Today’s Pickup: Daimler under investigation for emissions cheating

Good day,

According to a report in a German newspaper, Daimler has now been swept up in the emissions cheating scandals that have been raging across Europe in recent years.

The paper says that Germany is investigating the company for possibly manipulating software on certain diesel-powered cars and vans to bypass emissions testing. These vehicles include mostly cars, but also the full-size Sprinter commercial van, and have been sold in both Europe and the U.S., Heavy Duty Trucking reported.

The German paper said that police raided Daimler and other companies recently, armed with search warrants. Volkswagen and Fiat have also been under investigation for diesel-emissions cheating scandals in recent years.

Did you know?

Despite consecutive months of decline, consumer retail spending has increased 2.8% over the past 12 months.

Quotable:

“Think of any warehouse that has any inventory. You maximize full space potential, and we’d love to have row after row after row.”

– Nick Ocampo, owner of marijuana delivery company Nug Run on his plans to open a Sacramento marijuana warehouse

In other news:

Never be too late – or too early

Walmart will begin penalizing shippers who delivery goods late, but it also will penalize them if their shipments arrive too early, the retail giant said. (Bloomberg)

Celadon picks Paul Svindland as new CEO

Paul Svindland has been tabbed as the next CEO of Celadon Group, replacing Paul Will, who is retiring. (Wall Street Journal)

Economic forecasters alter outlook

Economic forecasters polled by the Wall Street Journal have lowered their expectations for the economy in terms of growth, inflation and interest rates, worried that Congress won’t be able to pass any major legislation. (Wall Street Journal)

Retail sales slump

The Commerce Department reported weaker-than-expected retail sales for June, with sales falling 0.2%. Experts predicted a 0.1% gain. It is the second consecutive month sales have fallen. (Bloomberg)

Self-driving trucks approaching quickly

A panel at the Automated Vehicles Symposium in San Francisco this week suggested that self-driving trucks may be on roadways within four years. (Trucks.com)

Final Thoughts

News that Daimler is possibly now under investigation by German authorities for altering emissions software is the latest blow to diesel power. With Volkswagen having settled its own scandal and Fiat currently facing allegations from the U.S. of doing the same on Ram Trucks, more fuel is being added to those who claim that diesel engines are not the clean powerplants they claim to be.

Hammer down everyone!