Episode 446 – Ferrari: Made in China?!? Nissan and Vitamin C, Volkswagen Jetta Styling Analysis

July 30th, 2010 at 12:02pm

Runtime 6:08

Could your next Ferrari be built in China?!? Breathe deep: Nissan’s next concept provides your daily dose of Vitamin C through the air vents. President Obama tours GM and Chrysler plants today and says the government will get its bailout money back. All that and more, plus John gives us a styling analysis of the new VW Jetta.

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Episode 445 – More OEM Profits, Hydraulic Hybrids, Kia Sportage Styling Tour

July 29th, 2010 at 12:10pm

Runtime 7:46

More OEMs are pulling in very impressive profits, but analysts we could still face a downturn. Eaton’s hydraulic hybrids will go into practical use in recycling trucks. Hyundai’s aggressive sales goals could be in jeopardy as U.S.-Korea trade relations get tense. All that and more, plus we get a personal styling walkaround of the new Kia Sportage from the vehicle’s designer.

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Episode 444 – EV Lease Wars Heat Up, July Sales Looking Better, Saab Shoots Back

July 28th, 2010 at 12:04pm

Runtime 6:35

The war is on and the EVs are battling each other point for point. July car sales are looking good, and reports predict the best numbers since last year. The Senate passes an energy bill that will make T. Boone Pickens proud. All that and more, plus Saab’s President and CEO responds to your comments on yesterday’s show.

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Episode 443 – Chevy Volt Sticker Shock, Hyundai Avante Revealed, Saab 9-5 Factory Tour

July 27th, 2010 at 11:32am

Runtime 6:55

Pricing is announced for the Chevy Volt today, and reports say it won’t be cheap. Hyundai unveils the all-new Avante, which is known as the Elantra in the American market. Toyota delays U.S. production of the Prius for several years. All that and more, plus we take a tour of the factory in Trollhättan, Sweden where Saab is building the new 9-5.

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Episode 442 – 2011 Ford Explorer, BMW & Daimler Partnership, Vespa Expands In Asia

July 26th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 6:22

Ford finally unveiled its redesigned Explorer and we’ve got the details. BMW and Daimler announced that they will extend their joint-purchasing agreement to include car seat-frames. Piaggio SpA, the Italian company that builds the iconic Vespa scooter is investing heavily in Asia. All that and more, plus a look at a new heavy-duty diesel pickup comparison test being conducted by Ward’s Auto.

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Episode 441 – Ford Posts Q2 Profit, GM To File IPO In August, Autonomous Electric Vehicle

July 23rd, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:32

Ford posted a higher than expected net income of $2.6 billion in the second quarter of the year. Sources say General Motors will file an initial public offering next month after it releases its second-quarter earnings. Earlier this month Italian engineers launched two autonomous electric vehicles that will travel from Rome to Shanghai. All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s Autoline Detroit about the state of the automotive industry.

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Episode 440 – GM Buys AmeriCredit, Chrysler Profits in Q2, A Porsche For A Cell Phone?

July 22nd, 2010 at 12:10pm

Runtime 7:29

GM is moving back into the financial business by purchasing AmeriCredit for $3.5 billion.  Next month Chrysler will announce an operating profit for the second quarter of the year.  A 17 year old taps into the power of craigslist and trades his cell phone for a Porsche.  All that and more, plus a look at how automakers could really boost their sales by improving the dealership experience for customers.

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Episode 439 – Honda Changes EV Plans, Another Strike In China, Jeep Off-Road Camper Trailer

July 21st, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:29

Honda’s new CEO Takanobu Ito says battery research has accelerated since he’s taken over the company. Another Japanese auto company is hit with a strike in China but is the government deliberately allowing all these strikes to occur? Jeep and Mopar will be the first in the industry to offer customers off-road camper trailers. All that and more, plus John answers your questions in the “You Said It!” segment.

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Episode 438 – Toyota And Paice Settle, Watch Out Tesla, Transmission Arms Race

July 20th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:19

Toyota and Paice LLC have settled their patent dispute over hybrid technology.  Nissan is said to be working on an electric sports car that uses parts from its LEAF EV.  The dealerships GM and Chrysler were forced to close when they went through bankruptcy are, not surprisingly, making unemployment numbers worse.   All that and more, plus a look at how the luxury-vehicle sales race in the U.S. is heating up and how BMW plans to stay on top.

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Episode 437 – Overcapacity Concerns In China, Used Car Sales Down, Chevy Volt In The News

July 19th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 8:20

With so many auto factories being built in China, overcapacity could become a problem faster than anyone expected. Sales of used vehicles at auction are down for the first half of the year. President Obama test drives the Chevy Volt and comedian Jay Leno had some less than flattering things to say about it. All that and more, plus a look at the greatest gathering of Saab aficionados in the world.

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