Toyota Ends Production in Australia After 54 Years

October 3, 2017, 2:46 am

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- Toyota Community Foundation Australia established as part of Toyota's continued contribution to the Australia region -

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 3, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd. (TMCA), the production and sales subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Australia, ended 54 years of manufacturing in Australia today.

Approximately 3,000 people, including current employees as well as former employees, suppliers, dealers and officials from TMC attended the closure ceremony held at the Altona plant.

TMCA President Dave Buttner paid tribute to departing employees, stating, "Thanks to everyone's long-standing efforts, Toyota became the top automobile manufacturer in Australia, and the vehicles produced here became a byword for quality and reliability not only in Australia but also in the world as the vehicles were exported to other regions like the Middle East."

Additionally, TMCA Chairman Max Yasuda announced at the ceremony the establishment of the Toyota Community Foundation Australia Pty Ltd. to contribute to the Australia region over the long term after the end of manufacturing. The foundation is expected to start with a fund of $32 million (AUD), which is equivalent to approximately JPY2.8 billion, and will provide educational support to children. Focusing on the western Melbourne suburb where the Altona plant is located, the plan first calls to provide support to students with economic difficulties and to schools with disadvantaged educational environments. Chairman Yasuda stated, "We would like to provide young Australians the opportunity to further continue their studies and careers and support young people's dreams into the future."

Akio Toyoda, TMC president, made remarks via video message. During his message, the screen showed clips of his visit to the Altona plant at the end of August, during which he encouraged employees and informed them of his gratitude directly. In his message, President Toyoda stated, "I sincerely express my gratitude for the efforts of the employees, customers, suppliers, dealers, government officials, and local communities that have supported production activities in Australia. Although the manufacturing business will end today, we will continue to make further efforts to be an automobile manufacturer that will be loved by everyone here in Australia and be supported even more than before."

TMCA will shift its sales and marketing functions from Sydney to its Melbourne headquarters, as it transitions to a national sales and distribution company from 2018. The Altona plant will be re-established as a training and product development facility, leveraging previously accumulated knowledge and expertise to further develop Toyota people, products, and services. Following the decision to end manufacturing operations in Australia three years ago, TMCA has carried out re-employment assistance by providing employees with individual career consultations, job information, job fairs, job skills training, among other activities. TMCA expects to continue with these activities until the middle of 2018.

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

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Development of Active-learning Dialogue Data-based AI Technology

October 3, 2017, 4:34 am

≫ Next: SDK Completes Acquisition of SGL GE

≪ Previous: Toyota Ends Production in Australia After 54 Years

Fig. 1. Learning process

Fig. 2. Overview of this technology

Reducing labor time for conversation contents to one tenth

TOKYO, Oct 3, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced the development of active-learning dialogue-data based AI technology to enable EMIEW3, Hitachi's human symbiotic service robot(1) to spontaneously "learn" how to respond to questions that it could not previously answer. EMIEW3 clarifies the meaning of enquiries with related staff through dialogue interaction, and in the process, automatically increases its dialogue contents to increase "comprehension" for appropriate responses. Hitachi is currently developing EMIEW3 with view to use in customer service and guidance settings. Using this technology, EMIEW3's dialogue contents can be enhanced by staff without specialist training, simply by responding to queries posed by EMIEW3, and was found to reduce labor-hours for this process to about one-tenth the time previously needed.(2) Further, this technology allows EMIEW3 to learn more quickly about products or facilities which may change daily, as well as increase comprehension and correctly respond to customer enquiries. Hitachi is aiming to provide even higher quality dialogue-data based solutions by using this technology.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HitachiAI10317Fig1.jpg
Fig. 1. Learning process

In recent years, in light of companies facing labor-shortage for customer service desks, there is an increasing anticipation for advanced robot-based voice-dialog solutions. Hitachi has conducted several field-tests for customer service and guidance solutions with EMIEW3(3) through which it has found that due to wide variation in how a customer query might be posed, that in some cases EMIEW3 is unable to comprehend the nature of the question, and thus unable to answer the question. To address this issue, conventionally, a system administrator would need to continuously analyze interaction logs even after commencement of the service, and regularly expand the dialog contents. Recognizing the importance of being able to efficiently expand the dialog contents after the service has been initiated, Hitachi developed active-learning AI technology that investigates questions which EMIEW3 was unable to answer, identifies the causes and clarifies questions that it did not previously understand, to enable EMIEW3 to "learn and grow" through voice-based dialog with staff. The technology developed consists of the following two points:

1. Active-learning technology
Machine learning was applied to identify and spontaneously learn about components of the dialog that could not be understood. The technology analyzes the causes of unanswerable questions, and classifies them into two patterns: one where the answer is not registered, and the other, where the intention of the query was not understood due to the question being expressed in an unfamiliar form. In the first case of where the question was understood but the answer is not registered, EMIEW3 will ask a staff member for the appropriate information. In the second case where the question could not be understood due to the way it was expressed, a similar question registered in the question-answer database will be sought, and EMIEW3 will confirms with a staff member if the similar question has the same intent as the query which could not be understood. The new "response" and "query expression" learned from the staff response is then automatically registered in the question-answer database.

2. Technology to efficiently use newly learned query expressions
Natural language processing techniques such as morphological analysis and syntax analysis were used to develop technology to efficiently learn new forms of expressing the query. The technology uses morphological analysis and difference detection to find interchangeable components from two different ways of asking the same question, and learns rules about diverse forms of how the same question might be posed (hereafter referred to as rephrasing). Further, syntax analysis and machine learning are used to check if incorrect rephrasing is remembered. Through this, more correct rephrasing rules are formed, and by applying this to other questions, increases the pattern of expressions which have the same meaning.

As a result, log analysis by system administrators become unnecessary, and enables daily enhancement of the dialogue contents by simple on-site dialogue between staff with appropriate business knowledge and EMIEW3.

Using this technology, Hitachi aims to provide higher quality correct response voice-dialog solutions to businesses with customer service desks. This technology will be demonstrated with EMIEW3 in the showcase at the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2017 TOKYO, to be held from 1-2 November at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Demonstration field-tests will also be conducted in collaboration with the Haneda Robotics Lab*4 at as part of the Haneda Airport Robot Experiment Project.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_HitachiAI10317Fig2.jpg
Fig. 2. Overview of this technology

(1) Hitachi News Release issued on 8th April 2016, announcing EMIEW3 and its Robotics IT Platform http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2016/04/160408.html
(2) The actual reduction ratio will depend on the target business operation and the amount of data involved. The ratio given in this release is based on simulation results from help desk operation and related data within Hitachi.
(3) Hitachi News Releases on EMIEW3 field tests
(4) For more information on the Haneda Robotics Lab, please visit the webpage on the Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. website. https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/hanedaroboticslab/en.html

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

↧

SDK Completes Acquisition of SGL GE

October 3, 2017, 5:30 am

≫ Next: Lexus to Exhibit All-new 'LS' Flagship and to Premiere Concept Car at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

≪ Previous: Development of Active-learning Dialogue Data-based AI Technology

TOKYO, Oct 3, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko ("SDK"; TSE:4004) announces that, effective October 2, 2017, it completed acquisition of all shares in SGL GE Holding GmbH (SGL GE), a graphite electrode production company, and made it a wholly owned subsidiary of SDK. The acquired company's name was changed to "SHOWA DENKO CARBON Holding GmbH" as of the same date.

Through acquisition of full ownership of former SGL GE, SDK now has graphite electrode production bases in Europe and Southeast Asia, in addition to its existing bases in Japan, the United States, and China, and becomes the leading supplier in the global graphite electrode industry. SDK will strive to generate synergy as early as possible, pursue more cost competitiveness, enhance business durability, and achieve further growth in a highly competitive market.

Outline of SHOWA DENKO CARBON Holding GmbH

Name: SHOWA DENKO CARBON Holding GmbH
Location: Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 18, 86405 Meitingen, Germany
Representative: Klaus Unterharnscheidt, President
Business: Production, sale, and R&D of graphite electrodes
Establishment: December 11, 2015 (date of the establishment of SGL GE Holding GmbH)
Production bases: Six plants [in Germany, Austria, Spain, USA (two sites)*, and Malaysia]
* SHOWA DENKO CARBON Holding GmbH's USA plants will be transferred to Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. in early November 2017.

Reference: Showa Denko Group's graphite electrode production sites**
**After the scheduled transfer of SHOWA DENKO CARBON Holding GmbH's sites in the U.S.

- Omachi Plant, Showa Denko K.K. (Omachi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan)
- Showa Denko Carbon, Inc. (Ridgeville, South Carolina, USA)
- Showa Denko Sichuan Carbon Inc. (Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, China)
- SHOWA DENKO CARBON Holding GmbH (Meitingen, Germany; Steeg, Austria; La Coruna, Spain; and Banting, Malaysia)

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. ("SDK"; TSE:4004, US:SHWDF) is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial and high-performance gases and chemicals and high-purity gases and chemicals for the semiconductor industry, and the Inorganics Sector provides ceramics products such as alumina, abrasive, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. Today, the Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Contact:
Public Relations Office
Phone: 81-3-5470-3235

↧

Lexus to Exhibit All-new 'LS' Flagship and to Premiere Concept Car at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

October 3, 2017, 5:42 am

≫ Next: Gemalto Enables Oracle Cloud Customers to Boost Security of Data in Motion and at Rest

≪ Previous: SDK Completes Acquisition of SGL GE

LS 500h

TOKYO, Oct 3, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Lexus plans to exhibit its soon-to-be-launched, all-new "LS" flagship sedan among 11 production models it intends to display at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, where it also plans to hold the world premiere of a new concept car.

