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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

Ford, Chrysler "Power" Rides Face Difficult Road Ahead
2008-06-10 15:39:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauChrysler is not playing up the Challenger's HEMI engine as the classic muscle car returns. Who can blame them. The HEMI was a hot selling point a few years ago when gas was cheap and buyers clamored for power. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Power , Face , Road

Four Dollar A Gallon Gas Fueling Hope For Hydrogen
2008-06-09 14:30:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWhen gas prices spike, the public finally opens its eyes to alternatives. It happened in the mid '70's when compact cars became big sellers. It's happening again today with hybrids flying off of lots. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Dollar , Hydrogen , Hope

Oil Price Spike Makes Auto Flexibility Crucial
2008-06-07 00:10:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauWith oil surging to $138.54 and being projected by some to hit $150 by July 4, it's putting immediate pressure on automakers to adjust production and push small cars and crossovers while pulling back on trucks and SUVs. On paper, this shift seems simple enough. In reality, it's not so easy. Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Auto mobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyPermalink
More About: Price , Spike , Flexibility

Chrysler Efficiency Catches Toyota: Now Change Perceptions
2008-06-05 15:51:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt's a major achievement Chrysler should rightfully be proud of. But it also highlights the next challenge for them, as well as GM and Ford: closing the "perception gap." First, here's the good news for the Big 3 on assembly plant efficiency. Read More Topics:Labor Unions | Marketing | Energy | Japan | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Asia | Automobile 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: Change , Efficiency , Perceptions

Today's Cars And Trucks Really Are Made Better
2008-06-04 19:32:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThis year Porsche is number 1 with an average of 67 problems per 100 made. It's followed by Infiniti (jumping from 9th to 2nd), Lexus, Mercedes and Toyota. The Porsche victory is not surprising given it historically does well in quality surveys. Infiniti's jump is impressive and will help that brand continue on the resurgence it's enjoyed in the last couple of years. Read More Topics:Marketing | Japan | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Trucks , Made

Consumers Put The Breaks On Love Affair With Trucks, SUVs
2008-06-03 22:44:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauMark it down. May is the month that finally broke the back of the Big 3's great run with trucks and SUVs. Oh sure, Detroit still dominates the truck business, but it's clear buyers want something less, that's what is hurting Detroit. Read More Topics:Consumers | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:VIDEOPermalink
More About: Love , Trucks , Breaks , Affair

GM Throws In The Towel To High Gas Prices
2008-06-03 15:25:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe plant closings are prudent. If gas remains at high levels, there will be fewer and fewer buying trucks and SUVs. Sales are down 17.3 % this year, and may not get much better the rest of this year. With 4 fewer plants, GM will save roughly a billion dollars. More importantly, it will reduce the number of SUVs sitting on dealer lots in the future. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Gas Prices , High , Prices

GM Rallies, So Do You Buy It?
2008-06-02 16:06:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAfter getting hammered last week, shares of General Motors are starting this week moving higher. Some of that is in anticipation of the company announcing Tuesday it will take steps to shift production from slow-selling SUVs and pick-ups, and moving more towards cars. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Rallies

Detroit's Challenge: Designing Cars Drivers Want Now
2008-05-30 15:32:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIn the last 10 years, the Big 3 have struggled to come up with sedans to beat the Camry, Corolla, Civic and Altima. In fact, if you look at the top 10 best selling cars right now, only 4 are American models: The Ford Focus, Chevy Cobalt, Malibu and Impala. Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Drivers , Cars , Designing , Challenge

Auto Industry: Trust Me, There Are Reasons To Be Optimistic
2008-05-29 14:51:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauYes, gas prices are soaring, SUV values are tanking, and Detroit is bracing for the possibility of more job cuts. But there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of the industry. Here are four: Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Technology | Auto mobile Industry Sectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Trust , Reasons

GM's Problems: Who's To Blame? You Tell Me
2008-05-28 14:46:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt's not often that an e-mail makes me stop and say "Hmmmmm. Do a lot of people feel the same way?" But, this one from Nathan did just that. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Problems , Blame

MINI Is Maxing Out On Small Car Craze
2008-05-27 15:15:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIt's MINI that may be best positioned right now. WIth sales up 29.9% this year, The MINI Cooper and Clubman are compact cars with the unique combination of style and fuel efficiency in a tight little package. Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Mini , Small

GM's Stock Sell-Off And Why It's Happening
2008-05-23 20:31:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauDepending on where things end up Friday GM shares go into the weekend at roughly $17.50 a share. dropping roughly 4% on Friday. It's nothing short of a horrendous end to a very tough week for General Motor's shareholders. Read More Topics:Stock Market | Alternative Energy | Energy | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Sell

GM's Stock Sell-Off And Why It's Happening
2008-05-23 20:31:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauDepending on where things end up Friday GM shares go into the weekend at roughly $17.50 a share. dropping roughly 4% on Friday. It's nothing short of a horrendous end to a very tough week for General Motor's shareholders.Â Â Â Read More Topics:Stock Market | Alternative Energy | Energy | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO |Â Â Â VIDEOPermalink
More About: Sell

SUVs And What They're Worth: Drivers Caught In A Catch-22
2008-05-22 14:47:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAn employee at a Chicago area auto dealer e-mailed that he has customers coming in with Escalades, Tahoes, Ram pick-ups and other large cars and trucks. He says those customers are often upside down on their loans and are surprised at how little they are getting offered for their ride. Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Drivers , Catch 22 , Worth , Caught , Catch

SUVs And What They're Worth: Drivers Caught In A Catch-22
2008-05-22 14:47:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauAn employee at a Chicago area auto dealer e-mailed that he has customers coming in with Escalades, Tahoes, Ram pick-ups and other large cars and trucks. He says those customers are often upside down on their loans and are surprised at how little they are getting offered for their ride. Â Â Â Read More Topics:Alternative Energy | Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Drivers , Catch 22 , Worth , Caught , Catch

