Technology Briefs - Jan. 25 - Jan. 31
The Latest Headlines:
- Ford Reportedly to Develop Clean-Diesel Engine
- Xata Reports Higher First-Quarter Loss, Increased Sales
- Sirius' 4Q Net Loss Grows
- Velociti Names Powell New COO
- Xata Reports Higher First-Quarter Loss, Increased Sales
Ford Reportedly to Develop Clean-Diesel Engine
Ford Motor Co. said Jan. 28 it planned to develop an experimental clean-diesel engine in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New York Times reported Monday.Although company officials would not elaborate, EPA last year made a similar agreement with International Truck and Engine Corp. to develop a similar clean-diesel engine for larger applications, the Times said.
The engine will use lower combustion temperatures, preventing creation of nitrogen oxide emissions, which are targeted under EPA rules set to take effect in 2007, the Times said. Transport Topics
Xata Reports Higher First-Quarter Loss, Increased Sales
Fleet-management technology firm Xata Corp. said it lost $994,000 or 16 cents a share for its fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with a loss of $455,000 or 7 cents a year earlier.The company’s net sales were $4.5 million, up from $3.3 million, Xata said in a statement.
Xata provides truck and trailer tracking services, wireless communication and fleet management services for the trucking industry.
Company President Craig Fawcett said Xata was “encouraged with our progress, including a growing cash balance [and] strong sales.” Transport Topics
Sirius' 4Q Net Loss Grows
Sirius Satellite Radio said its net loss for the fourth quarter was $261.9 million or 21 cents per share, compared with a loss of $147.8 million or 14 cents a year earlier.Satellite radio is becoming a popular feature in new trucks.
The company said sales for the quarter rose 410% to $25.22 million and that it ended 2004 with over 1.1 million subscribers, higher than its target of 1 million. It also raised its 2005 year-end subscriber estimate to over 2.5 million. Transport Topics
Velociti Names Powell New COO
Mobile installation and deployment company Velociti Inc. said Jan. 25 it named Vice President Deryk Powell to chief operating officer.The company said Powell would assume the duties from Chief Executive Officer Michael Kahn, who had also served as the COO. Transport Topics
