Few Options for Obama to Control Rising Gas Prices
President Obama admitted there is very little he can do to control rapidly rising gas prices. Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and trying to limit the ability of oil "speculators" to drive up the price of oil in futures markets are two tactics available, and he has already done both within the last year. "You know there are no quick fixes to this problem. You know we can't just drill our way to lower gas prices," said Obama, while pledging to do everything he can to solve the problem.
Hybrids Falling Out of Favor as Conventional Engines Improve
The number of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles on the U.S. market is expected to nearly quadruple by 2020 to 153 offerings from 40 last year. But many consumers don't want to pay as much as $6,000 extra for a hybrid when they can get 40 mpg on the highway in a standard car with an improved, more efficient conventional engine. Gasoline-powered cars are making headway against hybrids, which saw U.S. share slip to 2.2 percent last year from 2.8 percent in 2009.
ARI’s Graham: Used Car Market Still Riding High
Bob Graham, Vice President of vehicle remarketing for ARI, says all indications are for a good 2012 for remarketers, following a banner year in 2011. "The interest in used vehicles has grown as the economy continues to struggle," cites Graham, among vehicles only a few years old and well maintained. And prices will remain high due to an under-supply of available inventory.
Saving Lives With Vehicle Rearview Cameras
Government statistics indicate that 228 people of all ages, including 44 percent under age 5, die annually in vehicle backover accidents. Federal regulators plan to announce that automakers will be required to put rearview cameras in all passenger vehicles by 2014 to help drivers see what is behind them. Adding cameras and viewing screens will cost the auto industry as much as $2.7 billion a year, or $160 to $200 a vehicle. Some of the cost is expected to be passed on to consumers through higher prices.
Tips for New Managers Who Inherit Existing Staff
Challenges face new managers that include earning the existing staff's confidence and cooperation. Resistance to change should be expected. New managers should meet with each employee to determine their expectations and assure them that their "deals" with the company are still intact. Relationships with critical leaders should be established as well as building rapport with the team by asking for their ideas on improving the business.
