Consumer News: Credit card statement, green cars

Good news for credit card customers who’ve ever been confused by their billing statements.

Beginning in the summer of 2010, the government is requiring credit card companies to make those statements easier to read.  The new design will clearly show transactions and payments, as well as notations about interest rates and service fees.

Consumer credit counselors hope the new bills will help people get better control over their finances.

The changes are required by law next year, but some companies might start rolling out the new designs sooner.

Green cars dominate auto show

In Detroit, this year’s North American International Auto Show is under way. 

Car makers from all over the world are showing off their newest models, including “green” cars.

Hybrid and electric cars dominate the offerings this year, even showing up in luxury lines.

Government relaxes lead-testing requirement

Welcome news for resellers.

In an effort to ensure children’s clothing and toys are lead-free, all new products will have to be tested for lead.

But thrift stores will be exempt from the new law.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission had said that after Feb. 10, second-hand stores couldn’t sell items for children under 12 years old that hadn’t been tested for lead.

But store owners objected, and the government relaxed the requirement.