Ford burns through $5.5 billion in 4th quarter as losses mount

Ford Motor Co., the only U.S. automaker working without federal loans, burned through $5.5 billion in cash in the last three months of 2008 as losses augmented.

Ford completed the year with cash reserves of $13.4 billion as it tries to shun borrowing money from the U.S. government. Ford said it is right away drawing down $10.1 billion in obtainable credit lines as of concerns regarding the unsteadiness of the capital markets and the unsure economy.

The concern reported a remaining loss of $5.9 billion for the fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $2.8 billion a year prior, capping its third straight year without a profit. The pre-tax functioning loss, excluding particular items, was $3.7 billion, compared with a loss of $620 million during the akin term in 2007.

Some analysts tell that Ford requires at least $10 billion on hand to run its functions. At the present cash burn rate of $1.83 billion a month, Ford would have crossed that doorsill by the end of February.

Drawing down the $10.1 billion would give Ford on the whole liquidity of $23.5 billion, less the amount of cash been utilized thus far in January. Based on its present hypothesis, Ford carries on to say it has sufficient liquidity to fund its business plan.
Ford executives have told that they might ask for government assistance if industry sales don't begin to recover this year.

U.S. rivals General Motors has got $9.4 billion in loans so far, part of a $13.4 billion packaged approved by President George W. Bush. Chrysler LLC has got $4 billion and says it requires at least $3 billion more. ...

Honda cuts more fabrication in North America and Japan

Honda Motor Co. said yesterday it is cutting fabrication in North America and Japan by another 50,000 vehicles to match quickly attenuation demand.

The move slashes anticipated North American output to 1.264 million units for the financial year ending March 31. That's 12.0% lower than the preceding year and 13.9% below Honda's first forecast of 1.468 million vehicles this year.

The North American fabrication cuts will hit Honda's plants in Ohio, Alabama and Ontario, the firm said in a Jan. 27 release. Ohio will scale back fabrication by 14,000 units, Alabama by 6,000 and Ontario by 9,000. The cuts will come through non-production days and the sluggish of lines.

Honda is not planning any associated job cuts.

In East Liberty, Ohio, Honda makes the Civic, Element, and CR-V. In Marysville, Ohio, it creates the Acura TL, RDX, and Honda Accord.

In Lincoln, Ala., Honda creates the Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and Accord.

In Alliston, Ontario, Honda makes the Civic, the Acura CSX, and Acura MDX.

Meanwhile, in Japan, the carmaker is cutting output by 21,000 units at its Yachiyo ability that manufactures minicars. That will bring internal production to 1.147 million units this financial year.

The novel entirety is down 12 percent from a year ago and down 12.4%from Honda's original goal of making 1.31 million vehicles at home.

San Luis police urge auto burglary prevention

SAN LUIS, Ariz. - With a sum of 130 vehicles stole in 2008, or about 10 a month, and a border through which millions of people and cars cross every day, this city requires inhabitants to practice stronger preventive measures to reduce the number of car robberies, the police chief says.

This is a vast city where “a car may be taken to Mexico within seconds of time,” said Javier Nuño, chief of police.

Nuño said that compared with the number of car burglaries in 2007; there was a decline in 2008 from 186 in 2007.

He said once the border fence was constructed, there was a diminish in the number of vehicles used to transport illegitimate aliens athwart the border.
“A lot of of the vehicles that were stolen were afterward used by 'polleros'
(human traffickers) to cross people illegitimately. We no longer have this trouble, but the vehicles which have been robbed are still sold intact or in parts.

“It’s simple to cross the border with what is known as a master key, and very shortly they are at one of the public parking lots opening up a car, prepared to go back to Mexico with it. It is not a obligatory entry,” Nuño elucidated.

In March 2008, 18 vehicles were stolen from public parking lots, some of them on Main Street where police frequently patrol, “but we continue to have people who don’t practice safety and will leave their vehicles unlocked,” Nuño said.

Toyota and Nissan are the most famous makes robbed by thieves, particularly pickups or SUVs, he reported.

Last year the Arizona Department of Public Safety promoted the Watch Your Car program but it wasn’t enduring. “We are looking forward for funds to run the program ourselves,” Nuño said.

