May 2008

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co., Ltd. is planning to open its office in China

On June 1^st,Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co., Ltd. , a South Korean petrochemical producer, announced to open its office in China. The company is planning to produce and sale petrochemical products in China. The new office will oversee the production and sales of polypropylene (PP), a petrochemical product mostly used in cars and electric appliances. The Economic Times reports:

Foreign firms have been eager to invest in China's huge petrochemical industry, which has been expanding at a double-digit annual rate in recent years. Last week, South Korea's largest refiner SK Energy confirmed it had agreed to buy a 35 per cent stake in a joint venture with Sinopec Corp to build a petrochemical complex in central China.

Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co., Ltd. is a joint venture formed by the famous South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group and Total S.A. (NYSE:TOT),a reputed French oil producing company. In January, Samsung Total announced to build a composite polypropylene plant in China with an annual production capacity of 28,000 tonnes. Construction of the plant will start from this month. Though the company did not reveal the value of the deal, from a reliable source, it has been confirmed that the investment would be around 1 trillion won.

Related article:
Economic Times

Samsung

Samsungtotal

TotalS.A.

samsungtotalpetrochemicals

Heritage Nissan move to a new location in Rome

Heritage Nissan, the Nissan car showroom, subsidiary of Rome based Heritage Autogroup, has changed its current location due to communication problems. The old Heritage Nissan showroom, situated at the corner of Martha Berry Highway and John Davenport Drive, became difficult to access due to tight intersection, limited parking space and road construction. The new location on Veterans Memorial Highway east of Ga. 53, which will be unveiled on June 2^nd, is more spacious with lots of facilities. Rome News-Tribune reports:

The move from the old location, which has housed Heritage Nissan since the early ’90s, will provide much more space and amenities for both customers and the dealership’s employees.

“This new location should double our inventory space, and we’ll be able to house well over 200 new vehicles,” said Gary Loyd, the general manager of Heritage Nissan. “The new facility is state-of-the-art. For the consumer, the location will provide easier access in and out, and we’ll have spacious new offices, showrooms and a new air-conditioned workshop. It will be a great work environment for our employees.”

In the new facility of Heritage Nissan, everything is easy to find- the sales, service,parts areas. The new center is very customer friendly. Loyd also said that the Heritage Auto Supercenter will remain in the old location.

Related article:
Rome News-Tribune

Nissan Motor Company will reshape its Sunderland plant in England

Nissan Motor Company (TYO: 7201) is going to reshape production plan at its Sunderland car plant. Supported by the British government, under the new plan, production of the popular Nissan Qashqai will be increased and a new small SUV will be introduced by the third largest Japanese auto maker. Within 2010, Nissan will remove the production of Micra to Chennai.

On 3^rd June, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown will visit Nissan design center and reveal the government support package. So far, it has not been confirmed whether Nissan Motor Company will receive any government fund for developing new capacity at the plant. Times Online reports:

The Sunderland plant employs 4,200 people and produces around 350,000 cars a year. An extra 800 workers are expected to be taken on in July to staff a third shift to work on the Qashqai production line.

Meanwhile, the government is under pressure to fight European taxes that could add thousands of pounds to the price of new Jaguars and Land Rovers.

Ford, the American car giant, will complete the sale of the two British car companies to India’s Tata group this week.

Europe plans to levy hefty taxes on cars that do not meet strict emission limits by 2012.

An exemption will allow small-volume carmakers to avoid the blow, while luxury carmakers that are part of bigger groups will be sheltered by their parents’ smaller car fleets.

The Nissan car plant situated at Sunder in England is one of the most efficient car plants in Europe. Recently, Nissan expressed its concern over the pound euro relationship.

Related article:
Times Online

Nissan

NissanMicra

Nissanqashqai

Soulb: The new Samsung Soul phone

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SEO: 005935) is launching another Soul series phone, Samsung Soulb “Spirit of Ultra.” It has all the features of the original Soul model except the touch screen LCD. According to Geesung Choi, President, Samsung Telecom Business, Soulb was an important stepping stone for Samsung. It proved the world that Samsung is not only a predominant leader in selective form factors but also continuously seek after becoming the leader in all variety of form factors including slider, clamshell and bar. Samsung Soulb is the third phone in the Soul family. The other two models are: Samsung SGH-U900 slider and Samsung SGH-G400 clamshell.

Soulb will be first released in Germany in early June. Then it will be released in other regions of Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia (China), Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. The price has not been fixed yet.

Dimension:
Length: 111 mm.
Width: 46 mm.
Breadth: 9.9mm.

Features:

The Samsung Soulb comes in fully covered metallic body softly brushed with a hairline pattern. Mobile88.com says:

Continuing the legacy of Soul, Samsung Soulb captures the eyes of the viewer at once with its astonishing state-of-the-art design. Just as Soul, Soulb is fully covered in an elegant metallic body which is softly brushed with hairline pattern. Soulb‘s trim graceful outline with mere 9.9mm thickness undoubtedly resembles the sleek silhouette of Soul. Just as its precedent, Soulb once again amazes the viewer with its utterly splendid yet minimalistic design.

The Samsung Soulb is available in five colors - soul grey, platinum silver, metallic black, soul pink and amethyst violet.
The Samsung Soulb has a 3-megapixel camera with Power LED.
The Samsung Soulb has 2 inch TFT display with 16 million colors and 240 x 320 pixels.
The Samsung Soulb has office document viewer and editor.
The Samsung Soulb comes with HSDPA 2100.
The Samsung Soulb supports tri-band GSM connectivity (900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz).
The Samsung Soulb has Bluetooth v.2.0.
The Samsung Soulb has music player.
The Samsung Soulb has video editor/recorder.
The Samsung Soulb has FM radio with RDS.
The Samsung Soulb comes with 1GB of internal memory
The Samsung Soulb has microSD card.
The Samsung Soulb comes with a 3.5mm audio jack.
The Samsung Soulb comes with a web browser.

Related articles:

Samsung SPH-W4950 : the latest CDMA phone from Samsung

Samsung SPH-W4950 is the new CDMA mobile phone from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SEO: 005935). This slim slider phone supports CDMA2000 1x EV-Do Rev.A. Soon to be released in South Korea, Samsung SPH-W4950 will be released by LG. So far, no pricing details have been released.

Dimension:
Length. . . .103 mm.
Breadth. . . 48 mm.
Width. . . . .14.7mm.
Weight. . . . 89.4g.

Features:

The Samsung SPH-W4950 comes with two digital cameras. The front VGA digital camera has video recording, playback, call facility. On the back, there is 1.3 mega pixel camera with video recorder, self timer, multi shot and digital zoom function.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 comes with multimedia player.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 has a 2.1’’ QVGA TFT display with 262k colors.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 comes with microSD/TransFlash memory slot.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 comes with WAP browser.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 supports Text-to-speech function.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 comes with multimedia messaging service.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 comes with internal antenna.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 has call vibration facility.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 has 64 bit MP3 polyphonic ring tone.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 has text input predictive software.
Samsung SPH-W4950 can store up to 2000 contacts in phonebook.
Other standard features include: alarm clock, calendar, calculator, memo, dictionary, PC sync, photo album, photo editor, wallpaper and games.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 has 165 hours of standby time.
The Samsung SPH-W4950 has 4 ½ hours of talk time.

Related articles:

Friday, May 30, 2008

Samsung Launches SGH-L870 Smart Phone

Samsung Electronics Company Ltd. (SEO:005930) has introduced its latest smart phone, SGH-L870, at the two-day S60 Summit in Barcelona, Spain. This smart phone offers a number of features including a web browser and 2.4-inch QVGA display in three different themes. However, its form factor could play a big role to attract the mobile users. Samsung SGH-L870 measures 13.5 millimeters thin, running on Symbian 9.3 operating system with S60 3.2 interface. The phone comes pre-loaded with S60 OSS browser. With 3-megapixel camera, Samsung SGH-L870 offers video capture features in DVD-quality.

Samsung SGH-L870 smart phone is mainly targeted to mobile professionals. That is why, the phone provides some interesting and helpful features which would attract the users of this class.

Nformationweek reported:

The phone is aimed at mobile professionals and has preinstalled applications aimed at the mobile worker. They include an advanced task manager called Checkit, a personal information manager on the home screen, a business-card-recognition function, and push e-mail out of the box.

It also features a full Web browser. Samsung originally claimed the device would sport a feature dubbed "Safari browser (full browsing)." This caused many to speculate that a deal with Apple had been worked out. But Samsung later clarified that the L870 would be equipped with the S60 OSS browser.

There are some other features provided with this smart mobile phone. A microSD expansion slot, stereo Bluetooth, FM radio, and a multimedia player are available in Samsung SGH-L870. However, the phone set lacks some common features of a typical smart phone like GPS, Wi-Fi, and a QWERTY keyboard. The phone includes tri-band GSM with single-band UMTS/HSDPA 3.6Mbps support. Samsung SGH-L870 is expected to hit the European market in August.

Samsung SGH-L870 : The new slider smart phone from Samsung

Famous South Korean mobile phone company, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SEO: 005930) announced a new smart phone Samsung SGH-L870. It is a stylish phone with a stainless steel body. Introduced at the S60 Summit of Barcelona on May 28^th, Samsung SGH-L870 is designed for mobile professionals. The phone has various applications to support mobile workers. Samsung is going to launch the phone next month and in Europe in August.

On the surface, the SGH-L870 has strong resemblance with Samsung Soul (SAMSUNG SGH-U900). This slider phone comes with an interactive touchpad and loads of features.Into Mobile.com says:

Like a tailored pair of suit, every millimeter of L870 is carefully custom-designed to match the user's lifestyle. A magnificent stainless steel body softly brushed with elegant hairline pattern, and a 13.5mm slim and sleek outline, will perfectly complement every outfit and style. A minimalistic key pad that appearing when slides up, is deliberately designed to provide enough spaces between each keys to provide convenience.

Leveraging the capabilities of S60 platform, L870 brings full connectivity and application that surpass expectations for a handset device. The applications and features of the S60 software are not only easy to learn and use, but also enable maximum productivity. With Full-speed internet browser and more than 6,000 open applications are also compatible with L870 to customize the device for each individual's needs.

Dimension:
Length: 103.5 mm
Width: 50.5 mm
Breadth: 13.5 mm

Samsung SGH-L870 has 2.4 inch QVGA 240 × 320 display with three different themes and a new interface.
Camera is a must for smart phones and Samsung SGH-L870 comes with a 3-megpixel came. It offers “DVD quality” video capture.
Samsung SGH-L870 comes with microSD expansion slot expandable up 4GB.
Samsung SGH-L870 has USB 2.0.
Samsung SGH-L870 has stereo Bluetooth.
Samsung SGH-L870 comes with FM radio with RDS.
Samsung SGH-L870 has Quick Office Document viewer.
Samsung SGH-L870 comes with push email system.
Samsung SGH-L870 comes with a multimedia player that supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, RA, AMR, WMA audio file formats.
Samsung SGH-L870 also supports H.263 + AMR, MPEG4, Real One and WMV video files.
One of the major weaknesses of Samsung SGH-L870 is it does not have integrated GPS, Wi-Fi system and QWERTY keyboard.
Samsung SGH-L870 has tri-band GSM.
Samsung SGH-L870 comes with single band UMTS/HSDPA.
The Samsung SGH-L870 runs on Symbian 9.3 operating system with S60 3.2 interface. It is the first Samsung phone to support S60 3.2. Information Week says:

The phone is aimed at mobile professionals and has pre-installed applications aimed at the mobile worker. They include an advanced task manager Checkit, a personal information manager on the home screen, a business card recognition function, and push e-mail out of the box.

It also features a full Web browser. Samsung originally claimed the device would sport a feature dubbed "Safari browser (full browsing)." This caused many to speculate that a deal with Apple had been worked out. But, Samsung later clarified that the L870 would be equipped with the S60 OSS browser.

Related articles:

Anadigics Inc. starts shipping its power amplifiers for LG-KU990

New Jersey based semiconductor solutions provider ANADIGICS, Inc. announced that it will start shipping ANADIGICS AWT6277 WCDMA power amplifier modules to LG. The amplifiers will be used in LG Viewty (LG-KU990), the 5.0 mega pixel professional camera phone of LG. LG-KU990, also known as LG Viewty, is one of the best camera phones produced by LG. Similar to LG Prada and Apple’s iPhone, LG-KU990 comes with a large touch screen which enables good camera view. The most prominent feature of this phone is that it can take video at a rate 120 frames per second. With one click, users can upload a recorded video to You Tube. Antara News reports:

"We are very pleased that LG Electronics has chosen our AWT6277 PA module for their cutting-edge LG Viewty 3G camera phone," said Dr. Bami Bastani, President & CEO of ANADIGICS. "Our technologically advanced compact dual-band WCDMA power amplifier offers an industry-leading combination of high performance, small footprint, and low profile, making it possible for this mobile device to do much more than make a phone call."
Specifically designed to meet the needs of feature rich mobile handsets, the AWT6277 HELP(TM) WCDMA PA includes ANADIGICS' HELP(TM) technology which reduces WCDMA average power consumption by 50%. Combined with low leakage current in shutdown mode, the AWT6277 PA delivers longer battery life and additional talk-time-two key metrics for mobile handset designers.

Measuring 4 mm x 4 mm x 1.1 mm, the ANADIGICS AWT6277 WCDMA power amplifier is very suitable for thin phones. The amplifier is enabled by ANADIGICS' advanced patented InGaP-Plus(TM) HBT technology.

Related article:
Antara News

Toyota and Nissan acquire top position in April Japan car production

With the rising price of fuel, Japanese cars have become ‘hot cakes’ in North America. In April, Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) and Nissan Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7201) took the top position in car production in Japan. According to the latest figure published by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the combined auto production of twelve major Japanese automakers have increased 5.4% to 917,951 and exports increased 21% to 584,059.

Currently, Toyota’s hybrid model is very popular in the USA. On May 27^th, Toyota announced to build a third battery plant in Japan for its hybrid vehicles. News came out that Toyota is talking with GM to produce Prius hybrid at the Toyota GM joint venture plant in California. However, Toyota spokesperson said that nothing had been decided on production of Prius at the joint venture New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. Bloomberg reports:

The price of gasoline has jumped 30 percent in the U.S. so far this year, prompting demand for small cars. Toyota and Nissan increased sales in the world's largest car market last month, winning customers from General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. Japan's vehicle exports to the U.S. jumped 21 percent.

``Rising gasoline prices are certainly helping the Japanese carmakers the most,'' said Jesse Toprak, director of market forecasting for Edmunds.com in Santa Monica, California. ``The Japanese brands are perceived to have more gas-efficient vehicles.''

Sales of the domestic cars in the USA is at the lowest since 1995. Japanese companies are making profits from their small vehicles. Toyota increased its domestic output 1.1% to 331,100 vehicles. Exports rose 8% and shipment to China rose 77%. Production of Nissan Motor Company increased 42% to 98,873 vehicles and export to the USA increased 64%.

Related articles:

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Hyundai Genesis 2009: The first luxury sedan from Hyundai Motor Company Limited

Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005380) is famous for its passenger carriers. Now, the company is foraying into luxury class. Hyundai Genesis 2009 is the first luxury sedan from Hyundai. Along with the remodeled Hyundai Sonata 2009, Hyundai Genesis 2009 was showcased at Chicago Auto Show and North America International Auto show. Created to compete with cars like Lexus ES, Chrysler 300, and Cadillac CTS, Hyundai Genesis 2009 will be released in July.

