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 #1430: Family
FamilyIt's often said that the most important part of human life is family. Despite the fact that you may argue with your father on almost everything or your Aunt Rose still squeezes your checks at 35, being able to gather, celebrate and mourn together is unique to the human existence. Plus, that structure provides a perfect environment, which allows us to learn from one another, perhaps about our heritage or maybe life itself.Of course when it comes to corporations things are a little different to say the least, however, some do embrace the family structure for a variety of reasons. In the automotive industry, for instance, a company like Toyota offers customers three distinct brands that are aimed at different socioeconomic groups. The youngest member of that family, Scion, was created just a few short years ago and provides the entire corporate unit a young and unique set of products and customers. Jack Hollis is in charge of Scion in North America and he joins John McElroy on this week's edition of Autoline Detroit. Mike Ramsey from the Wall Street Journal and Greg Gardner of the Detroit Free Press join in the discussion.
Autoline #1429: Containment
ContainmentIt may be a noun with three different meanings, but the word containment has filtered into our daily lives. From news stories spotlighting the Gulf of Mexico to military strategies on the Asian continent, we think of it in big picture terms, but it effects us much differently. Containment is more personal, especially as it relates to transportation. Whether it's your own vehicle or public transportation, the driving force underneath the hood of both modes are fluids; oil, water and gasoline to name three. Delivering those fluids throughout the vehicle is complicated to say the least. And that's where containment comes in.One of the top companies in the automotive "containment" field if you will, is TI Automotive. It's been building fluid delivery systems since the days of the Model T. Joining John McElroy to discuss today's complicated world of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology is TIA President & CEO Bill Kozyra. And joining in on the conversation is Dave VanderWerp of Car and Driver.
Autoline #1428: Listening Booth: 2010 - Part 2
Listening Booth: 2010 - Part 2With a nod to our inspiration, musician Marc Cohn's new release "Listening Booth: 1970," in Autoline's 2010 version last week, our focus wasn't on forty-year-old songs, but rather a fresh look at Ford's recent comeback. And that look came from the eyes of someone who has watched it up close -- the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lewis Booth. In last week's Part 1 he gave us an accounting of that comeback touching on a variety of subjects including its well-received new products, its surprising profit as well as its still-looming debt.This week Mr. Booth is back for Part 2 of our discussion with a deeper dive into Ford's present and future. Join John McElroy along with the New York Times' Bill Vlasic and former Car & Driver chief Csaba Csere as they talk with the man who could be the company's next Alan Mulally.
Autoline #1427: Listening Booth: 2010
Listening Booth: 2010Putting a new twist on "the classics" is suddenly chic and popular. Just ask musician Marc Cohn whose new recording, "Listening Booth: 1970" -- a collection of songs from that year -- is a hit on Billboard. Who would've thought re-creating 40-year-old songs like "Wild World" from Cat Stevens, The Grateful Dead's "New Speedway Boogie" or "Make It With You" by Bread of all groups would raise a winner, yet it did. But maybe given what's been going on in Dearborn recently we shouldn't be so surprised.After all, who would've thought even just two years ago that re-creating "classics" like Fiesta, Taurus and Explorer would be returning Ford to its past sales glory, but it is. Of course it's much more than just a couple of new cars that's making the difference, but, as any of the Ford team will tell you, having fresh, quality product doesn't hurt. To understand what's driving Ford back to the top of the industry, this week Autoline takes a turn in its own "Listening Booth", as the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth joins John McElroy for the first of two shows. Joining John and Mr. Booth on the panel are Bill Vlasic from the New York Times and former chief of Car & Driver magazine Csaba Csere.
Autoline #1426: Autolineian
AutolineianAnalysis always seems more important when it has a name attached to it. Take the world of psychology for instance. Sigmund Freud's surname established the famous 'Freudian' school of psychoanalysis while his contemporary Carl Jung gave us the 'Jungian' version. Two names that have stood the test of time when it comes to branding analysis. So when it comes to the automotive world is it out of bounds to ask if that type of analysis should also have some sort of moniker? Well this week Autoline Detroit does its best to answer that question as it features three top-notch automotive analysts who opine on everything from the current state of the industry, its 2010 sales, the resurrection of the Detroit Three and those all-important breakthrough vehicles like the Volt and the Leaf we keep waiting for. Joining John McElroy on the his 'Autolineian' panel are Rebecca Lindland and John Wolkonowicz two senior analysts from IHS Global Insight and Erich Merkle from Autoconomy.
