Category Archives: economy

Brexit Automaker Winners, Losers – Predictable and Surprising

To state the obvious, new investment in the UK – expansion of current manufacturing or new capacity – for manufacturers with viable alternatives in the EU appears unlikely until the current uncertainty diminishes. This economic chaos could last for years. Continue reading

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‘Bloody Hell,’ What Does Brexit do to Automakers?

The uncertainty does not bode well for Ford Motor Company or General Motors, both with struggling European operations. Both were ashen silent today. Continue reading

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Bridgestone Sells Its Troubled Venezuela Operations as Economy Tumbles and a Coup or Revolution Loom

U.S. military and State Department officials predict the country is headed for a revolution or a coup from the Venezuelan military services. Continue reading

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U.S. Trade Deficit Grows in February

The Nation’s international trade deficit in goods and services increased to $47.1 billion in February from $45.9 billion in January as imports increased more than exports, says the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading

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Ford Invests $1.6 Billion in Mexico. NAFTA Sucking Sound of Lost U.S. Jobs Continues During Fierce Presidential Race

In the midst of a Presidential race where Donald Trump is threatening to put a 37.5% tax on auto imports – specifically singling out Ford Motor, the Dearborn-based automaker announced today that it is investing in a new plant in Mexico’s San Luis Potosi State to produce more small cars. The $1.6 billion investment will create 2,800 additional direct jobs by 2020, according to Ford. Continue reading

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U.S. Treasury Issues Inversion Regulations. Is It Too Little, Too Late for Catching Corporate Tax Cheaters?

Under current law – obviously written by corporate lobbyists – following an inversion or foreign takeover, a U.S. subsidiary can issue its own debt to its foreign parent as a dividend distribution. The foreign parent can then transfer this debt to a low-tax foreign affiliate. The U.S. subsidiary can then deduct the resulting interest expense on its U.S. income tax return at a significantly higher tax rate than is paid on the interest received by the related foreign affiliate. Continue reading

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December New Vehicle Sales Projected at 1.7m, SAAR 18m

If accurate, December will end the biggest year of U.S. new-car sales ever seen, with total light vehicle sales of ~17.5 million, up 6.1% compared to 2014 totals. The previous high was 17.35 million units in 2000. Continue reading

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Global Car Sharing Services Revenue $6.5 Billion in 2024

According to a new report from Navigant Research, global car sharing services revenue will grow from $1.1 billion in 2015 to $6.5 billion in 2024. Continue reading

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Auto Dealerships Support 2.2 Million U.S. Jobs

The CAR study, Contribution of New-Car Dealerships to the Economies of All 50 States and the United States, highlights the economic impact of U.S. new-car dealership from employment data, taxes collected or generated by dealerships to taxes paid by employees at the state and national level. Continue reading

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U.S. Income Flat, 47 Million People in Poverty

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that there was no statistically significant change in 2014 from 2013 in either real median household income or the official poverty rate. At the same time, the percentage of people with health insurance coverage increased because of the Affordable Care Act. Continue reading

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Labor Day Travel Forecast at 35.5 Million People

When the Labor Day weekend falls later in the calendar people travel less. This year Labor Day falls on September 7, the latest possible day it can occur, so the overall travel growth potential is weaker in 2015. Continue reading

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China is Responsible for US Manufacturing Job Loss

This manufacturing job loss can be traced to growing trade deficits throughout the decade, and the collapse of manufacturing output following the Great Recession—not rapid gains in productivity brought on by technological advancements—according to Manufacturing Job Loss, a new issue brief from EPI.
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Taxpayer Rip-off as Bureau of Land Management Discounts Royalty Rates on Our Property at 50% of Actual Market Value

The BLM oil and gas management program is one of the most important mineral leasing programs in the Federal government. The total value of production is over $33 billion, which generates more than $3 billion in royalty revenue annually from oil and gas leasing activities on public lands, most of which is shared with state and local governments, and nearly $1 billion in royalty revenue from activities on tribal lands, all of which goes to tribes or individuals. Continue reading

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UAW Denounces US House Passage of Fast Track

No trade agreement adopted under “Fast Track” has ever been defeated. It is the UAW’s contention – supported by much data gathered after the jobs destroying NAFTA, agreement, that the American auto industry, which leads the country in manufactured exports today, will be hurt. Continue reading

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MI Proposal 1 on Roads, aka Prostitution 1, Resoundingly Defeated. All Politicians involved Need to Resign Now

All the politicians involved in this irresponsible pork-ridden fiasco should resign immediately – including local government officials who subsequently supported this sham because they would benefit from the pork – because they are clearly not representing the voters and above all are clearly and arrogantly out of touch with them. Continue reading

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