Toyota is betting big on the growing family of Prius

It is better late than never, Toyota is preparing the introduction of a second hybrid Prius to the name to the American market. It is expected that this step be followed by the introduction of the whole "family" lingerie Prius menu.

Some skeptics warn that the strategy could end up marketing to consumers. Toyota planners argue that well known and widely accepted name will help sell a new Prius hybrid menu for purchase of housing, who proved to be surprisingly reluctant to adopt fuel-saving technology, even if gasoline prices nudging record levels.

"We saw at the place where [the different models of dubbed] Prius could lead Toyota sales in the US," said Ed LaRoque, the Japanese automaker in the US, the head of the marketing of hybrid

Prius already account for about half of the hybrid electric vehicle sold in the us as a result of the March of the disaster in Japan, which seriously hampered car production in that market, diminish the supply of hard.

American car dealers, usually have anywhere from 30 to 60 days for cars, but the so-called "delivery days" for the original Prius is currently about four days, he warned.

In some ways, it would be Toyota's Prius when it comes to the market in October, estimated at around two months later than originally planned.

While sales of other hybrids actually slipped in recent months, a huge brand recognition and pent-up demand to send buyers to nothing with the ring of Prius as soon as it starts.

Initial reviews were generally favourable for the new model. Accepts the proposal for a longer, larger and wider car like, in particular, which offers more interior space than the Prius and "classic" and a number of new features. Among them are highly energy-efficient "green" audio system, the selection of two different navigation system upgrades and radar-guided cruise control.

The added space and functions will be the buyer of the sacrifice of some of the original Prius fuel consumption, which the EPA rates in 51 mpg city and highway 48 to the year 2011 model. In the Prius, which will be in 2012, will be evaluated on the 44 Highway, 40 city.

Both models share the same system of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, with only slight changes to the propellant electric on the Prius in its size and weight.

Some surprising, Toyota decided to adopt advanced lithium-ion battery system when LaRoque echoes a general industry feel that the "lithium-ion is the future".

Nickel metal hydride battery cleared will be Toyota's emergency third new hybrid model, enter the tags in the tags, the Prius (C), to start next year. If means "universal", will be the next model of cheap and compact member of the family, the smaller size classes, and probably thousands of dollars less than the original.

Insuring your pet ConsumerMan: a considerable number of flit (41%) are extremely or somewhat worried they could not afford a doctor for a sick cat or dog, according to a survey. Domestic insurance the answer? Life Inc.: dancing on the American policy of the third rail life Inc.: $ 58 M House has it all – and then have already been carried out to damage the debt UAW sees its future on the line in talks

At this time next year we will be also in the introduction of the Toyota the first plug-in hybrid version of the classic, the Prius, which will migrate to lithium power.

That offer is already controversial, because it is planned to provide only 13 miles PRODUCTION EVS before switching to the internal combustion engine. Toyota's arch-rival, General Motors, has provided its Chevrolet Volt plug-ins series 38 miles. GM says that it is to meet the daily needs of about 70 percent of u.s. commuters by car. It allows for weeks – even months – without the introduction of the fuel tank.

Prius Plug-in will cover a much smaller part of population. Due to its already impressive mileage will likely yield further fuel savings, at best, from US $ 1 per day. But it is also expected to be worth thousands of dollars less than Volta. And it will be bearing a Prius badge.

But it's a sure bet? Not everyone agrees.

"Likely to cause confusion with a Prius in C and other models, much as did the Lincoln MKS and calls its models MKZ and sales," said analyst Aaron Bragman of IHS, advice

A counterargument, he added quickly, it 's, "that could be the new standard," if Toyota can "build on the reputation of" the original and the candidates to make sure that all the different Prii (plural of Prius, as suggested by the owners) are above the competition.

Like many observers, analysts expect that the demand for battery-based vehicle be closely linked to what happens with the fuel economy standards here and abroad. A recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, claimed that all forms of electric vehicles — from basic hybrid plug-ins for battery electric vehicles--will not be the top 7 percent by the year 2020. Other experts have a number as high as 20 percent and still further if the Obama administration moves forward with the Federal distance proposed 56 mpg standard for the year 2025.

Beautiful, Bragman believes are products which, as well as the original Prius and other models, which says, Toyota will be only hybrid or on the basis of the battery.

It seems others are buying into this argument. Ford has plans for a gasoline version of the C-Max '' machine people "and it will launch next year exclusively in the form of Electrified the buyer the choice of standard hybrid or plug-in version.

"It's our Prius fighter," he said, that the global marketing director Jim Farley, Ford showed the study argues that the American manufacturer, the model should be visually distinct, it will be their own, such as hybrid, clean and green at the drive in.

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Saab struggling says that Miss payroll yet

AMSTERDAM — Struggling Swedish car maker Saab said Tuesday that they cannot pay almost half of its workforce this month because it has not received the funds expected, reviving fears for its precarious finances.

Saab has lurched from one crisis to another case in recent months, seeking funds so that you can restart the production.

Car Assembly was interrupted in April, when suppliers refused to deliver the parts until they were paid, and Saab only restrictive resist out a request for one of its units to be declared bankrupt last week.

The company's woes deepened on Tuesday, when Saab said it was delayed payment of wages to their employees white-collar because some of the funds committed by investors have not been paid on time.

Saab spokesman Eric Geers told that the decision affects about 1,600 people out of 3.640 employees, about 45 percent of its staff, but refused to say when it would have been paid or how much money could still needed for Saab pay salaries.

"The money is being committed, the only thing is that it has been delayed. This is very, very unfortunate for those who have been affected, "said Geers.

Shares in Saab fell, dropping as much as 20.8 percent, before recovering partially to trade down 11.6 percent to EUR 1.485, the biggest decliner on the Amsterdam stock exchange.

The company said it is taking all necessary measures to raise money and continue talks with various parties to obtain more funding in the short term.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

Best and worst States to own a car,

If you bought a car in Alaska or Hawaii you'd probably expect to cost more than if you bought in, say, Michigan or Ohio, because of the additional cost of transport concerned. Gas prices are higher in those States, too, so one expects the car to cost more in the long run.

But why should cost $ 9,000 more to own and operate a car in Connecticut, than it does in New Hampshire, just 100 or so miles the road?

The answer is because New Hampshire has no sales tax, and the cost of everything from insurance companies for fuel and maintenance is low. So a machine costing $ 29,000 will $49,890 in five years if you live in Connecticut, but only $40,602, if you live in New Hampshire.

Forbes.com slide show: best and worst States to own a car

Where you live may make a big difference in the cost of owning a vehicle — a lesson worth remembering the next time you're shopping for a new car. The price may vary State to State, thanks to the regional incentives, for example, and destination, or the transport expenses may vary depending on the distance that the car must be shipped. In addition, you must consider more than just the sticker price or monthly payment of the lease. You must ensure that it, finance, maintain and keep the gas tank full.

Automotive research site Edmunds.com lets car buyers to see the big picture with its proprietary formula "true cost to own", which takes note of where you live to calculate the cost for depreciation, financing, taxes, taxes, insurance premiums, the five-year average fuel costs, maintenance and repairs on a range of new and used vehicles.

Forbes asked Edmunds analysts to come up with a weighted average sales by the State, which revealed that the New Hampshire, South Dakota, and South Carolina were better to own a vehicle, while Hawaii, California and Alaska are the most expensive. The gap between the cheaper, New Hampshire and the most expensive, Hawaii, is nearly $ 13,000.

Forbes.com: common car purchasing Errors 13

The two biggest factors tend to be taxes and the cost of insurance. In Oregon, for example, car buyers are charged an average of $ 129 in taxes, but in Arizona, which will pay an average of $4,346. Insurance is cheaper in South Dakota ($4,723) and more expensive in Alaska ($11,481). In West Virginia and Louisiana insurance will run about $ 11,000 in five years, but you pay half that if you live in Georgia or North Dakota.

The costs of maintenance and repair may also affect how much the car in time. Work rates for service technicians in your State can vary, for example. And if your State has no sales tax on spare parts, will cost less. Maintenance and repairs will cost an average of $ 1,350 more in Maryland than in nearby New Jersey, for example.

You're not likely to lead to New Jersey to get your car maintenance, so if you're one of those States with a high cost to own, at least you can compare the total cost of ownership for the various vehicles on your shopping list. Remember that purchasing a vehicle more expensive means that probably pay higher VAT and more interest on your car loan, you could end up costing more than they bargained for.

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© 2011 Forbes.com

GM CEO says business European car is not for sale

DETROIT-General Motors CEO says that the European car of the company is not for sale.

Media reports that GM wants to sell wrestling operation, which includes the brands Opel and Vauxhall.

"Opel is not for sale," CEO Daniel Akerson journalists said on Wednesday in Detroit, referring to the largest brand of GM Europe.

GM Europe is a bum money to GM, but it is an important centre for engineering and design. When former CEO Fritz Henderson was trying to sell the business shortly after GM'S 2009 bankruptcy, he was overruled by the Council of the number of small and medium-GM cars are based on the underpinnings of suggested Opel.

Nevertheless, high labour costs, restructuring costs and a distortion of the European sales caused $ 1.8 billion for GM Europe last year. However, GM has cut costs in recent times.

Reports in the German Spiegel and Auto Bild, the publication said that GM Europe could be sold on the Chinese companies or Volkswagen AG. GM says report speculation, but did not say definitively that the business is from the sale of a block.