Autoline #1425: Hands Down
Hands DownWithout a doubt, some of the reasons are simple. Old line factories have closed, there's more automation in those that remain and foreign companies are building in right-to-work states. With all that working against them, it's understandable why membership in the United Auto Workers has fallen the last thirty years. Like the constant drip from a faulty faucet, the pool of workers from this once dominant union has been slipping away losing more than a million since its peak in the '70s.But don't cry for Bob King, the new UAW president. Elected merely a month ago, he knows the job in front of him and it's no easy task. Not only does he have to retain his current members, but reach out and recruit new ones. Just how he does that is one of the biggest challenges he'll face. But wait, don't forget about the questions surrounding The Detroit Three. How will the UAW deal with not only the success of Ford, but also the rebuilding at GM & Chrysler?These are just a few of the tough questions that our all-star panel tackles on this week's Autoline Detroit. Joining John McElroy to discuss the future of the UAW are Sean McAlinden from CAR, Joe Szczesny from the Oakland Press and Robert Chiaravalli of Strategic Labor & Human Resources.
Autoline #1424: B Driven
B DrivenYou can see it, can't you? The slow-motion black and white shots of sweaty sinewy muscles inter-cut with close-ups of a certain athletic footwear and a simple closing graphic. Of course you could "IF" this really were the next iconic brand message from Nike. But this "B Driven" headline references the tsunami of new compact cars that will soon engulf America. And though the Bs lead the list, this week on Autoline Detroit we look at several new cars, trucks and crossovers either out now or poised to hit the marketplace soon. Joining John McElroy for this new vehicle smorgasbord are two of his fellow voters on the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, Tony Swan from Car and Driver and Michelle Krebs of Edmunds.com. Throughout the show they'll be discussing many of the potential award-winners that could come from virtually any segment including luxury entrants like the CTS Coupe from Cadillac or the latest XJ from Jaguar. Of course performance cars are always in the spotlight especially with new products such as BMW's 5 Series and Ford's iconic Mustang with not one but two all-new powertrains: a V-6 and, finally, an honest-to-goodness 5-Liter. And of course there are crossovers as well like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento and Infiniti QX56 to talk about. But without a doubt, the largest group of important cars coming out this year are indeed the Bs: Ford Fiesta, MAZDA2 and Chevrolet Cruze -- to name three of the bigger volume models -- will be getting the most attention from critics and consumers alike. So join John and his NACTOY panel for a look at the latest and greatest coming to dealer lots this week on Autoline Detroit.
Autoline #1423: Detroit Drift
Detroit DriftEven though it may sound like the next installment in "The Fast & Furious" franchise, this drift refers to what's going on right now in the auto industry in not only Detroit but across the globe. Fresh leaders, closed brands and new marketing plans are just a few of the topics that go into evaluating today's automotive landscape by R.L. Polk, the 140-year-old analytical firm with long-time Detroit roots.So if anyone knows what's going on with sales trends, market position and brand loyalty -- to name a few -- it's Stephen Polk, Chairman, President and CEO of the company. On this week's special July 4th edition of Autoline Detroit, Mr. Polk joins John McElroy to discuss the latest news on everything from sagging spring sales to the potential plug-in revolution. And joining John on this week's journalist panel are Jeff Green from Bloomberg News and Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press.
Autoline #1422: Mythology
MythologyThe Greek culture has given the world significant contributions in several areas. One of the more interesting is the bizarre mixture of heroes, villains, mortals and gods constructed, most experts say, to explain the mysteries of life. How ironic that so much of what we know as 'Greek Mythology' was centered around the ancient city of Delphi. Ironic because the Delphi we're familiar with today had its own mythology; a Tier One supplier born from General Motors in the '90s with a similar lineup of enigmatic characters who mysteriously turned a thriving company into a bankrupt one.For the last five years the corporation has struggled until it emerged from bankruptcy late last year. Led out by Rodney O'Neal, its current CEO and President who has been around the company since its GM years, Delphi today is much leaner and much less dependent on its former #1 customer. So equipped with a variety of new clients as well as fresh innovative electronic products, Mr. O'Neal believes that Delphi is ready to reclaim what it lost over these last few years, namely sales and market share.This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy welcomes Rodney O'Neal of Delphi Automotive. Joining John on his panel are Tom Murphy from WardsAuto.com and Carol Cain of CBS Television Detroit.