The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes in two versions: the 3.8-liter, 290 horsepower V-6 version and the 4.6-liter, 375 horsepower V-8 version.

Price:

On May 29 2008, Hyundai announced the price of Hyundai Genesis 2009 sports sedan.

Hyundai Genesis 2009 V6 version will cost $33,000.
Hyundai Genesis 2009 V8 version will cost $38,000.
Both cars will have $750 freight charge.

Dimension:
Length. . . . . . . 195.9’’
Width. . . . . . . . 73.4’’
Height. . . . . . . 58.3’’
Wheel base. . . . 115.6’’

At first look, you will understand that the Hyundai Genesis 2009 is a luxury car. It is spacious as the Mercedes S-class sedans but you can get it at the price of C-class.Auto blog.com says:

First, the design. The Genesis sedan has clean lines and uncluttered surfaces that look detailed and, frankly, expensive. Yes, it's derivative. There's a bit of Lexus LS in the headlights, some Infiniti in the profile and rear... you get the idea and can add your own observations in the comments. It's a criticism that's been lobbed at nearly every recent Hyundai design, but it doesn't stick. The design of the Genesis won't offend and it won't excite, and our only major complaint is the grille, which looks too anonymous without a big Hyundai logo front and center.

Automobile mag says:

In terms of size, the Genesis is bigger and roomier than most mid-size luxury sedans and, in fact, is classified by the EPA as a "large" sedan. Its wheelbase is 115.6 inches, compared with 113.7 inches for the BMW 5-series, 112.4 inches for the Mercedes E-class, and 113.4 inches for the Cadillac CTS. With an overall length of 195.9 inches, it's several inches longer than those three cars and only 2.5 inches shorter than a short-wheelbase 7-series. Although rear-seat room falls short of what you'd find in a long-wheelbase 7-series or a Lexus LS, the rear seats in the Genesis are still very accommodating, with plentiful legroom that outpaces the 5-series, the E-class, and the CTS.

The Hyundai Genesis 2009 is a rear-wheel-drive car with advanced five-link suspension at all four corners. The 290-horsepower Lambda 3.8 litre V6 engine comes with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. The Tau 4.9 liter V8 engine has ZF six-speed automatic transmission.Both cars have high fuel economy. Auto-spectator.com says:

The Tau produces 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded, leading all competitors in specific output (horsepower per liter), while also outperforming all V8 performance sedans with a projected fuel economy estimate of 17 city/25 highway. Genesis 3.8 achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 city/27 highway, which outperforms the V6 engines in many smaller, mid-size cars (e.g., Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion) on the highway.

Net car show.com says:

Hyundai Genesis is built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Genesis boasts a near ideal 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics. The rear-wheel-drive layout allowed engineers to position the car's front wheels farther forward delivering outstanding handling and steering performance. Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry's most important new safety technology, further enhances the vehicle's driving confidence. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales featuring ESC as standard equipment.

Hyundai Genesis reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a stiffer, lighter body structure. The use of high tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Genesis with 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - despite having a substantially larger cabin than either of those benchmarks. Hyundai Genesis has more interior volume than Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series.

Features:

The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes with 8 airbags with front and rear side-impact door beams.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has electronic stability control with traction control system.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has ABS with electronic break-force distribution and break assist.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes with automatic seatbelt pretensioners and energy absorbing steering column.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes with active front head restraints. Autoblog.com says:

An electronic active head restraint system will debut on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Hyundai is the first popular brand to offer electronic active front head restraints, an improvement over mechanically based active head restraint systems. Until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models. Active front head restraints have been proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash.

The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has active front lighting system and rear-view camera.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has rain sensing wipers.
What makes the Hyundai Genesis 2009 a best-buy car is the warranty. Hyundai is offering various warranties ranging from 12 months to 5 years.
Both the Hyundai Genesis 2009 model comes with heated and cooled driver seats.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection facility.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes with speech dialog system.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has 8’’ navigation screen with 30GB hard drive.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has XM radio and HD Digital Radio.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes with 6-disc, in-dash DVD changer with auxiliary iPod and USB inputs.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 comes with 17 speaker, 500+ watt Lexicon discrete premium sound system.
The Hyundai Genesis 2009 has XM Nav Traffic.

Related articles:

Hyundai Genesis official website

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Sony revealed Home's event venue but not sure about its release date

Sony unveiled the event venue of 'Home', its interactive virtual world,last week to the selected members of its Home beta test. The company recreated Play Station Day 2008 in Home’s Media and Events Space. The space created will be given to the companies for displaying their advertisements and event. Wired.com reports:

"As well as looking great, the Media and Events Space is flexible and user-friendly - it’s a real focal point for our virtual community," said Home producer Martijn Van Der Meulen. "This was a very exciting first event and we’ve already received plenty of great feedback."

I appreciate Sony showing off new features as much as the next guy, but I've been waiting since Home originally debuted (Game Developers Conference 2007, almost 15 months ago) to actually get to play around with the thing.

Home is a virtual world created by Sony where its gamers could meet and chat; just like Second life. Sony unveiled the program in March 2007 at the Game Developers Conference. The main problem is Sony has not been able to launch it on time. According to David Reeves, president Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Sony’s original vision for home to include non-gaming applications and sponsors diverted its attention away from the gamers. Reeves also said that if Home’s Fall release had been postponed it will be definitely launched in autumn. On the contrary, Sony President Kazuo Hirai said that Home will not be released until he is happy with the final product.

Related articles:

Wired.com

sony

Hyundai Sonata 2009 car review

Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan car that first came out in 1988. The original Sonata was built to sale in the US market following the success of Hyundai Excel. The car was first introduced in South Korea and Canada in 1987. It replaced Hyundai Stellar as the large family car. The current Hyundai Sonata is the fourth generation Sonata car. The main feature of Hyundai Sonata is that it is not a very stylish car but comes with lots of space inside and safety features. Sonata is the first car by any Asian car company that became successful as a commercial vehicle in Europe in 2000. If you are looking for a family car then you should go for Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai also gives great warranty coverage for Sonata.

Hyundai Sonata is one of the top selling cars in the USA. However, the car observed a downfall in sales since 2007. In 2007, the sales fell 2.6% and 12.4% in the first four months of 2008. So now, Hyundai brings to you Hyundai Sonata 2009 the upgraded version of Hyundai Sonata. Unveiled in February at the Chicago auto show 2008, Hyundai Sonata 2009 comes in three categories: Sonata GLS, Sonata SE, and Sonata Limited. Car and driver.com says:

The Sonata receives minor visual upgrades—the design team says it didn't want to mess with a design it considers to be successful. The bumper, the grille, and the headlights have been sharpened to help give the car a more edgy image. The face lift also brings new alloy-wheel options.

The transformation continues inside, where almost all the interior plastics have been upgraded. A new center console, dashboard, and door panels are intended to project a more luxurious image than the current pieces. The sedan also gets a first-ever touch-screen navigation option, dual-zone climate control, an auxiliary input jack for music players, and an ionization system that's supposed to prevent mold growth. If that's really a concern, we're all for ionizing whatever we can.

Mechanical changes make up the biggest part of the refresh. A revised front subframe makes the Sonata safer in frontal collisions.

Price:

Sonata GLS . . .$18,120
Sonata SE. . . . .$23,170
Sonata Limited $ 23,970

Features of Sonata GLS:

The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with 2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.3L V6 engine.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with 5-speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has dual exhaust.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has active front head restraints.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with 16-inch wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with tilt steering wheel.

Canada.com says:

Nonetheless, the 2009's biggest improvement is inside the cabin. Its decor and build quality are superior to the Camry's and Altima's, and it is now almost equal to the Honda Accord's. The dashboard material, for instance, feels soft, the gauges are chrome-trimmed and the centre stack is much better organized. Compared with the Camry and Altima, the Sonata's interior is - wait for it - elegant. Yes, I'm surprised, too. Heck, even the very cheapest model gets two-mode seat heaters as standard equipment.And the Sonata's interior volume is greater than any of its primary competition. Normally, mid-model refreshes are modest affairs with the addition of a few electronic gizmos and a new front grille. Hyundai's more-than-modest refresh has largely addressed all the original car's weaknesses while maintaining its price competitiveness.

The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has remote keyless entry system with alarm.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Features of Sonata SE:

Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 performance tires.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has fog lights.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has 8-way power driver seat.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE comes with steering wheel audio controls.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has driver seat adjustable lumbar support.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has automatic headlight control.

Business Week says:

The SE, the Sonata I test-drove at a Hyundai press conference, is the sporty version. It has 17-in. alloy wheels and performance tires, as well as upgraded cloth and leather upholstery and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. The fancy Limited has 17-in. alloy wheels with all-season tires, plus extra chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, a premium sound system, wood-grain trim, and two-level heated front seats.

The Sonata's two available engines are also peppier. The four-cylinder in the 2009 Sonata is rated at 175 horsepower, 13 more than before, and the 3.3-liter V6 at 249 hp, 15 more than before. A five-speed stick shift is standard; a five-speed automatic is standard on the Limited and optional on the less fancy SE and GLS.

Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE comes with trip computer.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has chrome window-belt moldings.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has metalgrain interior accents.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has leather bolster/cloth insert sport seats.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has rear lip spoiler.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has solar control glass.

Features of Hyundai Sonata Limited:

Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited comes with leather seating surfaces.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has heated front seats with adjustable temperature control.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has dual-zone automatic temperature control.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited comes with auto-dimming inside mirror with integrated digital compass.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has home link integrated transceiver.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has chrome insert exterior door handles.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has premium door-sill scuff plates and limited badge.

Related articles:

Toyota Motor Corporation global out put rise by 8.8%

On May 27^th, Toyota Motor Corporation announced an 8.8% increase in its global automobile production to 727,040 units. Below is the statistics:

Domestic output increased 1.1% to 331,100 units.

Overseas output grew 16.3% to 395,940 units

Vehicle sales in the domestic market rose 8.6% to 114,735 units.

Exports increased 9.4% to 238,174 units.

Toyota group's combined global vehicle production rose 8.7% to 808,948 units.

Automotive Business Review further reports:

Toyota's vehicle production in Japan increased 1% to 401,997 units in April 2008, while overseas production increased 17.5% to 406,951 units, compared to April 2007.

The company's total passenger car production increased 0.7% to 352,559 units, and trucks and bus production increased 2.8% to 49,438 units.

Toyota and its subsidiaries have reported total sales of 165,024 units in April 2008 in Japan, an increase of 7%, compared to April 2007. Total passenger car sales in Japan increased 9.9% to 140,121 units, while total sales of trucks and buses decreased 6.7% to 24,903 units, compared to April 2007.

Exports of passenger cars from Japan increased 8.1% to 230,550 units, and exports of trucks and buses increased 26.4% to 26,830 units.

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Automotive Business Review

Toyota Motor Corporation and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. declare to build two new battery plants for hybrid cars

On May 27^th, Japan’s top car maker, Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) announced to build a third battery plant with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (TYO:6752) In the face of the rising demand of hybrid vehicles, Toyota decided to increase its battery production. The batteries are used to drive the electric motors in the hybrid vehicles.

Toyota and Matsushita joint venture Panasonic EV Energy Co. will spend $289 million (291 million according to IHT) to build the battery plant which will be situated at Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan. The company will start its operation by 2010 and it will produce 200,000 units of nickel-metal hydride batteries per year.

On May 23^rd, the two companies announced to build their second battery plant in Shizuoka Prefecture in Tokyo. The plant will cost $194 million. Bloomberg reports:

The new plants will make nickel-hydride batteries to help Toyota meet its goal of selling 1 million hybrid cars including the Prius annually in the early part of next decade. Drivers are opting for cars that use less gasoline after the price of oil has more than doubled in the past year.

``Toyota is way ahead of everyone else in hybrids,'' said Edwin Merner, president of Tokyo-based Atlantis Investment Research Corp., which manages $2 billion in assets. ``Hybrid cars are in short supply and demand is increasing. If they don't exploit this advantage, they may lose market share.''

The factory in Miyagi will start production in 2010 and will be able to make 200,000 batteries annually when it reaches full operation.

Despite high price tag and comparatively lower sales, Toyota Prius is the environmental champion of Toyota and the most sold hybrid car in the USA. Since its inception in 1997 till April 2008, Toyota sold 1.03 million hybrid cars. Of the total sales, North America accounted for 58% and Japan 31%.

Related articles:
International Herald Tribune

ToyotaMotorCorporation

Monday, May 26, 2008

Toyota and Hino come together to develope dual-mode vehicles (DMV)

Japan's top car maker Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) and its truck-making subsidiary company Hino Motors Ltd. (TYO:7205) have come together to develop an environment friendly vehicle that will run both on rails and roads.

According to a Hino spokesperson, this new model was originally created by railway operator JR Hokkaido Railway Co. The two companies are working on the front part of the vehicle to enable it to carry upto 25 people. The railway firm developed several prototypes and began test drive. AFP reports:

The operator, which operates railways in the nation's northern island of Hokkaido, has developed the vehicle as part of its effort to utilise railways now out of service due to a sharp decline in passengers in the region.

The vehicle has eight wheels -- four iron wheels for railways and four rubber tyres for roads -- and is powered by a diesel engine. It is said to burn only one fourth of the fuel of conventional diesel-powered cars.

"Our contribution is expected to be another step toward more practical use of the dual mode vehicle," said Kenichiro Baba, a Hino spokesman.

Hokkaido Railway Co., operator of railways in the northern island of Hokkaido developed the vehicle as part of its effort to utilize the out of service railways in the region. The eight wheeled vehicle is powered by a diesel engine that burns only one fourth of the conventional diesel-powered cars.

Related article:
AFP

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Toyota Yaris is more popular than Toyota Prius

Yes, it is true. The green house effect and soaring price of fuel have put our lives in jeopardy and fuel efficient, eco-friendly hybrid cars are the choice of the season but there is a catch; MONEY. The hybrid cars come with a higher price tag which makes them out of rich for many people. Hence, traditional four cylinder cars are still dominating the highways. Even today in the USA, hybrids consist of 3% of the new cars sold and SUVs 14%. Canada.com reports:

The four-bangers account for 37 per cent of the U.S. market, up from 30 per cent just three years ago

The fact is that hybrids are still quite expensive -- $30,000-plus -- and no matter what the opinion surveys say about how green we have all become in our purchase choices, the bottom line is still the bottom line.

"For now, the easiest, cheapest way for new-car shoppers to get better mileage is to choose a model with a conventional four-cylinder engine. And they are," said Jason Rothkop, a J.D. Power and Associates analyst recently.

Toyota Prius from Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) may be the most popular hybrid in the USA, it is facing serious competition from Toyota Yaris model. The little car saw an 83% rise in sales in March. Prius may not be so cheap but American people are buying more fuel efficient small cars. Compared to the USA, Canada people are more into small cars and if you are a resident of Canada you check the fuel efficiency of all cars in the region from the website: http://oee. nrcan.gc.ca. You can also obtain a hard copy of the Fuel Consumption Guide 2008.

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Canada.com

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Japan's rice export will upset global rice market

Japan government has decided to import rice to the Philippines but it would upset the price of rice in the international market. A senior Thai commerce ministry official said this on Sunday.

