The fires reported by General Motors
Valence Technology
Before we get too worked up about a battery fire a week after a crash test, I will point out that new technologies often have hiccups like this and since it doesn't appear to be immediately dangerous to drivers it shouldn't be a long-term problem. As a former research and development engineer who started an inadvertent fire or two, I have confidence they'll solve the problem.
But maybe, just maybe, the Chevy Volt fire will be good for A123 Systems
Pink slips at A123 Systems
For now, A123 has to deal with its own problems of slower-than-expected demand and mounting losses. That has forced the company to lay off 125 workers at its plant in Michigan. The company says the layoffs are temporary, but the way things are going right now, who knows if they'll ever come back.
This isn't the end of the world
The battery fire is bad news for everyone from A123 Systems to Tesla Motors
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