Episode 317 – Toyota In The Crosshairs, China To Keep Growing, VW Creates New Division

January 29th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime7:45

America’s lawyers and politicians line up to take on Toyota. Car sales in China could hit 15 million this year with help from government incentives and rising incomes in the country. Volkswagen will establish its own high-performance division like Mercedes’ AMG or BMW’s M. All that and more, plus a preview of t his week’s Autoline Detroit about whether or not the government should be picking winners and losers when it comes to alternative cars and energy, or if it should be the market making those decisions?

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 316 – Ford Posts Huge Profit, Toyota’s Recall Spreads, Renault Launches TV Channel

January 28th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime7:02

Ford was able to post a net profit of $2.7 billion last year. Toyota’s recall spreads to China and Europe. Renault launches its own television channel in France. All that and more, plus a look at a unique business model from an upstart Korean company, called CT&T, that’s getting into the EV market.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 315 – Toyota Halts U.S. Sales, China May Tax Emissions, Crustaceans Improve Car Odor

January 27th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime7:21

Toyota is suspending sales and production of eight of its top-selling models in the U.S. The Chinese government is considering taxing vehicle emissions. Researchers are using crabs and shrimp to create odor-repellent textiles for cars. All that and more, plus John answers viewer questions about Delphi and Mitsubishi in the “You Said It!” segment.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 314 – GM To Make Electric Motors, Ford Adds Shift, Mitsubishi To Double U.S. Sales

January 26th, 2010 at 11:15am

Runtime 6:27

General Motors will become the first automaker to design and manufacture electric motors. Ford announced it will add a shift at its plant in Chicago to build the new Explorer. Mitsubishi says it plans to double sales in the U.S. within the next three years. All that and more, plus John sits down with internet entrepreneur Jason Calacanis to talk about the future of green energy in the United States.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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Episode 313 – Whitacre Takes Top Spot at GM, Pricey Plates in China, CAT’s Hybrid Bulldozer

January 25th, 2010 at 12:19pm

Runtime 7:35

GM announced this morning that Ed Whitacre will become the permanent CEO of the company.  Car sales in China are rising, but so is the cost of driving one.  The average price for a license plate in Shanghai has risen to more than $5,600!  Caterpillar shows off a new electric bulldozer that’s 25 percent more efficient than other models.  All that and more, plus a look at how Ford is using advanced technology to eliminate noise in its vehicles.

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Episode 312 – Alfa Romeo In Trouble, Another Toyota Recall, Volvo Sale Not Going Well

January 22nd, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:45

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says this will be the make-it-or-break year for Alfa Romeo. Toyota announced that it’s voluntarily recalling 2.3-million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals. Ford’s effort to sell Volvo to Chinese automaker Geely is not going well. All that and more, plus Ford’s Jim Farley talks about how customers like the new Transit Connect as much as they like Mustangs.

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Episode 311 – GM Restructures Europe, Chinese OEMs Eye Russia, WTO Investigates Tire Tariffs

January 21st, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 8:10

GM starts restructuring its European operations by announcing plant closings and layoffs for some 8,500 Opel workers.  Chinese automakers could really takeoff in Russia now that they’re building vehicles in the country.  Kia is set to lose nearly $1 billion as workers strike at its three plants in South Korea.  All that and more, plus a look at Audi’s spectacular reveal of its redesigned flagship, the 2011 A8.

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Episode 310 – Asian Autos Seek Lithium, CA May Reject CAFE, Detroit Show Attendance Up

January 20th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:43

Chinese and Japanese auto companies are taking a very proactive approach to securing long-term supplies of lithium. The California Air Resources Board is threatening to pull out of the CAFE compromise. The Detroit Auto Show shows a significant increase in attendance. All that and more, plus John answers your questions in the “You Said It!” segment.

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Episode 309 – Auto Production Set to Soar, Mustang Pricing Leaked, Dillinger’s Model A Up for Sale

January 19th, 2010 at 12:59pm

Runtime 8:27

North American auto production could soar by 70 percent in the first-quarter of this year.  Spy shots of the redesigned Kia Sportage and the new Chevy Orlando hit the web.  GM is asking the UAW for more concessions at several Delphi plants.  All that and more, plus gangster John Dillinger’s Ford Model A getaway car goes up for auction.

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Episode 308 – China Protects Domestics, Ford & Mazda Drift Apart, Honda Upset At Hyundai

January 18th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 6:48

By 2015 the Chinese government would like to see domestic vehicles make up half of the market. Ford and Mazda are looking at ways to separate their joint venture in China. Honda is mad that Hyundai is beating it in fuel economy. All that and more, plus a look at the spectacular video presentation that Ford put on at the Detroit auto show.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

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