Foreign Trade Department director-general Apiradi Tantraporn said that Japan has 1.5 million tons of rice purchased under the WTO regulations from USA and Thailand. This rice is not for re-export. Xinhuanet.com reports:

Since 1995 Japan has imported rice at a level of 600,000-700,000 tons annually, mainly from Thailand and the United States, for its own use, she said.
The re-export of rice by Japan will go against objectives of WTO and will also further depress global rice prices, Apiradi said, adding that there were signs since the beginning of May that rice prices in the world had begun to stabilize, unlike the first four months of 2008.
If Tokyo's plan materializes, global rice prices would become depressed again and farmers in rice producing countries, including Thailand, would be severely impacted, she said.

Apiradi said that if Japan wants to help other countries then it should go through international organizations like U.N. Under the U.N. World Food Program Japan can give donation or hand out aid.

Related article:
Xinhuanet.com

Japanese real estate firms plan to increase their property rent in central Tokyo

The big time real estate firms in Japan are looking forward to increase their property rents in central Tokyo. Real estate companies like Mitsui Fudosan (TYO:8801), Mitsubishi Estate (TYO:8802),Mori Trust (TYO:8961) are talking with their tenants to raise office rents. Till now, property rent in Japan was very low which helped the real estate companies survive through tight credit crunch and strict apartment building codes. As the country’s economy is recovering, many companies are moving into big offices. International Herald Tribune reports:

Mitsui Fudosan, the largest real estate developer in Japan, said Monday that it was in talks with tenants to raise office rents in central Tokyo by an average 10 to 15 percent.

The second-largest developer, Mitsubishi Estate, also said it was in talks with tenants to raise office rents in the Marunouchi area of central Tokyo by 15 to 20 percent.

Another major developer, unlisted Mori Trust, said it was preparing to raise office rents in the Minato district in central Tokyo by an average of 20 percent.The office vacancy rate in Tokyo's 23 wards stood at 2.1 percent in April, the lowest since the burst of the Japanese asset-inflated bubble economy in 1990, according to Ikoma Data Service System, a research firm specializing in the market for office buildings.

According to the latest data from Ikoma Data Service, the average rent of 3.3 square meters in Tokyo’s five central wards in April was ¥15,120. This is 12 percent higher from ¥13,530 of 2007. The office space in Tokyo is very tight. The real estate firms are picking up the opportunity of the recovering economy.

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International Herald Tribune

Forbes

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Toyota to Introduce New Cars in Germany in 2009 to Regain Market Share

Toyota motor corporation is now worried about the losses in market share in Germany. The Japanese car maker experienced a decrease in its market share in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2007. In the first quarter, Toyota had market share of 3.6 percent, a clear drop from 4.2 percent of the similar period of last year. Company bosses think that Toyota faced decreased market share due to lack of new product in the market.

Having seen the loss, Toyota decided to launch a number of new models in Germany next year, besides some updated models of the existing vehicles. In fact, six new models are expected to hit the car market of Germany, while nine upgraded vehicles of the existing models will also be introduced in the country in 2009.

Forbes reported:

Toyota (nyse: TM - news - people )'s share of the German car market dropped to 3.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, down from 4.2 percent in 2007, he said in an interview to be published Monday.

The expected market share at the end of 2008 will be closer to 3.6 percent than to 4.2 percent due to a lack of new products he added.

Germany is one of the notable car markets in the world. So, naturally Toyota can not afford to any more loss in the car market of Germany. Toyota is one of the most popular car brands across the world and one of the big players in the global car market. Now, let us see if Toyota can revive its success in Germany next year. I think, if the models are introduced by next year, the company would be able to regain its market share, but still, it depends on the activities and success of its competitors.

Sony Ericsson W380i Mobile Phone Review

Sony Ericsson has recently launched W380i walkman mobile phone. It is specially designed for using walkman and the mobile set has some other attractive features as well. Sony Ericsson is one of the market leaders of the global mobile phone market. The company has a number of winner mobile sets in the past and it has a strong brand value in the market.

With W380i model phone, Sony Ericsson is trying to popularize the walkman phone to the mobile phone users. Here, I am giving some features of Sony Ericsson W380i handset:

It does not have an exclusive design, but it looks as attractive as other typical Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

Sony Ericsson W380i sports a letterbox shaped OLED screen. Well, the users can not see the screen until they get into music options of the phone or until an incoming call or SMS come to be appeared in the OLED screen.

Users can also get to know who are trying to make contact with them in this phone. Sony Ericsson W380i handset has some touch buttons that provide with a good control over its music function.

The back part of the casing is used as a lock for the touch buttons.

Another exciting feature of Sony Ericsson W380 handset is the gesture control by which you can dismiss a call just by waving your hands. How? Well, there is a light under the lens of the camera and that light turns on whenever an incoming call comes or the previously set alarms gets to be ringing. If your hand is within 7cm of the light, you just need to waive your hand over the light to dismiss either the call or the alarm.

Sony Ericsson W380i mobile phone measures 92mm tall, 49mm wide and 16mm thick with 100g of weigh, which is also a good advantage for the users to carry the mobile easily.

Sony Ericsson is a joint venture of Japanese electronics company Sony Corporation and Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson. After the two company came together to produce mobile phone in 2001, both the companies gave away producing their own brand of mobile phone. No doubt, there are a few features in Sony Ericsson W380i which I think, could easily be very attractive among the mobile phone users. Now, let us see if Sony Ericsson W380i phone set brings out huge success for the joint venture mobile phone company.

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sony ericsson

sony ericsson W380i

Three Hyundai Cars Launched in Brunei

Three models from Hyundai lot have been launched in Brunei recently by Setia Motors Sdn Bhd. The models are Hyundai H-1 wagon, the Hyundai i30 and the Hyundai i10. H-1 wagon is a nine-seater which is spacious and comes with five-speed auto transmission and 2.5CRDI. Hyundai H-1 wagon is perfect for family travelers as it has good amount of space to get in burgesses. Hyundai i30 is made thinking off the European consumers and looks sporty. Hyundai i10 is an entry level passenger car made and distributed from India, being the first vehicle to have been developed and manufactured in India. Now, Brunei people will have the opportunity to choose among the three models.

brunei-online reported:

Designed especially with spaciousness in mind, the Hyundai H-1 wagon is a nine-seater vehicle equipped with five-speed auto transmission and 2.5CRDI.

It is deemed the perfect wagon for hot climate, as its interior is equipped with air conditioning even for back passengers.

The Hyundai i30, on the other hand, is designed with a sporty attitude, equipped with strong European features, ideal for the younger generation.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai i10 is the second-generation smaller compact car, which is a replacement to the previous popular Hyundai Atos. It is distinctive and stylish from every angle with the upswept side windows and reflective lower character line and the high quality, high tech head and tail-lights, which help refine the whole design.

Hyundai Motor Company (SEO:005380) has been experiencing good success in the passenger car segment over the last year. It has a good presence in the emerging Indian car market. Hyundai is aiming to gain more market share in this segment and it is focusing more on the emerging car markets like India. However, now let us see if these proven winner models could continue bringing success for the South Korean car maker in the coming months.

Samsung

Japan will sale rice to Philippine

Where most of the countries around the world are experiencing rice shortage, Japan is experiencing a different situation. Instead of rice shortage the country has excessive amount of rice and to ease the global rice shortage, the United States has decided to relax the trade agreement to allow Japan to export rice to other countries. Japan is planning to export 200,000 tons of rice to the Philippines. AFP reports:

Tokyo is already preparing to ship 200,000 tonnes to the Philippines, but that is just a fraction of the 1.5 million tonnes of imported foreign rice that is stored in sacks piled high in air-conditioned government warehouses.

"We have a big stockpile of Japanese rice, so we can export rice for poor people worldwide to save their lives in an emergency," said Nobuhiro Suzuki, an agriculture professor at Tokyo University.

Rice, a staple food for the Japanese, was scarce following the end of World War II but as agricultural advances boosted global harvests, Japan erected barriers to protect its farmers.

Along with the Philippines, Japan also announced to send 20,000 tons of rice to the developing countries in Africa. After news of Japan’s rice import came out in the Philippines capital, Manila prices of rice became stable. The Philippines is one of the largest rice importers in the world but in the face of production shortfall of 2.7 million tons in the current year, the country asked Japan for rice.

Related article:
AFP

Hyundai Motors India to Develop Automobile Section of Industrial Training Institute in Assam

Hyundai Motors India Limited is the second largest car maker in Indian market. Now, it seems that the South Korean automaker is now making a long term plan in order to make its base stronger in the emerging car market of India.

The company is now focusing on the development of Industrial Training Institute in the country. Last year, Hyundai upgraded the automobile section of the ITI in Guwahati, and now the company is seriously planning to bring the other of Industrial Training Institute under its development scheme by providing training material and jobs for the students.

Steelguru reported:

Under the plan, Hyundai Motors will supply training material to these institutes and will also train its instructors about the latest automobile technology for the next 5 years. Certificates will be issued by the company to graduates who pass out from these ITIs.
Mr B Mani senior GM of Hyundai Motors India said that "We would include all the ITIs in Assam which have automobile section in a phased manner. Under the Phase I, we upgraded the Guwahati ITI and would include a few more institutes in the next phase."

Hyundai Motor India Foundation last year helped Guwahati ITI to scale up its training facilities. In fact, the company invested Indian Rupees of 30 crore and the company is ready to spend more for the renovation of automobile sector of other Industrial Training Institute. Under its upgrading program, the company would focus on introducing latest automotive technologies to the teachers of the institutes. Students will be able to increase their knowledge and skills by using engine, transmission and other assemblies provided by Hyundai in different institutes.

I think, it is a praiseworthy initiative that Hyundai is doing in the institutes of Assam. Indian car market is ever increasing and getting bigger with days passing by. So, in order to capitalize fully on the rapid expand of Indian car market, lots of skilled manpower is needed. Foreign companies will also need a lot of skilled people in future in order to operate their business activities in the Indian car market. It is really very good that Hyundai could understand the reality. Now, let us see if other players of Indian market will also join Hyundai to invest in the educational institutes in India.

G8 countries agree to reduce CO2 emission by 50% by 2050

In a meeting of the Group of Eight industrialized nations at Kobe in Japan the environment ministers urged the USA and Japan to reduce green house gas emissions by 2020. The eight countries of the G-8 nations: the USA, Japan, Britain, Germany, Italy, Canada, Russia and France are aiming to reduce the emission of CO₂ and other harmful gases by 50% by 2050. According to the ministers these steps are very much necessary to avoid the future ecologic disasters caused by global warming. AP reports:

But a major focus of the meeting in Kobe is midterm targets for 2020, which scientists say are needed to avoid a potentially disastrous rise in world temperatures of more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit over levels prior to the industrial age.

"A long-term goal is not a substitute for midterm, mandatory targets," said Matthias Machnig, Germany's environment minister.

The European Union has pledged a 20 percent emissions reduction by 2020, and has offered to raise it to 30 percent if other nations sign on. A U.N.-brokered agreement last December included a footnote referencing the need for cuts of between 25 percent and 40 percent.

The United States, however, has not committed to a midterm goal, demanding that top developing countries like China also commit to reductions. Japan has called for emissions by industrialized countries to begin to fall in the next one or two decades, but it too has stopped short of setting a 2020 target.

The United Nations has urged the G8 countries to reduce emission but it has not been fruitful. According to U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer, enthusiasm to reduce emissions is waning among the developed countries. He said that G8 countries should send serious message to the world. Japanese Environment Minister Ichiro Kamoshita said that world’s richest countries should take the first step in battling the climate change.

Related articles:

Reuters

Samsung SC-HMX20C Camera Review

Samsung SC-HMX20C is the latest in the camcorder line up of the South Korean company. Samsung Electronics Company Limited (SEO:005935) This highly effective camera for the home users is going to be launched in Canada at the end of this month, though it is already available in some other parts of the world. Now, let us see what is the catch of Samsung SC-HMX20C camcorder? Here, I am giving the features of the camcorder:

Samsung SC-HMX20C sports 6.4-megapixel still camera that allows its users to take good quality still images.

The full high definition video camera operates at 1920 x 1080 resolution. Thanks to this resolution, its users can take the videos directly on the camera and play the videos on HD television.

Samsung SC-HMX20C measures 2.6 inches wide x 2.65 inches high by 5.47 inches with 1.01 pound of weight.

The camcorder comes preloaded with 8GB of onboard memory that permits 90 minutes of video recording at 1920 x 1080. resolution.

It features 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen.

The pop-up flash of Samsung HMX20C camcorder can provide adequate light whenever it is needed. Its Electronic Image Stabilization adds another advantage for the users of Samsung SC-HMX20C camera.

Users can take the pictures and videos on PCs, running on Windows XP, or more updated operating system. USB 2 and HDMI can be used to watch the images and videos on computer and HDTV respectively.

With 1.5 hours of recording time, the lithium battery of Samsung SC-HMX20C is worthwhile.

There are many more interesting features in Samsung SC-HMX20C which are, for sure, create attraction among the camcorder fans. Its swivel grip would help you handle it more smoothly. So, it seems that Samsung SC-HMX20C camera has some strong ground to make some quick cash in for the South Korean company.

Samsung SC-HMX20C camcorder

Are all hybrids really money savers?

Although hybrids are the latest craze in the USA in the face of rising fuel cost, they come with higher price tags compared to traditional cars. As a result, you would often end up spending more money after your car than you could save on gasoline. However, some hybrid cars are truly money savers. Currently, there are six hybrid models USA from Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Honda that can save your money. Mlive.com reports:

The good news: Drivers can now choose from six hybrid models from Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Honda that all could earn back their price premiums in less than 10 years. Four of those five can save you enough in gas to offset the higher cost in as few as six years. That figure could climb higher if you considered corporate twins such as the Mercury Mariner for the Ford Escape or the Saturn Aura for the Chevrolet Malibu.

The bad news: Some of the top performers a similar Cleveland Plain Dealer analysis last year fell a few notches. Last year, Honda's Civic hybrid looked as if it would take about three years to earn back its higher cost. In this year's analysis, the Civic takes more than four years.

Currently in the USA, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic makes up the most of the hybrid car sales. For urban drivers, Toyota Prius is better but for suburban drivers Saturn Vue Green as it gives significant boost during highway driving.

So, it looks like buying a hybrid is not going to solve your fuel problems right away. You have to chose carefully from the existing models of hybrids.

Related article:
Mlive.com

Rising demand makes Toyota Prius scarce in the USA

Toyota Motor Corporation's (TYO: 7203) Prius hybrids are becoming scarce in many parts of the USA and the reason is rising fuel price. Because of high price of fuel, more and more people are going for hybrid cars. Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid model in the USA. The high demand and lower supply has created this problem. Frank Pugliese, general manager, Millenium Toyota at Hampstead said that all the Prius hybrids in his store have been pre-sold. Anyone looking for a Toyota Prius will have to wait at least for two months. Like Pugilese, most of the Toyota dealers are on the waiting list of Toyota Prius. News Day.com reports:

The auto information company R.L. Polk & Co. of Southfield, Mich., said registrations of new hybrid cars and SUVs in Nassau and Suffolk rose 54 percent, to 4,022, in the 12-month period that ended March 31, the last month for which data is available, compared with the same period a year earlier. That's far beyond the 6.8 percent growth overall in new vehicle registrations.

Since then, demand has only increased, Pugliese said. "For every 20 cents that gas goes up, you can add another week to 10 days to the wait for a Prius," he added.