In the company's annual general meeting of shareholders in June, has repeatedly lauded progress Akerson in Europe in the last two years.

"It's not just the abyss we looked at the 18 to 24 months," he said.

European business employs 40,000 people.

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Ford faced a shortage of its Focus sold

DETROIT — Ford can't make enough auto Focus to keep pace with the increased demand due to equipment problems that have caused a shortage of dashboards, two people familiar with the situation told the Associated Press.

Machinery that makes the skin that covers the dashboard in a factory Ford parts outside Detroit works intermittently. That is forcing the company to take the unusual step and expensive to fly in parts from Europe to keep its assembly lines moving, people said. Despite these efforts, you cannot run the focus near Detroit at full speed, they said.

The problem comes at a time when high gas prices and a shortage of small Japanese cars have driven demand for focusing. Retailers say they are having difficulty reaching the newly redesigned compact, and that you have been forced to put customers on waiting lists.

People, who don't want to be identified because they aren't allowed to talk about the matter, said Ford is working to solve the problem of equipment at the plant in parts of Saline, Michigan, but so far the company has not yet found a solution.

Ford spokesman Todd Nissen said the company policy is not to comment on the internal workings to your plants. But he said the salt factory continues to make dashboards for focusing.

Despite the problems, Ford sold more than 21,000 focuses last month, making the passenger car sold. But sales were 3,500 under rival General Motors Chevrolet Cruze compact. Cruze is made in a factory in Lordstown, Ohio, which operates in three shifts round the clock to meet demand. Ford Assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, where the focus is made, is running on two shifts.

GM was better able to capitalize on the lack of small car Honda and Toyota, who have had to slow down their factories due to parts shortages caused by the earthquake in Japan in March. GM and Ford have been largely influenced by problems related to the earthquake.

It is not clear how long it will take to resolve the problem and whether Ford will raise the production of focus. Mark Fields, Ford President for the Americas, not to comment last week, but said that at the rate specified the company manufactures the focus.

"For the most part, whenever you have a (new model) launched there are always some problems to launch that you are dealing with," he said. "Don't say was impeccable, but the good news is there is a lot of demand for it and we will continue to get those machines."

Jim Gillette, an analyst with the automotive company which advises the IHS suppliers of car parts, said the problem could affect the bottom line of Ford because it is expensive to fly in parts. He said that is relatively rare, they have a problem, and there would be a lot of pressure on the manufacturers of equipment to quickly resolve the problem.

The Focus of five seats, which hit showrooms in March, has a starting price of $ 16,500 and can run over $ 27,000 depending on how is equipped. Automatic transmission, with most models getting 28 miles per gallon (12 kilometers per liter) in city and 38 (16) on the highway.

Sam Pack, owner of four Ford dealerships in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area, said he was told by Ford executives who cannot obtain full orders of fires because the factory has met the shortage of parts.

"I know who are working 24/7, trying to deal with any component issues have," said Pack. "It is a matter of high visibility with Ford Motor Co., and senior management are very concerned and very involved".

Copyright 2011 to the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

WRC: Tactical approach in Finland key

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 08: 39 GMT

Chris Atkinson, Subaru World Rally Team driver expects drivers to take a tactical approach to the opening of the stages of the Rally of Finland loop.

Finland is not usually an event where tactics play an important role, but Atkinson said they cleaned the new road on Friday more stages than in previous years.

Atkinson, the current leader of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship with Proton, has completed the recognition for the Finland Rally, an event where he finished on the podium in 2008.

"The stages around Lahti are very different to those we have seen recently in Finland," he said. "There is a more difficult to base there and there is a lot of gravel on the surface, which will be certainly clean." There will be some tactics played tomorrow in the afternoon; "the ideal would be to be you want to run around fifth in the road or something."

Leading world championship Sebastien Loeb is the driver can not do anything about tactics, but Atkinson said the opening loop will benefit you.

"The stages such as Lankamaa and Laukaa that morning first thing are quite soft, which probably dig a little bit about the best being more up on the roads", said.

The Australian added stages of the East Saturday, near Gloucester, were equally soft, denying the need of tactics in the Friday night.

There could be more good news for Loeb, with showers of heavy rain, planned for the opening day of morning. The rain is traditionally the best news for drivers in front of the field in Finland.

Not in the event they compete himself, Atkinson winning tip last year Jari-Matti Latvala wins back-to-back.

"I think he has competed on the roads down around Lahti," said, "and adapted it." "I think it is going to be the child at this time."

Rally of Finland of Gloucester, which starts on Thursday afternoon and ends on Saturday night.

Ford faces shortage of its bestselling focus

DETROIT-Ford Focus cannot be enough to keep pace with increasing demand due to the problems caused by the lack of equipment, cockpit, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The machinery that makes the skin, which is covered by the control panel in the factory Ford outside Detroit works intermittently. It makes the company an unusual and expensive step of flying in parts of Europe to keep its production lines, movement, he said. Despite these efforts the focus of the plant near Detroit, running at full speed, they said.

The problem comes at a time when high gas prices and a lack of Japanese small cars have decreased the demand for specialization. Traders say that they have the problem of newly prepared compacts, and they were forced to deploy to customers waiting lists.

People who didn't want to be identified, because you are not authorized to speak about it, said Ford is trying to solve the problem of equipment in the plants in saline, Michigan, but the company found a solution.

Ford spokesman Todd Nissen said the company's policy to comment on the internal functioning of its power plants. But he said that salt factory to dashboards for focusing.

Despite the problem, Ford sold more than 21 000 withdrawals last month, so the company's best-selling passenger car. But its sale was 3,500 under the rival General Motors Chevrolet Cruz compact. Cruz in the factory in Lordstownu, Ohio, which operates three shifts continually to meet the demand. Ford's Assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, where the focus is running two shifts.

GM did better on the lack of a small car, the Honda and Toyota, which should slow down their factories due to lack of parts caused by the earthquake in March in Japan. GM and Ford, were to a large extent influenced by issues related to the earthquake.

It is not clear how long it will take to fix and whether Ford will increase the focus of the production. Mark fields, Ford President for America's comments last week, but said that the focus at the company expects the plant produces.

"In large part, as always, if you have (new model) startup there are always some startup problems," he said. "I won't say it was perfect, but the good news is, there is demand for it and we'll continue to get rid of the cars."

Jim Gillette, an analyst with the firm IHS Automotive parts suppliers, who advises the car, he said that the problem could strike Ford poodle, because it is expensive to fly in parts. He said that it is relatively rare, such a device would be a huge problem, and the pressure on the manufacturer of the device's quick fix.

The focus of the five seats to the showrooms in March, the starting price of $ 16,500, and can run more than 27 000 $, depending on how it is equipped with. With automatic transmission, with most models of 28 miles per gallon (12 kilometres per litre) in the city and 38 (16) on the main road.

Sam Pack, owner of four Ford dealers in Dallas-Fort Worth Metro area, said he was told about the leadership of Ford that will get the full order focuses on the factory, because of the lack of several parts.

"I know that the 24/7 to address issues of any of the components are," said Pack. "It is a visible problem with Ford Motor Co., and the management is very concerned and very engaging."

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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F1: Ricciardo aiming to impress quickly

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The White House, the automakers to reach an agreement, the odometer

US President Barack Obama is expected to report a compromise to the fuel economy standards Friday that by the year 2025 will increase the average fuel consumption of at least 54 miles per gallon.

While data are not up to the formal notification of the White House is a growing consensus building for the apparent compromise with one potentially the main antagonist of signalling it is ready to log on.

Reports that Toyota would be against the proposed increase in the standard corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, "are not accurate," said Bob Carter, Group Vice President. "Toyota will be the Administration's proposal to fight."

Separately, the company said, would be appropriate that a suicide step for "Prius company" to try to scuttle the compromise, which is expected for passenger cars to meet the mandate of 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025. To industry on board, Obama seems to have accepted the reduction target 54.5 mpg for pickups and other light trucks.

Specific details is discovered Friday, but spokesman Jay Carney Administration confirmed that the changes in the CAFE standard is expected to work and improve market demand and also to reduce oil consumption and environmental pollution.

CAFE process was controversial, whereas that was originally conceived, following the first oil shock from the Middle East before the nearly four decades. Critics within the automotive industry argued that it was ineffective and even resulted in lost jobs. Environmentalists on the other hand periodically demand a higher number of vehicle kilometres.

Until the Obama administration came into Office, however, the standard little changed for ten years. He was one of the first successes of the new White House victory, an agreement which will increase fuel consumption, 37.5 mpg by 2016.

The new standard would require producers to raise passenger car distance 5 percent per year from the year 2017 through 2025. Light goods vehicles should be to improve the fuel efficiency of 3,5% per year since the year 2017, 2021, by 5 per cent by the year 2025.

Proponents argue that move sharply reduced the nation's dependence on imported oil, also reduces the risk of climate change.

There were fears that environmental groups would also be against compromise. Many were disappointed when, last month, the White House quietly withdrew from an earlier proposal to mandate CAFE 2025 from 62 mpg. But given the possibility that the distance of the discussions could become politically divisive as the current fight federal debt, it seems that everyone rushes to the aid.

The objectives set out in this plan are healthy and reasonable, but there are still details that need to be perfect in this process, "said Ellen Bloom, consumers Union, the Director of federal policy.  "We will work to ensure that standards remain strong because you don't want the deficiencies, which could in the car through."

