Volkswagen CEO: Expect profitable U.S. sales

Since the recession of 2007, and difficulties with production in the years before, Volkswagen has not had a profitable year in the USA since 2003. Volkswagen’s U.S CEO said that there Audi Brand made money last year, and he expects the rest of the company to follow suit this year.

During the recession “vehicle density” decrease through the U.S and the world. Vehicle density can be classified as the number of cars owned per person, or in a family. With difficult economics times and high gas prices many families gave up cars, or were not willing to purchase more vehicles, especially European based automobiles, such as Volkswagen’s.

Volkswagen has added a new production facility in Tennessee which will focus on producing vehicles for the “light vehicle market”. This factory is expected to be profitable by 2013, which would be a first in the company’s history. Many car owners are downgrading to smaller, more efficient vehicles due to ever increasing pump prices, and environmental concerns. This factory will focus on producing Volkswagen’s smaller automobiles in hopes of appealing to the new market.

zelijufu.cwahi.net, September 30 2011

In a recent survey conducted by “InMobi”, a very successful mobile ad network, the iPhone 5 is forecasted to shatter the smartphone market with 41% of current mobile phone users in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S saying they plan to buy the iPhone when it is released. Apple currently holds 27% of the mobile smartphone market share as of June 2011, however, if the iPhone is as successful as predicted that number could jump to 41% of the total market share by early 2012. This would secure Apple’s position as the top smartphone producer in the world.

Interestingly enough, InMobi’s study found that over 50% of Blackberry users are planning to switch to the iPhone 5 within the first six months of its release, and over 50% of previous iPhone users will be willing to make the purchase as well. This could be one of the final devastating blows to RIM and its Blackberry, as its facing ever increasing competition from Apple and Android operating systems, and a dwindling share price.

James Lamberti, the VP of Global Research and Marketing at InMobi stated: “The combination of Apple’s increasing market share in mobile advertising and general consumer interest in their latest technology is another boon for the mobile advertising industry. Apple is currently the clear leader in terms of compelling user experience and customer loyalty, and we feel that their quality and pace of innovation when it comes to mobile devices will continue to improve the content and advertising experience for consumers for iPhone 5 and beyond.”

The iPhone 5 is set to be unveiled on October 5th by Apple. Its been declared as one of the most anticipated devices of the year, and of all time, and could strengthen Apple even further as the world’s “Best Brand”.

Sean P Aune, 2011, Rumored iPhone 5. ONLINE IMAGE: http://www.technobuffalo.com/companies/apple/iphone/iphone-5-slated-for-mid-sept-release/, 30 September 2011

In 2005, an article written by Ben Kage, was published regarding the inherent dangers of phone bills, and the costs associated with them.  A study completed by “The Gartner Group”, a company based on technological research, revealed the stat that 80% of U.S Businesses are overcharged on their phone bills.  Many large phone companies include hidden costs, or add extra services to a user’s phone bill, causing the amount due to increase each month.  Many users simply “brush off” the extra fee that appears, however, they never pause to see what the charge is really for.  Private firms and consultants are now hired by large corporations to check their phone bills for the “extra” costs, or “accidental” errors made by their phone company.  In 2005, Frank Stockzko saved a call center over $100,000 from phone bill induced charges while hired as a private consultant. When the phone company was asked about these extra costs their reason was “accidental” errors occurred in their billing system. However, many other companies received the same excuse from the billing company.

With these hidden, and “accidental” costs arise several ethical issues with the phone company being used.  Can the phone company be trusted to provide the user with an accurate statement on their phone usage?  Will the user be overcharged? And finally, is the user receiving the best service for their money, or should they look elsewhere?  From this article it is evident that phone users should be wary of their company, and be diligent to check that the company is performing in an ethical manner each month.

http://www.naturalnews.com/015625_phone_bill_telecommunications.html