Long Island is one of the high oil consuming regions in the USA but hybrids account for only 2% of the new cars sold here. Out of the 23 hybrid cars and SUVs sold in USA, Toyota Prius is the most popular. The regular price of a Toyota Prius is $21,760 but some dealers are asking for premiums over sticker price. Toyota Motor Corporation ordered its dealers to sell 1754 cars per month which is 86% high from last year. After waiting for long time, many customers are now rolling out with other models.

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News Day.com

Honda president Takeo Fukui is aiming for F-1 championship

Honda, the second largest Japanese automaker is pioneer in many things. The company first introduced hybrid vehicle in the USA. Honda is also the first Japanese automaker to enter into F-1 racing. Unfortunately, the company has not been able to win any title and this is killing Honda Motor Company’s present President and CEO Takeo Fukui. Now, he is eyeing to win one F-1 championship and he announced to spend $10billion to win a F-1 championship. International Herald Tribune reports:

Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, beat Honda to the hybrid market by two years with the Prius in 1997. The vastly improved second-generation Prius in 2003 became an instant hit, helping Toyota win a reputation overnight as the leader in green automotive technology.

Honda's own efforts have been stop-and-go. After introducing the Insight two-seater in 1999, the company discontinued sales of two underpowered hybrid models, leaving the gasoline-electric Civic and hybrid sales at a fraction of Toyota's.

Honda, No. 2 in the Japanese market, recently detailed plans to change that. Using technological advances that would make its hybrid system less expensive and more profitable, Honda plans to introduce three hybrid cars over the next few years.

With gasoline prices soaring, Honda hopes to sell about 500,000 hybrids a year by 2015 - nine times what it sold last year - rivaling Toyota's own goal of increasing hybrid sales to a tenth of its total sales after 2010.

Sixty three year old Takeo Fukui, a resident of Tokyo had been an amateur race car driver. He joined Honda Motor Co. (TYO: 7267) because it was first Japanese company to participate in F-1 racing. Under Fukui’s leadership, Honda saw a major increase in its car sales and last year the company made a profit of $5.8billion.

No doubt, Takeo Fukui is a great business leader but will he be able to make Honda an F-1 champion? What do you think?

Related article:
International Herald Tribune

Honda

Hondamotors

Hondamotorcompany

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Samsung Introduces 82-inch LCD TV along with Other Innovative Products at SID 2008

Samsung Electronics Company Limited (SEO:005930) has recently unveiled a 82-inch LCD TV at the Society for Information Display (SID) International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, held recently at the Los Angles Convention Centre. The South Korean electronics product maker has also launched a number of innovative products at SID 2008. The 82-inch LCD television panel comes with a ultra-definition (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate.

Tradearabia reported:

At SID 2008, Samsung unveiled the industry’s first 82-inch LCD TV panel with ultra-definition (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. It displays ultra-definition (UD) resolution at 120 frames per second, minimising the blurring that is experienced at 60Hz.

A red/green/blue LED backlight has been added to raise true color saturation to 150 percent, based on the NISC standard of 100 per cent.
“This 82-inch LCD is large enough to cover all viewing angles with ultra-definition resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate that will allow viewers to watch motion pictures as if they are really in them,” said executive vice-president of the LCD Technology Centre at Samsung Electronics Sang Soo Kim.

A digital information display (DID) with multi-view has also been launched at SID 2008. The digital information display can produce 3D images without getting help from special glasses. With this digital information display, Samsung is now aiming to open a niche market. Moreover, 40-inch full-HD LCD TV panel has been unveiled. This HD LCD television requires two source driver ICs to be operated, in stead of the typical six source drivers and three gate drivers. For the middle class people, Samsung also launched a 15-inch LCD that sports “blue phase mode,” and 2.3-inch e-paper.

So, you can see that Samsung came up with a number of high tech products in Los Angles. Samsung Electronics Co. is one of the global makers of LCD television and holds a good chunk of market share globally. It seems that Samsung is going for aggressive marketing approach at this moment, even though the U.S. economy is going through a recession period and having an impact on the business companies.

Samsung

Samsung LCD TV

Samsung Coming up with ‘Samsung Steel’ Slider Phone

You know that Samsung has reputation when it comes to slider phone. The South Korean mobile phone maker has already presented a number of attractive slider phones. Now, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SEO:005930) is going to add another slider phone in the line up. That is Samsung Steel. The phone will hit the UK market next month and will be available exclusively on Vodafone. With a metallic finish, Samsung Steel looks attractive and comes with a 3.2MP camera. Packed in HSDPA, Samsung Steel also features Bluetooth with A2DP and 2.2in 262k colour display. The handset is equipped with a microSD slot.

Trustedreviews reported:

"With the Samsung Steel we wanted to create a multimedia handset with a timeless appeal and premium feel" said Mark Mitchinson, Samsung Mobile VP for the UK and Ireland.

Unlikely to cost anything on most decent contracts, the only note of caution we'd sound is just how much the Steel will weigh? Still, if you haven't upgraded your handset in a while this could be a winner...

Samsung is one of the top five mobile phone brands in the world and is one of the strong competitors of market leader Nokia. However, when it comes to slider phone, Samsung has better presence in the market. It is true that Samsung Steel does not match with Samsung Soul in terms of features; it seems that the handset is going to mark a positive impression in the UK market for Samsung.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Samsung F480 TouchWiz: The latest "iPhone killer " from Samsung

Every body is saying that it is going to be an ‘iPhone killer’. I am not a serious mobile user; so, it is upto you do decide which one is better. Next month, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (SEO: 005930) is launching SGH F480 ‘Tocco’ in Europe. Tocco is an Italian word which means touch. Touchscreen phones are the trend at present and the Samsung F480 TouchWiz is a smart, sleek mobile phone for fashion conscious people. It resembles more with Samsung Armani handset or LG’s Prada or LG KU990. Samsung announced the phone at the Barcelona Mobile Congress in February. Unconfirmed reports said that the phone is going to have different branding in UK.

Dimension:

Length: 98 mm
Width: 55 mm
Breadth: 11.5mm
Weight: 91 gram
The first thing that will strike you about the Samsung F480 TouchWiz is its size. The phone has the size of your credit card.phonearena.com says:

Did someone say PRADA? Well, it really looks similar. We won’t go into details about the design in this preview as the images will say it all. The F480 can stand next to the Prada and Armani phones with its head high up as it definitely looks great. Additionally, it can have a leather cover on the back (half of it) and front, making it look as a fashion accessory. The unit we currently use is of this type, but we also saw one without the leather – it is just the battery cover which is different.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has leather back and chrom trim.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz supports 3G, EDGE, GSM, and GPRS.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has HSDPA with a download speed of 7.2mpps.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has 240 MB of internal music memory.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has micro SD expandable memory which can be expanded up to 8GB.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz comes with USB 2.0.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has a 2.8 inch, 320 x 240 pixel touch screen, which comes with drag 'n' drop feature to access common functions like the clock, radio player, music player, photos, birthday reminders. Upon touching each icon the phone gives a vibrating feedback. phonearena.com further says:

As we said earlier, this is the first phone to use Samsung’s new TouchWiz interface, which is the successor of the Croix. It is very similar in the way it acts, but in visual aspect they have nothing in common: our main dislikes of the Croix were that it has monochrome look, and often the user must wonder what the icons actually meant. In the TouchWiz, everything is colorful, easily distinguishable, and has label with its function, so even the first time user will orientate easy. Similar to the G600 (and the Soul), the menus change with an animated transition. In this model they cannot be personalized, but are different depending on menu you are currently in. In combination with all the colorful icons, this looks very good.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has Bluetooth 2.0 via A2DP.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has built-in blogging support, email and web browser. Cellphonedia says:

Samsung takes pride in its upcoming release of its new 3G mobile, the Samsung SGH-F480. It has a built-in camera that is about 5 megapixels with 20 x digital zoom functions. If that's not enough to blow your mind, add the fact that the Samsung SGH-F480 has video capture and video player capabilities. This makes it equipped with a digital video zoom that can go up to 12 x. Aside from this; it has a 2nd internal camera, a built-in flash, and an auto-focus function. This is along with its capability to project image stabilization. You can take pictures and videos as often as you like since it has about 130 MB of phone memory. The F480's phonebook alone can store up to 1,000 contacts. Thus, if you need more room to store your videos, photos and other data, the Samsung SGH-F480 has an external memory card slot that can accommodate 1 MB up to 4 MB of storage capacity.

Video/Camera/Audio/Radio:

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has 5 mega-pixel camera with auto-focus and flash.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz comes with video and image stabilizing technology.

The Samsung F480 has slow motion function and built-in video editor.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has video calling facility.

The Samsung F480 is a complete multimedia phone that allows you to play a variety of audio and video files. Your mobile phonereviews.co.uk says:

The user can enjoy music on their phone by using the built in music player, radio feature or by enjoying their favourite ringing tones on the Samsung E480. The music player supports MP3 format, AAC & AAC+ music formats. The user can control their music using the easy to manage touch screen controls. The user can download or transfer their favourite music onto their phone using the connectivity options available & Internet access. The E480 supports both MP3 ringing tones & polyphonic ringtones which allow the user to enjoy a lively ringing tone experience on their phone. The radio feature is a FM radio complete with RDS feature which is accessible from the main menu.With the Samsung F480 TouchWiz, you can enjoy FM Radio with RDS.

Weak points:

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz does not support WiFi and GPS.

Samsung F480 TouchWiz is not so user friendly. The touch function drains more power from the battery. Compared to the Samsung F480, iPhone is simpler and better. GSM arena.com says:

Samsung F480 features a new UI, with nice colorful icons. It is a welcome change as previous touch UI Samsung handsets we reviewed seemed a little too reserved. The other nice improvement to the interface is the addition of widgets. We did like the idea and we are glad the implementation didn't let us down.The Widgets are basically a very convenient way for customizing your home screen. The Widget bar toggles on and off the homescreen by pressing the arrow in the lower left corner.The Widget bar itself includes a number of icons, which can be dragged onto the display and ordered to the user liking. If any of them should become unwanted, they can easily be dragged back to the bar. Here is a quick video demonstration on how the whole widget thing works.

The Samsung F480 TouchWiz has three hour talk time and 250 hours of stand-by life.

Price:

The price of Samsung F480 TouchWiz is around €500 (£400).

Now, the million dollar question is, do you think that Samsung F480 is better than iPhone?

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Samsung launched EcoGreen F1 hard disk

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (SEO: 005930) has unveiled its new 1-TB eco-friendly line of hard drives. Named EcoGreen F1, this new hard drive will be launched in the second quarter of 2008. Talking about the hard disk, T.J Lee, vice president of sales and marketing, Samsung Storage Division, said that since 2003, his company had been producing hard disks complying with the restriction of the use of hazardous materials. The EcoGreen product line was designed to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly, high-performance devices with an optimized cost of ownership advantage.

The EcoGreen F1 comes with the following features:

The EcoGreen F1 has 15% power usage reduction compared to other hard drives of its categories. tgdaily reports:

Samsung promises that its EcoGreen F1 hard drive will consume about 50% less power than traditional hard drives and about 15% less than “other low-power” 1 TB hard drives. The company did not provide the exact specifications, but assumed that Samsung considered the 13.4 watt maximum power consumption of its own 1 TB hard drive as well as Western Digital’s Greenpower hard drives, which claim to consume at least 4 watts less than other 1 TB hard drives, our math would put the Samsung drive into the 7 – 8 watt maximum power range.

Compared to standard 1TB drives the EcoGreen F1 has 50% reduction in power usage.
The EcoGreen F1 also offers reduced noise through Silent Seek and Noise Guard.
The data integrity of EcoGreen F1 adds up extra protection through the use of advanced dynamic Flying on Demand (FOD) technology which prevents the head from ever touching the disk surface.
The EcoGreen F1 fits in three 334 GB platters spinning at 5400 rpm. Consumer electronic Net says:

The EcoGreen F1 hard drive offers the highest capacity per disk for one terabyte hard drives, at 334GB per platter. This reduces the number of parts required to operate the hard drive and helps to boost the drive's speed for overall improved performance.

The EcoGreen F1 has a 32MB cache memory and SATA 3.0 Gbps interface.
The EcoGreen F1 can be used both as internal or external drive for desktop PCS.
The new EcoGreen F1 can also be used for surveillance applications and for audio and video recording in case of low power requirement.
Samsung’s new eco-friendly drive can be adopted as an external hard drive as well as an internal drive for desktop PCs.
The EcoGreen F1 is also ideal for surveillance applications and for audio and video recording where low power and stability requirements are critical.

Price: The EcoGreen F1 will cost US$199.

Related articles:

Consumer Electronics Net

Samsung

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Toshiba Corporation is expecting a rise in business in the third quarter of 2008

World’s top NAND flash memory producer Toshiba Corporation (TYO:6502) posted an 80% decline in its operating profit in the first quarter of 2008 due to fall in its NAND chips prices. The company expects that prices of NAND chips used in Apple iPod will remain flat throughout the second quarter of the year but it could pick up in the third quarter. The company expects that demand of NAND chips will increase among laptop PC makers as they are using NAND memory instead of hard disk drives, and sophisticated mobile phone producers.

On 22^nd May, at the Reuters Global Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit, Shozo Saito, Toshiba corporate senior vice president, said that demand for Toshiba’s high-capacity flash memory chips has been strong. The company has been receiving orders 5% more than it could supply and it would increase upto 10% in the third quarter. He said that his company is prepared for a 50% slump in business because the past data shows 50% average decline per year. In the face of further price falls, the company will curb plans to increase output. Saito said that his company will keep profit margins by cutting costs. Reuters reports:

He said it was possible that the company would initially start production at only one of two NAND factories it is planning to build in 2010.

Toshiba and partner SanDisk Corp (SNDK.O: Quote, Profile, Research) together plan to spend a total 1.7 trillion yen ($16.5 billion) on two new plants in Japan, but SanDisk has so far only committed to investing in one of them.

"It depends on the market situation. If NAND prices fall too much, we will leave factory buildings empty," he said.

"We could start production at one plant first, and if so, we think that would be the one in Yokkaichi," in western Japan, he said.

For a long time, Toshiba Corporation has been trying to avoid sharp price fluctuations by shifting more towards “embedded” NAND memory used in portable music players and other digital devices. Saito said that his company will increase the percentage of the embedded NAND production upto 70% of its total production in one year.

Related article:

Reuters

Toshiba

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Ford, GM, Chrysler are losing market to Honda and Toyota

Honda Motor Company (TYO: 7267) is trying to make a turn around with its hybrid models and this means more loss of market shares for American automakers especially, the famous ‘Detroit Three.’ In 2009, Honda Motor Company is planning to release hybrid models that will cost only$1900 (€1,206). Honda is also planning to bring out the hybrid version of its popular Fit subcompact vehicle. Jesse Toprak, chief industry analyst, Edmunds.com referred Honda’s strategy as a ‘game-changer for the short term’. Currently, Honda has the most fuel-efficient car models in the USA market. The company will sell its new hybrid only cars in USA, Japan, and Europe from next year but it has not determined anything about the Fit subcompact hybrid. International Herald Tribune reports:

In addition to the new model and the Fit, Honda will introduce several other hybrids: a Civic and a new sporty model based on the CR-Z, Fukui said.

Fukui refused to give the price for the new hybrid-only vehicle.

