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Autoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2417: Arsenal of Democracy—COVID-19 StyleThe U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.2020-06-0427 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2416: Applying Artificial Intelligence To The Automotive IndustryThe U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.2020-05-2827 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2415: What Will It Take To Get The U.S. Auto Industry Back On Its Feet?The U.S. auto industry employs nearly a million people and generates nearly one trillion dollars for the U.S. economy. The faster the auto industry gets back on its feet, the faster the U.S. economy recovers. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Julie Fream, CEO of the Original Equipment Supplier Association, Steve Finlay of WardsAuto and John McElroy of Autoline.tv discuss what the industry needs.2020-05-2127 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2412: Pushing for More Diversity in the Automotive IndustryThe automotive industry made good progress over the last 30 years broadening its inclusion of women and minorities in its executive workforce. Even so, it’s falling woefully short of where it needs to be. On Autoline This Week, the panel discusses ideas and best practices on how the industry can do a better job.2020-04-1627 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2411: Hello Detroit? The U.S. Army Wants YouDetroit used to be known as the Arsenal of Democracy. Not so much anymore. Now the U.S. military would like a lot more engagement from automakers and automotive suppliers. On Autoline This Week, the panel discusses the business opportunities the auto industry can pursue and how it can go about doing it.2020-04-0927 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2406: The End of the ICE Age, or is it?Some experts say we’re on the verge of a tipping point with electric cars. Other experts say the internal combustion engine will be around until the middle of this century. On Autoline This Week, three reporters from Wards, who intensely cover powertrains and propulsion systems, join us to share what they’ve learned about where the automotive industry is really headed.2020-02-0627 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2403: The World’s Best Engines and Propulsion SystemsEvery year, the editors from Wards evaluate the newest engines and propulsion systems from the world’s top automakers. Then they pick what they believe is the best of the best, from V8s to battery electrics to fuel cells. On Autoline This Week, they announce which engines made the list and why they were chosen.2020-01-1627 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2402: North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Award IIThe North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) jury comprises roughly 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada. Every year they vote on the best new cars, trucks and utility vehicles that came out in North America. Three of the NACTOY jurors join us on Autoline This Week to discuss the three cars that made it to the finalists list, as well as some of the cars that did not make the list. They also predict which vehicles will win the awards for best car, truck and utility.2020-01-0927 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2401: North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Award IThe North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) jury comprises roughly 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada. Every year they vote on the best new cars, trucks and utility vehicles that came out in North America. Three of the NACTOY jurors join us on Autoline This Week to discuss the three cars that made it to the finalists list, as well as some of the cars that did not make the list. They also predict which vehicles will win the awards for best car, truck and utility.2020-01-0227 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2334: The End of The Year, The End of a DecadeA decade ago, the automotive industry was struggling to recover from the worst recession it had seen in decades. The industry went on to recover, reporting record sales and profits. But as this decade winds to a close, there’s fear and uncertainty as to what lies ahead. On Autoline This Week, four automotive journalists discuss what got us here and where we’re going.2019-12-2627 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2333: Electric Scooters and The Micromobility RevolutionIn the past two years, electric scooters have magically appeared in almost every major city in the world. They became instantly popular, yet brought a host of problems with them. How will cities try and manage these scooters? And what kind of standards will they have to meet? On Autoline This Week, two micro mobility experts discuss the impact these scooters are having.2019-12-1928 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2332: Contracts and Corruption at the UAWThe UAW says that it’s fighting for jobs and social justice against the Detroit based automakers. At the same time, federal investigators are uncovering a culture of corruption at the union that goes to the very top. On Autoline This Week, three experts on the situation discuss the details and look ahead to what the likely outcome will be.2019-11-2128 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2327: Promises and Pitfalls of the USMCA Trade AgreementThe USMCA, the trade agreement that was negotiated to replace NAFTA, was supposed to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. But will it? Right now, the trade pact is stuck in Congress and could be stuck there for some time. On Autoline This Week, three trade experts discuss how it will impact the auto industry if and when it’s enacted.2019-10-1027 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2325: Automotive Data, Monetization and Cyber SecurityThough most people don’t realize it, modern cars generate a tremendous amount of data. That data is very valuable from a variety of standpoints and it has to be protected from cyber thieves. On Autoline This Week, we discuss the current state of affairs and where its headed in the future.2019-09-2427 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2324: When Will Autonomous Cars Finally Get Here?Just a couple of years ago, automakers were talking as if autonomous cars were right around the corner. Today they all seem to be backing away from that. Why? What happened? And what’s it going to take to put autonomous vehicles on track? On Autoline This Week, two executives from tech companies dive into the issue.2019-09-1927 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2323: MBS Debrief: A Recap of Top Automotive IssuesThe Management Briefing Seminars represent one of the most important conferences in the global automotive industry. On Autoline This Week, three panelists talk about the top issues that came out of this year’s conference: Trump tariffs, industry restructuring, road blocks to electrification, reinventing the work place and a world of new opportunities.2019-08-2927 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2322: Passenger Drones and The Automotive ConnectionFlying cars have been part of science fiction