Market Mad House

In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. Friedrich Nietzsche

Maven

Opportunities

Is Warren Buffett right about General Motors?

General Motors itself recognizes these realities; it has launched a short-term rental service called Maven. Maven is an app-based company that boasts it can provide: “Cars to Fit Your Every Need.” If you need a van, a minivan, a pickup truck, an SUV, an econobox, or a station wagon you can order it at the touch of an app.

The future is cars on tap or cars on the app and General Motors is there. Some of Maven’s marketing claims include; “Free from cost of ownership,” “never pay for gas and insurance,” and “Don’t worry about vehicle maintenance.” Anybody who has ever worried about covering the cost of a car insurance payment, new tires, or a tank of gas will find those claims appealing.

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Long Ideas

Singapore Limits number of Cars in City

Singapore is only the latest in a growing number of congested cities to try and restrict vehicles. London is planning a £10 ($13.17) charge for older vehicles, while Paris has banned many older vehicles completely, The Guardian reported

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Market Insanity

Should BMW be in the Car-Rental Business?

Hertz Global Holdings (NYSE: HTZ) and Avis Budget Group (NASDAQ: CAR) have a dangerous new competitor. BMW (OTC: BMWY) has entered the car-rental business.

The German automaker has launched ReachNow; a combination car-rental and ridesharing app, in three U.S. markets; Seattle, Brooklyn, and Portland, Oregon. ReachNow offers short-term car rentals similar to Avis’s Zipcar, an Uber-type car service and one to five day use of rental cars.

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