Category Archives: economy

Volkswagen Condemns USWNT Exploitation of Women

USSF President Carlos Cordeiro’s weak and mild expression of regret on Wednesday night came after The Coca-Cola Co. lambasted the federation for supporting lesser pay for its female stars. Coca-Cola called the federation’s assertion in documents filed earlier this week “unacceptable and offensive.” Continue reading

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National Debt Projections – Off the Chart Before COVID-19

Debt held by the public is a measure that indicates the extent to which federal borrowing affects the availabil­ity of private funds for other borrowers. All else being equal, an increase in government borrowing reduces the amount of money available to other borrowers, putting upward pressure on interest rates and reducing private investment. It is the measure of debt most often used by CBO in its reports on the budget. The cost of growing debt increases the finance payments of new and used vehicles. Continue reading

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IMSA Delays Twelve Hours of Sebring to November 2020

Notably, IMSA said nothing about the growing public health crisis and its potential dire effects on fans. IMSA is owned by NASCAR, which has just banned fans from races. Continue reading

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the US

CDC is recording an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, aka COVID-19. The Data are at least one day old and note comprehensive. Continue reading

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NASCAR Still Racing So Far, Buffers and Restrictions Added

NASCAR has added an infectious disease specialist to its consulting physician group to provide technical assistance and to inform policy. In following with these discussions and guidance from this counsel, NASCAR is implementing several adjustments to race event operations effective this weekend at Atlanta and remaining in effect indefinitely. Continue reading

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FAA Helping Airlines on COVID-19 Cancellations

The FAA is waiving the 80% use requirement through 31 May 2020 for U.S. and foreign airlines that have affected flights. In doing so, the FAA “expects that U.S. carriers will be accommodated with reciprocal relief by foreign authorities at airports in their countries and may determine not to grant a waiver to a foreign carrier whose home jurisdiction does not reciprocate.” Continue reading

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COVID-19 Chaos as LMC Automotive Cuts Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecast by 3.7 Million Units

Whether you believe there is a public overreaction or that COVID-19 is actually a public health crisis headed for pandemic status, there is no denying the expected negative impact it will have on the economy and auto industry. Continue reading

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COVID-19: 2020 New York International Auto Show Delayed

As AutoInformed said then, “The show’s fate of course will be determined by public health departments at the city, state and federal levels. At the moment there is no known vaccine for preventive or ameliorative use against COVID-19.” This still applies despite of the denials and obfuscation of the  central government.  Continue reading

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Trump Deficit Growing: $625 Billion FYTD – $80B Higher YoY

Net interest on the public debt rose by $5 billion (or 17%), mostly because of a different rate of inflation. Continue reading

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US Trade Deficit Continues at $45 Billion a Month

The drop in imports portends shortages, which could harm both consumer and business spending. The coronavirus epidemic has upset businesses and production in China, with an extension of  the Lunar Year holidays cutting output in an effort by the Chinese government to constrain its spread. This likely will be repeated in the US economy as the epidemic spreads here. It’s too soon to see the potential negative effects on the auto industry, but disruptions are likely given China, South Korea and Mexican trade in automotive goods. Continue reading

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More Management Changes at Profit Challenged Daimler

The reorganization at Daimler continued today at Daimler in Investor Relations and Greater China. Olaf Schick is to take over Finance & Controlling at Daimler Greater China replacing Steffen Hoffman. Hoffmann will take over as Head of Investor Relations on 1 April 2020  with the current head, Björn Scheib, leaving the company by “mutual agreement,” after 11 years in the position. Continue reading

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New York Auto Show Claims It Will Happen

The show’s fate of course will be determined by public health departments at the city, state and federal levels. At the moment there is no known vaccine for preventive or ameliorative use against COVID-19. Continue reading

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Electric Vehicles – a Virus That Can’t Be Controlled?

Riddell in essence poses this riddle: When buying an IC car today, a larger engine is a big cost option, and for a BEV, a bigger ‘gas tank’ is a major, high-cost feature. Will this continue? Can this continue? Based on past behaviors, cost is a major inhibitor to adaption of advance technologies. Continue reading

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US February Retail Vehicle Sales to Surpass a Million

 “Last year it took until September for the industry to reach the current spend levels,” King noted. “While the coronavirus has had no meaningful effect on production yet, it does have the potential to reduce overall inventory levels and lower the need for continued elevated incentives. If unhealthy inventory levels persist throughout the year, however, manufacturers may be faced with spend levels that are pacing towards $5,000 by next year.” Continue reading

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Aston Martin Valkyrie: Formula One Drivers Get First Laps

Each verification prototype – there will be eight built – is exposed to a variety of tests to develop and validate specific attributes that contribute to achieving the performance of what Aston boasts will be the world’s fastest ever road-going hypercar, with a price to match. Continue reading

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