Autoline Daily - Audio

GM just announced details on household charging units for the Chevrolet Volt. Toyota is expanding its Prius lineup with two new models that are expected to debut by the end of 2012. Not surprisingly, China's booming car sales are giving its overall economy a big boost. All that and more, plus the inside scoop on the new V-8 engines Ford is putting in the 2011 F-150.

Smart USA signed a memorandum of understanding with Nissan Americas, which will build it a 5-door, 5-passenger B-size car. Toyota says that plug-in hybrids are the top alternative vehicle, not hydrogen powered fuel cell cars. Chrysler released new details about the 2011 Dodge Charger. All that and more, plus John answer's your questions in the "You Said It!" segment.

Allstate, the giant insurance company, is suing Toyota because of damages it had to pay to customers when their Toyota’s were damaged due to unintended acceleration. BMW has confirmed that it plans to introduce a line-up of compact, front-wheel-drive cars. Ford is cooking-up an extra-special Mustang for the 2014 model year, which is the 50th anniversary of the pony car. All that and more, plus John shows you around the city of Turin, a place that's referred to as the Detroit of Italy.

Alan Mulally says that Ford will have zero net debt by the end of next year, but exactly what does that mean? Australia could become a world leader in rare earth metals within a few years. Mopar shows off its V-10 Drag Pak for the Challenger. All that and more, plus don't believe what everybody else is saying: September sales were not good! We'll explain.

Autoline Daily has learned that VW is tooling up its new assembly plant in Tennessee to build up to 85 percent diesels when it introduces its new mid-size sedan. A look at Jaguar's latest concept, the C-X75, unveiled in Paris. Researchers in Japan have developed a hybrid car that doesn't use rare-earth metals. All that and more, plus a preview of this week's Autoline Detroit with the President of Audi of America, Johan de Nysschen.

It looks like talks between Nissan and Daimler about sharing engines and platforms is progressing nicely. Delphi announced it’s teaming up with WiTricity Corporation to develop wireless charging systems for EVs. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill yesterday allowing windshield-mounted cameras to record video and audio inside vehicles! All that and more, plus some of guest-host Murray Feldman’s thoughts on the problems facing the automotive supplier industry.

Toyota has setup a task force on rare-earth metals following reports that China banned exports to Japan. A new study done by the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that texting bans while driving don't work. GM will develop electric versions of the Opel Meriva for research purposes. All that and more, plus the Autoextremist, Peter De Lorenzo, shares his opinion on why the Volkswagen and Porsche merger is not a good thing.

GM Vice Chairman, Tom Stephens, said the automaker plans to offer a midsize car in the U.S. with a diesel engine, but he did not mention which model it will be or when it will go on sale. Mopar introduced an electronic vehicle tracking system that lets you locate your car if it gets stolen. The lawnmower land-speed record is back in the USA! All that and more, plus some perspective on the U.S. auto bailouts.

Saab and BMW have hammered out a deal that would give the Swedish automaker access to BMW engines. Fiat is considering a Ferrari IPO in order to raise the cash necessary. Ford CEO Alan Mulally says he would like to slash the brand's portfolio to as few 20 models. All that and more, plus a look at the Ford F-150's new engines.

A Wall-Street analyst says that the Detroit automakers are a good investment. Nissan benefits from Toyota’s quality problems and surpasses them in the Chinese market. Did you know you could get free OnStar in any used GM vehicle? All that and more, plus a preview of this week’s Autoline Detroit with Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl.

Chrysler workers are caught drinking and getting high on lunch break, and the UAW has nothing to say. Nissan backpedals on comments made by its CEO about China. Citroën says its latest concept car will reject the status quo oppression of the automotive world. All that and more, plus a look at the new Ford Edge Sport.

The Michigan State Police evaluate cop cars from the Detroit Three, and the Caprice is a winner. Adesa and Barrett-Jackson form an alliance. STP and Armor All get sold for big bucks to a private-equity firm. All that and more, plus John responds to your questions and comments in "You Said It!"

China and Japan are at each other's throats again, this time over allegations that Toyota bribed dealers in China to steer customers toward their in-house financing arm. Ford revealed a teaser shot of its redesigned global Ranger pickup. The tire industry -- and by extension, the auto industry -- is facing a rubber shortage as droughts then heavy rains hamper production in Asia. All that and more, plus John shares a few of his thoughts on the design of the 2011 Jaguar XJ.

Ford hires former Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz designer, Joel Piaskowski to head up all exterior design for Ford in the Americas. Nissan plans to nearly double its production in China to 1.2 million units. BMW is set to unveil what looks like a thinly disguised version of its next-generation 6 Series at the Paris Motor Show. All that and more, plus a look at a competition organized by Ward's Auto, to see which Detroit Three automaker has the best diesel engine for its heavy duty pickups.

China drafts up a new policy requiring foreign automakers to hand over hybrid and electric vehicle technology to their domestic counterparts. Chevy reveals a number of the vehicles it will debut at the Paris Motor Show. Shareholders approve a plan that will split Fiat in two. All that and more, plus we talk to Scion’s Jack Hollis to see how the company plans to curb flagging sales.