Toyota Planning to Use Transsiberian Railway for Transportation of Cargos

Toyota is planning to use Russian Transsiberian Railway (Transsib) in order to reduce the transportation cost of the company cargos to Russia. Toyota is currently transporting the cargos from Japan to Russia by Sea which is the cheapest, but it takes 60 days, which will come down to 20 days when Toyota will begin to use Russian Transsiberian Railway. Toyota will start using this new route to Russia from spring 2009.

Bernama reported:

Toyota, one of the world's largest automobile-making corporations, regards this method of transportation as more promising, considering the growth of world prices of fuel and the need for reducing effluents of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the Nikkei newspaper wrote on Monday.

It is a good initiative taken by Toyota because quick delivery of the parts will speed up the production thus increasing the possibility of more profit. In the face of surging fuel price in the global market, Toyota has got to ensure the best possible way to increase production open up the possibility of profit.

EADS North America signs up with Toshiba

EADS North America Test and Services, a division of famous European aerospace company, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, signed a contract with top Japanese business conglomerate, Toshiba Corporation. Under the new contract, Toshiba Corporation will use EADS’s 5032 Environmental Stress Screening system. Toshiba will use it for reliability testing of its new 40/45nm semiconductor production technology. Test and Measurement.com reports:

"EADS offers an innovative solution for our cutting-edge reliability testing," commented a senior manager of Toshiba Corporation's System LSI Quality and Reliability Engineering Department. "Precise junction temperature control is the essential element for effective environmental stress testing. Without precise temperature control, production test time is wasted and reliability test results are meaningless. EADS' single-phase technology provides the most accurate closed-loop control for our most advanced device technologies."

EADS North America Test and Services is the leading producer of environmental stress screening systems. The 5032 is the latest environmental stress screening system by EADS North America Test and Services. The 5032 and 5029 systems are used for evaluation purpose and 5030 is used for volume environment stress screening.

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South Korean manufacturers' confidence hits the lowest point

In a survey conducted by Bank of Korea in Seoul, it has been found out that South Korea’s manufacturers’ confidence has hit its lowest point in more than three years. Conducted over 1554 manufacturers, the survey showed that rising cost of fuel, increasing cost of raw materials and worldwide economic slowdown has shaken up the manufacturers of Asia’s third largest economy. In addition, domestic problems such as US beef import controversy, truck driver and factory workers' strike have made the situation more critical.

An index measuring business expectation for July fell from 88 to 77. This is the weakest score since February 2005. A score lower than 100 means there are more pessimists than optimists.

It is not only South Korea but all the countries around the world experiencing the problem. Rising fuel cost, coupled with high price of raw materials are eroding consumers’ confidence and eating up company profits. South Korea’s benchmark Kospi index has dropped 11% this year. It will take a more than miracle to turn around South Korea’s condition now.

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Posco's buyout puts Macarthur's ownership in haphazard condition

South Korean POSCO Coated & Color Steel Co., Ltd. (SEO:058430), world’s third largest steel producing company, today announced that it had agreed to buy 10% stake in Asutralia’s Queensland-based Macarthur (ASX:MCC), the largest producer of pulverized coal from its former director Ken Talbot. Posco Steel will pay 20 Australian dollars per share ($19.24). The deal is waiting for approval by the South Korean company’s board.

On June 29^th, ArcelorMittal (AMS:MT), world’s no.1 steelmaker, announced that it purchased another 5% stake of Macarthur making its total amount of stake at Macarthur 20% (19.9%). ArcelorMittal also paid similar price per share. In total, ArcelorMittal paid 212 million Australian dollars. Till now, the company invested around 843 million Australian dollars. The current deal is waiting to be finalized by Foreign Investment board.

The buyout by POSCO has put Macarthur’s ownership in a haphazard state. No, other company will think about buying stakes of Macarthur anymore. Now, Macarthur has three major shareholders: ArcelorMittal, Posco, and Chinese company, CITIC Group. As the price of iron ore is going up, major steel makers around the world are now going for such buyouts to keep the supply of raw materials constant.

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The future of Symbian

Nokia, the Finland mobile giant, has bought Symbian, the most popular smartphone software. Earlier, it was 48% stake holder in Symbian, now it has bought the remaining shares with $410 million. Now, Nokia is planning to make Symbian open source. Currently, companies using Symbian are paying $4 per phone. After Symbian becomes open source there be no charges. Information Week reports:

For businesses, the move raises several critical issues. On the upside, it's possible companies will wind up with cheaper phones--the Symbian OS today costs manufacturers about $4, while Microsoft charges about $15 for Windows Mobile per phone. A free mobile OS could ramp up price competition. On the downside, IT departments could face a tougher battle trying to contain the number of smartphone platforms they're asked to support, if open source leads to more variations of the Symbian OS.