But he said the difference between hybrids and their comparable standard models should be kept within 200,000 yen ($1,900, €1,206), although such price gaps can now reach as much as 500,000 yen ($4,800, €3,047).

"The 200,000 yen difference is a must," Fukui said.

Hybrids deliver a cleaner, more efficient ride by switching between a gas engine and an electric motor at different speeds, and by recycling the energy the car produces as it moves.

Honda aims at selling 200,000 ‘entry-level’ hybrid cars every year. To make the cars cheaper, the company has introduced a new electronic control unit and thinner and more compact battery. It is also developing a thinner motor.

North American car companies are good at making big vehicles like trucks and SUVs. With the rising cost of fuel American people are shifting towards smaller fuel-efficient cars.

Michael Robinet, vice president, Global Forecast Services for CSM Worldwide, an auto industry consulting company in Northville, says that GM and Ford could rely on their European and Asian operations for small car expertise. Chrysler has joined with Nissan to release small cars by 2010. GM is focusing on its larger hybrid vehicles and plug-in car Chevrolet Volt which will be released in 2010. Ford is planning to release midsize hybrids next year.

Related articles:

International Herald Tribune

Honda is going to lease 200 FCX Clarity in Japan and the USA

It was the pioneer in hybrid vehicles; once again, it is going to be the pioneer in fuel-cell vehicles. Japan’s second largest auto-maker, Honda Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7267) is going to sell fuel cell cars and with that aim in mind, the company is planning to lease out 200 fuel-cell vehicles for the next three years. The vehicle named FCX Clarity will go into production from next month in Japan. Leasing will start from July in Los Angeles. After the Clarity was unveiled in November, the company received 50,000 mails inquiring about the car. The first customer of the car will be announced next month. With rising air pollution and oil price and strict emission standards, demands for hybrids, plug-ins, and fuel-cell vehicles will be high. The main problem is the high production cost of the fuel-cell vehicles. Bloomberg reports:

``Honda designed an attractive product, but we're talking about a vehicle priced like a Bentley,'' said K.G. Duleep, managing director of Arlington, Virginia-based Energy & Environmental Analysis Inc. ``The economics of fuel cells are way out of line. Batteries look like a better option because costs should come down more quickly.''

Honda engineers estimated three years ago that its previous fuel-cell cars cost more than $1 million to build. Duleep, who completed a fuel-cell vehicle study this year for the U.S. Department of Energy, believes Honda has cut its production costs to between $120,000 and $140,000 per vehicle.

Luxury cars from Bentley Motors, owned by Volkswagen AG, range from $170,990 to $340,990, according to Edmunds.com.

``We have made substantial cost reductions throughout the vehicle,'' said Sage Marie, a spokesman for the company's U.S. unit, who didn't confirm Duleep's estimate. The Clarity performs more like a sports car, with a top speed of 105 miles per hour, and should be viewed as a more premium vehicle, he said.

Honda will lease those 200 cars both in Japan and the USA but it did not mention how many of the 200 cars will be leased in USA. In the USA, the potential customers of the FSX Clarity have to be residents of Santa Monica, Torrance or Irvine, California and he/she will have to pay $600 per month. Since the state of California has hydrogen fuelling stations and Honda’s US operation base is situated over there, it will release the fuel-cell cars in that area.

Related article:
Bloomberg

Honda opening up a new plant

On Wednesday, Honda president, Takeo Fukui announced to invest $1.5 billion to build a new car production and engine plant. Currently, Honda Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7267) has two car production plants; one in Tokyo in Saitama and the other in Western Japan. The 200,000 upa engine production facility will be constructed in Ogawa. The first unit will come off in 2009. Automotive World report:

In related news, president Fukui confirmed provisional plans announced in March that a subsidiary of the OEM that specialises in mini-vehicles, Yachiyo Industry Company, will construct a second plant that will be subcontracted to make engines and related components. This is due to become operational in 2010.

"Over the next three years Honda will start running next-generation production lines at four sites, including a transmission factory in the central prefecture of Shizuoka which will be renovated, to beef up competitiveness. This will be the biggest production reform in Honda's history," Takeo Fukui told a news conference.

USA

is the largest market of the Japanese car makers. As the country is observing an economic slow down, Honda has no plans to cut down its production at its North American Honda and Acura plants. To keep the plants operational, Honda will export cars to Russia. The company will also work hard to gain a better result in its domestic market despite the fact that auto makers are observing a slump in car sell.

Related article:
Automotive World

Honda decides to buy more foreign made auto parts

To make its products more competitive in the market and reduce the production cost, Honda Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7267) Japan’s second largest automaker, announced that it will buy auto parts from abroad. On Wednesday, Honda also declared to reform its manufacturing processes to boost efficiencies. The new production standards and procedures will be introduced at the company’s Yorii car plant which is now under construction. Reuters reports:

"The issue is how much of the rest of the components, which account for 80 percent of the total, we can procure globally," he said in a group interview. That would include components made overseas by Japanese parts makers as well as those made by local firms, he said.

"For motorcycles, the (parts) infrastructure is in place in Thailand, China, Vietnam and many other places, so we're able to do this. Achieving the same with cars is going to be key."

The company raised the portion of foreign auto-parts from 5% to 17% for its Fit subcompact car. Honda's president, Takeo Fukui said that they were supplying technology to their joint venture partners in China. Another Japanese automaker, Nissan Motor Company (TYO: 7201) is also bringing in parts made from China, India.

Related article:
Reuters

Japan's nuclear-power-plant builders will receive aid from

Japan’s nuclear-power-plant-builders that are working on U.S projects are going to receive financial aid from Japan Bank for International Cooperation under the request of Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy unit of the trade ministry. Bloomberg reports:

In a move to reduce investment risks of companies that participate in U.S. nuclear-plant projects, the agency might ask the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to make loans to companies such as Toshiba Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Hitachi Ltd., the news service reported.

U.S. and Japanese energy officials are scheduled to meet May 23 in Tokyo to discuss Japan's policy on aid to the U.S., which plans to build 30 nuclear reactors over the next 20 years, Nikkei said.

Japanese companies are now moving into US nuclear market. Japanese company Toshiba Corporation (TYO:6502) bought Westinghouse Electric Co., a Pennsylvania-based nuclear-power-system. Hitachi Ltd. (TYO:6501) with General Electric Co. is exploring the U.S. market.

Related article:
Bloomberg

japan

toshiba

hitachi

The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon Sports Car Review

Hyundai Motor Company (SEO:005380) is going to introduce the latest model of Hyundai Tiburon Sports coupe. Titled ‘2008 Hyundai Tiburon’, the car comes in four trim levels. The main advantage of 2008 Hyundai Tiburon sports car is its affordable price along with a gorgeous look in a sleek shape.

2008 Hyundai Tiburon is an entry level sports car which provides with sports performance to its users, but it is not the leader of its class, lacking less sporting performance compared to the other competitors of this class. However, coupled with a reasonable price tag and the performance it offers for entry level sports car users, 2008 Hyundai Tiburon is a worthy model to consider if you are looking for a sports car without spending a large amount. The four trim levels of 2008 Hyundai Tiburon are GS, GS with Sports Package, GT, and GTP.

telegraphjournal reported:

Fast forward a decade and the Tiburon has evolved into a performance hungry sports vehicle available in four trims: the GS, GS with Sports Package, GT, and GTP. The 2008 base GS model is equipped with a 2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) generating 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm – and comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. The GS with Sport Package, GT and GTP offer a 4- speed Transmission with SHIFTRONIC ™ giving the driver more manual control.

The GT and GTP trims pack a more powerful punch, moving up to a 172-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine, and several performance features, such as European sport tuned suspension with firmer spring rates and larger 17-inch alloy wheels for better grip and control. Other amenities include remote keyless entry, cruise control, power sun roof and a dramatic rear spoiler.

So, it seems that 2008 Hyundai Tiburon could impress those who are looking for a model to get the first time experience of a sports coupe. Hyundai Tiburon was first introduced in North American market with the 1997 model that worked well for the company. This time, it is going to be interesting to see if Hyundai Tiburon model continues its success, amid continuous fuel price hike in the international market and the current economic recession of U.S. market.

If you want to get more information about 2008 Hyundai Tiburon sports couple then click here.

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Hyundai tiburon

Hyundai tiburon sports car

Samsung's reorganization and reassignment creates further controversies

First, it was the top level executives; now, Samsung Group is reorganizing its companies in an effort to reinvigorate its image. According to the latest news, Samsung Electronics Co.(SEO: 005930), the major profit earner of Samsung group, will be combined with its home appliance division that makes refrigerators, air-conditioners and washing machines. The home theatre, DVD and Blue-ray player business will be merged with its TV section. Samsung’s notebook computer, digital music player and set top box business will be transferred to its telecommunications network division. Wall Street Journal reports:

The moves are "in line with the latest technology trend" and "we hope to further strengthen our position as a digital convergence leader," the company said.

The moves follow a change at Samsung Group's top management last week, when Samsung Electronics said external relations chief Lee Yoon-Woo would be its new chief executive, succeeding Yun Jong-Yong, who had led the electronics giant since 1997.

But analysts said it is still uncertain if the reorganization would bring about any significant synergies.

"We haven't paid attention to its home appliance business, which hasn't contributed to its profitability much," said Song Myung-Sup, an analyst at CJ Investment & Securities. "It remains to be seen if the combination will actually create synergies."

Unfortunately, what seems to be an effort to revive has created further agitation and controversies. Thirty nine year old, Lee Jae-Yong, Samsung Electronics’ former chief client officer and son of the former chairman of Samsung Group, Lee Kun-Hee has been reassigned to a new post. On Thursday, in a statement, Samsung Electronics said that Lee Jae-Yong, will work in China, India, Russia, and in other commonwealth of Independent states to develop the company’s business. Though he was not charged of any wrong doing, after Lee Kun-Hee was charged with tax evasion and breach of trust, Lee Jae-Yong resigned along with his father. Yong’s reappointment has irked the Samsung employees. They protested against his reassignment.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Nissan Planning to Revive Nissan 200SX Sports Car with a Hybrid Engine

Japanese car maker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (TYO:7201) is contemplating seriously to bring back its Nissan 200SX sports car, which was stopped in 2003. Nissan 200SX is widely known as Silvia, which could get a revival in future as a hybrid car equipped with a hybrid engine. Because of high price hike in fuel in the world market, Nissan is planning to re-introduce Nissan 200SX as a petrol-electric two-door sports car, which also makes it an environment friendly car.

Stuff reported:

An electric motor would effectively replace the turbo that characterised the sports-oriented 200SX, boosting power and performance while saving fuel.

"People are more sensitive to fuel efficiency [these days]," says Junichi Endo, Nissan's senior vice president of global marketing.

"A front-engine, rear-drive may appeal still ... but it's important it is still fun to drive. Ideally we would try to hit both fuel economy and driving pleasure."

However, Nissan bosses are not yet confirmed whether people would accept a sports car with a hybrid engine, replacing a turbocharged engine. They see a 50-50 chance here. The production of Nissan 200SX was stopped due to its failure to meet the emission regulations. The company thinks, cars like Nissan 200SX sports car could be pure electric vehicle as investment coming heavily in making environmentally friendly cars. There are few other car makers who are also working on introducing hybrid sports cars. Honda said that it would bring back its CRX model as hybrid-powered CR-Z. Now, let us see if Nissan really takes up the project of reviving Nissan 200SX sports car with a hybrid engine.

Hyundai India Announced Price Hike by 2 Percent

Hyundai Motor India Ltd has announced a 2 percent increase in the prices of all of its models in Indian market. The announcement came just two days after Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (BOM:532500), the largest car maker of Indian car market, declared price hike in its vehicles. Hyundai Motor Company (SEO:005380) is the second largest auto maker in the domestic market.

As per the announcement of Hyundai, the increase in prices would range from Rs 5200 to Rs. 32,200, which is a bit more than Maruti Suzuki’s hike ranging Rs 1000-18,000. Auto makers are increasing the price hikes in order to cope up with the increasing prices of input materials like steel, copper, plastic and rubber.

Hindustan Times reported:

Hyundai's hike would range between Rs 5200 and Rs. 32,200 as compared to increases of Rs 1000-18,000 announced by Maruti.

“There has been an increase of diverse magnitudes across a variety of our inputs like steel, copper, plastic and rubber. We have been absorbing it for sometime now, but (now) we have decided to pass on some of it to consumers,” said Arvind Saxena, senior vice president at HMIL.

Some other major companies of Indian market like Mahindra and Mahindra and Honda Siel Cars India also announced its price hike. Recently, General Motors said it would announce the new prices by the end this month, while Tata Motors, another major player of the market, is yet to decide over the matter.

Well, hike in car prices is being experienced in some other car markets as well thanks to the consistent increase in its input materials. The producers of Steel are now calling for 30 percent more for long term contracts, while the price of aluminium has gone upward by 25 percent since last January. So, car makers can not help but increasing the prices of its models in order to assimilate with the price hike in the input materials. Now, let us see if such price hike affects car sales in Indian car market.

Honda goes hybrid once again

Even I used to think that Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) is the pioneer in hybrid vehicles but that is not true; it is the second largest Japanese automobile producer, Honda Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7267), who first introduced hybrid car in the USA. In 1999, Honda rolled out its first hybrid model, the Honda Insight but it was not very successful. Now, looking at Toyota’s success, the company is gearing up again with new hybrid models. On May 21, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui told reporters that by 2010, Honda is planning to sell 500,000 hybrid cars per year. Honda is planning to bring out the Hybrid version of its popular Fit Subcompact. Business Week reports:

First up will be Honda's long-awaited dedicated hybrid car. Seating five, it will be a five-door model with an exterior design based on Honda's sleek FCX Clarity fuel-cell car, which it plans to begin leasing later this year in the U.S. and Japan.

The new car will go on sale in early 2009 and will use a traditional gasoline engine as its main power source, tapping an electric motor during startup and acceleration. It will be launched in Japan, North America, and Europe at an "affordable price," which Fukui says means customers will be thinking about more than just image when they make their buying decision. "This hybrid vehicle will be chosen rationally by customers based on its economic benefit," he says. Annual production is scheduled to be 200,000 vehicles a year, around half of which will be sold in the U.S.

The five-door model will be followed by a sporty hybrid and a new version of the popular Civic hybrid in 2010.

The main problem is, though Honda is optimistic to compete with Toyota, Toyota Motor Corporation is in far better position than Honda dominating majority of North American Hybrid market. At this point, the other option for Honda is going for electric plug-in vehicles like Nissan but Honda is not interested in electronic vehicles. According to Fukui, the major drawback of the electric vehicles is the low powered battery. Unless there is some major technological advancement in the battery, the plug-in cars will not be much popular.

Related article:
Business Week

Toyota’s Joint Venture in China Resumes Production

The recent earthquake in China caused a heavy loss in the country. Due to the devastating earthquake, Toyota Motor Corp.’s joint venture with FAW Group, a local car maker, was halted for a week. However, the production of the auto plant has started again after a week off. The good thing is that none of the employees of the joint venture of Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO:7203) was injured due to earthquake. Initially, the production activities of day shift have been started. Coaster microbuses and Prado sport utility vehicle are being produced in the plant.

AP reported:

Toyota lost production of 380 vehicles over the one-week stoppage, Nolasco said. The plant makes about 80 vehicles a day.

Nolasco noted that the loss is not great for Toyota, Japan's biggest automaker, which makes about 9.5 million vehicles a year.

