar, Tony Bongiovi, Director, President and Co-founder, BONGIOVI ACOUSTICS

Topic: In-car technology.

iPhone this. Touch screen that. Today we find ourselves in the middle of a design metamorphosis.

The conventional button, which used to be king from kitchen to computer to car, is increasingly becoming the 21st century's version of the dinosaur replaced by so many touch pads and Sof-touch photoelectric switches.

But this week's Autoline spotlights two men and their organizations who are bringing the button back into vogue, at least in the car.

The first is that little blue button on the rearview mirror of so many General Motors vehicles which, of course, is for OnStar. OnStar is the subscription-based communications service that caters to a car and its driver in a variety of ways. Chet Huber, the company's president, sits down with John to discuss the technology, services and as well as its budding competition.

Meanwhile, there's a button that's changing car audio as we know it and it belongs to someone named "Bongiovi." No, not the rock star Bon Jovi but his second cousin who kept the original family name and became a famous record producer in his own right. After nearly forty years in the music business, Tony Bongiovi is brining his engineering prowess to the car with a revolutionary breakthrough that uses software to transform the standard radio in a car into a premium sound system. He talks to John about his new product which you can also see and hear work in a short demonstration in Autoline EXTRA.

And to hear more about Tony Bongiovi's fascinating journey through the music industry of the '60s and '70s with Motown, Record Plant, Media Sound and his own Power Station studios, click on Autoline EXTRA.

Guests

Show 1309

Bonus EXTRAs:
Internet Premiere
Friday, 3/20 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 3/22 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1308

Internet Premiere
Friday, 2/20 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 2/22 @ 10:30am ET

“'Auto' Asphyxia”

Jim Hall, 2953 Analytics, John Stoll, The Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh, Detroit Free Press

Topic: The health of the auto industry.

There's a disease running rampant around America. It's not new, we've seen it before - just never such a virulent strain. It attacks the breathing, or as some describe it the lifeblood of our economy, the auto industry. Its symptoms can be seen in not only the board rooms around the country, but in the design studios, factory floors and dealer lots alike. And despite the billions in monetary oxygen that's been pumped into them recently, the companies cannot yet wean themselves from the government's ventilator.

Given what we've seen the question needs to be asked, is today's auto industry -- the manufacturing giant that reshaped our lives -- on its last breath? If annual sales of 10 or 11 million are any indication certainly the industry of the last decade is gone; and given the economic times, perhaps gone for good.

Joining John McElroy to discuss the stability, viability & health of the auto industry are three of the foremost automotive journalists/analysts in America today: John Stoll from The Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press and Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics.

So take a deep breath and don't be afraid to exhale as our Autoline panel explores this "Auto" Asphyxia phenomenon this week on Autoline Detroit.

Panel

Show 1307

Internet Premiere
Friday, 2/13 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 2/15 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1306

Internet Premiere
Friday, 2/6 @ 11:05am ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 2/8 @ 10:30am ET

“Man on Wire”

Jim Farley, Group VP, Marketing and Communications, Ford Motor Co., Amy Wilson, Automotive News, David Kiley, BusinessWeek

Topic: Interview with Jim Farley, Ford's Group VP of Marketing and Communications

Thirty-five years ago a French daredevil named Philippe Petit walked where no human will walk again. He snuck his high wire to the top of the World Trade Center Towers and strolled solo between the buildings for nearly an hour. He survived, and today is retired and celebrated in an Oscar-nominated documentary.

This impeccable performance is the perfect metaphor for the economic storm swirling around Detroit where high wire walking is the norm, but so far there's very little celebrating.

One of those men walking the tightrope on a daily basis is Jim Farley, the Group Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Ford. For the last fifteen months he's been trying to advance the same type of Toyota/Lexus magic he learned from his years at the World's Largest Automaker. But so far the walk has been rough.

On this week's show Jim Farley joins John McElroy, Amy Wilson from Automotive News and David Kiley from BusinessWeek to discuss everything from marketing vehicles in this devastating economy to the fresh product like the Taurus, Fusion Hybrid and MKZ that Ford is releasing throughout the remainder of 2009.

Guests

Panel

Show 1305

Internet Premiere
Friday, 1/30 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 2/1 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1304

Bonus EXTRAs:
Internet Premiere
Friday, 1/23 @ 5:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 1/25 @ 10:30am ET

“Detroit Duck”

Jim O'Sullivan, President & CEO, Mazda North America Operations, Pete Reyes, Chief Engineer, Ford Motor Co., Rod Alberts, Executive Director, Detroit Auto Dealers Association, Dan Neil, Los Angeles Times

Topic: Interviews from the 2009 North American International Auto Show

Detroit's annual celebration of arguably its most important invention -- the car -- is just steps from the site of another Motor City discovery. Across the street from Cobo Hall and the North American International Auto Show is 234 West Larned, the former site of one of the city's most famous restaurants, the Pontchartrain Wine Cellars. It was there one night in 1937 that owner Harold Borgman thought he would save the red wine left in customers' bottles and combine them with a half bottle of undrunk champagne. It was at this epic moment in American history when the popular adult beverage "Cold Duck" was born.

So, with a nod to Mr. Borgman, we have gathered some of our tastiest interviews yet to be broadcast from the 2009 N.A.I.A.S. and put them in this week's show: a video homage to his famous drink that we'll call "Detroit Duck." Appearing with John from the floor of the show is a perfect Press Days potpourri: one OEM CEO, the Chief Engineer of one of the hottest cars unveiled in Detroit, the Executive Director of the dealer group who puts on the show and then we wrap-up interviewing the only Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive columnist going. All of that this week on Autoline Detroit. Cheers...

Guests

Show 1303

Bonus EXTRAs:
Internet Premiere
Friday, 1/16 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 1/18 @ 10:30am ET

“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

Show 1302

Internet Premiere
Friday, 1/9 @ 12:00pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 1/11 @ 10:30am ET

“Point and Click”

John Neff, Autoblog.com, Chris Paukert, Autoblog.com, Mike Dushane, CarandDriver.com

Topic: Internet coverage of the auto industry.

Just a few years ago if you wanted to know anything about the latest cars or trucks you essentially had two choices, magazines or newspapers. Then came the Internet and everything changed. Today you may find that hot product on the web in some cases before it's even left the design studio. Things happen fast and the competition can be fierce. In some respects it's this century's version of the Wild West! The manufacturers still try to control the process but there are eyes everywhere. Often the scoop comes from a bevy of blogs and websites that cover the auto industry -- some independent, others corporate -- but all pretty darn fast! Joining John to discuss this new automotive media are members of that very fraternity. John Neff is at Autoblog.com while Mike Dushane is from CarandDriver.com and Chris Paukert formerly of Windingroad.com is now at Autoblog.com as well.

Panel

Show 1301

Internet Premiere
Friday, 1/2 @ 4:30pm ET
Detroit Public TV
Sunday, 1/4 @ 10:30am ET

“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

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