Reactions to story from USAToday

• 

  HONDA INSIGHT: A HYBRID WITH A BUDGET PRICE

  http://www.aviewofthec.com/2008/09/honda-has-new-budget-pric...
  88 days ago in A VIEW OF THE C · Authority: 1

  HONDA INSIGHT: A HYBRID WITH A BUDGET PRICE Honda (HMC) revealed the look and name Thursday of its new hybrid-only car to go on sale in the U.S. next spring. It is expected to be one of the cheapest cars in the next generation of gas-electric hybrids. "They will crack the under-$20,000 barrier," predicts John O'Dell, senior editor of Edmund's Green Car Advisor. "It's a new generation of a more affordable hybrid." It will be called the Insight, reviving the name of the first hybrid in the U.S., sold here by Honda from 1999 to 2006. A concept version of the new Insight, of which a photo was released Thursday, will be unveiled next month at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show. Honda spokesman Sage Marie says the concept is "close" in appearance to the production model. It has a design that borrows heavily from the look of Honda's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. While the Insight appears stylish and should post high gas mileage figures, Honda engineers appear to have stressed holding down the price, having squeezed extra cost out of a hybrid powertrain. Honda's new hybrid comes as Toyota (TM) is about to unveil the next generation of its top-selling Prius hybrid, which currently has a base price of $22,000. The most the original, two-seater Insight sold per year in the U.S. was 4,726 in 2001. It got 53 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. The new Insight is a five-door hatchback, larger than Honda's Fit but smaller than Civic. Up to 100,000 a year are headed for the U.S. It "seems like the right car for the right time," says Bradley Berman, editor of HybridCars.com. (Source) Posted by A View of the C
• 

  SKY News Summary 09-05-08

  http://blog.skyig.com/?p=172
  85 days ago in SkyIG · Authority: 1

  Today, the Labor Department reported that non-farm payrolls dropped by 84,000 in August and revised the same figure for June and July. The June figure was changed significantly from an estimated decline of 51,000 to an actual drop of 100,000 loss in jobs. The decline in August stretched across most fields, including manufacturing, construction and the service industry. In a separate survey, unemployment rose 0.4% to 6.1%, the highest since September 2003. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122061757763903639.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news Hours worked decreased 0.8% from last quarter and 1.1% from a year ago, reflecting the decrease in jobs. Hourly compensation, adjusted for inflation, dropped 1.3%. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122053034470599337.html?mod=todays_us_page_one In another move to slim its corporate structure, GE announced that it has agreed to sell its extended warranty and service contract business to Assurant Inc. for $140 million. In the transaction, GE will pay Assurant $115 million and Assurant will assume GE’s obligations http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122057908752702305.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news The International Council of Shopping Centers-UBS announced that sales for August rose 1.7% mainly on strong sales at Wal-Mart. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2008-09-04-retail-sales-aug_N.htm Here is a link that I have been looking for a long time. It is a calendar of a wide range of data release dates. http://www.icsc.org/rsrch/2008calendar_final.pdf Honda will unveil its new low-priced hybrid car at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show next month. It is expected to compete with Toyota’s new Prius which will cost around $22,000. Honda’s new Insight will be a five-door hatchback and one of the cheapest cars in the next-generation gas-electric hybrid category. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-09-04-honda-hybrid-insight_N.htm Sources: Wall Street Journal, The Hartford Courant, USA Today, The International Council of Shopping Centers-UBS website
• 

  Honda has a new budget-priced hybrid

  http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/carsblog/2008/09/honda-h...
  85 days ago in Projo Cars Blog · Authority: 13

  Honda revealed the look and name Thursday of its new hybrid-only car to go on sale in the U.S. next spring. It is expected to be one of the cheapest cars in the next generation of gas-electric hybrids, according to USA Today. "They will crack the under-$20,000 barrier," predicts John O'Dell, senior editor of Edmund's Green Car Advisor. "It's a new generation of a more affordable hybrid." It will be called the Insight, reviving the name of the first hybrid in the U.S., sold here by Honda from 1999 to 2006. A concept version of the new Insight, of which a photo was released Thursday, will be unveiled next month at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show.
• 

  Weekend Fitness

  http://fithonda.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/weekend-fitness/
  87 days ago in Everything that’s FIT to print · No authority yet

  Wonder if my kids are fit enough for opening day of soccer … Fit #1 in Japan … AGAIN! ‘Small on the outside and big on the inside’ Honda bringing budget-priced hybrid
• 

  Auto News

  http://carnewsandviews.com/?p=57
  88 days ago in Canadian Car News · Authority: 2