The LS is to be joined by the "LC" luxury flagship coupe, which launched in March symbolizing the dawn of a new era for Lexus, the partially redesigned "CT" compact hybrid hatchback, and the "NX" luxury crossover, among others. Complete details of the new concept car are to be revealed at the motor show venue and through a press release on October 25.

Outline of the all-new LS

Since its initial launch in 1989, the LS has earned a reputation for smooth and powerful performance, as well as for exceptional quietness and comfort. Now in its fifth generation, in addition to taking on a daring coupe silhouette while preserving ample interior space and providing a more-emotional experience, the all-new LS, as Lexus's flagship model, is equipped with a number of advanced technologies, achieving monumental advances in innovation as the symbol of the Lexus brand.

Main LS features
- Daring coupe silhouette made possible by the Lexus GA-L global architecture for luxury vehicles
- Interior that fuses a driving-focused cockpit and a relaxing space suitable for a flagship sedan
- Newly developed 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine and other new technologies for emotional yet elegant driving
- Comfort features for distinctive Lexus omotenashi (hospitality)
- Lexus Safety System + A active safety package and other advanced safety technologies

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Lexus10317LS500h.jpg
LS 500h

About LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. For more information, please visit www.lexus-int.com and www.lexus-int.com/news/.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

↧

Gemalto Enables Oracle Cloud Customers to Boost Security of Data in Motion and at Rest

October 2, 2017, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Asahi Glass and Toyota Motor Corporation Co-develop "Ceiling-mounted Double Skin System," a New Energy-saving Glass Structure

≪ Previous: Lexus to Exhibit All-new 'LS' Flagship and to Premiere Concept Car at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

With SafeNet Encryption and Key Management solutions customers can securely share data in the cloud and maintain full control over their data protection

AMSTERDAM, Oct 3, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Gemalto, a world leader in digital security and Gold level member of Oracle PartnerNetwork, today announced that Oracle Cloud Infrastructure customers can enhance the security of their cloud workloads and reduce the complexity of managing multiple heterogeneous security solutions with an integrated SafeNet Encryption and Key Management offering.

As companies migrate to the cloud, protecting sensitive information efficiently is a priority, especially with regionalized legislation like the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Australia's Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act and U.S. State Data Breach Notification Statutes. Gemalto's SafeNet Encryption and Key Management solutions help enterprises easily align data protection policies and business processes without compromising the integrity and security of their data through an easy-to-deploy, centrally managed solution. By extending the existing portfolio to Oracle Cloud, enterprise customers can also maintain full control of encryption and key lifecycle management in either on premise or multi-cloud environments, helping to improve:

- Security - Customers can store and manage keys in central, hardened appliances, and gain the visibility and control they need to consistently and effectively enforce security controls.
- Compliance auditing - The centralization of all key management operations lets Customers produce comprehensive logs that could be used to demonstrate compliance with stringent security policies and industry regulations
- Scalability - Customers can easily scale their key management and encryption to address the challenges of securing more data across numerous cloud environments
- Simplicity - Administrators have one comprehensive solution to enable a multi-cloud security strategy that is fast, easy and efficient

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure gives customers flexibility to choose their preferred cloud operating models and the horsepower they need to run all their workloads in the cloud. Using Gemalto's customer controlled encryption operations with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure can help keep an organization's data safe from unauthorized access through the encryption of applications, databases, files, virtual machines, multi-cloud environments and physical servers. For more information, visit Oracle Cloud Marketplace. http://bit.ly/2ykBLX8

Executive Quotes:

"Companies moving to the cloud don't want to have to rely solely on the cloud provider for security, instead many want to manage and maintain control over the security of their data. With Gemalto, Oracle customers have a 'Bring-Your-Own-Security' (BYOS) solution making it easier to enforce, monitor and track how, when and where data is being accessed," said Todd Moore, senior vice president of Encryption Products at Gemalto. "Working across multiple cloud services is becoming the norm. Using a single system helps companies have a holistic view into security operations instead of one with many silos and reduces the amount of configuration of the applications to meet existing and upcoming security models, compliance and regulations."

"Oracle Cloud Infrastructure can provide a straightforward migration path for customers to easily adopt cloud computing functionality. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure can support billions of transactions, so it is easy for developers to build and deploy high-performance cloud native applications," said Sanjay Sinha, vice president, platform products, Oracle. "Expanding our partnership with Gemalto allows customers that need to manage their own cloud security operations the flexibility to BYOS to the Oracle Cloud. For customers the integration between Gemalto and Oracle doesn't require any retooling of applications reducing migration friction and the cost of implementation."

Listed below are Gemalto's SafeNet Encryption and Key Management products compatible with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure:

- SafeNet KeySecure - centralizes the management of encryption keys used for the protection of sensitive data in virtualized and cloud environments.
- SafeNet ProtectV - offers full disk encryption of virtual machines to establish security and control across virtualized and cloud environments, improving business agility and lowering your costs.
- SafeNet ProtectApp - provides application-level encryption for a broad range of Web application servers and enterprise applications hosted on virtual machines and in the cloud.
- SafeNet ProtectFile - provides file system-level encryption to secure structure and unstructured data, and control access to sensitive folders and files in physical and virtual environments.
- SafeNet ProtectDB - delivers column-level database encryption for sensitive corporate and customer information stored in cloud-based databases
- SafeNet Tokenization - protects sensitive information by replacing it with a surrogate value to help organizations comply with industry standards like PCI-DSS and HIPAA - available as a vaulted and vaultless solution.

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the global leader in digital security, with 2016 annual revenues of EUR 3.1 billion and customers in over 180 countries. We bring trust to an increasingly connected world.

From secure software to biometrics and encryption, our technologies and services enable businesses and governments to authenticate identities and protect data so they stay safe and enable services in personal devices, connected objects, the cloud and in between.

Gemalto's solutions are at the heart of modern life, from payment to enterprise security and the internet of things. We authenticate people, transactions and objects, encrypt data and create value for software - enabling our clients to deliver secure digital services for billions of individuals and things.

Our 15,000+ employees operate out of 112 offices, 43 personalization and data centers, and 30 research and software development centers located in 48 countries.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

About Oracle

The Oracle Cloud offers complete SaaS application suites for ERP, HCM and CX, plus best-in-class database Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) from data centers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information about Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com.

About Oracle PartnerNetwork

Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) is Oracle's partner program that provides partners with a differentiated advantage to develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions. OPN offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracle's products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracle's growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to be recognized and rewarded for their investment in Oracle Cloud. Partners engaging with Oracle will be able to differentiate their Oracle Cloud expertise and success with customers through the OPN Cloud program - an innovative program that complements existing OPN program levels with tiers of recognition and progressive benefits for partners working with Oracle Cloud. To find out more visit: http://www.oracle.com/partners/.

Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Gemalto media contacts:

Philippe Benitez
Americas
+1 512 257 3869
philippe.benitez@gemalto.com

Kristel Teyras
Europe Middle East & Africa
+33 1 55 01 57 89
kristel.teyras@gemalto.com

Shintaro Suzuki
Asia Pacific
+65 6317 8266
shintaro.suzuki@gemalto.com

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/159293/R/2138742/818775.pdf

↧

Asahi Glass and Toyota Motor Corporation Co-develop "Ceiling-mounted Double Skin System," a New Energy-saving Glass Structure

October 2, 2017, 6:03 pm

≫ Next: Sato Pharmaceutical and Eisai to Co-Promote New Oral Antifungal Agent Containing Active Ingredient Fosravuconazole in Japan

≪ Previous: Gemalto Enables Oracle Cloud Customers to Boost Security of Data in Motion and at Rest

Lightweight and Movable Glass Structure Enhances Energy Savings

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 3, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Asahi Glass (AGC) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have jointly started development of a glass structure, "Ceiling-mounted Double Skin System." This glass unit is designed to enhance energy savings of buildings such as showrooms, capable of being flexibly opened or closed in response to weather conditions. After finalizing product specifications and safety and performance testing, the companies plan to launch sales of the product in the spring of 2018, mainly targeting car dealership showrooms and office buildings.

Car dealership showrooms and modern office buildings with large glass surfaces are facing challenges of reducing air conditioning load during summer. Conventional countermeasures include use of roll-screen curtains and heat-shielding films. These have drawbacks however. For instance, roll-screen curtains have inadequate ability to block sunlight while also reducing visibility when rolled down.

In 2015, TMC formulated its "Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050" as part of its aim to create a society in which people and cars coexist in harmony with nature. Among its various initiatives to reduce the CO2 emissions of vehicles, production plants, and related facilities, TMC has developed and commercialized an "opening-closing type basic double skin" for dealership showrooms, and a "dispersion type double skin" for small- to medium-sized offices. TMC brought the concept of commercializing new, environmentally friendly double-skin products to AGC, which has a strong track record in energy-saving replacement glass products, and this led to the start of this development effort.

