Dodge gets tougher

As part of a design tour in Detroit yesterday, Dodge executives provided a close-up look at the new Dodge Caliber concept and Dodge Nitro mid-size SUV concept. The Caliber is to hit the market early next year, and the Nitro, which completes the brand’s current lineup, debuts as a 2007 model. “The Caliber and Nitro have strong, eye-catching designs—a forward-leaning stance, oversize fenders, big round gauges and the signature Dodge crosshairs grille,” Jeffrey Godshall, Chrysler Group senior design manager, said. “Personally, I can’t wait to see these automobiles on the road. I think they’re really going to stand out in a sea of sameness.” Joseph Phillippi, president of AutoTrends Consulting in New Jersey, called the Caliber “a small, but muscular-looking car,” saying, “it could potentially strike a chord with that younger buyer, that first-time buyer—the guy you want to get in your vehicles.” (Detroit Free Press )

Exxon Mobil posts record profit

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 27 Oct 2005 17:37

Amid hurricanes and high oil and gas prices, Exxon Mobil has seen its third quarter profit balloon by nearly 75 percent to $9.92 million. This surge in profit earns the world’s largest publicly traded oil company the largest quarterly profit for a US company ever.

“Third quarter results include the impacts from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, two of the most significant US natural disasters in recent history,” said ExxonMobil’s Chairman Lee R. Raymond. “ExxonMobil’s top priority is the safety of employees, contractors, and their families. Our response has been rapid and innovative, demonstrating the resilience of the global energy marketplace. Following the hurricanes, ExxonMobil maximized gasoline production from all of our refineries which were operating in the US, and increased imports from overseas affiliates to meet U.S. demand. We acted responsibly in pricing at our company operated service stations, and we also encouraged our independent retailers and distributors to do the same.”

Highlights from the quarter include: Earnings excluding special items of $8,300 million ($1.32 per share) increased $2,070 million from the third quarter of 2004. Net income of $9,920 million includes a special gain of $1,620 million from the restructuring of the Corporation’s interest in the Dutch gas transportation business. Cash flow from operations and asset sales was approximately $16.5 billion, including asset sales of $0.8 billion. Production from the $3.5 billion (gross) Kizomba B project started during the third quarter, more than five months ahead of schedule. The project is designed to develop 1 billion barrels of oil (gross) off the coast of Angola.

The company cautioned that reduced volumes and higher costs will hurt the fourth quarter.

With that kind of profit, why in the hell are gas prices still so high??

What do you think??

Get Better Fuel Economy

These tips are general, so they apply no matter what kind of vehicle you drive.

Remove any unnecessary cargo or extra weight.

On the highway and long trips, use cruise control.

Accelerate before hills and coast before the crest of the hill, “in other words” Let the momentum of your vehicle help maintain a consistent speed, rather than using the gas and brake to do it.

Avoid hard/fast acceleration – accelerate slowly. Drive as if there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal.

When you know you have a stop coming up, let off the gas and let the Vehicle slow down naturally, rather than waiting till the last second and jamming on the brakes.

Don’t Tailgate! I hate people that do this! Your wasting gas and your an idiot that helps promote road rage! The faster you go, the more space you should have between you and the car in front of you.

Keep your tires properly inflated – under inflated tires can cause extra drag and overinflated tires can be dangerous as well. Check the owner manual for the recommended pressure.

Don’t use air conditioning unless you need it, This includes your Defrost, the A/C compressor runs when at this setting as well.

Maintain your vehicle – keep the air filter clean (important!), do proper maintenance. change the oil every 3 months or 3000 miles, which ever comes first.

Drive 55mph or the speed limit – the faster you go at those higher speeds, the more gas your vehicle consumes.

Keep track of your mileage, Monitor your mileage and see what works for you and what doesn’t.

Plan more efficient routes – Consider the number of stops you have, a little longer route may actually be better! Also, make less trips – try to do as many tasks as you can in one trip, rather than doing one task per trip.

Drive with the tailgate UP – It is a myth that you will get better mileage with the tailgate down. Keep it up if you want the best mileage.

Install aftermarket performance parts – it’s well known that installing things such as a K&N air filter, aftermarket exhaust systems, an electric fan, among other items, can help get better gas mileage.

In cold weather, don’t warm up your truck for more than 2 minutes, unless it’s 15 years old or older.

Keep your expectations realistic – remember you’re driving 5,000 lbs of glass, steel, and plastic.

Try different brands of gasoline – some gasolines have different formulas and you may notice your engine running rougher with a particular brand of gasoline.

Only use Higher Octane gas if necessary, most engines don’t need it, so don’t waste your money buying it.

Buy gas in the morning – gas is sold by volume and expands when warm. So fill the tank up early morning (dawn is the optimum time) when the gas is cold and dense. This way, when it warms up, it expands and you have more than you would have if you bought it warm.

Consider the bus. Public transportation runs anyway, why not use it? If you’re environmentally conscientious, you might even want to ride your bike and get some exercise.

Carpool – this will definitely save on the gas bill.

Try using synthetic oil, it can give you a slight increase in mileage.

Keep your vehicle clean – a freshly washed and waxed vehicle has less resistance helping you cut through the air easier. If anything it looks better.

