P.M. Executive Briefing - Dec. 9
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Mitsubishi Motors Says No Plan to Integrate Japanese Truck, Bus Makers
Although the president of Mitsubishi Motors has made statements in the past that he thinks the four Japanese manufacturers of trucks and buses might become profitable again if they integrate, he said the company does not intend to attempt such an integration. But he said the present market and prices will make it tough for the companies to get back in the black. He also disavowed any connection between his speculation and Isuzu Motors' lately linking its truck and bus business with that of Hino Motors. AFX European Focus (12/09/99)McHugh Signs Agreements With TanData Corp., CAS
McHugh Software International has struck alliances with TanData, whose ChainLink will be integrated with McHugh's Logistic Execution Solutions software, and the German customer relationship management software maker CAS.
In addition, McHugh warehouse management products will also incorporate the LiveExchange online-auction product from Moai due to an alliance between McHugh and Moai announced recently. Journal of Commerce (12/09/99) P. 13; Atkinson, Helen
Highway Truck a Spike Victim
The Philadelphia area has lately seen an outbreak of small spikes being put on highways, including Interstate 95 and the Roosevelt Extension, to puncture vehicles' tires. The latest victim was a pickup truck in a road-construction team.Police are investigating who is responsible for the spikes, which are designed so that a sharp portion will always be facing up. An unnamed source said top suspects in the probe include tow-truck companies, but South Detective Division commander Capt. William Colarulo said police are still "not sure who's behind it." Colarulo is thinking about bringing in helicopters to find the perpetrators. Philadelphia Daily News Online (12/09/99) ; Heimer, Scott
Police Take Load of Garlic, Lot of Pot, Make an Arrest
Illinois State Police said they found 2,700 pounds of marijuana worth over $5 million in a tractor-trailer in a truck stop parking lot in Bolingbrook. The marijuana was in a load of garlic; although the truck's papers said it was going to Detroit, police say the marijuana was likely going to Chicago. When police attempted to speak with the trucker, he started to run away, which aroused their suspicion regarding the truck's contents. The 24-year-old driver was chased down and jailed on three charges with a $15 million bond. Chicago Tribune (12/09/99) P. 3, Metro Southwest Section; Mannion, AnnemarieGas Tax Boosters Plan to Fuel Steep Campaign with Cash
The coalition Fair Funding For Better Roads wants Oregon voters to pass a referendum that would hike gas taxes five cents per gallon, increase registration fees, and impose a diesel tax while scuttling trucks' weight-mile tax. The group includes the Oregon Trucking Association as well as business groups and unions, and has decided to lay out between $3 million and $5 million on a campaign to pass the measure despite its opposition by two-thirds of voters in a poll.The campaign will include "television, newspapers, radio, direct mail, and grass-roots activities," said Pat McCormick, spokesman for the coalition. It was easy for the American Automobile Association of Oregon/Idaho to collect enough signatures to mandate a referendum. Fair Funding For Better Roads has brought on board Public Affairs Counsel's Mark Nelson as campaign manager in addition to Fiscum Conkling & McCormick, a public-relations firm. Those two firms were able to beat a clear-cut logging ban together last year.
Meanwhile, AAA Oregon/Idaho's board of directors will get together soon to talk about how it will conduct itself during the campaign. Its desire to defeat the bill will likely be helped out by the group Oregon Taxpayers United and perhaps environmental organizations opposed to a surge in road construction. Oregonian Online (12/07/99) ; Mayer, James
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