Key features of the "Ceiling-mounted Double Skin System" are as follows:

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ToyotaAsahiGlass10317.jpg
Ceiling-mounted Double Skin System

1. Highly effective in reducing air conditioning load
- Adopts AGC's Coolverre (IR- and UV-cut glass), an automotive glass with highly effective thermal insulating properties.
- A fan blows hot air between the external glass and product thus boosting air conditioner efficiency. When heating the indoor space, the double skin functions to decrease heat loss.

2. Dual-layer composition
- Upper panel: Superior light- and heat-shielding sheets Lower panel: Coolverre, which ensures good visibility and heat insulation.
- Combining these technologies makes installation in high ceilings possible.

3. Significant reduction in weight and installation cost
- Thin sheet glass used in the lower panel contributes to a significant weight reduction. Weight reduction target is one-fifth that of conventional double skin systems.
- Installation costs can be greatly reduced.

4. Facilitates flexible opening and closing
- Can be stored away like a curtain on days in which they are not needed.

REFERENCE

Overview of double skin system

The double skin system is a construction method of covering a building's external walls with glass to raise heat insulation performance in a building's interior. It consists of two glass layers and an interlayer (cavity). Incoming heat is absorbed in the cavity, and heat is dispersed by air flowing in from the outside.

Coolverre

Coolverre is automotive glass designed for use in car windshields. An infrared (IR) blocking agent has been infused into the interlayer(1) enabling this laminated glass to block over 90% of IR rays, the main cause of the burning sensation(2) on the skin caused by sunlight.

It also cuts approximately 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays which are said to cause sunburn and blemishes.

Thin glass image

This glass offers the benefits of improved strength over ordinary soda-lime glass, which is widely and commonly used for plate glass, and is also damage-resistant despite its thinness.

This chemically reinforced glass is used in general architectural applications and also contributes to weight reduction in such products as solar panels and lighting equipment.

(1) It is defined by AGC as "light with a wavelength of 1500-2200 mm"
(2) Evaluation of burning sensation is based on the results of research and evaluation by AGC

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

↧

Sato Pharmaceutical and Eisai to Co-Promote New Oral Antifungal Agent Containing Active Ingredient Fosravuconazole in Japan

October 2, 2017, 7:11 pm

≫ Next: Alton Wine Academy Names Peter Neptune MS to Chief Ratings Officer

≪ Previous: Asahi Glass and Toyota Motor Corporation Co-develop "Ceiling-mounted Double Skin System," a New Energy-saving Glass Structure

TOKYO, Oct 3, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., and Seren Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced today that Sato Pharma and Eisai will co-promote a new triazole class oral antifungal agent (development code: BFE1224, "the agent") containing the active ingredient fosravuconazole L-lysine ethanolate ("fosravuconazole") in Japan, based on an agreement between the three companies. The agent is currently under regulatory review for the treatment of onychomycosis.

After receiving regulatory approval, Sato Pharma will begin distributing the agent, and Sato Pharma and Eisai will jointly provide information on its proper use.

Fosravuconazole is a new oral antifungal component developed by Eisai. In 2010, Eisai concluded a license agreement with Seren Pharma (formerly known as "Brain Factory Co., Ltd."), granting them exclusive rights to develop, commercialize, and sublicense the agent in Japan. In 2014, Seren Pharma concluded an agreement with Sato Pharma, granting them the development and commercialization rights, and both companies continued to develop the agent for treating onychomycosis. In January 2017, Sato Pharma applied for marketing authorization for the agent.

Sato Pharma, Eisai, and Serena Pharma will cooperate to maximize the value of fosravuconazole in order to fulfil the unmet medical needs of patients with fungal diseases.

About fosravuconazole

Fosravuconazole is a new oral antifungal component developed by Eisai. Fosravuconazole is a prodrug that improves the solubility and bioavailability of ravuconazole, the main active ingredient. When administered to humans, it is rapidly converted to ravuconazole. Ravuconazole demonstrates antifungal activity by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, a membrane component of fungal cells.

About onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails. Pathogens enter the skin through the small separations between the nail and the nail bed, and eventually infect the nail itself. It is a common nail disease, with an estimated approximately 11 million sufferers in Japan. While not life-threatening, it is an important public health issue, as if left untreated, it causes local tenderness due to deformation and thickening of the nails, limits physical activity due to pain, can spread to family members, and can lead to an outbreak of secondary fungal and bacterial infections. Early treatment of onychomycosis is necessary to prevent loss of QOL (Quality of Life).

About Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., operating under it's corporate philosophy of "Healthcare Innovation", is a pharmaceutical company that provides effective, safe, and highquality products for practicing selfcare, while always keeping the health of its customers in mind. In addition to its main consumer healthcare business, Sato Pharmaceutical also develops and provides highly original products primarily in the field of dermatology.

For more information about Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., please visit, www.sato-seiyaku.co.jp/company/en/index.html.

About Seren Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Seren Pharmaceuticals is a specialized R&D-based pharmaceutical company which in-licenses pharmaceutical candidates for which POC (Proof of Concept) has already been established but development has stalled due to low-development priority, despite high medical needs and commercial potential. Seren Pharmaceuticals makes use of in-house specialist groups and networking to conduct drug discovery and in-licensing from a fresh perspective, and through efficient development, expediates commercialization.

For more information about Seren Pharmaceuticals Inc., please visit www.serenpharma.com.

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Contact:
Public Relations Department,
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-3-3817-5120

↧

Alton Wine Academy Names Peter Neptune MS to Chief Ratings Officer

October 2, 2017, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Jacobson Pharma Completes Issue of HK$500 Million of Convertible Notes to Dragons 615 Limited and HH InRe JP, Ltd.

≪ Previous: Sato Pharmaceutical and Eisai to Co-Promote New Oral Antifungal Agent Containing Active Ingredient Fosravuconazole in Japan

Alton's MC Ratings system integrates the six critical elements of a wine's quality - Taste, Terroir, Viticulture, Vinification, Vintage and Value, also known as 2T4V.

Seasoned American wine expert, educator and Master of Sommelier to spearhead wine ratings and critics.

LOS ANGELES, CA, Oct 3, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Alton Wine Academy, a non-profit organization and leader of innovative high-tech wine ratings, named Peter Neptune MS as the Chief Ratings Officer. Neptune is one of only 147 individuals in North America to hold the wine industry's most prestigious title: Master Sommelier. He is a 31-year veteran of the wine business, beginning as a sommelier in New York City, where he trained and worked for 10 years. Upon returning to his hometown in Newport Beach, California, Neptune entered Wine Education full time, and has established a nationwide reputation as one of the premier wine experts and educators in the USA.

Neptune is one of the teaching Masters at the Court of Master Sommelier Intro and Advanced Courses, and is an examiner for the Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier Examinations. He also teaches the WSET Level 4 Diploma Certification program and French Scholar program.

"Alton Wine Academy is proud to introduce Peter Neptune MS to lead our engagements in wine ratings and critics," Alton Fan, Chairman & Founder of Alton Wine Academy, said. "His extensive experience and knowledge in worldwide wine ratings and education will greatly contribute to our customers across the globe."

"Alton Wine Academy has demonstrated leadership in innovative high-tech oriented wine ratings methodologies such as its patent pending 2T4V(TM). Integrated Wine Ratings and robot-based wine ratings technologies which brings more completed and objective-based wine rating results," Neptune said. "Especially with the pressure on today's consumers to find new ways to understand completely a wine from multiple aspects and values in addition to its taste, I am excited to have the opportunity to deliver these valued innovations to the market."

Alton's MC Ratings(TM) is the world's first integrated wine rating system which consists of two critical high-tech based inventions. Firstly, it deploys Alton's patent-pending technology and algorithm to evaluate all essential aspects associated with the multi-aspect qualities of wines. The MC Ratings system defines and integrates the six critical elements of a wine's overall quality - Taste, Terroir, Viticulture, Vinification, Vintage and Value, also known as 2T4V(TM). With 2T4V Integrated rating methods, a wine can now be assessed holistically like never before. An example of a full report of the 2T4V based integrated wine ratings can be found at:

http://www.altonwine.com/mcr0003.pdf

Secondly, MC Ratings also utilizes Alton's in-house invented robot based wine ratings. It deploys cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and deep machine learning technologies to evaluate a wine from big data - a sea of wine ratings data from every corner in the world. Alton's robot and AI wine rating technologies are statistically and objectively based and have eliminated any potential bias and preference induced by individual wine tasters and critics. It wipes out unpredictable variations caused by wine tasters' differences in knowledge, experience, physical heath status, emotion and mood, and environmental factors during the tasting session such as morning vs. evening, darker vs. brighter, cooler vs. warmer, drier vs. more humid.

About Alton Wine Academy

Alton Wine Academy is a non-profit organization and the leader of innovative high-tech wine ratings, located in metro Los Angeles, USA. It was founded by a group of senior winemakers, sommeliers and wine critics from France, Italy, Spain, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Alton's main business lines are wine ratings and wine education. For more information, please visit www.altonwine.com

Press Contact:
Claire Xu, VP MC Ratings
info@altonwine.com
+1-786-373-9952

Alton(R), Alton Wine Ratings logo(R), MC Ratings(TM) and 2T4V(TM) are trademarks of Alton Wine Academy. Any product name or service mark of another company or organization mentioned above is the property or trademark of its respective owner.

This press release was issued through EmailWire - a global a press release services.

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Jacobson Pharma Completes Issue of HK$500 Million of Convertible Notes to Dragons 615 Limited and HH InRe JP, Ltd.

October 2, 2017, 10:44 pm

≫ Next: World's Top Electronics Marketplace to Feature Startup zone

≪ Previous: Alton Wine Academy Names Peter Neptune MS to Chief Ratings Officer

To Accelerate Growth Momentum by Strategic Acquisitions or Alliances

HONG KONG, Oct 3, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited ("Jacobson Pharma" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 2633), a leading company engaged in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of generic drugs and proprietary medicines, is pleased to announce the completion of issue of the Convertible Notes in a principal amount of HK$500 million to two subscribers namely, Dragons 615 Limited ("Dragons"), a wholly-owned limited liability company of DCP China Credit Fund I, L.P. ("DCP Fund") and HH InRe JP, Ltd. ("HH JP"), an indirectly wholly-owned limited liability company of Hillhouse InRe Fund, L.P.( "Hillhouse").

Dragons and HH JP have agreed to subscribe for the Convertible Notes with a principal amount of HK$280 million and HK$220 million respectively. The initial Conversion Price for the 3-year 3.5% Convertible Notes to be due in 2020 is HK$2.50 per share. The net proceeds of HK$490 million from the subscriptions are to be used for funding potential mergers and acquisitions as well as forming strategic alliances in the Asia Pacific region. The proceeds will also be used for supporting in-licensing and direct investment on technologically-oriented bio-pharmaceutical projects.

Mr. Derek Sum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobson Pharma, said, "The trust and support of these two reputable funds is a vote of confidence in our proven business strategies and the forward growth prospects of Jacobson Pharma. With a strong war chest, the management team would gear up its pace of growth by contemplating an expansion of scope and geographical reach of the businesses via strategic acquisitions and alliances with industry peers."

Dragons is wholly-owned by DCP Fund, which in turn is funded by renowned international institutional investors and a Singapore sovereign fund which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings. The general partner of DCP Fund is Dignari Capital Partners GP Limited and the sole investment advisor of DCP Fund is Dignari Capital Partners (HK) Limited.

HH JP is indirectly wholly-owned by Hillhouse InRe Fund, L.P. The general partner of Hillhouse InRe Fund, L.P. is Hillhouse InRe Fund GP, Ltd. and its sole investment manager is Hillhouse Capital Management, Ltd.

About Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited
Jacobson Pharma is the largest generic drug company in Hong Kong with over 30% share of the total generic drug market for each year since 2012. The Group's proprietary medicines, notably being Po Chai Pills, Tong Tai Chung Woodlok Oil, Ho Chai Kung Tji Thung San, Contractubex Scar Gel Doan's Ointment, Flying Eagle Wood Lok Medicated Oil, Saplingtan, Shiling Oil and Col-gan Tablet have been widely recognized by the market. Jacobson Pharma has been a constituent stock of MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index since 1 June 2017. For more details about Jacobson Pharma, please visit the Group's website: http://www.jacobsonpharma.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: (852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Angela Ng Tel: (852) 2864 4855 Email: angela.ng@sprg.com.hk
Queenie Chan Tel: (852) 2864 4851 Email: queenie.chan@sprg.com.hk
Fax: (852) 2527 1196

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World's Top Electronics Marketplace to Feature Startup zone

October 3, 2017, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Trillium Inc Wins Prestigious Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award

≪ Previous: Jacobson Pharma Completes Issue of HK$500 Million of Convertible Notes to Dragons 615 Limited and HH InRe JP, Ltd.

HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau (R) and HKTDC Electronics/Electrical Appliances Industries Advisory Committee Chairman Dr Lo Wai-kwok (L) announce details of the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.

Smart & Green Innovations Illuminate Lighting Fairs with Record Exhibitors

HONG KONG, Oct 3, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the 21st electronicAsia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 13 to 16 October. Meanwhile, the 19th HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) (27-30 October) and the second HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo (26-29 October) will take place at the HKCEC and AsiaWorld-Expo respectively.

"Hong Kong has seen considerable growth in total exports (+8%) in the first eight months of this year, including electronics (+11%), parts and components (+12%) and lighting products (+6%). This shows that Hong Kong companies are benefiting from the stable recovery of the global economy," HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau said at a press conference today. "Traders must, of course, continue to pay attention to the effect of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy normalisation on the global economy, especially on the consumer market. Looking at the exhibitor numbers and buyer mission attendance for the four HKTDC autumn fairs, we are cautiously optimistic about the prospect for the electronics and lighting sectors."

World's largest electronics marketplace

The Autumn Electronics Fair and electronicAsia will feature close to 4,300 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions this year, forming the world's largest electronics marketplace. At the Autumn Electronics Fair, the Hall of Fame will gather more than 550 brands including Binatone, Goodway, Motorola and VTech. The Tech Hall, located at the Convention Hall of HKCEC, will feature some 150 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovative technology, which will be arranged in five themed zones: Robotics & Unmanned Tech, Smart Tech, Virtual Reality (VR), 3D Printing and Startup. The Chinese mainland, Korea and Taiwan will set up group pavilions, while Beihai city of Guangxi province will exhibit at the fair for the first time.

In line with the HKSAR Government's policy to support start-ups, the Startup zone will continue to be staged at the Autumn Electronics Fair, with close to 100 start-ups, doubling last year's number. A series of start-up-related events will also be organised during the fair, including "Startup, Smart Launch", Mentoring Classes, "Tech Startups - Pitch, Mix and Match", and "HelloReporter Media Pitch Day - On The Shoulder Of Giant: Startup-Corporate Collaborations."

Meanwhile, electronicAsia will feature the inaugural Power Supplies zone introducing state-of-the-art green products and solutions. The Printed Circuit Board & EMS zone will showcase printed circuit boards (PCBs) for use in a wide range of electronics, as well as customised PCB design services. Other offerings include display technology, sensor technology, parts and components. Japan and Taiwan will also set up group pavilions, reflecting the importance of the two economies in the Asian electronics supply chain.

Large-scale Symposium to unveil technology trends

The Symposium on Innovation & Technology will be held on 13 October. Representatives of top technology enterprises, including Amazon Web Services, Google, Huawei, Microsoft and Tencent, will provide first-hand information on state-of-the-art technology, such as the latest developments and applications of Mixed Reality, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and the Internet of Things (IoT).

On 16 October, the Hong Kong Electronic Forum will be held to discuss artificial intelligence and flexible electronics. Speakers include American artificial intelligence company nVIDIA, Qualcomm, the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan, German software development consultancy company MSWTech, and the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute of Hong Kong.

Other seminars will cover such topics as the latest drone developments in Japan and sensor technologies. There will also be buyer forums, Product Demo & Launch Pad sessions, as well as networking receptions for the industry to learn about the latest market trends and establish connections.

Autumn Lighting Fair spotlights smart tech

The 19th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will welcome a record number of around 2,670 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions, with exhibitors from Denmark and South Africa taking part for the first time. Themed zones will be set up to facilitate sourcing. The Hall of Aurora will welcome more than 600 global brands, including BJB, PHILIPS, LEDUS and MEGAMAN and more.

The LED & Green Lighting zone will feature over 1,000 exhibitors offering a range of energy-efficient LED lighting and energy-saving solutions. The Smart Lighting & Solutions zone will gather fashionable lighting design, software, management systems and smart lighting solutions.

Seminars will be organised during the fair period to analyse market and product trends. Industry leaders, such as representatives of Sengled, Tencent, MEGAMAN and Philips, and leading academia from the University of Sydney, have been invited to share their insight on various hot topics for the industry, including "Putting People First: The Revolution of Human Centric Lighting", "The Latest Standards and Requirements for the Global LED Industry", "Smart Lighting Outlook 2018: Global Opportunities and Challenges Ahead" and "Beyond Illumination: Internet of 'Lights' and its Applications."

Outdoor and Tech Light Expo launches "Lighting Solutions and Systems" zone

The second Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will gather about 410 exhibitors from Hong Kong, the mainland, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan to showcase outdoor as well as industrial lighting products and systems for construction sites, factories, advertisements, stadiums and studios. The fair will feature group pavilions including Henglan Town, Zhongshan LED Lighting Industry Association, Guangdong Lighting Association and Gaoyou Lighting Association of Jiangsu. To cater to the demand for energy-efficient and low-cost products, a new Lighting Solutions and Systems zone will be launched to showcase the latest lighting technologies. Other thematic zones, including Outdoor Lighting, Professional and Industrial Lighting and Advertising Lighting, will also be available to facilitate effective sourcing.

On 26 October, Simon McCartney, the lighting designer for A Symphony of Lights, the lights on HSBC's main building marking the bank's 150th anniversary, City of Dreams in Macau and other landmarks, will join a representative from German lighting solutions supplier Zumtobel Group and the Editor-in-chief of German lighting magazine Highlight Markus Helle at a seminar on future developments, challenges and opportunities for outdoor lighting. Another seminar, jointly organised with the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification, will discuss testing and certification services for lighting products in Hong Kong.

The Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held concurrently (26-29 October) with Eco Expo Asia at AsiaWorld-Expo, and the Autumn Lighting Fair will be held at the HKCEC. The parallel fairs will create strong synergy and more business opportunities. A free shuttle bus service between the HKCEC and AsiaWorld-Expo will be provided during the fair period for buyers to maximise these cross-sector sourcing opportunities.

HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition)
Date: 13-16 October (Friday-Monday)
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Opening Hours: 13-15 October: 9:30am-6:30pm; 16 October: 9:30am-5pm
Major Exhibit Categories: Virtual Reality, Startup, Smart Tech, Robotics & Unmanned Tech, 3D Printing, Wearable Electronics, Smart Device Acessories, Digital Imaging, Home Appliances and Audio Visual Products, etc.
Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkelectronicsfairae/

electronicAsia
Date: 13-16 October (Friday-Monday)
Venue: Hall 5FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Opening Hours: 13-15 October: 9:30am-6:30pm; 16 October: 9:30am-5pm
Major Exhibit Categories: Power Supplies, Printed Circuit Boards & EMS, Display Technology, Keyboards and Switches, Sensor Technologies, Hong Kong Metal Parts & Components, Quality Inspection Devices & Testing, etc.
Fair Website: http://electronicasia.com

HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)
Date: 27-30 October (Friday-Monday)
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Opening Hours: 27-29 October: 9:30am-7pm; 30 October: 9:30am-4pm
Major Exhibit Categories: Commercial Lighting, LED & Green Lighting, Household Lighting, LED Essentials, Smart Lighting & Solutions, Testing & Certification and Trade Service & Publication
Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hklightingfairae/

HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo
Date: 26-29 October (Thursday-Sunday)
Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo Halls 6 and 8
Opening Hours: 26 October: 10:30am-6pm; 27-28 October: 10am-6pm; 29 October: 10am-5pm
Major Exhibit Categories: Outdoor Lighting, Professional and Industrial Lighting, Advertising Lighting, Lighting Solutions and Systems
Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkotlexpo/

Photo Download: http://bit.ly/2xcSIxo

About HKTDC

Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.
- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council

Contact:
HKTDC
Communication and Public Affairs Department
Electronics Fair & electronicAsia:
Billy Ng
Tel: +852 2584-4393
Email: billy.km.ng@hktdc.org

Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) & Outdoor and Tech Light Expo:
Banbi Chen
Tel: +852 2584-4525
Email: banbi.yc.chen@hktdc.org

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Trillium Inc Wins Prestigious Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award

October 3, 2017, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Eisai and Biotoscana Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Latin America

≪ Previous: World's Top Electronics Marketplace to Feature Startup zone

MANILA, Oct 3, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Trillium Inc, a leading automotive cyber security solutions provider, has received the prestigious Red Herring Top 100 Asia 2017 award acknowledging the potential of its CSAAS (Cyber Security as a Service) business model and advanced SecureIoT cyber security suite.

The Top 100 Asia award, presented at Red Herring's 2017 Asia summit in Manila, underscores Trillium's position as a world leading provider of transportation safety and information security systems. "We are humbled by this honor and proud to be recognized for the many years of dedicated research and development by our global engineering team," said Trillium's CEO, David M. Uze.

"For decades, and still today, Red Herring has been the divining rod for identifying successful start-up companies in their early years. We are honored to be identified by Red Herring's leadership as a potential future unicorn success story," said Dr. Sachio Semmoto, Trillium's Chairman.

"Trillium's cutting-edge technology and novel business approach represent exactly the type of company for which the Red Herring 100 award was intended -- ready to disrupt through innovative technology and compelling go-to-market strategy. We look forward to following Trillium's progress over the coming years," said Alex Vieux, Red Herring CEO.

Established in 1996, Red Herring's Top 100 is recognized as one of the high-tech industry's most respected awards. Top 100 Award winners are judged on the basis of 20 criteria, including disruptiveness in respective markets, social contributions, growth rates, technological advantages, and team composition and experience.

The Red Herring recognition follows on Trillium's success as a technology sponsor in the Car Hacking Village at DEF CON, Las Vegas. SecureCAR, Trillium's in-vehicle-network protection platform, successfully defended vehicular message streams from more than 700 systematic hacker attacks over three days. Not one hacker at DEF CON 25 could compromise Trillium's robust, multi-layer software-based cyber-security solution.

About Trillium Inc.

Established in July 2014, Trillium Inc is a transportation safety and information security company specializing in life cycle protection for vehicles and fleets of vehicles. Its offerings include lightweight encryption, authentication, cryptographic key management, IDS/IPS and secure, over-the-air software update technology under the Trillium, SecureIoT, SecureCAR, SecureIXS, SecureOTA and SecureSKYE trademarks. Trillium will expand its target markets beyond transportation systems to include cybersecurity for factory automation, medical, aerospace and robotics applications. For further detail, please visit www.trillium.co.jp.

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Eisai and Biotoscana Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Latin America

October 4, 2017, 2:49 am

≫ Next: XPANDER Off to a Strong Start as Mitsubishi Motors Begins Deliveries to Customers

≪ Previous: Trillium Inc Wins Prestigious Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award

TOKYO, Oct 4, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that its U.S. subsidiary, Eisai Inc., has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Grupo Biotoscana for Eisai's oncology and neurology products in Latin America.

Under the terms of the agreement, Eisai Inc. grants Biotoscana an exclusive license to seek regulatory approvals and commercialize the anticancer agents Halaven and Lenvima, as well as antiepileptic agents Fycompa and Inovelon in Latin America. In Mexico, however, Eisai will retain the rights to, and conduct all activities for, Halaven and Lenvima. Eisai Inc. will supply Biotoscana with the products, for which it will receive compensation, and is also entitled to a one-time payment as well as milestone payments.

Biotoscana is a pharmaceutical company operating out of 10 countries in Latin America, where it is developing a strong portfolio that includes oncology products. As a result of granting Biotoscana these licenses, Eisai can swiftly expand access in Latin American markets for its innovative new drugs, and further contribute to patients in Latin America.

Eisai positions oncology and neurology as key therapeutic areas. By accelerating the development of its innovative new drugs in these areas and pursuing optimal business models to match regional characteristics, Eisai seeks to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients and their families all over the world.

About Grupo Biotoscana Grupo

Biotoscana is a biopharmaceutical group that operates in the fast-growing Latin American region and focuses on rapidly growing market segments such as infectious diseases, oncology and onco-hematology, special treatments, immunology and inflammation and orphan/rare diseases, among others. Grupo Biotoscana is currently present throughout 10 Latin American countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Mexico) where it operates under its companies Biotoscana, United Medical and LKM. Grupo Biotoscana's strong portfolio combines world-class licenses and proprietary products.

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Contact:
Public Relations Department,
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-3-3817-5120

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XPANDER Off to a Strong Start as Mitsubishi Motors Begins Deliveries to Customers

October 4, 2017, 3:48 am

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Motors Begins Shipment of Eclipse Cross SUV to Europe

≪ Previous: Eisai and Biotoscana Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Latin America

JAKARTA, Oct 4, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that XPANDER, its new multi-purpose vehicle, has enjoyed one of the most successful launches of any vehicle introduced in Indonesia.

Since Mitsubishi Motors unveiled the XPANDER at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in August, it has taken more than 23,000 orders for the MPV, specially designed for Indonesian drivers. More than 5,000 orders were placed during GIIAS itself, more than were placed for any car model launched by any brand at the show since 2010.

This early success was celebrated today at a ceremony to mark the first XPANDERs to roll off the production line at Mitsubishi Motors' new Bekasi assembly plant, which began making vehicles in April. The company has begun delivering the new MPV to the first customers.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MitsubishiMotorsXPANDER.jpg

Trevor Mann, Chief Operating Officer at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, said:

"The rollout of our all-new XPANDER MPV is an important milestone for Mitsubishi Motors, not just here in Indonesia but across the ASEAN region."

"The high demand for the XPANDER reflects how well-suited this new-generation of MPV is to meet the needs of our Indonesian customers."

"With a young population of more than 260 million people and the opportunity for higher levels of vehicle ownership, Indonesia is a strategic priority for Mitsubishi Motors."

The XPANDER has taken more orders following a motor show launch than any previous Mitsubishi Motors vehicle.

The XPANDER is the first all-new vehicle since Mitsubishi Motors embarked on its V-shaped recovery, and highlights the company's ambition for growth in Indonesia. The company's new MPV was designed with the growing demand among Indonesian consumers for high quality, reliable passenger vehicles in mind.

The XPANDER MPV combines Mitsubishi Motors' SUV strengths and toughness with the MPV know-how the company has built up over many years.

Mitsubishi Motors is now working to deliver the XPANDER MPV to customers as soon as possible. Reflecting the level of demand, the company has brought forward by one month the introduction of a second shift at the Bekasi facility.

Opened earlier this year, the Bekasi facility is situated 37 km east of Jakarta and covers an area of 30 hectares. This facility has provided jobs for close to 12,000 people between our workers and suppliers, and is built for growth with plans to increase vehicle production in the future.

