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Behind The Wheel

Behind The Wheel
Automakers, cars, auto industry, parts, service, American or European models, or automobile news, CNBC's Phil LeBeau covers the world of autos in his blog, Behind The Wheel. Get updates on the auto indusry's latest moves and news from around the worl

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Articles

GM's Ute: America's Gain Is My "Loss"
2008-03-19 13:32:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI hate to lose. I admit it. It's my competitive nature. Which will make today at the NY Auto Show a painful and costly experience for me. Today, Pontiac is showing its newest crossover utility vehicle. It's coming from GM's Australian subsidiary Holden and I have to admit it's pretty cool. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Loss

Chrysler's "Big 3": My Interview With Nardelli, Press, LaSorda
2008-03-18 18:18:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs I sat down to interview Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, Co-President Jim Press , and Co-President Tom LaSorda two things jumped out in my mind. First: is Chrysler's turn-around on target? Second: Do Chrysler's growth plans remove lingering doubts about the automaker's future. Read More Topics:CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Interview

To Lease Or Not To Lease? That's The Question Now
2008-03-17 13:40:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt's not quite 1999, but it sure is starting to feel like that again. Back then, leasing a car was all the rage. The percentage of leased cars, trucks, and SUVs was substantially higher, and you often heard people say, "Don't buy it. Lease it!!" Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Question

Automaker Winners In A Down Market
2008-03-14 15:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs we watch GM and Ford shares approach lows we haven't seen since the days when Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was topping the charts, and while mighty Toyota ponders cutting truck production in the U.S., I decided Friday deserves some lovin'. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Mazda Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Market , Winners

Toyota's Prius: Worthy Of Its Popular Praise?
2008-03-13 15:33:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIf you are in that group of people sick and tired of hearing about the popularity of the Toyota Prius , click off this page. Do it. I won't be offended and based on the e-mails I get here at Behind the Wheel, I know there are a lot of you who think the Prius is praised too much. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor CorporationPermalink
More About: Popular , Praise , Worthy

0% Financing is Back! (That's Good & Bad)
2008-03-12 15:29:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauYou figured the automakers would eventually scream "UNCLE!" I'm not sure it's a scream, but it's more than just a whisper. One thing is clear: the automakers are once again turning to 0 percent financing to spur sales that are stalling. Read More Topics:Marketing | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink
More About: Financing , Back , Good

Jag and Rolls Revved -- For Different Reasons
2008-03-11 14:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauOne is cruising. The other is sputtering. One has lived up to its fabled name. The other is a shell of what it once represented. So why is the one that is struggling getting more attention than the one riding high? Because Rolls-Royce and Jaguar are in different places and facing different questions with their new models. Read More Topics:Marketing | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Reasons

$4 A Gallon Gas: Might Not Be The "Game Changer" Everyone Says
2008-03-10 16:59:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauHere we go again. Oil is spiking higher (over $107 a barrel) and the folks in the auto industry are once again projecting that $4 a gallon gas may be here this summer. It's sparking a new round of discussion about whether this will prompt people to change their driving habits or the type of cars/trucks/SUVs people will buy. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Game , The Game

VW's Plans, Nine Year Auto Loans: Your Emails
2008-03-07 17:59:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAfter numerous road trips over the last week and half, it's been a while since I had a chance to share some of your e-mails about my recent blogs. And boy have some of them touched a nerve. On VW's turnaround plan, a number of you are skeptical. Glen told me, "Phil..it's all about "R.E.L.I.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y !!!!!!! Tell the new North American CEO to improve on that!!" Read More Topics:Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Volkswagen AGPermalink
More About: Loans , Plans , Emails , Year

Volkswagen: Big Plans Beyond The Bug
2008-03-06 14:42:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhen you think of Volkswagen , what pops into your mind? Let me guess: the Beetle, Microbus, and Jetta all bring a smile to your face. Then it fades as you think about the Touareg, Phaeton, and a company that often appears lost. I call it the split personality of VW. Read More Topics:Europe | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Volkswagen AGMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Plans

Despite Gloom, Geneva Motor Show Offers Some Hope
2008-03-04 15:23:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAmid the gloomy comments from auto executives at the Geneva Motor Show , the unveilings of several important new models are being overshadowed. Take the new Ford Fiesta. This compact car is being sold in Europe, but the design cues and architecture behind this car will be the underpinnings of compact cars the automaker will roll out in the U.S. in the future. Read More Topics:Western Europe | Alternative Energy | Energy | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Hope , Offers

Auto Sales Numbers Are Just Plain UGLY
2008-03-03 20:34:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWe knew they would be bad, and they were. In fact, February auto sales make it clear, the consumer is tired, nervous, worried: you-fill-in-the-adjective. Look at the numbers: GM down 16.7 percent (including trucks down more than 22 percent) Read More Topics:Marketing | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Sales , Plain , Numbers , Ugly

Auto Sales Number Could Tell Us How Bad Industry Is
2008-03-03 16:13:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauLater today, the February auto sales will come out. By all accounts, the numbers will likely be awful. Not just lower, but in the words of one industry veteran, "terrible." We'll have to wait and see what the actual numbers are, but I won't be surprised to see industry sales down 10 percent. Read More Topics:Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Auto mobile Industry Sectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Sales , Number

New Cars: What They REALLY Cost You
2008-02-29 15:03:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWe've all done it. When we've gone looking to buy a new car, we get a price on a model or two and then we think to ourselves, "Ok, THIS is what this car is going to cost me." Now we may need to re-think that approach. Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor CorporationMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Cost , New cars