Currently, 67% of the total smartphones produced around the world use Symbian. However, Symbian is not widely used in lower-end phones. In the USA, Microsoft, Apple, and RIM are dominating the scene. If Symbian wants to win this war of mobile operating system then it would have to be rapidly developed because smartphone makers are exploring all the possible ways to include more functions in their little gadgets. Truly, Nokia has put great pressure on Microsoft, Google and other mobile phone operating system producers but to win the battle it has to be very much innovative with Symbian.

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Hyundai Steel Company raised price and Hyundai Mipo Dockyar Co. Ltd won orders

In the face of the rising price of raw materials, South Korea’s second largest steel maker, Hyundai Steel Company (SEO:004020) is going to raise the price of its rolled steel coils by 10.9%. Hyundai Steel said that due to price rise of scrap iron, pig iron, and Russian and Chinese slabs, the company is raising its product prices. From 1 July 2008, a tonne of rolled steel will cost 1,020,000 KRW. This is the fifth time the company raised its product prices this year.

On the other hand, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd. (SEO:010620) received orders worth $292 million from the Middle East for seven bulk carriers. The order comes as the demand of carriers to move commodities from one place to another is increasing day by day. In a regulatory filing, without naming the buyer, Hyundai Mipo said that the carriers will be finished by the end of May 2012.

From August, Hyundai Mipo is going to start building ships at its ship repair venture in Vietnam. The company has been repairing ships under a partnership with Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group since April 1999.

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Toyota increases its stake in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) is going to raise its stake in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.(TYO:7270), the maker of Subaru cars. After the deal is completed, Toyota Motor will be the largest stake holder in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Earlier, GM (NYSE:GM) was the largest stake holder of the company but in a move to collect cash for restructuring, the company sold its portion in 2005. Currently, Toyota Motor Corporation holds 9.5% stake. After this deal, Toyota’s stake will rise to 16.61% (nearly 17%). Toyota is going to pay $293 million for 61 million shares of Fuji Heavy.

Amidst global economic crisis and rising oil price, mergers like this have become a common move among the automakers to decrease the cost of research and development. Toyota has joined with Subaru to develop hybrid cars in which, Toyota is currently one of the market leaders.

In 2005, GM sold its 20% stake in Subaru followed by Suzuki Motor Corporation (TYO:7269) and Isuzu Motors Limited (TYO:7202) in 2006. Toyota also bought shares of Isuzu Motors Limited. The deal between Toyota and Fuji is expected to be finished on July 14.

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Plug-in hybrid car users "Be careful"

Now days, there is a new trend of converting hybrids into plug-in hybrids in the USA. Many government officials and political leaders are supporting this move as the price of fuel is hurting people in the USA. However, you have to be careful if you are planning to convert your Toyota Prius or any other hybrid model into plug-in hybrid. Several days ago, a plug-in Toyota Prius went up in flames. The Prius was run by a South Carolina electric cooperative. Later, it was found out that the fire was created by sparks from loose connection in the car’s battery. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The major advantage of converting a hybrid car into plug-in hybrid is that it increases the car's electric power and the level of oil consumption by the car can further lowered. In case of going long distance, you have to recharge the car from time to time. However, the conversion process of the hybrid is still not modified. Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203), the maker of the most popular hybrid car, Toyota Prius, declared to release the plug-in version of hybrid in 2010.

Currently, some ‘after-market companies’ are doing this conversion which would cost between $7,000 to more than $20,000. So, if you are planning to convert your favorite hybrid into a plug-in hybrid, just be careful.

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Toyota outsales GM in June but there is nothing to be happy about it

Toyota Motor Corporation(TYO: 7203), the largest automaker of Japan will over take General Motors Corporation(NYSE:GM) in the monthly US sales in June but there is nothing to be happy about it as the US economic slowdown is still continuing and the automaker is struggling with downward auto sales. Auto industry experts and analysts are expecting another “double digit dip” in auto sales in June.

Higher fuel price, weak economy, and lower consumer confidence has resulted into switching over small fuel efficient cars and cross over vehicles. This has proved to be a boon for the Japanese automakers like Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7267) that depends less on the sales of trucks and SUVs like the three largest American vehicle makers: GM, Ford and Chrysler.

Still, Toyota is experiencing its share of problems. The company is hardly keeping up with the high demand of its Hybrid Prius. More over, it has cut down its pickup and light truck production.

Famous marketing consulting firm, J.D. Power and Associates, is predicting that, with continuation of the present trend, the ‘annualized sales rate’ for June would be 12.5 million vehicles ; the lowest monthly sales since 1992.

