Automobiles

"If you're Mitt Romney and you're rich enough, maybe you don't get it," said Gingrich of rising gas costs.

More than half of likely voters think government should release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower rising prices.

General Motors is also temporarily laying off 1,300 workers; says production of the electric car will resume on April 23.

Ann Romney fired back at Bill Clinton on Friday for claiming that Mitt Romney’s father would be “rolling over in his grave” at his son’s position on the auto bailouts. 

President Obama is the top target of blame for rising prices, but views on the matter are highly fragmented.

The former president rejected the idea that Obama had bailed out the auto industry as a favor to the UAW.

Your morning transportation speed-read:

A new study suggests that commuting increases the cost of living in suburban areas.

The Transportation Security Administration has launched its Pre-Check known traveler program at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The Continental Airlines name is going away this weekend on flight codes and the Internet.

Two men were hit by New York City subway trains at the same station this week.

U.S. policymakers have few options to significantly lower gas prices in the short term, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told a House committee Wednesday.

Bernanke, testifying before the House Financial Services Committee, said market fears stemming from supply disruptions in Iran are the main cause of high gas prices.

“So I think the best thing we could do would be to resolve that situation, but obviously that's well beyond my capacity or probably anyone's capacity,” Bernanke said, referring to the threats by Iran to cut off the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil route. 

“So I'm not sure what can be done to provide substantial relief in the very short term.”

Bernanke’s comments come as U.S. gas prices are soaring, reaching an average of $3.73 per gallon Wednesday. That’s up about 15 cents from this time last week.

Your morning transportation speed-read:

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he honks at drivers he sees using cellphones behind the wheels of cars.

Newark, N.J.'s Liberty International Airport was shut down by a plane making an emergency landing.

Frankfurt, Germany's airport is seeking an injunction to end a strike there.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering requiring rearview cameras in automobiles.

Congressional Democrats are ramping up pressure on President Obama to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.