Autoblog Podcast #180 – Pre-announcement Mercury conjecture

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, Government/Legal, Buick, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

We solicited your questions again for Episode #179 of the Autoblog Podcast, and then Chris, Sam, and Dan proceeded to answer them. News topics we cover are the rumors (now confirmed) of Mercury's closure, Elon Musk's lack of liquidity, the final Zonda, a General Motors IPO, and Nissan Juke pricing. Sprinkled in there, of course, are your questions and comments from our newly-interactive post.

Autoblog Podcast #180: We answer your queries



In the Autoblog Garage:

Jaguar XFR
Lincoln MKT
Toyota 4Runner

News:

• Ford considering shutting down Mercury
  
• Tesla's Elon Musk says he's broke
  
• Pagani says goodbye to the Zonda yet again with one-off Uno edition
• U.S. hires lead bank for General Motors IPO
• Nissan prices 2011 Juke in the UK
  

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Runtime: 1:24:32

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Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #180 - Pre-announcement Mercury conjecture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #179 – We answer your queries

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

We solicited your questions for Episode #179 of the Autoblog Podcast, and then Chris, Sam, Dan, and Chris Paukert proceeded to answer them. News topics we cover are the Buick Regal GS, Toyota and Tesla getting together, Ford's next-generation Explorer Police SUV, and the push for increased fuel economy standards by 2025.

Autoblog Podcast #179: We answer your queries



In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford Taurus SHO
Dodge Dakota
GMC Terrain

News:

• Toyota and Tesla to partner on EV production in California
• Officially Official: Buick Regal GS is a go
• Ford said to be preparing Explorer-based pursuit-rated SUV for police duty
• Obama kicks off drive to enact tough fuel economy standards through 2025

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Runtime: 1:18:02

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Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #179 - We answer your queries originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software?

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

More tech in your car? Oh, that's inevitable. But automakers are trying to figure out the best way to implement it. There are two main architectures currently; tethered and embedded. Ford's SYNC is an example of a tethered tech-integration system that uses Bluetooth to connect to mobile devices consumers already own and carry with them. General Motors' OnStar system is an embedded setup that builds the technology into the car. Going forward, the consensus seems to be that we're going to see systems that combine elements of both.

A tethered system is typically less costly than an embedded alternative, and it works with equipment you already own and know how to use. Systems like Sync can extend the functionality of your gear and is an attractive option to tech-savvy consumers. The lower cost makes it possible to proliferate these kind of features into more models, instead of just being a high-end feature. However, embedded systems offer advantages of their own. With communications hardware built in to the vehicle, performance is more reliable, and safety can be enhanced by tying in to the vehicle's crash sensors and stability control to automatically call for help if it detects a severe accident.

True to the cliche, it seems that the young'ins are more comfortable with tethered systems, while older generations prefer embedded systems. OnStar is already starting to do this, opening up the system in Chevrolet Volt applications with a mobile app that lets drivers connect to their car even when they're away from it. The future likely holds a system that combines aspects of both, enhancing safety, beating back obsolescence and drawing on the strength of each technology to deliver the best experience as cars continue to become more sophisticated.

[Source: AutoObserver.com]

The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials

Our iTunes feed for the Autoblog Podcast is still busted, thanks to the TV Squad debacle with an update gone wrong. We're still waiting on resolution of the issue, and the real fix may involve each and every one of you having to resubscribe. We'll let you know.

In the meantime, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you may not automatically receive this week's episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, thanks for your ongoing patience.

For Episode #178 of the Autoblog Podcast, Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth cover GM's profit announcement, the delayed Honda Civic redesign, the 40 mpg fuel economy rating for the Ford Fiesta, and wistfully pine to have been part of our recent sports car comparison test. It starts with the Autoblog Garage and ends with a couple questions, with 82 minutes between snippets of theme music. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta



In the Autoblog Garage:

BMW 750Li
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma


Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth,
Runtime: 1:22:04

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Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #178: GM Profit, Civic Redesign, 40 mpg Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #176 – Beijing, Bailout and Bucks (profits, that is)

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, BMW, Ford, GM, Kia, Lincoln, Earnings/Financials, Beijing Motor Show

Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert and Jonny Lieberman mull over what we just saw at the Beijing Motor Show, the general public's changing opinion of which nations make quality automobiles, General Motors' loan repayment, and Kia's profits. Of course there's the Autoblog Garage and your questions bookending those topics, and we're done at the hour and sixteen minute mark. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #176: Beijing, Bailout and Bucks




In the Autoblog Garage:

Long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
BMW X5M
Lincoln MKT


Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Jonny Lieberman

Runtime: 1:13:46

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Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #176 - Beijing, Bailout and Bucks (profits, that is) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #175 – Bob Lutz joins in

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Subaru, Earnings/Financials, Celebrities, Design/Style

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are joined by the car executive we all wish we could be when we grow up, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. After an hour of peppering Bob with questions about his career, we come away better informed as to where the man stands on the industry's future, how GM will fare, his favorite concept cars, what he plans to do in his retirement, and - pivotally - how to get your wife to let you buy a MiG fighter jet. It's a hour and thirteen minutes of class lecture from Mr. Lutz. Enjoy!

Autoblog Podcast #175: Bob Lutz!




In the Autoblog Garage:

Long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Chevrolet Camaro V6 6MT
Buick Enclave
Mini John Cooper Works Cabrio


Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guest:

Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors

Runtime: 1:13:46

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Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #175 - Bob Lutz joins in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How is it that GM is still worth more than Ford?

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials

General Motors, which hasn't been allowed to forget its recent financial propping up by all of us, is apparently still worth more than Ford Motor Company. That's a dubious fact that sticks in the craw of Detroit Free Press columnist Tom Walsh. Ford, you'll recall, preemptively mortgaged itself up to, and including its dental fillings to avoid the fate that befell GM and Chrysler. What's not computing for Walsh is that despite clearer financial leadership, Ford is still worth less according to the trading price of Motors Liquidation bonds, the entrails of old GM.

The whole thing is buried in a bunch of financial mumbo-jumbo, and the value of Motors Liquidation bonds are tied to bets on the success of a future initial public offering of the new GM. Sound excessively creative and possibly even irrationally exuberant? Despite having its most solid lineup in years and aggressively trimming brands, dealers, and liabilities, the General is clearly not out of the woods yet. Perhaps to market gamblers, GM is looking good right now, but there are plenty of hurdles to clear before its bailout is a true success.

In comparison, Ford is likely to post a profit this year, and GM will have to put up some good numbers for a few quarters to keep investors thinking that it's a worthwhile investment.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

How is it that GM is still worth more than Ford? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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