Bonjour John,

I think that one of the Big Three did indeed make it in best truck of the year!

Every time I look at the Evoque I see a Ford, it as those ridiculous Ford grills and it reminds me of the Explorer!

Maybe the Evoque should have been a Lincoln, it is much better looking than the MKT or is it the MKZ?

Hugues Therien
Quebec, Canada

In your Automotive Insight - Feature One on WWJ for Monday, 1/3/2012, you gave figures for the number of car models from six years ago to today, noting that there were 82 fewer models today. You mentioned that several car models have been taken off the market during that time, but what about the new models that have been added, like the Kia Soul?

I understand that the total has fallen by 82, but is that 100 removed and 18 added? It would be interesting to know the complete picture that contributes to the fluctuation we see in the total.

Bob

John,

I know that the new Escape was being built on the Focus/C-Max chassis. But until I went to the Auto show I did not realize that they are really one in the same. The only difference was the tire wheel package which was smaller on the C-Max giving it a more Crossover stance. The sheet metal, windows and dash were identical. The C-Max will be the Hybrid/Electric version of the Escape as I see it.

I was disappointed in the Escape as it does not look as utility as the old one. It not only downsized but left the market in my mind. I think I will be keeping my Mariner for a long time....

Len

Hey John,

Nice job with your show coverage! (Day One, Day Two).

I was a little surprised that there wasn't any mention/uproar about the lack of a V6 for the Ford twins. I realize this wouldn't have been the case if the Sonata/Optima hadn't set the precedent.

When you couple this with the fact that Ford is very happy/surprised with the take rate of EcoBoost in F-150s I wonder if the result will equal no V8 offerings for the next gen Mustang - they could call it Mustang 2.1.

I bring this up because I'm trying to figure out which platform the next Mustang will use. I believe Ford sold around 73,000 Mustangs last year. Can they afford to have a dedicated platform for this number of cars? Corvette can do it with fewer sales but higher prices per car...

It will be a fun day when Ford shows the next gen Mustang - maybe they will listen to you guys and have a surprise unveiling at the show next year. Doubt it.

The Mayor
Annapolis, MD

John,

I was just at a national conference and a relatively secret meeting with people from our Parent company in Japan and I wanted to share some of this with you. Not for attribution or anything. But as a former journalist, you might be able to try to substantiate it if you so choose.

I thought it was Interesting that Jim Hall last week suggested that the NSX might not come to fruition, and I ran it by some executive friends from Japan in a general talk over lunch about US and Japanese and European “Corporate Speak”.

They said that the current climate in Japan is to show that the country is recovering quickly from the troubles (their word, which I thought was interesting in itself) and to be aggressive about getting back to normal. They said this could be particularly true of Honda, since from their point of view, Honda was hurt worse by the Earthquake/Tsunami than any other major Japanese company in any industry, not just car companies. This also could explain the decision to build the car entirely in the US. It will force the US subsidiary to develop sources for the parts that previously came exclusively from Japan. They also said some stuff about Honda’s corporate organization in the US, but that’s a whole other story.

By contrast, our company was hardly hurt at all.

So my friends said pressure is on all Japanese companies to aggressively “fight back” and diversify supply chains, and that if Ito said they were going to make an NSX in the US, he meant it and was staking the company’s reputation on it. That’s why he made the announcement, and not someone else. There is in their words “no chance” that Honda would pull the plug again. Our company introduced new products very aggressively at a very lavish event, and pushed many projects forward many months to do it.

In another conversation over another dinner, we were talking about the timing of the NSX project with some electrical engineers from Japan, one of whom is a racer.

They said that some of our suppliers were contacted months about bid specs for parts for the NSX and new Hybrid AWD versions of MDX and TL. Given the timing, they would expect to see them hit the road later this year or early next, for sale at your local dealer, (which would fit with the product cycle of the new MDX). Also, they heard that Honda is lobbying the FIA and ACO to make the NSX eligible, as a hybrid, for GT endurance racing in 2013 (it presently is not eligible anywhere, and Ito said it would be raced).

What about the “three-year” thing and why build and develop in the US? I listened to the press conference, and Ito said that the NSX would be available globally in three years. EVERYONE I talked to from Japan had the same take on that: The key word was “Globally”. At this point, the car-guy engineers said that the only countries that the NSX would likely be legal in today are the US and Canada. That the pedestrian crush zone regulations in the EU and Japan might be tough for it to meet. They expect the NSX to be for sale in the US sometime in 2013, and to be raced in the US in either ALMS or GrandAm or both in 2013.

The marketing guys had a slightly different take: They said that it could be that Honda will use the NSX to take “Acura” global. So that the car will not be sold anywhere as a Honda. And that could take some time, and three years seemed about right.

Hi John

I found your piece on the JAC 4R3 and its resemblance to the Ford F150 interesting. JAC probably chose to copy Ford, because Great Wall has already copied the General Motors Holden Colorado. Down here in NZ and Australia, some test marketing is being conducted by Great Wall and Chery before they tackle larger and more important markets like Europe and North America. A small range is available from each Company.

Regards,
Neil Sutherland

John,

I was VERY surprised that you had not heard of this before. I am not in the automotive world other than as a consumer and have been aware of it for some time. I have always disagreed with your belief that the car companies had too many dealers. The more dealers you have the more opportunity you have to sell product. The free maket will determine which dealer they want to use for a specific brand and those that do not do a good job will go out of business. Unless, they are Democratic contributors. This gets us back to the original issue. John Stosell had an episode on this issue. The overwellming majority of the dealers that were forced out were those contributing to Republican candidates. And as far as your comment about this would never happen to the media, what about what Hugo Chavez has done. When we lose our freedoms freedom of the press is always a casually. Usually not the first because they use that for propoganda to get rid of the rest. This issue is unfortunately out of your league and should with the the Stosells and the O'riely's. Should be with NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN but they will never touch it with a 10ft pole. After all it was their man President Obama who's Carz engineered the whole thing.

