BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Will Congress' 'cash for clunkers' boost U.S. GDP?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/11/will-congress-cash-for-clunkers-boost-u-s-gdp/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/11/will-congress-cash-for-clunkers-boost-u-s-gdp/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/11/will-congress-cash-for-clunkers-boost-u-s-gdp/#commentsFiled under:

The 'cash for-clunkers' cash payment is now likely to receive Congressional approval, something yours truly didn't think would occur six months ago.

Dueling versions of the bill that would grant a voucher worth $3,500-$4,500 to consumers who trade-in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for more fuel-efficient vehicles are winding themselves through Congress. The House version passed 298-119, Bloomberg News reported. A vote on the Senate version is expected soon. In a nutshell, car purchases get $4,500 for a vehicle that improves mileage by at least 10 miles per gallon, $3,500 if the new vehicle ups mileage by at least four miles per gallon.

Continue reading Will Congress' 'cash for clunkers' boost U.S. GDP?

Will Congress' 'cash for clunkers' boost U.S. GDP? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autosFuelEfficiencyinthenewsmpgThu, 11 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Under the radar: Higher U.S. vehicle mpg standards -- better late than never]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/under-the-radar-higher-u-s-vehicle-mpg-standards-better-late/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/under-the-radar-higher-u-s-vehicle-mpg-standards-better-late/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/under-the-radar-higher-u-s-vehicle-mpg-standards-better-late/#commentsFiled under: ,

Under the radar: Some trends are obvious enough and visible to all investors. Others are more subtle, but are just as potent, and these often slip "under the radar."

Case in point: the Obama administration's new, higher, fuel-efficiency requirement for vehicles. Basically, by 2016 it will cut auto emissions by one-third while increasing the average fuel economy requirement to 39 miles per gallon for cars and 30 miles per gallon for light trucks.

Continue reading Under the radar: Higher U.S. vehicle mpg standards -- better late than never

Under the radar: Higher U.S. vehicle mpg standards -- better late than never originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscorporate average fuel economylight trucksmiles per gallonmpgTue, 26 May 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Growth Matters: Gameloft is French for mobile fun]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/11/growth-matters-gameloft-is-french-for-mobile-fun/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/11/growth-matters-gameloft-is-french-for-mobile-fun/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/11/growth-matters-gameloft-is-french-for-mobile-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With all the gloom in the global economy, I got to wondering whether there is anything else going on in the world of business. I'm looking for growth because I think that's what will ultimately bring the economy out of the doldrums. Not surprisingly, that growth is coming from technology companies. In Growth Matters, I look at consumer technology companies that point the way to growth trends -- and in the process introduce services and products you may want to explore.

If you like to play games on your mobile, Gameloft may be worth a test drive. I interviewed Alexandre de Rochefort, Gameloft's CFO, who said "Gameloft was founded in 2000 by the same people who started [French video game publisher] Ubisoft in the 1980s. In the beginning of 2000, the founders saw that there were only a limited number of consumers who realized that game machines and consoles were becoming more powerful. As gaming consoles became more powerful, the industry catered more towards a hardcore audience which resulted in the isolation of casual gamers. Gameloft was created to develop casual games for mass market audience."

Continue reading Growth Matters: Gameloft is French for mobile fun

Growth Matters: Gameloft is French for mobile fun originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLAlexandre de RochefortAppleElectronic ArtsERTSGameloftmobile gamersmobile gamesMPGmultiplayer gamesWed, 11 Mar 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Columbia's Jeffrey Sachs: Big 3 can become auto sector technology leaders again]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/08/columbias-jeffrey-sachs-big-3-can-become-auto-sector-technolog/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/08/columbias-jeffrey-sachs-big-3-can-become-auto-sector-technolog/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/08/columbias-jeffrey-sachs-big-3-can-become-auto-sector-technolog/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Can the U.S. auto sector re-claim technological supremacy in the global auto market?

True, innovation, breakthrough technology, and supremacy are not exactly words that come to mind when one currently hears the corporate names 'General Motors,' 'Ford,' and 'Chrysler.'

The auto sector as an asset, even now?

But Columbia University Prof. Jeffrey Sachs forecasts that the U.S. auto industry can return to greatness, in the nation that's championed innovation and ingenuity during the modern era -- if Congress passes a comprehensive rescue package for the Big Three, C-SPAN reported.

