“Auto - DailyTech” plus 4 more |
- Auto - DailyTech
- Lockton offers automotive incentive for United Way campaign - MSN Money
- Research and Markets: Company Financials: PSA Peugeot Citroen S.A ... - Earthtimes
- A guide to recycling household batteries - News 8 KFMB
- Genworth, Legg Mason, Qwest Communications: U.S. Equity Movers - Washington Examiner
| Posted: 15 Oct 2009 07:58 AM PDT
The stakes are high, as are the rewards when it comes to hybrids and alternative fuels
In the 1970s or early 1980s many would
have laughed if they were told that GM and Chrysler would go
bankrupt and Honda and Toyota would ascend to the top of
automotive sales charts. After all, Toyota was still building
its reputation, and Honda was better known for its motorcycles.
However, thanks to a tireless dedication to small, fuel efficient
cars, and developing advanced technologies, that's exactly what
happened, and the rest, as they say is history. The current
trend, both in the industry and in government mandates, is a push for
better fuel economy. This push was first championed by none
other than the Japanese automakers -- with Toyota debuting the first
mass produced hybrid with the Toyota Prius.
Now the Big Three
look
to seize the lead in green cars from the Japanese, and hopefully
kick of a new era of prosperity. GM next year will release the
2011
Chevy Volt in the the U.S. (Nissan will be releasing an
all-electric, the 2011 Leaf EV, but its only available in limited
markets). This will be followed shortly by
Chrysler, which is anticipated to debut its own electric plug-in
in 2010 or early 2011.
And Ford isn't going to be left
out of the show -- it's debuting
a battery electric next year and a plug-in hybrid for the 2012
model year. In short, the American's are about to be on top of
the green car market.
Part of this leadership has been thanks
to ambitious government guidance. With 71 percent of our
nation's petroleum -- including from unstable foreign sources --
devoted to the auto industry, and with our nation's vehicles
generating a fourth of our country's total emissions, the government
is determined to enact a change. Led by new President Barack
Obama, they've put forth a bold vision of reducing emissions by 80
percent by 2050, and upgrading
fuel economy to new heights while doing it.
Bruce
Belzowski, assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan
Transportation Research Institute describes, "Right now, the
attempt to find the best battery pack for vehicles is the equivalent
in the automotive industry of the moon shot in the '60s or
'70s."
With over $1.3B USD of the $2.4B
USD in battery grants going to the Big Three, the administration
is putting its money where its mouth is and hopes to see 1 million
electric vehicles on the road by 2015 as a result. Meanwhile,
6,800 new high-tech jobs have been created in Michigan, and an
estimated 40,000 will be created by 2020, according to state
leaders.
Another critical factor to the U.S. trying to regain
leadership is alternative fuels. Congress has set the ambitious
goal of 21 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol (from organic waste)
be produced by 2022. Researchers at Michigan State University
and other institutions are hard at work trying to come up with new
methods to develop the fuel. And in the commercial sector
Coskata, based in Warrenville, Ill. and Mascoma Corp. in
Lebanon, N.H. are working to build series of commercial-scale
cellulosic ethanol plants. Mascoma is building one in
Michigan's Upper Peninsula, an ideal location given the location's
active wood industry (waste wood is one common organic matter
source).
If the U.S. regains leadership through the
alternative fuel and green car industry it will require a bit of
luck. President Obama, the automakers, and the fuel makers are
all betting that electric vehicles and cellulosic ethanol are the
short-term future of the automobile. Meanwhile foreign
competitors like Honda and Toyota are eschewing plug-ins and favoring
hydrogen. Toyota wants to release hydrogen cars in 2015,
despite the many obstacles to a U.S. launch. Ultimately, the
battle for global auto dominance may become a battle for consumer
dollars between cellulosic ethanol and hydrogen. If the former
wins, the U.S. may yet regain its place on top of the automotive
pecking order.
