Caterpillar isn’t afraid to get down and dirty in a tough economic environment. With strong growth in the last quarter, the company may be one of the best investment choices in a slow economy.

Boeing Co. reported decreased earnings on fewer aircraft deliveries, causing its shares to fall. Still, the aviation giant beat Wall Street’s expectations.

For those fearful of the effects of the oil spill on summer or fall travel plans, look no further.  Some travel websites are finding ways to keep you updated on the spill and how it might affect your vacation plans.

Caterpillar Inc. shares have been sliding, along with the overall U.S. stock market. But analysts say the Peoria-based construction manufacturer may be an opportunity for some stock investors.

The Rugby World Cup is set to take place in New Zealand in September and October of 2011, and is poised to help the country’s transportation companies, including Air New Zealand Ltd.

Photo courtesy of UAL and Continental Airlines.

A merger with Continental Airlines Inc. and Chicago-based UAL Corp. could create the world’s largest airline—as well as a solid investment opportunity with an undervalued company. But don’t act so fast, Morningstar Inc. analyst Basili Alukos explains.

BY KELLEN M. HENRY– MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency isn’t sure whether General Motors’ triple digit mileage claims will meet the road for its Chevrolet Volt when it is released next year.

The ailing automaker announced Tuesday following a viral marketing campaign that its forthcoming plug-in car will have an estimated fuel [...]

BY KELLEN M. HENRY– MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

New orders for manufactured goods increased 0.4 percent the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday in a preliminary report on the manufacturing industry in June, following a 1.1 percent increase in May.

Factory orders were expected to fall 0.8 percent, according to a survey of economists by [...]

American automakers are hoping to market the idea that smaller can be better, when it comes to cars. Europe and Japan have successfully marketed smaller vehicles for years. (Blog.wired.com)

BY: KIRAN SOOD – MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

Consumers might be willing to pay $2,000 to $3,000 more for a hybrid [...]

A display at the Chicago Auto Show for the Chevrolet Volt, by General Motors Corp. It is the first extended-range vehicle intended for commuters. (Kiran Sood/ MEDILL)

BY KIRAN SOOD – MEDILL NEWS SERVICE

As automakers continue to push alternative fuel vehicles on the floors of showrooms across [...]