Get This Show On The Road

Ford's Facebook Launch May Be More Efficient Than Podcasting With a Glass of Water

2010-07-27T00:15:00.002-04:00

GM's Chevrolet is all set to let the cat out of the bag with the pricing for the Volt extended-electric vehicle. We'll update the site with the details as soon as possible.

Mike Rowe and Alan Mulally launch the Ford Explorer

But can they trump the big news from Ford, which virtually pulled the wrapper off it's 2011 Explorer via Facebook this week. And garnered some big coverage and big kudos for trying something new. We're still absorbing the news and critiquing the design, but Mathew may put it on his list.

In looking for ways to get people to improve their fuel economy even more, Toyota has launched a site that encourages drivers to hit the streets as if they had a glass of water on their dashboard. Not a real glass of water, but they do have an iPhone app that we will test out.

We are also going to test out the Nation of Go, a new Web community designed to get drivers to share their favorite routes.

GM may have hit a speed bump with its plan to buy a portion of lender AmeriCredit and get back into the auto-lending business. But one senator is wondering whether GM should have paid back the U.S. Treasury first.

Finally, Audi unveiled its A7 Sportback, a gorgrous new design that slot below the big A8 sedan and has the look of some much higher-end sport sedans from Jaguar and Porsche.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad July 28, 2010.mp3

A Vehicular Podcast Warranty: 30 Minutes or 100,000 Words

2010-07-21T00:46:00.003-04:00

What did one regulator say to the other regulator? Quit closing businesses and eliminating jobs while we're trying to get the economy going again! Yes, a TARP official said this week that the Obama administration didn't help things by closing auto dealerships as part of the GM and Chrysler bankruptcy right when the U.S. economy was in the doldrums.

X-Prize competitor from Edison2

To assuage concerns about battery life in the coming Volt extended-range electric vehicle, GM's Chevrolet said it will offer an 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty for the battery pack. That may have prompted Nissan to ask interested Leaf buyers how much warranty they need to close the deal. Nissan also said it might sell an electric sports car based on the Leaf powertrain.
Also, Honda is planning to bring a battery-electric vehicle and a new plug-in hybrid vehicle to the U.S. market in 2012.

The automotive X-Prize wrapped up the road trials this week, but the winner, if any hit the 100-mpge target -- is still months away from being declared.

In tech news, Yale is developing a vibrating seat that would alert drivers to potential hazards.
Subaru will offer in-car WiFi - with service - as a dealer installed option that could be a the first step in shaking up the way people think about mobile internet.

Finally, Mercedes-Benz has developed a ridiculous 9-speed transmission to assist in its quest to reduce fuel use and vehicle emissions.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad, July 21, 2010.mp3

We Know Which Pedal to Press to Podcast. Do You?

2010-07-13T23:13:00.002-04:00

After a brief hiatus, we are back to the microphone to catch-up on the latest car info, including breaking news that initial data from government research indicates that some of the drivers who claimed their Toyota and Lexus vehicles accelerated out of control were pressing the wrong pedal! So, David was right.

Subaru's Brat

Meanwhile, car buyers have been returning to dealers and boosting auto sales in recent months. And paying more for American brands than Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and other overseas brands. Data show that the average transaction price for the first five months of this year was $29,217, with Ford and GM selling for significantly more.

The oil spill in the Gulf and Tesla's IPO has increased interest in electric vehicles, but Joe White says don't get too excited because there are still significant hurdles that need to be overcome before they are widely adopted. GM might be trying to assuage some of those issues by offering extended OnStar coverage for Volt buyers.

And finally this week, Subaru is looking to shake its quirky image by improving the looks of its vehicles. Too bad, the Brat was a cool car, if unusual.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad, July 14, 2010.mp3

We Made This Podcast Artificially Noisy So You Could Hear Us Coming

2010-06-23T00:06:00.002-04:00

We were charged up to return to the mic, but before we could talk about electric cars, which are now sexy, we had to get some work done.

Quality is Job One has been a motto for Ford for a long time. Well, all that talk is now backed up by some results. The latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey showed that Ford made big a big jump in quality, while Toyota's brands slid significantly.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell (Wired)

The White House is backing a proposal to spend up to $6 billion more on subsidies for electric vehicles, amid renewed interest on Capitol Hill in measures to cut petroleum consumption in response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Tesla stands to benefit from those subsidies, and from some fresh capital from an initial public offering in the coming weeks. As part of that the company has shown plans to develop many vehicles from its Model S platform.

Mercedes-Benz pumped up its SLS supercar with an electric version that would be crazy fast, and expensive.

