We had a thread awhile back where I was ranting about just this problem. The new versions of the free SketchUp will not support import or export of dwg's. I use them in tandem, as each is better at some things. I have SketchUp Pro, and for now, it still works, but I've not upgraded, an will not until I know the changes to import/export.

Meanwhile, they are suggesting a third party program for cross-program translations.

While frustrating to the user, I understand their problem. Autodesk is constantly changing their file configurations. They are in competition now with Google. And SketchUp doesn't want to spend the time to adapt to every change. SketchUp Pro 7 does not recognize AutoCad 2011 files. They have to be downgraded to an earlier version. But AutoCAD 2011 will not save to earlier 3D versions. For that, you need their conversion program and a subscription. And then, AutoCad 2011 complains when I open a file generated by SketchUp. No problem, so far, it doesn't look like spacial information was compromised.

They are both really useful programs. I could do my work without them (I did, for half my career) but damn they make it easy. AutoCAD 2011 has already improved my work in many ways. It only took a week or two to get used to the new configurations, finding all my most used commands, costomizing tool bars, etc. And I've only scratched the surface of what it can do. Sketchup is easy, intutive, fun, and I can send an informative 3d model to a client that doesn't need an complicated program to use. Great slide shows and animation output, too. That, and I can ride my bike from here to the Google SketchUp office.