In the program, partakers register their car with the names of all the drivers and the hours they characteristically use the car. The police are then endorsed to stop the car and check when it is used at hours other than the ones indicated.

“This would be effectual in averting robbers as we could stop cars under what we deem to be suspicious circumstances,” Nuño noted.

He said it was vital for drivers to take their own safety measures, comprising alarm systems and steering wheel locks.

He also suggested “that cars be can parked in private parking lots where there are security guards.”

Nuño also pointed out that with the assistance of the Mexican police; they have recovered 49 robbed vehicles.

Senate Confirms LaHood as Transportation Secretary

Former Rep. Ray LaHood won Senate confirmation Thursday as President Obama's Transportation secretary.

The Illinois Republican was confirmed by voice vote a day after the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee sent his nomination straight to the floor without a vote.

LaHood, a moderate popular with colleagues, brings a bipartisan flavor to the Obama cabinet that could be valuable in negotiating transportation spending in the economic stimulus bill (HR 598) as well as a new surface transportation authorization this year.

LaHood has come under fire from some taxpayer groups for a track record of defending earmarks while serving in the House. Taxpayers for Common Sense ranks him among the top 10 percent of House members in earmark spending.

But he testified at his confirmation hearing Wednesday that he is comfortable with Obama’s call to rein in earmarks. The president has called for no earmarks in the stimulus package and a reduction in overall lawmaker-directed spending to 1994 levels.

Src:http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003016296

About Ray LaHood:

Raymond H. "Ray" LaHood (born December 6, 1945) is the incumbent United States Secretary of Transportation and a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives. He is well-known, especially among C-SPAN viewers, as the presiding officer of more debates than any other member. Most notably, he presided over the impeachment vote against President Bill Clinton. On December 19, 2008, President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate LaHood to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation, a controversial appointment. His Senate committee confirmation hearing, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2009, had to be postponed because of what a Senate aide said was a delay in processing needed paperwork.His Senate committee hearing was rescheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2009, where he was confirmed by acclamation.

For more information about Ray LaHood just check here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_LaHood

ZAP to Introduce Electric Van and Truck at Nation's Largest Auto Dealer Expo January 24

To aid automotive fleets reduce emissions and operating expenses, electric car pioneer ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) will debut a five-passenger, 4-wheel, 100%, plug-in electric van at the National Automobile Dealers Association yearly conference and exposition, booth number 4763, January 24-27, 2009 at New Orleans.



ZAP's novel Shuttle was designed for passenger convey or cargo. The seats can be removed so it may convert into a cargo vehicle with 108 cubic feet and a 900 lb. entire carrying capacity. Big slider doors on both sides and a rear lift hatch give convenient access to the back compartment, which is weatherproof and safe. At 138 inches, its length is just introverted of the majority mini-vans and at 6 ft 2 inches it has abundance of headroom. The ZAP Shuttle was designed for transportation round big campuses, to and from parking lots, and, as it produces zero emissions, via factories, warehouses and other indoor uses. Air conditioning, solar panels and a quick charger are obtainable options. MSRP: $14,700.

ZAP's new XL Truck was designed with a roomy cab for two and a strong bed platform able of transporting 800 lbs. for on-road use and equal to 1,600 lbs. capacity for private roads and amenities. This 100% electric workhorse has convertible, drop-side bed construction to change to a flatbed. ZAP's XL Truck may be ordered with choices like air conditioning, enclosed weatherproof cargo box, solar charger, above-bed utility rack and quick charging system. MSRP is $14,500.

ZAP's novel Shuttle and XL Truck provide fleets more litheness and function with their electric vehicles. For on-road purpose, the Shuttle and XL Trucks conform to US regulations for Low Speed Vehicles with a top speed of 25 MPH restricted to streets with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH.

As portion of ZAP's global distribution plan, the ZAP's new van and truck are designed to meet or go beyond government certifications for nearly all of the world. Both may drive up to thirty miles on a charge and recharge at a normal 110 volt outlet in about six hours and an 80% charge in just four hours. ZAP offers optional upgrades to 220 volt charging for sooner charging, or upgraded batteries for longer distances.

Governments are starting to use buy more electric vehicles. For instance, the US Army recently committed to buying 10,000 electric vehicles for fleet purpose.

