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Holiday Wish List: Which Car Do You Want As A Gift?
2007-11-21 15:03:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhen I was walking around the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, I remarked to a friend of mine how impressed I am with Nissan's GT-R. I am usually not the type to geek out on the chance to drive a new car, but with the GT-R, I am.     Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Holiday , Gift , List

Ford's Image: What You Would Do To Fix It
2007-11-20 14:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauOK, I've been out of the office (and out of the country) for more than a week. So I'm just getting around to seeing the suggestions you sent me for how you would fix Ford's image. In a nutshell, all of you, and yes, I heard from a lot of people, would start by improving the quality and appeal of Ford's vehicles. But beyond that, it's clear many of you think this is a company that needs a serious infusion of fresh marketing and image building ideas.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyPermalink
More About: Image

GM's Red Tag Sale: Do They Really Need It?
2007-11-19 15:03:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe question now is whether GM's new red tag sale is the prudent use of incentives to clear some inventory, or if it's a sign of things to come for the automakers struggling with flat sales? I think it's a one-time thing.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Sale

Ford's Image: What Would You Do To Change It?
2007-11-15 14:50:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauHere's a tough one: you've been put in charge of marketing a struggling automaker that has many positives, but just as many, maybe even more, negatives. How would you change that automakers image?     Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Change , Image

Big Three Going "Green" With Envy Over Toyota?
2007-11-14 19:03:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauForget about L.A. being tinsel town, and style capital. At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show the automakers are trying to wrap themselves in the "Green Leaf" of fuel efficiency. Ford announced a new sustainability plan that will include developing direct injection gas engines, lighter cars, and more hybrids.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Eastern Europe | Alternative Energy | Energy | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Envy , Going , Goin

Ford, VW Now Making "In Roads" With Consumers?
2007-11-14 14:39:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs I'm getting my first peak at the Los Angeles Auto Show, there's some good news for a couple of struggling automakers. Ford CEO Alan Mulally had dinner with a handful of reporters Tuesday and shot down the suggestion Ford will need to partner up with another automaker or private equity firm. In fact, he says Ford is in "terrific" shape for growing the business globally.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Volkswagen AG | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Consumers , Roads

Auto "Green" Models: Not Much Really Stands Out
2007-11-13 15:57:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs I fly into the Los Angeles Auto Show, I'm wondering if this year's show and the slew of "green" models being rolled out will matter to people. Don't get me wrong, I think there is a growing appetite among buyers for hybrids and fuel cell cars. But the new models being introduced don't stand out.     Read More Topics:Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Models , Green

GM: Doing Well In Dubai, But Can It Get Healthy Back Home?
2007-11-12 14:33:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI admit it, this is not what I expected when I landed in Dubai , United Arab Emirates. I didn't expect to travel halfway around the world to see first hand that the automaker in my back yard is highly regarded. Last night, I went to the GM Style showcase here in Dubai where stars and cars share the runway.    Read More Topics:Marketing | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Home , Back , Healthy , Well

GM's Buick is #1! Yes It's True, I'm Not Making This Up
2007-11-08 14:51:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauSo there I am driving to the Northwestern/Iowa football game last Saturday when my friend Bruce says, "Hey, what do you think of the Buick Enclave? I think it's pretty sharp." Well Bruce, you are not alone. The latest stats from J.D. Power's Power Information Network shows the Buick Enclave was the fastest selling vehicle in the U.S. last month.    Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: True

GM: Yes, I Think They Will Come Back--Here's Why
2007-11-07 18:06:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauGM's record loss of $39 billion is a stunner that has investors once again questioning whether the country's largest automaker is any closer to consistently turning a profit. For what it's worth, I think GM will get there, and I'll explain why in a bit.     Read More Topics:Earnings | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:VIDEOPermalink
More About: Back

Ford's Bullitt Is Back But You Want Other Models Gone
2007-11-07 14:44:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI'm not a car geek, but I have to admit, there are certain models that immediately make me smile. Ford's Bullitt Mustang is one-mainly because I still say the chase scenes in Steve McQueen's movie "Bullitt" are among the best I've ever seen ("The French Connection" is another favorite).     Read More Topics:Movies & Film Studios | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Models , Back

