Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Motorcycle segment in Germany Essay Example for Free

Motorcycle segment in Germany Essay Much of the demand for two-wheelers in Germany is concentrated on sporty vehicles, typically suited for leisure rather than daily transport. These vehicles make up nearly a third of the total new two-wheeler demand in the country. Enduro bikes – which usually have an engine size smaller than 650cc – are the second most popular motorcycle segment, occupying more than a fourth of the total market demand. Source: ACEM Market Shares Of Brands Total Market. It is therefore not surprising that the segment received a hit from the global economic crisis in 2009, resulting in more than 17% fewer motorcycles, or 137,045 units, being shifted compared with 2009, according to estimates from the German Motorcycle Association (IVM). Key players in the industry include Honda Motor, with a market share of more than 14%, followed by Yamaha Motor and BMW with respective market shares of 11. 9% and 11. 5% in 2009.  © Business Monitor International Ltd Page 48 Germany Autos Report Q1 2012 Segment News. No Recovery In Sight For Motorcycles Segment BMI has significantly revised down its outlook for motorcycle sales in Western Europe in view of growing concerns about weak economic growth in the key markets of Germany and France, while the large markets of Spain, Italy and Greece are performing worse than expected. Estimates from the European motorcycles association (ACEM) show that the market for motorcycles has contracted by almost a quarter since 2008 and we expect further contraction in 2012 as the region comes under the influence of widespread austerity measures. Although growth should return to positive territory from 2013, we see little likelihood of the market returning to pre-crisis levels at any time during the forecast period to 2016. Crisis Or Change Of Preference? Indeed, there is little optimism in the motorcycles segment, with sales for the first three quarters down more than 9% year-on-year (y-o-y), to 1. 23mn units, despite declines of 13% and 15% y-o-y in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The blame partly lies in a sharp reversal in demand from Germany and France, both of which were posting positive growth until H111. To a large extent, this is the outcome of the general use of motorcycles for leisure rather than a means of transport in the region. It is therefore not surprising that as consumer confidence wanes owing to the eurozone sovereign debt crisis, households feel less inclined to make non-essential purchases. All of this comes at a time when sales in Italy and Spain which together account for over 40% of all motorcycles sold in the EU are reporting declines of over 15. 6% y-o-y each. From Bad To Worse Europe Motorcycle Sales Growth (%chg, y-o-y) * BMI forecasts. Source: ACEM, BMI  © Business Monitor International Ltd Page 49 Germany Autos Report Q1 2012 We have accordingly revised down our 2011 sales forecast from a 2% y-o-y decline expected earlier to a much sharper 10. 5% decline. In 2012, we expect a clear divergence in motorcycle demand between the six markets. The likes of Germany, France and the UK are likely to return to positive growth, mostly helped by favourable base effects and relatively better economic conditions. Meanwhile, demand in Spain, Italy and Greece will be hit by strict austerity measures adopted by their respective governments, mass unemployment and a decrease in consumer wealth. In total, this will result in a further 0. 25% contraction in motorcycle demand in the region, making it the fifth consecutive year of contraction for the segment. Regulatory Costs Although we expect demand to grow thereafter, recovery will be very modest, with the market growing an average of just over 3% y-o-y between 2013 and 2016. Rising ownership rates and insurance costs coupled with an ageing population in the region will significantly dampen consumer interest in motorcycles. Far From Recovery Europe Motorcycle Sales: Historical Data and Forecast f = forecast. Source: ACEM, BMI Additionally, we expect the segment to face a slew of regulatory changes, all of which will lead to marked increases in motorcycle prices and will consequently mar growth. The European Commission (EC) is currently looking to improve technology in the sector and make it safer and more environmentally friendly. A policy aimed at gradually moving to stricter emission standards is likely to be put in place, with the Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards to be made compulsory by 2014, 2017 and 2020 respectively. Meanwhile, the ECs plans to increase safety requirements for motorcycles is most  © Business Monitor International Ltd Page 50 Germany Autos Report Q1 2012 likely to lead to the mandatory fitting of anti-lock braking systems in medium- and high-performance motorcycles and automatic headlamps in all L-category vehicles (comprising two- and three-wheel powered cycles, mopeds, motorcycles with and without side-cars, on-road quads and mini-cars). For a segment which will still be very fragile, such regulations will indeed be a spoiler.  © Business Monitor International Ltd Page 51 Copyright of Germany Autos Report is the property of Business Monitor International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holders express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Comparing Carbon Footprint of Reusable Nalgene Water Bottles to Single

One of the greatest problems facing humanity is global climate change. Global climate change is the increase in average global temperature, caused by an increase in greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are the blanket of gases surrounding the earth that allow the world to be inhabitable. This layer of water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases works in the same way that a greenhouse does, by trapping heat energy inside the atmosphere. Unfortunately, since the Industrial Revolution, people have released more of these gases into the atmosphere, thickening the blanketing layer. This thicker layer traps more heat, leading to dramatic changes in the earth's climate. In order to reduce to potential climate change, the amount of greenhouse gases being released need to be reduced. One starting point to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that you release is to find your carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that is emitted over the full life of a process. Although it is called the carbon footprint, it is a measure of the total greenhouse gases released, converted to the equivalent amount of CO2. This number is not completely accurate, but it is a good estimate of the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere through our activities. Once you have found your personal carbon footprint, you can begin to work to reduce it. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to look closely at each product you use, and find a more carbon efficient version. This paper can help you with that. In this paper, you will find a comparison of the carbon footprint o... ...s&oldid=228960982 Pacific Institute (2008). Bottled Water and Energy: A Fact Sheet. Retrieved July 31, 2008, Web site: http://www.pacinst.org/topics/water_and_sustainability/bottled_water/bottled_water_and_energy.html Pimental, David & Marcia. "Energy use in food processing for nutrition and development." Retrieved July 31, 2008, from http://www.unu.edu/unupress/food/8f072e/8f072e06.htm Neustaedter, Randall (7/18/2004). Plastic Water Bottles. Retrieved July 31, 2008, from Holistic Pediatric Association Web site: http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-health/articles/108/1/Plastic-Water-Bottles Images http://jamaicaplainforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/low-carbon-diet-earth.jpg http://archives.zinester.com/13183/128920/202817_global-warming%20(Small).jpg http://www.martin-waugh.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/water-drop-1b.jpg http://www.nalgene.com

