Philip J. LeBeau is a CNBC auto and airline industry reporter based at the network's Chicago bureau. Prior to joining CNBC, LeBeau served as a media relations specialist for Van Kampen Funds in Oak Brook Terrace, IL. While at Van Kampen, LeBeau held a Series 6 license.
Hyundai is trying to ease consumer fears about rising gas prices by running a new promotion where buyers of most Hyundai models join a program where they never pay more than a $1.49 a gallon for the next year. As promotions go, I think it's a smart move. It will get Hyundai in the conversation with many buyers. Read More
It's been a long time coming. Roughly two years if you're keeping score. That's the last time Ford was locked in as the #2 automaker in the U.S. Well, after the first six months of 2009 Ford as once again pulled ahead of Toyota in U.S. sales year-to-date. Read More
After we get the June auto sales today, we will be halfway through a year that has thrown the auto makers and American car buyers for loop. Some thoughts on what's changed, what's the same, and some trends/ideas worth examining. Read More
If you have, you've probably noticed things are a little different. Those deals that we've seen for months (ok, in many cases years) offering huge discounts are harder and harder to find. It's a little early to say we are done with the days when the buyer could call the shot on most models. You still, have some leverage, but not as much as in the past. Read More
It may not emerge from bankruptcy as quick as Chrysler, but GM is entering the stretch run, and can see the finish line. Tomorrow, the country's largest auto maker will be back in bankruptcy court to finalize plans to sell the "good assets" to a new GM that will emerge from bankruptcy with a clean balance sheet. Read More
The folks at Car and Driver Magazine have now documented just dangerous it can be. Rigging a car with a red light to alert drivers when to brake, the magazine tested how long it takes to hit the brake when sober, when legally drunk at .08, when reading and e-mail, and when sending a text. The results are scary. Read More
They've been jockeying for position for some time. But this morning, auto makers around the world will take big steps in the race to build mass market electric cars. When Energy Secretary Steven Chu announces grants for the development of fuel efficient vehicles and technologies, Ford, Nissan and Tesla will be the immediate beneficiaries. Read More
While most of us have been focused on the turmoil churning up GM and Chrysler the last 9 months, there's been far less attention given to the fact almost every other auto maker is struggling right now. Read More