Autoline Daily - Video

Earlier this week we reported that Ford is facing a parts shortage and now other automakers are feeling the squeeze, too. Volvo plans to drastically cut its lineup in the U.S. Tesla announced it's launched a battery-recycling program in Europe with a Belgian company called Umicore. All that and more, plus guest host Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, takes a stab at responding to your questions and comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

A group of eight automakers are getting together to work on car-to-car communications. Toyota is recalling 1.7 million vehicles worldwide to replace faulty parts including defective fuel systems. Italian sports-car builder Pagani revealed its latest creation and this thing is crazy-looking! All that and more, plus guest host Peter De Lorenzo shares his thoughts on GM CEO Dan Akerson and his latest moves to put his "stamp" on the company.

GM's selling more cars in China than in the United States, but guess where most the profit comes from. Speaking of "most" where do the most vehicles get built in North America? We have the answer. Ford is closing a plant due to a supply shortage, and you can expect to see it happen again. All that and more, plus we get some track time in the Dodge Challenger 392.

Fiat gets its first rebadged Chrysler Group product. We reveal the top three biggest automakers in the world. Money for advanced vehicle technology gets tangled up in government bureaucracy. All that and more, plus we hit the trail in the new and improved 2011 Jeep Compass.

The price for raw materials used to make cars keeps going up which means the prices that we pay for new cars and trucks will continue to rise. The head of Mazda's North American operations says the company will focus on diesels instead of hybrids. Mitsubishi plans to phase out all of the vehicles it currently builds in North America. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit with Jim Farley, the group vice president of global marketing, sales and service at Ford.

GM CEO Dan Akerson is really putting his stamp on the company by shuffling some of its top-level executives. It looks like the UAW is targeting Toyota first as it aims to organize foreign transplants in the U.S. Chrysler, in partnership with the EPA, is developing hydraulic hybrid technology with the goal of using it in large passenger cars and other light-duty vehicles. All that and more, plus John answers your questions and responds to your comments in another installment of "You Said It!"

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company is going to offer hybrid versions of the 300 and a minivan by 2013. Mazda will show off a compact crossover concept called the MINAGI at this year's Geneva Motor Show that highlights how the company plans to evolve its vehicles in the future. Auto supplier Dana will pay Toyota $25 million for Tacoma frames it supplied to the company that rusted out. All that and more, plus guest host Jim Hall shares his favorite reveals from last week’s Detroit Auto Show.

The last few years have been tough on OEMs, but the Center for Automotive Research predicts sales will improve significantly in 2011. Toyota halted production in Japan, but not for any of the reasons you might think. Ford is rumored to be developing a front-wheel-drive replacement for the Falcon it sells in Australia. All that and more, plus guest host Murray Feldman from Fox 2 News, Detroit, shares some of his thoughts on a potential problem the Big Three face going forward as the price of oil climbs.

Lancia is expected to reveal a rebadged version of the Chrysler 200 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Toyota is polling people about what it should call its Prius family of hybrids. Mercedes just released photos of its new 2012 SLK Roadster that will go on sale later in the year. All that and more, plus a look at the updated Jeep Wrangler.

Toyota may be on the verge of a breakthrough developing electric motors that do not need rare-earth materials, in an effort to sidestep China's stranglehold on the market. Audi is now the top automotive luxury brand in the world, thanks to sales in China. The U.S. Department of Transportation issued new rules aimed at preventing occupants from being ejected from a vehicle during a rollover. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit about TechShop, a place where anyone can create just about anything they want.

UAW workers could be headed for some pretty good profit-sharing checks this year. Ford is really on a roll, topping several categories in the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards. Toyota is hard at work developing several different battery technologies for use in EVs, including one called magnesium sulfur. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

A decade ago MINI relaunched the brand in the North American market and to celebrate the occasion the company showed its MINI Paceman concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Hyundai's new three door coupe the Veloster makes its world debut in Detroit. A look at the concept version of the Honda Civic. All that and much more in this special edition from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The big car and truck of the year awards are finally announced. Volkswagen's "New Midsize Sedan" gets an official name and a reveal. Toyota shows off its Prius family. All that and much more in this special edition from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

We've got a special update about some of the new vehicles debuting at this week's Detroit auto show. Porsche returns to the event for the first time in four years and plans to show a racing version of the 918 Spyder. Speaking of race cars, Cadillac will debut the racing version of the CTS-V Coupe. Chevy will show its replacement for the Aveo called the Sonic. All that and more, plus a look at the new Kia Optima Turbo.

