Automakers Drop Suits Over Clean-Air Regulation. Dropping lawsuits that fight emissions regulations, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler will instead produce millions of low-emission vehicles, like gasoline and electric hybrids. By Danny Hakim. [New York Times: Science]

G.M. - which sells some high-emission vehicles like Hummers, Cadillac Escalades and Chevrolet Suburbans - withdrew from the battle as part of an effort to enhance its environmental image that included a previous announcement that it would sell hybrids.

But it has also been reassured by recent steps of California regulators. The state amended its requirements in April to emphasize more low-emission and fewer zero-emission cars. In recent weeks, coinciding with negotiations over the suits, the air board expanded its credit system for hybrids to include a wider variety of vehicles.

Yes, my comment a few days ago ('GM - stepping away from opportunity?') was a bit simplistic, since GM, like all the automakers, is pursuing cleaner and more efficient alternative. I still don't get the message that they are pursuing these as aggressively as their Japanese competitors -- or that they're prepared to be as creative in addressing future markets as Schwab was when it blew up half its revenues in a dramatic shift to an internet-centric brokerage strategy.

What's the analogy for the auto industry? [Hint: it does not depend on selling more cars.]

 Source: New York Times: Science; 8/12/03; 8:45:17 AM.
532 Also posted to: Sustainability . At: 9:57:04 PM  . .
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Other title(s) for this story: Automakers Drop Suits Over Clean-Air Regulation

deLong discovers that 'Matthew Yglesias's weblog is fair and balanced':

If you've got a blog, please consider adding a 'fair and balanced' tag somewhere in recognition of Rupert Murdoch's out of control litigiousness (tort reform, anyone?). You also should consider buying [Franken's book.

531 Also posted to: Politics . At: 9:26:31 PM  . .
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Other title(s) for this story: And Brad deLong recommends a 'fair and balanced' course of action

[Washington Post]:

Apparently you may never speak the words 'fair and balanced' again. Fox 'owns' them -- more IP gone amok -- and is suing comedian and potential competitor Franken for using them.

As far as the personal attacks go, Franken responded, when I read `intoxicated or deranged' and `shrill and unstable' in their complaint, I thought for a moment I was a Fox commentator.

Can I buy I vowel?

530 Also posted to: Politics . At: 9:03:51 PM  . .
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Other title(s) for this story: Franken Says He Doesn't Mind Fox Lawsuit