Randy
La Habra, CA

John,

Congratulations on the new studio but as a long time viewer I miss the casual atmosphere of the couch & chairs that was part of "After Hours" before. Although the content has remained at the same high level it lacks the relaxed feeling to me.

I was so motivated by the show on how the Administration dealt with the dealers in having their franchises dropped that I went on E-Bay & bought the book! Thanks again for keeping us informed.

Warren Webb

John:

Have you seen the drop in truck sales @ Ford for January? The Crown Jewels (F Series, Explorer, Econoline, Expedition) suffered because the government tax subsidies ended on December 21, 2011.

F-150 sales went from 68,278 in Dec. to 38,493 in Jan. Explorer sales went from 13,872 in Dec. to 9,966 in Jan. Expedition sales went from 4,212 in Dec to 2,350 in Jan. Econoline went from 13,074 in Dec. to 6,786 in Jan.

Since 45% of Focus sales are fleet sales, the increase in small car unit volume will not generate the same profits lost by the sale of the big iron.

GM also saw its big iron sales crater from Dec. to Jan.:

Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban Dec. - 21,500 Jan. - 9,963. Sierra/Avalanche/Silverado Dec.- 68,828 Jan.- 37,984.

Nobody is reporting this disaster.

Jim Flynn
Tampa, FL

Dear Mr. McElroy:

Thank you for your very interesting interview with Ms. Darvish, Mr. Painter, and Mr. Duvall.

However, the story was definitely one-sided. The major auto companies were on the verge of disappearing completely. Had that happened ALL of the domestic dealerships would have been GONE! And they would be applying for dealership licenses from Toyota, Honda, and others. I am sure mistakes were made concerning closures. But, remember the dealers had licenses with the automakers and knew they could be taken away (although nobody ever thought that was ever going to happen). When companies go through bankruptcy, people lose jobs, stores close, and sometimes good hard working people get hurt. Why should car dealerships be any different? All of the panelists came off as disgruntled 'employees.’ Had this been handled with no gov't involvement, the outcome would have been the same (or worse).

Thank-you
Mark

Mr. McElroy,

You had a guest, Michael Dunne, on your “Accelerating East” show. He said Cadillac acquired a Chinese nickname called “bun jung” which means stupid and heavy. He is correct on the denotatively but the actual meaning is hefty - as in not agile. It is probably the local reaction to the Cadillac styling without awareness of the stealth theme. The term is a far cry from “stupid and heavy”.

Paul Ng

Dear Mr. McElroy:

Thank you for today's program and your very interesting interview with Ms. Darvish, Mr. Painter, and Mr. Duvall. It's high time that these views were aired!

I'm convinced that there is a political angle to the actions taken by the Obama administration, along with other explanations by Rattner, union officials, and Obama Administration Czars.

I'll be buying 'Outraged.’ Is this program accessible for viewing on the internet?

As far as I know...yours is the only program to give the aforementioned panelists, and the book ANY exposure.

Thank you for that.

IMHO, Every American should watch today's program and broaden their perspective on what REALLY happened with the auto bailouts....and how investors and dealers got royally scr**ed by a bunch of collectivist creeps.

Sincerely,
Penelope Phares

P.S. My husband, Dan Phares (an Industrial Designer, and former Ford Designer) make it a point to watch your program every Sunday morning while having our breakfast.

Dear John:

The show on Sunday Jan. 29, 2012 was the best Autoline I have seen in a long time. To hear those stories from people who did nothing but conduct good business when in reality sometimes they are looked down upon for rep. of used car salesmen/women. In this case these people did nothing wrong and as became apparent to me as the show continued I was enthralled at the same time as disgusted and outraged myself. I would think since Obama’s government was responsible for the bailout it should rain on his head if this blows-up like it should. I live in Canada and know of dealerships here that got shafted too! John, I personally think you were sitting on a time bomb waiting to go off. I really hope that the Teflon man president Obama and his cronies are held accountable for this. Congratulations to your guests for sticking together and I wish them luck in I hope will be the very near future.

Bestbilly

John,

Regarding your show that aired today about the American Auto Dealers that had their businesses confiscated by our government and its "Car Czars"...

What a fantastic show you and your staff put together! I, also, greatly appreciate the hard work and perseverance of your three guests. I watch your show every week and it's always very informative and gives interesting insight into the automotive business. But, today’s show (for me) really took it to another level. I commend you for (what I think was) sticking your neck out. Not only are you standing up for the many good people who were unjustly 'screwed' (for lack of a better word), but, you're helping to expose the truth and (hopefully) obstruct future such acts. I hope that there will be accountability in this matter and that all the good, hard-working people that make this country great - will stand together and not accept an America that tramples it's citizen's rights.

Thanks again for another great show!
Darryl Crillo

John,

I bought a Chevy Volt recently and have been driving it now for about nine days. Every day with the Volt has been a pleasure with new discoveries about this car. I know the press, especially the Washington Post has been negative about the Volt, but I am delighted with the car in a way that I haven't been with other cars for a long time. I am not a tree-hugger type. My other driver is a Lexus LS460L, another great car, and I have several old Porsches (1973 914 2.0 litre, 1976 911, and a 2002 Boxster S) as well as a 1984 Ferrari 512BBi Boxer. I can't really explain why the Volt so enchants me. Maybe it's like the chemistry a young man feels for a "special" girlfriend, but consider me smitten with the Volt in a way that I haven't felt about a car in years.

Have any other owners reported similar experiences with the Volt?

Vic Ceicys

Thank you very much for this telecast on OUTRAGED and the US Government driven, Steve Ratner directed ripoff of the taxpayers. As a retired Systems Engineer working at the GM Tech Center for some years as an employee of GM Hughes I saw first hand the overwhelming power of the UAW force GM Purchasing into decisions that simply ignored engineering logic and place UAW political control over sound business practice in everything from Catalytic Converters to ABS subsystems. This "rip and rape" of the dealers is simply the latest in UAW criminal activity. It should be noted that Don Steves suicide when he lost his family business in La Habra, CA when GM cancelled his dealership. I have purchased the book through Amazon today. And McElroy you are to be congratulated for having the courage to telecast this issue. I ask again "Why should I buy any GM or Chrysler or Ford product after this "screaming crime" against the Constitution and American History. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Michigan Tech in 1961. To see the corruption and destruction of Detroit and now franchised dealers all for political power is sickening and disgusting. Since Moyers was the press Sec for LBJ, the tradition of "press pimping" and "media whoring" has gone "mainstream." Even Bill O'Reilly "pimps and whores" for the UAW. Well now that the UAW has taken control we will see if they really have the creativity to produce the product or if it will simply be more "sloganeering" and "administrative engineering." Sort of like "Four legs good! Two legs Bad" from Mr. Orwell's "1984."