The French government is directing its intelligence agencies to investigate the role that China may have played in stealing EV secrets from Renault. GM and the Argonne National Laboratory have signed an agreement that will allow the automaker to use Argonne's cathode technology to make lithium-ion batteries. Chrysler's Mopar division will showcase all kinds of tricked-out vehicles and aftermarket goodies at this year's Detroit Auto Show. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit about the finalists for the North American Car of the Year award.

Renault suspended three of its managers for leaking secrets about the company’s electric-car technology. Finally some good news for Toyota; it won an arbitration case against its former attorney, Dimitrios Biller. Buick just revealed its new compact sedan called the Verano. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in "You Said It!"

UAW President, Bob King says union workers deserve to share in the increases in profitability that GM, Ford and Chrysler are enjoying right now. Toyota showcased its infotainment system that will compete with the Ford SYNC at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Hyundai released a teaser shot of its new Veloster which will likely debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week. All that and more, plus we’ll tell you who the winners and losers were in last month’s sales war.

Consumer Reports just dropped a bombshell in Ford’s lap, ripping its MyFord and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems that are available on the 2011 Edge and MKX crossovers. UAW president Bob King says he thinks the union can organize at least one foreign transplant this year. Toyota has been sued by seven different insurance companies that are attempting to recover money for accidents they blame on sudden acceleration. All that and more, plus we take a peek at the advanced crash-test dummies GM uses.

Global auto sales are expected to top out at more than 75 million units once automakers tally up all the cars and trucks they sold in 2010. Audi creates what it calls an "e-den" to make the charging process for electric vehicles more pleasant and luxurious. Chinese automaker BAIC is bidding to acquire Italian design firm, Pininfarina. All that and more, plus we’ll show you how to translate a Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN for short, that’s given to every vehicle.

The UAW is beating the war drums again; this time it's going after foreign transplants in the U.S. Congress failed to pass legislation that would have overhauled auto-safety laws in the country. Mercedes-Benz has given us an early Christmas present by showing off its redesigned 2012 C-Class. All that and more, plus John shares his thoughts on driving Ford's bodacious Focus RS500.

Cerberus is going to recoup close to 90% of its investment in Chrysler by selling the automakers finance arm. Honda successfully completed the first flight test of its small business airplane called the HondaJet. Trainees at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, Germany have assembled a one-off B-Class with a 5.5-liter V-8 between the front fenders. All that and more, plus a look at how Lotus is making a comeback.

The U.S. federal government socked Toyota with another fine, this time for its tardy handling of recalls and other safety issues. Chrysler just released pictures of its redesigned 300, which should start arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of next year. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is one of four trade groups that’s asking a federal appeals court to overturn a ruling by the U.S. EPA that allows gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol. All that and more, plus John shares some of his thoughts on the Ford Focus RS 500 he recently drove.

An analysis of Toyota by Goldman Sachs Japan predicts the automaker will lose global market share. Hyundai plans to start commercial production of fuel cell cars by 2015. Volkswagen says it wants to be number one in electric vehicle sales in China by 2018. All that and more, plus a look at the new vehicle that shocked everyone by ending up as one of the finalists for the North American Truck of the Year award.

Batteries for hybrids and electric vehicles are going to stay expensive, at least according to the Center for Automotive Research and the National Academy of Sciences. The finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have been announced. A concept version of the GMC Sierra featuring all kinds of off-road modifications is targeting the Ford Raptor F-150. All that and more, plus a look at some of the Automotive X PRIZE winners.

