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 EXTRA #1308: Jim Hall, John Stoll, Tom Walsh
GM and Chrysler submitted their viability plans to the US Treasury, so what’s next for the two automakers? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and three of his journalist colleagues not only discuss GM and Chrysler’s plans they also discuss the overall health of today's auto industry. Joining John in the discussion are Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics, John Stoll of The Wall Street Journal and Tom Walsh from the Detroit Free Press.
Autoline #1308: 'Auto' Asphyxia
'Auto' AsphyxiaThere's a disease running rampant around America. It's not new, we've seen it before - just never such a virulent strain. It attacks the breathing, or as some describe it the lifeblood of our economy, the auto industry. Its symptoms can be seen in not only the board rooms around the country, but in the design studios, factory floors and dealer lots alike. And despite the billions in monetary oxygen that's been pumped into them recently, the companies cannot yet wean themselves from the government's ventilator.Given what we've seen the question needs to be asked, is today's auto industry -- the manufacturing giant that reshaped our lives -- on its last breath? If annual sales of 10 or 11 million are any indication certainly the industry of the last decade is gone; and given the economic times, perhaps gone for good.Joining John McElroy to discuss the stability, viability & health of the auto industry are three of the foremost automotive journalists/analysts in America today: John Stoll from The Wall Street Journal, Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press and Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics.So take a deep breath and don't be afraid to exhale as our Autoline panel explores this "Auto" Asphyxia phenomenon this week on Autoline Detroit.
Autoline EXTRA #1307: William Santana Li
Joining John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA is William Santana Li the Chairman & CEO of Carbon Motors, the producers of the world's first purpose-built police car. Mr. Li talks about his time at Ford Motor Co. and what lessons he learned there and how he’s applying them to Carbon Motors. He also talks about how Carbon Motors operates differently from large automakers and also explains what happens to the police car at the end of its use.
Autoline #1307: Diamonds Are Forever
Diamonds Are ForeverFast cars, armed agents and the hardest substance on earth. Sounds like a recap of the celebrated James Bond novel & film about smuggled diamonds. Well, you may be surprised to learn those are also descriptors of a new American car company called Carbon Motors. The corporation, which uses a diamond (as in carbon) for its logo, actually bills itself a "homeland security" company because that's closer to the product it's producing: the world's first purpose-built police car. The E7 -- as it’s called -- is not some retro-fitted OEM mass produced model but an original design low production vehicle that law enforcement professionals around the world are clamoring for.On this week's show John McElroy goes one-on-one with the auto industry veteran who is a hit in police departments from Miami to Madrid, William Santana Li, the Chairman & CEO of Carbon Motors. During the show Mr. Li discusses everything from the rationale of creating a new car company from scratch, to its challenges and benefits as well. But he not only talks about this unique car, we all get a chance to see it up close and personal, too. Mr. Li takes John to one of the E7's nationwide "Tour Stops," this one at the auto supplier BASF, to get a first hand look at what many believe is a law enforcement game-changer.
Autoline EXTRA #1306: Jim Farley
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Jim Farley, the Group VP of Marketing and Communications at Ford. Mr. Farley discusses whether or not the American auto market will rebound and what may prevent it from making a comeback. And Mr. Farley also talks about how Ford must respond to start-up companies building purpose built vehicles, such as Carbon Motors police car. Joining John in the discussion are Amy Wilson of Automotive News and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.
Autoline #1306: Man on Wire
Man on WireThirty-five years ago a French daredevil named Philippe Petit walked where no human will walk again. He snuck his high wire to the top of the World Trade Center Towers and strolled solo between the buildings for nearly an hour. He survived, and today is retired and celebrated in an Oscar-nominated documentary.This impeccable performance is the perfect metaphor for the economic storm swirling around Detroit where high wire walking is the norm, but so far there's very little celebrating.One of those men walking the tightrope on a daily basis is Jim Farley, the Group Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Ford. For the last fifteen months he's been trying to advance the same type of Toyota/Lexus magic he learned from his years at the World's Largest Automaker. But so far the walk has been rough.On this week's show Jim Farley joins John McElroy, Amy Wilson from Automotive News and David Kiley from BusinessWeek to discuss everything from marketing vehicles in this devastating economy to the fresh product like the Taurus, Fusion Hybrid and MKZ that Ford is releasing throughout the remainder of 2009.
Autoline EXTRA #1305: John DeCicco, Paul Eisenstein
Soon after Barack Obama was inaugurated he paved the way for California and other states to set its own emission standards for automobiles. But for automakers to meet the standards California wants its going to need alternatively powered vehicles to do so. But there are still a lot of question marks around this future technology. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his guests talk everything electric. They discuss the infrastructure for EVs and whether our electric grid can handle vehicles plugging in to it. And they also discuss the many battery challenges automakers face. Joining John for the discussion is John DeCicco from the Environmental Defense Fund and Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau.