Following the roll out of the XPANDER MPV in Indonesia, Mitsubishi Motors plans to make the new model available across the ASEAN region. Beginning in early 2018, this is also planned to be the first Mitsubishi Motors vehicle to be exported from Indonesia.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the fifth largest automaker in Japan and the fifteenth largest in the world by global unit sales. It is part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Throughout its history it has courted alliances with foreign partners, a strategy pioneered by their first president Tomio Kubo to encourage expansion, and continued by his successors. A significant stake was sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1971 which it held for 22 years, while DaimlerChrysler was a controlling shareholder between 2000 and 2005. Long term joint manufacturing and technology licencing deals with the Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea and Proton in Malaysia were also forged, while in Europe the company co-owned the largest automobile manufacturing plant in the Netherlands with Volvo for ten years in the 1990s, before taking sole ownership in 2001.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Motors
Public Relations Department
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com 
+81-3-6852-4275

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Mitsubishi Motors Begins Shipment of Eclipse Cross SUV to Europe

October 4, 2017, 3:58 am

≫ Next: Toyota and Hitachi Embark on Collaborative Creation Aiming to Build a High-Efficiency Production Model Using IoT Platform

≪ Previous: XPANDER Off to a Strong Start as Mitsubishi Motors Begins Deliveries to Customers

The new compact SUV model, the Eclipse Cross, shipped to Europe on October 3

TOKYO, Oct 4, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today began the shipment of the new Eclipse Cross compact SUV to Europe.

The new model will be available in approximately 80 markets worldwide including Australia, North America and Japan.

The launch of the Eclipse Cross will involve the shipment of 50,000 units during the current fiscal year (ending March 31st, 2018), with the new model going on sale in Europe this winter.

Produced at Mitsubishi Motors' Okazaki Plant near Nagoya, Japan, the Eclipse Cross complements the Corporation's SUV lineup which currently comprises the ASX the Outlander and its techno-flagship, the Outlander PHEV.

The first car of the MMC's new generation, Eclipse Cross blends sharp coupe looks with Mitsubishi Motors' signature SUV & 4WD expertise.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MitsubishiEclipseCross.jpg
The new compact SUV model, the Eclipse Cross, shipped to Europe on October 3

*Please note: Start of Production of EU-spec. right-hand-drive models will follow in November.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the fifth largest automaker in Japan and the fifteenth largest in the world by global unit sales. It is part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Throughout its history it has courted alliances with foreign partners, a strategy pioneered by their first president Tomio Kubo to encourage expansion, and continued by his successors. A significant stake was sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1971 which it held for 22 years, while DaimlerChrysler was a controlling shareholder between 2000 and 2005. Long term joint manufacturing and technology licencing deals with the Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea and Proton in Malaysia were also forged, while in Europe the company co-owned the largest automobile manufacturing plant in the Netherlands with Volvo for ten years in the 1990s, before taking sole ownership in 2001.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Motors
Public Relations Department
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com 
+81-3-6852-4275

↧

Toyota and Hitachi Embark on Collaborative Creation Aiming to Build a High-Efficiency Production Model Using IoT Platform

October 4, 2017, 5:46 am

≫ Next: Toyota to Showcase Crown Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Motors Begins Shipment of Eclipse Cross SUV to Europe

Improving productivity and quality using advanced IoT to accelerate the PDCA cycle at manufacturing sites

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 4, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) today announced that they will embark on a collaborative creation to build a high-efficiency production model using an IoT platform. These two companies will conduct verification at Toyota's model plants (Toyota, Aichi Prefecture) starting from this October. Through this verification, they intend to establish a platform using Hitachi's IoT platform "Lumada", which utilizes the latest digital technologies such as AI and big data analysis. Using this platform to solve various issues at manufacturing sites allows the PDCA cycle to be accelerated and new issues to be identified and solved from the viewpoint of total optimization, resulting in further improvement in quality and productivity.

The operating environment surrounding the manufacturing industry has been changing rapidly in recent years due to diversified customer needs and advanced digitalization; thus, there has been increasing demand to establish a high-efficiency production system using IoT that can immediately respond to such situations. In such circumstances, Toyota, which has improved productivity based on the fundamental concepts of automation and its Just-in-Time philosophy, and Hitachi, which offers the IoT platform "Lumada" created by integrating its OT (operational technology) and IT, developed over many years as a manufacturer, intend to conduct collaborative verification by making use of their respective technologies and know-how.

Through this verification, a plant IoT platform using "Lumada" will be established in each of the model plants for vehicles and units. The platform mainly consists of a data acquisition and integration layer, a data accumulation layer, and a data utilization layer. The facilities, devices, and related systems at various manufacturing sites in the model plant will be connected to the platform so that data acquired from them can be consolidated and analyzed. This allows both companies to swiftly use IoT in various manufacturing processes for improvement actions and to share the improvement cases with other manufacturing processes, resulting in an accelerated PDCA cycle. In addition, by analyzing not only the data residing in a single process but also the data that extends across multiple processes, the overall plant can be visualized and new findings provided, which can lead to further improvement in production efficiency from the viewpoint of total optimization.

As a specific theme of this verification, Toyota and Hitachi plan to establish a system that prevents unexpected facility failures through big data analysis and extend the system to other processes to further improve the efficiency of maintenance work. They also plan to acquire and analyze product data that spreads across multiple processes to conduct verifications to further stabilize quality. Toyota and Hitachi aim to utilize this IoT platform, establish a high-efficiency production model with an accelerated PDCA cycle, and conduct verifications throughout various processes and themes to verify the effects so that quality and productivity can be improved.

Toyota and Hitachi intend to make further use of the data, new technologies, and know-how that will be obtained in this verification, and strive to cultivate human resources in the IoT field, and create new value to offer business solutions for manufacturing sites and business operations.

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

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Toyota to Showcase Crown Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

October 4, 2017, 5:56 am

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Crown Concept

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 4, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is scheduled to showcase the Crown Concept vehicle at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, taking place from October 25th to November 5th, at Tokyo Big Sight. The theme of this year's show is "Beyond the Motor."

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ToyotaCrownConcept.jpg
Crown Concept

The Crown Concept is a concept vehicle developed in pursuit of driving performance and connected technology. It features the blend of the storied Crown tradition with its birth in 1955 and the innovation to be expected in the Crown in a next generation mobility society.

The features of the Crown Concept are as follows:

Innovative driving performance as part of Toyota's pursuit of "Fun to Drive"

To offer customers the enjoyment of driving cars while pursuing a future mobility society, TMC has re-designed cars from scratch, including building the new Crown Concept on a platform based on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and has conducted testing in Nurburgring, Germany. In addition to responsive handling performance, driving stability is realized whether driving in low-speed areas or high-speed areas and whether on smooth surfaces or rough surfaces. The driver is in control, put at ease, and can enjoy the driving experience.

Pursuit of innovative evolution in order to fully realize connected technology as a service

Responding to an IoT society with complete implementation of Data Communication Modules (DCM)

Toyota hopes to provide new value to customers by utilizing big data that is acquired from DCMs installed in Toyota vehicles. The DCM will come standard in the commercial model of the Crown Concept.

From "safety realized by one car" to "safety realized by the whole city"

Toyota's advanced technologies not only include automatic braking, but also ITS Connect, a connected technology service that keeps society safe as a whole through the sharing of information on things like traffic signals and other vehicles. Toyota has contributed to the early development of connected technology by participating in public and private demonstration experiments.

Enhancement of your driving lifestyle with big data

By utilizing the mobility service platform, Toyota aims to contribute to solving societal problems, for example, by reducing traffic jams in cities through the utilization of data on traffic congestion. Additionally, Toyota aims to diagnose vehicles remotely using vehicle data collected from DCMs to predict potential vehicular issues and the necessity for vehicular maintenance. Call centers provide quick and appropriate support and provide customers a sense of safety and security.

Toyota aims to offer a car that can continue to excite drivers, well into ownership, and believes that the remote technology unique to this connected car, as well as the utilization of a new mobility service, can provide an exciting evolution to the driving lifestyles of its customers. The commercial model of the Crown Concept is scheduled to be released around the summer of 2018.

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

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Gemalto and Ledger Join Forces to Provide Security Infrastructure for Cryptocurrency Based Activities

October 3, 2017, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Honda to Evolve its Automobile Production System and Capability in Japan

≪ Previous: Toyota to Showcase Crown Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

Robust encryption and transaction security for Financial Institutions

AMSTERDAM, Oct 4, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, and Ledger, a leader in security and infrastructure for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications, today announced a technology partnership to deliver high-assurance security infrastructure for crypto assets applications.

The joint Gemalto and Ledger solution consists an integration of Ledger's unique Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System (BOLOS) into Gemalto's industry-leading SafeNet Hardware Security Module (HSM) to provide a secure environment for financial institutions looking to leverage cryptocurrency. The solution enables a variety of use cases, such as launching investable products on cryptocurrencies, or stocking cryptocurrencies securely.

The market has seen a significant growth of cryptocurrencies over the past few years, now representing a market capitalization of USD 137 billion, compared to USD 7.8 trillion for gold and USD 83.8 trillion for the global stock market (see related sources below). In addition, multiple large banks and hedge funds have announced plans to develop and implement blockchain use cases, both for internal and external purposes.

