Fewer than one in 10 American drivers currently use satellite navigation systems, but that ratio is set to rise sharply. Fueled by sharp price declines, unit sales of global positioning satellite (GPS) devices grew by 235% last year, according to NPD Group. Garmin Ltd.--the country's leading seller of devices that use GPS technology, faces challenges even as its wares head toward iPod-like ubiquity. Competitors are rolling out cheaper devices that offer the same basic functionality. Cell-phone manufacturers are adding GPS to handsets, and consumers may lean toward carrying one lower-cost gadget. Garmin also faces tough choices as competitors …

John Wesley Jermyn--nicknamed "The Crazy Robertson" and "The Robertson Dancer"-has been a constant presence on a trendy stretch of Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles for 20 years. The 56-year-old homeless man spends his days dancing on roller skates. Now he has a clothing label named after him. Since it was introduced last month, "The Crazy Robertson" brand of T-shirts and sweatshirts--created by a trio of 23-year-olds--has flown off the shelves at Kitson, a haunt of tabloid stars like Paris Hilton. The clothes feature stylized images of Jermyn, including one design--available on a $98 hoodie--that has a graphic of him …

In an uphill battle to cultivate a green image, General Motors will use an appearance today at the eco-centric Los Angeles Auto Show to prove it has the products and technological know-how to back up Chevy as a progressive, environmentally friendly company. As part of the announcement, GM will debut its gasoline-electric Chevrolet Silverado, the nation's first hybrid pickup. GM's approach will involve a massive, worldwide marketing campaign and a lineup of vehicles that uses a variety of fuel-saving technologies--including some that have yet to be created. "In the past, we haven't told our story as well as we …

McDonald's is planning to roll out premium coffee drinks--including smoothies, frappes and bottled beverages--priced just below that of Starbucks. The goal: to gain a bigger share of the $60 billion U.S. coffee business; the burger chain now says it holds about 10%. The fast feeder relaunched its coffee business 18 months ago to rave reviews. "We want to move from beverages as an accompaniment to a beverage destination," says Don Thompson, president of McDonald's U.S., who says the coffees will be rolled out by mid-2009. The company is also introducing a Southern-style Chicken Biscuit and …

Lululemon Athletica says its VitaSea line is made with seaweed fiber that purportedly reduce stress and provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating and detoxifying benefits. But two laboratory tests of a Lululemon shirt made of VitaSea both came to the same conclusion: There is no significant difference in mineral levels between the VitaSea fabric and cotton T-shirts. The tests raise obvious questions about Lululemon, which has received positive media coverage for its fabrics, and its marketing. Consumers generally pay more for high-tech sportswear, and companies like Lululemon are trying to capitalize on interest in organic materials. "Consumers expect and trust companies …