Autoline Daily

The US government is worried about financial institutions owned by foreign governments buying up big chunks of GM's stock. Dodge reveals new photos of the redesigned Durango. Mazda just unveiled its new design theme, one that it’s calling Kodo, which translates into Soul of Motion. All that and more, plus John answers your questions about the Chevy Volt and Acura in the "You Said It!" segment.

The numbers are in and new-vehicle sales in the U.S. last month aren’t as bad as everyone is reporting. Another distillery in the UK has figured out how to make fuel from potato leftovers. Ferrari is having some "external combustion" problems with its 458 Italia. All that and more, plus a blast from the past with a look at the Chevy Vega.

Hyundai is moving Santa Fe production out of its assembly plant in Alabama and into Kia’s plant in Georgia, in order to build more Sonatas. Its been rumored that Maybach will be discontinued, but a report says the brand will offer five different models. The CNG versions of the Chevy Express and GMC Savana will tack another $16,000 on top of the base price. All that and more, plus a look at Ford's new cop car.

Chrysler reveals more of its plans for Fiat in the U.S., and some important numbers like sales and pricing leak out. Opel is planning to expand globally, entering Australia and South-American markets. The U.S. EPA is aiming to make it easier for consumers to compare fuel-economy ratings between different vehicles by introducing a new-type of window sticker. All that and more, plus we take a look at the recently redesigned Saab 9-5 . . . from a designer’s perspective.

Even though global sales hit just over 43 million units through July compared to 2009, they were down compared to this June and analysts expect sales to continue to slide. We take a look at some vehicles that aren't selling well because of their unusual designs. Citroën released details about its new vehicle, the DS4, ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show. All that and more, plus John shares his thoughts on who he thinks would be the perfect person to run GM.

Automakers are trying to stall efforts to allow the ethanol blend rate to rise to 15 percent. Afghan troops find that their biggest enemies are their own driving skills. Chevrolet pulls the covers off the production-version of the Chevy Orlando. All that and more, plus Ford’s Lewis Booth talks about the lessons the company has learned while climbing its way back toward the top.

A study just released by the Centers for Disease Control shows that the annual cost of vehicle crashes in the U.S. at more than $99 billion! The boron steel modern cars are made out of is so strong that the "Jaws of Life" used by most emergency crews cannot cut through it. Ford has an iguana problem at its transmission plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in the You Said It! segment.

The U.S. federal government is investigating at least 20 dealerships that may have violated the rules of last year’s cash-for-clunkers program. Hyundai and Renault reveal a couple new cars at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show. BYD is in trouble with the Chinese government for illegally building factories on farmland. All that and more, plus guest-host Jim Hall sounds off on some of the perks and pitfalls of electric vehicles.

Some Chrysler dealers in the U.S. are less enthusiastic about the Fiat 500 than you’d think. Woo-hoo, we’re saving the planet! U.S. gasoline consumption in July fell .03 percent compared to the same time last year. Toyota is retooling to make its factories more flexible. All that and more, plus we drive the 2011 Ford Edge.

Volkswagen says it is interested in buying Alfa Romeo if it should become available. Mercedes-Benz revealed its brand-new 2012 CLS ahead of the Paris Motor Show. Indian automaker Mahindra has finally been given a green light by the U.S. EPA to sell its diesel pickups in America. All that and more, plus a look at Kia's voice activated infotainment system called UVO that is just hitting the market.