fantasy for nearly a century but now fantasy is turning into reality. And the auto industry is starting to explore how it can play a role in what could be a brand-new market. Flying cars could be less than a decade away. That’s today’s topic on Autoline This Week.2019-08-1527 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2321: Ford Transforms Its Product Development ProcessThe Ford Motor Company is completely changing the way it develops new cars and trucks. They call it EPLM or Enterprise Product Line Management. Ford is also using what it calls customer-centric-design. What does it all mean? On Autoline This Week, Jim Baumbick, the VP of Enterprise Product Line Management at Ford, explains what it’s all about and why it could transform the Ford Motor Company.2019-08-0827 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2320: Automotive Outlook: Few Profits In SightAutomakers and suppliers are investing heavily in electric and autonomous cars as well as mobility services. But AlixPartners says the industry is entering a profit desert because nobody is making money with these technologies…at least not yet. On Autoline This Week, Mark Wakefield explains how the industry will have to handle this transition.2019-08-0127 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2319: Continental Restructures for A Changing Automotive IndustryContinental was founded in 1871 and its corporate structure hasn’t changed a lot since then. Now its reinventing itself to deal with an industry that’s quickly moving into electrification, autonomy and connectivity. On Autoline This Week, Jeff Klei, President of North American operations for Continental, talks about how and why the company is changing. And he also discusses the challenge of getting consumers to accept this new technology.2019-07-2527 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2318: Car Wars 2019Every year, Bank of America Merrill Lynch comes out with a study they call Car Wars. It looks at all aspects of the automotive industry, especially on the lookout for where problems could arise. John Murphy, the senior automotive analyst with Bank of America, is the main author of the report. And on Autoline This Week, he gives us his outlook for future sales, mergers and acquisitions, electric cars, autonomous cars, import tariffs and labor negotiations.2019-06-2827 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2317: EV Startups from The Motor CitySilicon Valley is world renowned for its startup culture. That’s why so many electric car startups are located in the Bay Area…but not all of them. Now we’re seeing a startup migration to the Motor City. Have you heard of Bollinger Motors, Bordrin or Quadrobot? Learn why they decided to locate in Detroit on Autoline This Week.2019-06-2627 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2315: Cadillac Resets Its SightsCadillac came out with a product onslaught in the last decade but it hasn’t gained any ground. It will soon become the point of the spear for General Motors big push on electric cars. In the meantime, it needs to leverage technology like Super Cruise, it new SUVs and its high-performance V-Series to build momentum in the marketplace. On Autoline This Week, Deborah Wahl, Cadillac’s Chief Marketing Officer, talks about their strategy and plans.2019-06-0527 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2314: Roger Penske: Driven to SucceedRoger Penske is an icon in the automotive industry and he’s this year’s recipient of the SAE Foundation’s Leadership of the Year Award. His businesses touch all aspects of the industry including, trucking, manufacturing, logistics and racing. On Autoline This Week, he discusses what keeps him inspired to be involved in his business at his age. He also discusses the industry’s move into autonomy, electrification and mobility services.2019-05-3027 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2312: Tesloop: A Trailblazer in New MobilityTesloop is a ride sharing company. Carmiq is a car sharing company. And Rahul Sonnad is the CEO of both. The companies specialize in using Teslas to provide rides, or allow Tesla owners to rent out their cars. On Autoline This Week, we learn how the startup is exploring new opportunities in mobility.2019-05-0927 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2206: Moving Mobility at FordMany analysts say that automakers who continue to make cars like the ones produced the last 100 years, may find themselves out of business in the not too distant future if that continues to be their concentration. And that’s a big reason why OEMs like Ford have made a big investment on mobility. Whether it’s technology, ride-sharing or product planning, the executive in charge of all mobility for the Blue Oval is Executive Vice President Marcy Klevorn. Autoline recently caught up Ms. Klevorn at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada where she sat down with Autoline to shar...2018-02-0826 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #2133: The NADA Visits AutolineThe newest Chairman of the National Auto Dealers’ Association, Mark Scarpelli of Illinois, makes his annual pilgrimage to the Autoline THIS WEEK panel to talk about sales, product, customers and how things look for 2018.2017-10-2626 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1937: Autoline’s Game ChangersThe automotive world is changing faster than at any time in its history. More and more game changing innovations are popping up with seemingly each new vehicle. John McElroy and his blue ribbon panel of auto analysts Maryann Keller, David Cole, the Chairman Emeritus of C.A.R. and Edward Lapham the Chief Editorial Officer at the Normington Group, roundup their top choices of automotive innovations for the year in Autoline’s Game Changers for 2015.2015-12-1726 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1902: Autoline Executive of the YearJoin John McElroy and three members of his blue ribbon panel as they discuss this year’s candidates for Autoline Automotive Executive of the Year. Among this year’s contenders are Akio Toyoda the head of the world’s largest car company, Toyota and his Italian counterpart from Fiat- Chrysler Sergio Marchionne.2015-01-0926 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1807: Working Behind the Great Wall: Westerns in the Chinese Auto IndustryWhen Autoline took its first trip to China last year, we not only met many members of the fledgling Chinese auto industry, but also several industry veterans who came to this huge country to share their experience. Joining John McElroy on this week’s Autoline are three of those western auto experts including: Jack Perkowski from JFP Holdings; James Hope, Design Director, Chery Motors and Daniel Kirchert, Managing Director, Infiniti China.2014-02-1426 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1739: Autoline Executive of the YearThis week Autoline unveils its first annual Automotive Executive of the Year award. Joining John McElroy to sort through the short list that his expert panel has winnowed down over the three month process is Dave Cole, former CEO of the Center for Automotive Research; Neil De Koker of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association; and Edward Lapham, retired columnist from Automotive News.2013-12-2027 