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MITSUBISHI CONNECT Android Auto Compatible Apps Demonstration at 2018 Geneva Motor Show

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TOKYO, Mar 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be demonstrating two MITSUBISHI CONNECT genuine apps at its stand at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show(1) to be held in Geneva from March 6-18. Both compatible with the Android Auto(2) platform, the EV Charging Station Finder app searches for EV charging stations while the Drive Scoring app diagnoses how the car is being driven.

EV Charging Station Finder app (beta version)

The EV Charging Station Finder app uses the latest available information to allow the driver to search for charging stations in the vicinity of the car or at the destination and also to check whether charging pumps at the station are available or occupied, the type of connector plug they use, opening hours and other details. The app allows the user to connect their smartphone to MMC's Smartphone Display Audio (SDA) system and search for charging station location and details, as well as set a particular charging station as the destination using Google Maps(2). This is the Europe market version of MMC's EV Support app which is already available in Japan.

Drive Scoring app (beta version)

Connecting car and smartphone by USB cable, the Drive Scoring app monitors the driving information (using some 30 items of data including GPS, distance driven, use of accelerator and brakes and driving time). The app collects data on an individual's driving behavior by analyzing the driving information together with map information and data on weather conditions to provide driving behavior tips for safer driving. For Europe, the app is under development to provide a suggestion on the insurance policy best suitable for the driver, a driver score competition with others, and roadside assistance.

(1) Le 88e Salon international de l'Automobile Geneve, with press days on March 6 and 7 and public days from March 8 through March 18. MMC will hold its press conference at 10:45 am on March 6 at the MMC stand in Hall 2.
(2) Android, Android Auto, and Google Maps are registered trademarks of Google LLC.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

JCPenney Announces Strategic Realignment of its Senior Leadership Team

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Company initiates personnel actions to streamline job functions and reduce expenses

Plano, TX, Mar 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced the appointment of Joe McFarland as executive vice president and chief customer officer, a newly-expanded role that includes responsibility for merchandising, as well as leading all JCPenney store operations. To ensure the positive momentum of its merchandising transformation, Jodie Johnson has been promoted to head of merchandising for women's, beauty and family footwear; and James Starke has been promoted to head of merchandising for men's, children's, home and jewelry, both reporting to McFarland. Additionally, Therace Risch, will assume the combined titles of Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer to reflect her added responsibility for omnichannel retail. As a result of this appointment, Mike Amend will be leaving the Company.

"Joe, Therace, Jodie and James are remarkable executive leaders who have demonstrated their ability to spearhead critical tasks and drive results and efficiencies along the way. Joe is a dedicated advocate for our associates, and knows first-hand how successful we can be when associates are empowered to deliver the best shopping experience possible. Jodie and James are credited for leading the turnaround of our merchandising strategy, and will continue to advance this effort by delivering the best assortment of style and value offered by any retailer. Appointing both Jodie and James to lead our merchant teams will ensure that we push merchandising decisions closer to the division heads and buyers for increased speed and efficiency.
Furthermore, Therace understands the power of technology, and how it can significantly influence and enhance the way consumers shop and ultimately, be the point of differentiation on where they choose to buy," said Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer for JCPenney. "By merging these critical retail functions under the oversight of four proven leaders, we can better align our operations to ensure every aspect of the business is focused on the customer experience."

Home Office and Store Actions
As part of ongoing efforts to manage expenses, simplify operations and streamline workload in support of the Company's long-term growth and profitability, approximately 130 Home Office positions were eliminated across various departments. Additionally, JCPenney recently restructured its group, regional, district and store support teams. This restructure eliminated bureaucracy, reduced support positions and reallocated store headcount to customer-facing positions. While the restructuring enabled the vast majority of impacted associates to assume a new role or leadership position within the stores organization, approximately 230 positions were subsequently eliminated. The annual cost savings generated from the home office and store reorganization are estimated at approximately $20-$25 million.

"As the Company continues to make progress on its strategic framework and implement new processes and organizational efficiencies, it is imperative that we maintain a thoughtful approach to managing expenses, while effectively supporting the needs of the business," added Ellison. "I would like to thank Mike Amend for his service with the Company and wish him well in his future endeavors. Through his hard work, JCPenney has advanced its omnichannel capabilities, laying the groundwork for further innovation and growth."

