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[Have Toyota's Troubles Sent Customers to GM and Ford?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/02/have-toyotas-troubles-sent-customers-to-gm-and-ford/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/02/have-toyotas-troubles-sent-customers-to-gm-and-ford/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/02/have-toyotas-troubles-sent-customers-to-gm-and-ford/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota (TM) is now in the driver's seat of its largest vehicle recall in its U.S. history, and with it a solid reputation is being tarnished with a few industrial-size blowtorches. Although Toyota's U.S. head has actually apologized for the accelerator issues so many Toyota models are experiencing, halting sales of new cars is crimping Toyota's sales every minute of every day. So much, in fact, that the Japanese automaker may be ceding sales to the improbable: U.S. competitors General Motors and Ford(F).

Continue reading Have Toyota's Troubles Sent Customers to GM and Ford?

Have Toyota's Troubles Sent Customers to GM and Ford? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FGMinthenewsTMToyotaToyota MotorToyota recallsToyotaMotorToyotaRecallsTue, 02 Feb 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford, GM reach wage parity with foreign rivals]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/18/ford-gm-reach-wage-parity-with-foreign-rivals/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/18/ford-gm-reach-wage-parity-with-foreign-rivals/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/18/ford-gm-reach-wage-parity-with-foreign-rivals/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) decided not to ask for federal bailout money and General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) did decide to take it (out of necessity), one of the truths that finally, finally came out about the state of the U.S. auto industry was the need to match employee costs with our foreign rivals.

This was much to the chagrin of auto unions, but now that the entire American auto industry is a few blinks away from oblivion, apparently labor costs are, well, at the top of the survival guide.

Continue reading Ford, GM reach wage parity with foreign rivals

Ford, GM reach wage parity with foreign rivals originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerFFordFord MotorFordMotorGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMToyota MotorToyotaMotorWed, 18 Mar 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota concerned about welfare of its top 100 U.S. suppliers]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/12/toyota-concerned-about-welfare-of-its-top-100-u-s-suppliers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/12/toyota-concerned-about-welfare-of-its-top-100-u-s-suppliers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/12/toyota-concerned-about-welfare-of-its-top-100-u-s-suppliers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Motor Company (NYSE: TM) is not only worried about its short-term future, but the futures of about 100 of its U.S. suppliers as well. The automaker offered this tidbit to the automobile task force under President Obama that's currently sizing up whether or not to again help General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and Chysler from dire straights.

Continue reading Toyota concerned about welfare of its top 100 U.S. suppliers

Toyota concerned about welfare of its top 100 U.S. suppliers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TMtoyotaToyota MotorToyota salesToyotaMotorToyotaSalesThu, 12 Mar 2009 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota sees July-September global sales downfall]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/29/toyota-sees-july-september-global-sales-downfall/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/29/toyota-sees-july-september-global-sales-downfall/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/29/toyota-sees-july-september-global-sales-downfall/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) said this week that it saw a sales downfall from the July-September quarter for the first time in seven years. When auto stalwart Toyota sees a downfall, things must be bad. Of course, it's no surprise that U.S. automakers -- all of them -- are hurting like they haven't in over two decades (or longer, depending on how you look at it).

The reason given by Toyota for the sales halt: declining demand in the U.S. American customers just aren't buying new cars at the rate auto industry execs expected. Call it a lack of money, a lack of credit access to finance new vehicles or folks just buying cheaper used cars. Probably all three are reasons Toyota saw itself sell only 2.24 million new vehicles globally in the July to September timeframe.

Although Toyota saw decent success throughout 2008 in terms of global sales (due to the market share it has in fuel-efficient passenger cars), demand in the U.S. shriveled down to virtually nothing this past summer. Toyota is not even close to being under the financial pressures of either General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) or Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), but the Japanese automaker will probably see sales increase at a sluggish pace as consumer credit unfreezes and huge decreases in gasoline prices spur new auto sales. For Toyota, it has SUVs, trucks and fuel-efficient cars all available to sell -- with the style and marketing customers want -- so any auto upturn will land success in Toyota's lap first.