Sachs is doing what academics do best: looking down the field -- to what macroeconomic conditions and global commerce -- and auto demand -- will look like 5, 10, 20 years from now.

General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) rose 69 cents to $4.77, while Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) added 53 cents to $3.25 per share in Monday afternoon trading. Chrysler is privately held.

Continue reading Columbia's Jeffrey Sachs: Big 3 can become auto sector technology leaders again

Columbia's Jeffrey Sachs: Big 3 can become auto sector technology leaders again originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto bailoutauto rescueauto sectorChryslerColumbia UniversityCongressEarth InstituteFFordgdpGeneral MotorsGMJeffrey Sachsmpgparadigmparadigm shiftsupercarU.S. economyMon, 08 Dec 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Should Congress buy millions of Big 3 vehicles for government fleet?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/19/could-congress-buy-millions-of-big-3-vehicles-for-u-s-governmen/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/19/could-congress-buy-millions-of-big-3-vehicles-for-u-s-governmen/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/19/could-congress-buy-millions-of-big-3-vehicles-for-u-s-governmen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The first rule of public relations is never get in a fight with anyone who buys ink by the barrel. And a major tenet of investing is don't take a stock position in conflict with Congressional policy, once Congress has committed to a program.

The wisdom behind the second adage, like the first, is obvious enough: Congress has the ability to suddenly and substantially change the investment landscape.

Case in point: Congress, which is currently hearing testimony on a performance-based rescue package for General Motors (NYSE: GM), Ford (NYSE: F), and Chrysler, could end up further funding reform by the Big Three by buying millions of the companies' vehicles for the U.S. government's auto fleet.

'Catching three fish with one cast'

Economist David H. Wang says the tactic has appeal in several areas -- economic, industrial, energy.

"It would help the three companies retain essential employees while transforming their operations, it would keep more industrial spin-off jobs in the U.S., and it would save energy by increasing U.S. government auto fleet efficiency," Wang said. "It would be like catching three fish with one cast and I think the new Obama administration would look very favorably on the energy efficiency aspect, both private and public sector dimensions."

Shares of GM fell 30 cents to $2.79, while Ford declined 16 cents $1.52 in Wednesday morning trading.

Continue reading Should Congress buy millions of Big 3 vehicles for government fleet?

Should Congress buy millions of Big 3 vehicles for government fleet? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto bailoutauto rescueauto sectorBushChryslerCongressDemocratsFfeaturedflex fuel carsFordGeneral MotorsGMmpgObamaRepublicansWed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Most likely, you'll determine the fuel for the car of the future]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/20/most-likely-youll-determine-the-fuel-for-the-car-of-the-future/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/20/most-likely-youll-determine-the-fuel-for-the-car-of-the-future/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/20/most-likely-youll-determine-the-fuel-for-the-car-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite the onset of the latest high energy price era, it goes without saying that the car will remain the main mode of transportation in the United States as the 21st century progresses.

First mass-produced on a national scale by Henry Ford, subsidized by the construction and expansion of the public interstate highway system after World War II, and immortalized by such films as George Lucas's American Graffiti (1973), the car and car culture is intrinsic to modern American life.

The car fuel alternatives

Cheap oil is not intrinsic, however, and that's a major reason why the nation is exploring car / vehicle fuel alternatives. Many options exist, each with strengths / weaknesses, and currently there's no clear winner.

Hence, in a very real sense, your say in the matter will play an important role in determining what fuel most Americans will use for car transportation in the decades ahead.

Continue reading Most likely, you'll determine the fuel for the car of the future

Most likely, you'll determine the fuel for the car of the future originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Graffitiautosclimate changeelectric carsethanolfeaturedflex fuel carsfuel cellsfuel efficiencygasoline pricesglobal warmingHenry Fordhybrid carshybridshydrogenhydrogen carsinterstate highwaysmiles per gallonmpgoil pricesoil shockvehiclesWed, 20 Aug 2008 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[A good news, bad news saga regarding auto companies and fuel efficiency]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/a-good-news-bad-news-saga-regarding-auto-companies-and-fuel-eff/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/a-good-news-bad-news-saga-regarding-auto-companies-and-fuel-eff/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/a-good-news-bad-news-saga-regarding-auto-companies-and-fuel-eff/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's an upside and a downside regarding major auto companies and the quest to develop vehicles with increased fuel-efficiency.

