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Frugal, Before Americans Cared

AMONG automaker start-ups, the efforts of Powel Crosley Jr. followed a path taken many times by idealistic industrialists: creating a car for the masses, without much regard for whether the masses wanted one or not, according to the New York Times.

That single-mindedness, together with the practice of naming the car for its originator, often proved a one-way ticket to fiscal and automotive oblivion.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:55 AM to Collecting | Permalink | Comments 0

Books: Glory of Cars, Even Parking

A book can make an appreciated and lasting gift. Here are some possiblities, all related to automobiles in some way but most of them of interest to the general reader, not just to car buffs, according to the New York Times.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:47 AM to Fun | Permalink | Comments 0

The value of communications: Chrysler's moves are signs of trouble

The new bosses at Chrysler LLC have made many good decisions so far -- hiring Toyota executive Jim Press, signing a cost-cutting labor deal with the UAW and moving to trim slow-selling models.

It's got a chance to make another wise choice now, but the early signs are not good, according to Detroit Free Press columnist Mark Phelan.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:38 AM to Chrysler , commentary | Permalink | Comments 0

US Economy Drives Oil Prices Down

VIENNA, Austria -- Oil prices fell Monday as concerns about the U.S. economy overrode expectations of increased fuel demand from a winter storm pummeling the United States with snow, sleet and freezing rain, according to the Associated Press.
Prices initially opened higher, in response to the wintry conditions. But by midday in Europe, light sweet crude for January delivery had shed 48 cents to $90.79 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:35 AM to Crude oil market | Permalink | Comments 0