When I was in high school, I remember listening to news, tech publications, and automakers claim to have hydrogen powered cars in 10 to 15 years. That was 15 years ago. Now its within ten years. Go back earlier than my generation and you see the same claims, "We'll have hydrogen powered vehicles in 15 years.' 15 years later, no hydrogen powered cars and the statements are the same.
What makes this time any different?
With Ford Fusion Hybrid already out and basically being the #3 hybrid in fuel economy and #2 in its class (contrary to Ford's advertising), it's hard to argue that American cars are really fifteen years behind Japan. Maybe five, but even then, there is an argument to be made that we simply have a different market. I want a fuel efficient car, but not one that looks or drives like a Prius. I don't think there is a technological lag here, just a design difference.
Also, Chevrolet Volt is coming out next year. It is overpriced, sure, but it's not behind technologically.
A hydrogen economy is the only way to make the current drive for renewable energy practical. Batteries will not give us the flexibility we desire as consumers.
An example of how I see the future energy system (in a world where I am NOT allowed to dictate nuclear fission/accelerated particle/fusion in that order): Excess power from wind farms will be used to 'make' hydrogen, and when wind is short, this hydrogen will be burned to produce electricity for the grid. Work is ongoing aimed at replacing electrolysis as a means of producing hydrogen. Get that right, and we are sucking diesel so to speak. Anyway. With wind farms, solar plants, tidal etc, buffering their energy by using hydrogen, tapping this into the transport world shouldn't be so much of an issue.
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| Lockton offers automotive incentive for United Way campaign - MSN Money Posted: 15 Oct 2009 05:49 AM PDT The United Way of Greater Kansas City hopes to drive up the number of donors with an incentive —a new car. Lockton Cos. Inc. is donating a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo as the prize in a drawing for those who give at least $144 to this year's United Way campaign. The United Way had said Sept. 10 (http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2009/09/07/daily23.html) that it would set aside a monetary goal for its 2009 campaign in light of the economic downturn and instead try to recruit 25,000 donors who didn't contribute to last year's campaign, which raised a record $40.5 million. "The Aveo will add fun and excitement to this year's campaign, but more importantly, it will serve as an extra incentive for those who are considering giving to United Way this year who didn't give last year," David Fowler, co-chairman of the 2009 campaign, said in a Thursday release. The drawing for the car, valued at $15,200, will occur in March at the United Way's annual meeting, when the organization also will give away a 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle built at the Kansas City plant to a donor who pledges at least 1 percent of his or her salary to the United Way. United Way of Greater Kansas City supports more than 300 health and human service programs throughout the Kansas City area. Copyright 2009 bizjournals.com This content has passed through fivefilters.org. | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and Markets: Company Financials: PSA Peugeot Citroen S.A ... - Earthtimes Posted: 15 Oct 2009 01:32 AM PDT DUBLIN - (Business Wire) Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d48759/company_financials) has announced the addition of the "Company Financials: PSA Peugeot Citroen S.A." company profile to their offering. The Company Financials offers insights into the financial performance of the company over last five years for about 1000 leading global companies. The datapack covers wealth of financial information relating to income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. Scope
Highlights of this title
Key reasons to purchase this title
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d48759/company_financials Source: Datamonitor
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| A guide to recycling household batteries - News 8 KFMB Posted: 14 Oct 2009 09:14 PM PDT By Tray Granger In our increasingly mobile world, batteries serve quite a purpose. They power our cars, portable electronics and items we use every day. Batteries can even be made out of vegetables. Batteries are identified by the product they're used for ("car battery," "cell phone battery," etc.) or its size ( "9V", "button cell"). But for scientific purposes, batteries' names are based on the metals they contain. Concerning disposal, the name can be helpful because it lets you know what elements are wrapped up in that cylindrical or rectangular packaging. Battery recycling is not a matter of possibility. It comes down to the efforts you're willing to take. Availability will also depend on where you live, as states like California have designated all batteries as hazardous waste and require that they be recycled or taken to a household hazardous waste collection facility. Before we outline the different types of batteries and what to do with them, consider these two points:
Alkaline Manganese Batteries Where It's At: Alkaline batteries are used in everything from cameras and flashlights to remote controls. What to Do: If you talk to your local solid waste department, you may be instructed to put alkaline batteries in with your regular trash. This is partly due to the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act passed in 1996 that phased out the use of mercury in alkaline batteries, making them less of an issue when disposed in landfills. But this doesn't mean alkalines are not recyclable. If you're unable to find a local recycling option, you can consider mail-in recycling programs. They are also accepted for recycling at all Batteries Plus locations. If you do decide to put alkaline batteries in the trash, as in most cases this is legal, you can take extra steps to prevent leaking such as:
End Result: Recycling these batteries can recover steel and zinc, two valuable metals. In the case of steel, it can be reprocessed into rebar.
Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries Where It's At: Ni-Cd batteries are the inexpensive rechargeable form of alkaline batteries. They can be recharged hundreds of times to avoid disposing of batteries and are, for the most, part interchangeable with alkalines. A cadmium-free alternative to these batteries is Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), which you'll now find more often with name brands of rechargeable batteries. What to Do: One little known fact about Ni-Cd batteries is that part of the built-in price is to cover proper disposal. Due to the presence of the toxic metal cadmium, these batteries are considered hazardous waste and are not allowed in landfills. In 1994, the rechargeable battery industry formed the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), which provides collection locations for both Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries in thousands of retail stores and public agencies. End Result: In the case of both batteries, recycling involves using heat to separate the high temperature metals, such as nickel and iron, from the low temperature ones, like zinc and cadmium. Some of the metals solidify after they melt, while others are reprocessed as metal oxides. These metals all have value. Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries Where It's At: One of the newest forms of rechargeable technology is the Li-ion battery, which is commonly found in cellular phones and consumer electronics. These batteries are also being introduced as the power source for electric vehicles. What to Do: It's likely that you'll be disposing a Li-ion battery along with an electronic device, such as upgrading a cell phone or selling a laptop. In most cases, the company that handles your electronic device will accept the battery as well. The RBRC program also covers these batteries, so finding recycling locations should not be a challenge. End Result: These batteries are recycled in the same way as Ni-Cd batteries and produce valuable metals. One reason to not store Li-ion batteries or put them in a landfill is that they have the potential to overheat and explode when exposed to hot temperatures. If you're starting a collection of these batteries before you recycle them, it's a good idea to store them in a cool location. Silver Oxide Batteries Where It's At: This is the more common form of the button cell battery, which you'll usually find in calculators, hearing aids and wristwatches. In addition to their small size, button cells are known for a long storage life and the ability to work well in low temperatures. What to Do: Silver oxide and other button cell batteries also contain mercury, which makes recycling a must. But due to the fact that they aren't rechargeable, RBRC's program will not cover them. Luckily, you'll have less button cells to recycle since they aren't as common and last longer. In many cases, a professional will replace these batteries, so ask the business if it will recycle the battery for you. If not, often times these batteries are accepted as part of household hazardous waste programs sponsored by your state or county. Button cells have an alphanumeric code, and the first letter indicates what type you have ("L" for manganese dioxide, "S" for silver oxide). End Result: Silver oxide batteries are typically shredded during the recycling process to recover the valuable heavy metals. Lead-Acid Batteries Where It's At: These are the batteries that primarily power automotive units, such as cars, boats, golf carts, motorcycles and even lawn mowers.What to Do: Just keep doing what you're probably already doing. Lead-acid batteries have a 97 percent recycling rate, the highest of any consumer product in the U.S., which is good because they're one of the most harmful products in a landfill with a mixture of lead and sulfuric acid. If you buy a new car battery, ask about recycling options for the old one when it's installed. You can also participate in the AAA-sponsored Great Battery Roundup, which takes place every year in April. End Result: Lead-acid batteries are recycled by separating the battery into its three main components: Plastic, lead and sulfuric acid.
