Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

A RADICALLY NEW TYPE OF ENGINE

When oil prices shot over $100 a barrel a year ago, I was inundated with press releases from inventors claiming they had an engine that would solve the energy crisis. In most cases, I simply deleted each release and went on with my work. You see, I've seen this all before.

The same thing happened after the oil shocks of the 1970s. All kinds of inventors came up with all kinds of engine designs, promising to solve the country's energy problem. But not one of those engines ever made it into production.

In most cases these new designs only existed on paper. In other cases, the efforts were led by people who had no clue what it takes to break into the automotive industry. Think about it. In the last 100 years only three engines have made it into mass production: the gasoline engine, the diesel engine, and the rotary. And only Mazda has stuck with the rotary.

But recently I got to see a new type of engine that makes me think it might have a chance. Part of that has to do with the design of the engine. The other part has to do with who is behind the project.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogdon runkleDonRunkleeco motorsEcoMotorsfeaturedjohn colettijohn mcelroyJohnColettiJohnMcelroyopoc engineOpocEnginepeter hofbauerPeterHofbauerMon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

How to Raise the Gas Tax

Raising taxes on gasoline is political suicide in the United States. Any politician foolish enough to propose raising the gas tax would be hounded out of office, or never elected in the first place. We, the American people, will see to that.

You see, we don't like taxes of any sort. And we especially hate gas taxes. Owning a car in America isn't so much of a privilege as it is a necessity. Most our communities don't have public transportation. So we need our wheels to get to work, or school, or going out for fun, or whatever else we want to do with them. In America, even the poorest among us drive cars. And none of us want the government taxing our mobility out of our reach.

But maybe the problem is that the American people have never been properly sold on the need to raise the gas tax. Here's my pitch.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

CHRYSLER CONSIDERS GETTING BACK INTO BIG RIGS

One of the more intriguing tidbits that dribbled out of Chrysler's grueling 8-hour press conference on Wednesday is that the company is considering getting back into the heavy truck business. They're not talking about heavy duty pick-ups, they're talking about 18-wheelers.

Up until the early 1970's Dodge sold heavy trucks, including semi-tractors. In fact, Dodge trucks were famous the world over. But like GM and Ford, the Chrysler Corporation decided to get out of that business at a time when the commercial truck sector was under pressure.

When times are good heavy trucks generate a significant amount of profits. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota (Hino), Nissan and Mitsubishi (Fuso) are still in the business. But it takes a lot of capital investment to get into and stay in the highly cyclical heavy truck segment, which is why the American car companies abandoned that market years ago.

In this case, the idea to get Chrysler back into the heavy truck market is Fiat's, not Chrysler's. And that is precisely why this could actually happen.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline detroitautoline on autoblogAutolineDetroitAutolineOnAutoblogchryslerchrysler big rigchrysler semichrysler trucksChryslerBigRigChryslerSemiChryslerTrucksfeaturedfiativecojohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Brazil's E100 Drives Innovative Fuel Injection

A few weeks ago Rio de Janeiro landed the 2016 Olympics largely thanks to the fact that Brazil is climbing up the rank of nations. It has grown to become the 10th largest economy in the world and a key reason has to do with the country's energy policy.

By committing heavily to ethanol, Brazil no longer imports oil to make fuel. That means the country now has a trade surplus and a positive balance of payments. The economy is growing while unemployment is dropping. Ethanol doesn't get all the credit for Brazil's impressive growth, but it's playing a significant role. Instead of talking about kicking its oil addiction, Brazil did it.

An unexpected side benefit of committing to ethanol is that Brazil is also taking the lead in developing new fuel injection systems that allow cars to run on pure ethanol (E-100). This is arguably the first time that Brazil has ever taken the lead on automotive technology.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogbrazile-100featuredjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 30 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Why Saturn Failed

In the early 1980s General Motors launched a top-secret program to figure out how it could build a small car to successfully compete against the Japanese automakers. It was called the S-car program and the results of this study shocked top management at GM.

It conclusively proved General Motors could not profitably build a small car in the United States that was priced against the Japanese -- at least not under the current GM system. And that launched another study to figure out what it would take become competitive.

GM concluded that it needed a clean-sheet approach to designing, engineering, manufacturing and retailing small cars in the American market. In other words, it needed a whole new car company. And so Saturn was born.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutobloggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroypenskesaturnThu, 01 Oct 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Why Car Names Really Matter

What's in a name? Does it really matter what you call a car, or will a car sell well as long as it's well designed?

As an enthusiast, I always felt that the name of a car never really mattered all that much. I was always more interested in the design and the mechanical aspects of the machine rather than the badge. If it had a cool sounding name, sure, that was good. But to me a great car was a great car no matter what they called it.

Now I'm not so sure.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineautoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyWed, 23 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TOYOTA'S HYBRIDS COULD BE BANNED FROM THE AMERICAN MARKET

In a shocking development Toyota faces a lawsuit filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission that seeks to ban the import of all hybrids to the American market. Toyota is being sued by Paice LLC for patent infringement on its hybrid system.