Remains to be seen, in fact, the President plans to unveil the measures will include a review of the proposed "test" to see how well automakers continue in their efforts to increase fuel consumption. Such a clause could lead to Government support to the ultimate objective--although supporters suggested that the Government could also enable the future CAFE increase even higher.

The industry has long fretted about the potential costs to meet any increase in fuel economy rules, even though some companies started to sort, the higher the distance as potentially competitive advantage. Hyundai is the top American Executive, John Krafcik, recently indicated his belief that the Korean automaker could achieve 50 mpg fleet average by the end of this decade.

In the meantime, John Mendel, Executive of the us in American Honda, said manufacturer "embrace this challenge, which will be good for our customers and for the environment, and welcomes the competition, which we have with other car producers, which will result from these new standards."

The challenge is probably the right word. As one Senior Executive, Detroit sought the anonymity of the prior to Friday's press conference, he said, "We really don't know how to get there yet."

Although the fuel in General is growing faster than many experts in recent years, thanks to technical progress such as direct injection and a more advanced turbochargers and transfers – as well as vehicle rationalisation – 2025 target very well require significant new discoveries. Some critics warned that it will be a large shift in the technology of electric power. But a light lorry lower target to allow the workers to continue to burden the pliers and the popularity of the offering, maintaining, towing and cargo capacity, the US market has traditionally been claimed.

Uncertain is that the cost of meeting the new standard in 2025. State management of highway transport safety estimated last fall that the 5% and the annual increase in the distance, eventually add to the cost of typical vehicles $ 2 100--which also said it would compensate for fuel savings.

It was supported by a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group. But the report on the basis of the Michigan Center for Automotive Research has warned that pushing the requirements on the distance to 60 mpg add up to 10,000 dollars the cost of the vehicle – while reducing annual sales of new cars in several million as motorists would be likely to Keep their older vehicle. And that car study warned, would cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Supporters continue to insist that the study was too desperate, Mark Cooper, Director of the Consumer Federation of America, arguing, "we believe that it will be better fuel efficiency and better over time, costs and increase gasoline prices, so that at the time the program reaches the" missile "review in 10 years, the case for accelerating the improvement will be compelling."

More from TheDetroitBureau.com:

GM'S partnership with the provider of solar energy

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Ford's big bet on India

Copyright 2011 Detroit Bureau. All rights reserved.

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V8: Liuzzi subscribe to surfers event

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 06: 50 GMT

Tonio Liuzzi has become the first driver in formula 1 today to register for V8 Supercar this year round at Surfers Paradise in October.

The Italian corridor HCT will co-drive with Ford driver Tony D' Albert in the Falcon by the latter of the TDR team.

It is the seventh driver with experience in formula one that will compete at the event.

Liuzzi will join Mika Salo, Jan Magnussen, Sebastian Bourdais, Christian Klien, Gianni Morbidelli and Stéphane Sarrazin in the October 21-23 event.

"Had a good look in the TDR car when he was in the Grand Prize of Australia in the year and I was really impressed by" says Liuzzi.

"There is no much difference in size between Tony and I and our seating position should be comfortable together." We are a good team.

"I don't think I will take time to adapt to the car." Tests a day before being good. I have experience with powerful lounge cars and enjoy of them driving. I see the V8 Supercars to be very similar.

"After discovering that he was coming to Australia the race, I followed the V8 Supercars a bit closer." It seems very exciting close racing.

"The test will make previously will be very important." "I would like to make more time in the car, but I guess that it is the same for all."

Preparations for the race of this year include one day of testing at Queensland Raceway on October 19.

The new rules, which require much higher fuel economy

US President Barack Obama, with the support of large automakers, announced a plan Friday to increase the average fuel consumption of new cars and trucks at 35.1 miles per gallon by 2025, twice the current level.

"This agreement represents the most important step, fuel standards, we as a nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil, when they took," Obama said Washington event with the top automaker's management and Union leaders.

New standards are the result of a compromise with the sector after the White House initially proposed even stricter requirements, which would increase the corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, Standard 62 mpg.

The plan announced Friday the fleetwide average of 34.3 mpg-wagons for the higher and lower for the "light commercial vehicles," a category that includes pickups and sports also remove the vehicle.

The standard fleet stands at 27.5 two decades before it was raised under the Obama administration, which increase from 30.2 this 33.5 mpg in 2016 model. The new rules would require further improvement of 5% of annual consumption of fuel a car from 2017 to the year 2025. For light trucks, the standard 3.5 percent rise year by year 2017, 2021, and 5 percent per year from 2021 to 2025.

The White House said that the new rules have won backing car companies, representing 90 percent of cars sold in the United States.

The compromise was a bit of a surprise, and he looked unlikely, even a few days ago, TheDetroitBureau.com. According to David Strickland, the head of the national traffic safety Administration's Highway, the major parties signed the definitive language until almost midnight on Thursday.

Some automakers and analysts warned that the new technologies require standards add cost thousands of dollars on a new car. But the White House says it will be offset by the savings at the pump, which it said would average $ 8,000 during the life of the vehicle by the year 2025.

The White House, which is based on the gas prices rising a modest 13% from 2015 to the vehicles being driven an average of 15 000 per year and 2025.

"We share the Administration's objective to achieve major advances in clean, fuel-efficient," said Jim Lentz, Toyota. "Of course, there is still a lot of uncertainty about how to respond to the market and what vehicles consumers accept technology, which is the reason why we are implementing and testing a number of alternative fuels options."

Environmental groups welcomed the new standards, but said he could be even stronger.

The group, the American Council for an energy-efficient economy, stressed that the actual distance achieved by cars and light trucks in the 2020s controller will be much lower than the published CAFE standards, which are based on laboratory tests, and not on the actual road performance.

"It is a significant step in reducing our dependence on oil and consumer vulnerability to high gasoline costs," said Therese Langer, Director of the programme for the ACEEE. "In the year 2030, this round of standards to save more oil than at present, we import from Saudi Arabia and Iraq together."

But she added that the advertised standards "could be violated" in the process of identifying, before they are completed. Notice of proposed the determination will be published by the end of September, open a public comment period, federal officials said.

"In the next few months will be crucial for ensuring that the benefits of this program promises are made," said Langer.

© Literature at msnbc.com 2011

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F1: VW considers joining F1 in 2018

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 11: 05 GMT

Volkswagen considers joining formula one in seven years, said the head of the racing car manufacturer Wolfgang Duerheimer.

"I imagine participation in formula one in 2018, when the company is at the forefront of the industry," said Duerheimer Auto motor und Sport magazine.

"We have sufficient marks that could do it."

The automaker said last year that formula one would need more stability and a better image as the company considers joining the sport.

It came after Volkswagen revealed in 2009 that it was evaluating the potential benefits of the F1 when introducing new engine regulations since the beginning of 2014.

Formation of Volkswagen's brands include Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Skoda, Bugatti and seat.

GP2: Aleshin in Carlin in Hungary

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 09: 48 GMT

Mikhail Aleshin will return to GP2 with Carlin in the Hungaroring this weekend.

The 24-year Russian has lost the last four rounds of the Championship, but now back to partner Max Chilton team regular in the British Squadron.

Aleshin raced for Carlin in the opening two rounds of the season in the Park in Istanbul and Barcelona, but was replaced by Oliver Turvey of Monaco.

Alvaro Parente took charge of the unit for the Valencia Street circuit round, but now they have lent support to the champion of the Formula Renault 3.5.

Aleshin said that "is a great opportunity for me have this experience, that thanks to the team." "I know the car, I know that the team and is a clue that I know well, so I think that we can encourage some good results this weekend".

The Aleshin latest career start was in Superleague Formula Zolder in this month.

Slide show: slide show: they want, how much?

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F1: Thursday press conference - Hungary

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Thursday, July 28th 2011, 16:02 GMT

DRIVERS - Jaime ALGUERSUARI (Toro Rosso), Jenson BUTTON (McLaren), Heikki KOVALAINEN (Team Lotus), Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), Mark WEBBER (Red Bull)

PRESS CONFERENCE

Q. Heikki, I guess you have got good memories of this circuit. Your win in 2008 from second on the grid?

Heikki KOVALAINEN: Yeah, of course a great memory for myself. It was the best day of my racing career so far but I think I am 110 per cent ready for the next one of those so waiting for that.

Q. Is this still a very popular race with your compatriots?

HK: Yeah, absolutely. There are a lot of Finnish people coming over here to watch the grand prix. It is very, very easy to get here from Finland I think and I think also, the Finnish people, they love the city. They come here for a holiday as well so always seem to be a lot of Finnish flags around here, which is great.

Q. So this is as close to home as it gets is it?

HK: kind of, kind of. For a home grand prix I suppose there are probably more Finnish flags and Finnish supporters here than any other grand prix, so in that sense yes.

Q. What's your aim at grands prix these days? What are you looking to do, just get closer to say Scuderia Toro Rosso for example.

HK: Yeah, of course, at the grand prix, the aim always has to be a win and a pole but at the moment that is not realistic, so we are targeting at the moment to be ahead of the other new teams and closing the gap to the cars ahead of us. We still have got a lot of work to do. We have got to improve as a team, but we are constantly working on it and that's where the focus is at the moment.

Q. But do you see that can happen? Can you get ahead of Toro Rosso by the end of the year, for example?

HK: By the end of the year, I don't know. We are trying to close the gap every weekend but Formula One is very competitive. The teams ahead of us are bigger and better than we are at the moment so it is not very easy but whether it is by the end of this year or next year, whenever it is, the target is to close the gap. We believe we can do it so that's why we are doing it.