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1726: Auto InteriorsEach year automakers are releasing 50 to 60 new or refreshed vehicles. That means design teams are logging tons of hours trying to bring a fresh look to an old nameplate or break the mold with a brand new vehicle. Just how they’re doing it is the subject of this week’s Autoline. Joining John McElroy are three men steeped in design heritage. David Lyon worked at General Motors the last 20 years until he recently went out on his own, John Manoogian started at Ford in the ‘70s before spending the bulk of his career at GM. He now teaches design at Det...2013-08-2327 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1715: The Truth about AutonomyRegular viewers of Autoline know that few topics get host John McElroy’s attention like autonomous cars. He can’t wait for a Star Wars world here on earth. To get the latest lowdown on what’s going on with the self-driving set, John is joined by three special guests on Autoline This Week. Christian Schumacher runs Continental’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems while Annie Lien - a veteran of the DARPA Challenge - now works for VW’s Electronic Research Lab in California and Gary Silberg from KPMG wrote the definitive white paper on the topic.2013-05-0327 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1715: The Truth about AutonomyRegular viewers of Autoline know that few topics get host John McElroy’s attention like autonomous cars. He can’t wait for a Star Wars world here on earth. To get the latest lowdown on what’s going on with the self-driving set, John is joined by three special guests on Autoline This Week. Christian Schumacher runs Continental’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems while Annie Lien - a veteran of the DARPA Challenge - now works for VW’s Electronic Research Lab in California and Gary Silberg from KPMG wrote the definitive white paper on the topic.2013-05-0327 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1636: Maximum Bob’s GarageHidden down a long driveway behind two locked gates and four garage doors is the private car collection of one of the most respected “car guys” in history, Bob Lutz. Rarely do journalists get a glimpse of these cars let alone an exclusive tour as he gave Autoline. So join host John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com as “Maximum Bob” gives them a look at some of his prized cars including a 1934 LaSalle, his unique ‘70s Swiss-made Monteverdi and even the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 he found completely by accident a few years ago which originally belonged to his fat...2012-08-3126 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1636: Maximum Bob’s GarageHidden down a long driveway behind two locked gates and four garage doors is the private car collection of one of the most respected “car guys” in history, Bob Lutz. Rarely do journalists get a glimpse of these cars let alone an exclusive tour as he gave Autoline. So join host John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com as “Maximum Bob” gives them a look at some of his prized cars including a 1934 LaSalle, his unique ‘70s Swiss-made Monteverdi and even the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 he found completely by accident a few years ago which originally belonged to his fat...2012-08-3126 min
Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 144 - It's Cool to be at Katz'sAll of the biggest car news this week was in the city that doesn't sleep and so were we! For the first time ever, Autoline After Hours comes to you from New York City, and it's courtesy of our good friends and Katz's famous delicatessen. We're broadcasting from their historical eatery, and we're ready to gab about all the latest automotive issues. John McElroy will be joined by AAH alum Jason Vines as well as naming expert Nina Beckhardt from, where else, The Naming Group.2012-04-061h 06Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 142 - Turn it up to '12It’s time for another episode of Autoline After Hours! Host John McElroy will be joined by Frank Markus of Motor Trend as well as Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production magazine. Together, these three mus-car-teers will delve into the top news stories from the past week, including Chevrolet delaying the Camaro ZL1, BMW missing fuel-economy targets on its latest 3 Series and Consumer Reports panning the Fisker Karma. In addition to these hot-button topics, they’ll also cover everything Mopar. The brand’s president and CEO, Pietro Gorlier, is this week’s special guest, and he’ll be pulling the specia...2012-03-231h 06Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 140 - In Search of Josef GanzGet ready for a fascinating episode of Autoline After Hours. We’ll talk to a man who claims Hitler stole the idea for the Volkswagen Beetle from a Jewish engineer. Paul Schilperoord is the author of "The Extraordinary Life of Josef Ganz" and we'll ask him about the facts behind this obscure bit of history. Of course we'll have a few other items on our agenda including a discussion of electric cars: do they have a promising future or are they already a sales flop? Plus we'll get into the intriguing blank sheet design of the Mazda CX-5, which John Mc...2012-03-091h 09Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 139 - The ReplacementsIt's Renzo at the reigns this week as the Autoextremist takes over the Autoline airwaves. McElroy is out of town driving some of the latest and greatest cars, meanwhile Peter De Lorenzo is here in Motown with some of your Autoline After Hours favorites: Jim Hall, the man who knew too much from 2953 Analytics, and Scott Burgess, formerly of The Detroit News, and now of AOL Autos. They'll be discussing all of the biggest automotive news to bubble to the surface this week. GM and PSA ink a deal to partner up in Europe. Chrysler's former chief, Tom LaSorda takes...2012-03-021h 05Autoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1544: Design on a DimeAuto shows are about the outlandish. Huge displays, science fiction technology and cars, cars, cars. The most eye-catching being those stunning, figments from a Designer’s imagination: The Concepts. Recently in Frankfurt, Germany, John McElroy caught up with three of the more elusive European-based designers for an Autoline exclusive walk-around of their significant reveals at the September show. Joining John at Walkaround Central is Ford’s VP of Global Design J Mays who explains the significance of the Evos and its design language; meanwhile Maserati’s Marco Tencone gives a close-up look John at his high-end Kubang SUV Concept based on the...2011-10-2826 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 122 - It's the Water, StupidThis week we talk UAW and all the other top automotive news of the week. Joe Szczesny from The Oakland Press, joins John McElroy and Autoextremist Peter De Lorenzo for a discussion about where negotiations will go with Ford and Chrysler. Watch this week's show for your weekly dose of unscripted, unapproved, unusually frank discussion on Autoline After Hours!2011-10-141h 11Autoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1541: The End of the LineSince that epic day when Henry Ford turned the switch on the assembly line some 85 years