"We're not in rush to start churning those vehicles out," he said, adding that the company was monitoring possible effects of the quake on the quality of the products.

So, you can understand that the plant is very important for the joint venture company and the earthquake affected the company too. Toyota is a major car manufacturer in the world and the company is not doing well in its US market due to economic recession over the last one year, but its performance in the emerging markets like China has been pretty much satisfactory. Now, let us see to what extent, Toyota has been suffered by the earthquake in the current quarter of the year.

Nokia will use Linux in a handset that works as a mobile phone under WiMAX network.

Will or will not Nokia use Linux in its mobile phones? Most of the news reports including Reuters said that it will, but the Finnish mobile giant refuted those claims. Currently, Nokia is using Linux Operating system in its 810 Internet Tablet. Other major mobile phone companies like Vodafone, Motorola, NTTDoCoMo, Huawei and LG are also moving towards using Linux based softwares. The speculation about Linux started after Nokia’s Financial Director, Rick Simonson said that his company was well on the way towards using Linux on its mobile phone products. It further prompted a speculation about a tie-up with Google. The Register reports:

Except, says Nokia, it has no such plan. The confusion comes from the definition of a mobile phone, and what constitutes a phone handset. Nokia already uses Linux on its internet tablet class of devices, exemplified by the Nokia N810, and is planning to expand that class into more feature-rich devices.

The N810 already features VoIP, including a Skype client, but so far those have only been usable when logged on to a Wi-Fi hotspot. But in the US Nokia has announced and demonstrated a version of the N810 with WiMAX support, which will give it the always-on connectivity that traditionally defines a mobile phone.

So here is a handset, from Nokia, which can make and receive calls as long as it remains within a WiMAX network which is intended to be ubiquitous, eventually. So can one say Nokia are planning to release mobile phones based on Linux?

I am not a mobile phone savvy person but when you can use a machine to receive and send calls then I think we should refer it as a phone. So, in the end, it looks like that Nokia is going to use Linux in its phone set.

Related article:
The Register

Nokia

nokia

Nokia to save the Indian tiger from extinction

In order to save the Indian tiger, Finnish mobile phone company, Nokia has declared to join with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India. Techtree.com reports:

Enunciating on the partnership, heads of both organizations expressed concern over the declining tiger population in the country, and elaborated on the role the partnership could play in curbing this decline.

The tiger conservation project will address issues such as alternative livelihood for local communities, environmental awareness, and communication. It will also address critical issues that face the Southwestern Ghats today, including the loss of bio-diversity and the conflict between human beings and wildlife. Nokia and the World Wildlife Fund India will work towards providing education and alternative livelihood programs to villages around tiger reserves and National Protected Areas such as Ranthambore in Rajasthan.

The population around the world is increasing and to meet the growing demands of this population every day hundreds of acres of forests are destroyed. India being one of the densely populated countries in the world is suffering from serious deforestation problems. Because of deforestation, the tigers are losing their natural habitat. In addition, illegal poaching is claiming lives of many wild animals including the tiger. Now is the time to do something or else we will lose many such beautiful animals.

Related article:
Tech Tree

nokia

Nokia

Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone : The new music camera phone from Nokia

Nokia, the world famous Finnish mobile phone producer, brought out their next generation music phones in the European market six months ago. Now, the company is releasing its latest music phone Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone, in the USA market.

According to the report of NPD Group, a top market research firm, music-enabled phones made up 60% of the mobile phones sold in the USA in the first quarter. With the new Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone, Nokia is trying to gain a better position in the USA market. Currently, it is in the fourth position in North America. The new model was unveiled at the T-Mobile USA show last Tuesday. The first and only wireless operator in the USA, T-Mobile USA, Inc. will sell the Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone. The company also sold its predecessor 5610 Xpress Music phone. Both the models were announced last August by Nokia. The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music handset is coming to all the T-Mobile stores in USA on May 28. Now let’s look at the phone:

Dimension:
Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone is a slim, music-playing handset. It looks like a candy bar.
Length: 4.09 inches
Width: 1.76 inches
Breadth: 0.39 inches
Weight: 3 ounces.

Laptopmag says:

Following the design of the Nokia 5300, the 5310 has two aluminum side panels on either side of the screen, where external controls for Rewind/Fast-Forward, and Play/Pause are located. You can choose among red, orange, and purple to accent the black phone. But where the 5300—which had only soft keys and Send/End buttons on its face—slid open to reveal a keypad, the candy-bar 5310 features Send and End buttons and two soft keys surrounding a D-pad. Below them is a fairly small keypad for dialing numbers, but it wasn’t too scrunched as to make for sore thumbs while dialing or even shooting off some short texts. The 2-inch QVGA screen is nice and bright.

Camera:

The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with a 2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with video capture and playback facility.

Music:

The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with MP3 player.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with external music player controller. Along with the phone, you will also get a stereo wired headset. You will also a get a USB cable to load music.
With the new Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone, you can listen to your favorite FM radio stations.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack compatible with most earphones.
With the new Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone, you will also get a hands-free speaker.
The digital music player of Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone supports AAC, eAAC+, MP3 and Windows Media Audio formats.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone also has video ring tone facility.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with 1GB microSD card. It can be increased upto 4GB.

Cnet.com says:

T-Mobile has preloaded the phone with two exclusive new songs from artists Panic At The Disco and Phantom Planet. As an added bonus, the Nokia 5310 is also loaded with Panic At The Disco's latest video, "That Green Gentleman." T-Mobile also included a special making-of the video with a greeting from the band.

Business wire.com says:

In addition to the preloaded content, T-Mobile and Nokia are offering customers a unique opportunity to share their love of music to stick together with those who matter most in their lives. Customers can enter a code from an in-box flyer at www.nokiausa.com/xpressmusic for a chance to win several items, including a music-themed download to use for their Nokia 5310 XpressMusic or to give to a friend, or a grand prize of a $100 Ticketmaster Gift Card to be used toward the purchase of two tickets to a concert of the winner’s choice,1 enabling customers to truly share the joy and experience of music with a friend.

Internet/Bluetooth/3G/Wi-Fi

The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with Bluetooth connectivity. You can enjoy T-Mobile’s myFaves support. The main problem of the Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone is, it does not support 3G Network. As a result, the phone will not be able to use the newly upgraded T-Mobile Network.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone does not support Wi-Fi.
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone supports tri-band 850/1800/1900 MHz GSM, GPRS, EDGE.

Display:

The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone comes with 2-inch QVGA 240x320 display with upto 16 million colors. Softpedia says:

This is a completely new and redesigned interface and offers a better entertainment experience. Also the external music dedicated keys are making the phone very easy to handle when music player or FM radio are used. The integrated Video player can play 3GP and MP4 files and features the Fullscreen mode for a better experience. The music player is compatible with MP3, MIDI, AAC, AAC+, and WMA file formats. For a better music experience you can take advantage of the Equalizer, that features 8 presets, but it's not limited to those. The 3.5 mm jack port enables you to easily swap the default headset (Nokia HS-45) with another one of your choosing. The FM radio can store up to 20 base stations and has the RDS function.In terms of audio quality, Nokia 5310 XpressMusic qualifies as very good. Users that want a higher sound quality should definitely change the headset that comes in the sales package. Also, radio reception is excellent and audio quality even better. The loudspeakers are not making a good job (even if they're 3), so you will get a low sound, which lacks any bass traces. The dedicated audio chipset included does its job and puts Nokia 5310 cellphone in top 3 XpressMusic series in terms of sound quality.

Others:
The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone has voice dialing, voice commands and voice recorder. GSM Arena says:

Nokia 5310 employs the Series 40 5th edition user interface. As you might know Nokia decided to skip the 4th edition and went straight to 5th from the 3rd. But leaving the name aside, we have to say navigating and controlling the phone are almost the same as with the previous UI edition and identical to Nokia 6500 classic. The phone offers a vast number of configurable options but at the price of somehow complicated menu structure and navigation.When in stand-by, the display as usually visualizes the pre-selected wallpaper plus signal strength, battery status and time in the top bar. Beneath the top bar are the operator logo and the date. The bottom bar is reserved for the descriptions of the functions assigned to the center of the navigation key and the two context keys. The center of the navigation key opens the main menu, while the context keys can be assigned a function of your choice. The font on the main display can be of any color.

Price:
Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone will cost you $50 with a two year contract. (For more info visit http://www.t-mobile.com/)

Related articles:

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Hyundai i30 Car Review

The Hyundai i30 is a small family car from Korea’s top automobile company Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387). Designed by Hyundai European team in Germany, the Hyundai i30 is sold in the United Kingdom as a replacement for the Hyundai Accent and the Hyundai Elantra. First introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor show, the car was released in late 2007 in Europe and Australia. That same year, the estate version was released at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea. This year, the Hyundai i30 will be released worldwide. In USA the car will be named Elantra Touring.

The Hyundai i30 shares mechanical components with Kia cee’d but there are lot modifications in the design of the car.

The Hyundai i30 is available as a five-door hatchback or estate, with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, either with manual or automatic transmissions.

Engine:
In 2007, Hyundai i30 won the CARS Guide Car of the Year award. The 1.6 L CRDi model won the Green Car of the Year award and it was also the cheapest car in Australia. Auto express.co.uk says:

The i30 shares its platform with the Kia Cee’d, but has slightly revised suspension settings. It feels composed and reassuring, and while it’s far from inspiring to drive, it is comfortable and refined enough. Long journeys won’t be a chore. The same range of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are used, too – but Hyundai has made a few changes which improve refinement. There’s also a 1.4-litre petrol entry-level car, and we found little difference in performance between this and the 1.6; however, if you can afford it, go for the excellent 1.6-litre diesel. It has impressive punch, particularly when pulling out of junctions.

Exterior:

The Hyundai i30 has been designed according to the need of the European car users.
The Hyundai i30 comes with 15" alloy wheels. The wheel design is very distinctive.
The Hyundai i30 comfort models have classic 15" design.
The Hyundai i30 style models comes with a new 16" snowflake shape.
The Hyundai i30 premium models comes with a sleek and sporty 17" design.
The Hyundai i30 comes with an elongated headlamp. It gives the i30 a real sense of purpose.

Interior:
At the first look the Hyundai i30 looks like a small car but it comes with lots of space. Autoexpress.co.uk says:

The well-constructed interior offers a comfortable seating position and plenty of rear space. The i30 actually has more rear legroom than the already-spacious Cee’d. The boot is practical, and as the rear seatbases flip, you can create a virtually flat load area. The trouble is, lower-end models don’t look as robust as they actually are, due to a large expanse of dull plastic. More upmarket variants get a leather steering wheel and metal-effect centre console. All models are very well equipped though, with even entry-level versions offering ESP, alloys, electric windows, air con and a USB auxiliary port. What’s more, the i30 offers a five-year warranty, though this is still two years less than the Cee’d. Retained values are better than the Kia though, with the Hyundai holding on to just under 39 per cent after three years.

Car Advice.com.au says:

It’s a well thought out car inside too. For starters there’s an iPod interface allowing you to plug your MP3 directly into the car’s sound system. And you won’t even need a USB cord. Every i30 comes with one in the centre console. Not only that. The car’s audio head unit can control both volume and playlists – a huge plus and not available in many prestige cars. The standard fit remote folding key fob looks remarkably similar to that found across the Volkswagen range and is a nice touch. The driver and front passenger seats are particularly good, offering comfort and sports style side bolster. A massive improvement over the Elantra. Steering is both height and reach adjustable, which in my book, is essential if you are to find the perfect driving position. The SLX and SR versions win a nice thick leather wrapped steering wheel, while the base model SX gets not so handsome plastic model which looks worse than it is to hold.

Safety features:

The Hyundai i30 comes with active front head restraints that will help cushion the driver’s and passengers’ neck against the impact of a rear collision and reduce the possibility whiplash injury.
The Hyundai i30 comes with an advanced electronic stability system that is pro-active in controlling brake pressure to each wheel, and manages the engine power output during acceleration and braking on low friction road surfaces. The ESP works along with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Traction Control (TC).
All the Hyundai i30 models are installed with the new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It flags up significant reductions in tyre pressure and ensures tire longevity and delivers the optimal level of fuel efficiency and vehicle control.
The Hyundai i30 comes with six airbags, side impact bars and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
If you want you can enable the speed sensitive automatic door locking system from your local Hyundai dealer.
For child safety, all the Hyundai i30 models come with rear childproof locks and ISOfix fittings.

Security features:

Along with safety features, The Hyundai i30 comes with a Thatcham approved immobiliser with deadlocks and remote operated central locking system.

The folding key design of Hyundai i30 provides added protection for the key when not in use.

Pricing:
So far I have found two price for European and Australian market.

For the United Kingdom:

Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort…………………………………..£10995
Hyundai i30 1.6 Comfort…………………………………..£12295
Hyundai i30 1.4 Style………………………………………..£12545
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Comfort………………………….£12995
Hyundai i30 1.6 Style………………………………………..£13295
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Style……………………………….£13995
Hyundai i30 1.6 Premium………………………………….£14895
Hyundai i30 2.0 CRDi Style……………………………….£14995
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Premium…………………………£15595

The Australian market:

Hyundai i30 SX 2.0 (Petrol manual)…………………$18,990
Hyundai i30 SX 2.0 (Petrol auto)……………………..$20,990
Hyundai i30 SX CRDi (man only)………………………$21,490
Hyundai i30 SLX 2.0 (Petrol man)…………………….$23,490
Hyundai i30 SLX 2.0 (Petrol auto)…………………….$25,490
Hyundai i30 SLX (CRDi man only)…………………….$25,990
Hyundai i30 SR 2.0 (Petrol man)………………………$26,490
Hyundai i30 SR 2.0 (auto)…………………………………$28,490

Related articles:

Hyundai i30 official website

Monday, May 19, 2008

Toyota Motor Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd agreed to pay higher price for steel

Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO:7203) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (TYO:7011) have agreed buy steel from Nippon Steel Corporation (TYO:5401) at higher price. Because of soaring cost of raw materials, Nippon Steel Corporation had to increase its product prices. Under the new agreement, Toyota is going to pay 25,000 yen to 30,000 yen for one metric ton of steel and Mitsubishi will pay 30,000 yen. Last month, Nippon Steel said that higher raw material costs would decrease the annual profit margin by 41%. For better profit prices had to be increased. In the last fiscal year ending on March 31, average product prices were 80,200 yen a ton. Bloomberg reports:

“This shows that steelmakers can pass on materials costs to customers,'' Toshiyuki Johno, an analyst at Nikko Citigroup Ltd. in Tokyo, said in a report today. He raised his target price for the shares to 900 yen from 800 yen and rates them ``buy.”

Nippon Steel gained 5 percent to close at 689 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The shares have climbed 18 percent in the past four trading days, the biggest four-day rally since September 2005.

Toyota has said it plans to raise prices by as much as 2.1 percent in North America this month to help offset rising materials costs.

This new agreement will also influence other Japanese steel makers and their customers. Another Japanese steel maker JFE Steel Corporation will also increase their prices. The latest steel price hike will eventually increase the price more than 100,000 yen per ton for the first time in last 26 years in Japan.

