Ford hires former Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz designer, Joel Piaskowski to head up all exterior design for Ford in the Americas. Nissan plans to nearly double its production in China to 1.2 million units. BMW is set to unveil what looks like a thinly disguised version of its next-generation 6 Series at the Paris Motor Show. All that and more, plus a look at a competition organized by Ward's Auto, to see which Detroit Three automaker has the best diesel engine for its heavy duty pickups.

China drafts up a new policy requiring foreign automakers to hand over hybrid and electric vehicle technology to their domestic counterparts. Chevy reveals a number of the vehicles it will debut at the Paris Motor Show. Shareholders approve a plan that will split Fiat in two. All that and more, plus we talk to Scion’s Jack Hollis to see how the company plans to curb flagging sales.

China has designs on dominating the auto industry as it pushes to merge dozens of car companies. Mercedes previews its electric A-Class prior to Paris. Heavy truck sales continue an upward trend in the U.S. indicating a recovering economy. All that and more, plus John takes what he thought was his last drive in a Viper.

The largest automotive retailer in the U.S. says it's impressed by Chrysler's upcoming offerings. Porsche and Ford both preview some of the vehicles we'll see at the Paris Motor Show. Meanwhile, Ford says it would like to reduce its dealer ranks now that Mercury is winding down. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in You Said It!

A report says plant waste and municipal waste could provide for a majority of Europe's fuel needs by 2020. Volvo's new Chinese owner Geely intends to double global sales of the brand. Ford assembles a "smell jury" to figure out what odors people like best. All that and more, plus our drive of the new Nissan Juke.

Could Range Rover be spun off as its own high-end brand? VW gets a new head honcho in America. And here's a shocker: a new report says Chinese consumers prefer large vehicles with handsome styling. All that and more, plus our first drive of the Chevy Cruze.

The latest production data shows that automakers in the North American market are expecting sales to slow down. A new forecast predicts sales in China will hit 17 million units this year. Ford canceled plans to move production of its Kuga crossover from Germany to Kentucky due to currency exchanges and labor troubles. All that and more, plus a look at a car we can guarantee you haven’t seen on the road, the McLaren MP4-12C.

The first Chevrolet Cruze rolled off the assembly line at GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant yesterday. Honda completely redesigned the Odyssey and believes it can attract buyers with more dynamic styling. Nissan is double checking the quality of vehicles built in Thailand before they are sold in Japan. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, shares his thoughts on why the Chevy Cruze is the most pivotal mainstream car launch in GM's history.

BMW announced that it’s ending production of both the coupe and convertible versions of the M6. OnStar is getting some additional functionality that will allow you to connect with a Facebook page and convert voice messages to text. To capitalize on the growth in the low-end of the Chinese market, Nissan and its partner Dongfeng plan to introduce a new low-cost brand. All that and more, plus a test drive of the Hyundai Equus with John Krafcik, the CEO of Hyundai Motors America.

A top official in China’s economic planning agency warns that automakers are blindly investing in too much manufacturing capacity. Nissan announced that it plans to build its LEAF EV in China. Ethanol producer Coskata is trying to raise cash to build its own facility to make biofuels. All that and more, plus some of John's thoughts on the Hyundai Equus.