It's time for the Detroit auto show where car makers unveil their next new models, inspiring designs and radical concepts. We run through some of the most significant and sexy vehicles in the show, including the Chevrolet C7 Corvette, VW CrossBlue, Hyundai HCD-14, among many others.
Ford, which didn't have a bunch of big reveals at the show, is doing a great job of keeping its customers loyal to the brand.
There has been an increase in the debate about moving from a gas tax to a mileage tax and David makes an impassioned argument that it's too soon and there are too many infrastructure improvements and repairs needed to make that change.
Some day in the future there will be enough electric and alternative vehicles, especially if the prices drop like they did for the Nissan Leaf this year. But that day is probably still many years away.
It takes a little time to get Mathew excited about the Detroit Auto Show, but I persevere. We talk about all the exciting -- and realistic -- production and concept vehicles that auto makers showed off. And the new gadgets and infotainment systems that are drawing buyers. We also go through Autoblog's list of concepts and pick out which ones are likely to reach the market.
Smart was one of those brands that was to designed for young people, but has seen sales slip. Now the company is hoping a new concept and a focus on new markets can turn things around.
A Segway-like enclosed scooter called the C-1 from Lit Motors could be the kind of thing that does draw young buys. And it never tips over.
Finally, sharing cars, sharing rides, now comes sharing parking spaces. Yet another market is being created for personal spaces thanks to digital communication and smartphones.
Next week is both CES and the Detroit auto show and in addition to interesting vehicles from Ford, Chrysler and others, vehicular gadgets will be on display, including a slew of new apps for Ford's SYNC.
Toyota was mostly cleared by federal investigators of the issues surrounding the rash of unintended acceleration claims. Now Toyota's reputation is already improving according to new research.
Someone else may also be getting revived. Bob Lutz may get a consulting gig from former employer GM, if it can overcome government objections.
What kind of cars do men want? Pickups and sports cars. But the list of what women want is a bit more eclectic ... and suspicious.
Key fobs are handy, but do they make cars less safe. Probably not, but the NYTimes looks into whether they have the right safety mechanisms to prevent people from leaving them in Drive.
Finally, this podcast is all digital, thank goodness, because the cassette deck is finally dead as an option for new car buyers.
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The show was more exciting and vibrant than years past, and Chrysler was part of that. After a year under Fiat's stewardship, the auto maker showed a new 300 sedan and announced that the Italian company was taking a larger stake.
Traffic is so bad in Beijing that they might start zapping cars with lasers. Until then, the Chinese government has banned car sales in the city while they implement a lottery.
