Accelerate Mpls

While I strongly reject that anyone was put in danger while making this video, I recognize publicly that concerns about reckless driving have been raised.  Reckless driving is a real issue, and I acknowledge that some in the online automotive industry have expressed concern at the driving displayed in the video.  In response to those concerns and more importantly because I share concerns about reckless driving, I have decided to pull the video.  While I was there and personally know that no one was endangered in the situation, I understand that it is hard for some who were not there to see or realize that.  My intent was never to be controversial.

Episode 17 starts by introducing this weeks guest Erich Merkle joining us from Autoconomy.  Erich joins us in the second half of the podcast for the main topics of the week.  I then discuss the four door long box Ram 2500 with a cummins diesel engine that I drove during the past week.  What an experience.  We move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• Cadillac to Create ‘Luxury World’ in New Ad‘ Campaign
• Hyundai to recall 2011 Sonata because of door glitch

We tried out a new section this week called tweetmeme.  This week we focused on the demise of Hummer and peoples reactions on Twitter.  Zeroing in on how people reacted both initially and after the news sank in.

We then proceed to the clip of the week segment.  This week we featured a newer Subaru ad about being pet approved – Parallel Parking

Next came our main topics at which point Erich joined us.  This week those topics included Toyoda going to Washington and the Toyota hearings, Hummers current situation, the upcoming New York Auto Show, and we touch on the future of the industry and Chrysler.

Last but certainly not least, we discuss the past week on both of our respective blogs, AutoBird Blog and AccelerateMpls.  The week in review included- my video interview with Hagen Durant and my first drive video of the ZR1, along with Colin’s gas prices post.

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Classic Chevrolet was the number one volume Chevrolet dealership for the past four years.  This past weekend I had the opportunity to interview the general manger Hagen Durant about the key to their success.