Autoline Daily - Video

Chinese automakers are borrowing a military strategy from Mao Tse-tung called “Encircling the City from the Countryside.” Honda and Mitsubishi revealed several vehicles they will show at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Audi will no longer offer manual transmissions on its S4 and S5 models in Europe. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week about issues facing car dealers in the U.S.

Cadillac is teasing us with a shot of the production version of its XTS sedan, which will formally debut next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Suzuki previewed a new small-car concept that supposedly gets up to 75 miles per U.S. gallon. Ford officially began production of its 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine in Germany. All that and more, plus we drive the 2012 Toyota Camry.

General Motors reported somewhat disappointing third quarter earnings this morning. Even though the company sold more vehicles than it did a year ago, its profits fell 12 percent. Volvo will offer an aftermarket ECU upgrade for select models that will boost horsepower and torque. Nissan is showing off the third generation of its Pivo concept car. All that and more, plus John answers your questions and comments in the You Said It! segment.

Toyota’s quarterly profit plummeted 72 percent to about 1 billion dollars. General Motors is changing the leadership of its European operations. Ferrari is having a phenomenal year. It’s already sold 5,165 cars and its revenue is up 19 percent. All that and more, plus a look at one of the latest safety systems being developed by supplier company Continental.

Chrysler’s skilled-trade workers are appealing the new UAW contract because union leadership overrode their votes after rejecting it. Japanese automakers, unions and dealers are all concerned that high car taxes and the strength of the Yen could destroy the industry in the country. General Motors may void the deal to sell Saab because it’s worried it could hurt its business in China and elsewhere. All that and more, plus a look at the updates Ford has made to its MyFord Touch infotainment system.

Kia expects subcompact sales in the U.S. to double by 2015. Car production in China is expected to top 30 million units by 2015 which will far exceed market demand. The overall car theft rate in the U.S. in 2009 dropped over 20 percent compared to 2008. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week with the Vice President of Chevrolet marketing, Chris Perry.

In a surprising bit of news, Nissan is relocating Infiniti’s headquarters to Hong Kong. The Chevy Cruze is already on pace to pass the Cobalt’s best ever sales year. Volkswagen is showing off the new CC before it debuts later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. All that and more, plus guest host Peter De Lorenzo shares more memories of his favorite Chevy cars.

October sales numbers reveal that the fourth quarter may end up better than we thought. Toyota gets in the robot game with an exo-skeleton that assists in walking. Leaf sales are beating the Volt by a wide margin. All that and more, plus Peter De Lorenzo reflects on GM stylist Bill Mitchell.

Lars Ulrich, the head of diesel marketing for Bosch in North America, says diesel sales will hit a critical mass sometime in the middle of this decade. Analysts at Morgan Stanley suggest buying Ford and Peugeot bonds because they are safe investments that pay better than government securities. All that and more, plus John test drives a vehicle that could be the last of its breed.

Volkswagen set a goal of becoming No. 1 in the world by 2018, but it looks like the company could get there this year. MINI is introducing a roadster version of its popular small car, its first ever two-seat drop-top. Renault revealed a new small car for the Indian market called the Pulse. All that and more, plus a look at which car companies raked in the most money and had the best profits for the first half of the year.

Victor Muller has thrown in the towel, agreeing to sell Saab to the Chinese. Caterham wants a piece of the Indian pie as it moves to build cars in the sub-continent. Opel Ampera sales are off to a surprising start. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week with J Mays and a walkaround of the Ford Evos concept.

Volkswagen posted astounding numbers in the third quarter, with a HUGE jump in revenue. French automaker PSA is finally taking steps to reduce its workforce as part of a bid to save money next year. The 2012 Ford Ranger just aced Euro NCAP’s battery of crash tests. All that and more, plus a look at a pedestrian safety system from German supplier company Continental.

Ford has a good quarter but slips a bit in Europe and elsewhere. Meanwhile, the company takes it on the chin in quality ratings, but are these surveys worth taking seriously? John Mendel from American Honda says the company is about to rebound from losses suffered earlier in the year. All that and more, plus John McElroy answers your comments and questions in You Said It!