THX again,

John Connell,
Yucca Valley, CA

John,

I viewed your recent TV program regarding arbitrary cancellation of auto dealers with interest. I ordered Tammy Darvish's book; and pending reading may follow up with my Congressman and other representatives. It seems a major injustice was done under cover of the so called crisis of the moment.

I have personal questions regarding a point that in your comments you seem to accept without question. That is: "there were too many car dealers.” My opinion is that the market can answer that question without government or auto manufacturer involvement. First, all dealers should be held to similar operational standards that are appropriate for their individual market characteristics (market size, local consumer expendable income, ease of access to neighboring markets, obligation to provide services, etc.). But after applying consistent, reasonable "quality of operation" standards, the marketplace and bottom line profitability should decide whether a dealer stays or goes. Individual dealers will decide whether they are making adequate profit to justify continuing or should close.

By closing some dealers the "big 2" threw their buyers open to imports and other competitors because, for example, small town customers were forced to drive to larger metro areas to buy and could easily then buy from competitive manufacturers. How can it be good to have a quasi-captured customer, then send him out for grabs by competitors? Why cancel a dealer who is personally happy with his operating results? To me it is nonsense - not understandable. To my knowledge, Ford did not find it necessary to close dealerships, certainly not in the broad manner that GM and Chrysler did. If it was so essential for survival to GM and Chrysler why not for Ford?

Anyway, thanks for considering my point.

P.S. I'm not connected with the auto business in any way - just a life-long "car guy.”

Max Limpert

It was mentioned in Friday's episode Ford would give out $6,200 per employee in profit sharing. Is that the total of profit sharing divided by number of employees? Or is each Ford employee really getting $6,200 in profit sharing?

Thanks!
Bradley

Hi John,

I discovered an interesting item the other night. While watching Extreme Trains on the History Channel I heard them using your show introduction music quite a few times during the show and wondered if they acquired your permission to use your theme music in their show or is it the other way around.

Of all theme music to use I thought it interesting they used "Autoline" as the music of choice.

A Long Time Loyal Listener,
Dale Leonard from Lakewood, Ohio

Greetings John,

Hope this finds you and yours doing well. Good to see you back on Public Television in Mississippi.

I wanted your opinion on two topics. First up is the F1 race in Austin, Texas. Is this going to happen? [Got an email to set up a deposit for seating.] Would you suggest I invest in seeing the F1 spectacle in Texas or plan to head to Canada and see it in an established venue? I remember the last F1 run at Indianapolis. I came so close to going. Glad I did not.

Next up. What is the best Auto Show in North America? If I can only go to one this year or next, which should it be?

Appreciate your work and your pull no punches journalism.

Bruce Currie

P.S. I have personal experience with the Honda Oil consumption issues in my wife’s purchased new ‘09 Accord 4 cylinder. Honda’s fix did not fix it. Surprise. Honda is really on a slippery slope here. Could be a story there as there will be a lot of prematurely worn motors if the consumer follows the on-board oil change % meter. Sad day for Honda and Honda owners. My understanding is that it impacts the V6 as well. This will prove to be a Honda that I can not pass on to other family members.

Hi Autoline.tv team,

I am an ESL/ESP university lecturer from the Ukraine. The university I teach in is one of the largest in Ukraine - student enrollment is 21,000 people. I teach English to IBA, international economics, human resources, etc. students. I actively use IT in the classroom.

Today I came across your great site - lots of interesting material, scripts, and American English. Just what the doctor said!

From now on I will be using your videos by embedding them on my groups' Edmodo web pages to practice listening comprehension and vocabulary - lots of idioms and interesting, up-to-date phrases. Another idea, but that needs some thinking over, is to use your videos and www.dotSub.com to dub them into Russian as part of the translation practice course I read every year.

Thank you very much for your great job!

Sincerely,

Sergei Polovin
Senior university lecturer

John,

Just watched Accelerating East with Michael Dunne.

I know exactly what the Chinese will do, and I agree with your guest. They will effectively steal the capital investment and intellectual property from their western "partners", as soon as they are able.

I know this from a Japanese relative’s personal experience as a manager at a lithium-ion battery plant in Qingdao, a Japanese (private) Chinese (government) "partnership.” Once the factory was up and running, all sorts of new administrative rules appeared, making it impossible for the Japanese to turn a profit, or have meaningful business input. They cut their losses and left about seven years ago.

We "in the west" must realize that money and commerce are not divorced from politics. We continue to sacrifice longer term general prosperity for short term, often individual, gain.

Tim Beaumont

Greetings from North Carolina,

Unless I missed it somewhere in your programming, Autoline missed the largest worldwide rally and support for a brand ever. Is there a particular reason why Autoline did not mention the amazing gatherings around the world for the SAAB brand this past weekend? I know of no other gatherings of its kind ever, and it was in deed "global.” I watch your show in part because you provide news in the "global" automotive industry, but a big story of a brand that has amazing support all over the world unlike any other brand (so it would seem) was not even mentioned (unless I missed something). When some of the GM brands went away, there was nothing even close to what SAAB fans did all over the world. The support for the SAAB brand is amazing. Also, I have been hearing of buyers making bids on SAAB even today. Can you help keep us up to date on this ongoing story? SAAB is not dead quite yet, and as it is obvious, there appears to be much more support for the brand than Pontiac (for example) for sure. Let’s not be too quick to provide "a moment of silence" on your program. It gives the impression that you are in the tank for another brand. Perhaps you are, but I didn't think that was the case.