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2009 Hyndai Sonata : An ideal car in every way

Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are selling like hot cakes in the USA. Sounds cliché but that is the truth. Toyota and Honda combined sold about 95,000 Camry and Accords in May, which makes it a Camry or Accord in every 28 seconds. Truly, it is a great achievement. Now, Hyundai Motor Company(SEO:005380)trying hard to break into the market make its mark as the top seller. The newly developed 2009 Hyundai Sonata is truly a car that would win the consumer’s heart.Statesman reports:

With the upgrades to the new model, including styling tweaks for a classier look, the Sonata is close to the leaders in comfort, workmanship and utility, but less so in drivability. No one will mistake the Sonata for a sports sedan, though it's a competent all-around performer.

The Sonata, made at Hyundai's new Alabama plant, is the least expensive of the three.

Compared to the Camry or Accord, the price of Hyundai Sonata is cheaper($27,685). However, it is not the lower price that makes it a ‘worth buying’ car. From engine to the body work, Hyundai has paid attention to the most minute details in this upgraded version of Hyundai Sonata. Modern engine, twin overhead cams, variable valve timing, the interior, exterior, everything is created keeping the need of the consumer in the mind.

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Now Hyundai Motor Co. workers are planning to go on strike

After the truck drivers and the people of South Korea, now it is the workers of Hyundai Motor Co.(SEO: 005380). More than 50% of the 44,757 workers of the Hyundai Motor Co. decided to go on strike in demand for higher pay and protest against government policies. Hyundai spokesman, Chang Kyu, said that the plan was backed by majority of the workers at Hyundai. However, the worst is yet to come; workers of the all four largest South Korean automakers are planning to go on strike. Bloomberg reports:

Hyundai Motor workers will today decide when to stage stoppages. The union is seeking an 8.9 percent raise in base pay and wants the automaker to distribute 30 percent of annual net profit as employee incentives.

The carmaker's workers last year agreed to a pay accord without striking for the first time in 10 years. The package included a 5.8 percent increase in base pay.

It looks like South Korea, the fourth largest economy of Asia, is heading toward a dark future. Already, protest over the US beef import and nation-wide truck drivers’ strike has become a big problem for the government of Lee Myung-bak. Now, this new protest is arising. I hope, Mr. Lee Myung-bak and the automakers work out to solve the problem as soon as possible.

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Samsung releases two new phones: Samsung J800 Luxe and Samsung L700

At the Singapore Telecommunication Exhibition Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (SEO: 005930) unveiled two new mobile phones: the Samsung J800 Luxe, and the Samsung L700.

Samsung J800 Luxe:

Dimension:
Breadth: 15 mm
Length: 99.5 mm
Width: 47 mm

• The Samsung J800 Luxe is a middle range slider phone.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe comes with a 2.2-inches 256K TFT display with 176 x 220 pixels resolution.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe comes with a 2 mega pixels camera. It has photo blog option which allows you to upload image directly in your blog.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe comes with a music and video player.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe has FM radio with RDS.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe supports stereo Bluetooth (A2DP).
• The Samsung J800 Luxe has 8MB built-in memory.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe comes with microSD card slot.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe has a built-in office document viewer.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe has HTML browser.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe supports POP3/IMAP4 mail client.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe supports RSS reader.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe comes with mobile tracker.
• The Samsung J800 Luxe supports tri-band phone
• The Samsung J800 Luxe relies on the UMTS (2100 MHz) for fast data transfers.
• Price: The Samsung J800 Luxe will be available in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America this month and it will cost 400US$.

The Samsung L700:

Dimension:
Length: 104 mm
Width: 46 mm
Breadth: 12.8mm

• The Samsung L700 is a thin candy bar phone.
• The Samsung L700 comes with a 2.1-inch TFT 256k color screen with 128 x 160 pixels resolution.
• The Samsung L700 supports HSDPA.
• The Samsung L700 is available in pink, silver, and gold.
• The Samsung L700 supports quad-band (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900).
• The Samsung L700 also has UMTS support.
• The Samsung L700 comes with a 2 megapixel camera.
• The Samsung L700 comes with the traditional Samsung music/video player.
• The Samsung L700 has FM radio with RDS.
• The Samsung L700 has stereo Bluetooth.
• The Samsung L700 comes with built-in memory of 30MB.
• The Samsung L700 has microSD cardslot.
• The Samsung L700 has vibrating alert system.
• The phonebook of Samsung L700 can store 1000 entries with photo call.
• The call records of Samsung L700 can store 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls.
• The browser of Samsung L700 supports WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML.
• Samsung will also release a golden version of Samsung L700.
  