Media Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com; follow us at @jcpnews

Investor Relations:
(972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishings retailers, combines an expansive footprint of approximately 875 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico with a powerful e-commerce site, jcp.com, to connect with shoppers how, when and where they prefer to shop. At every customer touchpoint, she will get her Penney's worth of a broad assortment of products from an extensive portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Powering this shopping experience is the customer service and warrior spirit of approximately 100,000 associates across the globe, all driving toward the Company's three strategic priorities of strengthening private brands, becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer and increasing revenue per customer. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to, statements regarding sales, cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, earnings and cash flows. Forward-looking statements are based only on the Company's current assumptions and views of future events and financial performance. They are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company's control that may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from planned or expected results. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, including inflation, recession, unemployment levels, consumer confidence and spending patterns, credit availability and debt levels, changes in store traffic trends, the cost of goods, more stringent or costly payment terms and/or the decision by a significant number of vendors not to sell us merchandise on a timely basis or at all, trade restrictions, the ability to monetize assets on acceptable terms, the ability to implement our strategic plan including our omnichannel initiatives, customer acceptance of our strategies, our ability to attract, motivate and retain key executives and other associates, the impact of cost reduction initiatives, our ability to generate or maintain liquidity, implementation of new systems and platforms, changes in tariff, freight and shipping rates, changes in the cost of fuel and other energy and transportation costs, disruptions and congestion at ports through which we import goods, increases in wage and benefit costs, competition and retail industry consolidations, interest rate fluctuations, dollar and other currency valuations, the impact of weather conditions, risks associated with war, an act of terrorism or pandemic, the ability of the federal government to fund and conduct its operations, a systems failure and/or security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or Company information, legal and regulatory proceedings and the Company's ability to access the debt or equity markets on favorable terms or at all. There can be no assurances that the Company will achieve expected results, and actual results may be materially less than expectations. Please refer to the Company's most recent Form 10-Q for a further discussion of risks and uncertainties. Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements as of any future date.

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: J. C. Penney Company, Inc. via Globenewswire

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Lubrizol Names Brian Pitts CFO

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CLEVELAND, Ohio, Mar 3, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces the promotion of J. Brian Pitts to corporate vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Brian Pitts succeeds Brian Valentine who has announced his decision to leave the organization later this year.

Pitts has worked for Lubrizol since 1998 in accounting and finance assignments, including segment controller and positions in business finance, financial planning and analysis, and operations finance. In 2009, Pitts undertook a three-year expatriate assignment in Shanghai as the director of finance - Asia Pacific. From 2012 to 2015, he served as vice president of finance for Lubrizol's Advanced Materials segment. In 2015, he was named general manager of TempRite(R) Engineered Polymers, where he had responsibility for the global TempRite Engineered Polymers organization and for developing the business's growth strategy.

CEO Eric Schnur states, "Brian Pitts brings a unique blend of global, commercial and finance skills to this role. His capability and experience, including general manager, vice president of finance for Lubrizol Advanced Materials, and living and working in China, positions him to be very successful as our next CFO."

Pitts holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Alabama.

Valentine joined Lubrizol in 1998 and has served as Lubrizol's chief financial officer since 2011. He was named assistant treasurer in 2008 and treasurer in 2009. Valentine has been a valued contributor to Lubrizol's success, including his work on all financing activities related to the company's $2 billion Noveon acquisition and he was instrumental in the refinancing of $500 million in public debt following the 2008 credit crisis.

Schnur comments, "Brian Valentine has been a trusted member of our management team, and I have enjoyed and benefited from his counsel. I fully support his interests and wish him all the best as he moves on to his next career opportunity."

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,700 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2017 were $6.3 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

Media Contact
Julie Young
440-347-4432
corporate.media@lubrizol.com

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Lubrizol via Globenewswire

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

CNH Industrial N.V. files 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F and releases 2017 EU Annual Report; calling of the Annual General Meeting

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LONDON, Mar 3, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE:CNHI / MI:CNHI) announced today that it has filed its 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F (prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and it has released the 2017 EU Annual Report (including the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and the separate financial statements of CNH Industrial N.V.).

The Company also published today the Notice and the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM"), which will take place on April 13, 2018, in Schiphol-Rijk (the Netherlands).

The Agenda of the AGM will include (i) the approval of the 2017 EU Annual Report, (ii) the proposal to distribute a cash dividend of euro 0.14 per outstanding common share, (iii) the re-appointment of the Board of Directors, (iv) the re-appointment of the Independent Auditor, (v) the renewal and extension of the existing delegation to the Board of Directors as authorized body to issue shares, to grant rights and to restrict statutory pre-emptive rights and (vi) the replacement of the existing authorization to the Board of Directors of the authority to acquire common shares in the capital of the Company.

