Annual profits at mining giant BHP Billiton have more than halved after demand for commodities slumped. The company has more than 100 operations across the world, including South America and the Falkland Islands.
More Chileans are choosing the tropics this year as vacation package prices to Cancun and the Caribbean have dropped an average of 30% in 2009.
General Motors officially unveiled the Volt, which according to the company can travel up to 40 miles on a single battery charge. The car will likely start production later this year. According to GM, the Volt will get city fuel economy of at least 230 miles-per-gallon, and come packaged with a flex fuel-powered engine-generator. The range of the Volt will be 300 miles, GM said.
The British group which manages InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn revealed that it plunged into losses in the first six months of 2009 and forecast a tough second half as the recession keeps business travellers at home. That compares with a net profit of 163 million dollars in the same part of 2008.