The prices of aluminum and copper are surging, and there could be a shortage in 2012. The Center for Automotive Research released a study looking at the proposed 60-mile-per-gallon fuel-economy standard, and the cost of meeting those rules is shocking. That "new-car smell" probably isn’t the best thing for your lungs, but according to one forensic investigator it could knock you out. All that and more, plus John takes a swing at your questions and comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

German assembly lines are humming even as new-vehicle sales slow down in Europe. With the exception of the United States, China now spends more money on research and development than any other country in the world. GM’s performance parts division just introduced the most powerful small-block V-8 it’s ever engineered. All that and more, plus a look at Lexus’ latest luxury hybrid, the CT 200h.

The World Trade Organization rejected China’s accusation that the United States violated trade rules when it imposed import tariffs on some Chinese tires. There is a shortage of automotive engineers in North America, not only at the OEMs but also at the suppliers. Honda released a sketch of the 9th generation Civic that will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month. All that and more, plus a look at the new Pentastar V-6 engine from Chrysler.

China's car exports are up 70% for the year even with a drop in passenger car sales in November. Volvo's new owner Geely plans on building 3 new plants that could make up to 600,000 Volvo's a year. GM's salaried workers will not be receiving a raise next year, despite the fact the company is making boatloads of profits. All that and more, plus a look at the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Ford is now tied with Honda for the highest loyalty rates in the American market according to a study by J.D. Power. BMW shares details on the newest addition to its M family, the 1-Series M Coupe. Volkswagen has partnered with Fender to introduce an all-new premium audio system. All that and more, plus a look at new safety technology from Volvo.

GM is dropping the Aveo name, instead calling its next-generation subcompact the Sonic instead. Researchers at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia have come up with a new way of joining magnesium to steel and aluminum. Rolls-Royce is expanding its Ghost lineup to include a long-wheelbase model as well as a coupe and a convertible. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, sounds off on the UAW.

Our friends at Ward’s just announced the winners of their 17th-annual 10-Best Engines competition and there was more turnover this year than ever before. The Big Three have surplus inventory; GM has a 95-day supply of vehicles! Autozone, the largest auto-parts retailer in the U.S., just posted a 20-percent jump in quarterly earnings. All that and more, plus Peter De Lorenzo gives us his opinion on Super Bowl car commercials.

Just like American consumers, Chinese car buyers are shunning green vehicles. BMW is hiring-back some 1,300 workers this year to speed the development of hybrids, electric cars and advanced engines. Sketches of Kia’s redesigned Picanto city-car are out it looks good. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily caught up with Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand and Chrysler’s Senior Vice President of Design, to talk about the look of the company’s vehicles.

Honda will stop selling the Element in the U.S. because of poor sales. Chinese automaker BYD, which is backed by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, has canceled plans to introduce an electric vehicle in China. Hybrid sales in the American market are down 7.6% this year compared to last year, even though there are more models to choose from. All that and more, plus a look at how Buick is trying to reach new customers.

The U.S. Transportation Department wants to mandate the use of back-up cameras in all vehicles by 2014. China passes the U.S. as Lexus' most profitable market. Chevy is reviving the high-performance Z28 Camaro which should go on sale sometime next year. All that and more, plus a look at the 2012 ICONIC AC Roadster.

Mazda is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. Opel will debut its redesigned Antara crossover and Corsa small car at the Bologna Motor Show this week. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is bashing bumpers again and the cost to repair some of the vehicles tested is shocking. All that and more, plus McElroy’s got the lowdown on November new-vehicle sales in the U.S.

GM and Chrysler announced they are each going to hire 1,000 engineers and technical people. Toyota wants to grow its market share in India to around 10 percent over the next five to seven years. Audi finally revealed its brand-new A6. All that and more, plus John answer's your questions about GM and Chrysler in "You Said It!"

Porsche's made boatloads of money off of its Cayenne, and now the German automaker is coming out with a smaller SUV called the Cajun. Naval researchers have figured out how to modify a radar gun to detect suicide bombers . . . and underwire bras! Chrysler is joining the "ratio race" by announcing plans to introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission. All that and more, plus a review of the brand-new Volvo S60.

General Motors IPO was the largest one in history and the U.S. government’s ownership in the company is now down to 33%. Indian automaker Mahindra is in a dispute with its U.S. distributor about shipping its small diesel pick-up to America. The EPA releases its official fuel economy numbers for the Chevy Volt. All that and more, plus a look at the new Chrysler 200.