If shareholders approve the proposed cash dividend, CNH Industrial N.V. common shares will be quoted ex-dividend on April 23, 2018. The record date for the dividend will be April 24, 2018 on both MTA and the NYSE. It is expected that the dividend will be paid on May 2, 2018.

The 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F is available in the Investors section of the CNH Industrial corporate website at www.cnhindustrial.com, under "Investor Relations/Financial Information/Annual Reports." It can be viewed online and is also available for download in PDF format. Shareholders may also request a hard copy of the Company's complete 2017 audited financial statements free of charge from investor.relations@cnhind.com.

The 2017 EU Annual Report, the Agenda of the AGM, the Explanatory Notes to the Agenda, the instructions to participate and vote at the AGM, and other AGM documents are available on the Company's website at www.cnhindustrial.com.

CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI) is a global leader in the capital goods sector with established industrial experience, a wide range of products and a worldwide presence. Each of the individual brands belonging to the Company is a major international force in its specific industrial sector: Case IH, New Holland Agriculture and Steyr for tractors and agricultural machinery; Case and New Holland Construction for earth moving equipment; Iveco for commercial vehicles; Iveco Bus and Heuliez Bus for buses and coaches; Iveco Astra for quarry and construction vehicles; Magirus for firefighting vehicles; Iveco Defence Vehicles for defence and civil protection; and FPT Industrial for engines and transmissions. More information can be found on the corporate website: www.cnhindustrial.com

Contacts:
Corporate Communications
Email: mediarelations@cnhind.com

Investor Relations
Email: investor.relations@cnhind.com

20180302_PR_CNH_Industrial_Annual_Report: http://hugin.info/163950/R/2173295/837831.pdf

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: CNH Industrial N.V. via Globenewswire

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Loyalty Industry Innovator Thom Kozik Named Chief Commercial Officer of Loyyal Corporation

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Loyyal, the industry leader in applying blockchain technologies to loyalty and incentive programs is pleased to announced the addition of Mr. Thom Kozik as the company's new Chief Commercial Officer.

Previously serving as an independent director, Mr. Kozik will also transition to a management representative role on the company's board. Prior to his appointment to the role, Thom most recently served as Vice President, Global Loyalty at Marriott International, where he led the transformation of Loyalty marketing within the world's largest hotel company.

A Noted Background in Technology Innovation and Growth

With a career spanning the National Security Agency, Microsoft, Yahoo, Atari, and Marriott, as well as several successful startup ventures, Mr. Kozik brings a wealth of experience helping teams launch breakthrough products, and in making strategic shifts that accelerate growth. Having engaged with the cryptocurrency community since 2013, Mr. Kozik quickly saw the advantages of Distributed Ledger Technology and has been a vocal Loyalty industry advocate in how to shift the underlying financial models as to leverage the advances afforded by applying blockchain technologies.

"The addition of Thom to our executive team is a significant step forward for Loyyal." notes Greg Simon, CEO. "His expertise and insights have already had a tremendous positive impact on Loyyal in his capacity as a Board member. I am personally looking forward to having Thom as day-to-day colleague helping accelerate Loyyal's next stage of growth".

"We are at a unique inflection point in history, with how deeply distributed ledger technology will change so many industries, and loyalty and incentive marketing in particular." said Thom Kozik, Chief Commercial Officer. "Loyyal is at the nexus of this change and has the most comprehensive strategy I've seen for increasing the value both for members, as well as program operators. I'm incredibly excited to work with Greg and our executive leadership in building Loyyal into the industry powerhouse, and great company that I know it will be."

About Loyyal

Loyyal, the Internet of Loyalty, is reinventing how loyalty is created and rewarded. Using blockchain and smart contract technology, Loyyal has built an interoperable loyalty and rewards platform to address a highly fragmented industry, and offer multiple industries an innovative way to both improve profitability while putting the customer first. For information about Loyyal, please visit www.loyyal.com or email info@loyyal.com.