Toyota sees July-September global sales downfall originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TMToyota Global SalesToyota MotorToyotaGlobalSalesToyotaMotorWed, 29 Oct 2008 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[America's cheapest cars]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/americas-cheapest-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/americas-cheapest-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/americas-cheapest-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We have heard a lot of news over the past 12 months about soaring fuel prices and the effect it is having on the major automakers. With record-high oil prices, and gasoline running about $4.10 a gallon, drivers are spending more and more money to fill up their tanks. One of the natural options for people has been to move towards less expensive, small, and simple cars.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) noticed that fuel-efficient vehicles will be more appealing to consumers, and announced last week plans to reduce production at its truck division (a bit late to join the party, but at least it's something for the struggling auto maker). Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) is also slashing truck production during three months at its U.S. plants.

While It is true that most less expensive cars don't offer the same luxury when compared to sedans or SUVs, they come with a lot of options that can satisfy every individual need. Among the cheapest cars available, the article points out Honda's Fit ranked No. 11 at $13,950, a small car whose standard version comes with an adjustable steering column and four-speaker audio system, and is equipped with multiple airbags in the front, rear and side. Other vehicles that follow the same logic are the Chevrolet Aveo, ranked No. 2 at $11,460; the Toyota Yaris, third at $11,550, and the Kia Spectra, fifth at $12,895.

Continue reading America's cheapest cars

America's cheapest cars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscheapfuelGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgmtmToyota MotorToyotaMotortruckThu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota planning to manufacture the red-hot Prius hybrid in U.S.]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/toyota-planning-to-manufacture-the-red-hot-prius-hybrid-in-u-s/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/toyota-planning-to-manufacture-the-red-hot-prius-hybrid-in-u-s/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/toyota-planning-to-manufacture-the-red-hot-prius-hybrid-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM), responding to U.S. demand for its Prius hybrid vehicle, will begin making the small sedan in the U.S. The decision comes on the back of a weak U.S. dollar -- which makes exports more expensive -- and also reflects the fact that the U.S. is the biggest market for the 45 MPG vehicle.

It will take until 2010 for the Prius to be built in U.S. factories owned by Toyota. In a strange twist of irony, the Mississippi plant that will build the Prius was slated to make Highlander SUVs. Except for the hybrid version of that midsize SUV, consumers continue to shun almost anything with a V6 or larger in the face of "not-going-anywhere" $5/gallon gasoline.

With the U.S. making up over 60% of global demand for the Prius, Toyota has a winner here -- but it needs to spread the wealth into other passenger vehicle products as well. If Toyota can get its hybrid technology affordable in such staples as the Camry and Highlander, it will have a winning place in U.S. sales, even more than it commands now. The Prius is a great first step -- but more need to come. Consumers are mad about gas prices and fickle about which future cars they'll drive -- play to them.

