Ford UAW Workes Authorize Strike As Contract Deadline Rapidly Approaches
With the September 14 deadline looming on the horizon, Ford auto workers are busy hammering out the details on a new labor agreement with the auto manufacturing giant. Despite the fact that Ford managed to retain a greater percentage of manufacturing workers over the last 3 years than cross-town rivals GM and Chrysler-Fiat, Ford’s UAW workers are angry and feel that they should receive some benefit from the company’s profitability over the last two years.
According to news reports, Ford’s UAW workers believe that their hard work and sacrifice were key to enabling Ford to avoid bankruptcy during the economic crisis of the last few years. While there is definitely some truth in this viewpoint, shrewd management and financial leveraging coupled with good fiscal practices were also large factors in Ford’s ability to survive the sharp economic downturn without government assistance.
Put another way, the fact that Ford has carefully managed labor costs helped them survive…workers get credit for doing good work, but financial responsibility was a major factor too. Yet, here we are a few days away from a deadline and the word “strike” has been uttered. What gives? Read more…
Tow-Behind Hybrid Camper Concept Needs Work
Conceptually, the hybrid camper described by Gas 2.0 is a neat idea. You drive to your chosen campground and the camper stores electricity that then allows you to have power to run appliances without needing to hook up to an outlet somewhere. At first blush, the idea seems like a winner…but then reality hits us.
Knaus-Tabber's hybrid camper concept might be a good first step, but there are lots of problems with this idea...
Here’s why the current concept being floated by Knaus-Tabber (the hybrid camper concept manufacturer) seems destined to fail: Read more…
Study Says Diesel Exhaust Can Cause Heart Attacks
In news that could effect the growth of diesel engines in North America, research funded by the British Heart Foundation at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that diesel exhaust particles cause heart problems in people who are otherwise in good health. It is the particles in the exhaust – and not the gasses – that cause vascular problems.
Research shows diesel exhaust particles can cause heart attacks
Professor Jeremy Pearson, the British Heart Foundation’s Associate Medical Director, calls for lawmakers to require vehicles with diesel engines to be equipped or retro-fitted with devices that will keep the dangerous particles from being released into the air. Read more…
Toyota Prius Plug-In to Get 107 mpg For Less Than $27K
2012 Prius Plug-in. 107mpg. Under $27k.
Despite already having the best-selling and best-known in the marketplace, Toyota is poised to deliver a superb upgrade to the existing Prius sedan. In 2012, the new Prius Plug-In will debut, and it is estimated to be capable of 107 miles per gallon. This increase in fuel economy from the existing Prius sedan (currently rated at 50mpg combined) is due to the larger lithium ion battery in the new Prius Plug-In, which will be able to operate the Prius in electric-only mode for as many as 15 miles before the gas engine starts running. Compared to the existing Prius – which only has 2.5 miles of electric-only driving distance – and it’s no wonder that the new plug-in Prius will have a higher rating.
What makes this 107 mpg rating even more amazing is that, even with the dramatic increase in mileage, the cost of the Prius Plug-In will largely be unaffected Read more…
Low Range Off-Road 2nd Annual Road Show September 10th
Suzuki and Toyota off-road enthusiasts – if you live in or near Provo, UT – or if you’re looking for an excuse to go to Provo (and really, who isn’t?), then mark Saturday, September 10th, 2011 on your calendar for the 2nd annual Low Range Off-Road Show ‘n Shine & Swap Meet. Read more…