Finally, a battle is brewing between people who want quiet electric cars and advocates for the blind who feel that artificially noisy vehicles are safer. The Nissan Leaf has a noisemaking system that can be turned off, which has garnered some interesting coverage this week.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad June 23, 2010.mp3

Largest Private Car Collection Right Around the Corner

2010-06-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

I'm very excited to visit the LeMay Museum when it is completed. Last week, 10 years after Harold E. LeMay’s death, the museum he imagined near Tacoma, finally broke ground for its arched glass building, part of a complex budgeted at $100 million.

The new space will showcase some of the LeMay collection of more than 3,000 cars, the largest of its kind, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

The showcase building will exhibit about 500 cars and be part of a complex on nine acres with retail, dining and entertainment facilities.

The groundbreaking was the occasion for beginning a $9.5 million fund-raising effort to complete the museum, which is scheduled to open in 18 months.

PODCAST: GM Wants to Make Sure Chevrolet Isn't Confused With Chevy Chase

2010-06-12T00:48:00.002-04:00

Want a Chevy? You mean the actor? Oh, the car. Well, GM will only sell Chevrolets going forward. An internal memo leaked this week shows that the car company wants to banish the Chevy name from its marketing material so that the brand is more consistent as it expands outside the U.S.

That might seem like GM is out of touch with its customers, but let's hope the company is in touch with investors. The auto maker is moving toward an initial public offering in the fall that could be huge, and begin the process of getting out from government ownership.

Think the Prius is fuel efficient? Well the 1986 Chevrolet (not Chevy) Sprint ER is almost as good at sipping fuel. Without all that fancy hybrid technology. The EPA released a list of the most fuel efficient vehicles since 1984 and it's surprising.

Should rally cars get on the green bandwagon? Well, Subaru is thinking of making the next Impreza WRX STI a diesel and Mitsubishi might make its awesome Evo a hybrid. Would you buy a green road rocket?

Speaking of road rockets, Mini challenged Porsche to a race this week but was rebuffed.

Finally, Ford is skipping the car shows for the launch of its next Explorer, choosing to roll it out on Facebook. Will you be its fried?

GetThisShowOnTheRoad June 12, 2010.mp3

Chrysler to Revive Marketing Push as New Models Launch

2010-06-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

It's nice to see Chrysler getting back in the game after spending the last year whacking its product line and figuring out how to make money building and selling cars. WSJ's Jeff Bennett outlines the company's plans.

Still, the Jeep Grand Cherokee isn't enough product to revive the company by itself. And it sounds like there are only a few new or refreshed models coming in the next year. That might not be enough to make Chrysler relevant again with car buyers.

What do you think? Can Chrysler rebuild itself quickly enough to stay in the game?

PODCAST: Mercury Gets a Red Light, While Auto Sales Go Green

2010-06-04T23:28:00.002-04:00

And we are back with a look at the May autos sales numbers which were surprisingly strong, including big gains by Chrysler brands. Meanwhile, Toyota's sales were weak, as it still worked to overcome the fallout from its recalls.

Alan Mulally was at the All Things D conference this week, along with David, and he explained the company's thinking behind the development of the Sync platform. He also addressed the future of electric cars in the U.S.

That future won't include Mercury, as Ford decided to kill the brand this week to focus on the Lincoln and Ford nameplates. Mulally said he plans to take Lincoln further upmarket now that Jaguar is not owned by Ford.

Electric vehicles continue to get all the buzz, and an Autoblog Green post showed how the Nissan Leaf has captured more searches from potential buyers than the long-hyped Chevrolet Volt.

Finally, Audi continues to develop its Travolution vehicle-to-infrastructure communication system which might actually be the car you buy after your next car. Or the one after that. Then you won't have to deal with all the red lights on your ride to work.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad June 5, 2010.mp3

Projected Memorial Day traffic rises to 28 million travelers - Where are you headed? — Autoblog

2010-05-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

Projected Memorial Day traffic rises to 28 million travelers - Where are you headed? — Autoblog

PODCAST: Legislating Your Car or Hacking Your Car: Which Is Worse?

2010-05-27T00:19:00.002-04:00

Legislators were almost as busy as we were this week, with the Senate approving an exemption for auto dealers from a financial services regulation bill. Meanwhile, a House panel approved a far-reaching auto-safety bill, requiring that all cars be equipped with advanced-brake systems, "black box" data recorders and other technology in the next few years.

Honda jumped on the safety bandwagon, promising to add brake-override systems on all of its Honda- and Acura-brand vehicles in the U.S. by the end of 2011. They also did a great job handling the recall of David's Odyssey minivan at his local Honda dealer.

