Autoline Daily

Kia, along with its joint-venture partners, Dongfeng and Yueda, unveils its new China-only brand. Out of the Shanghai show is the plug-in hybrid CrossBlue Coupe from Volkswagen. Today, there are about 10 million engines made around the world that are turbocharged or supercharged, and that’s growing quickly. All that and more, plus fill-in host Jim Hall asks, is the Dodge Dart really a sales bust?

Let’s take a look at some of the hottest unveils from the Shanghai auto show. The forjeremy from smart has got to be one of the weirdest special edition models ever to come out of a car company. Buick unveils a Riviera concept with show-stopping looks. Renault reveals a new model from the iconic Alpine brand, called the A110-50. All that and more, plus we take a look at why there is a sudden interest in opposed piston engines.

Bloomberg reports that the actual manufacturing cost for every Fisker was more than six times that of the purchase cost. Fiat-Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne criticizes regulators for trying to force electric cars on the industry and the public. We get the official word that Toyota will start building the Lexus ES at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant, which is a first in the U.S. All that and more, plus we learn how CNG and LPG are getting a lot of attention.

We get the latest new car sales from Germany and they’ve dropped a lot. Subaru boosts production in the U.S. to end the shortage of vehicles at its dealers. Mercedes pulls the wraps off its Concept GLA ahead of its Shanghai debut. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Seamus McElroy takes us for a deep dive into the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

Two groups that represent every automaker selling vehicles in the United States file a petition to prevent a California mandate for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. GM starts building electric motors for the Spark EV at its plant in Baltimore. The steel and aluminum industries fight over which material is the most cost effective at reducing weight in cars. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your comments and questions in this week’s edition of You Said It!

Protean Electric reveals the production version of its electric hub motors. Chrysler announces major changes to account for the CEO of the Ram brand’s departure. Volkswagen shuffles the chairman deck at its troubled SEAT division. All that and more, plus we take a walk around the floor of the Autorama car show in Detroit.

Fred Diaz, CEO of the Ram band abruptly left the company to go head up all sales and marketing for a Japanese automaker whose sales of pickups, SUVs and vans have been a flop. Amid billions of dollars going missing, FAW announces its chairman will be leaving the company. The Chrysler Group throws its hat in the full electric ring with the Fiat 500e. All that and more, plus a quick look at some new developments coming in superchargers.

$1.6 billion goes missing in an astounding vanishing act at one Chinese car company. Ahead of Shanghai, we get our first glimpse at a future Citroen DS SUV. Russia’s GAZ launches its first new commercial vehicle in more than 25 years. All that and more, plus a sneak peek at Autoline This Week with Dick Dauch, the Chairman of American Axle.

Silicon Valley gets more and more interested in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to connected cars and autonomous technology. Some analysts think GM should dump the Opel brand, but the company says otherwise. The Ford Explorer is currently sold in 64 countries, but it has always been built in the U.S., until now. All that and more, plus we take a look at the features of the new Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Energy Information Agency reports the use of replacement and alternative fuels in the U.S. is on the rise. Volvo now offers a new fuel injection technology for its diesel engines. Reports indicate Ford will offer a new EcoBoost engine for the upcoming 2014 Fusion. All that and more, plus host John McElroy responds to your comments and questions in this week’s edition of You Said It!