[sciencegirl]

Toyota seems to be doing a good job on their hybrid vehicles. Has anyone had any experience driving a toyota hybrid ?

[lateStarter]

From 'Autoweek':

First, Honda will introduce a four-cylinder diesel for use in cars or light trucks. Honda wants to sell diesels in the United States by the end of the decade. Honda sells a diesel Accord in Europe.

"The U.S. is our most important market and a top priority for diesels," says Motoatsu Shiraishi, Honda's president of research and development.

Toyota executives have all but confirmed a heavy-duty diesel engine for the next generation of the Tundra pickup. Toyota does not build a truck-sized diesel engine, but it could adapt an engine produced by its truck-making affiliate, Hino Trucks.

While some import automakers are ready to install diesels in cars, the Big 3 are betting on big trucks. General Motors won't install diesels in cars or small trucks unless consumers demand them, says Tom Stephens, GM's group vice president for global powertrain.

"We do not see an affordable way to implement that technology," said Stephens. "But if the market demands it, I'm there."

For now, Ford also is confining its diesels to heavy-duty pickups.

[lateStarter]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('sciencegirl', 'T')oyota seems to be doing a good job on their hybrid vehicles. Has anyone had any experience driving a toyota hybrid ?

[tsakach]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('lateStarter', '"')The manual version of the hybrid Honda Insight tops the latest government auto fuel economy list, with 60 miles per gallon in the city and 66 mpg on the highway.

[Pablo2079]

Click the link below.... goes to a video clip at a site about Ford's attempt at a turnaround. One of the first things stated is that we've used up half the oil in the ground. I suppose this is Ford's attempt at getting people to buy into Ethanol.

http://www.fordboldmoves.com/episode.as ... f5b8ac43eb

[Pablo2079]

The video also showcases a gas station that only sells bio/alternative fuels. Included with the E85 and Bio Diesel is E10. It's an interesting business model. The name of the station is "America Fuels".

[mekrob]

Ok, did nobody see this or did I just miss the topics (in the case, just redirect me if you will):

Bill Ford stepped down as president of Ford Motor Co. and handed the job over to Alan Mulally

Should be making some sort of news here...

[Pablo2079]

Yeah, I saw it. Not sure if it was a good move or not. Time will tell.....

[joe1347]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Pablo2079', 'C')lick the link below.... goes to a video clip at a site about Ford's attempt at a turnaround. One of the first things stated is that we've used up half the oil in the ground. I suppose this is Ford's attempt at getting people to buy into Ethanol.

http://www.fordboldmoves.com/episode.as ... f5b8ac43eb

[small_steps]

analysis paralysis

no good options exist when considering continuing operating these companies anyhow like they have been in the past, which the employees, customers, and shareholders assume and expect. At least portions of management understand this, how to change the expectations of the stakeholders is what is going to make or continue to break these companies. The ones who can constructively change the perceptions of the stakeholders will be relatively successful, those how fair to do so will feel harsh backlash.

[Denny]

I see they are now mortgaging their U.S. assets to add another $18 billion to their already staggering debt load of $158 billion. By contrast, the Canadian government debt stands under $450 billion.

Imagine just what the interest cost is when spread over the 2-3 million cars they make a year. And, those sales have been trending down as they have been losing market share every year since 1996. Imagine what will happen to them if the sales drop much further and/or interest rates rise.

To me, this is a good stock to sell short. Could I be wrong on this?

Wouldn't it be much smarter for the Ford excecs to raise the white flag now and invite one of their competitors to buy them out now and end the misery? I would not like to be an unsecured creditor as there very actions indicate desperation.

[Chuckmak]

stick a fork in 'em...they're done. GM is next.

[Niagara]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Denny', 'T')o me, this is a good stock to sell short.

Could I be wrong on this?

[PrairieMule]

I thought I heard on the news today that today is the deadline for 38,000 Ford workers to opt on early retirement? The opt out may signal that Ford has just become more flexible and leaner. I know when they cut 2500 jobs (5% of total workforce) here at Countrywide the stock went from $35 a share to $40.25. Short term bandaid solution to a long term problem.

[Niagara]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Denny', 'T')o me, this is a good stock to sell short.

Could I be wrong on this?

[greenworm]

Ford is not toast. Toast has intrinsic value, yum, ford, does not.

[dukey]

that debt is a drop in the ocean compared to the US debt of

[threadbear]

Are they toast? Toast implies toasting, or ongoing supplies of cheap energy. They're more like soggy bread dough, in that case. The question is whether or not they'll rise again. If they start building small efficient and cheap cars, like the Prius, or better yet, pur plug technology...maybe. There's a chance.