Autoline Daily

Runtime 7:06

Toyota is thinking about expanding its hybrid offerings by making the Prius a separate sub-brand. Opel’s boss says car companies have outsourced too much to suppliers to the point that the balance of power has shifted. We look at the most unlikely electric car in the world, an EV version of the Trabant. All that and more, plus we talk to Aerovironment, a company that has breakthrough technology for charging electric cars.

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Runtime 7:43

Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of both Nissan and Renault, says EVs will only be viable as long as oil is over $70 a barrel. GM’s high-level executives and members of the board can now fly business class anytime they travel. What happens when a 2009 Malibu smashes into a 1959 Chevy Bel Air? All that and more, plus John answers viewer questions in the “You Said It!” segment.

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Runtime 7:15

Is Europe turning its back on diesels? The Frankfurt Auto show is dominated by electric cars. Volkswagen looks at adding two more brands to its portfolio. Bugatti unveils an all new, stunning luxury sedan. All that plus more unveils from the Frankfurt Auto Show.

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Runtime 7:18

The Obama Administration places import tariffs on Chinese tires. About 600 million euros of aid that the German government is providing to Opel will actually get spent in Russia. Volkswagen is set to unveil a one-liter car, one that gets over 150 miles per gallon. All that and more, plus Audi’s big plans to celebrate its centennial at the Frankfurt show.

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Runtime 7:12

Yesterday Europe was elated to know that Magna will become a majority owner in Opel, today it’s showing some buyer’s remorse. Brazil accuses China of dumping tires below market costs. Toyota is set to unveil a plug-in electric concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. All that and more, plus a look at last night’s episode of Autoline After Hours about whether the new ads GM’s coming out with will be effective.

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Runtime 7:28

General Motors finally sells Opel to Magna. GM’s chairman will show up in future advertisements for the company. Renault and Daimler are in talks about teaming up to make a four-door version of the Smart. All that and more, plus a look at what Peter De Lorenzo thinks is the greatest piece of ad copy ever written.

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Runtime 7:29

General Motors could abandon its headquarters building in the city of Detroit. Reports indicate GM’s Chief Financial Officer, Ray Young, will be fired from the company. More details on the lawsuit Toyota lost over hybrid patent infringement. All that and more, plus John answers viewer questions in the “You Said It!” segment.

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Runtime 7:17

August passenger car sales in China grew by an eye-popping 90 percent. But India just passed China in car exports for the year. General Motors’ board could decide on Opel today. All that and more, plus John gives you his styling analysis and driving impressions of the new Hyundai Genesis coupe.

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Runtime 7:09

A company called Paice claims Toyota violated its patents for hybrids and is seeking a ban on all imports of Toyota hybrids to the U.S. GM Chairman Ed Whitacre is telling executives they’ve got 12 weeks to show significant progress in sales, market share and profitability. Audi of America’s president calls the Chevy Volt “a car for idiots.” All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s episode of Autoline, about the merits of the Cash for Clunkers program.

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Runtime 8:40

BP says it made a massive oil find in the Gulf of Mexico. Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi designs a sports car. All that and more, plus John sits down with GM’s chief financial officer to find out if they can ever make a small car profitably in the U.S.

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