Episode 297 – Fiat Will Sell Chryslers In Europe, Toyota Wants 30% Cost Cut, Hybrid GT-R

December 23rd, 2009 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:32

Fiat will sell five different Chrysler models in Europe as Lancias. Toyota tells suppliers it wants to cut the cost of parts by 30 percent over the next three years. Nissan looks at doing a hybrid version of the GT-R. All that and more, plus John answers questions about Saab and OnStar in the “You Said It!” segment.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 296 – Chevy’s New Ad Agency, Ford Needs More Buyouts, New Fiat Hatchback

December 22nd, 2009 at 12:53pm

Runtime 7:09

Chevy turns to another ad agency for the first time since 1919. Ford is now stuck with the highest labor costs in the industry. All that and more, plus Fiat comes out with the Sedici. Could it also be headed for the U.S. market?

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 295 – Last Gasp For Saab, Ford Loses Designer, OnStar in China

December 21st, 2009 at 12:00pm

Runtime 5:13

Though GM says it will wind down Saab, last minute bids could save the iconic Swedish brand. Was it an offer he couldn’t refuse or is Ford losing one of its top designers because of turmoil on its design staff? GM is doing great in China, and GM owns OnStar, so it was only natural that GM would have OnStar start operating in China. All that and more, plus John shares his thoughts on the new GMC Terrain.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 294 – Saab Is Going To Die, Slow Chrysler Recovery, Fiat’s Transit Connect

December 18th, 2009 at 1:17pm

Runtime 6:34

GM announced it was not able to put a deal together to sell Saab. Chrysler’s CEO Sergio Marchionne says it’s going to take two years for the company to turn around. Fiat’s Doblo could be Chrysler’s answer to the Ford Transit Connect in North America. All that and more, plus master spy photographer Jim Dunne talks how he had his face plastered on wanted posters.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 293 – Honda Lawsuit, Automakers Look To Partner Up, NACTOY Finalists Announced

December 17th, 2009 at 1:18pm

Runtime 7:20

Honda faces lawsuit from 26 states over inflated mileage claims for the Civic hybrid. Car companies are seeking out partners to cut costs. The North American Car & Truck of the Year jury announces its finalists. All that and more, plus some of John’s thoughts on Lincoln’s new MKT crossover.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 292 – 2010 Car Sales Could Soar, GM To Repay Sooner, OnStar Tracks Santa Claus

December 16th, 2009 at 12:09pm

Runtime 7:49

One analyst says pent-up demand and easier credit could lead to a car sales jump of 20 percent next year in the U.S. GM chairman Ed Whitacre announced that the company will repay all its government loans by next June. At the push of a button, OnStar will tell you where Santa Claus is. All that and more, plus John answers your questions in the “You Said It!” segment.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 291 – New Proposal May Hurt Toyota, Audi: EV Hype Overblown, 500 Can Only Be A Fiat

December 15th, 2009 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:45

Toyota could be forced to sell-off Daihatsu, its subsidiary that makes small cars, and Hino, its subsidiary that makes medium and heavy trucks. Audi’s president of North America, Johan de Nysschen, criticized the U.S. Government for “falling in love” with electric vehicles. Sergio Marchionne explains why the Fiat 500 will be sold as a Fiat and not a Chrysler in the U.S.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 290 – Saab Saga Almost Over, Plug-In Prius, Battery Free Hybrid

December 14th, 2009 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:08

GM has finalized a deal to sell some of Saab’s tooling and equipment to Chinese automaker Beijing Auto, however, sports car company Spyker is still in talks to get the rights to the Saab name and the rest of its assets. Toyota says it will start selling plug-in versions of the Prius in two years. All that and more, plus a look at a hybrid system that doesn’t use any batteries at all.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 289 – Big 3 Upset At Japan, Spyker Bids On Saab, Big Toyota Announcement

December 11th, 2009 at 12:09pm

Runtime 8:14

The Big 3 are complaining Japan is discriminating against them with its cash for clunkers program. Exotic sports-car maker Spyker says it is bidding on Saab. Toyota will make a major announcement about expanding its hybrid vehicle lineup at the Detroit Auto Show next month. All that and more, plus a look at an ultra-efficient concept car from Volkswagen.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 288 – More Changes At GM, China Renews Car Subsidies, A Paper Car Battery?

December 10th, 2009 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:19

The heads of both Chevrolet and Buick-GMC are leaving General Motors. The Chinese government announced it will continue stimulus measures to help car sales. Scientists at Stanford University have made a working battery out of paper. All that and more, plus we’re going to take a look at a radically new type of engine.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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