Autoline This Week

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Autoline #1239: Starman Oct 24, 2008

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Starman
Too many channels, not enough listeners, pools of red ink -- welcome to the world of satellite radio. Despite its myriad of advantages and incorporation into many new cars and trucks, both Sirius and XM Radio seemed more hooked to financial life support than to fleets of vehicles the last few years. It was as if the business was crying for, as David Bowie put it, "a Starman waiting in the sky" to supernaturally save the service. Well, that celebrity executive landed at Sirius some four years ago in the form of Mel Karmazin with a resume that included running Infinity Broadcasting, CBS Radio and as well as the entire CBS Corporation. Since his arrival he has not only increased subscriptions but more importantly brokered a merger between the two services believing that one strong company can prosper in this less than predictable economy.
This week Autoline welcomes Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Radio. Host John McElroy along with panelists Neal Boudette from The Wall Street Journal and Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio Detroit talk to this Hall of Fame broadcast executive about his survival plans for Sirius XM and the important role the auto industry plays in the process.
And don't forget you can catch more with Mel Karmazin at our website (http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/) in our Internet-only segment, Autoline EXTRA, as well as our brand new global automotive newscast Autoline Daily as soon as you see this e-mail.
So if you'd like to know what the "Starman of Sirius XM" plans for the media in your car or truck, check out this week's Autoline.

Autoline EXTRA #1238: Bruce Coventry, Lou Rhodes Oct 17, 2008

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On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy talks with the man in charge of ENVI, Chrysler’s electric vehicle program, Lou Rhodes and also with Global Electric Motorcars CEO, Bruce Coventry. They discuss Chrysler’s plans to demo the EV’s with retailers and consumers next year and also what benefits GEM can provide Chrysler from its experience selling neighborhood electrics.

Autoline #1238: Watt's Next? Oct 17, 2008

Show notes

Watt's Next?
Even as oil prices continue to drop, everyone from consumers to the cognoscenti understand that the genie is finally out of the bottle: fossil fuels are not the future. The question becomes, what is? We all know the roulette wheel of options, but at this point everything is a gamble and manufacturers are wondering where to put their chips.
Well Chrysler, which has been quiet up to now, is betting on electric which some consider a surprise. Despite the fact that for more than a decade it has owned an electric car unit that builds neighborhood vehicles, the company sent shock waves through the industry when it recently unveiled three electric prototypes. That's because few experts considered Chrysler a major player in the electric game.
Joining John McElroy on this week's Autoline are the two men leading the electrical charge at Chrysler. Lou Rhodes is the President of ENVI, a special team within the company that oversees the R & D of alternative drivetrains, while Bruce Coventry is the CEO of GEM, the makers of those neighborhood electric vehicles. Among the topics these executives tackle are Chrysler's electric strategy, the models and options they're working on, and when they expect it all to be delivered.
And don't forget that you can watch this latest edition of Autoline along with our Internet-only segment Autoline EXTRA as well as our brand new global automotive newscast Autoline Daily at our website right now by clicking here (http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/)
So if you're looking to get a charge out of some provocative television, tune into Autoline and its lineup of automotive information.

Autoline #1237: Change Oct 10, 2008

Show notes

CHANGE
Synopsis: Change seems to be a popular theme these days. Some say it began with the political season but those in automotive know better. In fact, it's been on the horizon for a while. Big Change. The kind that will reshape American manufacturing for years to come. The last time we saw something like this was in the mid-20th century with World War II. And though the factors leading this retooling aren't quite as dire, they are just as dramatic led by a massive shift in consumer preferences, the technological challenge of reducing CO2 emissions at the same time as dealing with the booming developing markets.
How will OEMs execute what some are calling the "Greatest Peacetime Manufacturing Conversion?" What will the effect be on their Suppliers? And what about the labor force -- how much will it diminish? These are just a few of the questions that John McElroy has for our two manufacturing experts. Offering insight from the OEM side is Joe Hinrichs the group vice president of global manufacturing for Ford Motor Company. Joining Mr. Hinrichs with an analyst perspective is Jay Baron, the president of CAR, the Center for Automotive Research.
And don't forget you can watch the latest edition of Autoline right now at our website (http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/) along with our Internet-only segment Autoline EXTRA as well as any of our archived shows.
So for a look at the changes in store for 21st Century manufacturing, don't miss this week's Autoline with John McElroy.

Autoline EXTRA #1237: Joe Hinrichs, Jay Baron Oct 10, 2008

Show notes

Joining John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA is Joe Hinrichs, Group VP of Manufacturing at Ford Motor Co. and Jay Baron, President of the Center for Automotive Research. They continue their discussion from the broadcast about manufacturing in the 21st century. Mr. Hinrichs and Mr. Baron explain how last years agreement with the UAW will help lead to better technology to manufacture with and a more highly skilled workforce.

Autoline #1236: 5-4-3-2-1 Oct 03, 2008

Show notes

5-4-3-2-1
For most observers, the word "launch" conjures images of rockets and echoes of countdowns from the space race forty years ago. However, if you happen to be a member of the automotive press "launch" means something totally different. To many in that crowd it means "Pay Attention" because a manufacturer is about to invite you to an exclusive activity surrounding its newest vehicle. This is one of the major ways stories and reviews of the latest cars and trucks appear in your local newspaper, favorite television shows or popular websites before or as that vehicle arrives on local dealer lots. And depending on the importance of the vehicle and the number of media invited, manufacturers can spend more than they care to think about to shine a brief spotlight on this newest product.
On this week's program an Autoline Exclusive -- John McElroy takes you "behind-the-scenes" of a new car press launch. From the international phone calls to developing the drive routes to building vehicle displays and much, much more...you'll be right there with the media learning and experiencing everything about this brand new vehicle. And the vehicle or vehicles that you'll see "launched" are Mercedes-Benz new 50 State Clean Diesel SUVs.
And don't forget to check out Autoline EXTRA, available on our website (http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/) where you can catch every interview we did for this documentary in its entirety 24/7.
So join John, a number of his media colleagues and the Mercedes-Benz team as we go "Behind-the-Scenes" in Manchester Village, Vermont for the 50 State Clean Diesel Launch this week on Autoline.

Autoline EXTRA #1236: Geoff Day Oct 03, 2008

Show notes

Geoff Day is the Director of Communications at Mercedes-Benz USA and he sits down with John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA to explain the importance of having public relation events for the media. Mr. Day also explains what value these events have and what the PR team looks to get out of these events.

Autoline EXTRA #1236: Rob Moran Oct 03, 2008

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On this edition of Autoline EXTRA, the product and technology PR manager of Mercedes-Benz USA, Rob Moran, explains what kind of planning goes into a press event. Such as, when planning starts, how a location is chosen and how many different people are involved to make sure it runs as smooth as possible.

Autoline EXTRA #1236: Hank Chapman Oct 03, 2008

Show notes

On this edition of Autoline EXTRA John McElroy rides shotgun with . He explains how he goes about putting a route for the journalists together. How he tailors each route based on the vehicle and Mr. explains the specifics of the BLUETEC event.

Autoline EXTRA #1236: Stephen Cannon Oct 03, 2008

Show notes

Automakers not only need to educate journalists about their products but they also need to educate the public as well, and this is where the marketing team steps in. Stephen Cannon is the VP of Marketing at Mercedes-Benz and he talks with John McElroy on this edition of Autoline EXTRA about how he plans to educate consumers on not only BLUETEC technology but also explain the advances in diesel technology.

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