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Nokia launches its new Supernova series phones

Finland mobile phone company, Nokia, has announced its Supernova series phones. There will be four new models: Nokia 7210 Supernova, Nokia 7310 Supernova, Nokia 7510 Supernova and Nokia 7610 Supernova. The phones are made for fashion conscious customers; both men and women. The new models will be major competitors for the LG Shine and LG Chocolate phones.

Features:
Nokia 7210 Supernova, Nokia 7310 Supernova, Nokia 7510 Supernova and Nokia 7610 Supernova comes with customizable front and back covers.

Nokia 7210 Supernova:

• The Nokia 7210 Supernova is candy bar phone.
• The Nokia 7210 Supernova supports tri-band GSM.
• The Nokia 7210 Supernova supports EDGE Network.
• The Nokia 7210 Supernova has FM radio.
• The Nokia 7210 Supernova comes with 2 mega pixels camera.
• The Nokia 7210 Supernova has SD memory expansion slot.
• You can access Nokia Music PC client with the Nokia 7210 Supernova.
• Price: The retail price of Nokia 7210 Supernova will be around 120 euros in the third quarter.
  

Nokia 7310 Supernova:

• The Nokia 7310 Supernova is a candy bar phone. Tech Shout.com says:

The slim and sleek Nokia 7310 Supernova too comes with the exchangeable Xpress-On covers that are etched with bold 3D textured designs. It is available in the colours of ’steel blue’ with an addition of a second front and back cover in ‘wasabi green’ or ‘candy pink’. There are five colour options for front and back cover - ‘mushroom silver’, ‘plum jam’, ‘electric blue’, ‘yellow mellow’ and ‘espresso brown’. These will be available across select markets only.

• The Nokia 7310 Supernova comes with 2 mega pixels camera with 4X digital zoom.
• The Nokia 7310 Supernova supports instant messaging.
• The Nokia 7310 Supernova comes with pre-installed games. You can also play them on TV.
• The Nokia 7310 Supernova has FM RDS radio.
• Price: The retail price of Nokia 7310 Supernova will be around 155 euros in the second quarter.
  

Nokia 7510 Supernova:

• The Nokia 7510 Supernova is clamshell phone with a push-to-open side key.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova comes with front and back covers in Storm Blue, Red, Emerald Green and Espresso Brown.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova has a hidden-until-lit display and a reminder light.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova has a 2.2-QVGA display.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova comes with 2 mega pixels camera with 4x digital zoom and LED flash.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova has FM radio.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova comes with A-GPS support.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova has a 512MB microSD card.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova has a 2.2-inch QVGA display.
• With the Nokia 7510 Supernova, you can access to Nokia Maps 1.2, WidSets.
• You can also access the new Nokia browser with the Nokia 7510 Supernova.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova supports Quadband GSM/EDGE networks.
• The Nokia 7510 Supernova comes with a MP3 player.
• Price: The retail price of Nokia 7510 Supernova will be around 180 euros in the fourth quarter.
  

Nokia 7610 Supernova:

Dimension:
Length: 3.9 inches
Width: 1.9 inches
Breadth: 0.6 inches
Weight: 3.5 ounces

• The Nokia 7610 Supernova is a slider handset. It supports Series 40 Symbian OS. Infosyncworld.com says:

Featuring a slide design and smooth curves, the Nokia 7610 Supernova (specs) offers Xpress-On covers in a choice of a set of Steel Blue and Red covers offset by a muted gray front surface, or Bright Lilac and Steel Blue contrasted against a white front surface. A new Theme Colorizer feature lets a user further tailor a look by applying colors to the phone's key illumination and wallpaper.

• The Nokia 7610 Supernova supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHZ.
• The Nokia 7610 Supernova has 3.2 mega pixels camera with dual-LED flash and 8x digital zoom. The Nokia 7610 Supernova comes with dedicated music keys.
• The Nokia 7610 Supernova supports FM radio.
• The Nokia 7610 Supernova supports Nokia WidSets.
• With the Nokia 7610 Supernova theme colorizer, you can capture any color and apply the same color to key illumination and phone wall-paper.
• The Nokia 7610 Supernova have 5 hours of talk time.
• The European sales package of Nokia 7610 Supernova will include a 512MB microSD card and the North American sales package will include a 2GB microSD card.
• Price: The retail price of Nokia 7610 Supernova will be around 225 euros in the third quarter. An unlocked version will be launched in the USA ranging between $300 to $350.
  

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Toyota Considering Price Hike for Cars and Trucks in Domestic market

Reports have it that Toyota might increase the price of cars and trucks broadly in the domestic market. The Japanese car maker is considering a price hike in order to keep balance with the increasing prices of steel and some other materials of cars and trucks. If Toyota really implements this plan then for the first time a broad price hike would come into existence since 1974 when oil crisis triggered price hike.