  Interview With New Chrysler Exec After 37 years at Toyota Motor Corp., during which time he rose to the top job in North America, James E. Press shocked the car world by jumping to Chrysler last year. Nitro, Liberty To Merge Into Single Model Although Chrysler has several wrinkles to iron out in its North American operations, eliminating product overlap is a key priority for the Michigan automaker. Chrysler Banks On Vehicles’ Quality Chrysler LLC is so confident in the quality of its new vehicles that it has set aside less money to pay for future warranty repairs, a top executive tells the Free Press. Daimler’s Smart Move One of the biggest rolling duds since the Edsel – the tiny, two-seat Smart car – marked its 10th anniversary this week, and guess what? It’s not longer a dud, according to Daimler, the Mercedes-Benz maker which produces the Smart cars in France. Ford Group’s Aim: To Keep Its Tech Edge Ford Motor Co.’s newly created business unit to rapidly develop in-car technologies doesn’t even have a name yet — it’s been using the working title “Connected Services” as other names are researched — but there’s been no lack of speed, or direction, on the new 40-person team. Ford Is Struggling In Asia Ford Motor Co. is missing its sales goals in the critical Chinese market and other parts of Asia at a time when the automaker is counting on overseas profits to offset mounting losses at home. The 65 MPG Ford The U.S. Can’t Have If ever there was a car made for the times, this would seem to be it: a sporty subcompact that seats five, offers a navigation system, and gets a whopping 65 miles to the gallon. Ford: Loan Guarantees Would Speed New Technologies Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford says his company will still invest in new fuel-saving technology without government loan guarantees, but the loans would get the new products to market faster. Electricity The Gas Of Tomorrow’s Cars Electricity — not hydrogen, gasoline or ethanol — will fuel the cars of tomorrow, says Ford Motor Co.’s global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak. Ford To Reduce Shifts At Chicago Plant Ford Motor Co., the second-largest U.S. automaker, is cutting a Chicago vehicle-assembly plant to one shift from two as sales keep sliding for cars made there. GM Pledges To Boost Recycling General Motors Corp. said Friday that half of its major factories worldwide will recycle or reuse nearly all of their waste materials by the end of 2010. GM Plans To Show Production Volt General Motors plans to show a production model of its Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle as part of the automaker’s upcoming 100-year anniversary celebration this month. GM Plans Website To Dispel ‘Misinformation’ Fed up with what it sees as unfair and inaccurate criticism, the beleaguered Detroit carmaker launched a website on Friday that is designed, in its words, “to make a distinction between the facts and rumours surrounding the company”. GM Plant’s Future Uncertain Steve Brock had been manager of General Motors Corp.’s SUV plant for six months when he was told the company planned to close the factory by 2010. Honda Has A New Budget Priced Hybrid Honda revealed the look and name Thursday of its new hybrid-only car to go on sale in the U.S. next spring. It is expected to be one of the cheapest cars in the next generation of gas-electric hybrids. Honda Revs Up Hybrid Offerings Honda Motor Co. is taking on Toyota Motor Corp., the leader in hybrid sales, with the rollout of a second-generation gas-electric Insight aimed at mainstream customers. Toyota Stalls Woodstock Production Plans Toyota Motor Corp. is delaying plans to reach full production at its new plant in Woodstock, Ont., in another sign that the slump in North American auto sales is growing beyond the Detroit Three. Toyota To Make Hybrid Batteries In North America Toyota Motor Corp., preparing to build Prius hybrids in the U.S. by 2010, will eventually make advanced batteries within North America to power the gasoline- electric cars, Vice Chairman Kazuo Okamoto said. New Seven Seat Land Rover To Shake Up Naming Scheme Alphabet soup isn’t just reserved for the kitchen anymore. With many automakers jumping ship on the traditional name game, more and more vehicles are being named with a few simple letters or numbers. Auto Sales, Leases Fall In August A retreat in leasing by two major auto makers, a shortage of some key models and weakening consumer confidence triggered the biggest monthly decline in Canadian vehicle sales in more than two years during August. August Car Sales Year’s Worst The Canadian vehicle market skidded to its worst performance of the year in August as a pullback in leasing hurt sales and the slump battering the U.S. market spilled over the border. Automakers Say Worst Of Slump May Be Over Despite another lousy auto sales report in August — the industry was down another 15.5% — several automakers on Wednesday said they see improving signs in showrooms and the economy, as gas prices ease and anxious consumers begin to relax. Study: Used Truck Prices Rebound Falling gasoline prices helped boost wholesale prices of large used trucks in August, NADA AuctionNet data show. Automotive MEMS Sensor Market To Double Driven by new government mandates, global shipments of automotive MEMS sensors are expected to nearly double from 2006 to 2012, according to iSuppli Corp. Gas Saving Gizmos For Your Car You need to drive and you want to be as friendly to the environment as possible – but you can’t afford a newer, more fuel-efficient and cleaner car. TV Celeb’s Porsche On eBay Attention, “Will & Grace” fans. Eric McCormack (a.k.a. Will Truman) has put his Porsche Boxster on EBay. The 1999 model (so that’ll be with the 2.5-liter engine) has 25,000 miles on the clock, a black leather interior and chrome wheels.
• 

