Study Says Algae Biofuel Could Replace Chunk of U.S. Oil Imports
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory did a study that finds algal fuel could replace 17% of the petroleum imported into the U.S. and provide other benefits as an important renewable energy source. The problem is that for algae to become a mass market biofuel for transportation, a huge volume of water will be needed to produce it.
Zipcar’s Successful IPO Could Be Sign Car Sharing Here to Stay
While not in the billions, car-sharing company Zipcar raised $173.4 million in its initial public offering, much higher than its original expectation of $75 million. Investors are sold on the importance of car sharing as the world's population and transportation grows substantially. Dealing with traffic and parking are becoming important, along with becoming free from fossil fuel dependence.
LG Corp. Shoots for Top Spot in Global EV Battery Market
LG Corp. wants to take its market leadership roles in LED monitors, LCD, mobile phones, and washing machines into electric vehicle batteries. Its LG Chem division just opened what it calls the largest EV-battery plant in the world in Ochang, South Korea. The company thinks it will own 25% of that worldwide market by 2013.
Supply Shortage Affects Residual and Transaction Prices
ALG, industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, predicts as much as a 10% increase in transaction prices on vehicles which experience a 100-day supply disruption. This can also translate to a .2 to .7 increase in residual value on a 36- month lease.
Online Auctions Broaden Consignments to Include Repossessions
There has been a significant shift toward migrating the wholesale vehicle remarketing process online over the past decade. One of the biggest opportunities in the repossession industry right now is the adoption of online auction companies as a valued partner for achieving this goal.