Marketwatch reported:

The automaker is considering a plan that would amount to the first across-the-board price hike since 1974, at what was then the height of the previous oil crisis, the Nikkei newspaper reported, citing an unidentified senior Toyota official.

Company officials will assess April-to-June sales and production costs, and are likely to announce a decision on prices next month, the report said.

Toyota bosses will announce the final decision after reviewing the sales and production costs of April-June period. It is not yet confirmed if Toyota will really materialize this decision, because the demand is already not that strong in Japan now. The price hike might range 1% to 3%, if the decision of price hike is really implemented.

Toyota to Increase its Share in Fuji Heavy Industries

Toyota is going to increase its share in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. as it is expected to buy 61 million shares of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru Car. In a statement, Fuji Heavy recently declared that it would sell shares worth $300 million (31.1 billion yen) to Toyota, by which Toyota’s stake in Fuji Heavy will be increased to 16.6 percent from current stake 9.5 percent.

As per this deal, Toyota will be able to raise its stake in Fuji’s Subaru car division. You know that Toyota is one of the leading car makers in the world and is in a stiff competition with General Motors in the race to become world’s largest car maker by the end of this year. Subaru has some strong presence in some of the markets. So, I think, it could be a boost for Toyota in holding more market share globally.

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Sony introduces new service with its Play Station 3

If you own a Plays Station 3 and if you are a resident of the USA, then there is great news waiting for you. From now on, you can download movies and episodes of your favorite television series from the internet with your Play Station3 console. On June 26 2008, Sony Corporation (TYO:6758) said that they are going to introduce this new system in the USA within weeks. Sony has been working on this service since 2006. Sony Computer Entertianment CEO, Kazuo Hirai, said that the service is going to be launched in the USA and then it will be introduced in Europe and Asia. Guardian reports:

Hirai did not go into specifics about the facility and observers expect further pronouncements about the initial library of titles at next month's E3 gaming convention in Los Angeles.

What will be of interest is where the content will come from. Sony's film studio has naturally pledged allegiance to the cause but so far supply deals from other studios have not been completed.

From this autumn, Sony Corporation will also launch a new video service that will allow owners of its Bravia television to access the Internet and stream content.

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Sony Corporation's share falls by 4% after announcing its business strategy

After Sony Corporation’s chairman, Howard Stringer, announced the company’s new strategy, Sony Corporation observed a 4% fall in its share prices.

On June 26 2008, at a press conference in Japan, chairman Howard Stringer said that Sony Corporation (TYO:6758) is going to increase the number of online products and target the emerging markets for its seven types of business. However, investors are not sharing Stringer’s optimism. Looking at the unfavorable economic conditions, they are losing interest. Reuters reports:

Sony said on Thursday it aimed to double revenues from the fast-growing markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China to 2 trillion yen ($18.7 billion) and invest 1.8 trillion yen in key businesses and technologies as part of a three-year strategy.

"Sony's shares are not being sold because investors thought the mid-term business plans were negative. The plans are not bad," said Soichiro Monji, chief strategist in the equity management department at Daiwa SB Investments.

Interestingly, at the flat market on Thursday Sony’s stock gained 2.8% but in the morning session in today’s stock market, share prices of Sony Corporation dipped 4% at 4860 yen.

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Lee Kun-hee will retire from Samsung on July 1

After Chung Mong-Koo, its Lee Kun-hee’s turn. However, his condition is not as bad as Chung Mong-Koo, the former of chairman of Hyundai Group who is now serving three year suspended sentence. 66 year old Lee Kun-hee, former chairman of Samsung Group, will retire on July 1, 2008 after serving in Samsung for 42 years. Following allegations of tax evasion and breach of trust Lee-Kun-hee resigned on April 22. There were also bribery charges against him but they were dropped. Wall Street Journal reports:

Mr. Lee will officially sever employment ties with Samsung Group July 1 by leaving Samsung Electronics Co., its flagship company, a group spokesman said. "Former Chairman Lee leaves Samsung to keep his promise to do so. He will only remain as a shareholder of Samsung companies," the spokesman said.

Mr. Lee, 66 years old and one of the country's most powerful figures, remains officially employed by Samsung Electronics although he stepped down as its chairman and chief executive in late April.

Analysts said they expect Mr. Lee to remain an influential figure in the group, South Korea's largest conglomerate by assets, even though he is no longer involved in its operations.

Mr. Lee will officially depart from Samsung but he will remain as the biggest individual shareholder of Samsung companies. Mr. Lee holds 1.9% of Samsung Electronics, 3.7% stake in Samsung Everland, and 4.5% of Samsung Life Insurance Co. Mr. Lee also controls another 16.2% stake in the life insurer. After retirement Mr. Lee will remain as an important person in the group but he will not be able to exercise his powers over company operations.

