Detroit Navigates a Changing World

By Robert J. Pennington, Edited by Clifford Guren

This year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) provided more insight into how Detroit hopes to navigate the sharp curves of the rapidly evolving auto industry. The economic downturn and global climate change have created a perfect storm for the automotive industry. Government and consumers alike are calling for a significant change in direction. Detroit has finally embraced the electric vehicle (EV) as its flagship in its turnaround campaign. EVs have come to the forefront because of their ability to make a positive impact on critical issues like the environment and foreign energy dependence. In previous NAIAS shows EVs were sidebars or part of the general green-washing of the auto industry. In 2009 EV’s are the crown jewels of the show. Continue reading Detroit Navigates a Changing World

Civilized travel and the return of the rail

By Jen Pennington
When my colleague Chris Arlen posted his recent article about having to pay for water on a US Airways flight, (see Is US Airways shooting itself in the head?) it made me think about how much I want the rail system in this country to be a real alternative to flying. Continue reading Civilized travel and the return of the rail

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