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849,660
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Total loaded container imports into the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in April, in 20-foot equivalent units, down 1.1% from the same month last year, but up 13.5% from March, according to ports data
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Ford Motor outlined a broad product-and-technology strategy for Europe and separately signed a large-scale battery energy storage agreement in North America, the Journal’s Connor Hart writes.
The automaker said it plans to introduce a new heavy-duty pickup truck in Europe, as well as an all-electric van designed for urban fleets. Ford is aiming to launch five new passenger vehicles across the region by the end of 2029. Under its new European strategy, Ford will also reposition its Ford Pro arm into a productivity partner from a vehicle manufacturer, using software and services to maximize returns.
Ford also said its energy business signed a five-year framework agreement with EDF power solutions North America. Under the deal, EDF will be able to procure up to 4 gigawatt-hours a year of Ford Energy’s DC Block battery systems. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, Ford said.
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Builders say the legal claims reflect a tiny fraction of the total homes they produce. GLEN STUBBE/MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE via ZUMA PRESS
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The legal liabilities of some of America’s biggest home builders have surged in recent years as buyers increasingly sue for damages from alleged construction defects.
Homeowners say the legal claims are the result of builders constructing shoddier, error-ridden homes, the WSJ’s Nicholas G. Miller writes. They allege that builders are using cheaper materials, cutting corners and hiring unqualified and undersupervised subcontractors. Builders say the claims reflect a tiny fraction of the total homes they produce and that errors are typically the fault of subcontractors, not the companies, and that plaintiffs’ lawyers are actively seeking out homeowners to pursue claims.
The mounting legal bills represent an additional headache for the home-building industry, which is already coping with a stagnant housing market by offering buyers significant mortgage-rate buydowns. Labor shortages and rising materials costs are also making building homes more expensive.
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U.S. home-builder confidence improved in May, but remains negative due to high mortgage rates and the war in Iran. (WSJ)
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