Register for the joint webinar with Ledger to hear how blockchain-based cryptocurrencies are changing the face of payments and financial services. http://bit.ly/2xQ1KlS

Eric Larcheveque, CEO at Ledger, explained: "As the market value of blockchain based solutions rises, so does the need for bank grade security products, when financial institutions are looking for dedicated, certified solutions. We plan to leverage SafeNet HSM to provide our clients in the financial industry with a unique, secure product line customized to their needs."

Todd Moore, Senior Vice President of Encryption Products at Gemalto, commented: "With the proper security to protect communication, devices and users, blockchain can offer a trusted platform for parties that don't have an existing relationship to do business efficiently and transparently. Beyond the financial services market, we are also working with Ledger to embed BOLOS into any device's secure element and bring high-assurance security to markets like smart energy applications, home automation or wearables."

Customers can customize account-based digital signature policies, heightening security requirements for user authentication of these transactions. The solution also builds in the ability to execute blockchain-based smart contracts, which are self-enforcing, self-executing digitally signed contracts. Compared with traditionally brokered transactions, a secure blockchain application for cryptocurrency trading simplifies a financial organization's portfolio and contract management process by reducing costs and saving time.

Blockchain is a disruptive new technology that allows transactions to be carried out over peer-to-peer networks by acting as a distributed ledger that gives transactional authority directly to each counterparty involved. Blockchain enables faster, more efficient transaction and settlement processes.

Additionally, blockchain is an ideal model to address the scalability concerns for widespread adoption of IoT. The massive volume of communication and data produced by IoT devices requires transactions to take place at the edge, a problem blockchain solves. Combining proven security technology with a decentralized system for IoT networks offers efficiency, user privacy, validation of the user's identity and transaction and secure offline storage to prevent theft or spoofing.

Related sources
- Cryptocurrency market capitalizations, CoinMarketCap.com, September 27th, 2017 https://coinmarketcap.com/charts/
- What is the value of all the Gold in the world?, OnlyGold http://bit.ly/2g8HUdY
- How much gold has been mined?, World Gold Council, September 27th, 2017 http://bit.ly/2xYuE5m
- Bloomberg's World Exchange Market Capitalization index, September 26th 2017

For more information
- Gemalto Network Hardware Security Modules http://bit.ly/2n2ho8g
- Gemalto Encrypt Everything Whitepaper http://bit.ly/2nMnkSS
- Gemalto Three Steps to Securing Data in any Cloud Environment Whitepaper http://bit.ly/2nMuwhY
- Securing Blockchain with Ledger and SafeNet HSMs Solution Brief http://bit.ly/2g8o2rG
- Ledger Introducing BOLOS: Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System Article http://bit.ly/2xewKPH

Gemalto media contacts
Philippe Benitez
Americas
+1 512 257 3869
philippe.benitez@gemalto.com

Kristel Teyras
Europe Middle East & Africa
+33 1 55 01 57 89
kristel.teyras@gemalto.com

Shintaro Suzuki
Asia Pacific
+65 6317 8266
shintaro.suzuki@gemalto.com

Ledger media contact
Barbara Mahe
+41 78 683 89 38
press@ledger.fr

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the global leader in digital security, with 2016 annual revenues of EUR 3.1 billion and customers in over 180 countries. We bring trust to an increasingly connected world.

From secure software to biometrics and encryption, our technologies and services enable businesses and governments to authenticate identities and protect data so they stay safe and enable services in personal devices, connected objects, the cloud and in between.

Gemalto's solutions are at the heart of modern life, from payment to enterprise security and the internet of things. We authenticate people, transactions and objects, encrypt data and create value for software - enabling our clients to deliver secure digital services for billions of individuals and things.

Our 15,000+ employees operate out of 112 offices, 43 personalization and data centers, and 30 research and software development centers located in 48 countries.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

About Ledger

Founded in 2014, Ledger is a leader in security and infrastructure solutions for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. Headquartered in Paris, Vierzon and San Francisco, Ledger has a team of 60 professionals developing a variety of products and services to safeguard cryptocurrency assets for individuals and companies - including the Ledger hardware wallets line already sold in 165 countries.

For more information visit www.ledger.fr, or follow @LedgerHQ on Twitter.

Disclaimer

The information in this document does not constitute legal or investment advice and is not intended as a recommendation for buying or selling cryptocurrencies. Ledger SAS and all other companies mentioned in this document will not be responsible for the consequences of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or for any omission.

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/159293/R/2139022/818829.pdf

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Honda to Evolve its Automobile Production System and Capability in Japan

October 3, 2017, 10:22 pm

≫ Next: JWD InfoLogistics (SET:JWD) acquires Ocean Air International

≪ Previous: Gemalto and Ledger Join Forces to Provide Security Infrastructure for Cryptocurrency Based Activities

TOKYO, Oct 4, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the company will evolve its automobile production system and capability to further enhance Mono-zukuri (the art of making things/manufacturing) in Japan. In more concrete terms, Honda will pursue two key initiatives: to evolve production operations in Japan and to newly establish a function to evolve production technologies in Japan to be shared globally.

Due to the rapid advance of new technologies such as electrification and intelligence technologies, the automobile industry is undergoing an unprecedented and significant turning point in its history. Anticipating major changes in automobile production, Honda will largely evolve its production operations in addition to product development operations.

Since its foundation, Honda has been establishing the technologies and know-how of Mono-zukuri in Japan and then evolving them rapidly to operations outside Japan, where each region applies its own originality and ingenuity at the spot. This is how Honda has achieved growth on a global basis. However, from here forward, automobile manufacturers must be able to accommodate new technologies speedily, and therefore it became essential for Honda to further evolve its production function in Japan and establish a structure where Japan operations will lead the other Honda operations on a global basis.

Based on this understanding of the situation, Honda will pursue the following initiatives.

1. Evolving production operations in Japan
While leveraging the respective strengths of automobile production plants in Japan, Honda will establish a production system and capability which will enhance Honda's competitiveness.

1) Saitama Factory:
In order to accommodate the production of vehicles equipped with new technologies such as electrified vehicles, the automobile production of the Sayama Automobile Plant and Yorii Automobile Plant will be consolidated to the Yorii Automobile Plant, which employs the latest production technologies. This consolidation is expected to be completed by around fiscal year 2022 (fiscal year ending March 31, 2022).

Production know-how involving new technologies will be amassed at the Yorii Automobile Plant and evolved from Japan, Honda's Mono-zukuri leader, to Honda operations outside of Japan, which will establish a structure where Japan operations will lead other Honda operations on a global basis.

Associates who are currently working at Sayama Automobile Plant will be transferred mainly to the Yorii Automobile Plant and fully utilize the production know-how they have amassed in their career.

2) Suzuka Factory:
Suzuka Factory will continue to establish technologies and know-how for producing highly-competitive mini-vehicles and also continue to play a role to evolve such production technologies and know-how horizontally to other Honda operations on a global basis.

3) Yokkaichi Factory of Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. (Yachiyo)
Striving to further increase the efficiency of producing low-volume-production models, which Honda is currently entrusting to Yachiyo, Honda and Yachiyo today signed a basic agreement to begin discussion toward making Yachiyo's automobile assembly business a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda.

While leveraging the technologies and human resources amassed at Yachiyo, Honda will further increase efficiency by optimizing its low-volume production system and capability.

The two companies will continue to discuss more details, such as the scope of Yachiyo business Honda will take over, and strive to reach a final agreement.

2. Newly establishing a function to evolve global production technologies in Japan
Within the Yorii Automobile Plant, Honda will newly establish a function to create, standardize and globally share new production technologies to accommodate new automotive technologies such as electrification technologies. Honda associates from production operations in each region will come together in Japan to jointly plan new production technologies and processes based on know-how amassed in Japan. Then, such production technologies and processes will be verified on the demonstration line built for this function, matured and then become standardized. Standardized production technologies and processes will be evolved horizontally to other Honda operations on a global basis so that Honda can launch high-quality new products to the market speedily.

Moreover, through this function, Honda will further develop and foster global human resources.

Through these initiatives, Honda will further strengthen and significantly evolve its automobile production system and capability in Japan to reinforce its automobile business structure.

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267/NYSE:HMC/LSE:HNDA) is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit http://world.honda.com.

Contact:
Honda
Media Inquiries
corporate_pr@hm.honda.co.jp
+81-3-5412-1512

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JWD InfoLogistics (SET:JWD) acquires Ocean Air International

October 3, 2017, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 45th Tokyo Motor Show

≪ Previous: Honda to Evolve its Automobile Production System and Capability in Japan

BANGKOK, Oct 4, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - JWD InfoLogistics PCL (SET:JWD) announced that subsidiary JVK International Movers, Ltd has acquired all shares in freight forwarder Ocean Air International Co Ltd, forming a leading 'Total Logistic Solutions Provider' ready to offer new forwarding services to JWD's existing customers, including international commercial and office moves, hazardous goods storage, LCL Consolidation Hub and Free Zone warehousing, and automotive-related cold storage services. JWD's existing warehousing and transport services will also be offered Ocean Air's local and international freight customers, with management describing the acquisition as a win-win deal that would expand both customer bases.

Mr. Charvanin Bunditkitsada, Chairman of the Executive Committee and CEO of JWD, says that the acquisition of Ocean Air, which specialises in international sea freight and airfreight services, would expand mutual business. The THB83m deal, he said, would create a new subsidiary for JWD, and transform it into a so-called 'Total Logistic Solutions Provider', with capabilities in marine and air logistics services in addition to existing inland logistics services.

As part of the deal, JWD acquired a management team with expertise in freight forwarding, which will help enable 'Total Sales Solutions' as a one-stop service centre. For the inbound segment, JWD will offer a comprehensive range of services, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, cargo transport and warehousing and cargo delivery. For the outbound segment, JWD will provide cargo transport, warehousing, handling (eg repackaging), customs clearance and freight forwarding services.

JWD will offer new freight forwarding services in i) Hazardous goods storage and management (following a concession to handle 150,000 hazardous cargo containers per year entering or leaving Laem Chabang Port); ii) Less Container Load (or LCL) Freight Consolidation Hub segment (to add convenience to customers) and free zone warehouse; iii) Automobiles and automotive parts for import and export; iv) Cold storage segment (its Free Zone cold storage warehouse at Bangna-Trat KM 19 will be upgraded to be a multi-country consolidation hub (or MCC) for storage of imported cargo for reexport); and v) Overseas household and office moving segment (for which it secured third-party freight services).

Mr. Bunditkitsada added that following the acquisition, JWD would realign its business by having JVK International Movers Ltd perform both household and office moving and freight forwarding services, led by Mr. Terapol Klayoo, CEO of Ocean Air International, and would explore further opportunities to invest both locally and internationally to continue expansion in the airfreight and sea freight forwarding businesses.

"This takeover is a strategic move to enter freight forwarding, which will allow us to provide logistics services for all modes of transport, including air transport and sea transport, offering 'Total Solutions' and convenience to our customers. We believe that JWD's experience as a provider of inland logistics and warehousing services, which involve complex business environments and require specialised knowledge and skills, will add the company advantages in raising the number of customers and delivering seamless services."

Given JWD's impressive nine-month results, Mr. Bunditkitsada is confident that the company's 2017 full-year growth rate will reach target levels of 7%. The company's Q2 net profit stood at THB49.5m, up 551% from THB7.6m a year earlier, and THB40.3m the previous quarter. The company's Q2 rental and service revenues reached THB577.8m from THB 557.6m a year earlier and THB572.8m the previous quarter.

Mr. Terapol Klayoo, CEO of Ocean Air International, a company with 20 years' experience as a freight forwarder, sea freight customers accounting for 70-80% and airfreight customers 20-30%, has a management team with extensive experience in the business. Ocean Air, among other things, provides freight forwarding services to customers in several industries who ship goods to Europe, United States, Australia, Israel, China, Indonesia, India and Vietnam, both Full Container Load and Consolidation. The Company is the Official Freight Forwarder of THE BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW, specializing in EXHIBITION CARGO and the automotive industry, notably the Bangkok International Motor Show and Bangkok International Motor Expo.

Ocean Air's average total revenue figures over the past 3 years have been approx THB120m, while the company profit margin of 10-15% has been outstanding compared with the industry average. The acquisition of Ocean Air by JWD is a win-win deal, as JWD will benefit from the immediate opportunity to offer freight forwarding services to its existing customer base, providing a more diversified and comprehensive range of services as well as introducing warehousing and inland logistics services to its customers.

About JWD InfoLogistics PCL

JWD InfoLogistics (SET:JWD) knows everything about logistics and supply chain management. The Group's fully integrated logistics and supply chain solutions cover all types of warehousing, including the free zone area, in fields where it has competitive advantage in terms of the ability to manage one-stop and unconditional service offers because it wholly own all warehouses. The Group is also proficient in customs procedures, product transportation and distribution, as well as logistics software development. Founded in 1979, the JWD Group has grown to comprise 18 subsidiaries and operates warehouses and yards covering a total storage space of approximately 800,000 sqm. The Group currently employs 1,300 staff and has branch offices in 32 countries. For more information, please visit www.jwd-group.com/en/.

Contact:
For JWD InfoLogistics:
Yuttachai ("Tle") Paikanahok
MT Multimedia Co Ltd
Tel: +66 2612 2081 #125
Mobile: +66 9 1736 2866
E-mail: yuttachai.p@mtmultimedia.com

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Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 45th Tokyo Motor Show

October 5, 2017, 5:48 am

≫ Next: Toyota to Debut Next-generation Century at Tokyo Motor Show 2017

≪ Previous: JWD InfoLogistics (SET:JWD) acquires Ocean Air International

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT World Premiere
SUV + EV + AI Evolution

TOKYO, Oct 5, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will celebrate the world debut of the MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show. The all-electric concept indicates a direction Mitsubishi Motors can take in the near future.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_MITSUBISHIeEVOLUTION.jpg
MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT

- Artificial Intelligence (AI) augments driver and vehicle performance
- Triple Motor 4WD system
- Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC)
- High torque electric drive
- Adaptive response characteristics
- Coaching function

The MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT is a new-generation high-performance all-electric crossover SUV, and it allows a glimpse of MMC's future. For an enhanced driving experience, the MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT combines the very best of Mitsubishi Motors technology with the go-anywhere flexibility of SUVs.

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT expands MMC's SUV knowhow of EV and all-wheel drive expertise and takes it to a new level with Artificial Intelligence (AI). These elements are combined seamlessly to deliver safe and enjoyable performance that mirrors driver intent under all weather conditions, and on all surfaces.

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT is built to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of both driver and passengers, true to the Evolution reputation.

- MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT uses high-torque and high-performance electric motors, supplied by a high-capacity battery system to deliver the smooth and powerfully responsive performance that distinguishes EVs from ICE-powered vehicles. The triple motor 4WD system employs a single motor to drive the front wheels, and a new Dual Motor AYC(1) system that couples two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring Active Yaw Control (AYC) unit. Whether driving around town, on expressways, or winding roads, the system always provides crisp and nimble handling that faithfully mirrors driver intent.

- The brain of the MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that augments the driver's capabilities. An array of sensors allows the AI system to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver's intent. Seamlessly coordinating driver intent with vehicle performance, the system supports drivers of all abilities. By making it easier and safer to control the vehicle, the motoring experience is brought to a new level.

- A special coaching function allows the AI system to transfer knowledge to the driver, and to unobtrusively enhance the driving expertise. After building a picture of the driver's skill level, the system constructs a training program that provides advice through voice dialogue and a large dashboard display. As a result, drivers of all abilities quickly experience a vehicle that behaves the way they want it, and soon they find themselves enjoying the driving experience to an even greater degree.

MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT will be one of 12 Mitsubishi models on display. It will be joined by the new Eclipse Cross coupe SUV (Japan market model), unveiled in Japan for the first time, and scheduled for its Japan launch early next year. The Outlander PHEV and other leading MMC models sold in Japan will also be part of the lineup.

Technical Exhibitions

AI Personal Assistant

Mitsubishi Motors onboard AI Personal Assistant builds up a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's occupants and delivers a connected motoring experience by providing the right kind of information to make driving safer and less stressful, and by supporting communications between the driver and their family at home.

Here are AI Personal Assistant's main features:

1) Dialogue System

AI Personal Assistant uses the latest in AI technology including voice recognition and natural-language processing, to correctly understand what occupants are saying, and to converse with them in natural-sounding language, even amid all the road noise.

Voiceprint technology and person recognition allow the system to identify individual passengers, learn about them from their speech and behavior, and to provide services that best match tastes and needs.

- The system allows the driver to voice-control functions such as climate control, wipers, headlights and more. It also provides vehicle status information, including any malfunction alerts, should they occur.
- AI Personal Assistant's speech recognition uses a hybrid system combining cloud-based with onboard or local processing. The local system provides high speech recognition accuracy, even when there is no network connection, or when network performance is degraded.
- Some of the features described will be a demonstrated(2) at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

2) Connectivity with Different Devices and Content

- AI Personal Assistant supports connectivity with a variety of devices and content. It can, for example, connect with a drone to check traffic conditions ahead, or to give occupants a birds-eye view of the natural scenery they are passing through.

Smart Speaker Demonstration

At MITSUBISHI CONNECT area, there will be a demonstration using Amazon Echo with Alexa and Google Assistant on Google Home VPA-enabled wireless speakers (also known as smart speakers) to show the potential for linking home to car. This is one of the connected car services the company is developing.

Amazon Echo with Alexa use voice commands to play music, access schedules, do online shopping and control smart electrical appliances.

Google Home has the Google Assistant built in and uses voice commands to play music, access schedules and control smart electrical appliances.

The use of smart speakers is growing, particularly in the U.S.

The demonstration will show how assistants on smart speakers can be used to connect with cars and control the headlamps, adjust the interior temperature and lock or unlock the doors. Visitors to the show will be able to try them out for themselves.

Google Home is a trademark of Google Inc.
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The 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 will be open to the public from October 27th through November 5th. Press days will be on October 25th and 26th, 2017 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. For more information: http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en

(1) Active Yaw Control
(2) Developed jointly by CAPIO Inc. and ichibel co, ltd.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the sixth largest automaker in Japan and the sixteenth largest in the world. It is part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. From October 2016, Mitsubishi is one-third owned by Nissan, and a part of the Renault - Nissan - Mitsubishi Alliance. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/index.html.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Motors
Public Relations Department
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com 
+81-3-6852-4275

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