Autoline Daily - Video

Toyota takes the wraps off its all-new 2014 Corolla. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety petitions the U.S. government to try and get anti-lock braking systems mandated for motorcycles. We reported that Honda’s five core models make up 93 percent of sales in the U.S., but the company’s VP of marketing defends its other models. All that and more, plus a look at how Ford is helping Michigan create new jobs.

Due to severe flooding, Porsche was forced to stop production of two models. GM now offers its RemoteLink Mobile App services free on 2014 OnStar-equipped vehicles. Last month, sales of hybrids, electric cars and plug-ins shot up in the U.S. market. All that and more, plus in the 3rd chapter of Design Handbook, Jim Hall explains the value in owning a design element.

NHTSA wants Chrysler to recall 2.7 million Jeeps, but the company says the agency’s conclusion is based on incomplete analysis. Porsche pulls the wraps off a special 50th Anniversary Edition 911. Garmin is starting to focus on getting its systems integrated into vehicles, as some devices become less popular. All that and more, plus John McElroy explains why he thinks the all-new 2014 Acura MDX is the best Acura he has driven in 20 years.

Trucks really drove the market last month, the segment grew twice as fast as the passenger car side. Sales in May put the industry back on trend, after April’s SAAR fell below 15 million units. In his latest book, Bob Lutz criticizes former GM CEO and co-worker, Rick Wagoner. All that and more, plus the lead designer of the Fiat 500e shows us how the exterior differs from its gasoline counterpart.

The 2014 Chevy Malibu gets refreshed and puts on a new face. The auto industry continues to be one of the bright spots in the global economy, which is reflected in April’s car sales. Audi builds a fuel cell version of its A7 as it searches for viable gasoline alternatives. All that and more, plus Delphi CTO, Jeff Owens explains why the safety rating system should be expanded.

Automakers and suppliers in the U.S. market worry about a price war breaking out this summer that could hurt profit margins across the industry. According to one major automaker, “utility vehicles” are the hottest segment in the passenger car market. BMW pulls the wraps off its 3rd generation X5. All that and more, plus we take a look at the all-new Kia Cadenzda.

Chrysler quietly hires back a UAW worker it fired, after his dismissal caused an outcry. According to one source, Dodge is going to drop its best selling model, the Avenger. Unlike the new Silverado there’s no mistaking the new 2014 GMC Sierra Denali with the old one. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Former Chrysler and Fisker CEO teams up with racing icon Roger Penske. Nissan will build an entry-level Mercedes at its plant in Mexico. After getting to put some miles on the car, Autoline offers its quick impressions of the Chevy Cruze Diesel. All that and more, plus fill-in host Frank Markus of Motor Trend shares his thoughts of his test drive of Porsche’s supercar, the 918 Spyder.

Tesla Motors announces its paid off its government loan, and ticks off another automaker in the process. A new study highlights how car dealers need to do a better job on the internet. After nine decades of making cars in country, Ford announces it will end production there. All that and more, plus the debut of Design Handbook with the encyclopedic automotive expert, Jim Hall.

Trade groups that represent the major automakers push for the U.S. and the European Union to harmonize safety and emission regulations. Did you know that the U.S. imports cars from 12 different countries, not counting Canada or Mexico? Hennessey takes one automaker’s high-performance pickup, caps the bed and turns it into an SUV. All that and more, plus John McElroy asks whether the 2014 Chevy Silverado can take on the Ford F-150.

John McElroy has his first impressions of Kia’s new full-size sedan, the Cadenza, which is a stretched version of the Optima. For the first time in two years, GM’s stock closes above its IPO. According to Bank of America Merrill Lynch light vehicle sales will smash the all-time sales record in the U.S. by 2018. All that and more, plus a look at how augmented reality can make race car driving safer.

Honda returns to Formula 1 racing after leaving in 2008. Of the 11 small SUVs tested in the IIHS small overlap crash test, only one received a good rating. A company called Laservision invents a unique solution to warn truck drivers of low-hanging overpasses. All that and more, plus how a three-time racing champion is helping Infiniti develop its cars.