The bowtie brand prepares to make a big splash at SEMA with its Z-Spec small cars. Ford inches toward an investment-grade rating. Thailand highways turn into parking lots, literally. All that and more, plus a look at how BMW is merging high performance and high fuel economy with the new Z4.

Car sales continue to be one of the few bright spots in the American economy and the October SAAR is looking up. Rolls-Royce is expanding its global footprint with plans to open dealerships in Brazil and Chile next year. Google has set a goal of hitting 1 million miles with its autonomous cars. All that and more, plus a look at how ZF is making it easy for automakers to electrify vehicles.

The National Auto Dealers Association is commissioning a study to see if OEM mandates ever really translate into more sales or higher profits for dealers. New fuel economy standards proposed by the Obama Administration earlier this year are under attack. People are hanging on to their cars longer. This has been bad news for dealers, automakers and suppliers, but it’s great for repair shops and parts makers. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week about what was going on behind-the-scenes when the American auto industry collapsed.

Argentina is punishing companies that are hurting its trade balance. Nissan is one of those companies. Prices for iron ore, aluminum and other commodities are plummeting, and it’s all because of the Chinese economy. Car sales in the U.S. have steadily increased throughout the year and the top economists at Ford and GM say next year will be even better. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in the “You Said It!” segment.

Hourly workers at Ford in the U.S. ratified a new labor contract but now the attention will turn to the voting on the Chrysler contract. The price of steel could fall by nearly 300 dollars a ton compared to its peak in April. Several lawsuits have been filed against suppliers, accusing them of an international price fixing scam involving wire harnesses. All that and more, plus a walkaround of the new Fisker Surf with company CEO, Henrik Fisker.

In somewhat surprising news, Daimler announced it’s fired the head of Mercedes-Benz USA, Ernst Lieb. There’s been a lot of drama between Volkswagen and Suzuki lately, and now The Wall Street Journal reports Vee Dub will not sell its 20 percent stake in the Japanese automaker. Toyota is ready to open its latest plant, located in Blue Springs, Mississippi and home to the 2012 Corolla. All that and more, plus guest host Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics shares some of his thoughts on America’s strange relationship with hatchbacks.

The voting on the UAW contract at Ford swung to 62 percent in favor over the weekend. Toyota is building a hybrid racecar to compete in the 24 hours of Le Mans and other FIA World Endurance Championships. BMW just introduced the all-new 3 Series which will go on sale next February. All that and more, plus Bob Lutz gives us a walk-around of the new Lotus Evora.

Yesterday we reported that the UAW was warning its members that Ford might hire scab workers if the union goes on strike. Now the union is denying it said that. Suzuki is accusing Volkswagen of violating their partnership by not sharing technology. Large trucks sales are roaring in North America which is a good sign that the economy is heading in the right direction. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week about BMW’s plan to use carbon fiber in its electric vehicles.

Chrysler played hard ball with the UAW and won. The union is telling Ford workers they will go on strike if the contract is rejected. They're also telling them the company will hire scabs to replace them. GM is developing an all-new lineup of small, gasoline engines that will come in three- and four-cylinder varieties. All that and more, plus a look at the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

Chrysler and the UAW announced this morning that they reached a tentative deal on a new labor contract. GM plans to introduce an electric version of the Chevy Spark in the U.S. by 2013. China just unveiled stricter crash standard rules for passenger cars. All that and more, plus John answers your questions and comments in the You Said It segment.

Oh how the tables have turned. A couple years ago Fiat saved Chrysler and now Chrysler is saving Fiat. The company is also rumored to be killing off the Dodge Grand Caravan as well as the Avenger to make way for a new Fiat-based crossover. Honda is delaying the launch of its new small airplane, called the HondaJet, due to problems with the engine. All that and more, plus a look at some of the latest transmission innovations coming from German company ZF.

Toyota is pressuring its suppliers in Japan to cut prices because of the soaring value of the yen, and suppliers say Honda’s spirit of cooperation is far more confrontational now. Ford introduced an updated version of its popular Transit van for the 2012 model year. The world’s oldest running car was just sold at auction for $4.6 million. All that and more, plus a look at the Buick Regal Turbo.

