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Behind The WheelBehind The WheelAutomakers, 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 Articles
"Chrysler Will Change" Proclaims Press
2007-10-11 04:03:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWith a conviction Chrysler executives have lacked in the past, the automaker's new president, Jim Press emphatically told reporters Wednesday night the struggling American automaker will change. Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:DaimlerChrysler AGMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Change , Chang , Chan
Breaking the UAW and Other Conventional Wisdoms
2007-10-10 17:21:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauOver the last two months, I've heard roughly the same thing time and again from people in the auto industry and in Detroit. It's a variation of the general theme, "Chrysler, or more specifically it's owner Cerberus Capital, wants to break the UAW once and for all." Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:DaimlerChrysler AGMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Breaking , Brea , Breakin
Twenty-four Hours and Counting at Chrysler
2007-10-09 18:07:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWithin the next 24 hours, we will know if Chrysler and the UAW have worked out a new contract or if the union is on strike. Unlike the GM talks two weeks ago, it's a little tougher to handicap the odds of a strike at the country's #4 automaker. Read More Topics:Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | DaimlerChrysler AGPermalink More About: Twenty , Hours , Counting , Went
Chrysler's Turn with the UAW
2007-10-08 17:04:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauHere we go again, round two of the UAW contract talks, and this time the target is Chrysler. Here in Michigan, though, I'm getting a different vibe that I did two weeks ago covering the two strike at the GM. Read More Topics:Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | DaimlerChrysler AG | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink More About: Turn
Hyundai Thinking Of You: But Will You Think Of Them?
2007-10-05 15:19:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauQuick, when I mention Hyundai , what do you think? If it's along the lines of "well made cars for the middle and entry level markets" you are not alone. In fact, this reputation for solid but inexpensive cars has the Korean automaker at a crossroads. Read More Topics:Marketing | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Volkswagen AG | Hyundai Motor Company | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Thinking
Daimler AG: Why It Was Very Good To Sell Chrysler
2007-10-04 16:06:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauToday in Germany, Daimler Chrysler is officially changing its name to Daimler AG. While this is a formality, this change made me realize just how much the German automaker has benefited from selling Chrysler. Yes, I know what you are gonna say: "They paid $38 Billion for Chrysler and sold it for $7 Billion. Where's the benefit?" Read More Topics:CEOs and CFOs | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:DaimlerChrysler AGMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Sell , Good
Auto Sales: You'll Be Surprised On What's Selling
2007-10-03 14:43:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauSometimes those of us covering the auto business fall into the trap of believing the "conventional wisdom". Take the idea with gas prices still holding at roughly $3 a gallon, small, fuel efficient cars will be big sellers. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Selling , Sales
Auto Sales Numbers: Not So Bad Now, But Wait A Bit
2007-10-02 20:40:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs I watched the latest sales numbers come in for the month of September, I was expecting another month of the Big 3 posting lackluster numbers. And while the sales figures by mid-afternoon Tuesday were not great, the sales last month were not a disaster. Read More Topics:Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:VIDEOPermalink More About: Sales , Numbers , Wait , Number
Ford/Chrysler: Will They Buy The GM/UAW Deal?
2007-10-02 15:27:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWell, that didn't take long. Just 5 days after the UAW and General Motors struck a deal there are already people complaining that they don't like the agreement and questions about whether or not it will be the pattern and language of the contracts Ford and Chrysler strike with the union. I'm not surprised, to hear the complaints. Read More Topics:Marketing | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink More About: Deal , The G
Ford/Chrysler: Will They Buy The GM/UAW Deal?
2007-10-02 15:27:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWell, that didn't take long. Just 5 days after the UAW and General Motors struck a deal there are already people complaining that they don't like the agreement and questions about whether or not it will be the pattern and language of the contracts Ford and Chrysler strike with the union. I'm not surprised, to hear the complaints. Read More Topics:Marketing | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink More About: Deal , The G
Big 3 Automakers: Which One Will Turn It Around?