Thank you,
Bob Conolty

Mr. McElroy, although I totally agree with everything you said in your Detroit Three are back article, I question your sincerity. Before I state my reasons, it is relevant for you to know that I am fiercely loyal to Michigan, to Detroit and to the Detroit auto industry having served for 36 years in design at two of the Big Three.

With that background in mind, perhaps I am more sensitive to the negative attitudes toward Detroit than the average person. One experience while visiting my daughter in California was identical to those that you describe. On that occasion, my daughter introduced me to her neighbor stating that I was from Detroit. Her neighbor responded, "Well at least you have a nice place to visit." Even though I was well aware of California's attitude of superiority, the ignorance and rudeness of that remark stunned me.

Mr. McElroy, my reason for questioning the sincerity of your article rests on a series of 11 Autoline Detroit shows you aired over 2 1/2 months through the summer of 2008 in which you publicized California's auto industry. Of particular significance is the opening show (#1218) on May 11, 2008 titled Westward Ho where you interviewed west coast auto columnists, Mark Vaughn of Auto Week, Dan Neil of The Los Angeles Times and Mark Rechtin of Automotive News. There is no better illustration of the contempt Californians have for Detroit, and the rest of this country for that matter, than the arrogant and self serving remarks of Mark Vaughn and particularly Dan Neil.

Although Detroit does not claim to have invented the automobile, we can justifiably lay claim to the invention and development of the entire automobile industry. The auto industry has been Detroit and Michigan's economic engine for more than a century, but more than that, it is our pride and identity. The contempt California has for Detroit is only a mask for their envy. California not only wants Detroit's auto industry, they lust for it. For some reason, known only to you, you not only publicized California's auto industry, you glorified it and promoted it at Detroit's expense. When it comes to self adulation and self promotion, California certainly does not need your help or anyone else’s - no one else even comes close.

I have followed the assault on Detroit since 1985 when I first became aware of it. The economic invasion by the Japanese through the port of Long Beach and the establishment of design and marketing offices in L.A. initiated California into the Pacific Rim Community. With the support of their new Japanese partners and a vigorous media campaign promoting the superiority of Japanese cars over the "junk" from Detroit, it is clear that California's intent was to weaken the entire domestic auto industry and unseat Detroit as the Motor Capital of the World. Such was their skill and control of the media, that the American public overlooked the fact that the Japanese cars of that period were junk as well. The belief in Japanese superiority remains even to this day and the hatred of Detroit persists.

California's control tactics have escalated. The "Green Revolution" and the electric car mania can be traced directly to California's influence. In 2009, the EPA granted the state of California the authority to regulate GHG standards for all new vehicles Nationwide with the National Vehicle Green House Gas Standard giving California significant control over Detroit's auto industry. Not only Michigan, but everyone in the entire U.S. should be alarmed at the immense political and economic power California has over the rest of this country.

I have collected reams of material to support my statements but nothing sums it up more clearly than a October 3, 1993 Detroit News article by Jon Pepper which, by itself, should confirm everything I have said.

Jeffrey Poling
Troy, Michigan

I like John and I don't think he is biased but Mark Phelan's hits and misses sure were. All praise was given to Detroit, with no mention of Prius C, LF-LC, accord, ilx or other manufacturers outside Detroit. He justifies the Chrysler van but threatens the NSX with brand responsibility. And finally, you said your bias is to report things that are new, so what's with the FRS/BRZ complaint. I didn't even know those were at the show let alone a significant "miss."

Andrew Sata

A couple of comments on AAH:

Chevy 130R – looks like an updated Pontiac Grand Am. Pontiac sold a lot of those cars in the day – there is still a need for that type of car. Should have better margins too compared to the Cruze.

Chevy True 140 S – the Chevy grill is way too large (out of proportion). The nose should be shorter – would look a whole lot better. Glad that Chevy hasn’t given the Chevy grill to the Camaro or Corvette.

Honda Accord: The “concept” car looked like a kid took about $500 worth of LEDs, a drill, some wire, a switch, and took an afternoon to slap them in. Looks like a “Pimp My Ride” reject.

Detroit Loins: Unless I missed it – there was no discussion about the Lions playoff game and The Autoextremist’s extreme prediction;-). I am a Chicago Bears fan but it is nice to see that the Lions are no longer a sure win. I hope the Lions reflect what is going on in Detroit and Michigan. As long as the team keeps getting better….

Thanks for the great show.

Brian “Chicken” Little
Marion, Iowa

John,

Great job of reporting at the Detroit Auto Show last week (Day 1, Day 2). The roving camera was wonderful as you made your way throughout the show. I watch your programs on YouTube every chance I get.

Thanks,

Don Bronn
Owensboro, KY

Hi John,

I've got a question that I just can't seem to locate an answer to no matter how many different ways I Google it. So I was hoping you might either have the answer or be able to get it.

Side bar: It's really too bad you don't do the trivia piece on Autoline Daily anymore. This could have been a good one.

At any rate… When (and in what make of car) did the very first power operable rear window sun/privacy shade show up on the market? The reason I ask is because I actually had this concept back when I was either a senior in high school or freshman in architectural design studio, but it was 1989 either way. I've even still got the original onion skin trace paper I sketched the concept on 23 years ago (packed away somewhere). I'm not at all interested in pursuing legal action against anyone over intellectual property rights or anything like that. This is more for 'bragging rights' among my friends and family to prove I actually invented that exclusive automotive accessory long before anyone put it in their car.

Thanks,
Michael J. Brown

The Cadillac show was one of the best ever - deserving of an award for the courage to present, not to mention the quality.

Jim

Hi John,

What a great show! Cadillac has a great legacy and it must pain one to think how GM literally screwed it up. I have owned 8 Cadillac's and have talked to many people that still have a great admiration for the brand. They are all over 65 like myself and my boyhood dream was, never admitted it, to own a Cadillac. My first one was a 95 Deville Concours.

Initially I was ribbed a little and I had an experience to draw on that I used to relate to people. I had a friend, that has since passed on who used to sell Harvestore silos to farmers.