The upside: Auto makers are positioning themselves to carve out niches in fuel-efficient technology and design, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday (subscription required).

The downside: Auto makers appear to be exhibiting a 'herd mentality' on the current propulsion technology -- hybrid engine cars with both a modest electric power source and a mainstay internal combustion engine.

An electric hybrid focus

Following up on its successful electric-gasoline Prius hybrid, Toyota (NYSE: TM) announced it will make hybrid engine systems available on all models by 2020, The Journal reported. Meanwhile, Honda said it would import new hybrid technology to the U.S. to compete with Toyota and Ford (NYSE: F) plans to double its hybrid lineup next year, and Chevrolet's (NYSE: GM) Volt hybrid that will go on sale in 2010.

Economist David H. Wang said investors and consumers should not be overly optimistic or pessimistic regarding the sector's concentration on electric-fuel hybrids.

Continue reading A good news, bad news saga regarding auto companies and fuel efficiency

A good news, bad news saga regarding auto companies and fuel efficiency originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carselectric hybridsethanolethanol carsfflex fuelfordfuel efficiencygmhondahybridshydrogenhydrogen carsinthenewsmiles per gallonmpgoil pricesoil shocktmtoyotavehiclesvoltMon, 18 Aug 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[In the efficiency era ... Ford plans a new luxury crossover]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/15/in-the-efficiency-era-ford-plans-a-new-luxury-crossover/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/15/in-the-efficiency-era-ford-plans-a-new-luxury-crossover/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/15/in-the-efficiency-era-ford-plans-a-new-luxury-crossover/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford, the U.S. auto giant facing perhaps its toughest combination of sector competition and economic headwinds in the company's history, is expected to announce it will build a new, seven-passenger luxury crossover, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday (subscription required).

The new three-row Lincoln MKT crossover is expected to go into production next year, and mirror a 'bustle back concept' displayed at the Detroit Auto Show this year, The Journal reported. Its primary competitors would be the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Mercedes R class.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) shares were virtually unchanged on the news, up 2 cents to $5.12 in Friday afternoon trading.

Crossovers are larger cars designed to look and function like SUVs, only with better gas mileage.

Analyst takes wait-and-see approach on crossover

Stock Analyst C. Leonard Bauer said he's reserving judgment on the Lincoln MKT, pending performance, fuel economy, and safety test reviews.

Continue reading In the efficiency era ... Ford plans a new luxury crossover

In the efficiency era ... Ford plans a new luxury crossover originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto sectorcrossover vehiclescrossoversinthenewsLincoln MKTmiles per gallonmpgnew carsoil pricesoil shockSUVsFri, 15 Aug 2008 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[In $4 gas era, U.S. automakers tout regular-gas luxury cars]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/07/in-4-gas-era-u-s-automakers-tout-regular-gas-luxury-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/07/in-4-gas-era-u-s-automakers-tout-regular-gas-luxury-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/07/in-4-gas-era-u-s-automakers-tout-regular-gas-luxury-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

U.S. automakers, late to recognize the sales implications of spiraling gas prices, have started to adjust their business models, in at least one modest respect: some luxury cars are now being designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, USA Today reported Thursday.

Regular unleaded gasoline, with an 87 octane, typically costs 20-40 cents less than premium gasoline, with a 91 octane.

Ford (NYSE: F) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) are encouraging dealers to promote their no-premium-gas luxury cars' potential, as a selling point for consumers with budgets pinched by $4 per gallon gasoline, USA Today reported Thursday. Ford rose 5 cents to $4.99, while GM fell 15 cents to $10.10 in mid-day Thursday trading.

Auto mechanic Eddie Renn, based in Larchmont, N.Y., said the fact that automakers are manufacturing more cars designed to run on regular gasoline "is an improvement," but he questions why the automakers are using a lower gasoline cost as a selling point for luxury cars. Renn added that his auto repair business is not affiliated with any auto manufacturer.

Does gas price matter for luxury car owners?

"If you're driving a luxury car and you're concerned about a 20 or 30 cent difference a gallon, maybe you shouldn't be driving a luxury car." Renn said. "The luxury car owners who come in here [to his gas station] aren't concerned about the price of gas, I can tell you that."

