Nov 19th, 2008 · The world's biggest automaker says it will stop production at all U.S. and Canadian factories for two days next month. Toyota's assembly, transmission and engine plants will close in late December as the company tries to work through excess inventory. The Japanese carmaker is in much better financial shape than its U.S. rivals, but sales of Toyota's vehicles also are plunging.
Oct 22nd, 2008 · Oil prices are down to about $66 a barrel, a huge decrease from the all-time high of $147 in July. Consumption is down globally. People are driving less and the economic meltdown has resulted in factories producing less as well.
Sep 15th, 2008 · Detroit's auto makers are campaigning to get at least $25 billion in low-cost loans from the federal government. The industry says the funds will help U.S. automakers retool their factories and produce more fuel efficient cars. Dustin Dwyer of Michigan Radio reports.
Sep 6th, 2008 · Barack Obama toured factories this week, trying to reach out to voters who supported Hillary Clinton in the primaries.
Sep 6th, 2008 · Picket lines went up early Saturday at Boeing airplane factories. As many as 27,000 machinists are on strike. With many airlines desperate to update their fleets, Boeing can ill-afford a protracted walkout.
Aug 20th, 2008 · In an effort to curb air pollution for the Olympics, more than 250 factories in Beijing and nearby towns like Tangshan have been shuttered temporarily. Some factory workers are on vacation for the first time in 20 years.
Aug 18th, 2008 · As nearby factories are downsizing, Harman Stoves in Halifax, Pa., is adding more than 100 jobs to try and keep up with skyrocketing demand for its pellet stoves. The spike comes as homeowners want to make the switch from oil to heating with wood pellets.
Aug 1st, 2008 · The summer Olympics begin on Aug. 8 — will Beijing's air be in shape for the games? The polluted city has taken drastic action to try to reduce smog during the events, shuttering some factories and adopting measures to limit the number of cars on the road.