DETROIT ? There?s a growing divergence in the nascent hybrid market. The first gasoline-electric vehicles, such as Honda?s teardrop-shaped Insight, focused solely on delivering great fuel economy. The Lexus GS450h, planned for launch next spring, will be tweaked to emphasize performance, trading off some of its fuel efficiency. Ford Motor Co. chose the high-mileage route
LANSING - Phone companies no longer need state approval to change their rates for local phone service to businesses and residents throughout most of the Detroit area, Flint, Grand Rapids and Lansing. The decision Thursday by the Public Service Commission, on a 2-1 vote, takes effect 45 days after all affected telecommunication providers complete notifying
LANSING - The Central American Free Trade Agreement could result in increased exports for Michigan growers but also lead to a greater dependence on imported sugar, a move that has state officials and the sugar industry worried. Opponents of the Central America Free Trade Agreement, which President George W. Bush signed into law Tuesday, say
LANSING - With eight additional Japanese companies announcing plans to make investments in Michigan, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Tuesday her just-completed trade mission to that country helped tip the balance to make the economic development moves possible. And other than providing location assistance, she said the string of investments worth $30 million and 150
TROY ? Learning by example will be featured Aug. 24 when Automation Alley and the Oakland County Business Roundtable sponsors its second Entrepreneur?s Forum aimed at aspiring and established technology entrepreneurs throughout Southeast Michigan. This symposium is one more element of an ongoing entrepreneurial program, the Entrepreneurial Initiative, in the region. The program works to
WASHINGTON DC ? Two federal agencies Wednesday approved Sprint?s proposed $35 billion purchase of Nextel Communications, reducing the number of U.S. wireless operators from five to four. Despite the consolidation, the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division concluded the merger will not diminish competition. "Carrier conduct will remain sufficiently competitive to
DETROIT ? Catuity has appealed a de-listing ruling from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market after the company failed to maintain three independent directors on its board. Catuity became non-compliant with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations on June 22 when Catuity's Chairman, who was also a member of its Audit Committee, resigned from the Board, subsequent
GRAND RAPIDS ? US Signal has lit up its fiber optic network in Wisconsin and Illinois. Initial points of presence include Milwaukee, Madison and Rockford, Ill. ? all of which went live Aug. 1. US Signal said the Rockford metro ring was turned up ahead of schedule, due to continued strong demand in the region.
ANN ARBOR ? Alan Saltiel, director of the University of Michigan?s Life Sciences Institute, Lothar Krinke, senior director of Medtronics Neurological, and Valde Garcia, a Michigan state senator, were named Tuesday as keynote speakers at this fall?s MichBio Expo. Alan Saltiel and Lothar Krinke will open the event on September 29th, while Garcia will be
SOUTHFIELD ? LDMI Telecommunications, now a subsidiary of Talk America Holdings, has expanded its broad band communications network into Saginaw, Midland and Bay City, as well as the outlying communities of Bad Axe, Birch Run, Clare, Frankenmuth, Gladwin, Oscoda, Standish, and West Branch. LDMI?s expansion in the region represents a significant operational and marketing investment