Retailers Getting Into Distribution Business
A number of companies that receive or ship large amounts of consumer goods are taking a fresh look at how their products are shipped across the county. Many are taking over the shipping functions to control costs and make better use of their infrastructure. Companies from Wal-Mart to Coca-Cola are taking over their distribution networks.
Used Car Demand Pushes Prices Up
In the world of unintended consequences, the ripple effects of Cash for Clunkers are still being felt. One year after the end of this federal government program, supplies of low-priced used vehicles are down, driving up prices. Higher prices are hitting the consumers who are most price sensitive.
Safety Advocates Want to Protect Kids from Hot Cars
Safety advocates are urging Congress and regulators to force carmakers to install warning systems that would prevent distracted parents from leaving children in cars, preventing heatstroke deaths. At least 41 children have died already this year in hot cars, more than any previous year at this point. August was the deadliest month on record, according to the advocacy group Kids and Cars.
GM Works with Fire Chiefs to Make Chevy Volt Safe for First Responders
The National Fire Protection Association is working with GM to train first responder fire fighters how to safely manage the site of an electric vehicle crash, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. NFPA will be reaching out to other auto manufacturers in an effort to include vehicle-specific information in training as more EVs enter the marketplace.
East Coast First to Get Hydrogen Highway
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger planned to bring 100 hydrogen fueling stations to the state by the end of this year, but that's languished in the recession. It's starting to happen now on the East Coast as SunHydro plans to bring a chain of self-service hydrogen fueling stations from Massachusetts to Florida.
