|
Michelle Wright: As gas prices continue their rise , West Michigan Tourist Association executive director Rick Hert says, a lot of Americans will be revamping their summer vacation plans.
Rick Hert: When you look at, you know, the distances for folks, let’s say with RVs, um…and getting 6 miles to the gallon and traveling great distances, we're just, you know, we're gonna see that, that cut back somewhat.
Michelle Wright: According to government figures we'll be paying 25 cents more a gallon for gas this year than we did last.
--------------------
Michelle Wright: Ford Motors today announced that it’s shutting down two plants in Virginia and Minnesota. Hampton Roads Virginia Chamber of Commerce president John Hornbeck says it won't just be the Ford employees who'll be feeling the sting of those closures.
John Hornbeck: The total direct is somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 employees at the plant. But certainly what has to be taken in consideration are all of the multiplier effect jobs from people who're, you know, very dependent upon Ford for their livelihood."
Michelle Wright: The plants are closing as a part of Ford's restructuring plan.
--------------------
Michelle Wright: Meanwhile, Ford is recalling thousands of their SUVs because of concerns over possible injuries. Reports CNN’s Richard Wybrow.
Rechard Wybrow:: Nearly 135,000 the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Sports Utility Vehicles have been recalled to adjust the padding on the driver's side in an effort to prevent injuries during a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says only the 2005 models have been flagged. According to Ford, no injuries or accidents brought on the recall. Richard Wybrow, CNN."
--------------------
Michelle Wright: Another recall this one is for Disney's portable DVD players. Consumer Product Safety Commission spokeswoman Patty Davis says the unit's battery packs could overheat while recharging.
Patty Davis: The company Memcorp received about 17 reports of batteries overheating and that includes 3 reports of minor skin irritations and 2 reports of minor property damage. So if you have one you need to stop using it immediately."
Michelle Wright: The recall affects about 102,000 players.
-------------------
Michelle Wright: And according to the head of the Apple Records, the Beatles are gearing up to sell their music online.
With CNN Radio Marketplace, I'm Michelle Wright.
-------------------
WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
to gear up: to get ready
RV: Recreational Vehicle
|