Q. Jaime, similar question. This circuit holds some memories for you too. Your first ever grand prix here a couple of years ago.

Jaime ALGUERSUARI: Yeah it is nice to be back here. I like this place and the track is very nice so hopefully we have a good race and we stay in the points on Sunday.

Q. The results have been pretty good recently. Have you been pleased with them?

JA: Yes, I think we have done the maximum we could have done in the last races. It is difficult to say where we are now, as I think Force India have done a great step forward in terms of performance, so it is a bit difficult to stay in front of them now in the race but we will see how we can attack this weekend in comparison to last weekend and where we will finish.

Q. And you talk all the time about learning. Everyone is always learning, but do you feel you are really making progress?

JA: I think this year it's pretty good. I think it's the biggest example so far as this year everything changed a lot in Formula One. The tyres, and it was a bit difficult at the beginning of the season to get the best out of the car, to work for qualifying and to work for the race. Now everything is coming up. It's a bit late, as I think the other teams have done a really good step forward, especially Force India, so it has been difficult at the moment to stay in front of them. But I think we are getting out the maximum of the car. Last race at the Nurburgring there was nothing else we could do. I think we did a good race, we did the maximum we could have done and (Paul) di Resta finished a fair bit behind me. He was clearly faster than me, so I think we have done really the best. I think there is still potential to come from our side set-up wise, of development during the year, but I think the target is to stay very close to Force India, to the championship, which will be tough and obviously to stay in front of Williams.

Q. Mark, obviously a winner a year ago and just one retirement in nine races here. That's not a bad record is it?

Mark WEBBER: Yeah, I didn't know about that. That's good. I hope I can continue. Last year's race was good and looking to give it another crack this weekend if I can. The car should be good here. I've been pretty quick myself of late so I'll see what I can do.

Q. Everyone says the Red Bulls are going to be quick here, but where do you see yourselves?

MW: Well, last year is a little bit of a form card. Obviously, the regulations have changed a lot since then, so let's see how that goes. Clearly, McLaren and Ferrari aren't hanging round as well. Qualifying has tightened up a lot in the last few events and so have the races, as we saw. Silverstone would have been a track where you would think we could have been a bit more competitive or more dominant compared to the high standards we have set around some particular venues around the world and this one you might pick as well. So, find out Sunday night.

Q. In fact, third place in the last four races. You must be getting a bit fed up with that?

MW: Yeah, I think it has been consistent. I suppose all of us here want to do better, that's human nature. I have had some good fights. The last race was a very good grand prix from all of us fighting for the victory, and it went Lewis (Hamilton's) way. Yeah, it is better than having five fifths in a row. But to get the win you need everything perfect, even for second for that matter. To bang out podiums you still need to get a lot of things right, so I am not getting too carried away with a good run of results, but to go the next step you have just got to tick the last few boxes and just get it done.

Q. You have had a couple of pole positions in the last two races as well. Do you feel you have got work to do on your start? Is that a problem do you feel?

MW: I think the whole team, we all do, need to. Felipe probably had the best start at the last race. Sebastian (Vettel) was under a lot of pressure himself, so both of us didn't have the easiest run to the first corner. Silverstone was a dry track, intermediates on the car, so it was an interesting start. Sebastian did the same to me as what I did to him at Silverstone the year before. A little bit more grip on that side and off you go. The starts, you know. Jenson has had some good ones and the last one was a shocker for him. That's just the car. There a lot of things that go into the starts, how it all works, so we need to continue to focus on that. We need to focus on pit-stops. That's Formula One racing. Lots of things need to be put into the mix to get the right results.

Q. Felipe, that pit-stop at the last race. That was a little bit too exciting wasn't it, the last lap in Germany?

Felipe MASSA: Yeah, a little bit. We lost one position, but we are working pretty hard in all directions and sometimes it happens.

Q. Just talk about this circuit. A little bit emotional coming back here, I believe, for you. It is the circuit where you had your accident. What are your thoughts coming back here?

FM: Well it's a circuit I really enjoy to drive. I always had little problems on the weekends here. I remember in 2007 in the qualifying I had a problem and sat on the back. In 2008, I was leading, three laps to go, and I had an engine fail. In 2009, my accident. So, every year something happens. Last year was the best one, I finished fourth, and I hope this year we can have a good direction, finish on the podium, also try to win. But anyway, it is a place I always enjoy to come here. Especially after my accident. I have a lot of fans here so really like the people here. Also to come back. I was with my doctor, the doctor who operated on me, yesterday, so it always a great pleasure as this is a good side. It is something that you never forget and this is a good point and also I hope I can have all this good energy for a good weekend as well.

Q. You come off the back of two really fighting races. This was Felipe Massa of old. This is the one we wanted to see. You must have been very pleased with those last two races?

FM: Yeah, it was okay. You are always pleased when you finish in the front. But I think it was two good races in terms of fights, especially the last race, the biggest problem was not just the pit-stop. It was also the amount of seconds I lost behind Nico (Rosberg) in the first stint. I think that I lost all the opportunity to fight with the guys in front. But just looking to improve even more this race and even after the break.

Q. Jenson, this is a bit of a momentous weekend in some ways and a circuit where you had your first win from 14th on the grid, let's remember?

Jenson BUTTON: Yeah, got very good memories of 2006. Obviously a long time ago now and it's the perfect place for me to have my 200th grand prix I suppose. The last couple of races for me have been a bit difficult in terms of not finishing so hopefully we can have a good result here on such a special weekend.

Q. People talk about it being a circuit that is difficult to overtake on and yet from 14th on the grid you must have done a fair bit of it?

JB: Yeah, in mixed conditions it is always a lot easier when you are trying to find the grip and it is changing every lap. But you can overtake here. There are a couple of places and I think with the tyres, with KERS, with DRS, we have seen a lot of improvements in overtaking. I don't think this will be any different. First of all the aim is to qualify as high as possible and and not have to overtake anyone but it is always there if it's needed.

Q. I know the cycling finished a week ago, with the Tour de France, but McLaren were involved with Mark Cavendish's bike as well. I think you have done a certain amount of cycling on that bike as well. Did you help with the development?

JB: Did I help the development? Not really, it needs an engine strapped to it for me to help with the development. I have had a lot of fun on it, but it is very different to what those guys are doing. It is great to see so many wins by Cav in the tour and also to get the green jersey. Yeah it's nice. We have got a lot of wins this year. I think it is seven in total now.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

Q. (Luis Fernando Ramos - Radio Banderantes) The question is to Mark, Felipe and Jenson. On qualifying this year you have been more often than not outqualified by your team-mate. I just want to hear the reasons about that and how do you feel this is evolving throughout the season, the qualifying. Will it be better against your team-mate?

MW: Yeah, it's an important part of the weekend. All three of us have pretty strong team-mates and that's what you want. I think all of us also are pretty good drivers. We are driving for the three top teams and you can argue it's only the six to eight drivers are the best guys on the grid so inevitably there is going to be a bit of momentum either way. Speaking from my side, we know Seb has done a good job in qualifying, particularly at the start of the season. The last few races it has tightened up a little bit and last year there wasn't much in it so let's see how we go for the second part of the championship

FM: Yeah, I think its the same. Qualifying is an important part of the race. The position you start is always important. Fernando did a better job on the qualifying so just need to improve a bit, to fight to try and be in front, and it is an important part. Just pushing hard to improve all the time.

JB: Yeah, exactly the same. We are racing against the best drivers in the world and sometimes it goes one way rather than the other. This year for me Lewis has been quicker in qualifying which is something you want to improve on. You want to be as quick as you can in qualifying as it is always all about getting a better position for Sunday and making your race a lot easier. But I think it is a little bit different this year than it has been over the past few years. I think even if you have qualified a few places back, you can still have a really good race and really fight for a victory so I think Saturdays are important but obviously Sundays are the ones that get you the good points.

Q. (Michael Noir Trawniczek ? Rally & More) Felipe, if you compare yourself with Fernando, he is often quicker than you. Do you think you can change this on a consistent basis and what do you think you have to improve to beat him?

FM: I think we can, for sure, in terms of working and trying to improve the direction. He did a better job, I have no problem to say that, just working hard at all the races, in all directions, on the car, on the set-up and hopefully we get there. We're working to achieve that.

Q. (Peter Farkas ? Auto Motor) Jenson, I think these conditions recall some nice memories for you from 2006; are you actually hoping for rain for this year's race as well?

JB: Yeah. You know rain would be a lot of fun around here. We've been here in the wet before and for me it was one of the best races I've been involved in and actually watched back, because there was a lot of overtaking, a lot of fighting. Yeah, it brings something to the race, but I think even in the dry, wet or intermediate conditions we've got to make sure we're quick. Lewis proved at the last race the pace of the car is very good in dry conditions, in cool conditions. I also think we'll be there in hot conditions. Whatever the weather does we've got to be ready for it. I agree that when it's mixed conditions here it's a fun race.

Q. (Peter Vamosi ? Vas Nepe) Jenson, have you seen your overalls for Saturday, the Hungarian edition? What do you think about it and do you know where Kalocsa is? (Note: Kalocsa is a Hungarian town whose emblem will be seen on the back of the McLaren drivers' driving suits on Saturday)

JB: This is going to be a very short answer to this one. No, I haven't... and no. But I've enjoyed wearing different overalls over this season. Some have been pretty cool, some have been interesting but it's a nice change, it's nice that there's a lot of interest in it. I think it's a great bit of marketing by Hugo Boss, personally, and it's good to get people involved with the team: fans of the sport, fans of McLaren, to actually have an involvement in what the drivers wear.

