Jeff Gilbert's Tales From The Auto Beat

March 9, 2018:  What impact will the new tariffs have on the auto industry?  The North American International Auto Show looks at a date change.  Ford sets up a driving school for women in Saudi Arabia. We take a deep dive into the move toward utilities, and look at a chance to create a memorable jingle.

March 3, 2018:  Sales slip to start 2018, but remain at high levels overall.  Ford chooses Miami for its next big automated vehicle test.  Classic hot rods fill Detroit's Cobo Center.  Why are pedestrian deaths on the rise? We talk to the top names in the industry, and update the week's big auto news and trends.

February 23, 3018:  The departure of Ford's North America President leads to other management moves.  What are Consumer Reports top picks?  Carmakers announce EV plans, but customers want crossovers. We talk to industry leaders, and look at the latest news and trends in the auto business.

February 16, 2018:  GM sets a deadline for its money-losing operations in South Korea.   JD Power says we're seeing big improvements in vehicle dependability.  Are self-driving cars green enough? Our weekly look at auto industry headlines and trends.

February 9, 2019:  Carmakers show their stuff at one of the biggest consumer shows of all.  We have some fun with the Blues Brothers, look at a van aimed at baby boomers, and hear a different take on self-driving cars. We also hear how Volkswagen is becoming more electric, Hyundai is transitioning to utilities and GM is making it easier to buy behind the wheel.  Then, there are the cool products from Mopar.

February 2, 2018:  We take a look at January sales, which come in stronger than expected.  There's a new leader in global sales.  What's the story behind Ford and Fiat Chrysler profits?  We take a look at where manufacturing investments are being made.

January 22, 2018  We take an indepth look at the pickups, utilitis and passenger cars at the auto show.  We talk one on one with several top execs, and look at where the economy is heading in 2018.

January 12, 2017:  The auto industry makes a big splash at CES--and we're already seeing some of the first vehicles introduced even before the North American International Auto Show. Alabama wins a big Toyota plant, and Ford tells owners of some older Rangers to stop driving them, until they can be repaired.

January 5, 2018:  We take an in depth look at 2017 vehicle sales numbers, and what they mean for 2018.  We look far down the road at where sales of self driving vehicles are going--then look at a near term automated vehicle plan at next week's CES.  And, how do you stay warm in your car, when it's this cold?

December 15, 2017:  In our final program of the year, we talk with the two auto leaders about their interesting new mobility plans.   We also go in depth on a study of the profitibility of those new mobility offerings.  A different study shows the concerns of dealers heading into 2018.  We give our impressions of GM's Super Cruise technology.

December 8, 2017:  GM's virtual drive-through window launches.  Ford cuts a deal with a Chinese powerhouse.  The American Center for Mobility is ready to go.  Toyota looks to close strong.

December 1, 2017: GM plans robotaxis in 2019. New study explains how to deploy automated vehicles. SUV's shine in LA. Girl scouts learn about vehicle design.  We also look at finalists for North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year.

November 17, 2017:  Hyundai has some big crossover plans.  IHS Markit tries to map out the future.  Are EV's really green?  They are already setting up for Detroit's big Auto Show.  We have the week's big auto headlines and trends.

November 10, 2017:  Ford's CEO says "you ain't seen nothing yet."  New study calls on industry to hurry up on self-driving cars.  Why has this been a good year for Chevy?  Why is Cadillac offering big deals on the Escalade?

November 3, 2017:  A new study says EV's are coming and coming fast.  October car sales are a "treat".  How does bill Ford view the future?  Adient celebrates a birthday. We look at auto industry news and trends.

October 27, 2017:  Big profits for the big three.  Car sales aren't getting help from hurricanes.  Drivers get used to the car taking over.  Getting ready for the big SEMA show.  

October 6, 2017:  Ford's new CEO has some big plans.  Detroit tries to attract tech startups.  PSA Launches its new mobilty service.  The Army has big plans for automated vehicles.  September is top sales month so far.

2017 is a "tipping point" year for auto production.  Efforts accelerate to end GM strike in Canada.  How to make vehicle audio sound its best.  Are we ready for a 100 thousand dollar pickup?

September 22, 2017.  Jeff Gilbert's weekly look at news and trends in the auto industry.   GM workers go on strike at an important plant in Canada.  Ford has a new tool for developing vehicles.  Mass market vehicles improve their technology.

Jeff Gilbert’s weekly look at news and trends in the auto industry hones in on the big developments at this week’s Frankfurt Auto Show.