 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

MHIEC Receives Order to Build Waste to Energy Plant in Kawasaki

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- Rebuilt Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Plant Will Have Treatment Capacity of 600 Tonnes Per Day -

- New Tachibana facility to comprise three stoker incinerators and a power generating unit
- Joint venture project valued at 29.8 billion yen to be completed and handed over in September 2023

TOKYO, Mar 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC) has received an order from Kawasaki City (Kanagawa Prefecture) to build its Tachibana Waste to Energy (WtE) Plant, a municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plant in Kawasaki's Takatsu District. The existing facility will be rebuilt as a stoker type incinerator(1) with a total waste treatment capacity of 600 tonnes per day (tpd). The order is a joint venture project with Taisei Corporation, and is valued at 29.8 billion yen. Completion is scheduled for September 2023.

The Tachibana WtE Plant had operated for around 40 years, but the facilities have aged and the incineration plant ceased operations in March 2015. The WtE Plant subsequently closed in 2016. The current facilities will be dismantled and removed, and construction will begin on the new center. The new MSW incineration plant will comprise three stoker type incinerators, each with a capacity of 200 tpd, as well as other related equipment.

MHIEC acquired MHI's waste treatment plant business in 2008, incorporating MHI's environmental protection systems technology, as well as its broad expertise in the construction and operation of waste management facilities in Japan and overseas. Based on its strong track record, MHIEC is well positioned to provide comprehensive solutions for plant construction and operation.

MHIEC will pursue further orders by building new advanced WtE plant that contribute to the formation of a resource-recycling society, enhancing the energy efficiency and stable operation of existing plants, and providing solutions that lower operation, maintenance and other lifecycle costs.

(1) A stoker furnace is the main type used at MSW incineration plants. The solid waste is combusted as it moves along on a fire grate made of heat-resistant castings.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around 38 billion U.S. dollars. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.
For more information, please visit the MHI Group website: http://www.mhi-global.com.
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: http://spectra.mhi.com.

Contact:
Joseph Hood, PR Manager Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Email: mhi-pr@mhi.co.jp Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168 Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

DOCOMO to Expand Educational ICT Services through Investment in eTextbook Developer forEst

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TOKYO, Mar 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it would expand its educational ICT services for students and teachers by investing in forEst, Inc., a Tokyo-based developer of e-textbook content. DOCOMO will make its investment through NTT DOCOMO Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary, on January 31, 2018. DOCOMO first became acquainted with forEst when it was a participant in DOCOMO Innovation Village, an open innovation program offered by DOCOMO and NTT group companies.

forEst developed its "ATLS" tablet-based e-textbook platform to provide students with personalized questions based on each user's level of skill. The company has been providing the service in collaboration with textbook makers since April 2017. The cloud platform also enables teachers to manage student progress highly efficiently.

DOCOMO is expecting the educational field increasingly to adopt ICT as schools and municipal governments prepare for Japan's full introduction of a new school curriculum from 2020.

Going forward, DOCOMO plans to support students and teachers with expanded ICT services for education, including through collaborative initiatives with education-venture companies under the company's "Declaration beyond" medium-term plan to 2020.

About NTT DOCOMO Ventures

NTT DOCOMO Ventures, the NTT Group's corporate venture capital firm, aims to accelerate innovation for creation of new services, disruptive technologies and innovative processes serving as a primary channel for startup companies and venture communities on behalf of the NTT Group, Japan's leading ICT service provider. We proactively enhance cooperation with exceptional entrepreneurs on a worldwide scale by providing capital from our corporate venture funds and vast business development opportunities with the NTT Group companies. https://www.nttdocomo-v.com/en/

About forEst

forEst develops a digital textbook platform "ATLS" for K12. ATLS helps student study more efficiently by adaptive learning.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.

Contact:
NTT DOCOMO International PR Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-5156-1366 Fax: +81-3-5501-3408 URL: www.nttdocomo.com Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

CITIC Telecom CPC Announces new European Managing Director and Acquisition Entities' Name Change Completion

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HONG KONG, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CITIC Telecom CPC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. James Halberstadt as Managing Director, Europe effective 5 March, 2018.

Welcoming Mr. Halberstadt's appointment, the CEO of CITIC Telecom CPC, Mr. Stephen Ho said, "I am delighted to welcome James as the new Managing Director of CITIC Telecom CPC Europe. This appointment reflects the Company's commitment to further expand in the European and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) markets. Delivering high quality ICT products and services to our customers across the globe is the most important part of our business."

Mr. Ho continued. "This leadership role is a significant step toward maintaining competitiveness in an operating environment characterized by rapid technological change, an increasingly borderless business world and new competition. It is important for CITIC Telecom CPC to maintain a strong, energetic and integrated management team in Europe, and I believe that James is well prepared to build on the current foundation and strengthen our operations overall."

