Autoline This Week
Autoline
Last episode almost 4 years agoIn depth discussions of the most important trends and developments shaping the automotive industry with industry executives and the top auto journalists. Your half-hour update on what they’re talking about in the C-suites.
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Episodes (685)
Autoline This Week #1640: Retooling the Standard
It used to be a Cadillac world. Recognized as the top luxury car, its name became synonymous with the best of anything. But then came the 1980s with production issues, an aging demographic and worse, competition from around the world. Suddenly, as Eric Burdon and The Animals sang, their best just wasn’t good enough. For 5, 10, 20 years, the brand wavered until the latest models have shown a bit of life. The man in charge of restoring the luxury nameplate to the top is Don Butler, VP of Global Marketing for Cadillac. He is John McElroy’s special guest on Autoline This Week. Joining the panel are Tim Higgins from Bloomberg and Aaron Bragman from IHS Automotive.
Autoline This Week #1640: Retooling the Standard
It used to be a Cadillac world. Recognized as the top luxury car, its name became synonymous with the best of anything. But then came the 1980s with production issues, an aging demographic and worse, competition from around the world. Suddenly, as Eric Burdon and The Animals sang, their best just wasn’t good enough. For 5, 10, 20 years, the brand wavered until the latest models have shown a bit of life. The man in charge of restoring the luxury nameplate to the top is Don Butler, VP of Global Marketing for Cadillac. He is John McElroy’s special guest on Autoline This Week. Joining the panel are Tim Higgins from Bloomberg and Aaron Bragman from IHS Automotive.
Autoline This Week #1639: Running On Empty
A few years ago many believed ethanol was the answer to our fuel questions. There was refining capacity, plenty of corn and OEM commitment with their Flex Fuel option. Fast forward to 2012 and it’s a totally different landscape. There are more and more small cars on the road being powered by 40+mpg engines. But just as important, we’re facing the effects of the worst drought in 50 years. In fact, the USDA says the corn yield may come in at 1995 levels, which is worse than predicted. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to an expert panel for an in-depth look at the ethanol issue and see where we go from here. Joining John are Candace Wheeler from General Motors, James Frusti of Chrysler and Professor Bruce Dale from Michigan State University.
Autoline This Week #1639: Running On Empty
A few years ago many believed ethanol was the answer to our fuel questions. There was refining capacity, plenty of corn and OEM commitment with their Flex Fuel option. Fast forward to 2012 and it’s a totally different landscape. There are more and more small cars on the road being powered by 40+mpg engines. But just as important, we’re facing the effects of the worst drought in 50 years. In fact, the USDA says the corn yield may come in at 1995 levels, which is worse than predicted. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to an expert panel for an in-depth look at the ethanol issue and see where we go from here. Joining John are Candace Wheeler from General Motors, James Frusti of Chrysler and Professor Bruce Dale from Michigan State University.
Autoline This Week #1638: Behind Closed Doors
Automakers protect their secrets like the U.S. Army guards Fort Knox. And the biggest secrets they have are their future designs. That’s why few people and fewer cameras are granted access to the inner sanctum of automotive design studios. So it is with great pleasure that John McElroy and the Autoline crew take you inside one of the most historic buildings in the auto industry, as well as one of the toughest to gain admittance, General Motors Design. Global Design Chief Ed Welburn talks with John and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com before giving them a behind-the-scenes tour through this top secret facility.
Autoline This Week #1638: Behind Closed Doors
Automakers protect their secrets like the U.S. Army guards Fort Knox. And the biggest secrets they have are their future designs. That’s why few people and fewer cameras are granted access to the inner sanctum of automotive design studios. So it is with great pleasure that John McElroy and the Autoline crew take you inside one of the most historic buildings in the auto industry, as well as one of the toughest to gain admittance, General Motors Design. Global Design Chief Ed Welburn talks with John and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com before giving them a behind-the-scenes tour through this top secret facility.
Autoline This Week #1636: Maximum Bob’s Garage
Hidden down a long driveway behind two locked gates and four garage doors is the private car collection of one of the most respected “car guys” in history, Bob Lutz. Rarely do journalists get a glimpse of these cars let alone an exclusive tour as he gave Autoline. So join host John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com as “Maximum Bob” gives them a look at some of his prized cars including a 1934 LaSalle, his unique ‘70s Swiss-made Monteverdi and even the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 he found completely by accident a few years ago which originally belonged to his father. Exotic cars, rare motorcycles and even collector bikes all from the garage of Bob Lutz this week on Autoline.
Autoline This Week #1636: Maximum Bob’s Garage
Hidden down a long driveway behind two locked gates and four garage doors is the private car collection of one of the most respected “car guys” in history, Bob Lutz. Rarely do journalists get a glimpse of these cars let alone an exclusive tour as he gave Autoline. So join host John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com as “Maximum Bob” gives them a look at some of his prized cars including a 1934 LaSalle, his unique ‘70s Swiss-made Monteverdi and even the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 he found completely by accident a few years ago which originally belonged to his father. Exotic cars, rare motorcycles and even collector bikes all from the garage of Bob Lutz this week on Autoline.