ago, manufacturing has been pretty straight. Oh maybe a turn was added here and there as the years went on, and robots, too, but essentially, ever since 1913 automobiles have been made one way and Thomas Crumm says it’s time to blow it up. Literally! John McElroy’s guest on Autoline this week is a former General Motors engineer who writes in his provocative new book “What is Good for General Motors” that the only way for GM to survive into the 21st Century is to de...2011-10-0726 minAutoline This WeekAutoline This Week #1540: Sirens of ChromeThe Pill box hat, the Mini skirt and the Little Black Dress along with hood ornaments, mood lighting and tail fins. What all six of these obviously different elements have in common are fashion. They just happen to be from two divergent universes: Women’s clothing and automobile design. However, there are times that they cross paths and have done so for 50, 60 some 70 years. And that place is the auto show. The same environment that author Margery Krevsky captures in her book “Sirens of Chrome.” On this week’s Autoline John McElroy talks to Ms. Krevsky and fashion consultant Karen Buscemi...2011-09-3026 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 121 - Leaving LivoniaThis week we talk UAW and all the other top automotive news of the week. Joe Szczesny from The Oakland Press, joins John McElroy and Autoextremist Peter De Lorenzo for a discussion about where negotiations will go with Ford and Chrysler. Watch this week's show for your weekly dose of unscripted, unapproved, unusually frank discussion on Autoline After Hours!2011-09-301h 00Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 119 - Alfa-Bet SoupThis week the Autoextremist hijacks the Autoline airwaves while John is in Frankfurt for the big auto show. Speaking of the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, we’ll be getting into a Frankfurt post-mortem including the invasion of tiny slo-mo EVs from VW, Opel and Audi and the Jeep Grand Cherokee-based Maserati Kubang. We’ll also discuss the NADA’s lobbying effort against upcoming fuel regulations, and we’ll talk about whether we’ll see watered down rules if Obama loses the White House. Also, Coda’s EV will be the first (almost) Chinese vehicle to enter the American market. And, Chevrolet will be aiming th...2011-09-161h 08Autoline This WeekAutoline #1538: Stuck in Time (Repeat of 1530)Stuck in TimeMany agree that the auction house Barrett-Jackson has its grips on some of the greatest collector cars in America. But there’s a large group of classic cars just 90 miles off the Florida coast that no collector - try as they might -- has been able to buy-because they reside in the communist country of Cuba.Since the U.S. embargo was enacted in the early ‘60s, no American products have been allowed either into the country, or out. And experts agree, sitting on that small island is a treasure trove of pre-1960 vehi...2011-09-1526 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 115 - Woodward Ave. After Hours 2011This week "Autoline After Hours" goes retro from the site of the world's largest one-day automotive event, The Woodward Dream Cruise. Crowds and cars will be populating the sidewalks and parking lots as many of the 40,000 classics get Woodward Avenue warmed up for the big day.Join John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo along with special guests such as:-Detroit News Auto Critic Scott Burgess-The "men who know too much" Jim Hall and his twin brother Bob Hall-Executives from Mopar and BoschSee the some fabulous classics and new customs like:2011-08-191h 00Autoline This WeekAutoline #1530: Stuck in TimeStuck in TimeMany agree that the auction house Barrett-Jackson has its grips on some of the greatest collector cars in America. But there’s a large group of classic cars just 90 miles off the Florida coast that no collector - try as they might -- has been able to buy-because they reside in the communist country of Cuba.Since the U.S. embargo was enacted in the early ‘60s, no American products have been allowed either into the country, or out. And experts agree, sitting on that small island is a treasure trove of pre-1960 vehi...2011-07-2126 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 110 - Show and TelnackWho would make the perfect automotive CEO? What if Alan Mulally was already taken? How about a chief designer -- would you try and lure Ed Welburn away from GM? That's the game we're playing this week as we perform the first-annual Autoline After Hours Automotive Draft. Just as in fantasy football, we're assembling our top executive teams, and once a coveted executive has been picked, he or she is out of the running. Our team owners for the 2011 Draft are John McElroy from Dymaxion Motors, Peter De Lorenzo from Renzo Motors, Ed Lapham from DeWard Auto Group and Jim...2011-07-151h 08Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 109 - 2011 Autoline After Hours Automotive DraftWho would make the perfect automotive CEO? What if Alan Mulally was already taken? How about a chief designer -- would you try and lure Ed Welburn away from GM? That's the game we're playing this week as we perform the first-annual Autoline After Hours Automotive Draft. Just as in fantasy football, we're assembling our top executive teams, and once a coveted executive has been picked, he or she is out of the running. Our team owners for the 2011 Draft are John McElroy from Dymaxion Motors, Peter De Lorenzo from Renzo Motors, Ed Lapham from DeWard Auto Group and Jim...2011-07-011h 07Autoline This WeekAutoline #1526: Oval ShineOval ShineGlass House has been glistening more than usual of late. Whether it’s profits or products, Ford has been on quite a roll. Alan Mulally, the company’s president & CEO receives much of the credit, but he’s quick to share the spotlight with his team. And one of those executives who has played a big part in that success is Derek Kuzak, the Group Vice President in charge of Global Product Development. This week on Autoline he joins John McElroy to discuss the Ford product trail and where it leads into the future. Joining John on the...2011-06-2426 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 105 - From Subaru to SaabThis week we pose one very important question to Saab's U.S. COO, Tim Colbeck: how is this company going to survive? If the company is in fact manufacturing cars again, how are its dealers going to keep their heads above water while they wait for product to arrive in showrooms? And how is Saab going to get the message out to the world that it is alive and well? John McElroy and the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, will also talk about the news of the week including the announcement of Ford's three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. They'll also talk about why...2011-06-031h 02Autoline This WeekAutoline #1511: Travels with Farley (Repeat of 1504)Travels with FarleyThe headline might look vaguely familiar. Think early 1960s where it borrows everything but the "Ch" from author John Steinbeck's famous travelogue "Travels with Charley." But where that work involved a camper, dog and the continental United States, "Travels with Farley" features a camera crew, a cutting-edge crossover and the hillsides of southern France. Oh, and not to mention a conversation with Ford's Global Marketing