| Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Q3 2009 Earnings Call Transcript Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ)Q3 2009 Earnings CallOctober 30, 2009 10:00 am ETComplete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Toyota's Electromagnetic Interference Troubles: Just the Tip of the Iceberg Dividend Inc. submits: The alarm over the recent discovery of braking problems with Toyota (TM) automobiles has garnered a lot of attention in the news, and for good reason. After all, the once esteemed car manufacturer that could do no wrong has suddenly been found to have a flaw.Some market analysts contend that, as Toyota scrambles to seek ways to offset the PR damage, companies like Honda (HMC), Ford (F), General Motors (GMGMQ.PK), Hyundai (HYMLF.PK) and Chrysler Group will benefit from the stumbles of Toyota. However, the flaw in this case may be a problem which has existed for a long time and has been known to occur among modern devices that require a computer chip and complex electrical components. The extent of the problem is not limited to Toyota and will be revealed as such in due time. The problem is known as electromagnetic interference (EMI).When searching the internet, you can find numerous articles that outline the long existing problem with EMI. However, it is best to start with the earliest examples of EMI. During WWII, EMI was commonly known as a gremlin who would take over the electrical system of a fighter plane wrecking havoc on the control systems, especially during thunderstorms or highly charged atmosphere. Like in the movie "Gremlins," you would never want your electrical system to get wet because the problems that you experience would "multiply." Airplanes have always been most susceptible to EMI issues due to their passage through the atmosphere.As our world becomes designed around electronic devices, there becomes the threat that everything we rely upon is at risk of failing to an extent which is irreversible and potentially fatal. Although the threat is limited it does exist where it didn't exist before.It is my opinion that Toyota is at the leading edge of dealing with EMI while other car manufacturers wring their hands at how to recall their vehicles before the next fatality or serious crash. In the "Study to Predict the Electromagnetic Interference for a Typical House in 2010," the author, Anita Woogara at Bristol University, says: Cars and other vehicles now contain many electronic systems. These range from electronic engine management systems to achieve maximum efficiency to electronically operated airbags to protect the driver in the event of a crash. Unfortunately this leaves cars more vulnerable to electromagnetic interference. Mobile phones and passing taxi radios have been known to interfere with Anti-skid Braking Systems (ABS) and airbags, causing drivers to lose control of the car. Car ignition has been changed recently to a short high voltage spark, although better for exhaust emissions this causes wideband interference. As the car industry is very competitive, cutbacks are often made on the wiring, which increases the risk of susceptibility.The inclusion of computers in cars for navigation purposes will also increase the susceptibility.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Interline Ticketing Deal Makes American and JetBlue Stronger Robert Herbst submits:Is airline management finally "getting it" and acting responsible? For American (AMR) and JetBlue (JBLU), based on last week's announcement, the answer is yes. At least this time. AirlineFinancials.com estimates the new "interline ticketing agreement" announced last week will add at least $14 million to JetBlue and $55 million to American's operating income with virtually no increase in costs. These amounts could easily double as American will connect 12 of their popular international destinations with 18 JetBlue US domestic airports.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
UAL Corporation Q2 2010 Earnings Call Transcript UAL Corporation (UAUA)Q2 2010 Earnings Conference CallJuly 20, 2010 2:00 PM ETComplete Story » seekingalpha.com |
The Small Parcel Oligopoly Ben Comston submits:Among the many secular macroeconomic trends over the past two decades, two of the most important have been a consistent rise in international trade and a growing shift towards E-Commerce. Consider some brief statistics. Prior to the ratification of NAFTA, in the year 1990, the United States total trade with the world (imports plus exports) was about $1.15 trillion or about 19.8% of the then $5.80 trillion GDP. The 2009 comparable figures were $3.52 trillion and $14.43 trillion. Nominal GDP rose at a 4.66% rate over this time period while total trade rose at a 5.74% rate, pushing its share of the economy to 24.37%. Trade has also increased throughout the rest of the world, driven by many factors including low cost country sourcing. Globalization has fundamentally altered how supply chains are viewed and managed, causing the complexity inherent in sourcing, purchasing, and distribution to rise substantially.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |