Autoblog Podcast #121
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
We reluctantly skipped last week's podcast, so it's only appropriate we're back with a vengeance this week. Alex Nunez makes a rare appearance, joining Chris and Dan, and bringing rapier wit and incisive analysis to the podcast party. We really meant to cover more subjects, but it was impossible to avoid jabbering on for an hour and a half about the situation with GM and Chrysler. We went on tangents, we occasionally talked over each other, and there's even a few chuckles thrown in for good measure. Thanks for listening, and as always, drop us a line at podcast at autoblog dot com, and hit our Twitter feed, too.
Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lucas 6:11PM (4/01/2009)
Horrible podcast!
You guys know as much about the politics behind the bailout as my sofa. You're all just speculating based on your own biases and political leanings.
Please, stick to cars!
Lucas.
Reply
Taglane 8:41PM (4/01/2009)
That's what a Podcast is. You want accuracy? Watch CNN, but that's not saying much.
MemphisNET 6:33PM (4/01/2009)
I'm at the 58 minute mark... and I'll say this..
F*#k Mercedes. They TOTALLY bled Chrysler dry and got them to where they are now. I have no sympathy for Mercedes, and I hope they bleed.
Reply
Sean 8:35PM (4/01/2009)
Holy crap put on your tinfoil hat!
GM and Chrysler have are not now, never have been, and never will be REQUIRED to take federal money.
Obama did NOT fire Wagoner. He said "If you want GM to get more help, leave." Wagoner was under absolutely no requirement to quit and take TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS. He could have walked out of the meeting and said "Thanks anyways, we'll do this our way." If he was a good man, or a good boss, he would have seen how great he was at running his company and left years ago.
I don't have a huge amount of trust for government, but jeez... one of you has a knack for seeing conspiracies.
Reply
Lucas 11:32PM (4/01/2009)
Exactly...
Giving Citi bank PUBLIC money with out stings = bad
Giving GM money with stings attached = bad as well?
Which is it?
If GM is going to take MY money then I want my REPRESENTATIVE government to impose restrictions on said money some of which, yes, may forward policy agendas.
And another thing...
What's with the bashing of the "Automotive Communities Czar??"
Why is Obama an a-hole for appointing someone to try to mitigate the pain those in the automotive diaspora may feel?
Lucas.
Andrew L 10:10PM (4/01/2009)
great podcast guys!
Reply
Engo P 10:32PM (4/01/2009)
Good podcast as always.
Would've liked to have heard your opinions on the threats Chrysler made about pulling out of Canada. I'm sure that would've carried the podcast even closer to 2 hours.
Reply
Tom 12:50AM (4/02/2009)
About time. I get jones'in for my Autoblog pod cast. Come on guys...don't ever miss another week.
Reply
Scot 10:29AM (4/02/2009)
The angry talk radio guy is spot on, and this was way better than anything CNN can produce.
Reply
ederer62 10:49AM (4/02/2009)
I disagree with the statements regarding GM. GM went to the governement for money because no one was willing to lend GM money anymore. Ford saw the writing on the wall and set up financing to cover their restructuring, Gm didn't and now they are threatening countries to give them cash or they will kill their economies by laying off workers and closing factories. People are angry because of this kind of tactic. Wagoner cut thousands of workers and destroyed share holder value. You can say that Rick couldn't have seen it coming but, CEOs are paid to make the plans to move profitable into the future; sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't. Mulahy did, Wagoner didn't. I hope that their is a profitable GM in the future that we can be proud of.
Reply
Wade Conway 10:28PM (4/02/2009)
jeez guys tell us how you really feel.
i like how the two wussy democrats let the lie spewing republican walk all over them. terrible podcast, never get in a political debate again.
Reply
David 10:40PM (4/03/2009)
You got a few things wrong because you, like many car reviewers/reporters who are usually middle age men you always use your opinion of a car to judge its sales potential.
The Saturn ION sold well- over 100K per year. Saturn dealers wouldn't be shutting down if the ION still existed.
The new "great" Malibu doesn't sell any better than the old "crappy" one
A Patriot Limited? please, get the DIY version (crank windows and manual shift) and it beats everything. Only 4x4 under $20K
The Honda Element is awesome in my opinion but its sales potential is limited because it's not a good family vehicle. It's one of those rare vehicles still left for adults with no kids. Isn't like 70% of the US population over 60 or something? Wouldn't hurt to get that market. The youth market is way overrated.
I think the Commander is a hot car. I want one regardless of its flaws just because of how it looks. I think the best looking cars ever are the 60s/2005 up Mustang and the XJ Cherokee/Commander.
Reply
Lthoneybun 3:07AM (4/05/2009)
"Anything interesting in the Autoblog garage?"
"Actually yes, but rather than talking about that, how about we skim over it so we can get to angrily stuttering about things we only kind of understand."
"Wait guys, do you think that maybe we should stick to our usual insightful and entertaining thoughts on automobiles?"
"Hey are you implying that my work as an autoblogger doesn't make me an expert on macroeconomics, public policy, bankruptcy law, the American health care system, corporate capital structures, tax policy and management strategies?"
"Well, now that you mention it, I did hear some grade-A AM radio crazy that I'd love to blather about for an hour or so."
Please stick to cars guys. I'm stupider for having listened to the whole thing.
Love the show.
Reply
Lucas 10:13AM (4/09/2009)
Very well said. You described my thoughts *perfectly*
Yuss 8:11AM (4/07/2009)
Autoblog is one of my favorite podcasts, like the show, like the website, and full disclaimer, I work for one of the Detroit 3. Hated this show. If you want to talk politics, then try to get the facts before you start spewing vitriol. GM was not taken over. They asked for money and that came with strings attached. Did you even read the GM and Chrysler recovery plans? They were weak at best. If I was an investor (which I indirectly am), I would not have been impressed by the plans. The CEO is still a GM person and the board deserves to be changed based on performance. I’d like to know where you get your information from that it will be comprised of yes men or cronies of the administration? And as for other CEOs not being sacked, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG – where did those CEOs go? I don’t like the lack of accountability the banks originally got, I believe that they should have had similar strings as GM and Chrysler are getting. I’d like to hear some constructive opinions on what YOU (Autoblog) think should be done for GM and Chrysler (privately owned company). You have $30 billion in taxpayer funds, go…
Reply