Autoline #1421: Grand Re-Opening
Grand Re-OpeningFourteen months ago Chrysler was closing down. We're all familiar with the strange turns the story took. From bankruptcy to Obama to Italy and back, Chrysler survived, jobs were saved and the Pentastar was back in business. Well almost. There was that little thing about new product; it didn't have any and wasn't expected for some time. With its competitors pumping out fresh cars and trucks seemingly each month, it didn't seem like a scenario for success.But somehow, someway Chrysler cobbled together a year of better sales with that aged product and, lo and behold, today it finally has something it hasn't had in over twelve months: a new vehicle in the form of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now it still is the "only" new vehicle available to its dealers for the near future but don't try to rain on Mike Manley's parade with that observation. Jeep's President and CEO is excited about this brand new SUV and what it says about his brand, the company's upcoming products and the future of the new Chrysler itself.For a closer look at this all new Grand Cherokee, the Jeep brand and how it fits into Sergio Marchionne's plan for Chrysler, join John McElroy as he welcomes Mike Manley as his guest on this week's Autoline Detroit. Joining John on his panel are Bob Gritzinger from AutoWeek and Scott Burgess of The Detroit News.
Autoline #1420: Elbow Room
Elbow RoomLike it or not, we're all fast becoming neighbors. As the world's population continues to boom and more and more people congregate in urban areas we've created a phenomenon known as megacities. These are metropolitan areas around the globe with populations that exceed 10 million. New York and Los Angeles are the U.S. flagbearers in this urban Olympics which includes places like Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai and 20 others (so far). The development of these small population nations has a unique set of challenges in which 'movement' is perhaps the most vital. No matter how you cut it whether it comes to work, food, education or entertainment, transportation or 'movement' within the megacity is the key. How does it take place now? How will it take place in the future as these megacities continue to grow? What will move people around the area and, finally, what are automotive companies designing for that eventual future?These are just some of the provocative questions that were tackled at the 7th Annual Michelin Auto Design Panel recently held at the Detroit Athletic Club and the subject of this week's Autoline Detroit. John McElroy served as the Master of Ceremonies for this Automobile Press Association sponsored event. Joining John on the panel were: Clay Dean, director of GM Advanced Design, Scott Strong, Ford's Global Interior Design Director, Phil Zak, Chief Designer at Hyundai North America and Larry Erickson, the Transportation Design Department Chair at the College of Creative Studies.
Autoline #1419: Purchasing Power
Purchasing PowerBuying in bulk has never been more popular. Warehouse shopping at places like Costco and Sam's Club has sold many consumers on the procurement secrets of the Big Three -- buy in quantity and the unit price goes down. Whether or not that practice is good for every household is another question, however, there's no doubting that it's a winner for the OEMs. Just ask Tom Stallkamp. The former vice chairman and board member of DaimlerChrysler worked his way to the top through Procurement and Supply. Perhaps the only Big Three CEO to ever do so. And he got there by developing innovative purchasing programs and partnerships for Chrysler like SCORE (Supplier Cost Reduction Effort) and the company's 'Extended Enterprise' concept.Today, removed from the the daily automotive grind for more than a decade, Mr. Stallkamp is an Industrial Partner with the private equity group Ripplewood Holdings, yet he remains a keen observer of the industry. This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy welcomes Thomas Stallkamp, one of the most successful automotive leaders in the last thirty years, to the program for his analysis on the continuing upheaval in the automotive world. Joining John on his panel are Edward Lapham from Automotive News and Neal Boudette of the Wall Street Journal.
Autoline #1418: An Incredible Ride
An Incredible RideIt started last year with a simple e-mail between two 'car guys.' That's when Victor Muller the creator of the small exotic luxury brand Spyker petitioned Bob Lutz, the then Vice Chairman of General Motors. Mr. Muller was interested in the corporation's plans for his childhood dream car SAAB. GM, as you'll recall, was staggering out of bankruptcy and in the middle of jettisoning brands like a Golden Retriever sheds its winter coat. Pontiac was closing while Hummer, Saturn and SAAB were all up for sale but in danger of winding down as well. That one November e-mail sparked a heart-pounding 'live-or- die' three months for this iconic Swedish brand. The "incredible ride" as Victor Muller himself describes it finally ended earlier this year with ownership firmly in the hands of this Dutch entrepreneur.On this week's show John McElroy welcomes the new owner of SAAB Victor Muller to Autoline Detroit where he'll discuss not only his suspense-filled acquisition of the car company, but more importantly, how he intends to do what GM couldn't do with the brand and that is sell cars and make money. Joining John on the panel are Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and David Welch from Bloomberg Businessweek.
Autoline #1417: Platforms
PlatformsLike many other areas of 21st century life, the publishing world is in an upheaval. Newspapers are consolidating and closing while books are turning into digital devices and music virtually floats around the Internet for free. Yet perhaps the sector with the most on the line is the magazine; those recurrent glossy periodicals that cater to our every interest, taste and whim. The problem is that the magazine audience is getting a little long in the tooth -- to put it mildly -- yielding decreasing sales across the board. And no place is that more evident than with the automotive enthusiast magazine crowd. From Automobile to Car and Driver to Motor Trend to Road & Track, no matter the name, no matter the content, everyone is losing out to the Internet. So the multi-million dollar question is how can these grand old dames of the enthusiast set transfer the magazine experience to a new generation -- one that doesn't so much read information as it does devour it. Well, one answer may be platforms. Creating unique content specifically for a digital device. Of course that's easier said that done because then you still have to have an audience who buys it.Joining John McElroy to discuss the short and long term future of the automotive enthusiast magazines is a panel who knows the issues first hand. Csaba Csere worked for Car and Driver magazine for nearly three decades leaving as Editor-in-Chief in 2008. Eddie Alterman is charged with facing those challenges today as the current Editor-in- Chief of Car and Driver while John Neff and his popular website, Autoblog.com, is just one of the reasons that the enthusiast crowd is looking for new workable options like platforms.
Autoline #1416: The Perfect Marriage
The Perfect MarriageIt happened last century. Way back, nearly a hundred years ago; a union so sweet, so hand-in-glove that to this day many of us still take it for granted. The alliance was a smart, sublime coupling of west coast imagery and Midwest manufacturing yielding the perfect marriage: the mating of cars and movies.That's right from Laurel and Hardy to Roger and Me, from the Love Bug to Bullitt, celluloid seemed made for our four-wheeled wonders. In fact, if anything its worked almost too well. From the early days of the silent films all the way up to today's 3D digital blockbusters, cars continue to be enormous stars. But with so many movies in the car film universe, whenever you start to pull together your favorites, it's a list that can careen out of control pretty "Fast and Furious." That's why here at Autoline we leave that sort of heavy lifting to the experts. Joining us for Round Two of our Autoline look at history's greatest car films are Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Peter De Lorenzo of Autoextremist.com. From racing to comedy to Bond to cult, our panel critiques these great films and tells you why, if you have yet to see some of them, you need to put them on your own personal list.
Autoline #1415: Just Do It
Just Do ItFor more than two decades those three words have branded Nike into the public consciousness helping make it the success that it continues to be. Of course having great product didn't hurt, but really, the Wieden and Kennedy advertising team who developed the famous tag line, and subsequent media campaigns, are as responsible as anyone for putting Nike into homes and locker rooms around the world. That's why behind seemingly every successful consumer goods business is an ethos of creative energy -- a team if you will -- that helps sell that product to all of us.The auto industry is no different. Its storied advertising history is not only well-documented but ingrained in our memories. The problem with that is the "history" part. Some experts believe that automotive advertising sort of flies under the radar these days trying to attract but not offend leaving the pubic many times with nothing more than a milquetoast impression. The question becomes is that the result of an overall strategy or is there something else at work? Are brand issues, globalization or perhaps the financial tumult responsible for this change of style?This week on Autoline Detroit John McElroy and his panel of experts tackle the ever-changing world of automobile advertising. Joining John to discuss what's been going on and where it all might be headed are advertising journalist Jean Halliday, former ad man turned commentator David Kiley with AOL Autos and an award-winning advertising veteran who is still on the front lines Gary Topolewski.
Autoline #1414: Soapbox
SoapboxThe next time you're in a store take a walk down the detergent aisle and check out the dozens of different products. Some of the packages that look so comfortable on the shelf may have actually started life as an avatar -- a virtual product in an equally digital grocery store. That may be news when it comes to consumer products but automakers have been engaged with 3-dimension computer design for some time now. In fact this virtual universe allows the manufacturers of these complex machines to take them from concept to clearance -- as it were -- through a process called PLM or Product Lifecycle Management. Not only is it a huge cost saver when it comes to time and materials, but it also gives designers, engineers and marketers alike, 21st Century advantages that their earlier counterparts could only imagine.This week on Autoline the top executive at one of the world's pre- eminent PLM companies joins John to discuss the process and how it continues to revolutionize the auto industry. Bernard Charles, President and CEO of Dassault Systemes talks about the impact of PLM on all of us and how Dassault is out to bring the 3D experience to our daily lives. Joining John and Mr. Charles on the panel are Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com and Christopher Sawyer of Cars In Context.