There’s more yearning for the yen in today’s news as both Nissan and Toyota take steps to combat the rising currency. The American economy may still be stagnant, but things appear to be rolling right along in South Carolina as Bridgestone and Continental setup factories in the state. Surprisingly, traditional luxury automotive brands are a smash-hit in high-tech Silicon Valley, California. All that and more, plus guest host Christie Schweinsberg from WardsAuto.com fills us in on this year’s 10 Best Engines competition.

The strong yen is battering Japanese automakers. Mitsubishi’s CEO said the currency situation is starting to become futile. Also reacting to the exchange rate, Honda plans to cut exports from Japan by half over the next decade. The performance junkies at Shelby have introduced a new supercharged V-6 Mustang with bucket-loads of horsepower. All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s episode of Autoline, which takes an in-depth look at an interesting new manufacturing concept.

A top-level Nissan executive leaves the OEM world and joins an industry data firm. Honda says rumors of Ridgeline’s demise are greatly exaggerated. The Colorado makes its world debut in Thailand and we have all the latest pics. All that and more, plus a look into how Land Rover sales are remaining steady in an economic downturn.

Ford and the UAW announced they reached an agreement on a new labor contract. Now the workers have to vote on it. Chrysler’s former CEO, Bob Nardelli, has resurfaced, saying the Obama Administration didn’t need to turn Chrysler over to Fiat and that Cerberus, the private equity firm, could have done a better job turning the automaker around. China could be losing its edge as a low-cost manufacturing center. All that and more, plus a look at last month’s impressive sales numbers.

On this episode we take a look at Hyundai’s fight to be top dog in the fuel economy war. Plus, another power-to-weight comparison, this time with V-8 ponycars.

We take a look at an inexpensive rear view mirror that’s mounted in a unique spot. Plus, we ride in the all new Nissan Versa sedan.

We interview a man that’s made it his mission to drive a vintage car as his only transportation for an entire year. Plus, a look at Chrysler’s new SRT8 lineup.

We take an exclusive look at the new Mopar 11, a heavily modified Dodge Charger. Plus, John reviews one of the most luxurious and most expensive hybrids that you can buy.

We take a look at which car company spends the most amount of money on research and development. Plus, a power-to-weight comparison with V-6 ponycars.

Honda is rolling right along with a brand-new, global engine for its scooters: a liquid-cooled, four-stroke unit displacing 125 cc. Last week OnStar announced it would track customers even after they cancel the service and that the company reserves the right to sell the information it’s gathered. Not surprisingly, this caused a bit of an uproar. In order to celebrate its new partnership with the LEGOLAND theme park in Florida, Ford created an Explorer out of . . . you guessed it . . . LEGOs! All that and more, plus a review of the BMW 550i.

Despite a poor economy, car sales continue to grow in not only the U.S. but around the world. Toyota just introduced its first mini-car in Japan, called the “Pixis Space,” Ford CEO Alan Mulally said Ford may make electric vehicles in China but didn’t say when. All that and more, plus a look at Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technology.

The Chrysler-UAW talks have stalled as Sergio Machionne plays hardball with wages and benefits. Honda reveals the design of its new Honda CR-V. Ford gets a reversal in a $43-million court case. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week and a discussion about how thieves “clone” cars.

The UAW announced it is putting negotiations with Chrysler on the back burner and devoting its main efforts with Ford. Volkswagen doesn’t have enough dealers to triple its sales in the U.S. The wood trim in the Cadillac Ciel concept comes from a 300-year-old tree in Naples, Italy that was felled during a storm. All that and more, plus a look at the new interior in the 2013 Chevy Malibu.

More details about the GM-UAW contract come to the surface. Daihatsu introduces a gasoline-powered kei car capable of 71 miles per gallon. Republicans in the House of Representatives may divert $1.5 billion of battery funding to pay for disaster relief. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions in this week's edition of You Said It!

GM submits to China's EV demands and announces the development of a new electric architecture with its partner, SAIC. Meanwhile, Ford sees opportunity and is expanding in Indonesia. Nissan responds to the problem of a strong yen by outsourcing -- up to 90 percent. All that and more, plus a drive BMW's 650i Coupe.

GM and UAW reach a tentative contract agreement that raises entry-level wages and more. Ford finally goes for the throat in a new ad that uses the "B" word. For only dollars a day, you can adopt a Chrysler. All that and more, plus a drive in the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Volkswagen just announced a five-year investment plan totaling more than $86 billion. The money will be spent on product development for its nine brands, plant upgrades and R&D. The Chevy Sonic with the Ecotec 1.4L turbo will get 40 MPG on the highway. A German company has created a number of car replicas out of scrap metal and junk car-parts. They are for sale but plan on spending some big bucks. All that and more, plus guest host, Peter De Lorenzo shares his thoughts on a controversial car he’s been driving lately. You might be surprised.

With a cool time-lapse video, Audi shows how it built its massive display pavilion at the Frankfurt Motor Show. By reusing old robots and other equipment from the shuttered NUMMI plant in California, Toyota has been able to keep the cost of the 2012 Camry down, cutting an average of $550 off the sticker price. Chevrolet asked fans to vote for the best Chevy of all time. Well, the people have spoken and the results are in! All that and more, plus Peter De Lorenzo sounds off on what he thinks is one of the most beautiful vehicles coming out in 2012.

More reveals from the Frankfurt Motor Show. We take a look at two-seat EV concepts unveiled by Opel and Audi. Ford’s Chief Creative officer, J Mays, says the company plans to introduce a redesigned version of the Mustang in 2014. Toyota’s North American production has fully resumed. All that and more, plus guest host, Peter De Lorenzo shares his thoughts on Porsche’s 7th generation 911.

Ford is pushing small-car performance with three different reveals in Frankfurt, including the 2012 Focus ST, the race-ready ST-R and the Fiesta ST. STay tuned for more. Volvo unwrapped a luxurious and technology-laden concept called the You, which is an evolution of its Concept-Universe that debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier in the year. Spanish automaker SEAT, part of the Volkswagen empire, showed off a swanky design study called the IBL. All that and more plus a look at hybrid reliability.

Suzuki is seeking to end its alliance with Volkswagen after the German automaker accused it of breaking the terms of the partnership by purchasing engines from Fiat. GM released power numbers for the Chevy Camaro ZL1. The ponycar delivers 580 horsepower from its 6.2 liter supercharged V-8. BMW patented a design for a twin-turbocharged V-6. All that and more, plus guest host Rod Meloni from WDIV Local 4 News, Detroit, explains why he doesn’t believe we will see a strike from the UAW.

A Swedish court rejected Saab’s request to be protected from creditors over liquidity concerns. Subaru can’t build cars in China because it’s partly owned by Toyota. Toyota already has two joint ventures in China, the maximum the government will allow. Mahindra, Renault and Toyota launch new vehicles in India. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week with master car spy photographer, Jim Dunne.

The situation is looking increasingly hopeless for Saab as the company files for protection from its creditors. Toyota is denying a report it will export cars built in Thailand to Japan. Ford's versatile Transit Connect just made its big debut in New York City. Some 400 of them will be hitting the streets as taxis. All that and more, plus guest host Murray Feldman shares some insight on the UAW/Big Three contract negotiations.

Chevrolet sold nearly 2.2 million vehicles worldwide the first half of the year. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand its line-up to better compete with its German rivals BMW and Audi. Hyundai, Jaguar and Skoda revealed new cars before they debut in Frankfurt next week. All that and more, plus John answers your questions and comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

Good news about vehicle sales in the U.S. market. It appears last month’s lower-than-expected figures ARE NOT due to a lack of demand, instead because automakers are short on inventory. Bob Lutz is one happy guy. GM just announced he’ll be an adviser to the company’s top management. Volkswagen is set to reveal a new concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show called the NILS. All that and more, plus John chats with Colleen Haley of Yazaki and asks her for some insight that has helped in her career.