These are the big blue ones that you see in a farmers yard. These were unique in that when a farmer filled it with silage it was sealed and as he took the contents out the quality of the feed was better. These Harvestore silos were the highest priced ones on the market, about 30% higher. Needless to say it took a good salesman who believed in himself and his product to sell one.

The big thing for the dairy farmer is that he could get the same milk production with fewer cows compared another farmer that had a concrete silo because he fed his cows better feed.

Now this friend of mine when he called on farmer and got ribbed for driving up in a Cadillac he would look the farmer in the eye and tell them he was successful and now he wanted to make them successful. Then the sales process started.

Incidentally, my last Cadillac was a 2009 CTS with a 3.6L DI. The seats were not good, after two hours my wife was in pain and throw in the fact that there was no leg room in the back. Just traded it off a couple months ago for a Hyundai Genesis 3.8L.Good seats and lots of room. More car and less money than a CTS.

I am a faithful viewer and always enjoy your daily show which I download onto my iPhone. You are a skillful interviewer and I also enjoy the comments of your accomplice Peter. I read his column every week.

Regards,

Earl Long
London, Ontario

John,

Hate to bring this up again but being heavily into electronics and auto stuff, I always knew there was a real possibility for a “ghost” to be in the machine causing at least a few of the sudden acceleration cases. I’ve stayed quiet until some evidence was found, and it looks like this may be it. I fully agree with you that most issues are driver error, but this article points to a NASA report which explains one interesting method of failure. It’s a very tough one to detect and hard to even believe can happen. We have experienced similar failures in the products we make and it is becoming a real problem in the electronics industry. Certain areas with heavily polluted air can really cause this to happen severely. Please follow the link for the full NASA report (PDF). I’d be interested to hear what you and Peter think about this.

Thanks,
Randy

Always hear the good news, how about the junk they are selling to the public?

John,

I am impressed with all the press Dodge is getting, however how about us, the sorry bunch that purchase Dodge minivan 2008 $32,000 SXT LOADED with everything but sun roof, and, my tires worn out at 18,000 miles so the front brakes, had trouble with rear brakes, the calipers had interference problems they paid for the caliper but I had to pay for new rotors and pads they worn out due to the calipers and the front bearings started making noise, (Dodge pay for this problem) they were replaced a year later on my way to Florida with my grandkids the rear caliper froze solid, again I was able to drive out of the situation and don’t cause an accident I had to pay $630 for new calipers new pads and new rotors, the dealer in Chapel Hill, NC was very nice I was on my way in one day.

The calipers are just about a month old now and they look like they been there forever. My air conditioner broke, my power side doors had electrical problems the interior is hard to keep up with. Now the 3.8 liter engine on this truck is good and so is the 6 speed trany now do you think I will buy another Dodge or Chrysler product?

ps I also have a Saturn Aura 2.4 4-speed auto and now after 70,000 miles I had to get new tires and brakes, GM I want another Saturn.

I have all the documents for this truck (minivan).

Hope you give me a chance to tell my story or at least talk about it to the higher ups.

Thanks,
Fernando B Menendez

Hi John,

These are my nominations for truck of the year. Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tacoma and the Ford F-150.

They all have four doors, seat five people, and have best in-class towing capacity. They have available all power options, leather interiors, and the comfort of luxury cars everywhere. They also sport the largest trunk space by far.

Just my thoughts.

Alan in Oregon

John,

How different is the ATS from the CTS. Specifically the shoulder room. From my experience, I found the seating and shoulder room in the STS felt tighter than what it is in the CTS. How does it compare in the ATS?

JD

John,

I heard you talk about the crazy vehicle classifications for CAFE, etc. I think another reason minivans, CUVs, SUVs and other "cars" get classified as trucks is so the manufacturers can add privacy glass as a standard feature or option. I recall the federal rules only allow trucks to have privacy glass, and not cars. I'm sure you have sources that can confirm or dispel my thinking.

The other comment is I'm glad to see you are informing the public and our politicians that electric vehicles, propane, CNG and other non gas or diesel burning fuel vehicles are not paying their fair share of road taxes on the roads they are driving on. Because they are not paying any road taxes. As you know, we Americans are very keen on everyone paying their fair share of anything, especially taxes. Our governor mentions it often, but doesn't seem to know about this one. Keep this one on the burner as we get more and more electrics and other "tax avoidance" vehicles on the road. I have written the governor and others about this growing concern.

Thanks and keep up the good work. I enjoy your insight on the automotive world.

Gerry Bissi

Hello Mr. McElroy,

It was a pleasure to meet you this week during the NAIAS while looking at the recently unveiled Dodge Dart (actually my very good friend Tim Doyle designed the exterior). I have long been a fan of your editorials and online video productions for years. You have a special gift for communication and during interviews you always ask the questions that I want to know!

I was sorry to hear that your current Subaru Impreza loaner vehicle doesn't seem to match up to the recent competitor vehicles you have tried. Regarding design, I am always trying my best to raise the bar of Subaru design. Hopefully you will have the chance to experience one of my designs in the future.

I will continue to enjoy your coverage of the auto industry and look forward to our next opportunity to meet.

All the best,

David Cohen
Lead Designer
Subaru - Tokyo Studio

I really enjoyed the Cadillac Chronicles show, and it reinforces my thought that Cadillac needs to revive the de Ville, in name and character.

I worked with a black man, now long retired, who has driven Cadillac’s for many years. He now has a DTS. Talking to him at the time he bought that one, he really questioned the name change from Sedan de Ville to DTS, but he bought the car anyway. He would like to buy a new Cadillac now, but, with the current offerings, Cadillac has left him. The CTS is smaller than he wants, and, like me, he is not a "truck" person. The Escalade and SRX are out. Maybe the XTS will be to his liking when it arrives, but I suspect even that one won't be a "real Cadillac" to the older generation.

Kit Gerhart
Cape Canaveral, Florida

John,

This was a delightful program. Regarding the word “Majestic”, too bad that you didn’t have the images or the video of the “Ciel” to show to your participants.