General Motors takes aim at Ford with a rebadged version of Nissan’s NV200. Acura announces it will build its supercar at a new Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The American Civil Liberties Union files a lawsuit against LA’s two major police departments over data collecting scanners. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, shares his thoughts on Jaguar’s new marketing plan.

The European Commission approves a deal to allow Volvo Trucks to acquire a 45 percent stake in a Chinese truck division. Honda could get rid of over half of its lineup in the American market, and sales would not go down that much. Facebook is close to purchasing social mapping and traffic app maker, Waze. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo shares his thoughts on the value of Chief Marketing Officers.

While traffic fatalities in the U.S. have fallen 40 percent in the last decade, they leaped by 72 percent in Brazil. GM sees an opportunity to start selling advertising in the car, as internet access becomes more available. At its private 50th birthday party, Lamborghini pulls the wraps off a very futuristic looking concept. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your comments and questions in this week’s edition of You Said It!

There was a time that vehicles were said to be made out of steel, but these days you say they’re made out of steels. Structural adhesives can make a quieter, stronger, lighter car that is easier to manufacture, which is why one automaker is using a lot more of them. The joint venture between Chinese automaker Brilliance Auto and BMW comes out with a low-cost minivan. All that and more, plus in our exclusive interview with UAW President Bob King he discusses the controversial topic of Right-to-Work.

Elon Musk talks with Google about using its autonomous technology in Tesla vehicles. Not only does the Cadillac ELR have a much sleeker design than the Chevy Volt, the range-extended hybrid has a unique feature called Regen on Demand. Autoline takes a few laps around the famous Michigan International Speedway in the 2014 Lexus IS. All that and more, plus the next generation of car designers provide a look into automotive interiors of the future.

A number of Japanese automakers have been plagued by faulty airbags made by Takata. Now a prominent European brand joins the fray. Tesla could tally up another $250 million in its bank account when it cashes in on California EV credits. We have our first up-close look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. All that and more, plus Drew Winter from WardsAuto has some thoughts on the surprising results of this year’s 10 Best Interiors list.

Ford expects to break its full-year sales record for hybrids in the U.S. this month. The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place later in May and the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray is the official pace-car. Porsche rolls out a new 911 Turbo as the car celebrates its 40th anniversary. All that and more, plus we discuss the steps the auto industry is taking to make autonomous cars a reality.

There’s no question that car sales in the U.S. market are cooling off. China is not exactly throwing in the towel on EVs, but it is turning its emphasis to more conventional engine technology. Roger Penske’s logistics company announces it will run all of one automakers North American parts distribution. All that and more, plus host John McElroy takes a look at all the changes Nissan made to the 2013 LEAF.

Chrysler earnings fell in the first quarter of this year, but we think the company will be able to make up for its shortfalls this year. Mercedes unveils the updated version of its large Sprinter van. The Volvo Car Group tests a new hybrid system that doesn’t use batteries. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Sean McElroy takes a look at the all-electric Fiat 500e.

Some experts predict car radios will go the way of 8-track and cassette players. According to preliminary data, the auto industry will meet CO2 emission targets, but not all OEMs. For all you off-road enthusiasts out there, Mercedes unveils its new Unimog lineup. All that and more, plus we take a look at a new bridge construction technique.

Honda gets a little bit sensitive about how well two other Japanese cars are selling in the American market compared to the Accord. Earlier in the week Nissan unveiled the Friend-ME, today it’s the Toyota ME.WE. Audi shows off a lightweight version of its TT, called the TT ultra quattro concept. All that and more, plus we look at how the Taxi Nissan’s Tomorrow can now accommodate a wheelchair.

First quarter sales are out, and Toyota outsold two other global automakers to retain its top spot. The CEO of Maserati agrees with a new study that says the carbon footprint of EVs may not be better than gasoline powered cars. Mazda scores its first victory using the SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel engine in the Mazda6. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Let’s take a look at some of the hottest unveils from the Shanghai auto show. The forjeremy from smart has got to be one of the weirdest special edition models ever to come out of a car company. Buick unveils a Riviera concept with show-stopping looks. Renault reveals a new model from the iconic Alpine brand, called the A110-50. All that and more, plus we take a look at why there is a sudden interest in opposed piston engines.