Q. (Livio Oricchio ? O Estado de Sao Paulo) Mark, Felipe and Jenson, in the last three races we had wins from Vettel in Valencia, Alonso in Silverstone, and Hamilton at Nurburgring. Is it realistic to believe that we will have a fight between your teams in this race? We have elements to believe that: maybe hot weather, the tyres supplied and the evolution of the teams.

MW: If I understood the question correctly, you mean that the same teams can fight for victory here? I think it will be tight again. All three teams, as you've said, have shown forms of? well, they have won, simple as that. It's not chances, ifs, buts and whens. They actually have gone out and won grands prix fair and square: Sebastian in Valencia, Fernando in Silverstone and then Lewis. None of those victories were handed to them, no one was in front and then had a technical problem. They were grands prix that were won fair and square, so there is real form there, and I think that this weekend, whether it's three teams remains to be seen, but two definitely could challenge for the victory. Three is a bonus, obviously, for the neutrals, you guys. Three would be the maximum; I don't think we will have four teams but three will probably mean that one of six drivers can win the race.

FM: I think the same. In the last races we saw improvements from our car, even McLaren at the last race. Red Bull was, for sure, always very strong, even if they didn't win they were strong anyway so I think here we can see another fight between us. Sometimes there are tracks that are better for one car than the others. We will wait and see how it's going to be here, but I think it can be a big battle again.

JB: I think it's a great time for F1, to have three top teams fighting at the front. We've had four different winners from the last four races and hopefully we will have a great race here. As we've said, we don't know who is going to be the most competitive here. It was great to see three teams fighting for victory at the last race, and hopefully it's going to be the same thing here. Hopefully there will be six of us really at the front with a chance of victory. That's all we all love doing, we all love the challenge and hopefully we will get the chance to fight for it here.

Q. (Sarah Holt ? BBC Sport) Actually, my question is just a continuation; Jenson, do you think we can see this tight three-way battle now for the rest of the season?

JB: I really don't know. I think if you look at the last three races you would say we've all been making improvements in different areas. The races have been reasonably close even if there's been a different winner in every race, there's been a good fight, it hasn't been an easy victory for anyone. I hope so, obviously I hope that we are the quickest and we can win every race, but I think it's also fun when you have the challenge of fighting with other top teams and I think that's the way it's going to be when you're at the pinnacle of the sport. There's going to be a lot of competition, it's not just one team doing a great job; we're all pushing as hard as we can. We're trying to look at every area possible and we're all doing a pretty good job, I would say, in terms of teamwork and the pace of the car.

Q.(: (Heinz Pr?ller ? Forza) Gentlemen, the usual Budapest question: what are you planning for your holidays ? if we promise we won't follow you?

MW: A lot of cycling ? no, no, just relaxing in France.

FM: Well, go to Brazil. A little bit of time at home is always good. We don't live very close to Brazil, so when I have a bit of time, even if it's not very hot there, it's winter, but home is always home.

JB: I'm going to the beach, I'm going to Hawaii for a few days and then I've got a best friend's wedding to go to which is going to be? interesting.

HK: I'm going in the snow in Finland, playing golf in the snow, in the winter in Finland. Handicap's coming down. Yesterday came down to 9.4 so now on the way to single figures, probably.

JA: I stay in Barcelona in Spain.

Q. (James Allen ? Financial Times) Mark, you were saying it's tightened up in qualifying and in the last few races the other teams have actually been faster than you in qualifying. You called for a reaction from the team post-race in Germany; have you been to the factory, have you seen the conveyor belt of go-faster bits coming from Red Bull for the second half of the season and how are you feeling about that?

MW: Yeah, I've been to the factory but there's no real knee-jerk reaction. Obviously, we don't plan to start having meetings and start planning more stuff any quicker than we probably had envisaged anyway. We know that we don't take anything for granted, we've never done that over the last 18 months. We know that people can arrive back very very quickly and hopefully you can go back away again as quickly as they arrived, so obviously Adrian's working very hard with his group of people. Rob Marshall (chief designer), everyone, the guys are working very hard. As JB touched on, we're not all cruising around, we're trying to do what we can conceptually for our car that's going to work for the remaining races and you cannot redesign the car in three days, obviously. We were a little bit off the pace in N?rburgring, not much. We challenged for victory but we need to go quicker again, and that's what we've got to work on and address. It's by going racing that you learn about yourself; we don't learn about ourselves at the factory, we learn about going racing and that's the most important thing, to react in a positive, constructive way off the back of being beaten fair and square.

Q. (Mat Coch ? pitpass.com) This is to anyone who is willing to answer: we're halfway through the season, we've got DRS and new tyres. What are your thoughts: has DRS helped overtaking more, have the tyres contributed more? At the halfway mark, what are your thoughts?

JB: I think the tyres have played a big part, and KERS. I don't think we can forget about KERS. I think it's played a big part in overtaking. Obviously we all have it, but it's how you use it on the circuit. I think DRS has obviously made a couple of boring moves, but I think it's helped tremendously. I think the good outweighs the bad, with DRS. The last race ? it was very very difficult to overtake with DRS, for me it was impossible but it put you in an easier position to challenge later on in the lap. I think the changes that have been made have been great and I think we've just got to watch the races back and see the fights and the overtaking moves. It's that we're taking more risks this year, it's a different situation than we've found before. There's a lot of great overtaking and I think Formula One is in a great place. I keep saying it but it's the truth.

Q. (Peter Farkas ? Auto Motor) To all, of you, a follow-up on the holiday thread; so when will you leave Budapest? None of you plan to stay here for a couple of days after the race?

MW: I leave Monday morning.

FM: Sunday evening. Moderator: Saturday evening?

FM: Sunday! Saturday evening? I hope not. I cannot say so much because two years ago on Saturday evening I was not the? you know.

JB: Yeah, Sunday. It's always strange staying around after a Grand Prix.

HK: Sunday, seven o' clock.

JA: I leave on Monday morning.

MW: It's a beautiful city, though.

Q. (Gary Meenaghan ? The National) This is obviously a back-to-back race; just wondered what your thoughts were on that: how draining is it for a driver and some of the challenges that are involved in racing two consecutive weekends?

MW: Yeah, it's not a bad question, actually. I think it's something that's not new to us. We've had back-to-backs; for the experienced guys it's obviously something that we've experienced quite a lot. We know it's coming, you prepare for it. Obviously the teams know it's coming as well in terms of logistics, in terms of how they deal with it, but for us, normally it's two Europeans. Obviously sometimes we have back-to-backs later in the year: Japan and Korea and things like that. If you had two Singapore Grands Prix in a row obviously it's a little bit more draining, an event like that but obviously when you have two cool events like we're going to have here, that's not very demanding or taxing on us. Obviously the cars are much easier physically as well, so I think that from our perspective the load is obviously not too bad. It's reasonably straightforward. Obviously you just get sick of the sight of the mechanics and the engineers; ten days in a row and you have only two days away from them, but we all love each other, so that's fine. I'm sure after the back-toback we look forward to a break.

FM: I think the same. It's not very easy for the whole team, to do back-to-back races. Sometimes it's not so difficult, some races are a little bit more difficult and you have a little bit of travelling to do from one race to another. Here it's OK. For the team, for sure, it's a big effort. But especially this back-to-back is also the best one because everyone knows we have a little bit of time afterwards to relax and to prepare yourself for the next part of the season. It's OK.

JB: For us it's not an issue. Physically it's not too demanding. As Felipe said, we have a nice break after this. For the team, yeah, it's lot busier. They don't get a break between the two races like we do, they are flat out, which again is not so bad because they know they've got the break coming up. For them, the busy one is Barcelona-Monaco, that, for them, is very very hectic. That's the tough one.

JA: I think the calendar has been quite good. As Jenson says, it's not really a big issue for the drivers. I think racing is not as physical as it was. As long as back-to-back races are in Europe, I don't think it's an issue for anyone, to be honest, so at the moment it's fine.

UAW sees its future on the line in the negotiations

UAW President Bob King has a notorious aversion to wearing ties. But his choice of clothing was particularly significant, as a veteran of the work and the Union's negotiating team met with their counterparts from the Chrysler Monday, and the opening of negotiations of the Treaty, covering the 23 000 workers paid by the hour. Both parties what they described as a sign of solidarity, went out in the corresponding Maroon jacket.

There is no doubt that the contract talks, kicking off this week between the United Auto Workers Union and the Detroit big three automobile manufacturers differ from recent years. Both parties recognize that domestic producers are still trying to themselves after the worst of the slump the industry since the great depression. But the future of the UAW's on the line.

The King and his team will be cycling from Chrysler for General Motors to Ford this week for a photo shoot of the ceremonial grip and grin. Union and management teams behind the scenes, quietly meeting month on key questions, which they hope to solve before the date of the contract in mid-September.

Insuring your pet ConsumerMan: a considerable number of flit (41%) are extremely or somewhat worried they could not afford a doctor for a sick cat or dog, according to a survey. Domestic insurance the answer? Life Inc.: dancing on the American policy of the third rail life Inc.: $ 58 M House has it all – and then have already been carried out to damage the debt UAW sees its future on the line in talks

"Together, we feel that we have a huge responsibility to the American public," the King said, referring to the billions of dollars of taxpayers ' money, which he spent bailing out GM and Chrysler.