  Auto News

  http://uscarnewsandviews.com/?p=322
  88 days ago in U.S. Car News · Authority: 2

  Interview With New Chrysler Exec After 37 years at Toyota Motor Corp., during which time he rose to the top job in North America, James E. Press shocked the car world by jumping to Chrysler last year. Nitro, Liberty To Merge Into Single Model Although Chrysler has several wrinkles to iron out in its North American operations, eliminating product overlap is a key priority for the Michigan automaker. Chrysler Banks On Vehicles’ Quality Chrysler LLC is so confident in the quality of its new vehicles that it has set aside less money to pay for future warranty repairs, a top executive tells the Free Press. Ford Group’s Aim: To Keep Its Tech Edge Ford Motor Co.’s newly created business unit to rapidly develop in-car technologies doesn’t even have a name yet — it’s been using the working title “Connected Services” as other names are researched — but there’s been no lack of speed, or direction, on the new 40-person team. Ford Is Struggling In Asia Ford Motor Co. is missing its sales goals in the critical Chinese market and other parts of Asia at a time when the automaker is counting on overseas profits to offset mounting losses at home. The 65 MPG Ford The U.S. Can’t Have If ever there was a car made for the times, this would seem to be it: a sporty subcompact that seats five, offers a navigation system, and gets a whopping 65 miles to the gallon. Ford: Loan Guarantees Would Speed New Technologies Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford says his company will still invest in new fuel-saving technology without government loan guarantees, but the loans would get the new products to market faster. Electricity The Gas Of Tomorrow’s Cars Electricity — not hydrogen, gasoline or ethanol — will fuel the cars of tomorrow, says Ford Motor Co.’s global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak. Ford To Reduce Shifts At Chicago Plant Ford Motor Co., the second-largest U.S. automaker, is cutting a Chicago vehicle-assembly plant to one shift from two as sales keep sliding for cars made there. GM Pledges To Boost Recycling General Motors Corp. said Friday that half of its major factories worldwide will recycle or reuse nearly all of their waste materials by the end of 2010. GM Plans To Show Production Volt General Motors plans to show a production model of its Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle as part of the automaker’s upcoming 100-year anniversary celebration this month. GM Plans Website To Dispel ‘Misinformation’ Fed up with what it sees as unfair and inaccurate criticism, the beleaguered Detroit carmaker launched a website on Friday that is designed, in its words, “to make a distinction between the facts and rumours surrounding the company”. GM Plant’s Future Uncertain Steve Brock had been manager of General Motors Corp.’s SUV plant for six months when he was told the company planned to close the factory by 2010. Honda Has A New Budget Priced Hybrid Honda revealed the look and name Thursday of its new hybrid-only car to go on sale in the U.S. next spring. It is expected to be one of the cheapest cars in the next generation of gas-electric hybrids. Honda Revs Up Hybrid Offerings Honda Motor Co. is taking on Toyota Motor Corp., the leader in hybrid sales, with the rollout of a second-generation gas-electric Insight aimed at mainstream customers. Toyota Delays RAV4 Production Citing weak market conditions in North America, Toyota Motor Corp. plans to slow down the launch of its new RAV4 assembly plant in Woodstock, Ontario, next year. Toyota To Make Hybrid Batteries In North America Toyota Motor Corp., preparing to build Prius hybrids in the U.S. by 2010, will eventually make advanced batteries within North America to power the gasoline- electric cars, Vice Chairman Kazuo Okamoto said. New Seven Seat Land Rover To Shake Up Naming Scheme Alphabet soup isn’t just reserved for the kitchen anymore. With many automakers jumping ship on the traditional name game, more and more vehicles are being named with a few simple letters or numbers. Automakers Say Worst Of Slump May Be Over Despite another lousy auto sales report in August — the industry was down another 15.5% — several automakers on Wednesday said they see improving signs in showrooms and the economy, as gas prices ease and anxious consumers begin to relax. Cash For Cars: September Manufacturer Rebates Just in time for back-to-school, car dealers are offering national cash-back deals on cars, minivans and SUVs both big and small. Here’s a look at the 2008 models that help pay for themselves with around $1,000. Study: Used Truck Prices Rebound Falling gasoline prices helped boost wholesale prices of large used trucks in August, NADA AuctionNet data show. Automotive MEMS Sensor Market To Double Driven by new government mandates, global shipments of automotive MEMS sensors are expected to nearly double from 2006 to 2012, according to iSuppli Corp. TV Celeb’s Porsche On eBay Attention, “Will & Grace” fans. Eric McCormack (a.k.a. Will Truman) has put his Porsche Boxster on EBay. The 1999 model (so that’ll be with the 2.5-liter engine) has 25,000 miles on the clock, a black leather interior and chrome wheels.
• 