It would have been interesting to hear their thoughts about whether or not the Cadillac Ciel evoked the feeling of majesty that was in the older Cadillac’s.

Vic Ceicys
Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Please ask Gilles why he didn't allow the 'Firepower' to be built. This could be their 'signature' car, like Corvette is to GM. That thing had the most drop-dead, killer interior, that it reminded me of a Cobra Daytona cp. with the polish of an American Aston! This ain't your old mans 'Crossfire'. This is the REAL 'fire' car they need.

Jim Thykeson
Venice, FL

John,

I was watching your After Hours episode last night and someone mentioned how much the '13 Ford Fusion's front grille looks like an Aston Martin. Ford used this same shape for the grilles of Thunderbirds in the mid to late 50's! Aston started using this grille shape around '57 about 2 years after Ford was using it.

W Heard

Happy New Year John!

You and your staff did such a wonderful job in 2011 - I'm really looking forward to watching your 2012 broadcasts! Looking at the early stuff out of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (DAS - Peter has trained us well) I have to give a shout out to the Dodge Dart - didn't see that coming! Nice job. I like the Fusion but I would like it more if they would take out the Sonata ridges in the front end. Do we really have to copy the Koreans? - don't answer that, I think I know what you are going to say. I'm hoping the ATS will truly be the driver’s car they say it is.

The reason for this post - I was watching The O'Reilly Factor (I think it was the 1/6/12 episode) and he had a segment with Lou Dobbs. The segment consisted of Lou Dobbs stating "Volts Catch Fire" over and over while the two of them laughed and laughed. It really upset me so I wrote to Bill O'Reilly and Fox stating the "Volt Fire" facts and asked for a retraction. They were trying to make a point about how the government shouldn't be subsidizing electric cars but their presentation was down right liable. I am an O'Reilly fan but he stepped over the line. If you have a friend in GM PR I think they should be contacted to see if they can get on the show to explain the situation. If you get a chance watch this segment - maybe I'm over reacting.

Have a great time at the show!

The Mayor
Annapolis, MD

Hi John,

With all of the "Turbo Mania" coming down the road, many of us car guys are more than a little concerned. Remember the 1980's Turbo Mania parade of disasters? The 1983 Ford T-Bird Turbo Coupe...Motor Trend's COT. They never lasted, blew up, and were gone. You never see them at classic car shows because the "tiny engine in big car" concept was flawed. Same for the Chrysler K Turbos....70-90K and bang! SAAB Turbos always blew early.

The good news is that it seems like all of the upcoming 3&4 cylinder turbos will be using rubber timing belts to increase the bang factor. No durable timing chains for us. Turbo with a timing belt in a big car sounds like blue sky ahead. Unfortunately the "blue" will most likely be oil smoke just like the old days. 2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L Eco-boost with 5 people inside could surely use the Hyundai 100K warranty. Thanks Uncle Sam for this mess.

Roger

John and staff,

This is the best coverage of an auto show (Day 1, Day 2) I have ever seen in my life. It made me feel like I was there. The video and audio was very crisp and clear, it almost looks HD, the interviews were excellent.

Mario Paredes

John,
I have been religiously emailing Audi for three years now begging them to bring more diesels! If they bring the stop/start on the 3.0 TDI for Q5/7 and A4/6/8 they will "rule the world." I bet they will sell every one and more. Clearly better than hybrids for performance and economy. My only question is why so long...such a no brainer!

Tim Beaumont,
2001 Audi Allroad tt V6 auto (still only 53,000 miles)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY - 2012 Perspective by: RH Longmate - New York

KUDOS TO FoMoCo & MANAGEMENT FOR THE 2011 2M NUMBER FOR THE FORD DIVISION IN AMERICA - LESS MERCURY AND LINCOLNS' MARGINAL SALES PRIOR TO ITS 'RE-ENVISIONEERING'.

AS MADLOCK (AUTOMOTIVE NEWS COMMENTARY) APPROPRIATELY STATES - EACH & EVERY FORD VEHICLE'S 'MARGIN APPRECIATION' IS THE 'TALK' & ENVY OF THE ENTIRE AUTO INDUSTRY.

BASED ON THIS YEAR'S STELLAR 40%+ SALES & '+ MARGIN' RESULTS OF F-150 TRUCKS SOLD WITH THE EcoBOOST (TWIN FORCE) 3.5 L V-6 ENGINES, I TRUST THAT 2012 WILL BE A 'WATERSHED' YEAR FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE I-4 EcoBOOST POWERPLANTS, IN BOTH 1.6L & 2.0 L ITERATIONS. AS ALAN HAS ASKED ALL WHO WOULD LISTEN: JUST 'DRIVE ONE' - WITH AN EcoBOOST POWERTRAIN, ALL FORD HAS TO DO IS GET THE CUSTOMER TO 'TOUCH' THE RIGHT PEDAL - TO 'SHOWCASE' THE RULER FLAT MAXIMUM TORQUE CURVE THAT IS SO SIMILAR IN DYNAMICS TO THAT OF A DIESEL ENGINE WHICH ALMOST EVERYONE IN EUROPE SO COVETS.

MY THOUGHTS: IF TRUCK DRIVER'S WILL FOREGO THEIR DECADES LONG INSISTENCE OF V-8 ENGINES WITHIN THEIR TRUCKS' ENGINE BAYS FOR AN EcoBOOST V-6, THEN ANY (OTHER) CUSTOMER WILL REALLY APPRECIATE EcoBOOST'S 'STATE OF THE ART' PERFORMANCE WITH EXCEPTIONAL FUEL EFFICIENCY (EcoLOGY & EcoNOMY).

ADDITIONALLY, THE "NEW" I-3 EcoBOOST 1.0L ENGINES SOON TO BE INTRODUCED IN EUROPE, WILL BE A MOST WELCOME SURPRISE FOR EUROPEANS. THIS POWERPLANT WHICH IS FoMoCo's SMALLEST ENGINE EVER, YIELDS THE HIGHEST POWER DENSITY OF ANY ENGINE IN VOLUME PRODUCTION IN FORD'S HISTORY - ITS FIRST 3 CYLINDER DESIGN - IN A WORD, 'EcoFRIENDLY', PERFORMANCE & EFFICIENCY.