Toyota planning to manufacture the red-hot Prius hybrid in U.S. originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsPrius hybridPriusHybridTMToyotaToyota MotorToyota PriusToyotaMotorToyotaPriusFri, 11 Jul 2008 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Newspaper wrap-up: Apple to open App Store to software developers with PC phones in mind]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/newspaper-wrap-up-apple-to-open-app-store-to-software-developer/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/newspaper-wrap-up-apple-to-open-app-store-to-software-developer/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/newspaper-wrap-up-apple-to-open-app-store-to-software-developer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MAJOR PAPERS:
  • The Wall Street Journal reported that Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) is set to revamp its manufacturing operations in the U.S. in response to rising gasoline prices that have led to a shift toward fuel-efficient models. Officials at the auto maker said key moves may include dropping plans to produce the Highlander car-SUV crossover vehicles in a Tupelo, Mississippi plant, instead producing the Prius at the plant.
  • Tomorrow Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) is set to launch its second version of the iPhone but it also will be opening its APP Store to software developers--an online bazaar--with the intent of bringing more applications to the phone as it has with music via its iTunes stores. Apple's goal is to turn the iPhone into a gadget that more resembles a personal computer, the Wall Street Journal reported.
OTHER PAPERS:
  • According to sources, the South China Morning Post reported that Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ: WYNN) is considering a secondary listing in Hong Kong that would raise as much as $3B. The source said that the fund-raising plan has yet to be approved that that the company is a "long way" from a share sale and "might never do it."
WEB SITES:
  • In an interview, Bloomberg reported that Former St. Louis Federal Reserve President William Poole said there is an increasing chance the U.S. may need to bail out "insolvent" Federal National Mortgage Association (NYSE: FNM), or Fannie Mae, and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (NYSE: FRE), or Freddie Mac. Poole said data provided show that the fair value of Fannie Mae's assets fell 66% to $12.2B in Q2, while Freddie Mac owed $5.2B more than its assets were worth during the quarter.

Newspaper wrap-up: Apple to open App Store to software developers with PC phones in mind originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLApp StoreAppleAppStoreFannie MaeFannieMaeFNMFREFreddie MacFreddieMacHong KongHongKongiphoneiphone 3giphone3gsecondary listingSecondaryListingTMtoyotatoyota highlanderToyota Motortoyota priusToyotaHighlanderToyotaMotorToyotaPriusWilliam PooleWilliamPooleWYNNWynn ResortsWynnResortsThu, 10 Jul 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[SmartMoney suggestions to avoid the pitfalls of falling oil prices]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/13/smartmoney-suggestions-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-falling-oil-pric/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/13/smartmoney-suggestions-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-falling-oil-pric/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/13/smartmoney-suggestions-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-falling-oil-pric/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With the soaring oil prices, oil bulls have been benefiting from nice gains lately but there are some pessimistic signs that this may be about to change. The Fed's comments related to inflation stirred some worries among investors that interest rates could be lifted soon. A boost in interest rates will immediately lead to a stronger dollar, and could (and should) result in a sell off in crude.

Talking about this circumstance, SmartMoney is thinking about the best way to protect ourselves against losing money. As a first step, SmartMoney suggests that we reduce commodities and increase our allocation in stocks. To back up this idea, the article cites Simeon Hyman, equity strategist of the portfolio advisory group at Lehman Brothers' private investment management unit, who said the company is currently lighter on commodities and "fully invested" in stocks.

 David Reilly, director of portfolio strategies at Rydex Investments, is taking into account the possibility of investing in Japan, which "is the most oil-dependent of all major economies. Reilly cites companies such as Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) and Canon (NYSE: CAJ) which could benefit from investors' attention due to declines in crude oil prices.

Continue reading SmartMoney suggestions to avoid the pitfalls of falling oil prices

SmartMoney suggestions to avoid the pitfalls of falling oil prices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cajCanonduginthenewsinvestoiltmToyota MotorToyotaMotorUltraShort Oil Gas ProSharesUltrashortOilGasProsharesUnited States OilUnitedStatesOilusoFri, 13 Jun 2008 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota (TM) improves fuel cell technology to 500 miles per hydrogen fill-up]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/toyota-tm-improves-fuel-cell-technology-to-500-miles-per-hydro/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/toyota-tm-improves-fuel-cell-technology-to-500-miles-per-hydro/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/toyota-tm-improves-fuel-cell-technology-to-500-miles-per-hydro/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) announced yesterday that it has developed a new type of fuel cell hybrid vehicle that can travel more then 500 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. That's right instead of the limited mileage from a pure electric car or a gas-required hybrid vehicle this one just needs hydrogen to hit the 500 mile mark.