Now more than ever before, work, and applied as in the case that they have a common objective, according to many in the talks.

2009 Bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler drove home the fact that the big three Detroit automakers could disappear if they can't solve the basic problems which the creator deeply into debt and decreased steadily in the decades, their sales and market share.

"We must be competitive," said Mark fields, President of Ford in America. The American producer was the only one of the big three automakers to avoid filing for protection from two years ago, but unlike its crosstown rivals, took on debts, which is desperately trying to get. So, Ford is expected to seek further concessions to get from the year 2007, when the latest round of Treaty talks took place.

Ford estimates that it is about US $ 58 per hour in wages and benefits for each employee, spent. Chrysler says it's closer to $ 52. It is about equal to the Chrysler officials believe their rivals import applies to many so-called "Transplant" the Assembly line, who grew up in the whole country for the last quarter-century. The presence of these factories as a negotiation moves forward in Detroit.

"We are from the game, the head of labour costs (sector)," said one senior source said the negotiations at Chrysler. Recently in 2006, the Devils about 76 per hour of work, UAW, which was "unsustainable". Source Source doesn't want to be named because negotiations are underway.

While many members of the UAW would like to win back some of the concessions in the 2007 and 2009, Union leaders are doing relatively little noise about the increase in wages or benefits this year. Negotiation is more likely that they will focus on the where to allocate a fixed "bucket" cash, perhaps streamline the costs of health care for a few more dollars in payroll envelopes, said the source.

Enhanced profit
If you want more money, the UAW said it will seek in the form of extended programs share in the profits. "Our members deserve a greater share of" when times are good, the King said recently.

There is one more reason why it will be this year's talks, otherwise than in the past. The Federal Government prohibits the UAW from remarkable, if approved by the GM and the Chrysler bailout two years ago. It is possible to strike at Ford, there was no one there in the third century. Instead, a deadlock could lead to binding arbitration.

And the King said, not his agenda at Chrysler. "If the referee is going to happen, if this happens, then I would say that we've done our job."

One of several issues, which could be a sticking point concerns the structure of two levels of wages, UAW, approved in 2007. The King is angry that you hired to half the wages are still "cost of living." On the other hand, it was also said that the lower range is to support Detroit automakers to add jobs.

GM is building a new subcompact Chevrolet Suburban Detroit Sonic in the plant, rather than the imports from Korea, as well as the previous model of the Chevrolet Aveo. Chrysler source, said that the manufacturer is the study of 300 different plans to return to work, which should save money before typing.

Despite the recent enlargement of the plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan and Detroit Chrysler has barely a third the number of the UAW workers employed ten years ago. A total of UAW membership, the Union showed was 376,612 at the end of 2010, from the top of 1.53 million in 1979.

"It is not sustainable," said Harley Shaiken, a former member of the UAW, and now the work of Professor at the University of California, Berkley.

One of the problems of the UAW will craft a contract that not only keeps the competitive Detroit makers, but may also help the next meeting the most urgent objectives of the Union: the arrangement of the transplant. So far, only three are approved by the UAW representation and one former GM/Toyota joint venture near San Francisco, is over.

UAW organizers came to realize that shows strength gain transplant where workers usually are looking for stable jobs. On the contrary, the pitch will have to be, what King called "creative solutions to problems", and the ability to deliver better wages and benefits than workers can win on their own.

So what happens in Detroit for the next month, and-to determine not only what is in the pocket of three Union personnel, but whether they have a viable Union belongs to.

© 2011 on msnbc.com.  Literature

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F3: Asmer brings F3 back in Spa

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 10: 39 GMT

Marko Asmer will return to the British Formula 3 at Spa this weekend for the first time since it won the series in 2007.

26 Years Estonian will foster a Dallara-Mercedes double R Racing with Scott Pye and Pipo Derani regulars, but they will not be eligible for championship points.

The team hoped to execute Asmer Kevin Korjus countryman, but Formula Renault 3.5 driver to compete in Grand Prix car at Oschersleben instead.

According to the head of the team of double R Anthony Hieatt, Asmer also plans to compete in the Grand Prix of Macao and intends to use the Spa event - which is also a round of the FIA International F3 ? Trophy as a warm-up for the Asian race.

"The only reason I didn't automatically Marko was that he didn't want to be seen as a has-been", said Hieatt. "It is a sponsor of Macau and is good for him to gain more experience [race] prior to that date."

More tickets for Euro series teams signing and ? Prema Powerteam in addition a single German F3 Racer Car Hannes van Asseldonk ? means 29 cars will be on the grid.

F1: Simon leaves FIA pure Pollock

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 14: 54 GMT

Gilles Simon has left his post as director of the FIA's power and electronic gear to join the pure Corporation as technical director.

Simon, who had joined the FIA of the Ferrari team in December 2009, will join the company of Craig Pollock, who has plans to build engines in formula one for the 2014 season.

Simon had been been boss of Ferrari engine from 2006 until October 2009.

Pure work will begin next month.

"This appointment marks another key milestone in the development of pure," Pollock said.

"With Gilles Simon on board we have a designer of unique and proven Powertrain that has been central to push an agenda F1 environment."

Simon added: "make F1 more environmentally friendly is a personal goal of mine." The regulations of 2014 to train marked the biggest change in this area of F1 for a generation.

"This opportunity to develop the pure power train is a fantastic challenge and allow me to go back to my passion - design engines."

PURE, released in May of this year, aims to build and develop an environmentally responsible engine for formula one.

"Gilles leaves the FIA with my thanks and my best wishes," said the President of FIA, Jean Todt. "We have worked together on a variety of projects for many years, Peugeot, Ferrari and the FIA, and I know how much of his life has been dedicated to his love of designing power trains."

"After a very fruitful period of 18 months in the FIA where he has been able to leave an important legacy in the regulation of the dynamic system of 2014, Gilles has offered an opportunity in pure that it can make a substantial contribution to a new era in formula one." "I wish you a successful future."

The best and worst States to own a car

If you purchased the car in Alaska or Hawaii would probably cost more than you expect if you buy, say, Michigan or Ohio, due to the additional transport costs to participate. Natural gas prices are higher in these distant States, so you'd expect a car worth more in the long term.

But why would it cost $ 9,000 more to own and drive a car in Connecticut than in New Hampshire, only 100 or so miles down the road?

The answer is, because New Hampshire has no sales tax, and the cost of everything from fuel and insurance maintenance is lower. So the car will cost $ 29 000 $ 49,890 for five years if you live in Connecticut, but only $ 40,602, if you are in New Hampshire.

Forbes.com slide show: best and worst States to own a car

Where do you live in a big difference in the cost of vehicle ownership – a lesson to remember, next time you buy a new car. The price may vary State to State, thanks to the regional incentives, such as, freight or destination and may vary depending on the distance that the car must be delivered. In addition, it is necessary to consider more than just the sticker price or monthly payment of the lease. The need to ensure it, finance, maintain and keep the tank shall be filled.

Automotive web site Edmunds.com Research allows car customers big picture with its proprietary "real cost of their own" formula, which takes note of where you live for the calculation of your average of five years, depreciation costs, financing, taxes, fees, insurance, fuel costs, maintenance and repair of new and used vehicles.

Forbes, Edmunds ' analysts to come up with the sale of the weighted average of the State, which revealed that New Hampshire, South Dakota, and South Carolina are the best States to own the vehicle, while Hawaii, California and Alaska are the most expensive. The gap between the State, New Hampshire, the cheapest and most expensive, Hawaii, is nearly $ 29.

Forbes.com: 13 common mistakes car purchase

The two biggest factors tend to be taxes and fees and insurance costs. In Oregon, for example, a car buyer pays an average of only $ 129 for the charges, but in Arizona, will pay an average $ 4,346. Insurance is the cheapest in South Dakota ($ 4,723), and the most expensive in Alaska ($ 11,481). In West Virginia and Louisiana, the insurance will run about $ 11,000 more than five years, but pay half that if you live in Georgia or North Dakota.

The cost of maintenance and repair may also affect how much your car will cost over time. Work rates of service technicians in status may vary, for example. And if your State has no sales tax, spare parts will be less. Maintenance and repair will cost on average $ 1 350 more in Maryland than in nearby New Jersey, for example.

You are not likely to go to New Jersey to your car in for service, so if you're in one of these central costs on its own, you can at least compare the total cost of ownership for other vehicle on your shopping list. Remember that buying a more expensive vehicle means that probably pay higher VAT and greater interest in your car loan, which would eventually you more than you.

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© 2011, Forbes.com

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WRC: Q and a: Loeb on Rally Finland

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 08: 35 GMT

On the eve of the Rally of Finland, trapped AUTOSPORT with Sebastien Loeb to discuss their hopes of repeating their victory at the home of 2009 Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

P what happened last Friday in Ouninpohja. Is there a better way to spend the day?

Mikko Hirvonen: At best, really... not. No, actually there's no better way. It was fantastic. Each execution it did me smiling and thinking to myself how great that was all. Definitely a great place to drive a car rally, one of the best roads in the world. I did 380 (236 km) in which a day.

P is a record for a test day?

MH: No, not at all. A year did more than 400 miles in a day, but it is definitely more closely. Basically have the same length of a WRC round every day during the past four days (Jari-Matti Latvala led during the first two days).