Electric vehicles are less pricey to fuel and uphold, costing about three cents per mile for its fleet vehicles and roughly about half the cost to maintain because of less moving parts. Electrics are also not as much of polluting. Even counting the emissions from electric power plants, studies electric vehicles may lessen automotive emissions by 90% when it is compared to gasoline. Electric vehicles are enjoyable to drive, with calm, smooth acceleration, no vibration, no shifting and nearly no noise. Interested buyers may order both the ZAP Shuttle and the ZAP XL Truck today online at http://www.zapworld.com or by calling 707-525-8658.


About ZAP

ZAP has been a head in electric transportation since 1994, delivering 100,000 automobiles to customers in over 75 countries. ZAP producers a line of electric vehicles, comprising electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and ATVs. ZAP vends few of the only electric city-cars, trucks and vans in production these days and is mounting a high-performance electric vehicle known the ZAP Alias. For commodity, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

Port signs agreement with vehicle shipping company

The global transportation firm that purchased 3,200 new cars into Grays Harbor last week tells that it plans to go on exploring the possibility of creating a big-scale automotive processing facility in Aberdeen.

The Pasha Group, which arranged the current shipment of Kia vehicles to Marine Terminal 4, joined the Port of Grays Harbor in a marketing agreement Monday letting them a year to study the viability of establishing the novel facility.

Stan Gabara, vice president of automotive with The Pasha Group, told that the firm is very attracted to the site, storage, transportation and workforce connections provided at the Port.

“The Pasha Group trusts that Grays Harbor is distinctively and tactically positioned to be a main automotive processing and distribution facility long into the prospect,” Gabara said during a presentation to Port commissioners.

The Pasha Group, which runs transport for a range of cargoes, hopes to bring in quite a lot of more vehicle shipments during the next six months as it assesses whether the Port may be urbanized into a enduring facility.

Many members of the Pasha family comprising the chairman, CEO and port development general manager visited with Port commissioners. Gabara flashed photos of the firm’s big automotive sites comprising a 157-acre facility close to San Diego, which recruits 275 people prior to counting long shore and shipping workers.

He also told that Grays Harbor has the potential to develop into a large, long-term facility comprising warehouse storage, car washing stations, body and repair shops and further support facilities.


Port Deputy Director Leonard Barnes said the Pasha Group coordinates enormous numbers of automotive, mass and armed shipments. The firm commenced in 1942 and now serves 23 dissimilar auto manufacturers from Acura to Volkswagen.

“They want to be a leader universally in logistics,” he said. “They set the bar actually high.”

The cluster would make a solid accumulation to other terminal operations at the Port, he said. Port officials have long wanted to enlarge the services obtainable at Terminal 4.

Barnes said the Port has also reviewed its rail connections to augment its capacity to move shipments east. He said he deems rail transportation will play a great role in the Port’s future with the Pasha Group and other local distributors.

He also said that they’re in a tremendous position to grow.
Barnes continually mentioned the Port’s close proximity to markets in Seattle and Portland plus connections to manifold rail lines and Interstate 5.

He said the big amount of space available locally may also accommodate the vehicle inventory parking and a lot of facilities associated with the group’s vehicle processing services.

The Port Commissioners unanimously approved signing up the marketing agreement, which forbids the Port from seeking challenging companies for the Terminal 4 site. If another firm approaches the Port, the Pasha Group has the initial chance at the site.

Commissioner Chuck Caldwell said it was uncommon to be able to sign up such an agreement after already having the possibility to see the firm’s operation. The commissioners rapidly accepted the contract.

Commissioner Stan Pinnick of the auto ship’s arrival last week told that It was very remarkable to watch that first ship come in.

Commissioner Jack Thompson eulogized the Port staff for its long-term hard work and last-minute preparation for the ship’s influx. He also commended local Long shore personnel for their skill and professionalism while taking on a novel kind of shipment.

Billy Swor, secretary of the International Longshore Workers Union Local 24, was joined by other union leaders to welcome the firm.

Swore told that they’re hopeful that we’re taking benefit of the opportunity of a lifetime and also the community is with open arms.
Gabara said he was also daunted by the dedication and care of local personnel. The Pasha Group plans to have a envoy stay on the Harbor as they continue calculating the area as a promising site.

