Episode 836 – NHTSA Backs Off Mandate, Fisker Hires LaSorda, Head of OnStar Steps Down

February 29th, 2012 at 12:00pm

Runtime: 8:17

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was on the verge of mandating back-up cameras in all vehicles but decided to put those plans on hold as it collects more input. In another sign of the problems at Fisker, the company just appointed former Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda as the new CEO of the company. The head of OnStar, Linda Marshall, is stepping down from the company after being named to the position a little over a year ago. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in You Said It!

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Episode 835 – China Gets the Lead Out, Boom Times for Trucks, Holden Commodore LPG

February 28th, 2012 at 12:00pm

Runtime: 8:36

China is “getting the lead out,” and this time it’s an American company that’s in trouble. Indicators say the boom times are just getting started for heavy trucks. Holden starts production on an LPG version of the ever-popular Commodore. All that and more, plus we walk around the Scion iQ with head honcho Jack Hollis.

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Episode 834 – China Goes Domestic, In Soviet Russia Jeeps Build You, Toyota’s $83K Minivan

February 27th, 2012 at 11:50am

Runtime: 7:03

The Chinese government says it will only buy domestic vehicles for government fleets. Fiat will build two factories in Russia to make Jeeps. Meet Toyota’s $83,000 luxury minivan. All that and more, plus an eerie look into the past as we dissect some historical footage.

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Episode 833 – VW Posts Record Profits, Panasonic to Supply Batteries to Ford, Four-Door SLS?

February 24th, 2012 at 12:00pm

Runtime: 7:42

Volkswagen just posted record financial results for 2011. Its earnings before interest and taxes were up 58 percent to $15.1 billion. Panasonic announced it will supply lithium-ion batteries to Ford for its hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Mercedes-Benz could be toying with the idea of a four-door SLS. Sketches of one popped up in a German patent application. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood.

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Episode 832 – GM Appoints New Head of R&D, Volvo V40 Images Leaked, Honda Shuffles Management

February 23rd, 2012 at 12:00pm

Runtime: 6:39

In somewhat of an unexpected move GM named Jon Lauckner Vice President and Chief Technology Officer starting April 1. Images of the all-new Volvo V40 were leaked before the car debuts at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Honda announced its top executive in North America will also become the second-highest executive in the company. All that and more, plus a look at the all-new Toyota Prius c.

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Episode 830 – Chinese OEMs Target Europe, Teen Traffic Deaths Increase, Peugeot’s Twin Concepts

February 21st, 2012 at 12:02pm

Runtime: 7:34

Chinese automakers are invading Europe from Bulgaria to Britain to Sicily. Despite an overall trend downward, teen traffic deaths jump by several percentage points. Peugeot unveils two B-segment concepts ahead of Geneva. All that and more, plus John McElroy explains what Mazda must do to turn itself around.

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Episode 829 – Paice Sues Hyundai-Kia, MINI Clubvan, Strong February Sales Expected

February 20th, 2012 at 11:30am

Runtime: 7:50

Hyundai and Kia are being sued for patent infringement with their hybrid technology in the Sonata and the Optima. Mini is showing off a utility version of the Clubman called the Clubvan before it premieres next month at the Geneva Motor Show. February car sales in the U.S. are expected to be near 1.1 million units, which translates to a SAAR of 14.3 million units. All that and more, plus a look at a sports car that’s coming out of Mexico called the Mastretta MXT.

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Episode 828 – DOT Attacks Driver Distraction, Porsche Macan, Tesla-Mercedes-Renault Swap Meet

February 17th, 2012 at 12:21pm

Runtime: 9:03

The U.S. Department of Transportation proposes new rules to curb distracted driving. Porsche’s gumbo-evoking, not-yet-unveiled SUV gets a new name. Tesla and Mercedes and Mercedes and Renault are partnering up and swapping parts. All that and more, plus Seamus McElroy has the latest details about the new Hyundai Azera and Genesis Coupe.

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Episode 827 – J.D. Power’s Latest VDS, Obama Wants More EV Tax Credits, 1913 Hispano-Suiza

February 16th, 2012 at 12:00pm

Runtime: 7:10

The folks at J.D. Power just released their latest Vehicle Dependability Study and Toyota carried the day.  Its Lexus brand was ranked No. 1.  A couple days ago President Obama unveiled his latest budget proposal for the next fiscal year.  Among other things, it proposes raising the tax credit for electric vehicles.  An extremely rare 1913 Hispano-Suiza is going up for auction at the Amelia Island Concourse next month and it could fetch as much as $1 million.  All that and more, plus John breaks down GM’s financial performance for 2011.

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Episode 826 – EVs not Selling in Europe, Ford’s Redesigned B-Max, Audi’s Bahn-Storming RS 4 Avant

February 15th, 2012 at 12:00pm

Runtime: 7:42

Uh-oh, there’s more trouble in green-car land.  Like China, EVs are simply not selling in Europe.  The stage is set for Ford to unveil its redesigned B-Max compact MPV.  It will take a bow in less than two weeks at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.  Audi is getting ready to drop a bomb — a 450-horsepower explosive charge in the form of its new RS 4 Avant.  All that and more, plus John answers your questions and responds to your questions in the weekly “You Said It!” segment.

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