Autoline This Week - Video

The new Ford Taurus is the topic of discussion on this edition of Autoline EXTRA. John McElroy continues his talk from the broadcast with three people involved in the program. They discuss what was done to make the interior quieter, the new EcoBoost engine that will be equipped on the SHO version of the Taurus, and how people have reacted to the ambient lighting feature in the interior, that allows you to choose from seven different colors. Joining John in the discussion from Ford are Lon Zaback the Design Manager of the Interior, Earl Lucas the Design Manager of the Exterior and Mike Crowley the Group Marketing Manager.

No Bull

Some may know it from the stories of Zeus in Greek mythology. While others, who study the stars, are familiar with the famous constellation bearing its name in the Northern Hemisphere. Then there are the rest of us who just read our sign in the Astrology column. Whichever group you fall into, these descriptions are how most became aware of Taurus the Bull. That is, up until the year 1986. That's when Ford Motor released "Taurus the Car" which grabbed the spotlight and became a hit for the company for years. However, like its namesake constellation on a cloudy night, the Taurus brand began to whither and fade in the '90s until it was finally gone from sight. Well, today, some years later, it's back in a big way. But it’s not the same old midsize car you remember -- this Taurus is a show stopper. That's why John invited some of the Taurus team onto to this week's Autoline to give us all a look at a large part of Ford's new future. Joining John on the panel are the two men most responsible for the design of the car: Earl Lucas did the exterior while Lon Zaback did the interior. But as great as a car may be it can't sell itself and that's where the marketers come in. Also here to explain Ford's marketing plans for Taurus is Mike Crowley, Group Marketing Manager for North American Cars and Crossovers.

There’s been a lot said lately about what Chrysler has done wrong in the past but not much has been said about what it has done right. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss what Chrysler does best and also what impact Fiat will have when its products are added to Chrysler’s lineup. The panel also discusses the Chevy volt and whether it’s a good idea for GM to advertise a car you can’t even buy yet. And they also discuss what Chevy must do to get back on its feet. Joining John in the discussion are Michael Robinet from CSM Worldwide, Christie Nordheilm a professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan and author of the book “The Big Picture”, and Steve Finlay from Ward’s Dealer Business magazine.

"Green" Cross

When the economic tsunami struck the auto industry last year leaving Chrysler and GM in shambles, the U.S. government role-played as the "Green" Cross, if you will, providing the relief both corporations required to stay afloat. But now after surprisingly brief visits to Chapter 11 yielding fewer dealers, a much smaller work force as well as a shrunken brand and/or product lineup for both, the future looks bright...or does it? Some say they cut to the bone in too many areas while still others believe each needs a transfusion of new blood to drive them farther into the 21st Century. Joining John McElroy this week to discuss the present and future of the (formerly) Bankrupt Two in three essential areas are product analyst Michael Robinet of CSM Worldwide, Steve Finlay of Ward's Dealer Business as well marketing expert and author of the "The Big Picture," Professor Christie Nordhielm of the University of Michigan.

Hyundai made a splash at the beginning of the year when it introduced its assurance program, that allowed customers to return a new Hyundai if they lost their job within the first year of purchase. On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his panel discuss their thoughts on the program and also if it was a good idea for Ford and GM to follow suit with similar programs. The discussion moves back to automotive TV ads from Audi, Toyota and Buick and whether or not those ads will help them. Joining John in the discussion are Bud Liebler, former Chrysler Marketing VP and head of the Liebler Group, Jean Halliday of Advertising Age and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.

Ad "Homonym"

The latest media darling of the hipster set, the award-winning series "Mad Men", has suddenly made it cool again to be in advertising. In fact, as we watch this world through its '60s prism, the show clearly spotlights the similarities of the American ad game across generations. Be it yesterday's print & television or today's Internet programming, it's still all about innovation, imitation and breaking through. And no one knows that better than the auto industry, who, ever since those "Mad Men" days, have watched advertising budgets spike alongside the prices of their latest people moving machines or luxurious mobile yachts.

But as they say "2009 is a new day" and everything has changed from the money to the medium to even the measurement. But what about the message? Is it the same as it ever was or is it striking out a new path to reflect the tenor of the times? This week on Autoline we'll look at what the industry is doing with advertising in a down economy with bankrupt manufacturers. Joining John to talk and review some of the latest in automotive advertising are Bud Liebler, former Chrysler Marketing VP and head of the Liebler Group, Jean Halliday of Advertising Age and David Kiley of BusinessWeek.

Fresh Metal 2

As a follow-up to "Fresh Metal 1," in this week's second part, John and his panel continue their talk about some of the newest product hitting dealer lots this year, including the hottest hybrids from Honda, Toyota & Ford, the latest in the luxury segment from Mercedes, BMW and Lexus and a discussion on the nearly non-existent diesel market in America as well.

Recently General Motors and Chrysler eliminated thousands of dealers in order to restructure their business. But what will happen to those dealers, will they turn to foreign nameplates to put product in their showrooms? On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, John McElroy and his colleagues discuss that and all the other issues related to the dealership closings. The conversation also touches on Volkswagens goal of reaching a million in sales in the American market sometime next decade. Joining John in the conversation are Michelle Krebs, senior editor with Edmunds.com, Daniel Howes, a columnist for the Detroit News, and Sean McAlinden, an economist for the Center for Automotive Research.

They Are Legend

Just two years ago actor Will Smith ruled the movie world with "I AM LEGEND," a post-apocalyptic tale of isolation, innovation and survival. In 2009, it doesn't strain credulity to imagine a follow-up version this time focused on the auto industry and starring at least two members of the former Big Three. All the ingredients are there -- two huge diseased corporations doing whatever they can to survive leaving in their wake a trail of despair led by suppliers, dealers, employees and let's not forget the customers. Well, that may be the plot line but what's the ending? Will they survive? Who will survive? Will anyone survive?

This week joining John on his Autoline panel to help craft the ending before it hits the Silver Screen are three great writers in their own right. Sean McAlinden is the chief economist at the Center for Automotive Research while Michelle Krebs is the senior industry editor for the industry website Edmunds.com and Daniel Howes is the business columnist for The Detroit News.

Which legend will live? See it all on Autoline Detroit...

Fresh Metal 1

Whether it's a local pro shop, jewelry store or hard rock radio station, there's a constant infusion of "fresh metal" or new product for consumers throughout the year. But the place where you find the most interesting and expensive metal is at new car dealers across the country. There, customers have the opportunity to buy everything from the latest hybrid technology to a new luxury crossover. Yet there are so many new products each year, and even more older models being refreshed, it's tough to keep up with everything. That's why two times each year Autoline brings some of the best auto experts together to spotlight the newest, most interesting and sexiest vehicles out there.

This week in Part 1, John is joined by Stephanie Brinley of AutoPacific, Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver and Frank Markus from Motor Trend to give their analysis on some of the hottest vehicle segments out there and the cars that go with them.