Ford Aims To "Hit The Mark" With The Mustang Bullitt
2007-11-07 00:12:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeau"Bullitt" was a hit cop drama movie in 1968, with two super stars in the cast: Steve McQueen and a hotter than hot Ford Mustang featured in what was then one of the most exciting cars chases ever filmed (by the way, the car McQueen was chasing was a Dodge Charger)    Read More Topics:Advertising | Mark eting | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: The Mark

Hydrogen Car "Debate" Drives Some Of You Crazy!
2007-11-06 14:56:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI know the debate over how long until we see Hydrogen powered vehicles can be a heated one, but I have to admit I'm a little surprised at some of the e-mails sent to me about my blog yesterday. In a nutshell I told you I believe the hype surrounding the potential of hydrogen powered vehicles is overshadowing the reality that these clean burning rides won't be out on the street for a long, long time.     Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Debate , Crazy , Some

Hydrogen Cars: Are They Real Hope Or Just Hype?
2007-11-05 14:53:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWith this being the start of "Green Week" here on the networks of NBC, it's only natural the guy who covers the one industry responsible for a good chunk of the world's pollution, look at the great hope for reducing emissions in automobiles: Hydrogen .     Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Hope , Hype , Real

Okay Readers, Tell Me The Car Model You Think Should Go
2007-11-02 13:37:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauShortly after I blogged yesterday about Chrysler cutting four slow-selling models (Pacifica, Crossfire, convertible PT Cruiser, and Dodge Magnum) as part of its effort to stem losses, I heard from people saddened to see these models go. Earl wrote, "Too bad about the Magnum. I have one and it is a great car. Much better than my old Five Series BMW! I would buy another in a second."     Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Readers , Model , The Car

Chrysler's Job And Model Cuts: What They Really Mean
2007-11-01 16:10:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs expected, Chrysler is wasting little time in downsizing both its work force and struggling line-up of vehicles. Today, the automaker announced it will cut another 8,500 to 10,000 jobs, including 1,000 white collar employees. This round of downsizing is on top of the 13,000 job cuts announced earlier this year as part of the plan to get Chrysler back in the black.     Read More Topics:CEOs and CFOs | Employment | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Model , Cuts

SEMA Convention: The Really Cool Cars I Found
2007-10-31 16:54:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIf you go to as many auto shows as I do, you quickly realize that there are only a few times you see a car, truck or SUV that is truly cool. Once again, spending a couple days in Las Vegas convinced me that the WOW factor is at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association) convention.     Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Cool , Convention , Sema

Jay Leno And 50 Cent: Star Power For GM
2007-10-30 15:42:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauOK, at first blush Jay Leno and rapper 50 cent might seem like a strange combination. But for General Motors this odd couple is the star power the automaker needs to draw attention to specialty auto parts. Last night here in Las Vegas, Leno unveiled a Corvette Z06 modified for racing performance even when running on E85 ethanol.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO |   VIDEOPermalink
More About: Power , Cent , Star , Jay Leno

Big 3 Automakers: Road To Success May Be Overseas
2007-10-29 13:38:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe latest reports in Automotive News about strong sales in Eastern Europe helping Ford and Toyota meet sales goals, confirms something I've been hearing for some time from Big 3 execs. Don't focus so much on the U.S. and lose sight of the real battle over global sales.     Read More Topics:Russia | Marketing | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Success , Road , Overseas

Supercar Life: Start Your Engines At $2,500 A Day
2007-10-26 16:38:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauOne of the great things about covering the auto beat is seeing the passion people have for cars, trucks, going fast, customizing their rides, etc. I always tell people, "if you wanna see passion in motion, spend a few days tracking people who love their cars."    Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Life , Start , Supercar , Engines