Renn said most new cars, excluding sports cars and other vehicles, are designed to run on regular gasoline. A higher percentage of older cars -- particularly those built before 2000, require a higher octane, either mid-grade gasoline (also called 'plus') with an 89 octane, or the aforementioned premium gasoline, with a 91 octane.

Continue reading In $4 gas era, U.S. automakers tout regular-gas luxury cars

In $4 gas era, U.S. automakers tout regular-gas luxury cars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoscarsgasoline pricesinthenewsluxury carsmiles per gallonmpgoctaneoil pricesoil shockvehcilesThu, 07 Aug 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[As gas jumps above $4, Americans jump in golf carts]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/31/as-gas-jumps-above-4-americans-jump-in-golf-carts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/31/as-gas-jumps-above-4-americans-jump-in-golf-carts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/31/as-gas-jumps-above-4-americans-jump-in-golf-carts/#commentsFiled under: ,

You knew it had to happen at some point: the neighborhood street becoming dotted with whizzing golf carts.

With monthly gasoline bills exceeding car payments in some areas of the country, Americans have started to substitute tiny electric cars -- including golf carts and smaller electric vehicles -- for their local transportation needs, The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reported Thursday.

People are using them for local errands, to visit friends, even for trips to work if the destination is short, The Journal reported. And the habit may turn into a trend if cart use in challenging regions is any indicator: people in the nation of Texas are using them, as well!

Sees robust cart sales

Economist Glen Langan told BloggingStocks Thursday he's not surprised. "The previous rises in gasoline prices this decade, one [Hurricane] Katrina-related, one refinery-related, were viewed by the public as temporary. Not this time," Langan said. "Americans are convinced that four buck [$4] gas is here to stay, and oil use patterns around the world suggest they're not deluded in that assumption. Golf cart and mini-cart sales should increase at double-digit rates through the end of this decade, and most likely, longer."

Continue reading As gas jumps above $4, Americans jump in golf carts

As gas jumps above $4, Americans jump in golf carts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carselectric vehiclesgasoline pricesgolf cartsinthenewsmpgoil pricesoil shockscootersThu, 31 Jul 2008 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Pickens Plan: One piece in U.S. transportation energy puzzle]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/24/pickens-plan-one-piece-in-u-s-transportation-energy-puzzle/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/24/pickens-plan-one-piece-in-u-s-transportation-energy-puzzle/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/24/pickens-plan-one-piece-in-u-s-transportation-energy-puzzle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens has launched a new campaign to substitute at least a portion of the U.S. imported oil with domestic natural gas.

Pickens would like renewable energy sources, wind power chief among them, to run electric power generation plants currently run by natural gas/coal, and use that natural gas to fuel natural gas vehicles.

Economist Glen Langan told BloggingStocks Thursday the PickensPlan is commendable for a number of reasons (it would lower the trade deficit, create domestic jobs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions), but investors and readers should not view it as a panacea for the nation's transportation energy bill. "It could be a part of the solution, but it won't address the entire imported oil problem," Langan said.

Another oil saver: better engines

What's another key to reducing both imported oil and U.S.-produced oil consumption? Something that the U.S. auto sector has under-emphasized for more than a decade: technology-driven increases in car/vehicle efficiency, Langan said.

Langan said vehicle weight reduction, transmission/drive train improvements, enhanced aerodynamics, and the biggest factor -- increased engine efficiency -- "have the potential to reduce oil imports by almost as much as the Pickens Plan, and the changes won't take 10 years to see the results."

Further, many of the mpg-enchancing technologies already exist, Langan notes; he suggested an additional federal tax credit for automakers to help them incorporate the changes sooner.

"The fleet [all vehicles driven in the U.S.] should average 25-27 miles per gallon right now. Currently we're at about 20 miles per gallon. With appropriate federal tax credits we could be at 30-32 miles per gallon in five or seven years," Langan said.

Continue reading Pickens Plan: One piece in U.S. transportation energy puzzle

Pickens Plan: One piece in U.S. transportation energy puzzle originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoselectric carsgasoline pricesimportsmpgnatural gas carsnatural gas vehiclesoil pricesoil shockOilShockPickensPickens PlanT. Boone Pickenstradetrade deficitvehicleswind powerThu, 24 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Sen. John Warner talks up 55 mph national speed limit]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/07/u-s-sen-john-warner-talks-up-55-mph-national-speed-limit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/07/u-s-sen-john-warner-talks-up-55-mph-national-speed-limit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/07/u-s-sen-john-warner-talks-up-55-mph-national-speed-limit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apparently rock musician Sammy Hagar is not one of U.S. Sen. John Warner's (R-Virginia) constituents.

