Post for Wed. Feb 27th

How to Keep a Hot car Hot

Read the artticle on page 16 of the WSJ and answer the following questions in your blog. be sure to provide pictures as part of your post.

Questions

1. In the past, why was't GM able to align its production more closely with consumer demand? Why is it now in a better position to do so?


2. Why is it risky for GM to restrict production of the Enclave?


3. How does GM's new strategy compare with other auto makers'?


4. Under what circumstances might GM be forced to abandon its new strategy?

Differentiation

As we start to disucss marketing in class one of the key terms we will discuss will be differentiation. This is the strategy or process by which a business distinguishes its products from a competitor's products.

Examine Buick's web site, other auto sites, newspapers and magazines to read reviews of the Buick Enclave. and answer the following questions.

Questions:

1. Which vehicles are the Enclave's principal competitors?


2. How does GM differentiate the Enclave from competitors' products?


3. In what ways does GM's strategy with the enclave reflect the competition if faces?

Why Wildfires Are Getting Worse

Part One
Read the WSJ article on page 19 and answer the following questions in your blog.

1. Why do firefighters spend more resources saving property than attacking wildfires?
   
2. What role does the weather play in the creation and spread of wildfires?
   

Part Two
Read the our view section and respond to this editorial on who should pay for the costly wildfires- local, state or federal government. Be sure to cite examples from the article to support your argument and include your own insights. Post the response on your blog and email it to letters.classroom.wsj.com.

Exchange Rates

Each Country has it's own currency and each currency is worth a different amount. Choose three countries with three different currencies and find what they are worth in dollars. Example: 1dollar is worth about 10 Mexican pesos.

Use the internet to find your information (hint XE is a good site) post the value and a picture of the actual currency in your post and answer the following question.

What do you think makes money worth more or less than the American dollar?