Bloomberg reports that the actual manufacturing cost for every Fisker was more than six times that of the purchase cost. Fiat-Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne criticizes regulators for trying to force electric cars on the industry and the public. We get the official word that Toyota will start building the Lexus ES at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant, which is a first in the U.S. All that and more, plus we learn how CNG and LPG are getting a lot of attention.

Two groups that represent every automaker selling vehicles in the United States file a petition to prevent a California mandate for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. GM starts building electric motors for the Spark EV at its plant in Baltimore. The steel and aluminum industries fight over which material is the most cost effective at reducing weight in cars. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your comments and questions in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Protean Electric reveals the production version of its electric hub motors. Chrysler announces major changes to account for the CEO of the Ram brand’s departure. Volkswagen shuffles the chairman deck at its troubled SEAT division. All that and more, plus we take a walk around the floor of the Autorama car show in Detroit.

$1.6 billion goes missing in an astounding vanishing act at one Chinese car company. Ahead of Shanghai, we get our first glimpse at a future Citroen DS SUV. Russia’s GAZ launches its first new commercial vehicle in more than 25 years. All that and more, plus a sneak peek at Autoline This Week with Dick Dauch, the Chairman of American Axle.

Silicon Valley gets more and more interested in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to connected cars and autonomous technology. Some analysts think GM should dump the Opel brand, but the company says otherwise. The Ford Explorer is currently sold in 64 countries, but it has always been built in the U.S., until now. All that and more, plus we take a look at the features of the new Hyundai Santa Fe.

EcoMotors announces a Chinese supplier will make an investment to start building its opoc engine. A new report from Polk says Ford had the best selling car and truck in the world last year. A new strain of bird flu in China threatens to shut down the upcoming Shanghai auto show. All that and more, plus we take an up-close and personal look at the new Chevy Impala.

BMW expands its motorcycle lineup by teaming up with an Indian motorcycle company. Renault showcases its design direction with a small concept car called the Twin’Z. GM’s extended service intervals are causing problems in certain models with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. All that and more, plus have you heard of this new kind of carbon fiber bridge, what they call a bridge in a backpack?

Sales of hybrids, plug-ins and EVs in the U.S. were down last month, despite high gas prices. But if you break out sales of electric and plug-ins from the total, they were up. Last night in the main lobby of Motown’s iconic Fisher Building carmaker Detroit Electric pulled the wraps of its all-new SP:01. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Seamus McElroy takes us for a deep look into the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

We’ve got the latest sales report from the U.S. market, which was quite good, but may have shown the first signs of softness. Tesla CEO Elon Musk reveals his “big” announcement. Chrysler considers a diesel version of its 300 sedan for the U.S. All that and more, plus host John McElroy gets to your comments and questions in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Ford Motor Company announces its Alan Mulally retention plan. Fisker Motor Company founder and former CEO Henrik Fisker says he has no regrets about the fate of his company, the recipient of hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. Department of Energy loans. Actor Clint Eastwood sues Chrysler for breach of contract. All that and more, plus HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY!

Rumors out of Italy say that Audi is in talks to take over Alfa-Romeo. Volvo introduces a concept called MethaneDiesel that’s equipped with a diesel engine that can run on LNG. Chevy pulls the wraps off the redesigned 2014 Camaro, which will once again have a Z/28 option. All that and more, plus a slew of unveils from the New York Auto Show.

Honda pulls the wraps back on its new Odyssey minivan with a new feature that makes it even more family friendly. Buick reveals its 2014 Regal and Regal GS that will go on sale later this fall. Also at the New York Auto Show, Jaguar unveils a performance R version of its flagship XJ sedan. All that and more, plus host John McElroy gets to your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!

The latest generations of hybrids and small displacement engines with turbos fall well short of the fuel economy they’re supposed to deliver. So that begs the question, what technology does improve fuel efficiency? Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory develop a new lightweight, space-saving CNG fuel tank. Mopar is considering building a version of the Ram pick-up based on the concept vehicles it showed off at Moab last week. All that and more, plus host John McElroy gives his insight on why commercial truck fleets in the U.S. are real interested in natural gas and propane.