  GNC-2008-09-05 #405 Fun show tonight you will want to Listen

  http://www.geeknewscentral.com/podcasts/archives/2008/09/gnc...
  88 days ago in Geek News Central Podcast Tech and Science Show · Authority: 12

  Tune in to hear what my Doctor had to say, I think you all will be surprised what he said is causing my chronic cough and yes I'm gonna live :) Please Support my Show Sponsors!: [Save 10% off on any order at GoDaddy.com!] Use Code Todd [Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.] Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews My Facebook Profile FriendFeed GNC Room!! Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com Listener Links: Geotagging GPS Gadgets Garmin nuvi 755T review Show Notes: Scientist get Death Threats Comcast Sues FCC 50 Billion Suns Lenticular in Hawaii Dell Inspiron Mini 9 High Speed Photos Close look at Blackhole Picasa 3 120GB Zune New Sony HD Cameras Comcast Hypocrites Google Chrome EULA QIK Capable Phones Expand Mobile Data Plans TubeMogul Marketplace Bot Infected PC Quadruple Google Chrome Tracking Documents Galore Yahoo Stock in Basement Sony Recalls Laptops Hawaii Public Radio Interview I Did Podcast Publisher Blog API Atlantis Rolled to the Pad Progress and ATV to be De-Orbited Amazon Video On Demand Honda New Hybrid FCC Wireless to End Debate Citibank Scam BLOCKBUSTER Total Access click to activate coupon for $10 off your first month.
• 

  GNC-2008-09-05 #405 Fun show tonight you will want to Listen

  http://www.geeknewscentral.com/podcasts/archives/2008/09/gnc...
  88 days ago in Geek News Central Podcast Tech and Science Show · No authority yet

  Tune in to hear what my Doctor had to say, I think you all will be surprised what he said is causing my chronic cough and yes I'm gonna live :) Please Support my Show Sponsors!: [Save 10% off on any order at GoDaddy.com!] Use Code Todd [Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.] Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews My Facebook Profile FriendFeed GNC Room!! Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com Listener Links: Geotagging GPS Gadgets Garmin nuvi 755T review Show Notes: Scientist get Death Threats Comcast Sues FCC 50 Billion Suns Lenticular in Hawaii Dell Inspiron Mini 9 High Speed Photos Close look at Blackhole Picasa 3 120GB Zune New Sony HD Cameras Comcast Hypocrites Google Chrome EULA QIK Capable Phones Expand Mobile Data Plans TubeMogul Marketplace Bot Infected PC Quadruple Google Chrome Tracking Documents Galore Yahoo Stock in Basement Sony Recalls Laptops Hawaii Public Radio Interview I Did Podcast Publisher Blog API Atlantis Rolled to the Pad Progress and ATV to be De-Orbited Amazon Video On Demand Honda New Hybrid FCC Wireless to End Debate Citibank Scam BLOCKBUSTER Total Access click to activate coupon for $10 off your first month.
• 

  GNC-2008-09-05 #405 Fun show tonight you will want to Listen

  http://www.geeknewscentral.com/podcasts/archives/2008/09/gnc...
  88 days ago in Geek News Central Podcast Tech and Science Show · No authority yet

  Tune in to hear what my Doctor had to say, I think you all will be surprised what he said is causing my chronic cough and yes I'm gonna live :) Please Support my Show Sponsors!: [Save 10% off on any order at GoDaddy.com!] Use Code Todd [Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.] Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews My Facebook Profile FriendFeed GNC Room!! Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com Listener Links: Geotagging GPS Gadgets Garmin nuvi 755T review Show Notes: Scientist get Death Threats Comcast Sues FCC 50 Billion Suns Lenticular in Hawaii Dell Inspiron Mini 9 High Speed Photos Close look at Blackhole Picasa 3 120GB Zune New Sony HD Cameras Comcast Hypocrites Google Chrome EULA QIK Capable Phones Expand Mobile Data Plans TubeMogul Marketplace Bot Infected PC Quadruple Google Chrome Tracking Documents Galore Yahoo Stock in Basement Sony Recalls Laptops Hawaii Public Radio Interview I Did Podcast Publisher Blog API Atlantis Rolled to the Pad Progress and ATV to be De-Orbited Amazon Video On Demand Honda New Hybrid FCC Wireless to End Debate Citibank Scam BLOCKBUSTER Total Access click to activate coupon for $10 off your first month.

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