Keith Crain Editor Emeritus of Automotive News [email protected] See All Staff Page Recent Stories Shifting gears away from the stick shift It's hard to predict what consumers will decide about how their vehicles are powered in the future, but one thing is certain: They won't have standard transmissions. SEMA still a wonderful circus The Las Vegas aftermarket show brings automakers out in full force, and there were more exhibitors this year than ever. Penske still has plenty of races to win Roger Penske was honored with Medal of Freedom recently, a well-deserved honor for a man with plenty of races still to win. Ford's turn in the hot seat As Ford Motor Co. readies for its turn at the bargaining table, CEO Jim Hackett takes the heat for overpromising and not delivering. Who will get the next dance? Ford and FCA await their turn at an uncertain bargaining table, now that the labor negotiations between the UAW and GM are finally wrapping up. One at a time With car sales expected to top 17 million again this year, it is worth remembering that (with the exception of fleets) cars are still sold one vehicle at a time. Be careful what you wish for Some engineers say fuel cells may offer an answer to the problems of recharging batteries for electric vehicles. Fuel efficiency needs one rule The White House’s efforts to thwart California’s tougher emissions standards will likely become a lengthy legal fight. It's a mess you can count on Negotiations between the UAW and General Motors are a mess, as usual, but the strike likely won't be as long as strikes of the past. Headed in different directions Europe's political response to global warming is widening differences between U.S. and European automakers. EVs steal the show in Frankfurt While there are lots of gasoline-powered cars and high-performance vehicles to choose from, electric is taking center stage at the German motor show. Piech left a large legacy The world lost one of the very few great product planners when Ferdinand Piech died last week at 82. Buy, sell or hold your store? Dealers face confusing choices in these volatile times in the automotive industry, but they may be wise to stay the course with their businesses for now. When is enough, enough? Politicians and the auto industry should pump the brakes in their race toward electrification. Will VW's diesel scandal ever end? The scheme to outfox emissions rules for vehicles with diesel engines has become a seemingly endless legal battle and public relations disaster. Load More