Autoline #1305: Guilt-Free
Guilt-FreeAmerica has a penchant for over indulgence. You can see it with our collective weight, which has ballooned of late and given rise to a cottage industry of guilt-free products that hardly look like diet foods. But we're told that we can have our cake and eat it too. Sound too good to be true? Well in many respects the auto industry has mirrored this individual over-consumption problem. For years it built vehicles that may have been big and comfortable but consumed far too much petroleum and got too few MPGs. Now with our new world financial order it's trying to wean Americans off of our "cheesecake" SUV and into that not-as-satisfying hybrid "sorbet" among other greener "lighter" options.This week John McElroy is joined by two experts to talk turkey -- tofurkey more appropriately -- about the coming environmental options for the auto industry. John DeCicco is an automotive analyst who works for the Environmental Defense Fund and Paul Eisenstein is a veteran automotive journalist who has brought a special focus to hybrids, diesels and electrics for the last few years. Both have a unique perspective on both the processes and products that we'll be driving and riding in the not too distant future.
Autoline EXTRA #1304: Daniel Howes
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy speaks with Daniel Howes of The Detroit News on the floor of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Mr. Howes gives his impression of the show and which automakers made the biggest statements at the show.
Autoline EXTRA #1304: Pete Reyes
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Chief Engineer Pete Reyes the man in charge of creating the 2010 Ford Taurus. Mr. Reyes discusses the development of the new Taurus and how using new design and engineering technologies shaved months off the development process.
Autoline EXTRA #1304: Jim O'Sullivan
As the industry starts to shift from internal combustion to electric power, more and more automakers are racing to develop batteries and EVs, except Mazda. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy speaks with Jim O’Sullivan the President and CEO of Mazda North America. Mr. O’Sullivan explains what technologies Mazda will use instead of electric power to reach its goal of increasing its fleet MPG 30% by 2015.
Autoline #1304: Detroit Duck
Detroit DuckDetroit's annual celebration of arguably its most important invention -- the car -- is just steps from the site of another Motor City discovery. Across the street from Cobo Hall and the North American International Auto Show is 234 West Larned, the former site of one of the city's most famous restaurants, the Pontchartrain Wine Cellars. It was there one night in 1937 that owner Harold Borgman thought he would save the red wine left in customers' bottles and combine them with a half bottle of undrunk champagne. It was at this epic moment in American history when the popular adult beverage "Cold Duck" was born.So, with a nod to Mr. Borgman, we have gathered some of our tastiest interviews yet to be broadcast from the 2009 N.A.I.A.S. and put them in this week's show: a video homage to his famous drink that we'll call "Detroit Duck." Appearing with John from the floor of the show is a perfect Press Days potpourri: one OEM CEO, the Chief Engineer of one of the hottest cars unveiled in Detroit, the Executive Director of the dealer group who puts on the show and then we wrap-up interviewing the only Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive columnist going. All of that this week on Autoline Detroit. Cheers...
Autoline EXTRA #1303: Don Esmond
The big question these days in the auto world is, when are things going to finally pick back up again. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with Don Esmond, the Senior Vice President at Toyota Motor Sales. Mr. Esmond gives his opinion on what sales will be like this year, when the market will recover and what needs to happen for it to recover.
Autoline EXTRA #1303: Jim O'Donnell
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with BMW’s North American President, Jim O’Donnell. Mr. O’Donnell talks about BMW’s successful certified pre-owned vehicle program and also the success MINI had in 2008.
Autoline EXTRA #1303: Frank Klegon
There hasn’t been a whole lot of good news coming out of Chrysler recently but the company did make some noise at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year when it unveiled the 200C EV Concept. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down with Frank Klegon, the executive Vice President of Product Development at Chrysler. They discuss that vehicle and how it fits into their plans going forward.
Autoline EXTRA #1303: Mark LaNeve
GM must make and has already made tough decisions to prove to Congress that it can be a viable business. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down with GM’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark LaNeve. They discuss the Pontiac Solstice Coupe, Chevy Cruze, Cadillac CTS Wagon, and the Buick LaCrosse and how those vehicles fit into GM’s plans moving forward.
Autoline #1303: Hanging In
Hanging InWith all its problems these days, the picture that best seems to symbolize the auto industry is a famous inspirational poster from the '70s. You know, the one of the kitten with its young claws buried into a branch with the caption "Hang In There, Baby!" That's because with such a dim economic outlook for the next year, and so many positive changes and great product due in 2010, if the industry can survive the next twelve months many believe it'll be purring once again. And there was no better evidence of that than the mixture of reality, optimism and product on display at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Joining John McElroy from the floor of the show to discuss those topics and more are four OEM executives who all took double digit hits to their North American sales last year. Looking to rebound as best they can in 2009, they just may want to adopt "Hang In There, Baby" as an industry-wide mantra to get them through the next few months.