Mr. James Halberstadt is a veteran of the ICT industry and has solid experience in the European telecom market. He possesses strong commercial acumen and broad technical knowledge across a wide spectrum of the industry. His extensive career as a technology executive includes over 15 years of commercial and marketing experience. An expert in developing and executing strategies for high-growth businesses, as well as the acquisition and management of top tier named customer accounts. His ability to see the big picture, from crucial technical details to macro strategic perspectives, will be invaluable to CITIC Telecom CPC's customers.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Halberstadt said, "I am very excited at the prospect of leading CITIC Telecom CPC Europe as our Company continues to grow across the European and CIS markets. I look forward to working closely with our European Management Team and my many colleagues in both Europe and Asia Pacific to further expand our business. I am confident our teamwork will help CITIC Telecom CPC ascend to even higher levels of success."

In addition to extensive technical knowledge, including multiple network technology certifications, Mr. Halberstadt also possesses various language competencies, including French, German, and Spanish, skills which greatly support him to serve as a versatile leader for the CITIC Telecom CPC team's endeavors in Europe and CIS.

Connecting the World to Digital Silk Road

CITIC Telecom CPC also announced the completion of name changes for 13 business entities that were acquired with Linx Telecommunications B.V. The name changes were completed in October 2017, including for CITIC Telecom CPC Netherlands B.V. (previously known as Linx Telecommunications B.V.), CITIC Telecom CPC Estonia OU (previously known as Linxtelecom Estonia OU), CITIC Telecom CPC Rus LLC (previously known as LLC Linxtelecom)*.

Added Mr. Ho: "With James on board, and the name change completion for various business entities across our European and CIS markets, including locations within the 'One Belt One Road framework,' we are in an excellent position to move forward on our vision of 'Connecting the World to Digital Silk Road'."

* A full list of the new names can be found in the Appendix.

About CITIC Telecom CPC
CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CITIC Telecom CPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serves multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their specific ICT requirements with highly scalable tailored solutions built upon the company's flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT(TM) private network solutions, TrustCSI(TM) information security solutions, DataHOUSE(TM) global unified cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD(TM) cloud computing solutions.

As one of the first managed service providers in Hong Kong to achieve ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017 ICT-related certifications, CITIC Telecom CPC delivers on its superior quality commitment through a broad global footprint encompassing some of the highest growth markets in Asia, Europe and America, with over 140 points of presence, 15+ Cloud service centers, ~30 data centers, and two dedicated 24x7 Security Operations Centers.

At CITIC Telecom CPC, "Innovation Never Stops."

For more information please visit www.citictel-cpc.com

Media Contacts:

Micty Wong (HQ)
(+852) 2170 7511
Email: micty.wong@citictel-cpc.com

Rowena Leung (Asia)
(+852) 2170 7536
Email: rowena.leung@citictel-cpc.com

Kristin Westdijk (Europe)
(+31) (0) 205 672 004
Email: kristin.westdijk@citictel-cpc.com

Appendix - Full list of new names:

Country / New Name / Previous Name
1. Netherlands / CITIC Telecom CPC Netherlands B.V. / Linx Telecommunications B.V.
2. Poland / CITIC Telecom CPC Network Solutions Poland Sp.zo.o. / Linx Telecommunications Networks Poland Sp.zo.o.
3. Poland / CITIC Telecom CPC Poland Sp.zo.o. / Linx International Services Sp.zo.o.
4. Estonia / CITIC Telecom CPC Estonia OU / Linxtelecom Estonia OU
5. Latvia / SIA CITIC Telecom CPC Latvia / SIA Linx Telecommunications Latvia
6. Lithuania / UAB CITIC Telecom CPC Lithuania / UAB Linx Telecommunications
7. Russia / CITIC Telecom CPC Rus LLC / LLC Linxtelecom
8. Sweden / CITIC Telecom CPC Sweden AB / Linx Networks Sweden AB
9. Germany / CITIC Telecom CPC Germany GmbH / Linxtelecom Germany GmbH
10. Ukraine / CITIC Telecom CPC Ukraine LLC / Linxtelecom Ukraine LLC
11. Hungary / CITIC Telecom CPC Hungary Kft / Linxtelecom Hungary Ltd.
12. United Kingdom / CITIC Telecom CPC UK Ltd / Linx Telecommunications Limited
13. Finland / CITIC Telecom CPC Finland OY / Linx Networks Finland OY