If your expecting to get the fuel mileage listed on the window sticker, Your only fooling yourself! That mileage is only achieved under PERFECT DRIVING CONDITIONS! and you will probably NEVER see those conditions.

Johnson Controls Reports Record Sales, Earnings for Fourth Quarter

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, October 24, 2005 … Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) today reported that its fourth quarter 2005 earnings from continuing operations rose 15% on a sales increase of 7%.

John M. Barth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said “We are pleased to report record quarterly and full-year results, continuing our track record for growth. In 2005 we broadened our capabilities, expanded our addressable markets and strengthened the foundation for improved profitability. Our company enters 2006 as the global leader in each of our businesses and with a strong financial position. We appreciate the efforts of our employees and their commitment to increase the value we deliver to our customers and our shareholders.”

Johnson Controls sales for the 2005 fourth quarter totaled $6.9 billion, up 7% from $6.4 billion last year. Operating income was $436 million, up 14% from $384 million last year. Income from continuing operations totaled $293 million, up 15% from $255 million in the 2004 period. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the 2005 fourth quarter were $1.50 versus $1.31 in the prior year.

U.S. President George W. Bush Recognizes DaimlerChrysler’s Efforts to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina

U.S. President George W. Bush Recognizes DaimlerChrysler’s Efforts to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Stuttgart, 10/28/2005 – In a letter, U.S. President George W. Bush expressed his appreciation of DaimlerChrysler’s efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina: “Dear Friends, I learned about your extraordinary contributions to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I appreciate your efforts, and our whole Nation is grateful for your kindness and generosity.
The scenes from Hurricane Katrina have touched our hearts, and our Nation is again showing the world that the greatest challenges bring out the best in America. Together, we will continue to bring new hope to those affected by this tragedy, and the Gulf Coast will emerge better and stronger.
The good works of DaimlerChrysler demonstrate the character and great strength of our Nation. May God bless all those affected by this storm, and may God continue to bless America. Sincerely, George W. Bush“

JEEP LIBERTY Diesel sales outpacing expectations

JEEP LIBERTY
Diesel sales outpacing expectations
Wrangler to follow suit

By JULIE M. McKINNON
BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

DaimlerChrysler AG expects to sell at least 3,000 more diesel versions of the Toledo-made Jeep Liberty, or more than 50 percent more than originally anticipated.

And, as the nation’s drivers deal with consistently high gasoline prices, the automaker is gearing up to offer a diesel-engine option on the redesigned Jeep Wrangler next year.

Chrysler this year has delivered nearly 8,300 Liberty diesels, which cannot be sold in California and four other states with higher emission standards than federal requirements, said Max Gates, a Chrysler spokesman.

Gators Fan Win Mega Toss Contest At Florida vs. Georgia Football Game

University of Florida and University of Georgia Fans Demonstrate Their Mega Team Spirit While Benefiting Hurricane Relief Efforts

* “Dodge Mega Livin’, Mega Givin'” contest winners receive tickets to Oct. 29 Florida-Georgia football game
* Chrysler Group will donate to American Red Cross on behalf of each contest participant

Jacksonville, Fla., Oct 28, 2005 –

University of Florida fans proved victorious in the “Dodge Mega Livin’, Mega Givin’ ” giant football toss outside Jacksonville’s Alltel Stadium, Thursday, Oct. 27, in a contest that raised money for hurricane relief efforts. The winning team threw a 15-foot long football nearly nine yards in the Mega Toss challenge, one of three contests created by Dodge to engage University of Florida and University of Georgia fans in a larger than life celebration of everything big – including one of the biggest college football rivalries and tailgating parties in the country and the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab truck with the largest pickup cab ever.

Automakers sue Marathon over damaging gasoline

Refiner blames gauges in U.S. vehicles

October 29, 2005

BY MICHAEL ELLIS
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Detroit’s three automakers are suing Marathon Petroleum Co., alleging that the giant oil company sold gasoline in Indiana and Kentucky that had so much corrosive sulfur that it damaged fuel gauges in thousands of vehicles.

Marathon paid $10.2 million to repair damaged cars and trucks but now wants General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group to reimburse the oil company, the lawsuits say.

The car companies sued Marathon in Oakland County Circuit Court in September seeking a jury to declare that they have no obligation to reimburse the oil company.

A small amount of sulfur is normal in gasoline. Marathon is not disputing that the sulfur damaged the gauges; it contends that the gauges were defective. It said most of the repaired vehicles were built by the Detroit automakers.

DaimlerChrysler Accused of Corruption

DaimlerChrysler Accused of Corruption
Oct 28, 2005, 06:03 AM

Reported by: WLNS.COM

Daimler-Chrysler is accused of being involved in corruption in the United Nation’s “oil-for-food” program. A report from the UN says the automaker “colluded” with Saddam Hussein’s regime to bilk the humanitarian operation out of nearly 2-billion dollars.

The report says they had a contract to sell Iraq’s oil ministry a $70,000 Mercedes armored van. It also says the company gave Iraq a $7,000 kickback. Daimler-Chrysler is declining comment.

This is quite an accusation! Wonder if they can back it with any proof??

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