Autoline This Week #1635: Taking the Wheel
There’s been a product renaissance at Ford the last few years, thanks in large part to Global Product Chief, and 33-year veteran of the company, Derrick Kuzak. But when Kuzak announced he was retiring earlier this year it didn’t take Ford long to find his replacement. Raj Nair started with the company in 1987 and has worked all over the world in various capacities. Now as he takes control of the product wheel for Ford we’ll see if he can keep the momentum going. This week he joins host John McElroy and panelists Tony Swan from Heart Magazines and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press as our guest on Autoline This Week.
Autoline This Week #1635: Taking the Wheel
There’s been a product renaissance at Ford the last few years, thanks in large part to Global Product Chief, and 33-year veteran of the company, Derrick Kuzak. But when Kuzak announced he was retiring earlier this year it didn’t take Ford long to find his replacement. Raj Nair started with the company in 1987 and has worked all over the world in various capacities. Now as he takes control of the product wheel for Ford we’ll see if he can keep the momentum going. This week he joins host John McElroy and panelists Tony Swan from Heart Magazines and Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press as our guest on Autoline This Week.
Autoline This Week #1631: The Sunroof Ceiling
It’s tough to get to the top of the auto industry, but it’s especially hard for female executives. That’s why even today the culture continues to be male-dominated. So with more and more women involved in the industry how do the experts see them breaking through the Sunroof Ceiling and eventually running a car company or some of the top suppliers. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week to discuss the topic are three executives with personal knowledge of the struggle. Jeneanne Hanley is vice president of Lear Corporation while Colleen Haley is the Executive VP of Yazaki and Terry Barclay is the president and CEO of Inforum, a professional women’s alliance.
Autoline This Week #1631: The Sunroof Ceiling
It’s tough to get to the top of the auto industry, but it’s especially hard for female executives. That’s why even today the culture continues to be male-dominated. So with more and more women involved in the industry how do the experts see them breaking through the Sunroof Ceiling and eventually running a car company or some of the top suppliers. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week to discuss the topic are three executives with personal knowledge of the struggle. Jeneanne Hanley is vice president of Lear Corporation while Colleen Haley is the Executive VP of Yazaki and Terry Barclay is the president and CEO of Inforum, a professional women’s alliance.
Autoline This Week #1630: Delusion vs. Deluding
We buy brands. Sure, there are those consumers who diligently search out the best product or deal, but for the most part, Americans love their brands. Especially when it comes to cars. But as the competition continues to get tougher, how are car companies caring for those brands? On Autoline This Week John McElroy is joined by a panel of marketing experts who explore the provocative questions: are some automakers deluding their brands by removing the essence that made it special, or are their marketing departments delusional believing everything is just fine and they don’t need any TLC. Joining John with insight on those topics and more are Christie Nordhielm, Marketing Professor from the University of Michigan, Peter De Lorenzo, Editor-in-Chief of Autoextremist.com and Michael Robinet an analyst with IHS Automotive.
Autoline This Week #1630: Delusion vs. Deluding
We buy brands. Sure, there are those consumers who diligently search out the best product or deal, but for the most part, Americans love their brands. Especially when it comes to cars. But as the competition continues to get tougher, how are car companies caring for those brands? On Autoline This Week John McElroy is joined by a panel of marketing experts who explore the provocative questions: are some automakers deluding their brands by removing the essence that made it special, or are their marketing departments delusional believing everything is just fine and they don’t need any TLC. Joining John with insight on those topics and more are Christie Nordhielm, Marketing Professor from the University of Michigan, Peter De Lorenzo, Editor-in-Chief of Autoextremist.com and Michael Robinet an analyst with IHS Automotive.
Autoline This Week #1629: Skin in the Game
Back in 5th grade science class we all learned what happens when a snake molts -- it loses its skin, becoming in-essence an all-new serpent. That’s kind of what’s been going on over at Chrysler the last few years with Viper. Once Dodge’s proud ruler of the performance road -- nearly lost amid the financial turmoil -- has been reborn under the Street and Racing Technology brand, is now ready to take on the competition with the new 2012 model. Our special guest on Autoline This Week to discuss Viper, the SRT brand as well as Dodge Design itself is the man in charge of all three, Ralph Gilles. Joining John McElroy on his panel are Scott Burgess of AOL Autos and Chris Paukert of Autoblog.com.
Autoline This Week #1629: Skin in the Game
Back in 5th grade science class we all learned what happens when a snake molts -- it loses its skin, becoming in-essence an all-new serpent. That’s kind of what’s been going on over at Chrysler the last few years with Viper. Once Dodge’s proud ruler of the performance road -- nearly lost amid the financial turmoil -- has been reborn under the Street and Racing Technology brand, is now ready to take on the competition with the new 2012 model. Our special guest on Autoline This Week to discuss Viper, the SRT brand as well as Dodge Design itself is the man in charge of all three, Ralph Gilles. Joining John McElroy on his panel are Scott Burgess of AOL Autos and Chris Paukert of Autoblog.com.
