Autoline #1312: Sold!


Apr 09 2009 24 mins  
Sold!

In the world of retail there are few sounds as distinctive and final as the auctioneer's exclamation. Whether it's bidding for an original Van Gogh, a special stock cow or a foreclosed HUD home, the traditional English auction ends with the familiar sound of an emphatic "sold." And that shout is heard across America on a variety of goods. However one auction that shies away from the public spotlight, yet has a dramatic impact on so many of our lives, is the auto auction. Not the televised high-end ones with six-figure collector cars but those that fill dealer lots each week with the late model used that we all shop for. This week on Autoline John McElroy takes you on a tour of the auction process as the world's largest dealer Manheim opens its doors exclusively to Autoline. There you'll witness a vital part of the automotive life cycle that is normally closed to the buying public.

Meanwhile back in the studio, John sits down with Manheim's Chief Economist Tom Webb to discuss not only his company's remarketing -- as Manheim calls it -- of vehicles but also his unique perspective on the goings-on in today's automotive industry.

And finally, John takes a longer look at this week's New York Auto Show surprise authored by GM: Project P.U.M.A. -- the electric self-balancing son of Segway that's so, so much more.