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Another week in the auto industry and we have more stories of triumph and failure. While Ford trumpets mega profits, Toyota finds itself amidst an embarrassing recall and production freeze of millions of vehicles. Meanwhile, Big Ed Whitacre has appointed himself as permanent CEO of GM, and we’re not really sure yet if that’s good or bad. With us to debate these issues and more is a friend of the show who’s really with us every Thursday night, albeit virtually. Eric Trytko, the blogger and podcaster from Rumblestrip.net is normally one of our loyal chat mods, but tonight he’s here in the flesh to weigh in on the discussion. Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and David Welch from BusinessWeek and Bloomberg News also join John McElroy in studio.

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Thanks to our partners and friends Rumblestrip.net and WardsAuto.com for embedding tonight’s episode of AAH!

Jason Calacanis thinks so. Calacanis, a blogger and entrepreneur, already owns a Tesla Roadster and has mailed in a check for the company’s first sedan – the Model S.  He’ll get serial numbers 1 and 85. That’s right, he bought two.  Why two?  Well, he’s promising to give away his spare to one lucky Twitter follower if his account, @Auto, hits number one. So, is this just a publicity stunt, or does he actually have a chance at overtaking Twitter’s number one star, Ashton Kutcher? John McElroy aims to find out.

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Back in its infancy you may remember this outspoken curmudgeon Autoline After Hours used to have on the program. Then he got a real job. But now, for one special night he’s back. His name is Jason Vines and he’s a PR veteran who has worked for practically every automaker around–Chrysler, Nissan and Ford, just to name a few. Today the conversation ranges from auto show models (and we don’t mean cars) to Ray Charles, so get ready. Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and David Welch from BusinessWeek and Bloomberg News also join John McElroy in studio.

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Thanks to our partners and friends Rumblestrip.net and WardsAuto.com for embedding tonight’s episode of AAH!

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On Tuesday, January 26th at 12:30PM ET / 17:30 GMT, we’re coming to you straight from the nation’s capital as we broadcast LIVE from the floor of the 2010 Washington D.C. Auto Show. We’ll have top policy makers, technology experts and journalists to talk all about the role the federal government plays in the development of new vehicles and alternative fuels like clean diesel.

We’ll be asking our guests your questions so get them in now! Follow the jump to see our current list of guests and submit questions for them to answer during the LIVE webcast!

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John McElroy goes on a whirlwind tour of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show as he visits the Chrysler booth where a stunning Lancia is displayed, shares his thoughts on the new owners of Land Rover and Jaguar, sees the MINI Beachcomber concept, reads the name of a tongue-twisting BMW and takes a look at the gorgeous Audi A8.

Watch all of our Detroit Auto Show coverage here.

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Well, this was the big week. The North Amer–sorry–Detroit Auto Show has arrived and everyone’s eager to see the future of the auto industry in the shadow of last year’s economic meltdown. GM is at the show with four fewer brands than a year ago, while Fiat brought Chrysler’s new Italian step-siblings in to class up the joint. Meanwhile, the other domestic auto maker, Ford, seems to have owned this year’s show. In to review the show as well as talk about some innovative new engine technology is Don Runkle, the CEO of EcoMotors. Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and David Welch from BusinessWeek and Bloomberg News also join John McElroy in studio.

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Thanks to our partners and friends EcoMotors.com Rumblestrip.net and WardsAuto.com for embedding tonight’s episode of AAH!

If you missed any part of our LIVE webcasts from NAIAS, watch them here! We interviewed such notables as Susan Docherty from GM, Jim Farley of Ford and Ralph Gilles from Chrysler.
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It’s the first AAH of the new decade (depending on who you ask) and we’re ready for a dose of automotive rebirth. How convenient, then, that we also find ourselves on the cusp of the 2010 North American International Auto Show, which is in the process of renewal. Doug Fox, Co-Chair of NAIAS joins us to discuss what we can expect at the show this year and what’s new at Cobo Hall. We wonder, is it time for major change for the show by losing the “NAIAS?” And will the EcoXperience still, well, stink? Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business magazine join John McElroy in studio.

Subscribe to the free podcast version of Autoline After Hours:

Thanks to our partners and friends Rumblestrip.net, WWJ.com and WardsAuto.com for embedding tonight’s episode of AAH!

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We’re LIVE from General Motors’ Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant as their first production Volt battery rolls off the line. Join us as we give you all the details you need to know with the key figures involved.