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Sony targets the emerging markets to increase return on equity in the next three years

The current fiscal year has been tough for Sony Corporation (TYO:6758), one of the largest consumer electronics company in Japan. All the major products of the company lost to its competitors. Its share price also fell at the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Now, the company is desperate to be back in business. Recently, in a press conference, Sony Corporation’s Chairman Howard Stringer announced to increase the companies Return on Equity (ROE) to 10% in the next three years and level the company’s profit margin with that of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.(SEO: 005935) and Nintendo Co.Ltd.(TYO: 7974) This new target is double the company’s current ROE level of 5.8%. Chairman Howard Stringer also failed to meet the earlier operating margin target. Bloomberg reports:

``Sony will lose its place as a global leader if its ROE stays lower than 10 percent,'' Mitsushige Akino, who manages $557 million at Ichiyoshi Investment Management Co. in Tokyo, said by telephone. ``The company will face enormous difficulty should it fail to achieve it.''

Return on equity, or profit divided by book value, measures the earnings generated on the investment by shareholders. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., the world's largest consumer- electronics maker, plans to raise its returns to 10 percent by next fiscal year.

When asked about his strategy, Stringer said that his company will increase number of products that are sold online. Sony will also target the emerging markets such as, Brazil, Russia, India and China over the next three years. Sony will focus on its seven businesses in these markets.

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Sprint's Samsung Instinct won the heart of the consumers

Good news for Samsung (SEO: 005935). Finally, the South Korean mobile phone set producer has produced something that has become a major competitor of Apple iPhone 3G. The Samsung Instinct marketed by Sprint is doing very well. The sales of Samsung 3G started from June 20^th. So far, it is the best EVDO handset ever offered by Sprint. The company is having a tough time to keep pace with the high demands of the consumers. The first week sales is a proof that consumers have accepted the new touch screen technology. Into Mobile reports:

“We had high expectations going into the launch so our initial order to Samsung was the largest for any Sprint EVDO handset to date,” said John Garcia, President of Sprint’s Wireless Division. “The strong early response tells us that wireless customers recognize Instinct as a highly-innovative and convenient touch-screen device combined with the fast speeds available on the largest national mobile broadband network."

The Sprint Instinct is priced at just $130 after $100 rebate and 2-year contract. If you can't swing that kind of coin, try winning a free Instinct.

No doubt that iPhone is very popular it is one sleek looking smart phones but it has lags behind in some departments. For example, the Apple iPhone 3G does not have voice dialing system. In this regard, Samsung Instinct is a voice-centric device rather than data centric.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe takes the 2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year

Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. (SEO: 005387)fetched the 2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year with Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept at the Seventh Annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards. The show, held at the Automotive Hall of Fame, was organized by South East Automotive Media Organization on the evening of June 24 2008. The jury board for the award consisted of 29 journalists from all over the USA. Total 40 Concept cars and 12 production preview vehicles were nominated. According to Juror Arv Voss, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a stunning rear-wheel drive performance coupe. PR Newswire reports:

The Concept Car category was contested by a total of 21 nominees. Responding to the "boomer" generation's growing demand for luxury coupe designs, Cadillac's CTS Coupe Concept is the winner of the 2008 Concept Car of the Year award.

"The unique roofline and aggressive stance make the CTS coupe stand out from the crowd and the rest of the Cadillac lineup," said jury member Kevin Kelly.

Few days ago, Hyundai Elantra SE also nominated as the best car by famous American magazine Consumer Reports. In the July issue of the magazine, the car took the first place by obtaining the highest score in the overall road test by the Consumer reports.

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Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. signed deal with Pinnacle Health

Pinnacle Health, has signed a deal with Toshiba America Medical Systems under which, for the next five years, Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. will provide CT, Interventional Labs, X-ray, Ultrasound and MRI other medical imaging solutions. Trading Markets report:

The first phase of purchases for PinnacleHealth include $14.5 million in Toshiba medical imaging equipment, including five MR systems, five CT systems, 11 Ultrasound systems and eight X-ray systems. One of the CT systems to be acquired by PinnacleHealth is the Toshiba Aquilion Onetm, a volume CT system with 320 detector rows of coverage.

Toshiba will also provide value added services such as consulting engagements, productivity and efficiency solutions and marketing services. Phil Guarneschelli, COO of Pinnacle Health said that by parenting with Toshiba, his company would create commonality of equipment with all their facilities. Mr. Guarneschelli believes that this would increase Pinnacle Health’s patient care by streamlining workflow and training for technologists and physicians.