Fuel cell vehicles, which have no emissions and are one of the most promising technologies for personal transportation, just got that much better. The deal killer for all hybrid vehicle manufacturers is this: there is no gasoline internal combustion engine needed. Toyota's model requires an electric motor and a hydrogen fuel cell. That's it. The Japanese automaker even said the vehicle would be available in Japan this year, but that there are no plans to distribute it outside that country.

Why not, Toyota? Worried about not being able to supply the demand customers globally may have? Having a zero-gas alternative in some of the most gas-dependent consuming countries in the world would really solidify your track record as the auto manufacturer who "gets it." You've already surpassed General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) as the world's largest auto manufacturer. Why not make that crown quite a bit bigger?

Toyota (TM) improves fuel cell technology to 500 miles per hydrogen fill-up originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fuel CellFuelCellHybrid carHybridCarinthenewsTMToyotaToyota MotorToyotaMotorTue, 10 Jun 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota making dealerships green, just like some of its cars]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/toyota-making-dealerships-green-just-like-some-of-its-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/toyota-making-dealerships-green-just-like-some-of-its-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/toyota-making-dealerships-green-just-like-some-of-its-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) wants to have about 10% of its dealerships in the U.S. become known as environmentally friendly within about three years, according to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal.

Seeing as Toyota just sold its one millionth hybrid Prius this month, the automaker appears to be taking the lead in getting green autos to the consumers who are now feverishly clamoring for them. In other words, $4 gas is not sitting well with many Americans.

But Toyota isn't just talking car sales when it notifies the market that it wants "green" dealerships. The automaker has its own prototype store designs that include geothermal heating systems and recycled car wash water that set it apart in terms of overall operation while it sells those Corollas and hybrid Priuses.

This is the wave of the future -- provide a green dealership to service customers in an energy-efficient way while they purchase that 40 MPG hybrid car from you. Save money and energy from the sale process, in addition to providing an efficient mode of transportation to the customer. Sounds like a win-win on both sides, and Toyota seems to agree. See what the automaker has to say below.

Toyota making dealerships green, just like some of its cars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 May 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Automakereneery efficientEneeryEfficientGreen autoGreenAutohybrid autoHybridAutoTMToyota MotorToyotaMotorMon, 19 May 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan reports higher Q4 profit but outlook disappoints]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/13/nissan-reports-higher-q4-profit-but-outlook-disappoints/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/13/nissan-reports-higher-q4-profit-but-outlook-disappoints/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/13/nissan-reports-higher-q4-profit-but-outlook-disappoints/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan Motor Corp. (NASDAQ: NSANY), Japan's third-largest automaker, announced this morning higher fourth quarter profit, but forecast a decline in profit for the current year, blaming an unfavorable rising yen and soaring material costs.

Nissan Motor announced that its profit during the quarter jumped 67% to 137.6 billion yen ($1.3 billion). And its income figures were definitely something to cheer about. During its fourth quarter last year, the company had a profit of 82.2 billion yen. Excluding one-time "fifth-quarter" numbers, the company's earnings figures would have showed a surge of 95%.

Despite the positive results, the automaker isn't optimistic about its future earnings and issued a gloomy outlook. The company expects net income for the current year to drop 30% to 340 billion yen ($3.3 billion), which is below the 368 billion yen that analysts at Factset Research predicted. Nissan cited unfavorable currency exchange, higher commodity and energy prices, and increased material expenses.

Continue reading Nissan reports higher Q4 profit but outlook disappoints

Nissan reports higher Q4 profit but outlook disappoints originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 May 2008 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsforecastshmcHonda MotorHondaMotorinthenewsNissan MotorNissanMotornsanytmToyota MotorToyotaMotorTue, 13 May 2008 13:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Automakers' Battle: TM vs. GM]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/automakers-battle-tm-vs-gm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/automakers-battle-tm-vs-gm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/automakers-battle-tm-vs-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Despite a challenging economic environment, Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) has been continuing its strong competition with rival General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) for the title of the world's largest automaker. As results show, the good times are rolling for Toyota which earlier today posted an increase of 2.7% for its global sales, for a total of 2.41 million vehicles during the first-quarter.