2007-10-01 17:05:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauOn a regular basis, I get some variation of this question: Which one of the Big 3 has the best shot at picking up market share and giving Toyota and Honda a run for their money. In other words, which one of Detroit's automakers has the pipeline of cars, trucks and SUV's to become the "hot" brand? Read More Topics:Marketing | Japan | Asia | Labor Unions | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Turn
Big 3 Automakers: Which One Will Turn It Around?
2007-10-01 17:05:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauOn a regular basis, I get some variation of this question: Which one of the Big 3 has the best shot at picking up market share and giving Toyota and Honda a run for their money. In other words, which one of Detroit's automakers has the pipeline of cars, trucks and SUV's to become the "hot" brand? Read More Topics:Marketing | Japan | Asia | Labor Unions | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Turn
BMW Expansion: Should They? You Tell Me
2007-09-28 16:34:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe latest news out of Germany about BMW considering adding a fourth brand to compliment its BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce line-up raises an interesting question. How do you add to one of the most successful auto companies in the world and get it right? It's not as simple as it sounds. Read More Topics:Marketing | Western Europe | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Expansion , Tell Me
BMW Expansion: Should They? You Tell Me
2007-09-28 16:34:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe latest news out of Germany about BMW considering adding a fourth brand to compliment its BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce line-up raises an interesting question. How do you add to one of the most successful auto companies in the world and get it right? It's not as simple as it sounds. Read More Topics:Marketing | Western Europe | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Expansion
Chevy's Hybrids To Be Game Changers? Maybe Not
2007-09-27 17:17:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauAfter sucking fumes behind Toyota and its popular Prius, GM is stepping up to the plate with the next generation of hybrids. They are called 2-mode hybrids because they get electric motor assist in the city AND on the highway. GM unveil the first of these 2-mode hybrids today at the Texas State Fair in Dallas... Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | DaimlerChrysler AG | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Hybrids , Game , Changers , Chang , Chan
Chevy's Hybrids To Be Game Changers? Maybe Not
2007-09-27 17:17:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauAfter sucking fumes behind Toyota and its popular Prius, GM is stepping up to the plate with the next generation of hybrids. They are called 2-mode hybrids because they get electric motor assist in the city AND on the highway. GM unveil the first of these 2-mode hybrids today at the Texas State Fair in Dallas... Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | DaimlerChrysler AG | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink More About: Hybrids , Game , Changers , Chang , Chan
GM: How Best To 'Rev Up' Its Bottom Line
2007-09-26 20:49:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauJust a few hours after I reported the new contract between GM and the UAW, I started hearing this question: "Can GM really boost its bottom line now that its costs have been lowered?" My gut says it can do it, IF the company builds on the improvement of its products in the last couple of years. Read More Topics:Advertising | Marketing | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Line , Bottom
GM: How Best To 'Rev Up' Its Bottom Line
2007-09-26 20:49:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauJust a few hours after I reported the new contract between GM and the UAW, I started hearing this question: "Can GM really boost its bottom line now that its costs have been lowered?" My gut says it can do it, IF the company builds on the improvement of its products in the last couple of years. Read More Topics:Advertising | Marketing | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Line , Bottom
GM And UAW Seal Deal: Was Strike Worth It?
2007-09-26 14:37:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauI can't say I'm a fan of the 3:15 am wake up call, but this one I didn't mind. By 4 am I was interviewing UAW President Ron Gettelfinger about the new contract his union signed with General Motors. The strike is over and both sides get what they need out of this deal. Read More Topics:Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Seal , Deal , Worth , Strike , Wort
GM And UAW Seal Deal: Was Strike Worth It?
2007-09-26 14:37:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauI can't say I'm a fan of the 3:15 am wake up call, but this one I didn't mind. By 4 am I was interviewing UAW President Ron Gettelfinger about the new contract his union signed with General Motors. The strike is over and both sides get what they need out of this deal. Read More Topics:Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Seal , Deal , Worth , Strike , Wort
GM/UAW: Oops! I Got It Wrong About The Strike
2007-09-25 15:39:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauAt this time yesterday morning, I boldly and unequivocally blogged about my belief that GM and the UAW would avoid a strike and agree on a new contract. If you read that and then, just a few hours later, saw me interview striking workers in Warren, Michigan, you probably said to yourself, "boy did he get that wrong!" Read More Topics:Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Wrong , Strike
GM/UAW Strike: Job Security Still The Issue
2007-09-24 19:38:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauAs I walk along the UAW picket line outside the GM power train plant in Warren, Michigan, I hear the same thing over and over: "protect our jobs". For all the talk about GM and the UAW being able to agree on a groundbreaking fund to handle rising healthcare expenses, the sticking point is old fashioned job security. Read More Topics:Economy (U.S.) | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Security , Strike , Issue
GM/UAW Talks: Why I Think There Will Be A Deal
2007-09-24 15:45:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauAfter more than 20 straight hours of talks, negotiators for the United Auto Workers and General Motors face a strike deadline of 11 am this morning. In past years that would prompt people to say, "uh oh, there's gonna be a nasty strike". Read More Topics:Employment | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Health Care | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Deal
Chrysler's Press on "the Home Team"
2007-09-20 19:45:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauChrysler's newest hire, and new head of sales and marketing, Jim Press , says he's "on the home team" and ready to grow the struggling American automaker. But as I listened to the first public comments from Jim Press, I kept asking myself, "how exactly will this man revive Chrysler?" For now, that is still unclear. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:DaimlerChrysler AGMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Home , Team
Oil Surging -- Why are Big Rigs Still Selling?
2007-09-19 17:51:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauThere was a time when the idea of crude oil hitting $100 a barrel would have sent the auto industry into a panic. Funny, with oil now trading at roughly $82 and with a growing number of forecasters saying $100 is a possibility, the bread and butter big rigs (SUVs, pick-ups, crossovers) are still selling. People still want them, even if there's a greater chance of gas prices rising. Why? Read More Topics:Energy | Marketing | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Selling , Big Rigs
American Cars: To Buy Or Not To Buy--Would You?
2007-09-18 15:19:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWe all know them. The person who swears they'll never drive anything but Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus. When it comes to brand loyalty and the prospect of considering different brand cars and trucks, the foreign guys have enjoyed the type of loyalty American car companies crave. Read More Topics:Marketing | Japan | CEOs and CFOs | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Cars
GM/UAW Talks: Why Agreement May Take A While
2007-09-17 21:41:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauThis afternoon negotiators for GM and the UAW resumed talks to iron out a new contract. Despite the growing sense in Detroit that the two sides are close to deal, it may be while before we see an agreement in principal. Why? Read More Topics:Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Health Care | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Agreement
Ford/Microsoft Sync: Is 'Information Highway' Safe?
2007-09-17 16:55:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauThis morning I'm in Seattle for the roll out Ford 's Sync : a software program the automaker developed with Microsoft that will allow you to send and receive text messages through your car while you are driving. In many ways, it's the first true step toward making our cars and trucks internet portals. And I have mixed feelings about it. Read More Topics:Internet | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Microsoft Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink More About: Information , Safe
UAW/GM Talks: All Worked Out By Next Week?
2007-09-14 17:45:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhile the United Auto Workers and General Motors negotiate a new labor contract, it's clear the two sides are on the cusp of a historic agreement. When I talked with one person close to the talks Friday they summed it up best by saying, "I think we'll see something worked out by early next week." Read More Topics:Corporate Governance | Labor Unions | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Week
Lamborghini Ride: Was I Reckless? You Weigh In!
More articles from this author:2007-09-14 14:59:00 Posted By:Phil LeBeauWell, I asked and you told me. Yes, some of you do think I was reckless to drive a Lamborghini 150 mph while in Italy. However, others told me it's hard not to air out a lambo when you get the chance, so don't worry about it. Read More Topics:Western Europe | Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink More About: Ride , Weigh 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