SAIC's YeZ concept car.

And Mercedes jumped on the iPad bandwagon by announcing a test of using the Apple devices in dealers to speed sales.

And now something else to fear, your car is susceptible to being hacked, and that risk is probably going to get worse.

IBM doesn't want to hack your car, but it is developing a system that would allow traffic signals to control your car, so in the future, if you run a red light the engine will shut off.

Finally, a company develops a concept car that would use photosynthesis to generate electricity, which sparks a discussion about why we don't have little wind generators to recharge the battery at speed.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad May 27, 2010.mp3

iPad Steering Wheel Mount Product Demonstration

2010-05-21T14:00:00.000-04:00

I think he overlooks the main safety concern here which is LOOKING AT AN IPAD WHILE DRIVING. If we can't be trusted to use our cell phone why do we think that its safe to use an tablet computer????

PODCAST: We Charge Back and Toyota Charges Up Tesla

2010-05-20T23:34:00.002-04:00

After taking a break that went on far too long, we are back at the microphones.

And so is Toyota, which is spending some money to invest in Tesla and giving them to the key to its NUMMI plant in California.

Tesla's Model S sedan (Photo from Tesla Motors)

But the electric Model S that will be built in the plant starting in 2012 will need to make some noise to adhere to new regulations the industry has agreed on.

Audi considers adding apps to its vehicles, but not like those found on an iPhone.

Audi and BMW are struggling to sell their smallest vehicles. But we don't think its because demand for small cars is sinking, its because overpriced cars don't typically sell well.

Consultancy A.T. Kearney predicts a strong rebound for the auto sales in the next couple of years and we take issue with their outsized expectations.

Finally, new regulations being proposed by auto regulators make us a little nervous. NHTSA is looking for the ability to stop all sales of a car that they conclude poses an "imminent hazard" to the public, eliminating the current public-hearing process.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad May 21, 2010.mp3

Take This Podcast to Earth Day

2010-04-21T23:41:00.002-04:00

It's Earth Day this week and we have a special green and gas free edition of the podcast.
Plus, no trees were cut down during this edition, which is important because it takes 240 trees to offset the emissions of one car, according to AutoBlogGreen, which has a bunch of other tidbits.

Saving trees is not something the U.S. government is always good at, but their plans to revamp the mileage ratings for electric and extended-range electric vehicles, like the coming Chevrolet Volt, may give consumers a better sense of their vehicles economy. GM may show a crossover version of the Beijing Auto Show later this week.
Also this week, the competition portion of the automotive X-Prize kicks off in Michigan with teams developing vehicles they hope will be capable of clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPG energy equivalent (MPGe). The Aptera is one of the most visually compelling designs in the competition.

Aptera is competing in the Xprize

That kind of efficiency won't be attainable by the Navy's ships, but they will be running on biofuels in a couple of years.
By that time, the hydrogen highway might be done. It already goes past David's house.
And in with a good news/bad news finish, Toyota agreed to pay the U.S. fine and recalled yet another vehicle, while Kia landed another vehicle on the top safety list.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad April 22nd, 2010.mp3

PODCAST: A Stable Discussion of Toyota's Tilting Troubles and More

2010-04-16T00:09:00.002-04:00

Toyota was back in the news again this week after Consumer Reports gave its Lexus GX460 a "Do Not Buy" rating after the SUV nearly rolled over in tests. That kicked off another round of bad press and a NHTSA investigation.

Lexus GX460 (Consumer Reports)

Mathew took two test drives last week; piloting a Ford Edge and a GMC Terrain. Which one did he like better?
Audi showed off a new version of its once-gorgeous A8 L uber-sedan and it's not as lovely anymore.
Honda's coming EV-Neo scooter brings an electric vehicle to the mass market, while electric-car makers are looking for more subsidies to build up the infrastructure to support their products.
Finally, Ford is looking for good ideas on its Ford Story site, but are there royalties involved?

GetThisShowOnTheRoad April 16, 2010.mp3

Just a Reminder - We're on iTunes

2010-04-15T12:57:00.000-04:00

GetThisShowOnTheRoad - Download free podcast episodes by David Patton and Mathew Passy on iTunes.

GM = Godly Motors?

2010-04-15T12:48:00.000-04:00

GM going to church to sell cars? — Autoblog

Maybe if dealerships were open on Sunday this wouldn't be necessary.

Matthew Broderick Says Ferrari From Ferris Bueller Was a Clunker

2010-04-12T19:12:00.000-04:00

While Ferris Bueller thought the Ferrari he drove in the movie (owned by Cameron's dad) was "choice," this poorly written article on Yahoo! has actor Matthew Broderick dissing the actual vehicle that was used in the movie. It was a fake that is now up for auction.