The Rest If you have other types of batteries, the first step is determining what chemicals they contain, which will tell you if they are classified as hazardous waste. The presence of cadmium, lead or mercury will indicate that you're dealing with hazardous household waste. Trey Granger is a staff member at Earth911.com. More articles by Trey This content has passed through fivefilters.org. | ||||||||||||||||
| Genworth, Legg Mason, Qwest Communications: U.S. Equity Movers - Washington Examiner Posted: 14 Oct 2009 08:53 PM PDT Shares of the following companies had unusual moves in U.S. trading. Stock symbols are in parentheses and prices are as of 4 p.m. in New York. Life insurers surged after UBS AG resumed coverage with a "neutral-to-positive" rating, citing intermediate-term returns and compelling valuations. Separately, a National Association of Insurance Commissioners committee endorsed a request by U.S. life insurers for looser capital standards tied to slumping residential mortgage-backed securities. Genworth Financial Inc. (GNW:US) had the biggest gain in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, rising 9.7 percent to $12.12. Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG:US) added 7 percent to $28.45. Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU:US) advanced 6 percent to $52.78. Shares of Chinese companies advanced after reports showed the nation's new lending increased in September while exports declined at the slowest pace in nine months. PetroChina Co. (PTR:US) climbed 6.6 percent to $130.74. Tongjitang Chinese Medicines Co. (TCM:US) rallied 10 percent to $4.80. Wonder Auto Technology Inc. (WATG:US) advanced 17 percent to $14.20. AsiaInfo Holdings Inc. (ASIA:US) jumped 15 percent to $23.77. American Capital Ltd. (ACAS:US) gained 6.1 percent to $3.31, the highest price since Sept. 28. The manager of private equity, real estate and other investments sold its Imperial Supplies LLC asset to W.W. Grainger Inc. in an all-cash acquisition. No other terms of the agreement were disclosed. AMR Corp. (AMR:US) added 6 percent to $8.13, the biggest gain since Sept. 17. The parent of American Airlines was raised to "overweight" at Barclays Plc, which said the company "has dramatically improved its individual liquidity position within the industry." BioMimetic Therapeutics Inc. (BMTI:US) climbed 21 percent, the most since Nov. 24, to $15.32. The Franklin, Tennessee-based drugmaker said a study on its augment bone graft showed patients with foot and ankle fusions experienced similar fusion and healing rates compared with a standard treatment. Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (CETV:US) slid 12 percent, the most since June 22, to $28.18. The operator of television stations in Eastern Europe that sold a stake to Time Warner Inc. in March, said full-year earnings will "significantly" miss analysts' estimates. Citigroup Inc. (C:US) gained 3.5 percent to $5, the highest price since Aug. 31. The third-largest U.S. bank by assets is in talks with Serbia's JAT Airways to provide a 40 million-euro ($59.6 million) loan to help the carrier swing to a profit, RTS TV said, citing a government official it didn't identify. The bank is due to publish results tomorrow. Commerce Bancshares Inc. (CBSH:US) added 7.7 percent, the most since May 4, to $40. The bank holding company said its third- quarter profit increased to 66 cents a share from 32 cents a year earlier. Conseco Inc. (CNO:US) jumped 29 percent to $6.46 for the biggest rally in the Russell 2000 Index. Paulson & Co., the hedge fund that bet against subprime mortgages, agreed to increase its stake in the life insurer by buying $77.9 million in stock and warrants. CSX Corp. (CSX:US) rose 6.3 percent to $47.06, the biggest gain since Sept. 3. The third-largest U.S. railroad reported third-quarter profit of 74 cents a share, beating the average analyst estimate by 3 cents. Group 1 Automotive Inc. (GPI:US) advanced 10 percent, the most since June 25, to $32.77. The owner of more than 100 car dealerships in the U.S. and U.K. said preliminary results showed it earned at least 68 cents a share in the third quarter. That topped the average estimate of 51 cents from analysts in a Bloomberg survey. AutoNation Inc. (AN:US), the largest publicly traded U.S. car retailer, increased 6.8 percent to $19.53. Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG:US) climbed 6.6 percent to $26.26, the highest price since October 2008. The biggest U.S. motorcycle maker was upgraded to "outperform" from "market perform" at Wells Fargo & Co., which said shipments will start to increase next year and the company may buy back shares. Healthcare Services Group Inc. (HCSG:US) advanced 9.1 percent, the most since April 15, to $20.47. The housekeeping and laundry services company reported third-quarter sales that exceeded analysts' estimates and said it will boost its dividend. Intel Corp. (INTC:US) climbed 1.7 percent to $20.83, the highest price since Sept. 8. The world's biggest chipmaker forecast fourth-quarter sales and profitability that topped estimates, indicating that computer demand is returning to pre- recession levels. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD:US), the second-largest chipmaker, added 2.8 percent to $6.25. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM:US) rose 3.3 percent to $47.16, the highest price since Oct. 2. The second-largest U.S. bank by assets reported third-quarter profit of 82 cents a share, beating the average analyst estimate by 61 percent, as fixed- income revenue surged. Legg Mason Inc. (LM:US) had the second-biggest advance in the S&P 500, rallying 9.6 percent to $33.45. The Baltimore-based asset manager's stock funds, including those run by Bill Miller, are luring back clients as improved returns spur institutions to put money into equities. Miller's unit was picked this month to run part of a stock portfolio for Oaks, Pennsylvania-based SEI Investments, said Kimberly Mustin, the head of Legg Mason's institutional arm in the U.S. She declined to disclose the size of the mandate. LDK Solar Co. (LDK:US) declined 2.2 percent to $8.17, falling for a second day. The Chinese maker of silicon wafers used in solar power cells said Nicola Sarno, senior vice president of manufacturing, will leave the company to "pursue personal interests." Myriad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MYRX:US) advanced 8.1 percent to $6.40, the biggest decline since Sept. 16. The drug developer said its experimental drug may have the potential to treat chronic inflammation, obesity and diabetes. Qwest Communications International Inc. (Q:US) had the second-biggest decline in the S&P 500, falling 3.2 percent to $3.69. The local-phone carrier in 14 U.S. states, AT&T Inc. (T:US), Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ:US) and Sprint Nextel Corp. (S:US) were asked by lawmakers to disclose fees they pay to smaller providers that charge "allegedly excessive" rates. AT&T declined 0.3 percent to $25.83. Verizon dropped 0.3 percent to $28.94. Sprint rose 4.7 percent to $3.57. Rio Tinto Plc (RTP:US) surged 3.2 percent to $193.41, the highest price since June 12. The third-largest mining company raised its 2009 forecast for iron ore output by as much as 7.5 percent as demand from steelmakers recovers. Siemens AG (SI:US) increased 5.2 percent, the most since May 8, to $102.87. The third-largest supplier of wind turbines in North America won a $135 million, seven-year service contract for a U.S. clinic, the company said in an e-mailed statement today. Sterlite Industries Ltd. (SLT:US) added 7.9 percent to $18.57, the highest price since June 2008. India's biggest copper producer jumped in Mumbai trading after the metal's price rose and Morgan Stanley today raised its estimates for copper prices between 2009 and 2012. Tata Motors Ltd. (TTM:US) gained 6.4 percent to $12.78, the biggest gain since Sept. 8. India's biggest truckmaker increased the production capacity of Nano, the world's cheapest car, by 20 percent. UCBH Holdings Inc. (UCBH:US) dropped 11 percent to $1.02 for the second-steepest loss in the Russell 2000 Index. The California lender fell after Reuters reported that China Minsheng Banking Corp. (600016:CH) may not be allowed to buy control of the U.S. bank. This content has passed through fivefilters.org. |
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