GLG News by Nanotechnology Material Experts (North America)

Both Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors have formed joint ventures with battery producers in Japan to produce batteries for electric vehicles.  This follows the example of the well-established Toyota-Panasonic JV that already produces batteries for hybrid electric vehicles like the Toyota Prius. ...

The FCC seems determined to have Telecommunications Service providers increase backup power to the eight hours written in their regulations.  The courts have provided opportunities for the Telecommunications companies to delay enforcement and have eased the degree to which smaller service providers...

EPA regulations in 2010 will require significant reductions in NOx emissions from diesel trucks.  SCR catalysts are the likely solution for most OEMs but Cummins and International have announced plans to proceed without SCR.   Significant fuel cost and performance tradeoffs are being...

Demand for sulfuric acid continues to grow in fertilizer and metals applications.  As prices skyrocket ethanol producers are finding their margins squeezed.  Sustained demand for acid in Ag and mining sectors may keep sulfuric acid prices at or above current levels for the foreseeable fut...

Fuel efficient diesel engines have the potential to restructure the US auto industry.  Current US refinery capacity for diesel is tight during seasonal heating oil demand peaks.  For diesels to realize their potential share of the US auto market increased fuel capacity must be secure...

Producing ethanol from corn is an unsustainable and economically unviable long term proposition.  Future shifts to switchgrass or other cellulosic ethanol crop sources makes more sense but does not help today.  Diesel remains a logical choice for immediate impact in fuel economy...

The US Government has mandated increased fuel economy for future cars and trucks.  The 35 mpg CAFE standard is a daunting challenge for Detroit as it scrambles to redesign 12-18 mpg trucks and SUVs.  Diesel engines have been proven in the European market and could see the lion's share...

A bankruptcy court has denied Chrysler the right to pull tooling from  Plastech which filed for Chapter 11 protection after negotiations fell apart.  This new found bargaining chip may prove valuable to other Tier suppliers as they continue to be squeezed between rising material costs...

As automotive Tier suppliers struggle to survive in today's brutal cost environment the OEMs are threatened with supply disruptions due to bankruptcies and volatile price negotiations.  With new contract terms that cut new UAW hires' wages  in half and reduce oppressive...

Raw material costs for metals and plastics are squeezing profits out of Tier suppliers in the auto industry.  Locked in to firm part price contracts with OEMs, suppliers cannot pass on rising commodity costs to stay profitable.  The cash drain has forced many into bankruptcy and presents strategic...