Sen. Warner has suggested that the U.S. Congress might want to consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gasoline and possibly ease fuel prices, The Associated Press reported.

However, Warner has not specifically sponsored legislation calling for a roll-back to 55 miles per hour: he has only asked U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to research which speed limit would provide optimum gasoline efficiency given current technology, and also wants to know if the Bush Administration would support a Congressional effort to mandate a lower speed limit, The AP reported.

Last 55 mph law: 1973-74

The United States last imposed a 55 mph speed limit in 1974, as part of an effort to conserve gasoline in response to the world's first oil shock, the 1973-74 oil crisis.

Continue reading U.S. Sen. John Warner talks up 55 mph national speed limit

U.S. Sen. John Warner talks up 55 mph national speed limit originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973-741973-74 energy crisis55 mph speed limitautosBush AdministrationcarsCongressfuel economygasoline pricesJohn Warnermpgnational speed limitoil pricesoil shockspeed limitSUVstravelU.S. Department of Energyvehicle fatalitiesMon, 07 Jul 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Economist says corn should be on your table, not in your gas tank]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/24/economist-says-corn-should-be-on-your-table-not-in-your-gas-tan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/24/economist-says-corn-should-be-on-your-table-not-in-your-gas-tan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/24/economist-says-corn-should-be-on-your-table-not-in-your-gas-tan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sometimes during a crisis the United States rushes toward a solution, only to find that the action was not only not a panacea, it was, in fact, ill-conceived and harmful.

The late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill alluded to this when he noted that, "In the end, America will do the right thing . . . after she's exhausted all other possibilities."

That may very well be the case with corn-based ethanol.

Initially heralded as a renewable fuel that reduces foreign oil imports, it now appears that a powerful coalition is building against corn-based ethanol -- a problematic energy source, in economist Glen Langan's interpretation.

A ' tax dollar not well spent'

The U.S. Government (which means you, the taxpayer) heavily subsidies ethanol from corn production via payments to farmers, Langan said. "The tax dollar is not well spent, either from an environmental standpoint or an energy policy standpoint," he said.

Continue reading Economist says corn should be on your table, not in your gas tank

Economist says corn should be on your table, not in your gas tank originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelsCongresscorncpiethanolfarmersfeaturedfood pricesgasoline pricesinflationmpgoil pricesoil shockOPECsubsidiestaxesU.S. CongressTue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Up ahead: A hybrid in your near future, not a pure electric car]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/18/up-ahead-a-hybrid-in-your-near-future-not-a-pure-electric-car/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/18/up-ahead-a-hybrid-in-your-near-future-not-a-pure-electric-car/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/18/up-ahead-a-hybrid-in-your-near-future-not-a-pure-electric-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the oil and refining sectors providing evidence that $4 per gallon gasoline may represent a floor, auto makers are beefing-up efforts to improve and introduce electric cars, MarketWatch reported Wednesday.

While the new wave of hybrids and electric cars will emphasize plug-in technology (the ability to recharge the car's battery from a standard 110-volt outlet), industry executives and think tank analysts underscored that a series of government incentives and programs will be needed to enable large-scale production of plug-in hybrids and electric cars. Selected automakers have set the 2010 model year as a target for rolling out the new cars en masse.

Economist Glen Langan told BloggingStocks Wednesday the automakers' roll-out timetable may be a tad optimistic.

"What we're seeing now from General Motors (NYSE: GM), Ford (NYSE: F) and others is that classic, delayed, rush-to-the-future response so typical of a sector that's behind," Langan said. "U.S. auto makers and others should have developed at least a hybrid that could compete with gas engines 10 years ago. But they chose not to and battery technology is behind as a result. I don't think we will see a cost-effective plug-in electric in 2010, and we'll be fortunate if a cost-effective, plug-in hybrid will be in mass production by 2012 or 2013."