Monday, January 13, 2020

The Beginning of a New Life

In the fall of 2011, I moved to Buffalo, New York and took two years to get here. I do not regret anything. I arrived knowing nothing and speaking English was not the same as when I was twelve when I was studying in Tampa, FL. Some people may think it’s funny that I came here not knowing the woman I was to live with. My mother was happy but scared at the same time that I was going to a city that I did not know and almost alone, without close relatives or even friends. But one that does not risk does not succeed. Many are wondering just what brought me to Buffalo, NY. I left a place with plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches and lots of fun to a place that winter is. I met my wife on a social networking site. It was crazy, but I prepared my destination. In my country, I was unemployed and the place where I worked gave up my services and I could not find work. I started receiving unemployment benefits. I liked being at home all day. When I met my wife on the social network, we began to write and then we exchanged the phone numbers. After two months I moved to Buffalo to start a new life. She already had a child and I had no children at the moment. I talked to my mother about it and told me that if I felt happy doing that she supported me. In the following days I looked for information of Buffalo and buy a ticket, pack and what needed for the trip. But first I decided to visit my dad in Florida because he had not seen in a long time. So my trip began on October 29, 2011 to Lake City, FL. Lake City is a beautiful place with friendly people and almost everyone knows each other, because it is a small town and there are few places that have entertainment. When I was there first time in the year 2002, there was almost nothing, just some parks, five disco bars, and where all young people share a lot after going to the movies or the clubs †¦ Wal-Mart. On arrival, I was surprised it did not seem much a small town because it had evolved. To my surprise, there were several shopping centers, had many more stores than eleven years ago. The small town was not small, was now a bigger city and productive, with more opportunities to grow personally and economically professionals. But despite the new city that I came by surprise, people still the same, kind, respectful and generous as ever. I spent three weeks with my father who taught me new things that had built. I left fascinated and I said to myself: â€Å"I want to return with my new family but to stay and make a new life here with them, they will achieve it one day. † I felt motivated to move forward in my life and have a major future for me and my family. I wanted to go to that city, but had a new beginning, a new life, a new future ahead you had to structure. I begin my journey to a strange city. I didn’t come by plane; I wanted to travel by bus, so begins the journey to Buffalo, New York. In the driving time I made several stops, but I had my mind occupied with things like the city, everything will be fine, get quick work, I will be happy, and I was increasingly reflective. The trip was about eighteen hours and I could not sleep. When I reached this city, my new love and my stepson received me happily and lovingly, and I was very happy, but at the same time I felt strange and disoriented and did not know anything about this city. It was night when I get to Buffalo, New York. I came to my new home, I took a bath and went to bed and said, â€Å"Tomorrow is my beginning of a new life. † The next day when I woke up, I felt strange, but I could not get for later, this was my first, so I decided to do it. So I got dressed and started to explore the city. It was cold; in a few days would be Thanksgiving Day. I was committed to finding jobs, but it was hard, because my English is not the same as before, but I don’t give up. After several attempts and several weeks ago I received a call from an employment agency. I started at a famer market Jose Disaderio, but in few weeks they laid me off, and employment agencies know. But I'm not discouraged at all. I spent Christmas and New Years with family. After several days my girlfriend gave me the news that I was father for the first time in my life. I was on clouds, like a dream that I wake.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Character Analysis of Sasha Uskov - 1765 Words

Authors use many literary methods to acquaint the reader with the main character. Most authors typically reveal the personality traits of their main character through characterization. In the short story, â€Å"A Problem† the author was able to allow the reader to explore the characterization of the main character, Sasha Uskov in several distinct ways. Through the narrator’s statement, the author was able to reveal to the reader the motives and conflicts of Sasha’s character and the other supporting characters. Describing Sasha’s character through his own actions reveals to the reader what they need know about his role in the story. The use of dialogue and thoughts helps the reader focus on how this affects the projection of point of view and†¦show more content†¦The dialogue among the other characters and revealed that Sasha’s problems began early in his life stemming from having no parents, being uneducated and lacked a moral compass: â€Å"†¦remember that Sasha had received practically no education; he had been expelled from the high school in the fifth class; he had lost his parents in early childhood, and so had been left at the tenderest age without guidance and good, benevolent influences. He was nervous, excitable, had no firm ground under his feet, and, above all, he had been unlucky. â€Å" This allows for the reader to decide whether or not to see Sasha through their own moral, ethics and compassion. The author purposely focused on the morals, ethics and compassion of the problem that centered around Sasha’s character and its impact on the Uskov family- â€Å"He felt neither terror, shame, nor depression, but only weariness and inward emptiness. It seemed to him that it made absolutely no difference to him whether they forgave him or not; he had come here to hear his sentence and to explain himself simply because kind-hearted Ivan Markovitch had begged him to do so. He was not afraid of the future. It made no difference to him where he was: here in the hall, in prison, or in Siberia.† His life’s hardships were mirrored by his family’s name and status in their respective community. Sasha’s thoughts influence his action and become the catalyst for the events in the story. Within the story’s dialogue,