Stephen Baker, an analyst at research firm NPD, said Google is "certainly out in front of a number of trends that will be impacting the market, " but the Chromebook Pixel's price tag was "a big jump" from the earlier generation of Chromebooks and the Chrome operating system doesn't appear ready to compete head-on with Apple laptops or those powered by Windows 8.

WSJ: Google Unveils Chromebook Pixel Touch-Screen Laptop

In these calls lately, Browning has been consistent in his characterization of the U.S. auto market as one that remains somewhat dicey even though trends look pretty good at the moment.

FORBES: VW CEO Browning Stays Sober In Economic-Expectations Game