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Apple iPhone 3G: Not so PERFECT!

iPhone is a major trendsetter in the mobile phone world. Upon release in 2007, the phone instantly became popular among mobile phone lovers and gadget freaks. This month, Apple released the latest version of iPhone – Apple iPhone 3G. The phone comes with all the great features you can expect from a smart phone. Still, there are some major glitches. Apple CEO, Steve Jobs is known for his reputation for paying attention to the most minor details. Still, he could not cure these problems:

• First, let us talk about the cost. The latest Apple iPhone 3G costs $199 which sounds very cheap but in reality the cost is higher. It costs $160 more than the original iPhone because AT&T has put a costly data plan to subsidise the up-front cost of the phone.

• Though iPhone has transformed the web browsing over mobile phone a great pleasure, the new Apple iPhone 3G does not support Adobe flash. This means many multimedia websites are off-limit.

• Though Apple has provided kits for the users to change batteries by themselves, it is not a very good idea. Why? The sleek case of the new Apple iPhone 3G is not very easy to open.

• The new Apple iPhone 3G does not have video recording facility.

• You can not just cut and paste text from websites with the new Apple iPhone 3G.

• The biggest disappointment of the new Apple iPhone 3G is, it lacks multi-media message service. You can not open pictures or videos send to you by your friend. Where hundreds and thousands of other phone sets comes with multi-media messaging options, the iPhone has nothing.

• The new Apple iPhone 3G does not support voice dialing which makes BlackBerry a better choice for businessmen on the road.

Related article:

Sydney Morning Herald

2009 Honda FCX Clarity: Over hyped Hindenburg!

‘The car that emits nothing but water’, ‘solution to fuel problem,’ and so many things! I was carried away for some time and started to think that this time the world will truly become a better place but my dream bubble just got busted. The new Honda FCX Clarity started with big bang but ended up in whims. For the last couple of days, what Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (TYO: 7267)has been touting as the ultimate solution to pollution free transport proved to be nothing but a public stunt. Now, the million dollar question is WHY?

First, production of Hydrogen requires lot of electricity. How do you produce that electricity? by burning fossil fuel. This takes us back to square 1.

Second, hydrogen is not widely available. Production of hydrogen in large quantity is not profitable. In the first reason, I have already explained why? Then why building hydrogen fuel cars?

Third, Honda is saying that electric plug in vehicles are not so good because they have lower mileage and the battery has limited power. True, but the electricity is more available than H₂. Then why going for expensive hydrogen cars? Criticizing New York Time's article on 2009 Honda FCX Clarity, Guardian says:

Is the Times unaware that electric-car manufacturers are working on "exchangeable batteries", which would make a battery swap about as fast as it takes to refuel a car with hydrogen?

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Guardian

CNet News.com

The Seattle Times

The Independent

Honda Motor Company observes increased sales amidst economic slowdown and rising fuel price

In the middle of sub-prime economic crisis and high fuel price in the USA, Japan’s second largest auto maker Honda Motor Company Limited (TYO: 7267) is observing a consistent rise in its car sales. This is truly a big achievement for the company. In an email to the analysts, the company said that the company’s US sales in the first 20 days of June 2008 was higher than last year. Thanks to its latest models of fuel efficient small vehicles.

The email said that Honda’s total sales in the USA rose by 16% in the first 20 days of June. However, Chris Martin, Honda spokesperson could not confirm the email. Honda is among the top five automakers that has observed increased sales in the USA this year. The $4 per gallon gasoline has forced consumers to buy fuel efficient vehicles. Like other USA automakers, Honda does not depend heavily on large vehicle sales. Truck sales makes up less than 40% of its total vehicle sales. The Sydney Morning Herald reports:

''Honda may raise its profit forecast at the half-year point,'' said Takashi Aoki, who helps manage about 130 billion yen at Mizuho Asset Management. ''It may also increase production capacity for the Civic and Accord.''

Through May, Honda's US sales gained 4.8%, compared with an industry decline of 8.4%, according to Autodata. Last month the Civic was the top-selling vehicle in the US, besting Toyota's Corolla and Camry sedans.

The email further says that Honda civic, Honda Accord and Honda Fit are the top selling models of the company. However, sales of the light truck models are down due to fuel crisis and economic slowdown. The car sales went up by 37%.

According to Detroit based Honda spokesman, Chuck Schifsky, the demand of Honda Civic is so high that the company is facing a very tough time to meet the demands.