Chief.This week on Autoline join John McElroy as he and Ford's Jim Farley roam the French countryside, in a brand new C-Max crossover, and talk marketing, comebacks...2011-03-1126 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 90 - LIVE from Area 51This week we’re back with another episode of Autoline After Hours as well as one our audience’s all-time favorite guests. You asked for it, and now you’ve got it: the irrepressible, always knowledgeable Sandy Munro of Munro and Associates. He’ll tell us about a new material he’s working with called “covetic aluminum,” which could be a major manufacturing breakthrough. We’ll also see how much info we can get out of him about the top secret work he’s doing for Chrysler. But, don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of the week’s news to talk about as well. I...2011-02-111h 19Autoline This WeekAutoline #1504: Travels with FarleyTravels with FarleyThe headline might look vaguely familiar. Think early 1960s where it borrows everything but the "Ch" from author John Steinbeck's famous travelogue "Travels with Charley." But where that work involved a camper, dog and the continental United States, "Travels with Farley" features a camera crew, a cutting-edge crossover and the hillsides of southern France. Oh, and not to mention a conversation with Ford's Global Marketing Chief.This week on Autoline join John McElroy as he and Ford's Jim Farley roam the French countryside, in a brand new C-Max crossover, and talk marketing, comebacks...2011-01-2126 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 85 - Lutz Do a ShowWhat a way to kick off the new year. If there was ever an Autoline After Hours you wanted--nay--needed to catch, this one is it. That's because our guest is the one, the original, the top gun of automotive executives, Bob Lutz! This man has never been one to mince words, but now he's ready to take on American business practices, so watch out. We'll be discussing his new book, his storied history in the auto industry and so much more. Get ready for one very good conversation. John McElroy is joined in studio by the incomparable AutoExtremist, Peter De...2011-01-071h 34Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 84 - And To All a Good Night!Hard to believe, but this week is actually the Last After Hours of 2010! In the spirit of the season, we decided to play "Secret Santa" and give out presents and lumps of coal in recognition of automotive successes and disasters, respectively. On hand to help us go through our naughty and nice list is David Welch from Bloomberg making his triumphant return to the Autoline set. John McElroy is also joined in studio by Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist.2010-12-251h 02Autoline This WeekAutoline #1501: King of the "NACTOY" HillKing of the HillThanks to producer/animator Mike Judge, most people connect "King of the Hill" with the former Fox TV series. And though there's a lot to be said for a 12-year old cartoon series that centered on one character and his life with propane, here at Autoline any "King of the Hill" reference points to one word and one word only, and of course that word is TRUCK! And this time of year when you talk truck, you're talking about three specific trucks or SUVs -- as the case may be -- who end up...2010-12-2326 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 83 - Just the Two of UsWe're back in the same place again, and we're chompin' at the bit to get to another great Autoline After Hours. This week we'll be talking about the nominees for North American Car and Truck of the Year. The final six (three cars and three trucks) were announced, and we'll be debating which vehicle deserves to win. We'll also be looking out into the future as we examine the coming cost of CAFE regulations. Of course, there'll be a lot more to talk about, and you never know what will come up in the discussion, so belt yourself in: we're...2010-12-171h 07Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 80 - LIVE from L.A.And now for something completely different. This week John McElroy comes to you from the Pacific time zone in the great city of Los Angeles. Autoline is out west this week covering the L.A. Auto Show, and we're getting together with some of our left coast colleagues to do an AAH from the land of CARB and some really out-of-control cars. We'll be joined by Chelsea Sexton, EV enthusiast, Matt DeLorenzo from Road and Track and Charlie Vogelheim of Intellichoice. Of course, the group will be discussing the major news out of this week's show and much more.2010-11-201h 05Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 79 - Better Than Being on a Cruise ShipThis week’s gonna be fun. Not only are the inmates running the asylum here at the Autoline studios, we’ve got some of your all-time favorite AAH panelists all in the same room. Peter De Lorenzo’s in the driver’s seat while Mr. McElroy is out on business, and he’s invited Frank Markus from Motor Trend, Scott Burgess from The Detroit News and — wait for it — Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics. Tonight we’ll be running through a ton of the news to come out this week including Mercedes’ new 4-cylinder S-Class, the rising costs of raw materials and what it means...2010-11-121h 02Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 78 - The Good, the Bad and the Vines.We’re back again for another outspoken Autoline After Hours, and it’s feeling like old times as we get ready to dive head first into the latest news and views with none other than AAH founding member Jason Vines. We’ll be talking about the latest car sales for sure and whether or not it bodes well for the auto industry. We’re also going to talk about what effect the election will have on the auto industry, and we’ll discuss the impending GM IPO. Plus, John McElroy will explain why he quit the Automotive Press Association after they invit...2010-11-051h 04Autoline This WeekAutoline #1434: The Left Bank 2The Left Bank 2Last week Autoline Detroit began its coverage of the 2010 Paris Motor Show with four different interviews. This week we've decided to emulate the Seine River, take a couple of twists and turns and do something a bit more avant-garde. Yes, we still have a couple of in-depth automotive interviews that you've come to expect in Autoline Detroit such as talks with J Mays from Ford and Mike Manley from Jeep. But in addition, this week you'll get something completely different. In fact, get ready for John McElroy to take you on a walking tour. Not...2010-10-1525 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1432: Don't Look BackDon't Look BackThe longtime Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Satchel Paige once said "Don't look back -- something might be gaining on you." In the case with today's luxury car leaders BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus that "something" is Audi.The great luxury car maker that, in the past, could never quite get over the top has been gaining momentum with awards, marketing and, most importantly, sales. Halo vehicles like the R8 have grabbed the headlines but the real gains are coming across the entire lineup putting pressure on the traditional leaders of the segment. Just...2010-10-0125 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1431: Predictive PowerPredictive