Autoline Daily - Video

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.

Chrysler reported its third quarter earnings and posted a $239 million operating profit. General Motors will field a Chevrolet-branded twin-turbo V-6 engine for the 2012 IndyCar season. A report by China's ministry for environmental protection says about a third of the 113 cities in the study failed air quality tests due to the influx of cars sold in the country. All that and more, plus guest host Christie Schweinsberg from WardsAuto.com, shares her thoughts on all the EV bashing that’s taking place on the internet.

Over the last 6 months Toyota racked up $3.6 billion in profits. BMW announced it will build a sports car with plug-in hybrid technology based on its Vision EfficientDynamics. Chinese automaker BYD is delaying EV sales in China because it says the infrastructure isn’t sufficient yet. All that and more, plus a look at the Mid-Term Election results and how that will affect the auto industry.

The numbers are finally in for October sales in the American market and we'll take a look at who the winners are. Ford launched a media campaign to help increase car exports to South Korea from the U.S. Panasonic announced it will invest $30 million in Tesla to take a two percent stake in the company. All that and more, plus a look at the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

Aston Martin says it won't look for another automaker to partner up with and will remain independent. General Motors will not have to pay taxes on the next $45 billion in net profits that it reports thanks to a special exemption. A look at some of the highlights from the SEMA show that's underway in Las Vegas this week. All that and more, plus John answers your questions in the "You Said It!" segment.

Researchers in the U.S., Australia and Russia have developed a new type of aluminum alloy that's as strong as steel. The Canadian Auto Workers' union is advising the Canadian government to hold on to its shares in GM. The Ford Racing Performance Group is bringing its R2 rally kit to the U.S. so anyone can transform their Fiesta into a rally racer. All that and more, plus we take a look at Volkswagen's advanced self-parking car.

Global sales are up nearly 16% compared to last year and automakers are on track to sell about 74 million vehicles before the year is over. Nissan showed off a two-seat electric car this morning, which it calls the New Mobility CONCEPT. Ford is set to show off a specially tuned undercover-version of its new Police Interceptor at the SEMA show. All that and more, plus John test drives the Chevy Volt.

Italian researchers travel 8,000 miles, from Italy to China, in four autonomous electric vehicles. A humanoid robot developed by GM and NASA is set for its first launch into outer space. In an astonishing development, the California Air Resources Board is rating the emissions of the Chevrolet Volt several levels below other cars. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit with David Champion from Consumer Reports.

Automakers have been reporting promising third-quarter numbers, but which ones have raked-in the most money so far this year? Citroen plans to introduce a production version of its Metropolis concept in China. GM waxes nostalgic with Chevrolet’s new advertising campaign. All that and more, plus a look at the interior of the 2011 Volvo S60.

Nissan says that every one yen increase against the dollar shaves nearly $190 million off its profits. The CK1 from Chinese automaker Geely received zero stars in crash tests. A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in the James Bond movies "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" is up for auction. All that and more, plus John responds to your comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

Ford reported its third-quarter earnings today and the numbers are downright impressive. Nissan just introduced its own hybrid in Japan, the Fuga, which is known as the Infiniti M elsewhere in the world. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency issued fuel-economy standards for heavy-duty trucks . . . for the first time ever. All that and more, plus a comparison of the Chevy Volt and the Nissan LEAF.

Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne provoked anger in Italy when he said the automaker would be better off without the country and its unions. BMW plans to launch a new program in Germany that allows drivers to rent its vehicles by the hour. We get an update from John McElroy, who's down in Nashville driving the Nissan LEAF. All that and more, plus a look at the brand-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150.

John got to test drive the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Sonata GLS and found that the base version got better fuel economy. Chevrolet is going to sell the Volt in Europe right up against the Opel Ampera. Ford is developing an SUV based off of the redesigned Ranger's architecture. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit all about selling luxury cars in the American market.

China is cornering the market for rare-earth metals used in hybrid batteries and electric motors. Toyota’s in trouble, again, this time recalling vehicles for brake-fluid leaks and fuel-pump problems. The auto-parts business is booming with the stock prices of several companies at 52-week highs. All that and more, plus a look at how Ford is working to make its vehicles as quiet as possible.

Sergio Marchionne is making one big push to finally make Alfa-Romeo profitable and analysts he needs to invest at least €2 billion to pull it off. Mazda just introduced what it calls its Skyactiv powertrain in the Demio and claims it can get over 70 miles per gallon. Hyundai announced pricing of its luxury sedan, the Equus which will be introduced in the U.S. at the end of the year. All that and more, plus John answers your questions in the "You Said It!" segment.

Big news for electric vehicles. GM is showing the Volt to automotive journalists this week and Nissan is letting them drive the LEAF next week. Another hurdle EVs face is a shortage of machines that make lithium-ion batteries. The Volkswagen/Porsche merger is taking a little bit longer to go through than we thought. All that and more, plus a look at the exterior design of the 2011 Volvo S60.

Employees at GM’s plant that makes batteries for the Chevrolet Volt decided to join the United Auto Workers union. The CUV segment is the most popular in the American market for the second consecutive year. Ralph Nader questions R&D spending claims Toyota made in some of its advertisements. All that and more, plus a look at the design of the 2011 Kia Optima.

Car sales continue to decline in Europe, falling over 9% last month. Formula 1 is headed to Russia and the country must pay $40 million a year for the rights to host the event. A look at Ford's new engines for the 2011 F-150. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily hit two important milestones, our two-year anniversary and episode number 500 and to celebrate we'll show you some of the hilarious, unaired clips from the past two years.

Former GM CEO Ed Whitacre speaks out about GM's IPO. We hate to say we told you so, but it looks like Steven Rattner's in hot water again. Continental develops a brilliantly simple mechanism for triggering under-the-hood airbag systems. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit coming to you once again from Paris.