On the other side of the coin, GM announced a decline of almost 1% in its total sales. Last year, General Motors held the crown in global sales, but on the other hand Toyota was the leader in global vehicle production. Both companies benefited from strong demand outside the United States.

General Motors has said that strong overseas sales weren't enough to overcome a weak North American market. The company saw a 10% drop in first-quarter sales in its home North American market as high fuel prices and worries about housing and the credit crunch pressured consumers. Regardless of the weak results, GM restated its desire to "win, and we'd like to be No. 1 in sales at the end of the year."

Continue reading Automakers' Battle: TM vs. GM

Automakers' Battle: TM vs. GM originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesCarSalesfuelGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgminthenewstmToyota MotorToyotaMotorvehiclesWed, 23 Apr 2008 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Newspaper wrap-up: Delta pilots agree to changes, clears way for merger]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/11/newspaper-wrap-up-delta-pilots-agree-to-changes-clears-way-for/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/11/newspaper-wrap-up-delta-pilots-agree-to-changes-clears-way-for/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/11/newspaper-wrap-up-delta-pilots-agree-to-changes-clears-way-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MAJOR PAPERS:
  • According to people familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal reported that home-furnishings retailer Linens 'n Things, acquired by Apollo Management in 2006 and caught by a shrinking housing market and increasing debt load, is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy-court protection by Tuesday.
OTHER PAPERS:

Newspaper wrap-up: Delta pilots agree to changes, clears way for merger originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApolloApollo ManagementApolloManagementbankruptcyDALDeltaDelta Air LinesDeltaAirLinesGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMIndialinens n thingsLinensNThingsnorthwestnorthwest airlinesNorthwestAirlinesNWATMToyotatoyota motorToyotaMotorFri, 11 Apr 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota (TM) looking for new ways to lure customers]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/toyota-tm-looking-for-new-ways-to-lure-in-customers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/toyota-tm-looking-for-new-ways-to-lure-in-customers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/toyota-tm-looking-for-new-ways-to-lure-in-customers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With people in Japan showing less and less interest for cars, Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) is exploring more efficient methods to increase sales in its strong competition with rival General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) for the title of the world's largest automaker. The attempt to boost sales has become even more difficult as, according Toyota officials, young people prefer spending their money on laptops or mobile phones than a car that could be easily replaced by public transportation.

In an attempt to reach younger people and lift car sales, Toyota is opening a new mall located in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo. The new Tressa mall is pretty much like any other malls, with 220 stores and restaurants like cafes, clothing stores and even gym or games centers where people enjoy spending their time. However, in the new mall space, Toyota showrooms take center stage, placing at people's disposal a large variety of old and new cars models.

One thing that Toyota is aware of, and trying to improve upon, is that in Japan showrooms and TV advertising are not efficient any more in attracting people's interest for buying cars. The new mall is aimed at accomplishing Toyota's plan of global domination by providing "opportunities for people to come in contact with cars."

Continue reading Toyota (TM) looking for new ways to lure customers

Toyota (TM) looking for new ways to lure customers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgminthenewstmToyota MotorToyotaMotorTue, 25 Mar 2008 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota (TM) explores more efficient methods to build cars]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/22/toyota-tm-explores-more-efficient-methods-to-build-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/22/toyota-tm-explores-more-efficient-methods-to-build-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/22/toyota-tm-explores-more-efficient-methods-to-build-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Despite a weak economic environment, Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) is continuing its strong competition with rival General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) for the title of the world's largest automaker. The auto industry competition has become even stronger as new rivals appear in China, Russia, South America and other regions. In its attempt to claim sole dominance of the auto world, Toyota plans to gain ground in new markets by focusing on finding more efficient methods to build its cars.