Continue reading Up ahead: A hybrid in your near future, not a pure electric car

Up ahead: A hybrid in your near future, not a pure electric car originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoscarbon emissionsclimate changediesel priceselectric carsFfeaturedFordgasoline pricesGeneral MotorsGMhybridslithium ionlithium ion batteriesmpgnew carsoil pricesoil shockvehiclesWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Energy Department projects $4 gas for as far as the eye can see]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/12/u-s-energy-department-projects-4-gas-for-as-far-as-the-eye-can/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/12/u-s-energy-department-projects-4-gas-for-as-far-as-the-eye-can/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/12/u-s-energy-department-projects-4-gas-for-as-far-as-the-eye-can/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This energy fact will not be a revelation to American motorists:

The U.S. Energy Department now forecasts that gasoline prices will remain high -- around $4 per gallon -- this year and next, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The Energy Department's Guy Caruso, head of the department's Energy Information Administration wing, announced the revised forecast in testimony before a U.S. House of Representatives committee, The AP reported.

The EIA now expects the average U.S. gasoline price, currently over $4 per gallon, to peak at $4.15 per gallon in August. Regular-grade gasoline, which typically is 87 octane at U.S. gas stations, is expected to average $3.78 per gallon in 2008, or 97 cents above the 2007 average price.

Nevertheless, many high-cost U.S. cities -- including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston -- are already experiencing gasoline prices in the $4.20-$4.60 per gallon range, with selected areas approaching $5 per gallon.

Moreover, the steady rise in gasoline prices is occurring despite the fact that weekly U.S. gasoline consumption has declined, on a year-over-year basis, for more than four months.

Continue reading U.S. Energy Department projects $4 gas for as far as the eye can see

U.S. Energy Department projects $4 gas for as far as the eye can see originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsemerging marketsenergy crisisEnergy Information Administrationfeaturedgasoline pricesinthenewsmpgoil pricesoil shockvehiclesThu, 12 Jun 2008 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Rural America takes a hit as gasoline climbs past $4]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/09/rural-america-takes-a-hit-as-gasoline-climbs-past-4/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/09/rural-america-takes-a-hit-as-gasoline-climbs-past-4/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/09/rural-america-takes-a-hit-as-gasoline-climbs-past-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gasoline's 4-year rise and recent pop above the dreaded $4 per gallon level is having a predictable impact on small town America.

Large areas of the upper Great Plains, the South, and Southwest are being hit hard, due to a heavy dependence on generally low-gas-mileage pickup trucks, low incomes, and those aforementioned high fuel prices, The New York Times reported Monday.

The Times reported that several social phenomena present during the U.S.'s last oil shock are on the rise: gasoline thefts, people running out of gas, and substantial reductions in consumer retail shopping to allocate more money needed to meet higher fuel costs, among other consequences.

Continue reading Rural America takes a hit as gasoline climbs past $4

Rural America takes a hit as gasoline climbs past $4 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsdisposable incomegasoline pricesgdpmpgoil pricesretail salesrural communitiessmall townsSUVsU.S. economyMon, 09 Jun 2008 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. energy policy: An opportunity squandered, a challenge ahead]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/07/u-s-energy-policy-an-opportunity-squandered-a-challenge-ahead/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/07/u-s-energy-policy-an-opportunity-squandered-a-challenge-ahead/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/07/u-s-energy-policy-an-opportunity-squandered-a-challenge-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In light of oil's rise to triple-digit prices, the United States' inability to pass an energy policy aimed at increased efficiency, renewable energy, and energy independence, represents an opportunity squandered -- on two fronts: transportation and power generation.

True, oil has retreated from the $135 range to the $125-128 range, but the nation now faces record-high gasoline/diesel prices, along with high prices for heating oil, natural gas, and coal. As a result, the broad-based disposable income -- so essential for U.S. economic growth -- has been squeezed, with many economists now arguing adequate GDP growth is not possible, if energy prices remain at current levels.

At minimum, the U.S. faces a period of economic and social adjustment -- corporate, public, personal -- as it copes with the brave new world of $4 gasoline ... and that's if gasoline remains in the $4 per gallon range. A variety of scenarios could quickly send gasoline over $5 per gallon and higher in 2009.

Continue reading U.S. energy policy: An opportunity squandered, a challenge ahead

U.S. energy policy: An opportunity squandered, a challenge ahead originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate energy sourcesBrazilCAFEcoalcorporate average fuel economyenergy crisisenergy policyEnergyCrisisethanolfeaturedfossil fuelsFrancegasoline pricesgdpMcCainmpgnuclear powerObamaoil pricesoil shockOPECrenewable energysugar cane ethanolU.S. Department of EnergyU.S. economySat, 07 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Cambridge Energy's Yergin: What is now unfolding is an oil shock]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/29/cambridge-energys-yergin-what-is-now-unfolding-is-an-oil-shock/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/29/cambridge-energys-yergin-what-is-now-unfolding-is-an-oil-shock/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/29/cambridge-energys-yergin-what-is-now-unfolding-is-an-oil-shock/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The world has endured (survived?) two of them.

