Behind The Wheel

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Kirk Kerkorian: Could He Make A Play For Chrysler?
2008-02-08 21:58:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauBy now, you've probably have seen the headlines or stories about Kirk Kerkorian 's advisor Jerry York giving a pessimistic view of Chrysler 's future. After speaking here in Chicago, York was asked about the prospects for the struggling automaker to turn things around. York said, "Chrysler as a stand-alone company is not viable."     Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Play , Make

Chrysler's Cutbacks On Production, Dealers--Will Plan Work?
2008-02-08 15:44:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs we reported this morning, Chrysler executives are discussing a plan that would call for the struggling automaker to aggressively shrink its product and dealer line-up in a move to get the company back in the black.     Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Work , Production , Plan

Chicago Auto Show: Corvette "Best" Value, Ford's Web "Drive"
2008-02-07 14:43:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauA couple of items from the Chicago Auto Show that may not be getting the attention they deserve. Intellichoice has released its best overall value awards and, not surprisingly, Toyota's Prius is the best overall car under $24,000.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Microsoft Corp | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Corvette , Drive

Dodge Challenger, GM's Traverse Help "Thaw" Cold Auto Market
2008-02-06 15:36:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThere's a snow storm bearing down on us here in Chicago, and with the auto market almost as cold and uninviting as the weather, the Chicago Auto Show is trying to shake the winter blahs. The unveiling of the new Dodge Challenger should help.    Read More Topics:Market ing | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cold , Dodge Challenger

Car "Experts": I Want To Hear From You
2008-02-05 16:50:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI often hear this from people as I walk around auto shows: "I'm pretty smart...I know my cars." It seems like everyone is a car expert, but how many really are so knowledgeable that they do influence others about what vehicles they drive?     Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Hear , Experts

Super Bowl Ad Game: Audi Roars, Hyundai Stalls
2008-02-04 20:05:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauYes, the game was incredible. So good, you could argue that, for once, the Super Bowl commercials took a back seat to the game. But for two automakers, Audi and Hyundai , the big game was big chance to show off two big models. Audi's spot for the new R8 ran early in game and played off the famous scene in "The Godfather"...    Read More Topics:Marketing | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Labor Unions | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor CorporationMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Game

Auto Sales Numbers: They Really Lived "Down" To Expectations
2008-02-01 20:37:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWe knew January auto sales would be lackluster. We knew that auto dealers weren't terribly confident about the consumer. The numbers today have lived up to our low expectations.     Read More Topics:Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Sales , Numbers , Expectations , Lived

Speed Cameras: Say "Cheese" As You Pass The Next Stop Light
2008-01-31 14:27:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauGot a lead foot? Well here's something that will make you slow down: Speed Cameras . Yes, the cameras we will see at an increasing number of intersections around the country that will catch us ripping through areas 10, 15, 20 miles over the speed limit. Seems this is one picture we'd all rather not be in.     Read More Topics:Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cheese , Stop , Light

Rising Gas Prices: Will They Change What We Drive?
2008-01-30 19:38:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThis afternoon, a new survey of car buyers is hammering home a point I've heard about, and blogged about, many times in the past: When gas prices hit a certain level people will turn away from big trucks and SUV's and migrate into hybrids and smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.     Read More Topics:Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Change , Drive , Gas Prices , Prices

Getting 35 MPG: Yes, You'd Pay Extra But Question The Price
2008-01-29 18:58:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauSince writing my blog earlier today about whether or not you would be willing to pay extra ($1,500-$6,000) for a car that could guarantee returning an average of 35 mpg, I've been surprised both at the number of answers I've received, and what many of you are saying.    Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsPermalink
More About: Question , Price , Extra

Want 35 MPG From Your Car? How Much Will You Pay For It?
2008-01-29 16:06:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThere's a bit of a debate brewing in Detroit, and frankly with all of the automakers around the world. The question is: How much more will car/truck/SUV buyers pay to buy a model that delivers 35 MPG? Or for that matter, to buy a ride that will meet the new fuel economy standards?     Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink

Automakers: Cutting Production, But Not Prices
2008-01-28 15:44:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIn asking you last week if now is a good time to buy a new car or truck, I was struck by how many people said, "Now, is not the time, but this spring it will be. That's when the auto companies roll out big discounts as sales slow down." Seems we've all become conditioned to expect spring sales.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Production , Prices , Cutting

Good Time To Buy A Car? Your Responses ( Yes And No)
2008-01-25 16:33:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt was a simple question that stirred quite a bit of reaction and e-mails. On Wednesday, I asked you if you think now is a good time to buy a new car, truck, or SUV, and not surprisingly, you are split on whether to take the plunge.     Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsPermalink
More About: Time , Good , Response

Ford Update: CEO Mulally Says More Job Cuts Likely
2008-01-24 16:44:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauOn the Ford 4th quarter earnings conference call, CEO Alan Mulally confirmed what we expected (more buyouts for Ford's hourly workers) and made it clear, this may not be the end of the cuts.     Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Update , Cuts

Ford: Still A Long Road Ahead For Making Things Better
2008-01-24 14:32:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs I stand outside. Ford headquarters on a brutally cold day, I'm toying with how to make a play on words about Ford's 4Q earnings might be warming the hearts and portfolio's of it's investors.     Read More Topics:Employment | Earnings | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Things , Long , Road , Ahead