 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Fujitsu Launches Global On-Site Operations in 180 Countries

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Supports enhanced global IT governance with uniform IT device operations across locations throughout the world

TOKYO, Mar 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu has announced that it is today commencing sales of the Fujitsu Managed Infrastructure Service Global On-Site Operations, a service that will provide maintenance for IT devices in about 180 countries. Targeting enterprises in Japan that conduct business globally, this service is provided in coordination with Fujitsu Group companies and service providers outside Japan that operate business locations worldwide. A single contract with Fujitsu is all that is needed for this service that dispatches engineers to customer locations outside Japan, in almost any part of the world, to provide standardized maintenance operations for IT equipment, such as PCs, network devices, and servers. This service will enable uniform IT device operations across almost all locations outside Japan, supporting Fujitsu customers in enhancing their global IT governance.

Background

When conducting business at multiple locations outside Japan, companies need to select local service providers in order to procure and keep the IT devices running, with each location signing separate contracts that define the scope of the work. This process is often time-consuming as it is significantly impacted by factors such as differences in language, laws, business culture, or time zones. Moreover, in conducting support operations in-house, customers would spend time and budget to travel from Japan, meaning enormous costs beyond compare to those operations conducted only at sites in Japan. This has led to a demand for uniform global IT device operations.

Features of This Service

This service supports enhanced global IT governance for customers by providing uniform operations across all their locations based on a single contract with Fujitsu, which handles support operations such as equipment replacement, device deployment or migration, and other activities according to procedure manuals. The service covers IT devices such as PCs, network devices, and servers.

1. Support for IT devices from multiple vendors in almost every part of the world

By coordinating with Fujitsu Group companies outside Japan and with multiple service providers around the world, Fujitsu will provide on-site visits to support IT devices, including third party products, for customer locations in nearly 180 countries. Also, as an optional add-on, Fujitsu's service managers will provide monthly operations status reports for each location, including incident reports and proposals for improvements, enabling optimal IT device operations with consideration for the customer's business lifecycle.

2. Appropriate operations in light of past incident analyses

Through its globally unified incident management system, Fujitsu can provide appropriate support for all locations in light of past examples by analyzing incident information from each of the engineers and sharing it across the system.

3. Rapid service startup through standardized operations procedures

Based on consultations with the customer upon contract, Fujitsu will share standardized task descriptions and procedures to all engineers, using its locations in Belgium, the Philippines, and Costa Rica as hubs. This will significantly shorten the preparation time previously required for such tasks as preliminary training, enabling the service to start in as little as one month.

Sales Target

Targeting midsize and second-tier companies, and 100 major companies, Fujitsu aims to win contracts with a cumulative total of 200 companies, and achieve annual sales of 2.0 billion yen by the end of fiscal 2020 (Fujitsu's fiscal year runs to the end of March).

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 155,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.5 trillion yen (US$40 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

* Please see this press release, with images, at:
http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Radisson Hotel Group launches at IHIF

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A new brand identity heralds a new era for the company

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announces its rebranding to Radisson Hotel Group, effective immediately, at the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin.

The new identity leverages the powerful, international brand equity of the Radisson name to drive awareness in the marketplace, increase marketing efficiency across the global portfolio and offer exceptional experiences to make Every Moment Matter for guests, owners and talent. Every Moment Matters will be the new signature service philosophy of the company and all its hotel brands.

The new go-to-market name, Radisson Hotel Group, capitalizes on a strong partnership between Radisson Hospitality, Inc. (formerly Carlson Hotels, Inc.) and Rezidor Hotel Group AB (publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium) who has master franchise agreements to develop and operate several brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Currently, the 11th largest hotel group in the world, Radisson Hotel Group is made up of eight hotel brands with more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development. The launch of the group's new identity is a significant milestone in a five-year operating plan that will transform the business and position it to become the preferred choice for guests, owners, investors and talent.

"Today is the start of an exciting era for the Radisson Hotel Group, united by our new brand and long-term vision to become a top three hospitality company in the world," said Federico J. Gonzalez, President & CEO, the Rezidor Hotel Group and Chairman of the Global Steering Committee, Radisson Hotel Group. "Our five-year operating plan includes initiatives that redefine our value proposition, optimize our portfolio, streamline operations, invest in new technology systems and align our team members to deliver on our signature, Every Moment Matters. 'Every moment Matters' is about how we do business at the Radisson Hotel Group and who we are at the core - a place of purposeful encounters. For everyone. Everyday. Everywhere. Every time. Our rebranding is just the beginning."