General Motors is moving forward with plans to close its Opel plant in Bochum, Germany. Sales for the Lincoln brand are down almost 25 percent through the first two months of the year, but that could change now that one vehicle is back on track. Hyundai just revealed renderings of a luxury sports coupe concept it will unveil at next month’s Seoul Motor Show. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week about how the automotive industry can attract more female talent.

The head of Germany’s IG Metall union sends a letter to VW workers in Tennessee urging them to join the UAW. Subaru announces it will introduce its first production hybrid at the New York Auto Show. Jeep unveiles six new concept vehicles at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari that are equipped with off-road parts from the Mopar catalog. All that and more, plus today’s host Todd Lassa gives his thoughts on the company culture over at General Motors.

The Chinese auto industry has been growing by leaps and bounds the last several years and as a result automakers are investing heavily in the country. Acura has some cool new technology in the RLX that will make the ride inside the car quieter. SRT pulled the wraps off its track edition of the Viper, called the TA, which stands for time attack. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Seamus McElroy takes a look at the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

Toyota is creating a new China-only brand that will build low-cost and alternative-fuel vehicles. Cellulosic ethanol has not caught on, due to its high price, but that could change soon. It looks like Volkswagen’s Tennessee facility could be the first transplant with union representation. All that and more, plus host John McElroy gives his insight into the global race going on amongst car companies to lock up the supply chain for carbon fiber.

China has sought to dominate EV technology, but the electric car market has been a flop in the country. Volkswagen’s Chief Executive says the company will build a minimum of 10 assembly plants in the years to come. A report out of Europe says automakers use tricks to boost their fuel efficiency and lower CO2 ratings that border on cheating. All that and more, plus host John McElroy answers some of your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Henrik Fisker abruptly resigned from the car company he started after unspecified disagreements with the executive management team. International, the big truck maker, now offers the Transtar Class 8 semi that runs on CNG. Pollution continues to be a problem in China, and the country has a plan to get the highest polluting cars off the road. All that and more, plus we take a look at how fish behavior is helping Nissan develop its autonomous technology.

China is offering more generous subsidies to customers that buy EVs, and it’s not just the central government offering them. One of the worlds largest oil and gas companies says diesel will be the number 1 fuel by 2020. Cadillac has really started the year with a bang. But the sales gain is coming exclusively from two new models. All that and more, plus we take a walk around the exterior of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the head of Jeep design.

Over the last several years, automakers boosted car sales globally thanks to explosive growth in emerging markets, but now some of those markets are starting to cool down. In an effort to boost electric vehicle sales, Nissan is making some management changes. Ford announced the introduction of two all-new Transit models. All that and more, plus John McElroy gives his insight on how a former GM exec ended up on the board of directors at Toyota.

One of the former executives from the old General Motors lands a big job. The Ford Mustang is getting a 4-cylinder engine …again. For the first time in 35 years, iconic sports car brand Alpine will be returning to endurance racing. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Seamus McElroy takes us for a few laps around Austin Texas’ brand new Formula 1 track in the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT.

The UAW is holding a press conference near the Geneva auto show today as part of its effort to ramp up its organizing effort at Nissan’s assembly plant in Mississippi. Fueled by higher gas prices, sales of hybrids, plug-ins and electrics enjoyed a strong February in the American market. For the second straight year Toyota President Akio Toyoda overhauled the top management positions at the company’s North American operations. All that and more, plus John McElroy gets to your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!

General Motors takes the wraps off the convertible version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray. Kia reveals a small sleek looking hatchback called the provo. Ferrari finally gives us a look at the successor to the Enzo, the LaFerrari. All that and more, plus today’s host Christie Schweinsberg takes a look at a few of the models that have impressed her for this year’s Ward’s 10 Best Interiors award.

Car sales in the American market were strong in February. In hopes of boosting sales of its K9 luxury sedan, Kia has come up with a sales gimmick to bring in new customers. Coda, the EV startup company, just closed the showroom doors at its LA store. All that and more, plus we take a walk-around of the 2014 Mazda6 with one of its designers.