Autoline Daily

A number of Japanese automakers have been plagued by faulty airbags made by Takata. Now a prominent European brand joins the fray. Tesla could tally up another $250 million in its bank account when it cashes in on California EV credits. We have our first up-close look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. All that and more, plus Drew Winter from WardsAuto has some thoughts on the surprising results of this year’s 10 Best Interiors list.

Despite the fact that the entire segment was up, hybrid sales at Toyota and Lexus are down. Audi announces plans to build a new assembly plant in Mexico. Chevy has missed out on the luxury pickup segment, so it responds with the Silverado High Country. All that and more, plus we discuss why the world needs more alternatively powered cars on the road.

Ford expects to break its full-year sales record for hybrids in the U.S. this month. The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place later in May and the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray is the official pace-car. Porsche rolls out a new 911 Turbo as the car celebrates its 40th anniversary. All that and more, plus we discuss the steps the auto industry is taking to make autonomous cars a reality.

There’s no question that car sales in the U.S. market are cooling off. China is not exactly throwing in the towel on EVs, but it is turning its emphasis to more conventional engine technology. Roger Penske’s logistics company announces it will run all of one automakers North American parts distribution. All that and more, plus host John McElroy takes a look at all the changes Nissan made to the 2013 LEAF.

CODA, the EV startup in California, files for bankruptcy. Nissan cuts the price on seven of the 18 vehicles it sells in the American market. Due to a mistake made on Mercedes-Benz’s Austrian consumer website, we get a peak at the redesigned 2014 S-class. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your comments and questions in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Chrysler earnings fell in the first quarter of this year, but we think the company will be able to make up for its shortfalls this year. Mercedes unveils the updated version of its large Sprinter van. The Volvo Car Group tests a new hybrid system that doesn’t use batteries. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Sean McElroy takes a look at the all-electric Fiat 500e.

Some experts predict car radios will go the way of 8-track and cassette players. According to preliminary data, the auto industry will meet CO2 emission targets, but not all OEMs. For all you off-road enthusiasts out there, Mercedes unveils its new Unimog lineup. All that and more, plus we take a look at a new bridge construction technique.

Last month sales of the Nissan LEAF hit 2,200 units, more than a 300 percent increase. Detroit Electric announces it’s teaming up with a Chinese automaker to develop EVs for the Chinese market. Renault Twizy Sport F1 gives the smart forjeremy a run for its money as goofiest-looking vehicle. All that and more, plus we talk to Fred Diaz about the Ram brand, before he did the Tennessee two-step over to Nissan.

Honda gets a little bit sensitive about how well two other Japanese cars are selling in the American market compared to the Accord. Earlier in the week Nissan unveiled the Friend-ME, today it’s the Toyota ME.WE. Audi shows off a lightweight version of its TT, called the TT ultra quattro concept. All that and more, plus we look at how the Taxi Nissan’s Tomorrow can now accommodate a wheelchair.

First quarter sales are out, and Toyota outsold two other global automakers to retain its top spot. The CEO of Maserati agrees with a new study that says the carbon footprint of EVs may not be better than gasoline powered cars. Mazda scores its first victory using the SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel engine in the Mazda6. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!