Before you think this is just a frivolous lawsuit that has no standing whatsoever, consider the fact that Paice has already successfully sued Toyota on five counts of patent infringement, and won on three of them. In April of this year, Paice was awarded by the Federal district court in the Eastern District of Texas a future royalty of $98 for every Prius sold.

Toyota is appealing that verdict, but just to up the ante Paice decided to file its suit with the ITC and go for an all-out ban on all the hybrids the giant Japanese automaker brings into the U.S. market.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineautoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitautolineonautoblogfalsejohn mcelroyjohn mcelroy autoblogJohnMcelroyJohnMcelroyAutoblogpriustoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusThu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Cash For Clunkers Conspiracy?

To hear the government tell it, foreign automakers and compact cars were the big winners in the Cash for Clunkers program. The Department of Transportation makes it look like consumers all wanted small fuel-efficient cars, particularly from the import brands.

But an analysis by Edmunds.com tells a very different story. It found that a fair number of Clunker buyers bought pickups and Ford came out as the clear winner in the Top Ten list. Indeed, Edmunds' analysis shows that the government came up with a bizarre way to count Clunker sales and we know now that the DOT counted sales based on the drivetrain in a vehicle, not by its nameplate. For example, the front-wheel drive version of the Ford Escape was counted separately from the all-wheel drive version. As a result, vehicles that only offer one drivetrain came out on the top of the list.

No one in the history of the auto industry has ever counted sales this way, and it's mighty peculiar why the government would choose to do so. Is there some other agenda at work?

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyTue, 01 Sep 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

THE CLUNKERS PROGRAM EXCEEDED EVERYONE'S EXPECTATIONS

Despite a lot of skepticism from industry analysts, the "Cash for Clunkers" program exceeded just about everyone's expectations. It brought in new customers, cleaned out a lot of old inventory, and started putting auto workers back to work.

A lot of critics, me included, thought this was just a government giveaway that really wouldn't have much effect. And while there's no question it was a giveaway, it did meet the goals of the program: to help reduce America's dependence on oil and stimulate the economy.

Most impressively, dealers tell me that the Clunkers program brought in customers they had never seen before. They were people who would not normally buy a new car. The only reason they came into the showrooms shopping for new cars was because of the cash they could get for their clunkers. And the dealers are pretty sure they'll never see most of them ever again.
____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogcash for clunkersCashForClunkersfeaturedjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 21 Aug 2009 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Why Are German Automakers Exempt from U.S. CO2 Standards?

If you've ever wondered why the American automakers have such a hard time competing in their home market, all you have to do is look at the latest move from the American government. It's going to exempt the worst gas-guzzling European luxury cars from having to meet U.S. CO2 standards. Companies like Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche can continue to sell cars that don't meet those standards, all with the gentle blessing of generous Uncle Sam.

Do you think for a second that the American government would ever let GM, Ford or Chrysler sell vehicles that pump out more greenhouse gases than the law allows? No, never.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyThu, 30 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Ford Says Series Hybrids (Chevy Volt) Are a Mistake

The Ford Motor Company is not going to chase GM and do a plug-in series hybrid like the Volt. In fact, the Blue Oval thinks that approach is a mistake. Instead, Ford is taking a three-pronged attack to developing hybrid and electric vehicles, with one technology building upon the other.

And by the way, Ford, like most other automakers, is putting fuel cell technology on the back burner. Until a hydrogen infrastructure for automobiles is put in place, there isn't much sense in developing cars that run on hydrogen, especially when that hydrogen infrastructure is many years and many billions of dollars away.

Ford's approach is to develop strong hybrids, which it already has in the market (Fusion, Milan, Escape, Mariner), followed by plug-in hybrids, followed by electric vehicles. In two years time it will have each of those kinds of vehicles in its showrooms.
____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyThu, 23 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

GM DON'T NEED NO CULTURE CHANGE

If I have to read another article about how GM needs to change its culture, I think I'll puke. It seems that every analyst and pundit in the business feels the need to write an article about GM's need for culture change.

They wring their hands about how this is going to take years or even decades to achieve. But I've seen enough culture changes at car companies to know it doesn't have to take very long at all.

Human beings are highly trainable animals. We're easier to train than dogs! All you have to do is tell us what needs to be done and, if we agree, we'll pretty much comply.

There's an old adage in business, "tell me how you're going to measure me, and I'll show you how I'm going to perform." You want people to "change their culture?" Then start to measure them the way you want them to perform.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutobloggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyTue, 14 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Hybrids Stumble While Diesels Surge

The new-car sales figures for June must be a cause for concern for fans of hybrids. But at the same time they're very encouraging for diesel proponents. You don't want to read too much into one month's sales numbers, but the numbers do tell a story.

Ever since gasoline prices tumbled from their highs of last year, sales of hybrids have tumbled along with them. And while most automakers are shunning diesel engines right now, Volkswagen turned in sales numbers in June that should make everybody sit up and pay attention.

