Autoline Daily - Video

The U.S. federal government socked Toyota with another fine, this time for its tardy handling of recalls and other safety issues. Chrysler just released pictures of its redesigned 300, which should start arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of next year. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is one of four trade groups that’s asking a federal appeals court to overturn a ruling by the U.S. EPA that allows gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol. All that and more, plus John shares some of his thoughts on the Ford Focus RS 500 he recently drove.

An analysis of Toyota by Goldman Sachs Japan predicts the automaker will lose global market share. Hyundai plans to start commercial production of fuel cell cars by 2015. Volkswagen says it wants to be number one in electric vehicle sales in China by 2018. All that and more, plus a look at the new vehicle that shocked everyone by ending up as one of the finalists for the North American Truck of the Year award.

Batteries for hybrids and electric vehicles are going to stay expensive, at least according to the Center for Automotive Research and the National Academy of Sciences. The finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have been announced. A concept version of the GMC Sierra featuring all kinds of off-road modifications is targeting the Ford Raptor F-150. All that and more, plus a look at some of the Automotive X PRIZE winners.

The prices of aluminum and copper are surging, and there could be a shortage in 2012. The Center for Automotive Research released a study looking at the proposed 60-mile-per-gallon fuel-economy standard, and the cost of meeting those rules is shocking. That "new-car smell" probably isn’t the best thing for your lungs, but according to one forensic investigator it could knock you out. All that and more, plus John takes a swing at your questions and comments in the "You Said It!" segment.

German assembly lines are humming even as new-vehicle sales slow down in Europe. With the exception of the United States, China now spends more money on research and development than any other country in the world. GM’s performance parts division just introduced the most powerful small-block V-8 it’s ever engineered. All that and more, plus a look at Lexus’ latest luxury hybrid, the CT 200h.

The World Trade Organization rejected China’s accusation that the United States violated trade rules when it imposed import tariffs on some Chinese tires. There is a shortage of automotive engineers in North America, not only at the OEMs but also at the suppliers. Honda released a sketch of the 9th generation Civic that will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month. All that and more, plus a look at the new Pentastar V-6 engine from Chrysler.

China's car exports are up 70% for the year even with a drop in passenger car sales in November. Volvo's new owner Geely plans on building 3 new plants that could make up to 600,000 Volvo's a year. GM's salaried workers will not be receiving a raise next year, despite the fact the company is making boatloads of profits. All that and more, plus a look at the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Ford is now tied with Honda for the highest loyalty rates in the American market according to a study by J.D. Power. BMW shares details on the newest addition to its M family, the 1-Series M Coupe. Volkswagen has partnered with Fender to introduce an all-new premium audio system. All that and more, plus a look at new safety technology from Volvo.

GM is dropping the Aveo name, instead calling its next-generation subcompact the Sonic instead. Researchers at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia have come up with a new way of joining magnesium to steel and aluminum. Rolls-Royce is expanding its Ghost lineup to include a long-wheelbase model as well as a coupe and a convertible. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, sounds off on the UAW.

Our friends at Ward’s just announced the winners of their 17th-annual 10-Best Engines competition and there was more turnover this year than ever before. The Big Three have surplus inventory; GM has a 95-day supply of vehicles! Autozone, the largest auto-parts retailer in the U.S., just posted a 20-percent jump in quarterly earnings. All that and more, plus Peter De Lorenzo gives us his opinion on Super Bowl car commercials.

Just like American consumers, Chinese car buyers are shunning green vehicles. BMW is hiring-back some 1,300 workers this year to speed the development of hybrids, electric cars and advanced engines. Sketches of Kia’s redesigned Picanto city-car are out it looks good. All that and more, plus Autoline Daily caught up with Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand and Chrysler’s Senior Vice President of Design, to talk about the look of the company’s vehicles.

Honda will stop selling the Element in the U.S. because of poor sales. Chinese automaker BYD, which is backed by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, has canceled plans to introduce an electric vehicle in China. Hybrid sales in the American market are down 7.6% this year compared to last year, even though there are more models to choose from. All that and more, plus a look at how Buick is trying to reach new customers.

The U.S. Transportation Department wants to mandate the use of back-up cameras in all vehicles by 2014. China passes the U.S. as Lexus' most profitable market. Chevy is reviving the high-performance Z28 Camaro which should go on sale sometime next year. All that and more, plus a look at the 2012 ICONIC AC Roadster.

Mazda is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. Opel will debut its redesigned Antara crossover and Corsa small car at the Bologna Motor Show this week. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is bashing bumpers again and the cost to repair some of the vehicles tested is shocking. All that and more, plus McElroy’s got the lowdown on November new-vehicle sales in the U.S.

GM and Chrysler announced they are each going to hire 1,000 engineers and technical people. Toyota wants to grow its market share in India to around 10 percent over the next five to seven years. Audi finally revealed its brand-new A6. All that and more, plus John answer's your questions about GM and Chrysler in "You Said It!"