"The creation of the Radisson Hotel Group is an evolution of our long-term partnership with the Rezidor Hotel Group. Together, we are clarifying and executing a new brand architecture to create more value for our guests and owners," said John M. Kidd, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Radisson Hospitality, Inc. "It's the right time for us to align our strategic and operating plans and go-to-market as one solid player."

In conjunction with the alignment around the Radisson brand equity, the Radisson Hotel Group has restructured its brand architecture and redefined guest experience pillars to be implemented across all eight brands: (1) Brilliant Basics (2) Memorable Moments (3) Local Experience (4) Feel at Ease.

The brand portfolio ranges from accessible luxury to modern economy with updates including:

RADISSON COLLECTION(TM)
WELCOME TO THE EXCEPTIONAL
Radisson Collection will replace the company's Quorvus Collection brand. Radisson Collection will launch in June 2018 as a premium collection of our exceptional hotels.

RADISSON BLU(R)
FEEL THE DIFFERENCE
Radisson Blu will continue to deliver a positive and personalized service in stylish spaces with continued expansion in major cities around the world.

RADISSON(R)
SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL
Radisson will be introduced in EMEA to serve the upscale segment. The brand will be refreshed in the Americas and Asia Pacific, with changes to its logo and visual identity, product design and guest experiences, that will focus on delivering Scandinavian inspired hospitality.

RADISSON RED(R)
ENJOY IT!
Radisson RED, a playful twist on the conventional hotel experience, has rolled out a new product definition and updated logo with a robust growth plan across EMEA and Americas.

PARK PLAZA(R)
SMART, ENGAGING SERVICE
Park Plaza offers trend-setting designs and captures the energy and style of each individual location. The brand is currently being re-worked to make it more relevant for high-end international travelers.

PARK INN(R) BY RADISSON
FEEL GOOD
Park Inn by Radisson will continue to expand its footprint around the world and provide stress-free experiences, good food and upbeat environments in major cities and near airports.

COUNTRY INN & SUITES(R) BY RADISSON
I LOVE THIS COUNTRY
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson recently announced a new naming convention adding "by Radisson" to align the brand with the master brand and will stay true to its brand essence of country warmth.

PRIZEOTEL
AFFORDABLE HIGH DESIGN
prizeotel will continue to grow across EMEA to serve the modern economy segment.

The new brand architecture will also enable new customer-facing benefits and commercial drivers including:

- Radisson Rewards(TM) is the refreshed global loyalty program (formerly Club Carlson (SM)), where members enjoy Member Only Rates, have access to exclusive benefits and earn towards free nights. Radisson Rewards(TM) for Business will drive engagement with professional partners including meeting and event planners, travel agents and executive assistants across all brands.

- Radisson Meetings(TM) is an enhanced meetings and events offering designed to make every event unique with fully-equipped spaces, on-site contacts and carefully designed menus. It will launch later this year with a multi-brand digital platform.

- RadissonHotels.com is a new global, multi-brand digital platform that will bring an industry-leading online booking experience to guests and professional partners, launching later this year.

Radisson Hotel Group intends to invest significantly over the next five years into platforms and technology, including a comprehensive IT program for integration, new property management and distribution platforms along with new CRM, loyalty and campaign management platforms. It will also make significant investments in rebranding or repositioning more than 500 hotels globally.

Committed to make Every Moment Matter, Radisson Hotel Group will be a true host and best partner, and aims to become one of the top three hotel companies in the world, and the company of choice for guests, owners and talent.

MEDIA CONTACT:
communication@radissonhotels.com

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP

Radisson Hotel Group(TM) (formerly Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group) is one of the world's largest hotel groups with eight distinctive hotel brands, more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development around the world. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection(TM), Radisson Blu(R), Radisson(R), Radisson RED(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn(R) by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites(R) by Radisson and prizeotel. Guests can benefit from the newly rebranded Radisson Rewards(TM) (formerly Club Carlson (SM)), a global rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers exceptional loyalty benefits for our guests, meeting planners, travel agents and business partners. Radisson Meetings(TM) offers a variety of fully-equipped meeting and event venues featuring fast free Wi-Fi, A/V technology and on-site contacts designed to make every event unique. More than 95,000 global team members work for the Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. The company is headquartered in Brussels, Minneapolis and Singapore.