Electric-vehicle fast-chargers are apparently to blame for causing electrical-grid issues, and according to GM, they can also reduce battery life. Opel is getting itself reclassified as a corporation - AG in German - instead of a limited-liability company - GmbH - to raise money. GM introduced a new electronic logo on top of its Detroit, Michigan headquarters. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified the Nissan LEAF at 99 miles per gallon -- 2.3 liters per 100 kilometers -- on a combined driving-cycle. GM is rumored to be reintroducing the Holden Commodore in the U.S. Even though the American auto bailouts are still controversial, a recent poll indicates that opposition to them is dropping. All that and more, plus a look at a new type of EV charger.

Hyundai and Kia now sell more cars in Europe than Toyota and Lexus. Kia plans to start selling vehicles on eBay. Utility companies are finally admitting they're worried that an influx of cars plugging into the grid may knock power out in some areas. All that and more, plus John shares his thoughts about the redesigned 2011 Dodge Journey.

A new study says the U.S. government bailouts of GM and Chrysler saved over a million jobs the past two years. Volkswagen plans to invest more than $70 billion in its automotive business over the next five years. General Motors will host open house events at all 54 of its U.S. manufacturing facilities and Aftersales parts warehouses by the end of next year. All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s Autoline Detroit with Laura Soave, the President and CEO of Fiat North America.

General Motors finally launched its initial public offering today. More news from the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota announced pricing for its plug-in Prius in Japan. And Lotus announced it will build engines and body kits for the IndyCar racing series starting in 2012. All that and more, plus a look at Hyundai's unique unveil of the all new Elantra.

General Motors announced it will increase the amount of shares it plans to make available for its initial public offering. Cadillac unveiled what it calls the Urban Luxury Concept at the L.A. Auto Show and says it can get high fuel economy. Volkswagen unveiled an updated Eos in Los Angeles and it has a couple of distinct features. All that and more, plus John shares his thoughts on the new Ford Fiesta.

Carlos Ghosn made a bold prediction yesterday: Nissan/Renault plans to build 500,000 electric vehicles annually by the end of 2013. The Chevy Camaro drops its top; GM unveiled the convertible version of its iconic muscle car. New York City is holding a competition called the "Taxi of Tomorrow" to find the best purpose-built people mover. All that and more, plus John critiques the design of the new 2011 Dodge Charger.

Sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks were up 5.2 percent in October compared to last year. A new study says merging late into construction zone lanes can actually increase traffic flow. Fiat may sell part of its ownership in Ferrari before increasing its stake in Chrysler. All that and more, plus a sneak peak of this week's LA Auto Show.

Volkswagen group reported its global sales figures for the month of October and sales are up almost 10percent. General Electric announced it will purchase 12,000 Chevy Volts for its global fleet of vehicles starting next year. The Eco model of the Chevy Cruze has just been EPA certified at 42 miles per gallon. All that and more, plus John test drives the all new Nissan LEAF in this week's Autoline Detroit preview.

Through September of this year the market share for Japanese automakers has fallen 20 percent in China. The transport minister of the Czech Republic had his driver's license revoked. Ford is unveiling a new technology called "TracKey" on the 2012 Boss 302 Mustang. All that and more, plus Peter De Lorenzo shares his in-depth analysis of GM's decision to jump back into Indy racing.

General Motors posted its third quarter earnings this morning and reported a net income of nearly $2 billion. Renault predicts that rising raw material prices could add up to $1,000 to the cost of a new car by 2015. Ford is expected to build a new Lincoln sport-utility vehicle that's still under development at its plant in Louisville, Kentucky. All that and more, plus John answers your questions in the "You Said It!" segment.

We keep reporting on how car sales are booming in China, but which cars are Chinese consumers buying? Toyota's sales have taken a tumble in China, Europe and the U.S., and now they're dropping in Canada, too. GM announced it will phase out the Mr. Goodwrench brand starting in February. All that and more, plus John takes us on a tour of the interior of the luxurious new Jaguar XJ.