Company News: Automakers, U.S. Steel, Verizon, AOL, Keurig, Dr Pepper Snapple, Monster, Beats, HTC
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• The auto industry moved into 2015 with serious momentum. U.S. dealers sold 16.5 million vehicles in 2014, more than they have in any year since 2006. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, driven by demand for its popular Jeep brand, reported the biggest gain among major manufacturers, a 16 percent jump in annual unit sales. Analysts say rising interest rates could damp future sales. Car executives, though, say plunging gas prices can spur demand for large SUVs and pickup trucks, their most profitable products.
• U.S. Steel said it would idle plants in Ohio and Texas and lay off 756 workers, as plummeting oil prices crimp demand for the pipes it makes for oil drilling. The company is trying to reverse five straight years of losses.