Q. which probably answers the following question: is there a problem??

MH: not. None, only dinafem by driving and the car to keep more and better.

Q. which was secure in Finland with the focus, how was the party compares?

MH: If he was sure the approach, I am double that with this car. It is simply fantastic here - controls completely different to the approach.

P due to changes in the rear suspension?

MH: Yes. He has made the difference, the car changes direction faster; It just works better and gives more confidence. After this test, everyone [in the Finland Rally] had better care with.

Q. the car good enough to win?

MH: It's definitely the management, but we have to see the opposition and that have the engine before we know for sure. But really, the way that feels the car handling is so fantastic.

Q. How will the hours set out in comparison with the test approach?

MH: I'm not sure. We have not tested in exactly the same place and yesterday would not have been possible a fair comparison because pissed - there was a ? of great rain storm which caused the very smooth road. But is it really useful test conditions, dry and hot and the humidity.

Q. who have fear in this rally?

MH: I don't know. As each rally, I think that the usual five: Jari-Matti [Latvala], Sebastien [Loeb], [Sebastien] Ogier and Petter [Solberg]. While in Finland, it will be close secure, worldwide fight.

P is not Loeb's strongest event, but...

MH: No, but you can never discount. It is true, however. Sure, is fast, but very few times he ' s?, has failed, but he was cautious and if he can not keep until then and took the points.

Q Ogier was second and was well past year?

MH: Yes, and he is looking for victory to help is the championship this year. Going to all that was obtained for the victory give.

Q. has obtained enough?

MH: not.

GM will spend $ 328 M update issue factory in the State of Michigan

FLINT, Michigan--General Motors spends $ 328 million to update the State factory in Flint, Michigan, where it will build the next generation of full size sensor.

The investment will pay for the equipment to build a new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, which are due in the presentation early in the year 2013.

The investment is part of the expenditure of $ 2 billion of GM to create or maintain a 4,000 places in eight States in the next 18 months.

In the Assembly plant in Flint, it adds about 150 seats, said Dan Rouse, negotiation, the President of the local in the establishment of the United Auto Workers Union.

The race will also hire 750 car off worker for the next shift. This shift is needed in higher demand for heavy duty versions of tongs. Sales of these trucks continue to flourish, although decreased overall pickup in demand.

Flint plant currently employs 2,047 people and made 115 000 trucks last year.

GM US pick-up sales rose by 13 percent to June compared with a year earlier, the same increase as the total US market.

GM would say, if you plan to do a similar investment into his other American pickup truck plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Cathy Clegg, Vice President for labor relations, in Flint, said that the company has more investment.

GM also allows motion in Silao, Mexico.

Separately, it will start negotiations with the UAW on the new national contract for 27. July GM., both sides said on the notification of Flint, which want to cooperate on a rather pay the employee still under the control of the costs of the company.

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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WRC: Citroen disappointed with Ferrari

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 13: 45 GMT

Team Citroen which main Olivier Quesnel said that Kimi Raikkonen still has work to do before it can be cut at the head of the World Rally Championship.

The Finn is now in his second season in the WRC, although he is addressing a program reduced pilot private this season. But Quesnel admitted that Finn speed was not what was expected.

When asked what he thought of Ferrari performance so far this year, Quesnel replied: "I think that it should be a little disappointed." The day which will take the click I think that it might be faster. But I didn't even click. Will have perhaps one day, but that day? "I can tell you."

Raikkonen feels that it is improving its speed. The 2007 formula one world champion, said: "we have improved a lot, it feels it [speed of rally] normal times." But we have to improve more and that is what we are going to find [in Rally Finland this week].

This week in Jyvaskyla WRC qualifier is the event in which the Finnish has more experience, having previously competed twice at the rally.

"I know some of the stages now," added Raikkonen. "But tomorrow is new and which will be difficult to return."

Raikkonen admitted that, beyond of the WRC this season, yet it has no plans for 2012. Also spoke for the first time will not participate in any motorsport.

"Actually we were given a thought to what will happen next year..." "If we are going to do anything at all", said.

F1: Sauber retaining Kobayashi and Pérez

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 09: 09 GMT

Sauber will retain its current drivers by 2012, with Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Pérez accepting new contracts with the team based in Switzerland.

The duo have been impressed by this year, and the team announced on the eve of the Grand Prize of Hungary which will continue with the title unchanged line-up in the coming year.

Team principal Peter Sauber said: "we are very satisfied with our drivers." Kamui has grown in its role very well this year. Although it is only his second formula one full season, he is already taking the responsibilities that are naturally the most experienced team driver.

"We're delighted with him a sporting and personal level." "We had a choice of working with him in 2012 and there was never any doubt that it would be to take it."

Perez already had a contract instead of 2012 after agreeing to a multi-year contract before signing, and Sauber said that the Mexican rate this year has shown that he had reason to have faith in the young.

"Sergio has achieved more than what one might expect from a newbie." Since the first race showed that it is capable of driving not only fast but always well. And after the accident at Monaco proved that it can handle difficult situations too.

"From the beginning we had already signed a contract with Sergio that went beyond 2011." "With a newbie who always carries a certain risk, of course, but has clearly borne fruit".

Perez said that you have confirmation that he stays on board for next year would be a boost to his approach to the rest of this campaign.

"Of course it is very good to have continuity and thus can prepare intensively with my race engineer for what will be my second season in formula one," he said.

"But for now I'm concentrating on finishing this season a high." "The summer holidays is very good for me since my crash in Monaco has been a busy time."

Decision Sauber retain both their drivers comes amid a growing likelihood that there will be no significant change in equipment this year. Ferrari is the only outfit to officially confirm the identity of both its drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, remaining on board.

However, Red Bull Racing, McLaren and Mercedes GP are almost certain to have works driver unchanged next year also.

Sauber confirmed also retain Esteban Gutierrez as its pilot.

"Stephen's career progresses in constant progress," he added Sauber. "After his dominant victory in GP3 was a logical step for him climb in GP2, where he has now taken his first victory."

"Then you will enter formula one when you are ready to do so." For us it has been a firm grip of the team from 2010 and we are going to continue to support him on his way to the formula 1 ".

Chrysler recalls 242,000 Ram pickups

DETROIT--Chrysler RECALLING nearly 250 000 Ram pickups, because a bad part of the management system can cause the driver to control the supply.

Ram is Chrysler's best-selling vehicle. The appeal covers 242,780 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from model years 2008 to 2011.

State Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday on its website that the part near the left front wheel fracture and potentially cause a failure.

The problem happens in a low speed when drivers are making turns. Chrysler says the driver reports some minor errors and minor injuries.

The affected models include four-wheel sensor 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 and 2008-2011 Ram 3500 powered two rounds of the chassis with cab made of 14. February 2008 to 28. March 2011.

Also affected are the 2008 Ram 1500 mega cab four-wheel models produced from 14. February 2008 to 15. August 2008.

In addition, Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks produced from 2003 through 2008 model also recalled to the same part has been replaced with the drive during a regular service.

Chrysler Group LLC sold more than 734,000 Ram pickups from 2008 until June 2011, according to Autodata Corp. Ram 1500 is a standard, while 2500 and 3500 models are designed for difficult tasks.

Chrysler will check trucks and replace left outer tie rod, and align the wheels free of charge, if necessary.

The company is not detected when it notifies the owners. The affected owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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F3: Magnussen provides Spa practice pace

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 18: 28 GMT

Kevin Magnussen leading the way in free practice before formula three this weekend British round at Spa.

Dane set a best time of return of 0.6 seconds faster than his championship Carlin and leading teammate Felipe Nasr leading the way in the morning, before the notoriously fickle climate of Ardennes dragged from the session on Thursday afternoon.

"It is difficult to predict these things now," said Magnussen, who has been quick in free practice for the last two rounds, but they suffered problems in some of the races.

"This is a new weekend in a very good track - one of the best in Europe-really hope her." "It's nice to be here with Carlin because they have a good car".

Nasr edges F3 Euro Series points leader and humid climate pacesetter Roberto Merhi for Prema Powerteam in third 0. just 007s. The Spanish, which also carries the contest international FIA inaugural trophy that this weekend the first and third races are a part, he lapped 0. faster than the rookie Carlin Jack Harvey 315s.

Italian F3 racer Raffaele Marciello, who tested at Spa recently with Prema before a round in August of Italian F3, was fifth fastest, ahead of the trio Carlin Jazeman Jaafar (causing a red flag by crashing out in the FENS near the end of the later wet session), Carlos Huertas and Rupert Svendsen-Cook.

Some felt that the later wet session should have been marked red early due to water on the track. Officials awarded a career would not have been run in the conditions, but he decreed that the participation of the drivers in the free practice was at its own discretion.

Signature duo Vanthoor Laurens and Carlos Mu?oz complete the top 10, while the returnees set and 2007 champion Marko Asmer (double R) completed 11 after setting a best time identical to Mu?oz.

The euro series favorite Daniel Juncadella liquidation 27 of 28 runners after crashing his Dallara Prema-run heavily in Les Combes after two rounds of the morning session.

Times to follow...

F1: Q and a with Bruno Senna

By Sam Tremayne and Jonathan NobleThursday, July 28, 2011, 14: 13 GMT

Bruno Senna returns to action this weekend, when he replaced Nick Heidfeld during the opening of the formula one practice session in Hungary.

AUTOSPORT heard the Brazilian before his first start in Grand Prix machinery in the past six months.

