Episode 489 – Daimler, Nissan Come Together; Wireless Charging Tech; Hasta La Vista, Privacy

September 30th, 2010 at 12:03pm

Runtime 6:06

It looks like talks between Nissan and Daimler about sharing engines and platforms is progressing nicely.  Delphi announced it’s teaming up with WiTricity Corporation to develop wireless charging systems for EVs.  California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill yesterday allowing windshield-mounted cameras to record video and audio inside vehicles!  All that and more, plus some of guest-host Murray Feldman’s thoughts on the problems facing the automotive supplier industry.

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Episode 488 – Toyota’s New Task Force, Text Bans Don’t Work, GM Develops Electric Opel Meriva

September 29th, 2010 at 12:29pm

Runtime 7:45

Toyota has setup a task force on rare-earth metals following reports that China banned exports to Japan. A new study done by the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that texting bans while driving don’t work. GM will develop electric versions of the Opel Meriva for research purposes. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, shares his opinion on why the Volkswagen/Porsche merger is not a good thing.

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Episode 487 – GM Warms To Diesel, Mopar Vehicle Tracking System, Lawnmower Land-Speed Record

September 28th, 2010 at 12:14pm

Runtime 7:24

GM Vice Chairman, Tom Stephens, said the automaker plans to offer a midsize car in the U.S. with a diesel engine, but he did not mention which model it will be or when it will go on sale.  Mopar introduced an electronic vehicle tracking system that lets you locate your car if it gets stolen.  The lawnmower land-speed record is back in the USA!  All that and more, plus some perspective on the U.S. auto bailouts.

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Episode 486 – Saab Powered by BMW?, Ferrari to Fund Chrysler Stake?, Ford Wants to Cut Line-Up

September 27th, 2010 at 11:40am

Runtime 6:29

Saab and BMW have hammered out a deal that would give the Swedish automaker access to BMW engines. Fiat is considering a Ferrari IPO in order to raise the cash necessary to boost its stake in Chrysler. Ford CEO Alan Mulally says he would like to slash the brand’s portfolio to as few 20 models. All that and more, plus a look at the Ford F-150′s new engines.

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Episode 485 – Bullish on Big Three, Nissan Surpasses Toyota, Free OnStar in Used GM Cars

September 24th, 2010 at 12:09pm

Runtime 7:30

A Wall-Street analyst says that the Detroit automakers are a good investment. Nissan benefits from Toyota’s quality problems and surpasses them in the Chinese market. Did you know you could get free OnStar in any used GM vehicle? All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s Autoline Detroit with Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl.

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Episode 484 – UAW Needs to Take a Stand, Nissan Backtracks, Citroën Fights Dictatorships

September 23rd, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 7:29

Chrysler workers are caught drinking and getting high on lunch break, and the UAW has nothing to say. Nissan backpedals on comments made by its CEO about China. Citroën says its latest concept car will reject the status quo oppression of the automotive world. All that and more, plus a look at the new Ford Edge Sport.

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Episode 483 – Caprice Cop Car is Quick, Adesa & Barrett-Jackson Join Forces, STP For Sale

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:52am

Runtime 6:41

The Michigan State Police evaluate cop cars from the Detroit Three, and the Caprice is a winner. Adesa and Barrett-Jackson form an alliance. STP and Armor All get sold for big bucks to a private-equity firm. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in “You Said It!”

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Episode 482 – China And Japan Go At It, Ford Reveals New Ranger, Industry Faces Rubber Shortage

September 21st, 2010 at 11:48am

Runtime 7:13

China and Japan are at each other’s throats again, this time over allegations that Toyota bribed dealers in China to steer customers toward their in-house financing arm.  Ford revealed a teaser shot of its redesigned global Ranger pickup.  The tire industry — and by extension, the auto industry — is facing a rubber shortage as droughts then heavy rains hamper production in Asia.  All that and more, plus John shares a few of his thoughts on the design of the 2011 Jaguar XJ.

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Episode 481 – Ford Hires Piaskowski, Nissan Doubles-Down in China, Next BMW 6 Series?

September 20th, 2010 at 12:00pm

Runtime 10:20

Ford hires former Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz designer, Joel Piaskowski, to head up all exterior design for Ford in the Americas. Nissan plans to nearly double its production in China to 1.2 million units. BMW is set to unveil what looks like a thinly disguised version of its next-generation 6 Series at the Paris Motor Show. All that and more, plus a look at a competition organized by Ward’s Auto, to see which Detroit-Three automaker has the best diesel engine for its heavy-duty pickups.

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Episode 480 – China’s Technology Grab, More Paris Previews, Scion’s Jack Hollis

September 17th, 2010 at 12:10pm

Runtime 8:30

China drafts up a new policy requiring foreign automakers to hand over hybrid and electric vehicle technology to their domestic counterparts. Chevy reveals a number of the vehicles it will debut at the Paris Motor Show. Shareholders approve a plan that will split Fiat in two. All that and more, plus we talk to Scion’s Jack Hollis to see how the company plans to curb flagging sales.

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