Chrysler Fights for Sale to Fiat
from The Detroit News
The future for Chrysler LLC remains unknown after a hearing to sell its assets to a group headed by Fiat SpA ended late Wednesday evening without resolution. During testimony in a packed Manhattan courtroom Wednesday, the value of the Auburn Hills automaker was central to arguments heard in U.S. bankruptcy court here. Lawyers for Chrysler said the sale of the assets was critical to the company's future and that without approval by June 15, it would result in the liquidation of the company. More

Economists: Recession to End in 2009
from CNN
The end of the recession is in sight, according to a new survey of leading economists. While the economy is showing signs of stabilizing, the recovery will be more moderate than is typical following a severe downturn, said the National Association for Business Economics Outlook in a report recently released. More

Visteon Files for Bankruptcy
from The Detroit News
Auto parts supplier Visteon Corp. said Thursday it -- along with some of its U.S. units -- has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as the company struggles with reduced demand from automakers amid plans for extended plant shutdowns this summer. More

U.S. Consumer Confidence Sees Biggest Jump in Six Years
from Yahoo! News
U.S. consumer confidence soared in May to its highest level in eight months as severe strains in the labor market showed some signs of easing, though Americans' moods remained depressed by historical standards. More

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Durable Goods Orders See Biggest Rise in 16 Months
from Transport Topics
Durable goods orders rose 1.9 percent in April, the largest gain in more than a year, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The biggest increase since December 2007 followed a revised 2.1 percent decline in March that was more than twice as big a drop as originally reported. More

Hybrid Vehicles Are Becoming a Major Focus for Fleet Operators, Says Pike Research
from Business Wire
As companies and governments grapple with ways to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions, their vehicle fleets represent a significant opportunity to achieve both goals, and an increasing number of fleet managers are utilizing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as a solution. According to a new study from Pike Research, global hybrid fleet sales will surpass 830,000 vehicles in 2015, up from 280,000 in 2008. Next generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will represent 21% of total hybrid fleet sales that same year. More

Initial Jobless Claims Decline for Week
from Transport Topics
Initial jobless claims fell by 13,000 last week, the Labor Department said. Claims for the week ended Saturday declined to 623,000, from a revised 643,000 the previous week. More