PowerEnsconced in the ivy-covered halls of universities around the world are men and women who spend their days looking for answers. Answers to questions that might not even exist called "Unknown Unknowns." Many recognize this function as engaging in scientific theory which, over the years, has led to accepted works like Einstein's "General Theory of Relativity." But before his or Newton's or even Darwin's research was accepted, their theories had to generate testable predictions otherwise known as Predictive Power.Predictive Power appears on Autoline Detroit but not in the guise of any ground-breaking theories...2010-09-2425 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 68 - Woodward After Hours 2010This week we bring you a very-special episode of Autoline After Hours from Woodward Avenue, home of the annual Dream Cruise, the biggest one-day automotive event in the world. Joining host John McElroy is the Autoextremist himself, Peter De Lorenzo. Together they check out some of the coolest classic cars on the street as well as some of the hottest performance machines available today . . . plus a whole lot more! Join us for this special two-hour installment of Autoline After Hours broadcasting from historic Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan.2010-08-202h 31Autoline This WeekAutoline #1424: B DrivenB DrivenYou can see it, can't you? The slow-motion black and white shots of sweaty sinewy muscles inter-cut with close-ups of a certain athletic footwear and a simple closing graphic. Of course you could "IF" this really were the next iconic brand message from Nike. But this "B Driven" headline references the tsunami of new compact cars that will soon engulf America. And though the Bs lead the list, this week on Autoline Detroit we look at several new cars, trucks and crossovers either out now or poised to hit the marketplace soon. Joining John...2010-07-0225 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1416: The Perfect MarriageThe Perfect MarriageIt happened last century. Way back, nearly a hundred years ago; a union so sweet, so hand-in-glove that to this day many of us still take it for granted. The alliance was a smart, sublime coupling of west coast imagery and Midwest manufacturing yielding the perfect marriage: the mating of cars and movies.That's right from Laurel and Hardy to Roger and Me, from the Love Bug to Bullitt, celluloid seemed made for our four-wheeled wonders. In fact, if anything its worked almost too well. From the early days of the silent films...2010-04-3025 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 50 - ZZ Top HatThis week we hit a milestone: 50 episodes of "unscripted, unapproved, unusually frank discussion" from Autoline After Hours. We, and the auto industry, have come a long way in the last year, and tonight we'll spend just a little time looking back--at the good and the bad. But, we'll also be looking forward as we welcome our guest, Larry Erickson, the Chair of Transportation Design for the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. We'll be asking Larry where the future of automotive design is going and also ask him what he and Billy Gibbons have in common. John McElroy's in studio...2010-04-091h 09Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 39 - Brother Vines is in the HouseBack in its infancy you may remember this outspoken curmudgeon Autoline After Hours used to have on the program. Then he got a real job. But now, for one special night he's back. His name is Jason Vines and he's a PR veteran who has worked for practically every automaker around--Chrysler, Nissan and Ford, just to name a few. Today the conversation ranges from auto show models (and we don't mean cars) to Ray Charles, so get ready. Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and David Welch from BusinessWeek and Bloomberg News also join John McElroy in studio.2010-01-221h 06Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 33 - Aded UpAnother After Hours and we've got two fresh faces in the Autoline studio: David Kiley of ICON Creative and Jean Halliday of Ad Age. They join John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo this week to discuss the news of the week, especially as it relates to marketing. Brilliance Auto in China eyes abandoned Saturn stores. GM posts a huge loss while the other domestics are on the upswing. Chrysler looks for a new ad agency. All that and we answer your questions in Rapid Fire and have a special announcement about our next episode.2009-11-201h 03Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 15 - Battery ParkIt’s a big night of battery talk on Autoline After Hours this week as University of Michigan Professor, CEO of her own startup and battery expert Ann Marie Sastry joins John, Peter and BusinessWeek’s David Welch to discuss automotive’s electric future. The crew also discusses GM’s impending exit from bankruptcy as well as someone’s idea (and we hope it wasn’t President Obama’s) of changing the color of the company’s iconic logo from blue to green. Of course there’s also an update on who might be the big winner of our GM Bankruptcy Bonanza...2009-07-101h 07Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 14 - Brand FlakesWith the screwy way auto brands are moving around these days it’s like trying to watch the pea in a shell game. Hummer’s going here, Saturn there and Saab who know’s where? Well one guy who may not have all the answers but certainly has a good idea is Charlie Hughes, the former auto exec with Land Rover and Mazda (to name two), author of the book Branding Iron and our guest on this week’s edition of Autoline After Hours. He joins John, Peter & Jason to discuss the future of the bankrupt Detroit Two, where Ford fits int...2009-07-031h 08Autoline This WeekAutoline #1322: They Are LegendThey Are LegendJust two years ago actor Will Smith ruled the movie world with "I AM LEGEND," a post-apocalyptic tale of isolation, innovation and survival. In 2009, it doesn't strain credulity to imagine a follow-up version this time focused on the auto industry and starring at least two members of the former Big Three. All the ingredients are there -- two huge diseased corporations doing whatever they can to survive leaving in their wake a trail of despair led by suppliers, dealers, employees and let's not forget the customers. Well, that may be the plot line but what's...2009-06-2624 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 9 - An Evening with Cheddar CheeseOn this week’s riveting installment of Autoline After Hours, McElroy and the gang delve into a topic worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy they try to dig-up the root cause of Detroit’s painful decline. Of course John is joined in the studio by Peter De Lorenzo, but the other third of the regular After Hours gang, Jason Vines, is out of town so he joins the fray via telephone. Standing in, or rather sitting in for Vines and getting his baptism by fire in the conversation crucible is Csaba Csere, long-time industry expert and former editor-in-chief of Car and Driv...2009-05-291h 29Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 8 - That's Not My Cup of CAFECount your lucky stars, McElroy made it back to the lower 48 safe and sound following his business trip to King Kamehameha’s realm. Joining John and regulars