GET THE LEAD OUT AND THE LED IN - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 128

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours delves into the automotive industry's current landscape, focusing on sales trends, emerging technologies, and executive decisions. The discussion highlights a surprisingly strong November car sales report, with Jeep and Volkswagen showing significant gains. A major point of contention is the Chevrolet Volt's battery fire incidents, with the hosts questioning NHTSA's safety protocols and GM's handling of the situation, suggesting a lack of transparency. The conversation also touches upon the challenges faced by Fisker Automotive and the broader push for electric vehicles, with skepticism expressed regarding their immediate viability and infrastructure. The departure of Laura Soave from Fiat is analyzed, with the consensus being that she was set up for failure due to unrealistic sales targets and a flawed dealer strategy. The episode concludes with an in-depth look at LED lighting technology and magnesium housing for automotive applications, featuring inventor Michael Pickholz, who advocates for its adoption to reduce weight and improve cooling, while lamenting the auto industry's resistance to new technologies from independent sources.