Autoline Daily

Automakers are posting their first-quarter financial numbers and we’ve got the latest from Hyundai and Chrysler. Internet search giant Google is getting into the auto business . . . or at least trying to. A prototype product called the “Track N Go” looks like an awesome add-on to four-wheel-drive vehicles. All that and more, plus John McElroy answers your questions and responds to your comments in our “You Said It!” segment.

Toyota pulled the wraps off of two concept cars at the Beijing Auto Show. Hyundai will offer a free 3-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio with the purchase of any used car at its dealerships in the U.S. Audi just introduced an updated version of the Q5 which goes on sale this summer in Europe. All that and more, plus another entertaining installment of Hall vs. Hall.

The Lamborghini crossover goes from sketch to reality in Beijing. Honda reveals a duo of concepts that it thinks are “cool” and “smart.” Jaguar and Land Rover move toward powertrain independence with a new 3.0-liter V-6. All that and more, plus a walk around the newly refreshed Ford Flex.

Peugeot unveils a new crossover concept as the Beijing Motor Show gets underway. The Blue Oval considers adding a China-shaped asterisk to its “One Ford” mantra. Scion kills off two of its most iconic nameplates. All that and more, plus Andrew Justus has Autoline’s first look at the new Acura RDX.

Honda is going to appeal a small claims case in California in which the company was hit with a settlement of less than 10,000 dollars. Mercedes-Benz is going to tweak the way it names its vehicles to make it less confusing…sort of. Alfa Romeo just trademarked the 4C name in the U.S. which is scheduled to go on sale by the end of 2013. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week about whether performance brands like Porsche and Lamborghini are making a mistake coming out with SUVs.

Formula One racing returns to Bahrain this weekend, but opponents of the regime that controls the country vow to wage three days of rage to coincide with the race. Ford is racing to catch up in China and just announced it will build another assembly plant in the country. Mercedes-Benz is expected to offer a diesel engine in North America by 2013. All that and more, plus Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn takes a peek at the company’s amazing collection of classic cars.

Volkswagen is expected to announce it plans to build an Audi factory in Mexico. GM announced that bi-fuel versions of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 will cost 11,000 dollars over the price of a conventionally powered truck. Ford CEO Alan Mulally says the battery used in the electric version of the Focus costs between 12,000 dollars and 15,000 dollars. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily correspondent Isaac Bouchard takes a look at the all-new 2013 Ford Escape.

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission just approved the first liquefied natural gas export plant in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. Honda announced it’s teaming up with Japan Metals and Chemicals Company to reuse rare-earth metals from second-hand auto parts. Autoline Daily Correspondent Isaac Bouchard gives us a first look at the new Ford Focus Electric. All that and more, plus a rundown of the 2012 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors winners with guest host Christie Schweinsberg.

The supplier company TI Automotive is warning automakers of a resin shortage that could lead to production disruptions. Citroen is showing off a new concept called the Numero 9 which it says reveals the future styling of the DS line. Fiat will build a rebadged version of the Dart in China called the Viaggio. All that and more, plus a look at the all-new Infiniti JX.

The National Auto Dealers Association just released a study that says millions of new car buyers could be priced out of the market because of the new fuel economy mandates. General Motors announced it will discontinue the Chevy Avalanche after the 2013 model year. Word on the street is the next-generation Ford Mustang will meet EU pedestrian crash standards, which could open the door to global markets. All that and more, plus a preview of Autoline This Week about the Chevrolet Volt and how it’s become a political punching bag.