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Behind the Wheel with Phil Lebeau

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  Wednesday, 13 Mar 2013 | 12:11 PM ET

Founder, Executive Chairman Fisker Automotive Quits

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Getty Images
Henrik Fisker

Henrik Fisker, the founder and Executive Chairman of Fisker Automotive, told CNBC he is leaving the company due to differences with the company's current leadership.

"There are a lot of issues and differences I have with this company and the management team right now," Fisker said. "This is the best move for me right now."

»Read more
  Friday, 8 Mar 2013 | 12:57 PM ET

Volvo Unveils New Technology to Avoid Cyclists

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Cyclists Fight Back
Cyclists are beginning to mount cameras on helmets and handlebars, and documenting motor vehicles who hit or run them off the road. NBC's Tom Costello reports.

After years of talk about the need for cars and trucks to do a better job of detecting and preventing accidents with bicyclists, Volvo has taken the first concrete step in that direction.

The company has unveiled new technology that will allow Volvo models to detect those riding bicycles and apply full braking before the car hits the cyclists. Volvo's Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection will be available in 2013 versions of the S60, XC90, XC70, and S80 models.

»Read more
  Wednesday, 6 Mar 2013 | 2:51 PM ET

Here's Why More People Drive Alone, Despite High Gas Prices

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Eric Audras | ONOKY | Getty Images

Here is one that will make you scratch your head. Despite a huge increase in the cost of gas since 1970, a new study by the University of Michigan showed that more people are driving alone. It's the latest reflection of how driving in America has changed over the last 43 years.

"We value the flexibility of driving alone more than the potential savings in the cost of gasoline," said Michael Syvak, Director of Sustainable Worldwide Transportation at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. According to Syvak, the average number of people in vehicles has dropped from 1.9 in 1970 to 1.38 in 2010. A number of factors contributed to that change, including the growth of women entering the work force—so there are more American homes with two cars and two drivers heading to two different job locations.

(Read More: Car Buyers Taking Out Bigger Loans, Set New Record)

In 1970 the average price for a gallon of gas was 36 cents. By 2010, the average price was $2.79 per gallon.

»Read more
  Tuesday, 5 Mar 2013 | 8:22 AM ET

Car Buyers Taking Out Bigger Loans, Set New Record

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American car buyers, attracted by new models and cheap financing, are taking out bigger auto loans and stretching out the terms of those loans to a new record length.

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  Thursday, 28 Feb 2013 | 4:40 PM ET

Chrysler's Future According to Marchionne

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Chrysler Investing In America
CNBC's Phil LeBeau speaks to Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Chrysler CEO about the company's expansion of transmission production in America, the U.S. economy and whether an IPO is in the works.

Nearly four years after he started running Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne is ready to take the Detroit automaker to the next level. Specifically, the Chrysler and Fiat CEO wants his two companies to truly come together.

»Read more
  Monday, 25 Feb 2013 | 3:34 PM ET

GM's Wi-Fi Move Brings the Connected Car Closer

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Smartphone on Wheels
General Motors is announcing it's teaming up with AT&T to bring 4G wireless to most of its cars by next year. CNBC's Phil LeBeau offers insight.

General Motors says this a move that will put "mobile" into automobile. Starting next year it plans to put 4G LTE technology into millions of its cars, trucks and SUVs around the world.

It is a move that GM had to make even as critics raise concerns that this will only increase the potential for distracted driving. Given the push around the U.S. and around the world to limit distracted driving, why is GM doing this? The answer is because it can and the public demands it.

Whether or not you think it's right, your car is becoming more connected.

(Read More: Cars You'll Never Drive)

»Read more
  Thursday, 21 Feb 2013 | 10:54 AM ET

Ford Boosts Engine Production as Buyers Demand Fuel Efficiency

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A Look at Ford's EcoBoost Engine
CNBC's Phil LeBeau talks with Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Company, about the automaker's big bet on the success of its EcoBoost engines.

Ford is pumping $200 million and adding 450 workers to its Cleveland Engine Plant as it moves to meet growing demand for more fuel efficient models.

Once the expansion is finished late next year, the Cleveland Engine Plant will start building 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines.

»Read more
  Wednesday, 20 Feb 2013 | 10:51 AM ET

Why the Tesla S May Be a Game-Changer

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LeBeau's Long Tesla Test Drive
Phil Lebeau drives the Tesla Model S 430 miles from Washington D.C. to Natick, MA. He takes us along for the ride.

The Tesla Model S is a game-changing car.

After spending 8 hours driving the EV from Washington, D.C. to Boston, I am convinced that this car is proof a solely electric car can and ultimately will gain acceptance by American drivers, and not just for those looking for a second car just to run errands around the neighborhood.

»Read more
  Tuesday, 19 Feb 2013 | 6:33 PM ET

Recreating the Highly Charged Tesla Test Drive

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LeBeau's Long Tesla Test Drive
Phil Lebeau drives the Tesla Model S 430 miles from Washington D.C. to Natick, MA. He takes us along for the ride.

CNBC's Phil LeBeau on Tuesday did a one-day test drive of the Tesla Model S from Washington, D.C., to a suburb just outside Boston. He is not the first, nor will he be the last to recreate the same test drive that led to a very public spat between New York Times reporter John Broder and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

»Read more
  Tuesday, 12 Feb 2013 | 11:18 AM ET

Tesla Review Raises Questions About Reporter Test

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Tesla CEO Takes on New York Times
Tesla CEO Elon Musk takes issue with a New York Times article about a test drive of one it its electric cars, reports CNBC's Phil LeBeau.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk could not have been any clearer or more vocal about his view of a New York Times review that ripped the Model S.

"We explicitly said that to do this trip he needs to be fully charged when he starts up, that he doesn't do detours, and that he drives at a reasonable speed. I am not talking about some ridiculously low speed. I am talking not too far above the speed limit and none of those three things were done," said Musk when he called into CNBC's "Closing Bell" Monday afternoon.

»Read more

About Behind the Wheel

Welcome to Behind the Wheel with Phil LeBeau. This is the place where you'll hear the latest about what is happening in the auto industry, and the reason why that news is so important. This is not the place to come if you are looking for cheerleader for one automaker over another. Phil won't wave the flag for any company, but he will let you know when he thinks someone is making the right moves, and when they've screwed up.
  • LeBeau is a CNBC auto and airline industry reporter based at the Chicago bureau and author of "Behind the Wheel" on CNBC.com.