“So Close” (#1124)

Synopsis

The Chrysler Group sweepstakes had no shortage of bidders, but none more serious than Magna International. In fact, many experts believed the Tier One supplier -- who contributes parts to many North American Chrysler products and builds European vehicles for the company as well -- had the inside track. And the man who most likely would've been running that new company was already in-house, Mark Hogan, the president of Magna International and former GM executive.

This week Mr. Hogan visits Autoline Detroit to candidly discuss losing Chrysler to Cerberus and why Magna was interested in the first place. In addition, John McElroy and the panel discuss a wide range of issues, including Magna's steady automotive growth throughout the globe, developing solutions to the industry's technology challenges and even which OEM is winning the race for alternative power. Joining John on the panel are Keith Naughton of Newsweek and Robert Sherefkin from Automotive News.

And speaking of fuels, included in this week's show is an "Autoline Energy Extra." John talks petroleum, gas prices and overall consumer consumption with industry expert Lou Ann Hammond. Ms. Hammond who is the CEO and editor-in-chief of carlist.com also contributes analysis on both the automotive and fuel industries for the NBC News family of networks.