Posts Tagged ‘Chevrolet Volt’
Businesses
Economic activity of businesses relates to the operations of organizations. The process of production determines the economic activity of a certain company. This causes businesses to exercise demand for labor and involves individuals in the process of production. Production requires the use of resources necessary for the production cycle, allowing companies to sell their own goods or services. Business organizations also contribute to the domestic economy as they pay into the national budget. The higher the production of a company is, the greater amount of contribution it has to pay. The economic activity of businesses is closely related with the economic activity of individuals — as employees of companies, individuals receive income.
Natural Resources
Economic activity in terms of natural resources is related to the demand for certain commodities on the international market. As certain economic sectors expand, the economic activity of resources necessary in these areas increases. For example, the price of copper continues to increase due to the demand from electronic companies. The same can be observed with fuels — the price of crude oil increases as consumers around the world demand more fossil fuels for transportation and energy production.
The North American International Auto Show opened Monday with fresh signs the comeback by U.S. carmakers is gaining traction.
In the first big event of the show, the Chevy Volt, the centerpiece of General Motors’ return from bankruptcy and already the winner of both Motor Trend Magazine’s car of the year and Green Car of the Year awards, was named 2011 North American Car of the Year award, beating out rival vehicles from Japan’s Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co.
The latest version of Ford Motor Co’s Explorer sport utility vehicle, meanwhile, was named 2011 North American Truck of the Year — the third year in a row that Ford has dominated the category.
The U.S. sweep of the awards, which are voted by a panel of 49 automotive journalists, provided an encouraging auto show kickoff for Detroit’s Big 3 automakers. The show is the first in a string of trade events where automakers clamor to build buzz for vehicles months before they hit showrooms.
“The Volt, it really represents the soul or the essence of the new General Motors,” Tom Stephens, GM’s vice chairman for global product operations, said as he accepted the award.
The award, Stephens said, was a recognition of the “the creativity, the perseverance and the dedication of thousands of employees” which continued “even during GM’s darkest days.”
The U.S. auto industry snapped a four-year sales decline in 2010, including three consecutive sales months above the 12 million unit annual rate to close the year. Most analysts expect double-digit growth in 2011 and further gains in 2012.
Advertise | AdChoices
The last time the U.S. auto market saw three consecutive years of substantial sales growth was in the late 1990s when Detroit automakers were still riding high.
James Paulsen, chief investment strategist for Wells Capital Management, believes U.S. sales could reach annualized rates of 15 million to 16 million units by the end of 2011.
Not so long ago, electric vehicles were woeful. They were fringe models sometimes with no back seat, a short driving range or no amenities, or they were exorbitantly expensive converted gasoline-powered cars.
The idea of visiting a nearby car showroom to buy an electric car from a car company that might still be in business a year down the road was unheard of, until now. The first modern, mainstream electric vehicles are coming to market in 2011. Here are some of the options that will really, truly be available to car shoppers in most areas of the country in the next year ahead.
Nissan Leaf
The battery-electric Nissan Leaf is hitting dealers in limited regions now, with a nationwide rollout to come in 2011. Nissan has invested in battery manufacturing plants with the expectation of selling a half-million electric cars a year worldwide. That will mean a proliferation of Nissan and Infiniti electrics in varying sizes and shapes to suit customers who might not want a funky-looking subcompact like the Leaf. The Leaf starts at $32,780 before any tax credits.
Advertise | AdChoices
Chevrolet Volt
“Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.” It’s a popular safety admonishment, but the electric car equivalent could be “Never drive farther than your extension cord can reach.” The Chevy Volt addresses the fear of running low on battery charge with no power outlet nearby by including a gas-powered generator on board to propel the car to the next charging station. Like the Leaf, the Volt is in mass production and is on sale now, so you can buy one from a nearby dealer. It costs $41,000 before tax credits.