Bob Dylan And Caddy: Not Exactly A Hit With You
2007-10-25 17:10:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWow. A car company signs up Bob Dylan to pitch cars, I blog about it, and it's clear some of you do not like the idea of Dylan and Caddy riding together. In Tuesday's blog I talked about Cadillac signing a deal with Bob Dylan that includes the rock and folk legend pitching Cadillac's.     Read More Topics:Endorsements | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: With You

Cadillac And Dylan: Blowin' In The Wind Or Car Salesman?
2007-10-23 16:49:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauHow much pull does Bob Dylan still have with baby boomers? Cadillac is banking on quite a bit. The rock and folk singing legend begins a partnership with Cadillac that kicks off tomorrow with Dylan playing and discussing songs about Cadillac during his Theme Time Radio Hour on XM satellite radio.     Read More Topics:Consumers | Advertising | Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Wind , Salesman , Dill

Chrysler/UAW: What's Wrong With The Contract
2007-10-22 16:04:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI watched the latest vote results from rank and file United Auto Workers at Chrysler and thought to myself, "what do these people want?" Through the weekend an estimated 11,000 UAW have rejected the tentative contract the union agreed to with Chrysler. Some 6,000 have voted in favor of it.    Read More Topics:Employment | Marketing | Energy | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Contract , Wrong , The Con

Big Three Turnaround Votes Cast: And The Winner Is...
2007-10-19 15:47:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI asked, and you told me--which of the Big 3 has the best chance to turn things around. A lot of you think General Motors  has the best shot. This was not a scientific survey of course, and to be honest, I received a slew of e-mails from people who think Ford and Chrysler are the two automakers that will get their act together first with new models that se    Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink
More About: Cast , Winner , Votes

Chrysler: At Last, A Car Maker Doing The Right Thing
2007-10-18 14:22:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauFinally, at long last, someone in Detroit has seen the light. That someone is Chrysler president Jim Press, and what he's about to do is something executives in Detroit should have been doing for decades: Stop building cars/trucks/SUV's that don't sell.     Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | CEOs and CFOs | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:DaimlerChrysler AGMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Maker , Thing , Doing

Toyota Bashers: Stop Before Saying "I Told You So"
2007-10-17 14:26:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauGo ahead, say it! SAY IT! When some of you saw the news that Consumer Reports is no longer recommending one of the Toyota Camry's (6 cylinder), Tundra's (V-8 4WD) and Lexus GS (AWD) the first thing you thought is, "I told you so!!!"     Read More Topics:Marketing | Japan | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Stop , Told , Bash

Consumer Reports 'Drops' Toyota: The Vlog
2007-10-16 22:14:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauHere's my first "vlog" or video piece made exclusivey for this blog. The topic:for the first time in more than a decade, Consumer Reports does not recommend Toyota 's Camry. Take a look and listen.    Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:VIDEOPermalink
More About: Consumer Reports , Vlog , Ports

GM's Chevy Malibu: Will Ad Blitz Turn Heads?
2007-10-16 14:32:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauGet ready. Here comes one of the biggest ad and marketing blitzes of the year. On TV, in magazines and on the internet--especially the internet--GM is out to prove it can still make a car we want.     Read More Topics:Advertising | Marketing | Alternative Energy | Japan | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Hyundai Motor Company | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Blitz , Turn , Heads , Malibu , Chevy

Big 3: Why Don't You Believe They'll Come Back?
2007-10-15 15:28:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt came out left field. There I am Saturday morning at the gas station when the guy behind me said, "You keep saying GM's getting better. I'll believe it when I see it." At first I wasn't sure he was talking to me, but after a few seconds I asked him why he he doubts GM is coming back.    Read More Topics:Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Back

Toyota "Star" Goes American (Ford): Will More Follow?
2007-10-11 16:47:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauNeed proof the Big 3 may be on the verge of doing some good, perhaps even great things? Check out the latest management coup with Ford hiring Jim Farley away from Toyota to become the U.S. automaker's main man running marketing and communications.     Read More Topics:Marketing | CEOs and CFOs | Labor Unions | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Toyota Motor Corporation | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: American , Star , Goes