Clever Auto Blog

2010-04-12T18:29:00.000-04:00

Autoinsurance.org originally began as just a blog by Marcus Jain, a new car owner from Port Angeles, Washington who was trying to get for the first time and wanted to document everything he learned about finding a provider.

Now it's a clearinghouse for all kinds of info about cars, drivers and auto insurance. Nice job.

PODCAST: Supertasking Hooligans Podcast With Both Feet

2010-04-07T00:13:00.002-04:00

Matt makes his way into the New York for the auto show, and doesn't spend $16.4 million on the trip, which is how much the NHTSA has fined Toyota because it "knowingly hid a dangerous defect." That will give ammo to the many lawsuits the car maker is facing for the unintended acceleration claims.
Edmunds.com is now offering $1 million to anyone who can recreate and explain the problems with Toyotas.
GM will expand the use of its brake override technology, leading us to discuss which foot you should be using to stop the car.
Are you a supertasker who can drive and talk on the cellphone, or more of a unitasker? Or just a bad driver all the time?
And latching on the the iPad news, Smart unveils an iPhone app and a clever person installs an iPad into the dash of a pickup.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad April 7, 2010.mp3

Porno for Patton

2010-04-06T22:28:00.005-04:00

David Loves his minvans, so I immediately thought of him when i saw this Toyota Sienna display.

Yeah, mommy in this case is definitely David!

Pictures From NY Auto Show

2010-04-06T22:08:00.005-04:00

So I stopped by the Auto Show at the Javitz Center in NYC. And no i was not assaulted on the way over as David's previous post would have you believe. Here are some of the shots I took while i was there. Nothing that you can't see on a million over blogs but just some things that caught my eye.

The Scion iQ. Small chance they might make this teenie tiny itsy bitsy lil vehicle.

An interior shot of the GMC Granite. Another concept that could go into production. I think this could be a very popular vehicle if they were to actually produce it.

GMC Terrain - Another interesting vehicle but i actually got inside it and its a really narrow vehicle. Another guy jumped in the passenger side and i felt like he was right on top of me. (save the "thats what she said.")

A 2011 Kia Sorrento. Great vehicle but it was one of the vehicles i thought i would get to drive at the auto show. Apparently all you get is to ride in it. Still great handling and nicely laid out interior.

The all electric Mini. Same as above, i convinced myself id be able to drive but I only got a chance to ride in one. (Not me in the vehicle above) Real quiet and real nice.

Nissan Juke - I told David i liked it in the podcast last week when we reviewed the Autoblog.com coverage of the auto show but had to snap a couple of pics of it and post it here. What can i say, I just like it.

The Chrysler Delta - Looks nice in person. This picture may not do it justice.

Chrysler 500 - I think it could do well.

Nissan Leaf - Just cause its there.

4 Shot, More Than 50 Arrested in Mayhem Related to N.Y. Auto Show

2010-04-05T13:12:00.001-04:00

Four people were shot and dozens were arrested Monday in a mile-long stretch of Manhattan near Times Square in mayhem following the city's annual auto show, the NYTimes reported.

A group of teenagers and young adults ran amok, squaring off against one another and harassing pedestrians along a one-mile stretch of midtown near the Jacob A. Javits Center where the New York International Auto Show is held, police said.

Matt, you be careful out there.

PODCAST: March Sales, CAFE Standards Lead Us to Turn Over to a New Leaf

2010-04-02T00:39:00.000-04:00

Lots of news this week, including our debut on iTunes.

Auto sales marched higher during March as car makers offered great deals.
Matt extends his lead in Fantasy Showroom.
It's going to be a tough road ahead as auto makers work to meet CAFE standards in 2016.
And electric vehicles may not be as big a help as they thought thanks to a new rule.
Nissan priced it's new Leaf and Matt is thinking about getting charged up.
Microsoft Hohm and Ford will collaborate on a system to optimize car charging.
And there were some interesting new vehicles on display at the N.Y. Auto Show, including some sexy Kias, wagons a go-ho and Nissan's goofy Juke.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad April 2, 2010.mp3

Bill to make Corvette the Official Car of Kentucky killed to snub GM? — Autoblog

2010-03-31T20:45:00.000-04:00

Bill to make Corvette the Official Car of Kentucky killed to snub GM? — Autoblog

More proof that politics is just politics. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. But more importantly, did anyone else know that states have officials cars?

Breaking News - Starship crew discovers their warp drive was designed by Toyota

2010-03-27T17:58:00.001-04:00

http://roflrazzi.com/?p=45895