Q are you excited in the morning?

Bruno Senna: "very well, Yes." "Ideally will be dry, but at the end of the day it is good to return to the car, I remember that I am here and good to have the opportunity - I am really happy to lead a bit."

Q. When did the message that would steer?

BS: "was the last week." "We have talking about this clear from the start, but finally what we ordered last week which was very happy with".

Q. it is something that was definitely going this year?

BS: "it is difficult to say, we are not responsible for." From my point of view was the intention of having a Friday or more, but of course that in a great team is always much harder for Melandri to resign on Friday to test pilots. I am happy that is giving me the opportunity to lead in P1.

"I hope that I can do more, but I think that everything depends largely on how to do for the team's morning: if I can do a good job and cannot be achieved in the way of development usually is making the team, then it is likely better."

Q. What is the objective for the future?

BS: "for me of course its back in the car ? the last time he was in February, I've driven anything with KERS or DRS already so I need to return to this." It is also doing a good job for the team to continue its work and the development and make as a gradual transition. I also have a good time.

"It will be hard work." The brain power required to use (DRS and KERS), as well as driving the car at the limit is too much when you are not used, but should do so. Jumping in the car in half of the season as this is always very complicated: everyone is up to date, around the world is used for all systems and they know the direction to be taken to set up the car. "It is a great leap and I hope that as a good I can do a job as possible."

Q. how much pressure there?

BS: "of course there is pressure because I want to do well, but it makes no sense trying to operate a miracle here." It involves driving a car that I have not driven in six months, so I need to show that I can improve fast ? is the main thing.

"Mood I have is only to return to her;" There is no point trying to be a hero. I have to be realistic: six months and half a season are long. "I know exactly how it feels in a car for half a season and how much easier that makes it to offer".

Q. your success is measured by the comments to the team?

BS: "I think that's a big part of it, in the same way as when I tried it in Jerez at the beginning of the year." They were very happy with the outcome of that test, not only because times were good, but also because I could work well with the team. "I think that it is the most important thing for me tomorrow."

Q. is there any possibility of a race this year?

BS: "I am not here making decisions." The only thing I want to do is get into the car; of course I want to do it as often as possible, but at the end of the day I am here the reserve driver and my role is to be the man who jumps in the car when the regular drivers Can't. If this changes or not does not depend on of my. Always try and improve my chances will be, but my main plan is to return in a seat next year.

"We have been pushing for since the beginning." You always wanted to be in the car on Friday because I remains current, and I think the team feels that it is important also because it's been six months. "Especially after seeing Karun bypassing in Lotus and it is difficult past week-end, perhaps they think that it is a good idea to get me going slowly."

Q. you have more risks with the team this season?

BS: "at this time is something exceptional, but I hope that I can do more".

Q. the test aid will be the showcase for 2012?

BS: "the intention is being prepared for next year." It depends on the work I do here, and in backing and support of potential sponsors, so these things together can create an opportunity. "We hope that at the end of the year that I know".

Q. who do you think are its main competitors for a drive next year?

BS: "I think that everyone is a competitor at the end of the day." I think that all drivers that are on the market now are looking for opportunities, it is always the case. "Right now I'm in the team and its most direct competition, but I am looking particularly next year and we have to see".

Hipmunk shows air travelers flights that have Wi-Fi

By Joy Jernigan, senior travel Editor

It is now necessary to wonder whether you will have access to Twitter or Facebook during your next flight.

Hipmunk, travel app for the website and Smartphone that allows search for flight passengers, departure date or agony, on Thursday announced that the iPhone and iPad apps now shows which flights are flight Wi-Fi.

From the "hippest" flight and hotel retailer to the most impressive route juggler editor Gadgetbox Wilson Rothman and msnbc.com senior travel editor joy Jernigan discussed recent and favorite tools to guide you in running this summer.

The company in June added Wi-Fi-site in the results of a search with a caveat.  Your search results say that Wi-Fi is available in normal circumstances, but malfunction or plane swap is always possible.

Some websites of the airline also indicate whether a flight is permitted by the Wi-Fi.

The news follows the announcement Wednesday that Hipmunk is venturing into video advertising. This new spot to the end of the night air, Comedy Central is a parody of the cute animal Internet memes television series.

According to Hipmunk, "we decided that we will see what some of the most famous Internet memes will look like with people instead of adorable animals."

We will let you be the judge.

Other stories that you may want

Joy Jernigan is a senior travel editor for msnbc.com. Follow it on Twitter.

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F1: Hamilton cautious about the chances for victory

Thursday, July 28, 2011, 16: 17 GMT

Lewis Hamilton is realistic about his chances of victory at Hungary in spite of his victory in the previous race at Germany.

The McLaren driver took his second win of the season at the Nurburgring circuit after one of its strongest year weekends so far.

Hamilton, however, admitted on Thursday that his car will not be faster at the Hungaroring circuit on this weekend.

"The car no changes." "I am confident in reliability, performance, but definitely he is not here, the faster car," said Hamilton.

"We know each other yet they have a very competitive car that meets certain conditions, and the Red Bull has been fast in every single track throughout the year."

"It was fast in the last race, he still grabbed pole, whereas we do not have a car that is fast around the world." "It is fast in some places, not so fast in others."

The British recognized his victory in Germany had been a boost for the team after a couple of hard racing, and is hopeful McLaren can make another push to keep fighting for victories this year.

"Weekend probably brought something special to the team, and hopefully have been encouraged to push even more than they have ever pushed before", he said.

"I am pushing and pushing and pushing and sometimes have to break through a wall of caution."

"I am that pushes beyond the boundaries, and is the team that are those who try to keep it under control, but we pushed through the boundary of this weekend."

"When I spoke with them on Monday, as us we raised our limit, raised our margins and now have more space and we can keep pushing more and that's important."

He also downplayed his chances of starting from pole position at Hungary, despite come to beat up Red Bull in Germany.

"We have not had pole of 18 races, something as well as by what it has been over one year since we had pole, so it does not come here thinking that we can achieve the pole".

"If it will be a blessing." It is good to start from pole. I've done that a couple of times here and makes it much easier, although losing to Massa in 2008 ".

The McLaren driver also hoped that the climate there is not too hot this weekend, as he warned his team can fight then.

"I don't speak too soon." You never know over time because it could quickly be hot tomorrow or the next day. I have heard that it is going better and better.

"On my iPhone says is going to be 22 or 23 degrees during the entire weekend, if true will be fantastic for us." "Any hot East weekend and then we could fight."

Airbnb revisits policy after the vacation rentals trashed

Do you offer your home as a rental holiday? there is no way! This story says it all. To. Most people are honest and additional cash does not hurt. the votes of VoteTotal: 207By Harriet Baskas, msnbc.com contributor

Search for cheap place to stay in San Francisco? Forget about the place of the BLOG.

Until last month apartment belonging to a woman, identified only as a BLOG is one of the more than 100,000 lists of online car rental agency Airbnb.com, binding of the tourists, who need a place to stay with people who have a place to rent. Tenants list accessed places free of charge, and the company occupies a 3 percent cut from bookings.

By Airbnb, one user name Dj Pattrson rented an apartment for one week, and trashed.

BLOG describes the turmoil of his blog.

"In a whole week living in my apartment, KT and friends are more than enough time to search through literally everything inside to rifle through every document, every picture, every drawer, every container for storing and any part of the clothing I own, essentially to me inside and leave nasty mess behind."

It continues:

"The kitchen is a disaster – the receiver stored high with filthy dishes, pots and pans burnt and ruined. Comet Cleanser is dumped everywhere; the kitchen counters, wood furniture, my gorgeous new bed frame, the Bureau my printer ... all were quickly doused in powdered Bleach. Death-like smell resulting from the bath is frightening (and still is) and the bathroom sink was caked with become crusty yellow substance. "

Ashes from the fireplace – Dj not tried to open smoke-covered everything, and no cash, credit cards, clothes and valuables.

The first story came to light on Wednesday, just two days after airbnb announced it has received 112 million dollars in financing from venture capital company.

After calling the police, Airbnb BLOG called customer support line and sent to the company but received no response until it contact with freelance work, which started for the company.

Airbnb BLOG notes that it is supported since the incident. "They called often expressing empathy, support and a genuine concern for my well-being. They are offering to help me recover emotionally and financially, and working with the SFPD to track these criminals, "she wrote in his blog.

Airbnb says that take steps to ensure no repeat of the incident as a BLOG.

"While we are really shocked and saddened by this incident we are released we had systems in place in order to be able to assist in the investigation and the authorities now have a suspect in custody," said Airbnb msnbc.com in e-mail. "We are now focusing our attentions on how to avoid a problem like this happening again."

Guest post on Tech Crunch CEO of Airbnb.com Brian Chesky underlined some of his company's efforts to improve safety. They include the doubling of its staff to customer support, experimenting with VoIP and video chat to improve communication between guests and the host and to tools for verification of user profiles.

Chesky also said incidents such as the BLOG are rare. "With one reservation, one person in our host malicious actions and victimized undermined what was for 2 million nights – case study showing that people are fundamentally good."

However, the incident is shocking enough to be the last story, lampooned by the next animation on a medium that has posted video Tiger Woods illegitimate birth matters, Steven Slater exit JetBlue plane and other stories to read much news.

More stories from the overhead bin:

Find more from Harriet Baskas of Stuck in The Airport.com and follow on Twitter.

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