One example of Toyota trying to think "outside the box," can be illustrated by a training practice put in place at the automaker's training center located inside its Motomachi assembly complex. The company has been having some workers using golf balls in order to exercise and make their fingers more flexible. A part of the training involves workers using their concentration to make two balls they hold in each hand roll in opposite directions. Sounds a little crazy, but the practice is designed to improve their skills on tasks regarding the assembly line of cars they build.

This is all aimed at accomplishing Toyota's plan of global domination. One thing that Toyota is aware of, and trying to improve upon, is its ability to run efficient operations in countries outside of Japan. Consider this... Toyota currently operates plants in 27 countries, with plans to build in even more locations. Where the potential trouble comes into play is the fact that key management jobs in each country are held entirely by Japanese executives who decide all the company's major operations and strategic plans.

Continue reading Toyota (TM) explores more efficient methods to build cars

Toyota (TM) explores more efficient methods to build cars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automakercarscompetitionGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsinthenewsstrategyToyota MotorToyotaMotorFri, 22 Feb 2008 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda quarterly profit rises 38%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/30/honda-quarterly-profit-rises-38/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/30/honda-quarterly-profit-rises-38/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/30/honda-quarterly-profit-rises-38/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite a shaky economy where recession concerns deepen each day, car demand is booming for at least one major auto maker. It looks like even in a recession people continue to need cars, and the good times are rolling for car maker Honda Motor Ltd. (NYSE: HMC), which reported that its profit rose 38.1% in the third-quarter. For this period, Japan's second-biggest automakers counted strong sales for its fuel-efficient models in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Honda's third quarter profit climbed to 200 billion yen ($1.87 billion), compared with 144.8 billion yen in the same period last year year. Cost-cutting also made the automaker post a record gain in its earnings numbers during the fiscal third quarter.

One of Honda's best competitive advantages is its strong reputation for providing more fuel-efficient cars. Thus, the recent surge in oil prices helped Honda's sales to jump 10% to 3.045 trillion yen ($28.52 billion).

Continue reading Honda quarterly profit rises 38%

Honda quarterly profit rises 38% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoscarsHMCHondahybridsinthenewsoilsalesTMToyota MotorToyotaMotorWed, 30 Jan 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Options update 1-14-08: Toyota Motor shares at one-year low into auto show]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/14/options-update-1-14-08-toyota-motor-shares-at-one-year-low-into/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/14/options-update-1-14-08-toyota-motor-shares-at-one-year-low-into/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/14/options-update-1-14-08-toyota-motor-shares-at-one-year-low-into/#commentsFiled under:

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) is expected to report Q3 EPS on February 4.

TM overall option implied volatility of 26 is above its 26-week average of 23 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Honda (NYSE: HMC) volatility flat; shares near one-year low.

HMC is expected to report Q3 EPS on January 30.

BAMO says: "New products should boost HMC's earnings."

HMC overall option implied volatility of 26 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional risk.

Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options update 1-14-08: Toyota Motor shares at one-year low into auto show originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hmcHondainthenewsNorth American Auto ShowNorthAmericanAutoShowoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilitytmToyota MotorToyotaMotorMon, 14 Jan 2008 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota CEO's 2008 initiatives centered on green efforts]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/03/toyota-ceos-2008-initiatives-centered-on-green-efforts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/03/toyota-ceos-2008-initiatives-centered-on-green-efforts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/03/toyota-ceos-2008-initiatives-centered-on-green-efforts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) beat up on General Motors (NYSE: GM) in 2007, and the company wants 2008 to be the year in which it officially becomes the world's largest automaker by sales volume. To kick off the new year, company CEO Katsuaki Watanabe recently released Toyota's resolutions and initiatives for 2008.

Watanabe highlighted the plight of global warming to start his message off. Surprised? Don't be -- he then indicated Toyota would be involved with three areas of sustainability in 2008: research and development, manufacturing, and social contribution. Watanabe's concentration on the eco-friendliness of the auto industry to begin his 2008 initiatives hinted at where the company was going with its hybrid automobile focus. Sure enough, Watanabe said that Toyota wanted to have a hybrid model in all consumer vehicle model lines in Japan as soon as possible.