Barnes said the project’s potential is huge as the Port looks to prospect development. Officials plan to work intimately with the group in the coming months. He also told that they’ve started down a road

Toyota might just bring its IQ microcar to U.S

Toyota Motor Corp. inveterate Wednesday that it is sternly considering plans to bring its IQ -- a small three-seat urban commuter vehicle -- to the United States, during a speech at an industry discussion in Detroit.

The vehicle, initiated in Japan last year, which is smaller than Toyota's subcompact Yaris and is about the size of a stylish microcar, which is of Mercedes-Benz.

"We think there is an urban market," said Don Esmond, who is senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota's U.S. division. He spoke at the Automotive News World Congress, considering that Toyota has been seeing the Smart's performance in the United States. "They are looking real hard at how it would suit in ... as if you look at metropolitan markets, they are developing."

Esmond told that Toyota would probably import the car to the United States but refused to say when the firm would likely initiate it. Lets all wait for its lanching..!

Mercedes-Benz Wins Award For First Lithium-Ion In Production Car

With the introduction of its S400 BlueHYBRID happening this summer, Mercedes is set to become the initial automaker to offer tremendously competent lithium-ion battery technology in a mass production passenger automobile. Considerably, Mercedes bathes the notoriously hot-running lithium-ion cells in chilled air from the S400's A/C system, making sure their safety and longevity for an estimated 10 years or 600,000 charging cycles.

ADAC, the German Automobile Association and Europe's main car club, awarded Mercedes its Yellow Angel award for the Innovation & Environment category for its use of lithium ion battery technology in the S400 BlueHYBRID. At present, Daimler AG holds 25 patents for their development of lithium-ion battery technology, all of which contributed to the realism of lithium-ion technology in their premiere luxury sedan.

Combining lithium-ion battery technology, engine stop/begin functionality for its 3.5-liter V-6, and regenerative braking, the S400 BlueHYBRID agrees to be the most fuel-efficient gasoline engined hybrid in its segment as well as providing the lowest CO2 output given its class and power output. Fuel economy ought to ring in at about 30 mpg, with C02 emissions at 186 grams per kilometer.

State wise Auto workers Chart

The chart above shows the reach of the auto industry: When you add new-car dealerships, parts and wholesale jobs to the assembly jobs, auto-industry jobs are everywhere.

Higher gas tax may solve problems of carmakers

Many car companies like General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler are spending billions to make plug in electric cars at a time when the price of gasoline is below $2 per gallon. All these companies fear that if gas prices are so low even next year then their research of plug in electric cars will go waste. They have spent million of dollars for this research. In the last 5 months of 2008, average gas prices have fallen 58 percent form $4 per gallon to $1.74, making it difficult for auto makers to design the vehicles that will match consumer demand. To solve this problem, all the auto makers are planning to meet Obama to raise the gasoline tax or provide a solution for keeping the price of oil above a certain level. Due to changing market conditions, the profit of automakers has come down drastically. If Obama Administration increase taxes on gas or impose certain policies that would reduce oil consumption then auto makers can match their products to demand.

At present, the gasoline taxes for state and federal level on an average is about 40 cents per gallon in U.S. which is very less when compared to European countries. Gas is now taxed at 18.4 cents a gallon at federal level. But if the gas tax is increased it would not only benefit auto makers but also reduce consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. An increase in gas tax is not constant revenue for government but would favor mass transit and research in alternative fuel vehicles.

Auto makers like Chrysler are designing midsize Chrysler 2000 car which can handle electric or conventional power trains. Daimler showed its BlueZero concept, with the same model with three possible power trains like hydrogen fuel cell, battery electric drive and gas electric hybrid.

Air Transport Association predicts 3 percent passenger decline

The International Air Transport Association is forecasting its first predictable decline in passenger traffic since 1991.

“Recession is now forecast for North America, Europe and Japan late this year and into 2009,” IATA said in its latest report.

In 1991, the last major downturn in air traffic driven by recession, global passenger traffic fell 2.6 percent, the IATA said. The group predicts it will drop 3 percent this year.

While airlines have cut capacity enough to survive the downtown, their own competitive nature will prevent them from maintaining higher fares, the IATA also said.

For statistics on traffic at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and other Arizona economic data. Click here

Src: http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/01/12/daily13.html