Autoline #1413: Habits
HabitsThey're defined as acquired behavior patterns that are uniquely involuntary. Known to most of the planet as habits, they come from two camps. Some can be bad if it's a personal glitch or foible while others might be good if it leads to a desired end product.Especially if that product is quality. After all, it was the Greek philosopher Aristotle who was first to recognize some 2,300 years ago that "Quality is not an act, it is a habit." Unfortunately, during the late 20th century, American car makers weren't reading much Aristotle, or so it seemed.Today we're not sure if the Greek Philosopher has become required auto industry reading or not, but we can say with certainty that U.S. quality numbers are up and up significantly. And on this week's Autoline, one of the executives in charge of that change joins John McElroy and his panel to tell us how they're doing it. Bennie Fowler has been on the front lines of this issue for more than three decades. From his days at General Motors in the '70s and '80s into his early years at Ford, he observed the mistakes, the lack of quality, the bad habits if you will, that the American OEMs had eased into. For the last four years he has been in charge of reversing that trend at Ford. And if you look at the numbers, he, and many others in the company, appear to be doing just that.Joining John on this week's panel are Brent Snavely with Detroit Free Press and Bryce Hoffman of The Detroit News.
Autoline #1412: Knots Landing
Knots LandingWhen it comes to television dramas since the '70s, few have been more consistent than life within the California cul-de-sac called Seaview Circle. And when it comes to automotive drama over that same time frame who has been more compelling than Auburn Hills-based Chrysler? On the precipice of bankruptcy one moment, onto salvation and success the next, then through a merger, a sale and then back to bankruptcy; if this had been a show on CBS it would have an armoire of EMMYs. Instead, today it has a mercurial Italian owner and a dubious future. And that's the GOOD NEWS!Welcome to the "new, newer, newest" iteration of Chrysler, the smallest of the historic Big Three. The challenges of this company are too numerous to list here, but obviously one of the biggest is building quality cars and trucks. And these days you're not going to do that without good suppliers. But with the way that community has been treated by the last two regimes, you sometimes wonder who would still want to do business with Chrysler.Enter Dan Knott, 20-year veteran of the Chrysler culture, and the new head of Purchasing. Mr. Knott joins John McElroy and his panel to discuss the new way of doing business with Chrysler. One that he hopes takes them back to the pre-Daimler days of strong vendor relationships and great Chrysler products.Joining John on his panel are Eric Mayne from WardsAuto.com and Daniel Howes, columnist from The Detroit News.
Autoline #1411: Stop Your Sobbing
Stop Your SobbingYou may recognize the headline above as a famous '60s song written by the Kinks. However, when GM exited from bankruptcy last year it almost turned that hallowed tune on its head. With brands being jettisoned left and right, "Stop Your SAABBING" -- recorded by Big Ed & The Board -- seemed like the song Detroit was ready to export to Trollhattan, Sweden, home of the iconic motor company SAAB. And as word of its impending doom grew you could practically hear the cries from the Swedish automaker's loyal community for a white knight to save their favorite cars. But instead of resolution came the teeter- totering spectacle where one moment the the brand was saved by some international buyer, while the next the doors were being locked for good.Yet in the end, Dutch businessman Victor Muller rode in to save the day on a white hand-built Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder and stopped all the potential sobbing with his purchase of SAAB. And now the resurrection begins. But how can a car company that sold less than 9,000 vehicles last year in America be reborn?For those answers and details on the plan itself join John McElroy and his Autoline panel -- Todd Lassa of Motor Trend and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal -- as they talk SAAB with Mike Colleran the man in charge.
Autoline #1410: Reputation
ReputationIn today's high-tech world, it may be hard to believe but there was once a time in America where the best place to enjoy a movie was in your car. This loose-knit community of film-goers would usually meet on a weekend night in a parking lot full of poles known as a Drive- In. Most are now gone, replaced by so many strip malls and condominiums. However, the yearning for that life lives on in many.Well, Autoline may not be able to duplicate the experience in its entirety, but this week's show transforms itself into your own personal drive-in as we feature films "About, Starring and Containing" cars. Our panel of auto experts turned film critics reveal their cinematic interpretations of "The Good" (Bullitt), "The Bad" (Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill) and "The Ugly" (The Betsy), along with a fascinating list of films scattered in-between.Join John McEloy as he goes to the movies with Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Peter De Lorenzo Autoextremist.com for a look at Hollywood's love and obsession with cars.