So, are we going to see a battle royale between hybrids and diesels? It's too early to tell, but here's what's going on in the market at this snapshot in time.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyThu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation

The Ford Transit Connect is a cool little van unlike anything else on the American market. In fact, I think it has the capability of becoming something of a cult car. But it's also a shining example of why the auto industry faces too much regulation.

Even though the Transit Connect is already sold in 55 countries around the world it had to undergo numerous modifications before it could be sold in the American market. And while it's not at all unusual to modifiy imported vehicles up to our standards, it's hard to see how some of these changes will help the health or safety of American citizens.

Some of these changes are so ridiculous and inconsequential that it's actually funny to see what they are. Funny, that is, until you realize all they're doing is driving up the price of the product.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogford transit connectFordTransitConnectjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Unlocking GM's Inner Value

Even though it's bankrupt and the price of its stock has collapsed, General Motors is worth a lot more money than most people realize. And if the company were to take a radically new approach to how it runs its business the payoff could be enormous.

GM's market capitalization is at ridiculously low levels. The total value of its stock is presently less than half a billion dollars. But the company is really worth a lot more than that. When you add up the value of all the land, buildings, tools, machinery, equipment, patents, research labs, proving grounds and every other asset it has, GM is worth over $140 billion. There's even more value in the know-how, knowledge and experience of its people.

But how do you unlock all that value?

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Three Ways to Save the Big Three

Now that the Big Three are finally brooming out all their old legacy costs, they're going to be in the best fighting shape they've been in for nearly 40 years. But how do we make sure they don't slip back into their bad habits like they have after every other crisis?

A lot of people have a lot of opinions about what's got to be done, but to me it all gets down to how the executives run these companies. Get them to do the right things and everything else will fall into place.

There's that old adage in business that goes, "Tell me how you're going to measure me, and I'll show you how I'm going to perform." And while it's all fine and good to establish specific benchmarks that trigger bonuses, it's got to go deeper than that.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

Does Killing Off Dealers Really Help?

Thousands of GM and Chrysler dealers are getting wiped out as part of each company's bankruptcies. And while the surviving dealers will be much better off, GM and Chrysler are likely to see less revenue, lower market share and fewer service parts sales as a result of this action. Is it worth the trade off?

Actually, debating the pros and cons is now just an academic exercise. It was the Presidential Automotive Task Force which decided that thousands of dealers had to go, then set a quota they wanted met, and told the car companies to go out and do the dirty work. GM and Chrysler didn't have a choice, but in many cases they acted all too eagerly. Shutting down dealerships fit in beautifully with their long term plans, and now the government was telling them that they could do it for free!






____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

BOOM TIMES COMING IN THE USED CAR MARKET

The future looks so bright for the used car market that I'm almost tempted to try and get into that business myself. Even though car dealers are going through tough times trying to sell new vehicles, they are going to more than make up for that on their used car lots.

The reason I'm so bullish on the used car business is that we're facing a looming shortage of good used cars. First off, the new car market has fallen by roughly 7 million units since its peak two years ago. That translates into 7 million fewer trade-ins available in the used car market. And the story gets even more interesting when you start to dig down into those numbers.

Follow the jump to keep reading...

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitautolineonautoblogfeaturedjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyused car buyingused carsUsedCarBuyingUsedCarsFri, 22 May 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT IN THE PISTON ENGINE

There are all kinds of ways to boost the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Hybrids are becoming more and more popular. Clean diesels seemed poised to make major inroads in the market. And even though they're a ways down the road, hydrogen fuel cells sure look promising.

But the problem with these technologies is that they add considerable cost to a car. Toyota has probably got the cost of its hybrid system down to about $2,500, but that's still a lot of money to add to the cost of the powertrain. At their present level of development, clean diesels probably carry $4,000-$5,000 worth of extra emissions control equipment. And hydrogen fuel cells aren't quite ready for prime time no matter what they cost.

Engine engineers complain to me all the time about these alternative technologies. They say it's unfair to compare what they are doing with gasoline-fueled piston engines to these alternatives. And it all comes down to money. They claim they can achieve comparable performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency at a lot lower cost.

Specifically, they say "Let me add just $1,000 worth of equipment and technology to my engine and let me show you what I can do."

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineautoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitautolineonautoblogfeaturedjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyFri, 08 May 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under:

They're After Your Freedom

You've undoubtedly read the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's report and seen the videos it released when the organization pitted sub-compacts against mid-size sedans (if not, one is posted below the fold). They really went after the safety of small cars, trying to scare consumers away from buying them.

The IIHS filmed head-on collisions between a Honda Fit and Accord, between a Toyota Camry and a Yaris, and between a Mercedes C-class and a Smart. Each vehicle was traveling at 40 mph, which is the equivalent of smashing into a parked car at 80 mph, and the results were predictable. The videos made the national news, especially the one of the Smart Fortwo bouncing and spinning backwards.

The IIHS has an ulterior motive in conducting these crashes. It's all part of its campaign to limit how much horsepower cars can have, and to lower the national highway speed limit to 55 mph.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineautolineonautoblogjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroyThu, 16 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST