Volkswagen is preparing to cut as many as 100,000 jobs over the coming years and close four factories in Germany.—ft.com Last year, Volkswagen produced and sold approximately 8.98 million vehicles worldwide. The company is adjusting its production capacity to build 500,000 fewer cars at its European factories.—wsj.com In China, the expected launch of many new … Continue reading Volkswagen to Cut Jobs and Close Factories

Sending astronauts, satellites, and other cargo—called the payload—into space costs thousands of dollars per kilogram. As payload increases, more fuel is needed, and because fuel itself has weight, even more fuel is required to lift it. As a result, total fuel cost increases faster than the payload weight.—medium.com Relationship Between Payload and Fuel Cost for … Continue reading Why Rocket Launches Are So Expensive

After Spirit Airlines shut down on May 2, 2026, many of its passengers are stranded. Columbian airline, Avianca, has offered to fly passengers holding return tickets to their destination without charging any ticket price, depending on seat availability.—nytimes.com Use the following notation to work the questions in the multiple choice quiz below: Price — P … Continue reading Avianca Offers Free Tickets to Stranded Spirits Airlines Passengers

Jet fuel prices rose from $2.50 per gallon before the Iran war broke out to $ 4.13 on May 1 leading airlines to raise ticket prices and reduce the number of routes. The shock was especially severe for Spirit Airlines, which exited the market on May 2.—wsj.com and airlines.org Use the following notation to work … Continue reading Soaring Jet Fuel Prices and U.S. Airlines

On May 23rd BYD caused shockwaves when it slashed the cost of its 22 electric and hybrid models. In response, other carmakers cut their prices. Only a few carmakers are expected to survive in the long run. China’s industry minister said, “there are no winners in the price war”. —economist.com Some Data Source: cleantechnica.com

Microsoft plans to eliminate 10,000 jobs in response to the global economic slowdown. Declining PC sales are squeezing Microsoft’s Windows business. Worldwide shipments were down 29% in the fourth quarter last year compared with the previous year.—wsj.com

Garden City Hotel is feeling grateful for the Whiz. The robot vacuum doesn't mind working late or on weekends and holidays. Robots like the Whiz that cost $30,000 help the hotel cope with lower levels of post-pandemic staffing. Labor costs range from $10 to $16 an hour.—npr.org