Related articles:
Bloomberg

Mitsui Life Insurance Co. plans to buy debt with more than 10 years of maturity

Japan’s fifth largest life insurance company by assets, Tokyo based Mitsui Life Insurance Co. is planning to buy more domestic bonds and foreign debt hedged. The company is expecting a currency risk in the current fiscal year starting from April. In an interview on Friday, Yoichiro Matsuta, strategy manager, Mitsui Investment told that his company is planning to increase domestic debt with more than 10 years to maturity by 40% of its total assets. Foreign bonds will make up about 4% of investments. Bloomberg reports:

``We plan on increasing domestic government bond investment'' to 2.7 trillion yen ($26 billion), Matsuta said. ``Asian and emerging market stocks also look very attractive.''

Nippon Life Insurance Co., Japan's biggest life insurer, said last month it plans to buy 400 billion yen in Japanese debt this fiscal year. Dai-ichi Mutual Life Insurance Co., the second largest, also said last month it plans to raise holdings of long-term domestic bonds and foreign stocks.

Of the Japanese allocation, Mitsui Life will invest about 10 percent in municipal bonds, 60 percent in government debt and the rest in corporate and agency notes, according to Matsuta.

Yoichiro expects that 10-year government bonds will trade between 1.2% and 1.8% in the current fiscal year. Today, at Japan Bond Trading Co. the yield fell 3 basis points to 1.66%.

Related article:
Bloomberg

Hello Kitty is Japan's good will torism ambassador

Well, I used to see this cute cat’s face on pencil boxes but little did I know that Hello Kitty is a famous Japanese cartoon character. It is immensely popular among little girls and women in Japan, Hong Kong and China. Hello Kitty has been chosen as goodwill tourism ambassador to promote Japan’s tourism. This famous moon faced cartoon character was created by Sanrio in 1974. It first appeared on a plastic coin purse. Since then, Hello Kitty has charmed every one. Currently, its face is engraved on 50,000 products that are sold in 60 countries. Fashion icon, pop culture icon, business phenomenon and now another feather of success on Hello Kitty’s crown; the good will ambassador of Japan. On 19^th May, the Tourism Ministry of Japan declared Hello Kitty as its goodwill tourism ambassador for China, and Hong Kong. AP reports:

Last year the number of foreign tourists traveling to Japan hit a record high of 8.35 million, up 60 percent since the government began the marketing effort in 2003.

Arrivals from China and Hong Kong, who accounted for 16.5 percent of visitors to Japan last year, are poised this year to become the second-largest group of tourists after South Koreans.

At a press conference, Sanrio Co. President Shintaro Tsuji called Hello Kitty's new appointment "an honor" and pledged to "work hard to attract many visitors."

Japan's other goodwill tourism ambassadors include Korean singer Younha, Japanese actress Yoshino Kimura and Japanese pop/rock duo Puffy AmiYumi.

Although this is the first time the tourism ministry has tapped a fictional character for the role, the foreign ministry in March inaugurated blue robo-cat Doraemon as Japan's "anime ambassador."

Hello Kitty was born on November 1^st. She lives in London with her parents and twin sister Mimmy. They have lots of friends at school. Hello Kitty loves listening to music, travelling, and most of all making new friends. If Hello Kitty is your favorite character and you want to know more about her, you can visit the Sanrio official website.

Related articles:

AFP

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd observed a rise in share price as ship prices rose

World’s largest shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (SEO:009540) saw a rise in its share price following the index of vessels prices climbed to a record high. This also eased the tension of rising steel price. For Hyundai, the share price rose to 5.3% to 386,500 won. World’s third largest shipbuilding company Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (SEO:042660) saw a share price rise of 4.5% to 45,000 won. On May 16, the Clarkson Index rose for the first time in three months because of the rising price of ships. Despite the rising cost of steel, shipbuilders are increasing their charges for oil tankers, container ships and other vessels. Bloomberg reports:

``The increase in the index shows that despite some concerns in the market, shipbuilders are still able to pass on some of their costs,'' said Lee Jae Kyu, an analyst at Mirae Asset Management Co. in Seoul. He rates the shipbuilding industry ``overweight.''

Samsung Heavy Industries Co., the world's second-largest shipbuilder, advanced 3.6 percent to 43,050 won. STX Shipbuilding Co. climbed 10 percent to 42,300 won.

Shipyards in South Korea, the world's biggest shipbuilding nation, won almost half of the $191.3 billion shipping lines invested in new vessels last year.

The Clarkson Index rose one percentage point to 186, the first gain since Feb. 15, according to London-based Clarkson Plc. The price of a very large crude carrier, the largest of its type, was a record $154.5 million, 5.8 percent more than at the end of December.

According to Martin Song, analyst, Woori Investment & Securities Co. (SEO:005940)shipbuilders have been selectively winning orders that comes with better profit margins and the increased price will keep up the profit margin till the end of the second quarter. For the shipbuilding companies, steel products accounts for 15% of the annual revenue; which is why, the rising still prices worried the companies about declining profit margin. Fortunately, the operating profit rose more than expected and resulted into increasing profit.

Related article:
Bloomberg

hyundai

Hyundai

Hyundaiheavy

Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) will spend $115 million for a new lithium-ion battery plant

In a move to catch up with the growing hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle market, Japan’s third largest automobile producer Nissan Motor Company (TYO: 7201) with NEC Corporation (TYO: 6701) announced that their joint venture lithium-ion battery producing company Automotive Energy Supply Corporation will spend $115 million over the next three years in building Nissan’s first battery production line at Nissan’s Zama facility in Kanagawa prefecture. In the beginning, the plant is targeting to produce 13,000 units which will be increased to 65,000 by 2011. The batteries produced will be used in Nissan Motor Company’s hybrid and electric vehicle aimed to be released by 2010. Forbes.com reports:

Nissan (nasdaq: NSANY - news - people ) and NEC (nasdaq: NIPNY - news - people ) last year set up Automotive Energy Supply Corp., a joint venture that aims to capitalise on its parents' technology to develop and produce lithium ion batteries for Nissan and other manufacturers of hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles in the world. Nissan holds a 51 percent stake in the venture and NEC jointly owns the rest with its subsidiary NEC Tokin Corp.

NEC Tokin has separately allocated 11.0 billion yen to build over the next three years its own facility within NEC's Sagamihara plant site in Kanagawa to mass-produce lithium-manganese electrodes for the joint venture by 2009.

Last year, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) announced its plan to supply batteries for forklift trucks. Nissan is now looking forward to introduce electronic vehicle in Japan, the United States, Israel and Denmarke by 2011. The company will go into mass marketing from 2012. At a news conference, Nissan’s Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares told that Nissan was determined to become a leader in this next shift in global mobility and the advanced battery technology developed by the joint venture was critical to achieve that goal.

Related articles:
Forbes

Nokia shuts down its German plant

Because of excessive labor cost, Nokia Coporation had to shut down its last operating plant in Germany. The plant situated at Bochum in Germany finished its production on last Friday. The factory will officially shutdown in June. The 2300 employees of the company received their official termination letters. For cleaning the company, dismantling the machineries, 150 employees will work at the factory. Nokia made the factory shutdown announcement in the mid-January which started a series of protest. Top German politicians also blamed the company. Helsingin Sanomat :

Production has been transferred to the Nokia plant in Komárom in Hungary, as well as a brand-new production facility in Cluj, Romania.

Nokia says that the closure of Bochum took place in a controlled manner, and the desired mobile phone manufacturing capacity has come from other plants. The Cluj plant is not yet operating at full capacity, Nokia says.

The closure of the Bochum plant proved expensive for Nokia, which now has to pay out EUR 185 million in severance pay alone. In addition, EUR 15 million will be needed to run a training centre, or so-called transfer company, for the employees losing their jobs.

The centre is to employ and train employees for up to a year as of early July.

Out of the 2300 employees of the plant, about 200 got new jobs. The highly educated employees did not face much problem in finding new jobs. Some of the employees are now working in the Canadian mobile communications company RIM.

Related article:
Helsingin Sanomat

Toyota Motor Corporation's China plant resumes production for the first time after the earthquake

FAW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TYO:7203) joint venture plant in China will restart production for the first time after the earth quake struck China. Because of the earthquake, the production was shut down for a week. For now, Toyota has decided to start the day shift. So far, no major damage has happened to the plant except a fracture in the floor of the paintline. The shutdown cost Toyota 380 vehicles which is not a huge loss. Toyota is now concerned about whether there has been any shift in the quality of the production. AP reports:

Production has restarted at Toyota's joint venture auto plant in China after it was halted for a week after a deadly earthquake struck nearby.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s joint venture with Chinese carmaker FAW Group has only restarted the daytime shift and is taking things "one step at a time" before restarting the night shift, said Paul Nolasco, a Toyota company spokesman in Tokyo.

None of the employees were injured and all family members were accounted for, but Toyota needed to check on the machinery and the well-being of their workers before giving the go-ahead to start production, he said.

The joint venture produces the Coaster microbuses and Prado sport utility vehicle.

The plant situated at Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in South Western China produces 80 vehicles per day. The 7.9 magnitude earthquake at Central China took place on May 12. It caused huge damage and killed many people.

Related articles:

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Samsung & LG: Once fierce competitors are becoming partners

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (SEO:005935)and LG are two of the top electric companies of South Korea and fierce competitors in global market. Now, the once fierce competitors are becoming partners. In order to survive the competition, last week the two companies agreed on a cross-purchasing deal for their flat screen television products. Under the agreement, LG Display will buy Samsung’s 52’’ LCD panels and Samsung will buy LG’s 37’’ LCD panels. Till now, the two companies used to buy LCD panels from Taiwanese makers. With the rise of the Taiwanese LCD makers controlling 42% of the global LCD market the two South Korean giants have joined hands. The Korea Times reports:

The deal will also contribute to cutting the nation's trade deficit, while promoting investment in the local LCD panel industry. In addition, Samsung and LG have agreed to jointly develop mobile television technology aimed at becoming the industry standard in the North American market. Executives of the two companies said they plan to present their proposal to the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), an international group developing technology standards for digital televisions used in the United States and Canada.

The Samsung-LG collaboration comes before the ATSC's U.S. office is scheduled to pick a mobile television standard in the first half of next year. The joint action is expected to set the stage for domestic companies to move from rivalry to partnership in order to cooperate in developing technology, making products and exploring overseas markets.

In a display conference at the Seoul Hotel chaired by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Lee Sang-wan, chief of Samsung Electronics LCD division told that in the next two months Samsung would start the second phase of its eighth-generation lines that would be able to produce 60,000 sheets per month. Till now, Samsung has been refusing calls from LG to provide large-size panels because of the tight supply in the industry. The two companies could not reach an agreement over pricing and other technical matters.

Korean companies are market leaders in semiconductor, shipbuilding and other industrial sectors. Till now, the companies were competing with each other but with the rise of Japanese and Chinese manufacturers, the companies are now teaming up with each other to survive the growing competition.

Related articles:
The Korea Times

Samsung and LG showcase their LCD technology at Society for Information Display (SID) 2008

Samsung Electronics Company Ltd.(SEO:005930) and LG are two of the top electronic manufacturers of South Korea and they are now competing with their LCD technology at a leading North American show Society for Information Display (SID) 2008 in Los Angeles. Both of them are claiming to be the first to come up with their products but experts doubt their marketability. Samsung came up with an ultra-high definition 82’’ LCD panel for 120Hz television sets and LG came with their environment friendly roll printing technology. Korea Times reports:

On Sunday, Samsung Electronics showcased an ultra-high definition 82-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) panel for 120Hz television sets at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2008 International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition in the U.S. city. The show will run from May 18 to 23.

The world’s largest LCD panel supplier said the latest product offers much clearer viewing as its 120Hz technology, which displays an image 120 times per second, increases the frame time by twice that of the existing technology.

Meanwhile, Samsung said the panel uses a light-emitting diode (LED) backlight, with the increasing popularity of LED-backed flat screens triggering soaring demand worldwide.

LG's environment friendly LCD roll-printing technology will replace the photolithography process in LCD fabrication. LG claims that the technology is capable of reducing the amount of chemicals necessary for the photolithography process. It can applied to the fabrication of next-generation flexible displays.Officials of both the companies are very much optimistic about the future of their products.

Related article:
Korea Times

Samsung

LCD

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Hyundai i800 Car Review

Since its inception in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005385) has been continuously working on producing world class cars. Situated at Seoul in South Korea, the company is the largest car manufacturer in South Korea and the fifth largest in the world. The company is also the proud owner of the largest integrated car manufacturing plant; enable to produce 1.6 million vehicles per year. “Hyundai” means modernity in Korean language. Earlier, in USA and other western countries, Korean cars were considered as cheap cars. They were not famous for their performance. Now, things have changed a lot. Korean companies like Hyundai, Kia, are producing quality cars that not only look great but have high performance as well. Hyundai Motor Company is famous for its multi purpose vehicles (MPV) or mini vans. The company is going to launch a new MPV Hyundai i800 in Europe from June. Known as H-1/Starex in Korea, Hyundai i800 will be released in South Africa in 2009. A rear wheel drive, Hyundai i800 is the third model in Hyundai’s i-series cars. It is the European version of “Starex.” The company also announced to launch a lower price version of the i800 later this year. Here is a review of the Hyundai i800.

So what is so special about Hyundai i800? Well, it is big and spacious. The car can carry eight people and still be left with lots of cargo space.Currently in England, it would take two cars to carry eight people and you would have to spend more than £20,000. This is why, the Hyundai i800 will be a big hit in England. Organizations and large families will love this car.

Dimension:
Length: 5,125 mm
Width: 1,920 mm
Height: 1,925 mm

At first look, the Hyundai i800 looks big but it can be easily parked into tight spaces. It has a turning circle of 5.61m. The car also has electronic reversing sensors. Edmunds.com says:

It features two captain's chairs in front of two benches that each seat three passengers. The rear seats are accessed by a pair of sliding doors intended to facilitate entering and exiting for people of all sizes.

Power comes from a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine that is intercooled and equipped with a variable-geometry turbo and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The engine makes 170 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque.

Easier Motoring says:

Bringing power to the people carrier is a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine, which is intercooled and features a variable-geometry turbo. Peak power output is 170PS with a massive 392Nm of torque; enough to ensure that the i800 never feels sluggish even with a full load. Balancer shafts also mean that the engine remains smooth and refined at all times.

Fully loaded with passengers, the Hyundai i800 has 851liters of boot space, which makes it a very spacious car. Easier Motoring further says:

The Hyundai i800 features a pair seats in front and two benches behind, each accommodating three adults in comfort with uncompromised head and legroom.

Both rear benches feature a 60:40 split-fold and recline while the centre row also slides forwards or backwards to tailor space as required. All of the rear seats are accessed by pair of sliding doors, making access easy wherever the i800 is parked.

The Hyundai i800 comes with two-tone exterior and standard alloy wheels.
Carkeys.co.uk says:

The i800 has two front passenger seats as normal, with two further rows of three seats each behind them. Not all of them look as if they will carry a full-sized adult in much comfort, but even the narrowest (in the middle of the back row) should be suitable for children.

Interior:

The interior of the Hyundai i800 would give you a more car like feeling. It has two-tone interior trim, privacy glass, six speaker audio system, ducted air conditioning. The individually controllable rear overhead vents make sure that all the passengers inside remain cool.
The most unique feature of the Hyundai i800 is that it has “car-like drive.” Instead of using traditional chassis, Hyundai i800 comes with a purpose-made coil sprung rear suspension system.
The Hyundai i800 comes with 2.5-litre diesel engine that has 178bhp and 289lb/ft of pulling power.
From late 2010, the Hyundai i800 will have voice-activated Bluetooth communications system.

