Autoline Daily

Runtime 8:13

Toyota is losing the premium price it used to be able to charge for its cars in China. Harman International is going after the market for Microsoft’s SYNC system that Ford uses. Harley Davidson could be the target of a leveraged buyout by private equity. All that and more, plus John answers viewer questions in the “You Said It!” segment.

»Subscribe to Podcast | | | | Listen on Phone

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 7:51

Toyota’s woes continue to grow as owners in Arizona and Washington state file suit against the company, demanding full-refunds for their vehicles.  Government investigators are now looking into cosmic rays as a possible cause of unintended acceleration.  Four-cylinder engines are taking over as V-6s and V-8s fall out of favor.  All that and more, plus Ford announces fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Mustang GT.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 7:19

There are even more questions about that guy who had that alleged runaway Toyota Prius near San Diego, California. A new association made up of Japanese automakers and power companies was setup to promote standardized quick-charging technology for electric cars. One of the first looks at the convertible Camaro. All that and more, plus a look at some product that’s not yet out on the streets.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 8:39

One of these runaway Toyota Prius incidents is starting to sound mighty suspicious. Toyota says in the wake of its recent recalls it will move more design, engineering and manufacturing to the American market. Traffic fatalities in the U.S. fall to their lowest level ever. All that and more, plus John talks to Don Esmond, the Senior Vice President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, about how they plan to get people back in the showrooms and buying Toyotas again.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 8:46

Complaints against Toyota are skyrocketing.  GM CEO Ed Whitacre says the company will repay its bailout money early and the U.S. government could even make a profit.  Car prices in China continue to rise.  All that and more, plus a look at one potential cause of unintended acceleration.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 7:51

Yesterday it was a runaway Toyota Prius in California, today it’s one in New York. Cadillac will try and distance itself from General Motors. Nissan unveils a new commercial van for the American market. All that and more, plus John answers viewer questions about Toyota and the Chevy Cruze in the “You Said It!” segment.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 7:53

Toyota comes out swinging against its critics.  New-vehicle sales in China surged an eye-popping 55 percent last month thanks to government incentives and a strong economy.  Could another price war be breaking out in the U.S. market between its biggest automakers?  All that and more, plus a look at some of Visteon’s latest in-car technology.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . . continue reading »

Runtime 7:23

Toyota claims it can prove that a professor essentially concocted a hoax when he wired a Toyota to induce unintended acceleration. The Big Three are mad at Toyota for what they see as calculated, misleading attempts to trash their quality. Chip Foose customizes a John Deere Tractor. All that and more, plus a look at MyFord Touch.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 7:41

Toyota disputes the validity of Professor Dave Gilbert’s test for unintended acceleration. Japanese suppliers raided last week may have formed a cartel to limit competition. The winner of Autorama’s Ridler award makes history. All that and more, plus we talk to the owner of some of the most beautiful cars you will ever see.

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »

Runtime 6:42

Bob Lutz is officially retiring from General Motors effective the first of May.  Toyota and GM are dumping pension obligations for their NUMMI workers onto the lap of the federal government.  The 2011 Ford Mustang just got certified at 31 miles per gallon on the highway.  All that and more, plus it’s time for another Recall Roundup!

Transcript and Story Links after the jump . . .

continue reading »