Autoline EXTRA #1302: John Neff, Chris Paukert, Mike Dushane
The Big Three bridge loan is the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy and his colleagues discuss, among other topics, why there was so much animosity directed toward the Big Three, Detroit and the UAW during the debate in Congress and around the country on whether or not to give the companies the money they needed. Joining John in the discussion are John Neff of Autoblog.com, Chris Paukert from Autoblog.com and Mike Dushane from CarandDriver.com.
Autoline #1302: Point and Click
Point and ClickJust a few years ago if you wanted to know anything about the latest cars or trucks you essentially had two choices, magazines or newspapers. Then came the Internet and everything changed. Today you may find that hot product on the web in some cases before it's even left the design studio. Things happen fast and the competition can be fierce. In some respects it's this century's version of the Wild West! The manufacturers still try to control the process but there are eyes everywhere. Often the scoop comes from a bevy of blogs and websites that cover the auto industry -- some independent, others corporate -- but all pretty darn fast! Joining John to discuss this new automotive media are members of that very fraternity. John Neff is at Autoblog.com while Mike Dushane is from CarandDriver.com and Chris Paukert formerly of Windingroad.com is now at Autoblog.com as well.
Autoline EXTRA #1301: Natalie Neff, Paul Eisenstein
The 2009 North American Car & Truck of the Year award is the topic on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy and two of his fellow juror members discuss what vehicles they felt should have made the finalist list and they also predict what vehicles will take the awards home. Joining John in the discussion are Natalie Neff of AutoWeek and Paul Eisenstein from The Detroit Bureau.
Autoline #1301: Nuts & Bolts
Nuts & BoltsIt's that time of year again in the auto world when hardware takes on a special definition. Screwdrivers, sandpaper and galvanized nails are replaced, for a short time, with crystal trophies and plaques proclaiming "The Best of" for the most recently-produced cars or trucks. And for the 15th consecutive year, a group of veteran automotive reporters will be handing out the "hardware" for the 2009 North American Car & Truck of the Year. But before these awards are presented at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, these fifty voters winnow each list down to the three top cars and the three top trucks. On this week's show, John McElroy is joined by two of his fellow NACTOY jurors to discuss the six vehicles which made the cut. In fact, both Natalie Neff from AutoWeek and Paul Eisenstein with the Detroit Bureau along with John, will not only talk about these half dozen candidates but also discuss some of the other cars and trucks that they thought may have deserved to make the list. And in the end you might even hear their predictions about which manufacturer will walk away with this year's North American Car & Truck of the Year.
Autoline EXTRA #1245: Jeff Bennett, David Welch
GM and Chrysler got the loans they requested from Congress, so now what? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy sits down with Jeff Bennett of Dow Jones Newswire and David Welch of BusinessWeek, to discuss what will happen next for the American automakers. They discuss whether or not Congress will approve more money for them in the future and also if this is the perfect opportunity for Detroit to change its image and public perception.
Autoline EXTRA #1245: William Diehl
GM and Chrysler got a lot of attention over the bridge loan requests they made recently but what got lost in the debate is that many suppliers are in trouble too. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy talks with William Diehl, President & CEO of BBK, a firm that assists companies in turnarounds and restructuring. Mr. Diehl offers his advice to suppliers and what they need to do in order to turnaround business.
Autoline #1245: Emotional Rescue
Emotional Rescue"I will be your savior, steadfast and true."It's pretty safe to say that the Rolling Stones and George W. Bush have little in common. But when it comes to the Big Three bailout, these Mick Jagger-penned lyrics sound like a sentence that might've come from the Oval Office as the President approved the $17 billion bridge loans. Ahhh, everyone in Detroit breathes a huge sigh of relief. But how much of a rescue -- emotional or otherwise -- are the loans? As they say, be careful what you wish for.On this week's show we take a look inside the bridge loans from three different perspectives: players, participants and partisans. We start the conversation with Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, a suburban Detroit Republican who had to balance ideology and reality throughout the crisis. Then John talks to a couple of automotive reporters, David Welch from BusinessWeek & Jeff Bennett of Dow Jones Newswire, who watched as Detroit nearly crumbled these last couple of months. We'll hear how the companies dealt with the ever-changing situation and explore their plans going forward. And speaking of plans, as part of the loan language the Big Three will have to restructure. What exactly does that mean? Joining John is an expert in the field, Bill Diehl who is the President & CEO of BBK, a company that specializes in doing just that.Who would've predicted a few weeks ago that these late '70s Mick Jagger lyrics would seem appropriate?With the long-awaited news from the White House last week, this line might've seemed natural coming from the President as it did when it was originally sung back in 1980 by the Rolling Stones.
Autoline EXTRA #1244: Anne Asensio
On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy continues his discussion with Anne Asensio the VP of Design Experience at Dassault Systemes. Ms. Asensio discusses moving from the OEM side of design to the supplier side and what the differences are between the two. She also shares her thoughts on if designs in the 3D world can be as beautiful and artistic as drawing with conventional tools.