Fuel efficiency:
The new Hyundai i800 has a fuel efficiency of 33.2 mpg. The fully filled 75 litre tank will give 560 miles drive. (England standard)

Safety features:
The Hyundai i800 comes with rear-wheel-drive handling backed up by ESP and traction control systems. There are dual airbags and three point seat belts

Price:
On 20^th June, The Hyundai i800 will be launched in England and the price tag is £19,495. For the i800, Hyundai will give five year coverage plus unlimited mileage warranty.

The autobloggreen blog has published the press release from Hyundai containing detail specifications of the Hyundai i800. For more information you can check it out.

In conclusion, if you have a big family and you want a car that is spacious and fuel efficient then this is your ideal ride. If you own mid-size business firm and looking for a car that will carry your employees then Hyundai i800 is the perfect car for you.

Useful Links:

Hyundai H-1 Car Review

All About Hyundai i10 Car

All about Hyundai i20 Car

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Sony Ericsson W960i Review

Sony Ericsson is one of the top mobile phone companies in the world. The main feature of Sony Ericsson’s mobile phone sets is that each of the models emphasize on one criteria: picture, music, smart phone for businessmen. If you are a camera freak then the ideal buy for you is the Sony Ericsson cyber-shot. The Sony Ericsson music phones have great sound quality and multimedia features. The earlier smart phones of Sony Ericsson were not so powerful and the flaws in the Wi-Fi chipset was a big disaster. The Sony Ericsson W960i has gotten rid of all these problems. The phone set was first announced in June 2007 and came in the market in late November. The price of the phone is less than $600 but it can rise upto $800 based on the location. Here is a review of Sony Ericsson W960i.

Dimension:
Breadth: 16mm (0.6")
Width: 55mm (2.2")
Length: 109mm (4.3")
Weight: 119g

The Sony Ericsson W960i looks like a black candy bar. This trim handset nicely fits in one hand. A sleek looking phone but sturdy as well. The keypad of Sony Ericsson W960i makes a little clicking noise while you use it. The Sony Ericsson W960i has everything you can expect from a smart phone. Mobileburn says:

The W960i offers a bevy of hardware buttons, though not the ones you would normally expect from a smartphone. The front of the device features a regular numeric keypad, with a back button, Walkman button, and 'c', or clear button taking up the top row. Between the screen and the keypad are three dedicated media playback keys. These are touch-sensitive and are only active when you have the Walkman application open. The right side of the W960 houses the volume up/down buttons, as well as the camera shutter key. There is an extremely handy scroll wheel on the left side of the handset, which you can press in to select items. The power button is on top, and there is a proprietary Sony Ericsson plug at the bottom of the handset.

The Sony Ericsson W960i comes with 2.6" QVGA touchscreen. You may not feel comfortable while using the buttons on the touch screen. The display is very good but you can not see it under direct sunlight. You will find a front facing video camera on the top left corner of the display for video calling and the 3.2 megapixel camera is located on the back. The main camera comes with dual-LED flash. The loud speaker of Sony Ericsson W960i is located on the back slightly below the camera. The Sony Ericsson W960i comes with a stylus which is kept along the edge of the phone, near the speaker. The stylus looks like a plastic toothpick that you find in Swiss army knives.

The Sony Ericsson W960i can be a great music companion. It comes with so many easy to use features. It has a built in Walkman music player, music playlist. The album art can be displayed on the touch screen. The built in FM radio supports RDS that allows the user to listen to their favourite radio stations and view information. One of the major features of Sony Ericsson W960i is TrackID. Powered by Gracetone, the TrackID allows the listener to record few seconds of the song they like. The music then sent to TrackID comes back with title, artist name/band name and album name. Your mobile phone review further says:

The W960i comes with a music PlayNow™ feature which allows the user to buy or audition ringtones in three simple clicks of a key which is the fastest way for the user to download the latest ringtones onto their phone. The phone supports MP3, polyphonic & AAC ringtones which provides the user with a wide choice of sound on their handset. The user can enjoy a wireless music experience by using the Bluetooth® stereo A2DP connectivity which is available on this stylish music phone. The user can use the Mega Bass™ feature allows the user to enjoy high quality bass frequencies through the phones speakers or when using the headphones. The Sony Ericsson W960i comes complete with Disc2Phone software which allows the user to enjoy a drag & drop music transfer from their CD's to their handset.

The Sony Ericsson W960i is truly a 3G phone. It has 3G video call facility with any 3G video calling compatible user. The Sony Ericsson W960i also provides Bluetooth facility, WLAN and USB. You can connect the phone with any other compatible device to transfer or download files through Bluetooth or USB connection. The WLAN will give internet facility. The phone works under various mobile network structure such as, GSM 900, 1800, 1900 & UMTS 2100. Softpedia says:

Sony Ericsson W960i runs on a Symbian 9.1 OS with UIQ 3.0 platform, which is similar to P1i's platform. It features the same interface, but fortunately not the same latency. What was annoying when using SE's P1i smarpthone, the slow processing speed of the interface and the long responding commands, doesn't happen onto this new W960i handset. And when multi-tapping the screen gets you no results, you just have to wait, and wait, and then wait some more. Don't get me wrong, Sony Ericsson W960i smartphone is not a speedy handset, but it's nowhere near P1i.

Overall, 8GB memory, walkman player, autofocus camera with dual-LED lights, and Wi-Fi makes the Sony Ericsson W960i one the best music phones from Sony Ericsson but the keypad lighting, back button, audio port, and low battery life can become real headache.

Related articles:

Softpedia

C Net

You Mobile Phone Reviews

Provoke showcased Nokia's future sets in New York Design Week

Provoke, a reputed design firm, has designed the future phone set models for Nokia that are being showcased at the New York Design Week. Provoke brought three models: Express, Feel and Share. Scenta.co.uk reports:

Where as Nokia's Design Studio event in London last month focused upon eco-friendly offerings, the event stateside saw models which you can really make your own.

The most notable three concepts are called ?Express?, ?Feel? and ?Share?.

The Express is all about personal, (yes you've guessed it) expressions, which means, in basic terms, users can customise the interface, or even the colour of their phone.

Say the designers: "The pace and intensity of visual contrast between the different states can be customised to suit personal liking". Right.

According to the designers of the phone sets, they offer ‘real physical communication.’ I looked at the three sets. The ‘Feel’ looked a bit weird. I did not feel like I am looking at a mobile phone set. Anyway, the ‘Share’ is like a mini mp3 player hanging out from your side pocket (increasing physical communication!!). Finally, ‘Express’ is a ladies phone because the color is red and pink. Till now, I haven’t seen any guy with a pink mobile phone. Did you see anyone?

Related article:
Scenta.co.uk

Plain Rejection vs “no PayPal Rejection”: Which is Better?

It is the time of AW Blog Chain for May 2008 and this post is a part of it. Donna has written before me and if you want to read it then here is the link: Grow A Set. Donna has talked about accepting rejection normally and trying again. I agree with her 100%.

Now, it is my turn to write something and I want to write about rejection too.

For me, rejection comes in two ways- plain rejection and “no PayPal Rejection”. Plain rejection means direct or straight forward rejection. I applied for a writing work and they did not accept me or like my idea. I have no problem with this as I know that many persons apply for a writing project and they have found someone better than me. I would have done the same thing. I often have to take this kind of decision in life. I have to take someone and reject many others for some works. It happens on a regular basis and this is life.

You may wonder what “no PayPal Rejection” is! It is simple. I do not have a PayPal account and it is impossible for me to have one because PayPal does not cover my country. So, what happens is that sometime, some people get satisfied with my writing samples and they accept me for the works but when they ask about method of payment then, they come to know that I do not have PayPal account and cannot open one. That is the end of road for me. I do not blame them because PayPal is perhaps the most common, easiest and inexpensive way to send and receive money now. So, I suffer more pain from “no PayPal Rejection” than plain rejection.

Well, for nearly 15 months, I do not apply for any writing work as I want to stay away from both plain rejection and “no Paypal rejection”. Instead, I love blogging and I write blog entries every day (many of them) and earn some money everyday without suffering from the pain of “plain rejection” or “no PayPal rejection”.

When I think of these two kinds of rejections, I feel happy in the end. Because of them, I decided to go for blogging at the first place and in my blogs, I have piled up some decent amount of content.

It is now the turn of Colby Marshall to write something.

Participating Blogs in AW Blog Chain May 2008

Auria Cortes
Life in Scribbletown
Polyamory From the Inside Out
For the First Time
Family On Bikes
Writes in the City
Elf Killing and Other Hobbies
Rotating Bear
Fantastical Imagination
Asian Business
Spittin’ (Out Words) Like a Llama
As Yet Untitled
Mad Scientist Matt’s Lair
Peregrinas
Delirious

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. posts 4.6% increase in net profit

Yesterday, Japan’s third largest banking group Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) (TYO: 8316) posted a rise of 4.6% in its net profit in the previous fiscal year. The company was able to make up for its losses caused by sub-prime loan exposure and write-downs taken for non-financial institutions with its one-off gains from recent leasing unit consolidation.

SMFG posted a net profit of 461.54 billion yen which was 441.3 billion in the previous fiscal year. Pretax profit grew by 4.1 % and revenue 18.5% to 4.62 trillion. In January, SMFG forecasted that it would lose 99 billion yen but the real loss was below expectation. The group lost 30 billion from U.S. bond insurers. Despite all these the group posted a higher profit. Forbes reports:

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial also highlighted improved business profit from its core banking operations.

Business profit from banking operations -- or profit derived from ordinary banking operations including deposits, loans and foreign exchange as well as securities operations, excluding one-off factors -- is most commonly used as a profit indicator in the Japaneses banking industry where other industries employ operating income.

Business profit from banking operations at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, the core unit of the group, reached 819.7 billion yen in the year to March 2008, up from 740.6 billion yen a year earlier, mostly on robust gains from trading activity and its lending business.

The group made a trading loss of 10 billion yen in last fiscal year which is much smaller than 74.7 billion in the previous year. Despite the group’s strong effort to clean its balance sheet, it has 803.9 billion non-performing loans which makes up 1.24% of its outstanding advances.

Related article:

Amidst global economic slowdown, Japan observes surprising growth but it will not last long.

Despite economic slow down in the USA and global credit crunch, Japan observed a better than expected economic growth of 3.3% in the first quarter of 2008. Trading with the USA may not have been good but exports to China and other emerging markets have ensured the economic growth of the world’s second largest economy. Rise in housing investment and consumer spending also contributed. AFP reports:

"Japan does appear to be in a sweet spot where demand for capital imports from Asia is offsetting weakness in consumer and auto exports to North America," said Societe Generale economist Glenn Maguire.

Analysts noted, however, that consumer spending had been helped by the fact that 2008 is a leap year, giving shoppers an extra day in February.

"I'm concerned about a future slowdown in the economy. I think that one of the major reasons for the strong growth in the first quarter was the leap year," said Mamoru Yamazaki, chief economist for RBS Securities in Tokyo.

"It will not be a surprise if the second-quarter GDP becomes negative," he warned.

Earlier, Japan was worried about economic contraction due to global slow down but now analysts are saying that Japan will not have to worry about recession at least for the next six months. GDP grew by .8% in the first quarter of 2008. If everything goes well, then Japanese market will enjoy an expansion at the rate of 0.7% per quarter and 2.7% per year.

Ultimately, Japan will experience a slow down in its economy; most probably, at the second half of 2008. According to Tomoko Fuji, Head of Economics at Bank of America in Tokyo, there will be a slowdown in machinery orders along with a slowdown in the export. Since 2008 is a leap year, there will be one extra day which has driven the consumption upwards but at the second half of 2008 it will slow down as well.

Related article:
AFP

Friday, May 16, 2008

Hyundai to Introduce $3,500 Car in India by 2012

Now, it seems that the low-cost car segment of Indian car market is now getting more and more competitive. Tata Motor’s much-waited Rs. 100,000 ($2,500) car, Tata Nano, will come to the Indian market this year. Recently, India’s Bajaj Auto has joined in a $2,500 car project along with Renault-Nissan. Now, it is time for Hyundai Motor India to step into this low-cost car segment. The company announced that a $3,500 car would be launched in Indian market by 2012. The car is now in evolution stage and at its research and development centre in Korea.

The Hindu reported:

"It will take at least 4 years to develop the car and we think we will be able to introduce this car by 2012 for Indian market," Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and CEO H S Lheem told reporters here on Friday.

He said the company would introduce several new models during this year in Indian market which includes Santro LPG, Accent LPG and CNG and i20.

Actually, India has one of the emerging car markets in the world and about two-third of the sales of Indian car market belong to low-cost car segment. So, you can see that this segment is alluring for the car makers. Hyundai Motor India has a strong presence in Indian market and has its own plant near Chennai from where it Hyundai i10 is being produced and exported outside India. In fact, Hyundai Motor India is exporting cars in 95 countries over the world. Though Hyundai denied that its announced low cost car would not compete with Tata’s Nano, I think, it will definitely have some competition with Tata Nano, taking the price tag into account.

As Hyundai is coming up with a price tag that is about $1,000 more than that of Nano, it is certain that Hyundai will add some excellent features to outclass Nano. Whatever the competition is about and whoever is involved in it, the price sensitive Indian consumer will definitely be beneficial because of such stiff competition among the car makers in the market.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Mizuho Group of Japan had Annual Net Profit Halved due to Subprime Loan Crisis

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (TYO:8411), the second largest bank of Japan, experienced financial crisis in the international market that caused its annual net profit being halved. In the last financial year, Mizuho projected 311.22 billion yen (3.0 billion dollars) of net profit, a sharp fall from its 620.97 billion yen. It is reported that the loss was partly because of its subprime related losses in the U.S. market.

AFP reported:

Net earnings fell to 311.22 billion yen (3.0 billion dollars) in the 12 months to March from 620.97 billion yen the previous financial year, the group said.

The figure was in line with the company's forecast in April, when it had issued its third profit warning in five months.

Mizuho said it suffered subprime-related losses of 645.0 billion yen (6.1 billion dollars) during the year because of financial market turmoil sparked by a wave of defaults on high-risk US mortgages.

Mizuho Financial Group suffered mainly because of its subprime losses. However, the good thing is that the bank had very good growth. It had growth by up to 10.3 percent at 4.52 trillion yen. The bank is planning for a recovery of 560 billion yen in its net profit, while 560 billion yen of recovery in its net business profit.

U.S. economy is not at this prime now. Rather, it is going through a rough patch and it is affecting almost every business organization operating in the country. So, I think, Mizuho Financial Group would operate its business in the U.S. carefully, considering the experience of last year in the country.

LG and Samsung to Work Together to Build a Common Standard for Mobile DTV Service

Two multinational companies based in South Korea, LG and Samsung, are going to jointly work on the technologies that will put the digital TV in mobile phone. As part of their plan to lead the North American DTV market, the two companied have joined their hands together. The technology of Mobile DTV will be based on the findings of a research which will be operated by Association of Maximum Service Television (MSTV). Then, it will be further developed by Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).

PC Mag reported:

The technology will be based on the findings of a test conducted by the Association of Maximum Service Television (MSTV), a D.C.-based industry group focused on broadcasting technology and spectrum policy issues, according to both companies.

Those findings will be submitted on Thursday to the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) , an international, non-profit organization that develops voluntary standards for digital television, the LG spokesman said.