CNN Marketplace 2006-03-06

Michelle Wright: AT&T is purchasing BellSouth which, some analysts¹ fear, could cause a reduction in competition. However, as CNN's Gary Baumgarten reports, one industry observer isn't too overly concerned.
Gary Baumgarten: Yes, this would give AT&T the kind of strength it hasn't had since its breakup in the formation of the Baby Bells. But Paul Levinson, author of Cellphone: The Story of the World's Most Mobile Medium, says the advantages outweigh² the disadvantages.
Paul Levinson: "The fact that just one company controlling more will mean there will be likely better service, more reliable service, across larger geographic³ area."
Gary Baumgarten: And he doesn't think the marketplace will allow for customer rates to go up. Gary Baumgarten, CNN, New York.

Michelle Wright: In the latest tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2006 Ford⁴ Fusion⁵ received poor marks for offering protection in side-impact crashes. Automobile⁶ magazine editor-in-chief Jean Jennings says Ford is now reworking the car after the tests.
Jean Jennings: "Ford is talking about bringing back this Fusion with a curtain in place and having the institute do a test, they only do one test for free. And they do it with the standard equipment. "
Michelle Wright: The 2006 BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS were considered the best overall performers in the group, receiving top ratings in both front and side testing. Meanwhile, GM is putting the brakes on part of their investment in Suzuki, reports CNN's Jeannie Yorman(ph).
Jeannie Yorman(ph): General Motors says it's selling all but 3 of its 21% stake in Suzuki Motor. GM estimates the move will help it to raise roughly 2 billion dollars in cash to beef up its balance sheet as it looks to improve its North American operations.
Michelle Wright: Suzuki officials say they plan on purchasing that portion of stock as part of a buyback program.

Michelle Wright: And according to a government report, orders at factories fell 4. 5% in January. That's slightly less than expected, but still the biggest drop since July of 2000 as orders for durable⁷ goods, machinery⁸, computers, and aircraft all fell.

With CNN Radio Marketplace, I'm Michelle Wright.

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WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
Baby Bells：因AT&T在1984年的解体而产生的各家区域性贝尔公司，包括Verizon、SBC和BellSouth等，AT&T本身被称为Ma Bell.
balance sheet:资产负债表，
buyback：股票回购
Ford Fusion：福特富绅
SUZUKI：铃木汽车

1 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

2 outweigh   

vt.比...更重，...更重要

参考例句：

• The merits of your plan outweigh the defects.你制定的计划其优点胜过缺点。
• One's merits outweigh one's short-comings.功大于过。

3 geographic   

adj.地理学的，地理的

参考例句：

• The city's success owes much to its geographic position. 这座城市的成功很大程度上归功于它的地理位置。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Environmental problems pay no heed to these geographic lines. 环境问题并不理会这些地理界限。 来自英汉非文学 - 环境法 - 环境法

4 Ford   

n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过

参考例句：

• They were guarding the bridge,so we forded the river.他们驻守在那座桥上，所以我们只能涉水过河。
• If you decide to ford a stream,be extremely careful.如果已决定要涉过小溪，必须极度小心。

5 fusion   

n.溶化；熔解；熔化状态，熔和；熔接

参考例句：

• Brass is formed by the fusion of copper and zinc. 黄铜是通过铜和锌的熔合而成的。
• This alloy is formed by the fusion of two types of metal.这种合金是用两种金属熔合而成的。

6 automobile   

n.汽车，机动车

参考例句：

• He is repairing the brake lever of an automobile.他正在修理汽车的刹车杆。
• The automobile slowed down to go around the curves in the road.汽车在路上转弯时放慢了速度。

7 durable   

adj.持久的，耐久的

参考例句：

• This raincoat is made of very durable material.这件雨衣是用非常耐用的料子做的。
• They frequently require more major durable purchases.他们经常需要购买耐用消费品。

8 machinery   

n.(总称)机械，机器；机构

参考例句：

• Has the machinery been put up ready for the broadcast?广播器材安装完毕了吗？
• Machinery ought to be well maintained all the time.机器应该随时注意维护。