Autoline #1409: Hollywood Drivin'
Hollywood Drivin'In today's high-tech world, it may be hard to believe but there was once a time in America where the best place to enjoy a movie was in your car. This loose-knit community of film-goers would usually meet on a weekend night in a parking lot full of poles known as a Drive- In. Most are now gone, replaced by so many strip malls and condominiums. However, the yearning for that life lives on in many.Well, Autoline may not be able to duplicate the experience in its entirety, but this week's show transforms itself into your own personal drive-in as we feature films "About, Starring and Containing" cars. Our panel of auto experts turned film critics reveal their cinematic interpretations of "The Good" (Bullitt), "The Bad" (Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill) and "The Ugly" (The Betsy), along with a fascinating list of films scattered in-between.Join John McEloy as he goes to the movies with Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics, Todd Lassa from Motor Trend and Peter De Lorenzo Autoextremist.com for a look at Hollywood's love and obsession with cars.
Autoline #1408: Tiger Woods or Tylenol
Tiger Woods or TylenolA dizzying number of consumer products have been introduced over the last thirty years. And though thousands have succeeded over that time few have achieved the Mount Olympus of brand recognition that translates into the multi-million dollar world of annual sales. And even fewer from that list have survived a potential public relations nightmare that backed the brand into a corner. For the last three months we've been watching the Tiger Woods brand undergo such scrutiny, while 28-years ago Johnson & Johnson faced an even greater disaster with its Tylenol over-the-counter medication. Tylenol, by all accounts, became the gold standard of resuscitating a brand with great corporate public relations. The same can't be said for the Tiger Woods brand though the entire story is yet to be written.Meanwhile Toyota, long one of the most solid brands throughout the world, is currently at a similar crossroads. For the last six months the company has experienced one bad story about its products after another. Accelerators, brakes, cars and recalls have contributed to the public waterboarding of this once proud seemingly indestructible brand. And it doesn't help that the hits keep coming.So going forward from today, what path will the company take? What are the challenges it faces in public relations, in marketing and with the automotive world itself? This week Autoline hosts three experts from these disparate fields to talk turkey to and about the Toyota brand, the Toyota company and the Toyota bottom line. Joining John McElroy to do just that are Maria Leonhauser from the world of public relations, Paul Haelterman an authority in auto analysis and Christie Nordhielm who gave us "The Big Picture," literally, with her book on marketing challenges and solutions for companies like Toyota.
Autoline #1407: The Eyes Have It
The Eyes Have ItWhether it's in the U.S. Senate, the California State House or your own city council, any simple up or down tally where "the ayes have it" can have a significant impact on voters' lives. However, when it comes to having an impact in the world of advertising, there is no bigger forum than the Super Bowl. Especially when there are 106 million potential consumers watching. Truly a place where the "eyes" indeed have it. So for 44 consecutive years businesses have put their products in this spotlight of this special day hoping for a great ROI for the money they spend. And throughout the years automakers have been right there on Super Bowl Sunday trying their best to create the splash that translates to sales.This year six OEMs braved the nearly $3-million dollar per 30-second advertising Olympics with one, Hyundai, seemingly saturating the entire game. So did Hyundai or the other five -- Audi, Dodge, Honda, Kia, or VW -- get their money's worth? Is it even possible?Joining John McElroy to try to answer these questions is a panel of automotive advertising experts. Journalist Jean Halliday has written about the industry for years while advertising analyst David Kiley not only covered the business but also worked in it as well. They are joined by an award-winning creative director who is still in the trenches, Gary Topolewski, waiting to produce his next Super Bowl spot.
Autoline #1406: Nervous System
Nervous SystemFrom the stub of a toe to the bite of a mosquito, our bodies rely on a complex network of neurons that tell our brain what's going on. And like our bodies, each car has a pseudo nervous system which controls everything from the steering to satellite radio. For all manufacturers the quality of their cars and the viability of their systems are extremely important. However, for the world's number one automaker Toyota, its been nothing short of the holy grail. Quality and reliability were once the keys to the design, production and selling of its products. But right now several of Toyota's top models are experiencing what could best be parenthetically described as a severe neurological disorder.This week on Autoline John McElroy examines the latest reliability and quality woes facing Toyota and what some competitors like Ford have been doing to improve its numbers in those categories.