But then, Watanabe dropped quite a large hint that Toyota was becoming heavily involved in the manufacturing and design of batteries and alternative energy research. This makes sense, as current hybrid models need to increase in the cost/benefit arena if consumers are ever going to be swayed to purchase them en masse. Watanabe also mentioned Toyota's involvement in "sustainable mobility" as it applies to infrastructure and energy.

In essence, Watanabe's entire message for 2008 centered on alternative vehicle propulsion and energy generation more than anything said about the competition. Will Toyota become the biggest "green" company on the planet through its efforts? When it comes to one of the larger contributors to greenhouse gases -- automobiles -- it surely could. Will its efforts pay off with more sales in its global markets? Shareholders hope so.

Toyota CEO's 2008 initiatives centered on green efforts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>green companiesGreenCompaniesTMToyotaToyota MotorToyotaMotorThu, 03 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota aims to sell one million hybrid vehicles annually]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/28/toyota-aims-to-sell-one-million-hybrid-vehicles-annually/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/28/toyota-aims-to-sell-one-million-hybrid-vehicles-annually/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/28/toyota-aims-to-sell-one-million-hybrid-vehicles-annually/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) basically invented the popular notion of hybrid vehicles years ago by making the Prius compact passenger car the spokescar of the hybrid world, the automaker now has its sights set a little higher. Toyota wants to sell at least one million Hybrid cars every year shortly after 2010 gets here.

Although Toyota was not the first automaker with some form of hybrid vehicle on the road, it's been the most aggressive marketer of such technology and resulting vehicles by far. Although the hybrid Prius has sold only 1.25 million units since first being introduced in 1997, Japan's largest automaker thinks that mark can be hit annually within a few years. Are those plans too ambitious?

If fuel prices stay at the level they are at now, it's not inconceivable to think Toyota can't hit that mark. The automaker has publicly said that it wants a hybrid drivetrain in every vehicle it sells come 2020, so to get that kind of expertise ramping, it needs to move quite a few hybrid vehicles this year and increase that amount every year going forward.

The internal combustion engine still is not perfected, so transitioning millions of vehicles to a hybrid drivetrain in a little over a decade sounds like a risky plan to many. If Toyota can start selling a million of them per year long before that, though, it just may have a chance.

Toyota aims to sell one million hybrid vehicles annually originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TMToyota hybridToyota MotorToyota PriusToyotaHybridToyotaMotorToyotaPriusFri, 28 Dec 2007 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota, Honda boost November output due to demand overseas]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/27/toyota-honda-boost-november-output-due-to-demand-overseas/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/27/toyota-honda-boost-november-output-due-to-demand-overseas/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/27/toyota-honda-boost-november-output-due-to-demand-overseas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) logo Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) and Honda Motor (NYSE: HMC) both said that production was increased for growth in overseas markets in November. Toyota built over 803,000 vehicles and Honda produced over 363,000 vehicles in November to satisfy demand in emerging markets and to find equilibrium in global markets based on currency fluctuations.

Nissan Motor also increased production in November -- by 15% -- producing over 335,000 vehicles. With Toyota's new Russian plant and increasing Chinese sales, the Japanese automaker is taking a hard look at growth outside of the slow U.S. market that's expected in the first half of 2008.

But U.S. automaker General Motors (NYSE: GM) is not sitting still either, having set its sights on Russia and China (and India as well) in 2007 as it braces for a slowdown in U.S. sales in 2008. Just like many other industries, emerging markets like India and China are becoming hot markets for auto sales. I'm surprised it took until 2008 for this to become a focus area for global automakers.

Toyota, Honda boost November output due to demand overseas originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HONHonda MotorHondaMotorinthenewsTMToyota MotorToyotaMotorThu, 27 Dec 2007 15:56:00 EST