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Bloomberg

Sydney Morning Herald

Nokia is buying Symbian shares and making Symbian free for all

Recently, Finland mobile giant, Nokia, bought out its fellow shareholders in Symbian, the UK based handset Software Company. Nokia is now also making Symbian loyalty free. Market analysts believe that Nokia is doing it to outsmart its rivals and this is going to seriously hurt Microsoft, Google and other major mobile software producers. Currently, Symbian is used in two-thirds of the total smart phone handsets with computer like capabilities around the world and 6% of the total mobile phones around the world. Other major mobile softwares are: Android from Google; Apple’s iPhone, Windows Mobile from Microsoft; and BlackBerry of RIM. Telegraph.co.uk reports:

Nokia was quick yesterday to dismiss the idea that its moves were simply a reaction to its rivals. "This is a market-making move and looking at it as a response to anything would not do justice to what we are doing," said Kai Oistamo, executive vice-president of Nokia.

But analysts were in little doubt. "This move's a shrewd response to growing threats from other providers of mobile phone software," said Geoff Blaber of industry watchers CCS Insight.

Mr Blaber made particular reference to the "open-source" LiMo Foundation as well as Google's Android, which also promises to offer handset makers an operating system at virtually zero cost.

Nokia is also launching Symbian Foundation, a non-profit organization that will unite the Symbian with three user interfaces.

Currently, Windows Mobile from Microsoft is controlling 13% of the smart phone market. Microsoft charges from $8-$15 per phone from the handset makers and Symbian charges $4.10. As Nokia is going to make Symbian free for all, according to Carolina Milanesi, a Gartner analyst, this puts a lot of pressure on Microsoft as they are trying to make their place in the mobile phone market.

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Telegraph.co.uk

Wikipedia

Hyundai's ex-chairman now feeds and bathes babies

Once he was one of the most powerful people in South Korea controlling the fortunes of hundreds and thousands of people. Now, he is just a baby sitter. Yes, I am talking about none other than Chung Mong-Koo, the ex-chairman of Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387). As part of his punishment, Chung Mong-Koo is now doing 300-hour community service at a welfare center.

71 year old, Chung Mong-Koo, was sent to prison in February 2007. He received three years sentence for breach of trust and embezzling 90 billion won worth of company funds through fraudulent accounts. Earlier, he received three year prison term but the appeal court nulled the verdict on the ground that it would degrade the image of South Korean economy. Instead, the appeal court ordered a three-year suspended sentence. Telegraph.co.uk reports:

Earlier this month, a second appeal court ruling upheld his suspended prison sentence but ordered him to undertake 300 hours of public service involving manual work for charities or protection of the environment - the earlier sentence had been seen as too lenient on white-collar crime.

Chung had also been ordered to give lectures and write articles in the local media on business ethics - and to make good on his pledge to donate 840 billion won to charity.

Born on March 19, 1938, Chung Mong-Koo is a graduate from Hanyang University in 1967. In 1999, he took over as the head of Hyundai succeeding his father Chung Ju-Yung. In 2000, he defied his father and took over as the chairman of Hyundai Group. Famous American business magazine, Business Week, named him as one of the top managers in 2004. In 2006, the Seoul Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office accused Chung Mong-Koo and his family of embezzling money. Chung Mong-koo was arrested in April 2006.

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Telegraph.co.uk

Wikipedia

Toyota Motor Corporation is going to observe sales decline in the USA for the first time since 1995

For the first time since 1995, in the USA, Japan’s largest auto maker Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203) is facing sales decline. The USA is the largest market of Toyota, but the rising fuel price, coupled with subprime loan crisis, have affected the buying capacity of the consumers resulting into big slump in car sales.

Yesterday, at the Toyota shareholders meeting in Japan, Tokuichi Uranishi, Toyota Executive Vice President, announced that the company’s US sales could go below 2.62 million vehicles Toyota sold last year. Uranishi told the 3200 share holders that they were struggling in the US at the moment. Higher fuel price and the subprime loan crisis have cut the demand.

The rise of Toyota Motor Corporation in the USA is truly phenomenal. The company has been consistently growing in the region. According to Autodata Corp., the last sales decline happened in 1995. At that time, Toyota’s sales declined by 0.4% to 1.08 million. Freep.com

But as Toyota grew into a full-line manufacturer, offering a wide choice of pickups and SUVs, it became more exposed to overall economic conditions, said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for J.D. Power and Associates.

"They are really not in the ideal position for today's market conditions," Libby said. "If I had to pick a company that is in the ideal position of the marketplace right now, I would pick Honda, because they have no exposure to the upper end of the market, and Toyota does."

In 2008, Toyota’s sales target was 2.64 million vehicles. Currently, Toyota Prius and Toyota Yaris are the top selling vehicles of the company and it could hardly keep up with the demands of these two vehicles. Unfortunately, Toyota’s pickup and other large vehicle sales took a big blow. Few days ago, Toyota declared to cut its Tundra pickup production at its Princeton and Indiana plants. It also decided to stop production for 14 days at its San Antonio facility. The company has also cut down its imports from Japan.

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Freep.com

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