BMW recalls more than 134,000 5-Series cars
DETROIT — BMW is recalling more than 134,000 5-Series cars in the U.S. because the rear lights can fail. The recall, posted Friday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, affects 528i, 535i, 550i and M5 cars from the 2008 through 2010 model years. The U.S. safety agency says that increased electrical resistance can […]
White, silver most popular colors for cars
DETROIT — If you bought a new vehicle this year, chances are high it was white or silver. Twenty-two percent of cars and trucks built for the 2012 model year have white paint, making it the most popular color worldwide. Silver is close behind, at 20 percent, followed by black at 19 percent. Gray and […]
Gas prices, cars push retail sales up 0.9 pct.
WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose in August from July because consumers paid higher gas prices and bought more cars and trucks. They were more cautious elsewhere, suggesting the weak economy has made many selective about spending. Retail sales increased a seasonally adjusted 0.9 percent, the Commerce Department said Friday. Gas station sales jumped 5.5 […]
Port of Baltimore sets record in first half of 2012
The Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals handled a record 4.83 million tons of general cargo in the first half of 2012 ...
Retail sales rise 1.1 percent in February
WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up spending on retail goods in February, evidence that a stronger job market is boosting the economy. Consumers bought more autos, clothes and appliances. They also paid higher prices for gas. Retail sales increased 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was the biggest gain since September. The […]
Detroit can barely keep up with car sales
DETROIT — Auto sales are growing so fast that Detroit can barely keep up. Three years after the U.S. auto industry nearly collapsed, sales of cars and trucks are surging. Sales could exceed 14 million this year, above last year’s 12.8 million. The result: Carmakers are adding shifts and hiring thousands of workers around the […]
Port of Baltimore’s public terminals handle record number of containers, autos
The Port of Baltimore’s public terminals continued to rebound from the recession by handling a record number of containers and autos last year, Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Thursday. “The Port of Baltimore’s very successful 2011 year is great news for the thousands of men and women who depend on the port to provide for their […]
Car dealers getting pleasant year-end bonus
DETROIT — Car dealers are getting a surprise end-of-the-year bonus: More Americans are replacing old cars and trucks, enlivening a normally sleepy time for auto sales and putting November on track to be the industry’s strongest month of the year. Dealers and analysts say people are finally getting rid of cars and trucks they’ve held […]
Consumers hit retail stores to give economy boost
WASHINGTON — Consumers are giving a modest lift to the economy. They spent more on autos, electronics and building supplies in October to boost retail sales for the fifth straight month. The gains provide an encouraging start for the October-December quarter just as separate reports show wholesale prices are flattening and U.S. shoppers are spending […]
Retail sales rose strongly in September on autos
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumers stepped up their spending on retail goods in September, a hopeful sign for the sluggish economy. They spent more on autos, clothing and furniture last month to boost retail sales 1.1 percent, the Commerce Department said Friday. It was the largest gain in seven months. Auto sales rose 3.6 percent to […]
Factory orders dropped 0.8 percent in June
WASHINGTON — U.S. businesses cut back on orders for airplanes, autos and heavy machinery in June, lowering demand for factory goods for the second time in three months. The Commerce Department says orders to U.S. factories fell 0.8 percent in June. A key category that tracks business investment plans managed a small increase, offering a […]
Durable goods orders fall 2.1 percent in June
WASHINGTON — Businesses cut back on orders for aircraft, autos, heavy machinery and computers in June, sending demand for long-lasting manufactured goods lower for the second month in the past three. Orders for durable goods fell 2.1 percent last month, with the weakness led by a big drop in orders for commercial aircraft, the Commerce […]