FORD'S FORMIDABLE 2012 NEW PRODUCT CADENCE, EACH NEW OFFERING FLAUNTING THEIR EXCEPTIONAL VALUE PROMISE THROUGHOUT - WILL GUARANTEE MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE OF CONQUEST SALES, ALONG, WITH 'PENT UP' DEMAND SALES WHICH SHOULD COINCIDE PERFECTLY WITH FORD REACHING ITS MOST COVETED 'INVESTMENT GRADE' STATUS.

EcoBOOST TECHNOLOGY FOR THE MASSES: NOT SINCE 1932 HAS FORD SO REDEFINED POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGY, HIGHLIGHTING & UNDERSCORING THE WORD Mo IN FoMoCo, AS WELL ITS 21st Century Momentum, COURTESY OF ALAN MULALLY & COMPANY (WW).

NOW IS A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO BUY FORD STOCK!

'ONE' FORD - 'OUR' WORLD, DRIVEN BY YOU!

John

You really think a Honda CR-V is a truck? Or the new Land Rover, I would like to know how you all judge a truck? Not one of "trucks" up for Truck of the Year can carry 2x4's or take a load of dirt!

Geoff n Jersey

John,

The 3 candidates for "Truck of the Year" are personal cars, not trucks. All three are totally unsuitable for carrying anything, towing anything, going anywhere, or doing work.

Would you hire any professional who showed up for work in one of these feminized, emasculated grocery-getters? You look totally absurd trying to sell this. And it shows just how lost your industry (auto journalism) is.

Try carrying home a sheet of plywood in that Mini Countryman.

That Chip Guy.
Corona, CA

John:

So Alfa is already here, and it’s called the Dodge Dart. And so long as build quality, power and torque steer management are all in a league by themselves…

Who am I kidding? As of right now, we only know one thing. And that one thing is that this little machine looks very, very competitive. So the Fiesta, Focus, Accent, Cruze etc., are all on notice. If this thing measures up, consumers will all have a new alternative that’s going to force itself into the marketplace. I just can’t wait to see and drive the new SRT4! I’ll bet that Ralph Gilles already has a seriously hotted up version shredding tires somewhere, right this minute. This is going to be wild.

Dan Smith

Hello John:

I just listened to you on Wisconsin Public Radio. It was good to hear your upbeat take on the auto industry. I'd like your advice/help with an invention of mine that I believe would take hold with one or more auto makers if I could get it in front of the right person. It's extremely difficult to get past the gate keepers.

It's a device (patent # 6,677,853B1) that modifies any vehicles existing horn, causing it to pulse on/off at 7 times per second whenever the horn is activated by the vehicles driver. The result is an entirely new sound with striking immediacy that provides improved warning and safety for motorists and pedestrians.

First developed to help drivers avoid collisions with deer and other animals in the roadway, I and others have found it (RapidHonk) has a much broader appeal as, simply, "the first improvement of the electric horn since the electric horn itself."

Today’s edgy, hip and futuristic cars need an edgy, hip and futuristic upgrade of their external warning system. RapidHonk is that upgrade.

I would be very grateful for your thoughts. I'd also be happy to send you a RapidHonk module to try for yourself. While I am no longer using the deer/vehicle collision approach in my marketing, you can visit my website rapidhonk.com for a little more description of the device. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,
Scott Canfield

Happy New Year!

While 2011 was challenging, we all made it through! I've enjoyed your work and I hope you've enjoyed mine. With 2012 just hours old, my natural tendency to expect the worst has yet to kick in...and, for the moment, I'm a half-full kinda guy. I've got a few exciting projects in the hopper and I'm looking forward to hearing from you when they see the printed page.

Enjoying your work as I do, I hope we can work together in the New Year...the final in the Mayan calendar. So, once again, Happy New (and last) Year!

All the best!

Sam Fiorani

I assume you've heard that Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra (which bought Ssangyong out of bankruptcy after SAIC threw in the towel—apparently Beijing's efficient-vehicle drive didn't include Ssangyong's BOF SUVs and Mercedes-based large sedans) may be interested in buying SAAB Automobile's assets. Other parties aren't waiting for the liquidator's auction—an individual named Rudi Izaäk van der Linden (not particularly relevant) has filed a trademark application with the EU for "SAAB" covering "CLASS 12—Vehicles, apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water." (which is the standard definition of class 12—most filings are more specific re what type of vehicles they want to cover).

Rudi may be hoping that in the confusion of winding up Saab, the administrator doesn't notice Rudi usurping the Saab trademark, but the filing is so broad it is also likely to draw the ire of Saab AB's IP attorneys.

Andrew Charles
AutoReport

John,

I am awaiting your Malibu Eco review. GM has a tradition of conspicuously omitting features that have become common on competitors.

What got left off Malibu Eco? Cabin air filter? Folding side mirrors? HID headlights? Backup camera?

Will
New Haven

What are you looking forward to the most at Detroit Auto Show?

You guys should have an Autoline (after hours) booth, where we can partake of the special roaster jack coffee, and get our photo with the dog and Jim Hall! :)

Cheers, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all the AAH family!!!!!

PriusToric

I'm surprised I haven't heard you comment this week on Honda's plans to rush changes/improvements to the recently released Civic line. Seems they've been taking it on the chin by media reports of the car's shortcomings and have decided to cut their losses.

Also wondering if you have had any seat time in the 2012 SkyActiv Mazda3 with its trick new six-speed auto with the "quick-disconnect" torque converter and, if so, what were your impressions?

Ron Paris
Santa Rosa, CA

Hi,

In the 12/23/2011 edition of Investors Business Daily they had an editorial called: Taxpayers Taken for a Ride In Obama Car.

I was wondering if Autoline had any comments on this editorial.