The US Environmental Protection Agency took a step closer to approving E-15, but so far it's limiting that approval to cars built since 2007. The Chinese government confiscated seven of BYD’s factories saying it built them on land that was zoned for agriculture. Researchers successfully hacked into a car by intercepting wireless tire-pressure monitoring signals. All that and more, plus John answer's your questions about the Chevy Volt and the Ford C-Max in "You Said It!"

General Motors is caught in another flaming controversy, this time over the Chevrolet Volt's drivetrain. New-vehicle sales in China are slowing down, but some analysts say they could hit 17 million units this year. Nissan released a sketch of its next-generation Versa, which is a lot more stylish than the current model. All that and more, plus John comments on the attention the media are paying to Steven Rattner.

Google says it has equipped a fleet of cars with autonomous technology that have logged 140,000 miles driving on roads in California. Disgruntled union workers are going to picket the UAW’s headquarters because of wage concessions. In an attempt to help alleviate "range anxiety", Nissan is considering offering Leaf customers a free car loan for at least one week a year. All that and more, plus a look at the Ford Grand C-Max.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers doubled its sales forecast for the year. Fiat may bring its compact Doblo to North America because sales of the Ford Transit Connect jumped 76% last month. GM announced it’s pouring $145 million in its Orion Assembly plant to make small cars but could this lead to discontent between the company and the union? All that and more, plus a look at a 2-cylinder engine Fiat just introduced in Europe, in a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit.

GM just announced details on household charging units for the Chevrolet Volt. Toyota is expanding its Prius lineup with two new models that are expected to debut by the end of 2012. Not surprisingly, China's booming car sales are giving its overall economy a big boost. All that and more, plus the inside scoop on the new V-8 engines Ford is putting in the 2011 F-150.

Smart USA signed a memorandum of understanding with Nissan Americas, which will build it a 5-door, 5-passenger B-size car. Toyota says that plug-in hybrids are the top alternative vehicle, not hydrogen powered fuel cell cars. Chrysler released new details about the 2011 Dodge Charger. All that and more, plus John answer's your questions in the "You Said It!" segment.

Allstate, the giant insurance company, is suing Toyota because of damages it had to pay to customers when their Toyota’s were damaged due to unintended acceleration. BMW has confirmed that it plans to introduce a line-up of compact, front-wheel-drive cars. Ford is cooking-up an extra-special Mustang for the 2014 model year, which is the 50th anniversary of the pony car. All that and more, plus John shows you around the city of Turin, a place that's referred to as the Detroit of Italy.

Alan Mulally says that Ford will have zero net debt by the end of next year, but exactly what does that mean? Australia could become a world leader in rare earth metals within a few years. Mopar shows off its V-10 Drag Pak for the Challenger. All that and more, plus don't believe what everybody else is saying: September sales were not good! We'll explain.

Autoline Daily has learned that VW is tooling up its new assembly plant in Tennessee to build up to 85 percent diesels when it introduces its new mid-size sedan. A look at Jaguar's latest concept, the C-X75, unveiled in Paris. Researchers in Japan have developed a hybrid car that doesn't use rare-earth metals. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit with the President of Audi of America, Johan de Nysschen.

It looks like talks between Nissan and Daimler about sharing engines and platforms is progressing nicely. Delphi announced it’s teaming up with WiTricity Corporation to develop wireless charging systems for EVs. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill yesterday allowing windshield-mounted cameras to record video and audio inside vehicles! All that and more, plus some of guest-host Murray Feldman’s thoughts on the problems facing the automotive supplier industry.

Toyota has setup a task force on rare-earth metals following reports that China banned exports to Japan. A new study done by the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that texting bans while driving don't work. GM will develop electric versions of the Opel Meriva for research purposes. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, shares his opinion on why the Volkswagen and Porsche merger is not a good thing.

GM Vice Chairman, Tom Stephens, said the automaker plans to offer a midsize car in the U.S. with a diesel engine, but he did not mention which model it will be or when it will go on sale. Mopar introduced an electronic vehicle tracking system that lets you locate your car if it gets stolen. The lawnmower land-speed record is back in the USA! All that and more, plus some perspective on the U.S. auto bailouts.

Saab and BMW have hammered out a deal that would give the Swedish automaker access to BMW engines. Fiat is considering a Ferrari IPO in order to raise the cash necessary. Ford CEO Alan Mulally says he would like to slash the brand's portfolio to as few 20 models. All that and more, plus a look at the Ford F-150's new engines.

A Wall-Street analyst says that the Detroit automakers are a good investment. Nissan benefits from Toyota’s quality problems and surpasses them in the Chinese market. Did you know you could get free OnStar in any used GM vehicle? All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s Autoline Detroit with Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl.

Chrysler workers are caught drinking and getting high on lunch break, and the UAW has nothing to say. Nissan backpedals on comments made by its CEO about China. Citroën says its latest concept car will reject the status quo oppression of the automotive world. All that and more, plus a look at the new Ford Edge Sport.

The Michigan State Police evaluate cop cars from the Detroit Three, and the Caprice is a winner. Adesa and Barrett-Jackson form an alliance. STP and Armor All get sold for big bucks to a private-equity firm. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in "You Said It!"

China and Japan are at each other's throats again, this time over allegations that Toyota bribed dealers in China to steer customers toward their in-house financing arm. Ford revealed a teaser shot of its redesigned global Ranger pickup. The tire industry -- and by extension, the auto industry -- is facing a rubber shortage as droughts then heavy rains hamper production in Asia. All that and more, plus John shares a few of his thoughts on the design of the 2011 Jaguar XJ.