GLG News in Consumer Goods & Services

Toyota Motor Corp. sees North American sales coming in at 2.70 million units in 2008 and languishing at the same level in 2009. By contrast, the Toyota group sold 2.83 million units in North America last year.

After the 12% rise in single candy bars earlier this year, the leaders in the candy market have raised prices on other parts of the line.  As most of the seasonal business had already been presented to major customers, some of the products will not go up until after the holidays have past; Halloween, Christmas, Valentines and Easter. 

There are other mechanisms to achieve where GM, Ford, and Chrysler need to be in terms of technology and product. The loans will be little more than a taxpayer funded bailout. GM, Ford, and Chrylser have not learned from the ample lessons they have had in the past, what assurances are there that they will this time.

The automaker, last week in a last ditch attempt to salvage sales for the month of August, announced an "Employee Discount" for everyone, not just bona-fide employees.

Domestic auto sales are expected to drop over 14% when August sales results are announced on Wednesday. Last month industry observers marveled that Nissan was the only one of the Big 6 automakers that showed a sales increase. How did they do it? They bought and paid for it.

Earlier this week Russia’s agricultural minister,  Alexei Gordeyev, announced that they are considering reducing current pork and poultry import quota agreements with supplying countries.  The perception is that the announcement is in retaliation to US’s support of Georgia in the Russia/Georgia conflict.  History tells us that this isn’t good news. 

How GM and Ford were ever able to raise money through bond offerings over the years remains a mystery to me. Consider some recent announcements.   August 5, 2008: "Default Risk At Ford, GM, Chrysler hits 95%; Automakers Ask for Taxpayer Handout."   August 4: "Auto Sales Dismal At All Three Detroit Automakers."   April 10: "Ford Abandons Goal of Return To Profitability."

This property construction was started prior to the drop off in business. It's not the best scenario for an opening, however, it should stimulate some new business for this company. It's in a rather new residential area and should help the community it serves very well.

Today all interested parties must submit their expressions of interest to acquire the Austrian Government's 43% shares in the former national carrier Austrian Airlines. Any party can express interest but it has been made clear that Lufthansa is the preferred family member to win. There is a small chance a minor player may make it but who really needs vs who can cause an upset seems to be the politics...

We are still in the world of Search 1.0 at best.  As long as search engines don't care what my intent is or what my current circumstances are, then I will still get 563,000 results when I enter Travel Tampa in a search bar.  Is there anyone out there that really thinks that this is effective search?