Honda Revs Up The Hybrid And Hydrogen Fuel Cell Race
2008-05-21 14:48:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIn hybrids, Honda has announced that early next year it will roll out a lighter, more affordable 5 door hatchback that will look similar to the hydrogen fuel cell FCX Clarity model. The plan: annual sales 200,000 worldwide, including a 100,000 here in the U.S. Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Hybrid , Fuel , Cell , Hydrogen

Honda Revs Up The Hybrid And Hydrogen Fuel Cell Race
2008-05-21 14:48:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauIn hybrids, Honda has announced that early next year it will roll out a lighter, more affordable 5 door hatchback that will look similar to the hydrogen fuel cell FCX Clarity model. The plan: annual sales 200,000 worldwide, including a 100,000 here in the U.S.Â Â Â Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors Corp | Honda Motor Company, Ltd.MEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Hybrid , Fuel , Cell , Hydrogen

Smaller Pick Up Trucks May Be The Way To Go
2008-05-20 15:49:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauCalling all truck lovers. Yes, those of you who drive a pick-up every day to work and those of you who just feel at home driving a big ol' F-Series or Silverado. Here's a question to ponder: Whatever happened to the small pick-up? You know, one like Ford's Ranger, which provided a basic, if sometimes unspectacular ride. Â Â Â Read More Topics:Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Trucks , Pick

Smaller Pick Up Trucks May Be The Way To Go
2008-05-20 15:49:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauCalling all truck lovers. Yes, those of you who drive a pick-up every day to work and those of you who just feel at home driving a big ol' F-Series or Silverado. Here's a question to ponder: Whatever happened to the small pick-up? You know, one like Ford's Ranger, which provided a basic, if sometimes unspectacular ride. Read More Topics:Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:General Motors Corp | Ford Motor CompanyMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Trucks , Pick

Can't Sell Your SUV? Blame It On The Cost of Gas
2008-05-19 17:04:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauA friend of mine said it best this weekend. He owns a Lincoln SUV that he wants to sell. Understandably, he's having trouble getting anything close to what he thinks he should. The frustration on his face was evident as he told me, "I guess I'll just take a bath on it." Â Â Â Read More Topics:Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cost , Sell , Blame

Can't Sell Your SUV? Blame It On The Cost of Gas
2008-05-19 17:04:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauA friend of mine said it best this weekend. He owns a Lincoln SUV that he wants to sell. Understandably, he's having trouble getting anything close to what he thinks he should. The frustration on his face was evident as he told me, "I guess I'll just take a bath on it." Read More Topics:Energy | Economy (U.S.) | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cost , Sell , Blame

Ferrari's New California Model: I Can't Wait To Drive It
2008-05-16 14:56:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauFor Ferrari fans, outside of a owning/driving a vintage model, the only thing better is climbing into a new model for the first time. This is the reason, many will be watching with great anticipation when Ferrari unveils its newest model, the California , at the Paris Auto Show in October.Â Â Â Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Drive , Model , Wait

Ferrari's New California Model: I Can't Wait To Drive It
2008-05-16 14:56:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauFor Ferrari fans, outside of a owning/driving a vintage model, the only thing better is climbing into a new model for the first time. This is the reason, many will be watching with great anticipation when Ferrari unveils its newest model, the California , at the Paris Auto Show in October. Read More Topics:Automobile IndustrySectors:Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Drive , Model , Wait

Tata's 100 Miles Per Gallon Bet
2008-05-15 15:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauHere's one for those of you who think auto manufacturers should be trying to build cars that get 100 mpg (and yes, there are a lot of you out there based on the e-mails I get from you). Tata Motors is the first mass-market automaker to enter the automotive X Prize competition... Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Tata Motors Ltd | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Miles

Tata's 100 Miles Per Gallon Bet
2008-05-15 15:45:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauHere's one for those of you who think auto manufacturers should be trying to build cars that get 100 mpg (and yes, there are a lot of you out there based on the e-mails I get from you). Tata Motors is the first mass-market automaker to enter the automotive X Prize competition...Â Â Â Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Tata Motors Ltd | Toyota Motor Corporation | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Miles

Smart Fortwo Cars Might Be Safer Than You Think
2008-05-14 16:35:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI have to admit that I was like many of you when it came to the Smart Fortwo compact car. I thought it was a cute little car, but how could that pint size ride possibly keep you safe in an accident? Â Â Â Read More Topics:Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO |Â Â Â VIDEOPermalink
More About: Cars

Smart Fortwo Cars Might Be Safer Than You Think
2008-05-14 16:35:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauI have to admit that I was like many of you when it came to the Smart Fortwo compact car. I thought it was a cute little car, but how could that pint size ride possibly keep you safe in an accident? Read More Topics:Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Technology | Automobiles and PartsMEDIA:PHOTO | VIDEOPermalink
More About: Cars

Nissan Says It Will "Plug" Electric Cars In U.S. By 2010
2008-05-13 16:02:00
Posted By:Phil LeBeauThe future of mass market quantities of electric cars is getting a big push today from one on the more "electric" leaders in the auto industry. Nissan /Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn is expected to announce his company plans to sell its first electric cars in the U.S. by 2010--according to the New York Times. Read More Topics:Marketing | Alternative Energy | Energy | Japan | CEOs and CFOs | Economy (U.S.) | Economy (Global) | Asia | Technology | Automobile IndustrySectors:Oil and Gas | Technology | Automobiles and PartsCompanies:Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | General Motors CorpMEDIA:PHOTO Permalink
More About: Cars , Plug , Electric

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