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. Big banks who've accepted billions in federal bailouts didn't have much choice when Obama demanded they take "haircuts" to keep Chrysler in business. But smaller investors, including hedge funds, said no deal, forcing Chrysler's reorganization in bankruptcy court. We hear about the economics and politics involving investors, unions, part suppliers and dealers. Also, what about the cars? Will American drivers change their ways and go European?
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. GM dropped 18%; Ford 28% and Chrysler 36%. Toyota took a 21% hit, but Honda rose by 1.1 and Kia , owned by Hyundai of South Korea, went up by 7.6. We talk with a Chrysler/Jeep dealer who says the Big Three are their own worst enemy. Can they re-tool in time? Can they figure out how to make money on small cars with high mileage before they're swamped by foreign companies who saw the light a long time ago?
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. Toyota is competing with GM to go green, but has to admit that the auto industry will always be bad for the environment. What's next for American drivers? Can the world sustain the expanding automobile economy?
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. These are bad times for the industry that once dominated the world's strongest economy. Can it become competitive once again? We hear more about that GM contract, mileage standards, global warming—and clean diesel.
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. It was purposely scheduled this month to avoid conflict with its younger, much bigger brother, the Detroit Auto Show . Governor Schwarzenegger, who wants California to take the lead against global warming and auto pollution, challenged auto makers to deliver more efficient clean-air vehicles. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court took up Massacusetts v EPA , over whether the US Environmental Protection Agency be sued for refusing to regulate carbon emissions, since the Clean Air Act mandates that all pollution sources be regulated.
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. This week marks the end of an era as the last Ford Taurus rolls off the production line in Atlanta.
Recommended
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.