Autoline Daily - Audio

Valeo uses its 12-volt electronic supercharger in a very unique way. Ford announces a number of key management changes due to one VP retiring. Largely because of one company, sales of medium and heavy duty trucks fell last month. All that and more, plus how Chevy’s Corvette was designed to make anyone drive like a pro.

Ford of Europe has bumped its new product initiative to a whopping 25 models. Nissan will start offering the LEAF as a certified pre-owned vehicle, and the deal looks pretty good. Jeep’s Dragon Edition concept becomes a reality. All that and more, plus John McElroy has a preview of Autoline This Week all about cars and personalities.

GM unveils its all-new lineup of full-size SUVs. According to a report, Volkswagen is considering selling CNG powered cars in the U.S. market. Hankook reveals its air-free wheel and tire combination, called i-Flex. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo shares his thoughts on how American car culture is changing.

As its sales turn around in Europe, Ford says it will break even there in the next two years. According to a report, Volkswagen is considering selling its commercial vehicles in the U.S. Nissan unveils its new 2014 Rouge. All that and more, plus we look at one Japanese automaker’s month long company celebration.

Jaguar unveils its crossover concept called the C-X17. BMW shows off the production version of its plug-in hybrid sports car. Audi says its new nanuk quattro concept is for both the track and for off-road. All that and more, plus we get to the bottom of the case of the missing dipstick.

Volkswagen unveils a concept that’s a combination of a compact car and a minivan. Mercedes says it has successfully completed a long-distance autonomous drive using a near-production sensor system. Nissan announces that it’s in the final development phase with the electric version of its NV200 small commercial van. All that and more, plus how subcompact cars are getting bigger while more fuel efficient.

Despite rumors, two high profile executives say they’re not going anywhere. Honda announces that the 2014 Accord Hybrid is the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered four-door sedan available. Daimler announces it stop building vans for Volkswagen in 2016. All that and more, plus we share a close look at the design elements of the new Infiniti Q50.

The smart brand reveals a new four-seat concept for Frankfurt. Volkswagen’s XL1 carries a price tag that’s just as eye-popping as its fuel economy number. Autoline takes a look at the sales figures for August in the U.S. market. All that and more, plus in the newest edition of Design Handbook, Jim Hall ponders the difference between styling and design.

According to a report, UAW president Bob King met with VW officials last week about letting workers vote on a “works council” for its Tennessee plant. Lexus will show off a concept in Frankfurt with what it calls its L-finesse design language. Ford unveils a unique upscale product and ownership experience called Vignale. All that and more, plus John McElroy responds to some of your questions and comments in this week’s edition of You Said It!

General Motors promotes Michael Dunne to president of GM Indonesia. Jaguar hints at its future design with a concept that will debut in Frankfurt. Fleet sales account for 19 percent of total sales in the U.S. and can be quite profitable for a car company. All that and more, plus we look at the next-gen smart fortwo EV.

The UAW’s vice president says he thinks Ford could add another 8,000 workers in the U.S. According to a report, Volkswagen could pass Toyota as the #1 producer of light vehicles by 2016. Detroit Electric says it will produce cars overseas in Holland starting in the fourth quarter. All that and more, plus John McElroy shares what it’s like riding in a B-17 bomber.

Renault’s Carlos Tavares is shown the door in the wake of his outspoken statements about GM and Ford. Honda puts smart phones to work in enhancing automotive and motorcycle safety. Kia previews its Niro concept ahead of Frankfurt. All that and more, plus a demo of Pioneer’s aftermarket radio solution, the AppRadio 3.

Nissan makes a historical commitment to bring fully autonomous cars to market by the end of the decade. Ford takes the wraps off a thinly veiled concept of the S-Max. VW shows off the EV versions of two of its compact cars. All that and more, plus John McElroy responds to your questions and comments in You Said It!

Nissan pours $5 billion into expanding its manufacturing footprint in North and South America. Toyota becomes the next automaker to slash its EV price — this time right in half. Infiniti has a preview of the next Q concept, set to debut in Frankfurt. All that and more, plus Sean McElroy has a look at the latest technology from ZF.

Volkswagen is ticked off that American legislators will not provide any incentives for diesel vehicles. Detroit Electric had planned on building its SP:01 sportscar by now, but according to reports production will be delayed. Jeep passes one major German automaker as the #1 importer into China. All that and more, plus how the shape and size of a car’s badge can impact styling.