Stephen Kutney
Endicott, NY

Hi Guys, writing to you from cold Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. Roads are not the best here so I love to watch your show to get impressions of new models, listen to your stories and keep up to date with all the news. Why don’t you make us a dvd or a downloadable movie compilation of all your road test? That would be great.

Thanks,
Mr. Pieter Pretorius

I would greatly appreciate it if you could post my final-year student project. Here are links for The Website, Press Release and Video.

Regards,
Charles Rattray

Hey John, loved the show. Actually, love the show in general.

Your mention of Victor Muller and Saab reminded me of something I'd sent to Peter via the AE comment section, BMW should buy it. BMW has clearly shown great competency in managing very different brands (as has VW, but they need another brand like a bullet in the head {or through the dash as the case may be}) and they want to roll out a FWD based car line, but that would clearly conflict with their RWD heritage and I can only imagine how confusing it'll be for customers when the number of nameplates swells because of it. The future of basic transportation seems to be front drive based cars with small displacement turbo drivetrains. If that's not synonymous with Saab (besides garage time which the BMW folk should be accustomed to) I don't know what is. Given that Muller bought Saab from GM at a ridiculous price, I can only imagine what kind of markdown potential buyers would get from the Swedish bankruptcy courts. It'd also give a new shell Peter wanted for the not-so-Mini Countryman.

It was also great seeing David Welch back on the show. I miss his insight and I find he complements you and Peter nicely seeing as you all tend to focus on different areas on any given topic. Pretty sure it's been maybe two years now that I've been following Autoline, AAH and AE and I feel like I know quite a bit more about the auto industry and automotive tech in general. Granted at 21 it’s not exactly hard to be more enlightened about cars than your peers. Don't count my generation completely out yet, I follow the automotive blogs and configure cars all the time but today was the first time in at least a year I shopped for a phone. My peers will hopefully get better with age and if the market keeps getting exciting product, they may just have the incentive to do that.

Anyways, just figured I should express my thanks for your shows and it looks like I've gotten a little carried away.

Justin Willcocks
Panama City, Florida

Hi John,

I look forward to your show everyday.

In 1975, I bought a new VW Rabbit. It had 70 Horsepower, weighed a hair under 2000 pounds, and got mid 30's MPG (28 if you hammered it all the time).

It was one of the most fun cars I've ever owned and was amazingly versatile. I once hauled a 25" Console tube TV in the back.

The UP! looks like it will do well with gas going nowhere but UP! in the future.

Alan in Oregon

John,

I saw the piece on the Golf R and was intrigued. I went to the VW website and was surprised to see the base price is $33,000 and change.

WOW that seems a lot for a tuned up GTI. I have loved VW's since the sixties and owned many air and water cooled VW's, but I think this one will be a clinker. I presume it is aimed at younger buyers, so I think most of them will opt for a Mustang or Camaro. The V6 models of both should smoke the VW on any road and get equal or better gas mileage. I would take a Camaro V6 convertible for the same price and be a lot happier.

Richard Sutherland
Albuquerque, NM

Hi folks,

Based on what I've heard and seen over the years, the following commentary by John McElroy rings true (subscription required). But . . John didn't mention that Honda and GM, to name just two I know of, as well as independent outfits like Stage 2 (ex-Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda), already have a process, open to anyone---but preferably "startups"---for evaluating new products, with the intent of funding their commercialization.

Seems to me, another dimension of the problem---though it may be the same one John suggests could be fixed by "mentoring"---is that few automakers are interested in incubating the companies/individuals who are still developing promising inventions, to get them thru R&D and into startup mode.

Silicon Valley has lately had the opposite problem: too many incubators (or "accelerators") spending too much R&D money on projects that never get to market or turn a profit.

I also see a potential for universities that collaborate with automakers to recruit outside inventors who may have technology of value to the automaker or the school (related to professors' research or student projects within the curriculum). This could create rewarding options for students and profs, the school, the automaker, and the inventor. It would require minimal investment by the school and automaker, and, if properly managed---by setting and tracking incremental R&D objectives---could result in a marketable product and, eventually, a significant return on investment. For now, poorly funded "little guy" inventors seem to be shut out of university-automaker collaborations.

Steve

I understand why Ford dropped the "Town Car" and "Continental" names, they simply let the product go stale. However, their first attempt (i.e. last 10 years) to revitalize the brand was nothing exemplary.

With this new blood in the Lincoln brand and the elapsed time from the Lincoln stigma of the 90s and early 2000s, it is time to bring the names "Town Car", "Continental" and "Mark" back. I have never been a Lincoln fan, but a new product with those classic names would ring better with me than MKZ.

Love the show!
Bradley

John,

Geely, Great Wall, BYD, ZAP-Jonway and a number of other more transient automakers are privately-owned; but Chery is controlled by the city of Wuhu in Anhui province. There were a lot of these state-controlled car companies founded by cities, provinces, the army, air force etc.-Wuhu Chery, Shanghai, FAW, Beijing, Changan, Guangqi, Jianghuai, Wuling, Fujian Soueast, Hainan etc. and Beijing has been trying to merge them into larger, stronger companies, but is hindered by local ambition and parochialism. SAIC took over Nanjing Auto, ChangAn bought Harbin Hafei and Changhe, Guangqi has taken over Zheijang Gonow and Changfeng etc.. A lot of the smaller manufacturers fold after taking federal subsidies and building at most a handful of vehicles (if any) for their local government patron (apparently Beijing is growing tired of this and is asking for audited sales figures). Entrepreneurs, most with more money than sense, often then buy the business to get highly sought after manufacturing licenses (think of your local WalMart, which usually doesn't source Chinese-made products from the same manufacturer for more than six months-they fill their contract, go out of business, and some other damn fool buys in to supply the next contract, only to fail in turn). Geely, Great Wall and BYD all got their feet in the door that way, Great Wall buying several regional light truck manufacturers (which gave them great volume with still very little sign of spending any money on development). Even the private companies however still need Beijing's sanction for every new factory investment and the production of every new model-complete with government-assigned model codes for every model and engine. In this way it is much more like Nazi Germany than Communist Russia.

Andrew Charles