Runtime 9:06

The UAW is beating the war drums again; this time it’s going after foreign transplants in the U.S.  Congress failed to pass legislation that would have overhauled auto-safety laws in the country.  Mercedes-Benz has given us an early Christmas present by showing off its redesigned 2012 C-Class.  All that and more, plus John shares his thoughts on driving Ford’s bodacious Focus RS500.

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Runtime 9:13

Cerberus is going to recoup close to 90 percent of its investment in Chrysler by selling the automaker’s finance arm. Honda successfully completed the first flight-test of its small business-airplane called the HondaJet. Trainees at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, Germany have assembled a one-off B-Class with a 5.5-liter V-8 between the front fenders. All that and more, plus a look at how Lotus is making a comeback.

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Runtime 7:50

The U.S. federal government socked Toyota with another fine, this time for its tardy handling of recalls and other safety issues.  Chrysler just released pictures of its redesigned 300, which should start arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of next year.  The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is one of four trade groups that’s asking a federal appeals court to overturn a ruling by the U.S. EPA that allows gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol.  All that and more, plus John shares some of his thoughts on the Ford Focus RS 500 he recently drove.

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Runtime 8:21

An analysis of Toyota by Goldman Sachs Japan predicts the automaker will lose global market share. Hyundai plans to start commercial production of fuel-cell cars by 2015. Volkswagen says it wants to be No. 1 in electric-vehicle sales in China by 2018. All that and more, plus a look at the new vehicle that shocked everyone by ending up as one of the finalists for the North American Truck of the Year award.

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Runtime 10:04

Batteries for hybrids and electric vehicles are going to stay expensive, at least according to the Center for Automotive Research and the National Academy of Sciences.  The finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have been announced.  A concept version of the GMC Sierra featuring all kinds of off-road modifications is targeting the Ford Raptor F-150.  All that and more, plus a look at some of the Automotive X PRIZE winners.

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Runtime 7:25

The prices of aluminum and copper are surging, and there could be a shortage in 2012.  The Center for Automotive Research released a study looking at the proposed 60-mile-per-gallon fuel-economy standard, and the cost of meeting those rules is shocking.  That “new-car smell” probably isn’t the best thing for your lungs, but according to one forensic investigator it could knock you out.  All that and more, plus John takes a swing at your questions and comments in the “You Said It!” segment.

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Runtime 7:50

German assembly lines are humming even as new-vehicle sales slow down in Europe.  With the exception of the United States, China now spends more money on research and development than any other country in the world.  GM’s performance parts division just introduced the most powerful small-block V-8 it’s ever engineered.  All that and more, plus a look at Lexus’ latest luxury hybrid, the CT 200h.

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Runtime 7:22

The World Trade Organization rejected China’s accusation that the United States violated trade rules when it imposed import tariffs on some Chinese tires. There is a shortage of automotive engineers in North America, not only at the OEMs but also at the suppliers. Honda released a sketch of the 9th generation Civic that will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month. All that and more, plus a look at the new Pentastar V-6 engine from Chrysler.

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Runtime 6:44

China’s car exports are up 70% for the year even with a drop in passenger car sales in November. Volvo’s new owner Geely plans on building 3 new plants that could make up to 600,000 Volvo’s a year. GM’s salaried workers will not be receiving a raise next year, despite the fact the company is making boatloads of profits. All that and more, plus a look at the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

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Runtime 7:50

Ford is now tied with Honda for the highest loyalty rates in the American market accordin,g to a study by J.D. Power. BMW shares details on the newest addition to its M family, the 1 Series M Coupe. Volkswagen has partnered with Fender to introduce an all-new premium audio system. All that and more, plus a look at new safety technology from Volvo.

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