They led to transformations in energy use and economic activity twice in the modern era, in 1973-74 and 1979-1980.

They are oil shocks, and right now Daniel Yergin, chairman of Cambridge Energy Research Associates, argues in a Financial Times column that what is unfolding before us is the world's third oil shock. (Oil traded Thursday at $128.60 per barrel.)

Further, Yergin argues that those who say the world could take $80 per barrel oil in stride amid strong economic growth should not feel emboldened about the world's ability to continue to grow with an oil price that's $60 higher in the near future. The contraction ripples have started. In the airline sector. In the auto sector. Note the lighter traffic at your local mall. And did you notice that last food bill for the same shopping cart of items you bought?

Bad news, good news

Yergin's bad news? (And short-term, it is bad news.) Supply, short-term, will not be able to prevent the shock, in other words, lower prices to levels that would maintain (restore?) adequate global economic growth. Engineering skills and oil equipment are in short supply, drilling costs are rising, and equally damaging, selected governments are restricting access or postponing decisions that would bring more oil to the market in the shortest possible time.

Yergin's good news? Demand is already responding to record-high oil (and in the U.S., gasoline) prices, except in those countries where prices are controlled or subsidized. The oil shock is propelling changes (finally) in public policy, corporate/consumer behavior, along with technological development and implementation. Hybrid cars/vehicles, once fringe, are now in demand. The U.S. Congress increased automobile fuel efficiency requirements for the first time in 32 years. And billions of dollars have been added to speed the development of battery technology.

Continue reading Cambridge Energy's Yergin: What is now unfolding is an oil shock

Cambridge Energy's Yergin: What is now unfolding is an oil shock originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate energy sourcesautosCambridge Energy Research AssociatescarsDaniel Yergindiesel priceselectric carsenergy crisisgasoline pricesinthenewsmpgoiloil pricesoil shockOPECSUVsYerginThu, 29 May 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The world's least-respected energy form experiences a revival]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/the-worlds-least-respected-energy-form-experiences-a-revival/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/the-worlds-least-respected-energy-form-experiences-a-revival/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/the-worlds-least-respected-energy-form-experiences-a-revival/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Coal. Detestable coal.

Politically incorrect coal.

The stuff of Dickens' England. Black-lung disease. Strip-mining. And global warming.

Coal is the 'Rodney Dangerfield of energy forms,' because, like the late comedian, it gets no respect.

Have you ever heard of a positive association regarding coal? As a child in the United States, way back in the twentieth century, you dared not misbehave prior to the holidays, lest you get, coal in your stocking.

(No one ever spoke of a reprimand involving 'getting oil in your stocking.' No sir. Oil is considered 'black gold.')

Well, in the near future you and many others may look favorably on collecting coal, and a lot of it, if current trends continue regarding that other notable energy form, oil.

Continue reading The world's least-respected energy form experiences a revival

The world's least-respected energy form experiences a revival originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 22 May 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autosCAFEcarsChinaclimate changecoalCold Waremerging marketsenergy crisisfeaturedgasoline pricesheating oilheating oil pricesIndiamiles per gallonmpgoiloil pricesoil shockOPECpeak oilU.S. Department of EnergyThu, 22 May 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-market movers: LEH, RHT, APOL ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/28/pre-market-movers-leh-rht-apol/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/28/pre-market-movers-leh-rht-apol/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/28/pre-market-movers-leh-rht-apol/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH) is up almost 7% on an upgrade from Goldman Sachs.

Redhat (NYSE: RHT) is up almost 5% on strong earnings.

BioMimetic Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BMTI) is up 39% on positive news from the FDA about one of its products.

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) is off 15% on poor earnings.

Maguire Properties (NYSE: MPG) is down 5% on news that the company is no longer for sale.

Stocks may trade differently in the pre-market than they do in the regular session.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Pre-market movers: LEH, RHT, APOL ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APOLBMTILEHMPGRHTFri, 28 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST