AutoBird Podcast – Esp16: "What’s In a Name?"

February 23, 2010 by Colin Bird

speakerAutobird_Pod_WhatInAName530

On this week’s podcast, Joel and I are joined by Nick Saporito, Managing Editor of GMInsideNews.com. Our theme this week will address the fate of Mercury, the future of GM’s rear-wheel drive developments and what automaker really is number one in America.

Joel’s Garage: Joel takes a trip down to Texas and drives a Corvette ZR1!

This Week in Cars:

  • Honda is now the top selling retail brand in America: [link]
  • Woman wins $23,400,000 from Ford for Explorer accident: [link]
  • Former CEO Fritz Henderson back on GM’s payroll: [link]
  • Mercedes-Benz F800 revealed: [link]

Clip of the Week:

Nissan Leaf “We Make Them Better” Ad

Talking Points:

GM’s rear-wheel drive future: Nick Saporito guides us through the future of GM’s RWD platforms; which, incidentally, is also a quick lesson in the Greek alphabet. We go through Zeta, Kappa, Sigma II and the Alpha programs. Particular models include the future of the Holden Commodore, Cadillac ATS and Chevrolet Caprice. We also discuss the profitability, fuel efficiency and “safety” of RWD and what GM’s competitors are doing in this automotive category. Additionally, we briefly discuss the front-wheel drive Epsilon Premium platform, in relation to the Cadillac XTS.

What is Mercury? In this segment we talk about the latest news surrounding Mercury’s new C-segment vehicle, teasingly called the “Tracer.” We debate Ford’s reasoning for keeping the marquee and what, if anything, the brand stands for today.

Listen, Comment and Enjoy!

For additional information visit AutoBird Blog, Accelerate Minneapolis and GMInsideNews.com

Images by: Andrew Walensa


Download this episode



Filed under: Podcast

  • Jay David
    Hi, guys... interesting talk, but just so you know, Mercury came about in 1939, not the 50s...It was added to have a step between Ford and Lincoln, because Lincolns were darn expensive back then (more so than Fords).

    The 50s brought us cars like the Turnpike Cruiser, which doesn't resemble a Ford or a Lincoln at all.
    Mercury really started to lose its way in the 1970s with cars like the Bobcat (Pinto clone) and Zephyr (Fairmont clone).

    Would love to be a contributor to your program somehow.... Thanks for listening.
blog comments powered by Disqus