Autoline This Week #1628: MPGee Whiz
There are more cars on the road getting 40 miles per gallon than ever before. Partly due to new CAFE standards and driven by the engineers at OEMs and their suppliers, consumers now have a number of gas-saving powertrains to choose from today. Whether it’s the new ICEs, hybrids, electrics or a plug-in version like the Volt, we’ve never had more fuel efficient transportation that didn’t walk on four legs. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to a panel of powertrain experts about today’s advancements and what will be driving us in the near future and beyond. Joining John are Christopher Thomas from BorgWarner’s Advanced Engineering Group, Roger Clark from GM’s Energy Center, and Chrysler Powertrain VP Dr. Mircea Gradu.
Autoline This Week #1628: MPGee Whiz
There are more cars on the road getting 40 miles per gallon than ever before. Partly due to new CAFE standards and driven by the engineers at OEMs and their suppliers, consumers now have a number of gas-saving powertrains to choose from today. Whether it’s the new ICEs, hybrids, electrics or a plug-in version like the Volt, we’ve never had more fuel efficient transportation that didn’t walk on four legs. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to a panel of powertrain experts about today’s advancements and what will be driving us in the near future and beyond. Joining John are Christopher Thomas from BorgWarner’s Advanced Engineering Group, Roger Clark from GM’s Energy Center, and Chrysler Powertrain VP Dr. Mircea Gradu.
Autoline This Week #1627: Half-Way Point
During any race there’s always that one point where you evaluate where you are in the pack and what it’s going to take to get to the finish line. That’s what John McElroy and his panel do on Autoline this week for the 2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year candidates. Joining him to discuss cars like the Acura ILX, Cadillac’s XTS and the all-new Nissan Altima are fellow NACTOY jurors Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press and Paul Eisenstein from The Detroit Bureau.
Autoline This Week #1627: Half-Way Point
During any race there’s always that one point where you evaluate where you are in the pack and what it’s going to take to get to the finish line. That’s what John McElroy and his panel do on Autoline this week for the 2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year candidates. Joining him to discuss cars like the Acura ILX, Cadillac’s XTS and the all-new Nissan Altima are fellow NACTOY jurors Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press and Paul Eisenstein from The Detroit Bureau.
Autoline This Week #1626: We Try Harder
In 1963 Avis Rent-a-Car came up with iconic “We Try Harder” slogan, which it has carried ever since. But it also seems to be the perfect phrase to describe the current race for the number one selling car in America. After years of playing not just second but third fiddle to the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, Nissan has unveiled its striking new Altima and believes this car is prepared to finally challenge that number one slot. That’s why John McElroy and Autoline go on-the-road this week to Nashville, Tennessee to visit the home of Nissan Americas and to talk with the team in charge of taking Altima to number 1.
Autoline This Week #1626: We Try Harder
In 1963 Avis Rent-a-Car came up with iconic “We Try Harder” slogan, which it has carried ever since. But it also seems to be the perfect phrase to describe the current race for the number one selling car in America. After years of playing not just second but third fiddle to the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, Nissan has unveiled its striking new Altima and believes this car is prepared to finally challenge that number one slot. That’s why John McElroy and Autoline go on-the-road this week to Nashville, Tennessee to visit the home of Nissan Americas and to talk with the team in charge of taking Altima to number 1.
Autoline This Week #1625: Engines of Change
Pick up any car magazines and you’ll find lists. Lists for best car, lists for worst MPGs, lists for most collectible and so on. But the one list that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Ingrassia could not find is the subject of his new book “Engines of Change.” Mr. Ingrassia looked at our car culture and has come up with a list of vehicles and how they have impacted our entire American society. John McElroy leads a fascinating discussion with Mr. Ingrassia and panelists Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com.
Autoline This Week #1625: Engines of Change
Pick up any car magazines and you’ll find lists. Lists for best car, lists for worst MPGs, lists for most collectible and so on. But the one list that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Ingrassia could not find is the subject of his new book “Engines of Change.” Mr. Ingrassia looked at our car culture and has come up with a list of vehicles and how they have impacted our entire American society. John McElroy leads a fascinating discussion with Mr. Ingrassia and panelists Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com.
Autoline This Week #1622: Highly Charged
As more and more of those alternatively-powered vehicles hit the streets around America, the potential legal issues grow. We’ve already seen batteries burst into flames so who knows what lies ahead with hybrids, pure electrics, hydrogen or natural gas vehicles? Manufacturers are keeping a close eye on the situation within not only their research and development departments, but legal ones as well. Joining John McElroy to talk about these potentially explosive issues is an expert panel including, Fred Fresard from the suburban Detroit law firm Dykema, automotive consultant Thomas Livernois and Mike Ramsey from the Wall Street Journal.