Consumer Reports Reliability: Asian Cars Dominate--Again
2008-02-28 21:19:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThey've done it again. The Asian automakers, especially the Japanese dominate the latest Consumer Reports survey (subscription needed for full reports) on auto reliability. Of the 33 models CR picked to be "most reliable," 23 are from Japanese automakers. Some, like the Toyota Prius, we've come to expect to see on the list. Read More Topics:Japan | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Hyundai Motor Company | Toyota Motor Corporation | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Consumer Reports

Auto Reliability: Who Makes The "Better" Cars?
2008-02-28 14:29:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauLater today we'll find out if the time, money and effort the Big 3 have put into building more reliable cars and trucks has paid off. Consumer Reports releases its 2008 auto reliability survey and the question for many is: Are the Big 3 finally getting their act together? Read More Topics:Asia | Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars

American Axle/UAW Strike: Why It's NOT A Big Deal
2008-02-27 17:05:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauUsually, when the United Auto Workers strike it's pretty big news. Usually, when the picket lines form, Detroit gets nervous. Usually, when the rhetoric heats up, so do the heart rates of executives running the Big 3. Not this time. Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Deal , Strike

Mid-Size SUVs: The Good And Bad When It Comes To Safety
2008-02-26 14:29:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe newest crash test study of mid-size SUVs has both good and bad news for those who drive these big rigs. And for some HUMMER owners, you have to be wondering if the "safe as a tank" perception some have of your ride is truly deserving. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Safety , Good , Size , The Good

Warranties: Now That I've Piqued Your Interest...
2008-02-25 22:21:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIf you've read this blog for some time you know that my grammar (is it it's or its?) is spotty at times, and my use of words is sometimes off. OK way off. Last week, I used the phrase, "it peaked the interest,..", when it should have been "it piqued the interest,...". Several of you caught my screw-up and let me know about it. Guilty as charged. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsPermalink
More About: Interest

HUMMER Tries New Path In Uphill (Sales) Climb
2008-02-25 15:09:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauOK, it's not as if HUMMER needs our sympathy. The folks running GM's supersized SUV line know they are fighting an uphill battle, trying to grow sales, expand the line-up, and shift HUMMER's image in the face of rising gas prices. But this is HUMMER, even if the execs there feel overmatched, they won't admit it. Nor should they. Read More Topics:Advertising | Marketing | Energy | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Hummer , Sales , Climb , Path

Keeping Your Car For A Long Time? You're Not Alone
2008-02-22 15:07:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe latest survey by R.L. Polk about how long we hold onto our cars or trucks (on avg. 9.2 years) confirms something I've heard from many of you for some time: my car is old, but I'm not getting rid of it. Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Time , Long

Ford's Mustang And "Knight Rider": A High Riding Role
2008-02-21 16:20:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIn a world where it's tougher and tougher to get a car or brand to stand out, Ford's incorporation of the Mustang into NBC's new version of "Knight Rider" is a move that should pay off. Since the show Sunday night, I've heard from numerous people who watched it and loved seeing the Mustang in a starring role. It was a prime time role Ford is counting on to continue changing its image. Read More Topics:Movies & Film Studios | Television | Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Electric | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: High , Role , Riding

GMAC Reorganization: More Proof Of Tough Times
2008-02-20 17:53:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe news this morning that Cerberus Capital is re-organizing GMAC's auto finance business is the latest indication the slowing economy and tighter credit are having a definite impact on the auto business. Read More Topics:Marketing | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Proof , Times , Tough

Chrysler's Road Ahead
2008-02-19 16:40:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI hear it all the time from car buffs, Chrysler fans, and those who lament the struggles of the American automakers. It goes something like this: "Why is Chrysler cutting back here in the U.S. and looking to expand overseas?" Read More Topics:Marketing | Japan | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Labor Unions | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | DaimlerChrysler AG | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink
More About: Road , Ahead

Muscle Cars: Readers Want To Keep Revving Up
2008-02-15 16:51:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauYesterday, I blogged about the growing speculation in the auto industry that we may be seeing the final hurrah for muscle cars. And yes, many of you took me to task for calling pony cars, muscle cars. Anyway, I was blown away by the e-mails many of you sent to me in which you said, "NO WAY! WE'RE NOT GIVING UP ON MUSCLE CARS!" Here's a sampling. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsPermalink
More About: Cars , Readers , Muscle , Muscle Cars

Muscle Cars: Should They Be "Driven" To Extinction?
2008-02-14 15:32:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauEarlier this week, an article in the Detroit News broached the question, "Are the days of the Muscle car numbered?" It was an interesting piece that has sparked a debate among people I know in the auto industry. Read More Topics:Energy | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Extinction , Muscle Cars

The Cars You LOVE For Valentine's Day
2008-02-13 17:52:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauYou love them! You really, really love them! OK, love might be a bit strong, but after I asked you to tell me what new models make your heart goes pitter patter, I heard from many over you. Mark picks the Nissan GT-R. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsPermalink
More About: Cars , Love , The Cars

GM Earnings: When The Good News Is NOT So Good
2008-02-12 15:28:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhen is a positive earnings surprise actually a a doozy of a loss? When it's General Motors fourth quarter earnings. Confused? You aren't alone. Let me explain. GM reported adjusted fourth quarter earnings of $46 million dollars or 8 cents a share. Read More Topics:Earnings | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: News , Good News , Good , The Good

Your "Valentine's Day" Car: Which Model Captured Your Heart?
2008-02-11 14:30:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauGo Ahead, admit it. At some point in the last year, you've seen a car, truck, or SUV that has caught your eye. Maybe you were just smitten. Maybe it was full love. But at some point, something made you stop and say, "I want that!" So what was it? Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Model , Heart

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