Peter De Lorenzo and Jason Vines are two After Hours newbies. Making their big debuts on the program are famous open-wheel racing reporter Robin Miller, and Sam Abuelsamid, a cornerstone of the Autoblog franchise. This week, the quintet discusses and debates a diversity of topics ranging from whether GM will build the Volt to climate change to the Indy 500 and a host of other hot news items impacting the industry. Of course you ca...2009-05-221h 08Autoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 7 - Peter's PrinciplesWith McElroy AWOL in the Aloha State, Mr. Autoextremist Peter De Lorenzo takes the helm to guide "Autoline After Hours" through stormy seas. Joining tonight’s provisional skipper is PR veteran, Jason Vines. Also, putting their two-cents in are first-time AAH guests David Welch of BusinessWeek and Car and Driver’s freshly-minted editor-in-chief, Eddie Alterman. This quartet of industry experts discusses everything from Chrysler’s earth-shattering dealership cuts and rumors that GM is abandoning its Detroit headquarters, to other hot news topics impacting the industry. Of course later in the broadcast they answer your questions in the popular "Rapid-Fire" segment. You do...2009-05-1557 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1316: Bulking UpBulking UpWhen athletes look to add body mass many turn to an increase of their carb intake. When the largest car market in America looks to "bulk up" vehicle emissions, it turns to a different kind of carb, the California Air Resources Board. Known around the industry by its acronym CARB, this influential board's mission is to reduce air pollutants which of course affect drivers and automakers alike. This week in an Autoline Exclusive, John talks to CARB's Deputy Director Tom Cackette from his office in Sacramento via the Internet communications tool, Skype. Dominating the discussion is...2009-05-0824 minAutoline After HoursAutoline After Hours 6 - Rally Cap RoundtableYou’ve got to check this one out. McElroy and his “After Hours” cohorts Mr. AutoExtremist Peter De Lorenzo and public relations master Jason Vines are joined in the studio by Mark Phelan, car critic from the Detroit Free Press to discuss the hottest automotive topics from the past week – and beyond. On the docket and up for discussion, a variety of subjects ranging from Chrysler’s survival to when the car market will bounce back. Also, it seems everyone from the Chinese to Roger Penske is eyeing Saturn now that the General is done with it. And did Toyota get greedy...2009-05-081h 02Autoline This WeekAutoline #1312: Sold!Sold!In the world of retail there are few sounds as distinctive and final as the auctioneer's exclamation. Whether it's bidding for an original Van Gogh, a special stock cow or a foreclosed HUD home, the traditional English auction ends with the familiar sound of an emphatic "sold." And that shout is heard across America on a variety of goods. However one auction that shies away from the public spotlight, yet has a dramatic impact on so many of our lives, is the auto auction. Not the televised high-end ones with six-figure collector cars but those that fill...2009-04-1024 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1310: The ButtonThe ButtoniPhone this. Touch screen that. Today we find ourselves in the middle of a design metamorphosis.The conventional button, which used to be king from kitchen to computer to car, is increasingly becoming the 21st century's version of the dinosaur replaced by so many touch pads and Sof-touch photoelectric switches.But this week's Autoline spotlights two men and their organizations who are bringing the button back into vogue, at least in the car.The first is that little blue button on the rearview mirror of so many General Motors vehicles...2009-03-2724 minAutoline This WeekAutoline EXTRA #1309: Tesla’s California CampusJoin Autoline correspondent Isaac Bouchard on this edition of Autoline Extra as he reports from Tesla headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Isaac will take you around the company’s campus, its sales showroom and where the electric vehicle is manufactured. Then Isaac takes the Roadster around for a spin and he shares his driving impressions of the vehicle.2009-03-2005 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1309: Fork in the RoadFork in the RoadIt's one thing to sing about electric cars like Neil Young is doing on his new concept album (Fork in the Road), it's another to actually design, build and sell them like Tesla motors is doing.Started from scratch six years ago, this small California startup is producing one of the few road-ready electric car currently available to the public -- its luxury two-seater roadster. That car will soon be joined by not only a sport version roadster but also a new more affordable sedan called the model S.This...2009-03-2024 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #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...2009-02-2023 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1241: DromedaryDromedaryWhen anyone thinks of a hump perhaps the first thought that comes to mind is that well-known beast of burden of North Africa - the Dromedary Camel. But in the auto industry, when the Detroit Three think of a hump those thoughts switch from camels to quality. That's because if there's any one hump or challenge that continues to hold them back from "import equality" it appears to be this. Now granted, all three OEMs have improved dramatically from the nadir of the '70s when they produced everything from poorly-designed diesels to flapping vinyl roofs. But...2008-11-0723 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1240: ScrambleScrambleIf only describing a local golf event, a pressured quarterback or your morning breakfast, then "scramble" is a rather innocuous term. But when examining today's topsy-turvy automotive industry, where down is up, left is right and you may never know the players again with or without a scorecard, the word "scramble" takes on a darker connotation thanks to the worldwide financial meltdown. The credit and cash crunch may have started with banks but it quickly filtered its way to all businesses, especially the tenuous auto industry. Things were iffy before September when everyone was still hoping for...2008-10-3123 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1239: StarmanStarmanToo many channels, not enough listeners, pools of red ink -- welcome to the world of satellite radio. Despite its myriad of advantages and incorporation into many new cars and trucks, both Sirius and XM Radio seemed more hooked to financial life support than to fleets of vehicles the last few years. It was as if the business was crying for, as David Bowie put it, "a Starman waiting in the sky" to supernaturally save the service. Well, that celebrity executive landed at Sirius some four years ago in the form of Mel Karmazin with a resume...2008-10-2423 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1238: Watt's Next?Watt's Next?Even as oil prices continue to drop, everyone from consumers to the cognoscenti understand that the genie is finally out of the bottle: fossil fuels are not the future. The question becomes, what is? We all know the roulette wheel of options, but at this point everything is a gamble and manufacturers are