Category Archives: economy

Three Problem Areas for Toyota in U.S. from Japan Earthquake

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

During a press call to discuss March sales results today, Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS) said “The events in Japan had little if any impact on March sales.”

However, that doesn’t mean that Toyota no longer faces production and resulting sales problems because of the plant shutdowns caused by the Japan earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant meltdowns. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Company Outsells General Motors in March as U.S. Sales Increase 19%! Ford Q1 Sales also Strong at Plus 6%.

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford is clearly benefitting from relatively fresh products, a shift away from trucks to cars and improved fuel efficiency in most vehicle lines as gasoline prices continue to rise above $3.50 a gallon. Continue reading →

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Toyota Raises U.S. Prices as Yen Strengthens from Earthquake

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

The huge amounts of money going back to Japan has caused the Japanese Yen to strengthen as it now is trading well below ¥90:$1. Current Japanese automaker business plans were set and 96 Yen to the U.S. Dollar, and at that rate executives said profitability was a struggle. Continue reading →

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Ally, formerly Bankrupt GMAC, Files With SEC for IPO

Posted on 31 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Ally’s is one of the leading suppliers in the U.S. of wholesale dealer loans, and is the leading retail provider of vehicle finance. Ally’s taxpayer-financed bailout remains a vital aspect to the thus far successful reorganizations of General Motors and Chrysler. U.S. (and Canadian taxpayers) have large interests in those recovering automakers, as well. Continue reading →

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Reducing Oil Imports – Assumptions in New Independence Plan

Posted on 31 March 2011 by Ken Zino

In 2008, America imported 11 million barrels of oil a day. By 2025 the U.S. will have cut that by one-third – about where we were in 1975, according to an energy independence plan outlined by President Obama yesterday. Continue reading →

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President Obama outlines Energy Independence Plan, Touting Alternative Fuels, “Safe” Nuclear Power, 33% cut in Oil Imports

Posted on 31 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The President ordered that 100% of federal fleet purchases by 2015 will be alternative fuel, hybrid or electric vehicles – in a taxpayer-fueled bonanza for some automakers. Continue reading →

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Steelworkers follow UAW and Ratify Contract with Dana

Posted on 30 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The contract has implications for the United Autoworkers Union as it enters negotiations this summer with automakers since the Dana contract reduces but does not eliminate the gap in the existing two-tier wage structure with Goodyear.
The UAW is fiercely divided over the two-tier issue, which allows new hires at $12 an hour, while veterans get $28. UAW president Bob King insists that reduced wages for new workers are necessary, while opposition groups within the union are calling for its end.
Continue reading →

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EU Proposes Banning Cars from Cities. Automakers Protest

Posted on 28 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The European Commission today adopted 40 initiatives that it claims will increase mobility, dramatically reduce Europe’s dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions from transportation by 60% by 2050. It also requires the investment of €1.5 trillion or $2.1 trillion across the EU. Continue reading →

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Mazda Stops U.S. Dealer Orders for Japanese made Vehicles

Posted on 28 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor has temporary stopped orders for Japan-built vehicles from its dealers in the U.S. as a result on ongoing production interruption caused by the Japan earthquake on March 11. Mazda temporarily resumed partial production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants on March 22, producing replacement parts and parts for overseas production and vehicles utilizing “in-process” inventories. Mazda indefinitely suspended the production of vehicles utilizing “in-process” inventory at its Hofu plant today. Continue reading →

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Japan Earthquake Causes Loss of 320,000 Vehicles. More Plant Shutdowns on Way and the Worst is yet to Come

Posted on 25 March 2011 by Ken Zino

“The Japan disaster has had a profound effect on the automotive industry,” said IHS Automotive Director Michael Robinet, noting that 13% of the global automotive industry is shut down and companies have lost 320,000 units of production since the earthquake, tsunami and power disruptions. Continue reading →

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March New Vehicle Retail Sales Running at 10.9 Million SAAR

Posted on 24 March 2011 by Ken Zino

March new-vehicle sales are showing stability through the first three weeks of the month, continuing a trend of monthly double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the latest data.

New vehicle retail sales are projected to come in at 991,900 units, which represent a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 10.9 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers transaction data from more than 8,900 franchise dealers throughout the United States. Continue reading →

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General Motors Sells All of Its Ally Preferred for $1 Billion

Posted on 23 March 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) has sold of its preferred shares of Ally Financial Inc. for a total of $1.0 billion. Ally, formerly known as GMAC, is GM’s and Chryslers largest provider of automotive financing. Continue reading →

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Million Dollar Porsche 918 Hybrid on Sale – Only “918” Offered

Posted on 21 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The 918’s V8 engine delivers more than 368 kW or 500 horsepower. This is increased by two electric motors with a total of at least 160 kW (218 hp). Fuel consumption of 918 Spyder is estimated at three liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (~ 74 mpg) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Continue reading →

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Opel Shuts German, Spanish plants for Japanese Parts Shortage; Management Shifts as Stracke Returns as Opel CEO

Posted on 21 March 2011 by Ken Zino

There is a certain amount of friction between Opel and Chevrolet factions inside GM as both brands compete for the same customers, and Chevrolet increasingly turns to GM’s Korean subsidiary Daewoo as a source for small cars that Opel once designed exclusively. Opel’s future is clearly as a regional European brand in a market where it is struggling. Continue reading →

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Is Coca-Cola Part of Japan’s Nuclear Power Problem?

Posted on 18 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The Coca-Cola statement on the Japanese triple crisis of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power disaster is straightforward. Coca-Cola sends condolences, pledges $7.3 million in cash and products, and is running TV and radio ads to encourage energy conservation. What’s missing … Continue reading →

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