Host, 'Autoline Detroit'
Veteran automotive journalist and host of the television program Autoline Detroit, which airs on public television in the Detroit area, nationally on the Speed Channel and online at AutolineDetroit.TV
PROFILE
John McElroy
Guest
FROM John McElroy
Which Way, L.A.?
Today, It's Chrysler... Tomorrow, GM? Big banks who've accepted billions in federal bailouts had little choice when President Obama demanded that they take "haircuts" to keep Chrysler in business. But smaller investors, including hedge funds, said no deal, and now Chrysler's reorganizing in bankruptcy court.
To the Point
Today, It's Chrysler... Tomorrow, GM? President Obama says he does not want to run a big automaker , but the federal government could end up owning 50% of General Motors. In the meantime, it will own 10% of a new, multi-national company when Chrysler merges with Fiat , presuming, of course, that bankruptcy goes well.
To the Point
As Truck and SUV Sales Plunge, Detroit Goes for Small Urban cowboys in pickups and SUV's are a thing of the past. More and more customers don't even talk about power any more. Ford, Chrysler and General Motors were not ready for four-dollar gasoline, and June was another disaster for an industry that helped make America great, with sales of new cars and trucks that plunged to a ten-year low.
To the Point
Cars, Cars and More Cars The Detroit Auto Show used to be all about size, speed, style and America's domination of the world market. This year even China's in on the action, marketing strategies you might call unorthodox, while more familiar players push plug-in hybrids, clean diesel and cars that run on industrial waste.
To the Point
Chrysler to Cut up to 10,000 Hourly Jobs, Drop Models Less than a week after Chrysler workers narrowly approved a new contract , the auto-maker said today it's cutting thousands of jobs and discontinuing several models of cars. John McElroy hosts Autoline Detroit, which appears on public television and the Speed Channel.
To the Point
Fixing the American Auto Industry Sales at Ford Motor Company dropped 18% last month, and Toyota outsold Ford by 35,000 vehicles—many of which were Made in America. Meantime, workers at General Motors are voting on a contract some say will save the company—and maybe Ford and Chrysler , as well, although skeptics say the union didn't give up enough.
To the Point
Ford Reports Worst Loss in History A year ago, the Ford Motor Company lost $74 million. Today, Ford announced it's in the red by $12.7 billion. Last year was the worst in the company’s history. John McElroy is host of Autoline Detroit.
Which Way, L.A.?
Car-Culture Capital Hosts Centennial Auto Show LA's first auto show consisted of 99 cars inside a skating rink--100 years ago. The show that opens tomorrow will have numerous cars from each of 47 different manufacturers, ranging from subcompacts to full-size luxury sedans, pickups, SUV's, crossovers and sports cars. Despite its history, the Los Angeles Auto Show has an inferiority complex.
To the Point
Ford Taurus, RIP Americans once purchased over 400,000 Tauruses a year, but Ford says it expects to sell less than half that number in 2006--and there won't be a next year. Taurus made its debut in December, 1985. By the early 90's it had became the best-selling passenger vehicle in America. But Taurus' sales have plummeted in recent years.
Recommended
KCRW Features
Could agave become Santa Barbara’s next major crop? In many ways, growing agave in Santa Barbara makes a lot of sense. Not only does it use very little water and thrive on generally inhospitable land, but it can act as a fuel break for wildfires. Now, local farmers and distillers are experimenting with the crop.
KCRW Features
What are LA parents doing with their kids during the strike? During the teacher strike, a lot of students are not going to class. According to the district’s tally, about 163,000 turned up for school Tuesday, out of a total of about half a million. Some are spending their time on the picket line. Older students might go study at Starbucks or play hooky. But the parents of younger children in L.A.