wondering where to put their chips.Well Chrysler, which has been quiet up to now, is betting on electric which some consider a surprise. Despite the fact that for more than a decade it has owned an electric car unit that...2008-10-1723 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1237: ChangeCHANGESynopsis: Change seems to be a popular theme these days. Some say it began with the political season but those in automotive know better. In fact, it's been on the horizon for a while. Big Change. The kind that will reshape American manufacturing for years to come. The last time we saw something like this was in the mid-20th century with World War II. And though the factors leading this retooling aren't quite as dire, they are just as dramatic led by a massive shift in consumer preferences, the technological challenge of reducing CO2 emissions at...2008-10-1023 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1236: 5-4-3-2-15-4-3-2-1For most observers, the word "launch" conjures images of rockets and echoes of countdowns from the space race forty years ago. However, if you happen to be a member of the automotive press "launch" means something totally different. To many in that crowd it means "Pay Attention" because a manufacturer is about to invite you to an exclusive activity surrounding its newest vehicle. This is one of the major ways stories and reviews of the latest cars and trucks appear in your local newspaper, favorite television shows or popular websites before or as that...2008-10-0322 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1235: "Mass" Exodus"Mass" ExodusEach time a dealer makes a sale and a car drives off the lot, along with it goes a few thousand pounds. And depending on the number of sales, those pounds can add up. But imagine losing one and a half billion pounds. Crazy? Well, that's just what America's largest automotive retailer AutoNation does every year. The company with nearly 250 dealerships across the country sells more than 500,000 units each year, which means more than 1.5 billion pounds of vehicles drive off its lots every twelve months. When it comes to the automotive retail world, all three of...2008-09-2623 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1234: Natural NumberNatural NumberThe number three has a unique heritage. From time, to matter, to grammar, for years humans have naturally divided elements and categories into three. That may be because it's a natural counting number or the first odd prime number. Then again it may be as simple as sets of three, for whatever reason, just feel right. Take this week's Autoline for instance. John McElroy interviews three separate guests discussing totally different topics related to today's auto industry.The first, Tim Leuiliette the new CEO of auto supplier DURA, offers his observations on the poor...2008-08-2923 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1233: HypernovaHypernovaExperts in Astronomy have studied collapsing stars for years. The phenomenon of Hypernovas is very rare but extremely destructive since they morph themselves into light-swallowing black holes. Meanwhile, experts in the automotive industry have been watching their own collapsing star, or more appropriately, collapsing Pentastar in Chrysler. Some analysts believe that the venture capitalists at Cerberus bit off more than they could chew when it bought the troubled automaker last August. Now faced with a depressed truck market and a four-cylinder lineup that just isn't selling the way it should be in our $4 a gallon...2008-08-2222 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1232: Sign O' The Times - Part 2SIGN O’ THE TIMES - PART TWOSerendipity can strike with serendipity. Sometimes it occurs in music when the right album comes along at the right time and affects the industry as a whole with both high sales and critical praise. And then again, it can also occur in other industries, sometimes with deleterious effects. Take today's energy crisis for instance. With gasoline roller-coasting around $4 a gallon, automotive manufacturers have suddenly seen the Truck market "tank" this summer. So the OEMs have circled the SUVs so to speak, and have reforged the truck future.But as we...2008-08-1508 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1231: Sign O' The Times - Part 1SIGN O' THE TIMES - PART 1It's been twenty years since the musician Prince released what many call his greatest work. "Sign O' The Times" debuted in the shadow of the market collapse of 1987 and the presidential election of 1988, two major events that shaped America over the next few years.In an eerie irony, the title of this album couldn't be more relevant today. 2008 has had its own tumult. With our own presidential election in full swing and an energy crisis that's never been more serious, the sign of "these" times is about change...especially when...2008-08-0823 minAutoline This WeekAutoline EXTRA #1231: NACOTYOn this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel of colleagues continue their mid-year review of cars competing to win the 2009 North American Car of the Year Award. They discuss the Nissan GT-R, Dodge Challenger and the Acura TSX. Watch to see whether or not the panel believes these vehicles have what it takes to take home the award. Joining John for the discussion is On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel of colleagues continue their mid-year review of cars competing to win the 2009 North American Car of the Year Award. They discuss the...2008-08-0708 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1230: New RootsNEW ROOTSReplanting can be tough. Just ask any backyard horticulturist how easy it is to move a ten-year-old tree. It's not. So imagine the degree of difficulty of moving a nearly 50-year-old company -- not within the same city or even the same state, but some 2,000 miles away. But that's just what Nissan did with its North American Headquarters. Two years ago the company rocked the automotive world with the news that it was leaving Orange County, California for the rolling hills of Nashville, Tennessee. And just last month that move became a reality as Nissan dedicated...2008-08-0123 minAutoline This WeekAutoline EXTRA #1230: Nissan's Rob TraynhamNissan recently unveiled its new $100 million North American Headquarters in Franklin, TN and on this edition of Autoline EXTRA Rob Traynham the Director of Corporate Services at Nissan North America, gives Autoline a preview of the new building. He explains how it was designed “inside out”, meaning it was designed with employee’s interests in mind. And you get a look at the environmental and technological features of the building.2008-08-0106 minAutoline This WeekAutoline #1229: Auto OraclesAUTO ORACLESTrying to figure out the future has probably been a hominid passion since the first Neanderthals grunted their way through the Ice Age. And even though their "more evolved" ancestors have employed tools like Astrology, Tarot cards and Clairvoyant readings since, the future, arguably, hasn't gotten any clearer.So if it's darn near impossible to decipher if Uncle Jack is going to give you, and not your cousin, that Civil War sword you've longed for, how the heck do the auto companies, with billions of dollars on the line, accurately predict the future? With...2008-07-2723 min