Question: Is This A Good Time To Buy A Car?
2008-01-23 21:23:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt's a pretty straight forward question, and one I hear more and more people asking: Is now the time to buy a new car or truck? The deals are far from spectacular (avg. domestic incentive last month was $3,654, and the Average Asian brand incentive was $1,625) and given the shaky market and economy...    Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Question , Time , Good

GM Is Number One In Worldwide Sales! (With Toyota)
2008-01-23 15:22:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThis morning GM released its global sales for last year, and guess what, the company is still #1 in the world. But it is now in a virtual tie with Toyota for the top spot. Officially, GM sold 9.369 million vehicles worldwide.     Read More Topics:China | Retail Sales | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Worldwide , Number

Ford's "Youth" Movement: Will It Get Younger Buyers To Buy?
2008-01-22 14:47:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauGive the guys at the blue oval credit. Their new model and new technology push is getting the attention of younger buyers. I'm not ready to say Ford's line-up is packed with models the youngsters want, but there's definitely momentum building.     Read More Topics:Marketing | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Microsoft Corp | Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Youth , Buyers

Electric Cars: Are They Getting Another Jolt?
2008-01-18 15:38:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWith all the attention focused on building gas electric hybrids, new forms of ethanol, and hydrogen fuel cells, the most interesting race in the auto industry is the development of electric powered cars and trucks.     Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Renault | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Jolt , Electric

GM's Good News May Not Be Enough For A "Stuck Stock"
2008-01-17 20:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThis afternoon, GM investors got the kind of good news they've been craving for several months. Talking with analysts in Dearborn, Michigan, GM's Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said the company plans to save an additional $5 billion by 2011.    Read More Topics:G. Richard Wagoner | Stock Market | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: News , Good News , Good

Cars: Getting Too "High Tech" To Drive Or Just Right?
2008-01-17 15:36:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIf you're one one those people who loves gadgets, staying connected, and the idea that your car, truck, SUV give you everything, you are in heaven. If you are the type who longs for just you, the car, and need nothing more than the basics, well, hang on to the steering wheel.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Tech nology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , High Tech , Drive , High

Fisker Karma: The High End Hybrid Catching Everyone's Eye
2008-01-15 14:27:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhen you walk around the Detroit Auto Show, it's hard to say one model stands out above any other. Sure, the luxury and super luxury rides from Rolls, Lamborghini and Mercedes catch your eye. But there is rarely a brand new car that has people talking. This year it's a little different.    Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Hybrid , Karma , High , Fisker Karma , Fisker

Detroit Auto Show: My Impressions (Nissan, Ford, China)
2008-01-14 22:06:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAfter 2 days of watching a slew of new models be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show , some impressions. 1. The Nissan GT-R is even more spectacular in person than I thought it would be.  it a Corvette "killer" that will replace the American sports car as the speedster that delivers the best bang for the buck?    Read More Topics:Marketing | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: China

New Battleground For Toyota And General Motors: Ethanol
2008-01-14 14:56:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhen the two largest automakers in the world announce major commitments to go green within minutes of each other, it is more than just a statement about the environment. Is about winning the battle for eco-friendly cars and trucks.     Read More Topics:Ethanol | Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: General Motors

Call of The Wild: Why Rams Can't Stop Steers
2008-01-13 23:22:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauChrysler's idea to use 150 steers as part of its promotional efforts for the new Dodge Ram went as planned until company executives started to address the crowd. And that's when nature called.    Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Wild , Stop , Call

Dodge Ram Unveiled: Big Deal For Chrysler
2008-01-13 18:05:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe new Dodge Ram pick-up is a big deal for Chrysler . As you?ll learn in the accompanying video, the heated competition is about more than size and power. It turns on how much luxury, convenience and cargo capacity an automaker can design into a vehicle.    Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Deal , Dodge Ram

Detroit Rocks! Stars And Cars On Stage
2008-01-13 17:59:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauKid Rock rocked Detroit Saturday night with an inspired concert to cap off General Motors' Style event.  Rock, Mary J. Blige and Maroon 5 performed for a packed house while the latest GM models rolled up and down a model runway.    Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Stars , Cars , Stage , Rocks

Detroit Auto Show: Here's What You Can Expect
2008-01-11 22:25:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauFriday afternoon I walked into Cobo Hall in Detroit and there was a flurry of activity with cars being brought in, stages being set up, and elaborate new model introductions being rehearsed. Welcome to Detroit two days before the city's big auto show.     Read More Topics:China | Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Auto Show , Show , Expect

Tata's Nano: You Love It, You Really Love It!
2008-01-11 14:48:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauTalk about a little car making a big impression. Yesterday, when you saw Tata's new microcar, the Nano , and its equally small price of $2,500 you sent me e-mails. You love it! You really, really love     Read More Topics:Developing Markets | Middle East | Marketing | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Tata Motors LtdPermalink
More About: Love , Love it

Tata's Nano: A Small Car With A Big "Buzz"
2008-01-10 15:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWe won't see it here in the states anytime soon and there are still plenty of questions about how much of a market there is for this pint size car. Still, the new Nano by Tata is getting big buzz. The company unveiled the car yesterday in India, and since its reveal I've been inundated with questions from other bloggers...     Read More Topics:Mergers & Acquisitions | Marketing | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Renault | Tata Motors LtdMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Buzz , Small