For more information, visit www.radissonhotelgroup.com/media.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radisson-hotel-group/
Instagram (Employees): https://www.instagram.com/radissonmoments/
Instagram (Hotels): https://www.instagram.com/radissonhotels/
Twitter (Corporate): https://twitter.com/radissongroup
Twitter (Hotels): https://twitter.com/radissonhotels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radissonhotels
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/radissonhotelgroup

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/142138/R/2173440/837935.pdf

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Radisson Hotel Group announces Radisson Collection

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A premium lifestyle hotel brand "Welcome to the Exceptional"

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Group(TM) announces Radisson Collection(TM), a premium collection of exceptional hotels in landmark locations. Driven by consumer demand for individuality and more personalized experiences, Radisson Collection brings together the finest hotels in the Radisson Hotel Group portfolio. 14 hotels are confirmed to join the collection following the launch.

Each hotel feels authentic to its location and offers the ultimate model for contemporary living. Radisson Collection hotels are united by exceptional design and experiences across dining, fitness, wellness and sustainability. All hotel properties are situated in prestigious locations, close to prime leisure attractions and boast an individual and locally authentic atmosphere.

"72% of travelers prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than material things and the Radisson Collection caters to this demand," comments Federico J. Gonzalez, President & CEO, the Rezidor Hotel Group and Chairman of the Global Steering Committee, Radisson Hotel Group. "The hotels that have already joined the Radisson Collection are the perfect showcase for what the brand represents: authenticity, design and exceptional service. Ultimately, the brand and the hotels will be defined by the people who visit them and those who serve in them. We are incredibly proud of our global debut and look forward to the continued growth of our exceptional collection globally."

Radisson Collection will benefit from the power of the Radisson Hotel Group with a strategic market positioning and scale of a global brand. The collection will give hotel owners an opportunity to join an international network while maintaining the identity and authenticity of their hotels and resorts through a flexible framework for affiliation and endorsement. The member hotels wanting to build market recognition can choose to lead with the brand or lead with their hotel identity. The collection affiliation provides member hotels with international brand services, operational expertise, infrastructure and loyalty program, designed to optimize the owner's return on investment.

Radisson Collection Brand Led Properties:
1. Radisson Collection Strand Stockholm, Sweden
2. Radisson Collection San Marco Venice, Italy *
3. Radisson Collection Ukraina Moscow, Russia
4. Radisson Collection Paradise Resort & Spa Sochi, Russia
5. Radisson Collection Royal Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Radisson Collection Royal Mile Edinburgh, Scotland
7. Radisson Collection Warsaw, Poland
8. Radisson Collection Ikoyi Lagos, Nigeria
9. Radisson Collection Agra, India

Hotel Identity Led Collection Properties:
1. The May Fair London, United Kingdom, A Radisson Collection Hotel *
2. Old Mill Belgrade, Serbia, A Radisson Collection Hotel
3. Symphony Style Kuwait, A Radisson Collection Hotel
4. Hormuz Grand Muscat, Oman, A Radisson Collection Hotel
5. The Emerald Grand & Spa Lagos, Nigeria, A Radisson Collection Hotel

*Pending final legal agreement and approval

Radisson Collection is set to become a beacon for an aspirational lifestyle with bespoke interiors and stylish design pieces. The exceptional guest rooms feature the Radisson Collection Sleep and Wellbeing Experiences, luxurious amenities as well as high speed Wi-Fi and TV streaming. Led by a Yes I Can!(SM) customer service attitude, guests will always feel welcomed and personally recognized. Spontaneous surprises and thoughtful gestures will create memorable moments for guests whether they stay for a week or just come by for a meal.

Each hotel will offer meaningful local touches providing guests with a genuine insight into the destination. This includes locally curated art and sustainability programs, locally inspired food and drink offerings and Running Collections; suggested running paths to explore the local neighborhood. Guests will be able to create their own customized experiences at each hotel.

Radisson Collection offers guests with a choice of exceptional locations and enriching experiences that will make memories for a lifetime.

MEDIA CONTACT
communication@radissonhotels.com

ABOUT RADISSON COLLECTION

The Radisson Collection(TM) is a premium lifestyle collection of exceptional hotels located in unique locations. The character of each Radisson Collection hotel feels authentic to its location and offer the ultimate template for contemporary living - united by modern design and exceptional experiences across dining, fitness, wellness and sustainability. Designed for guests and locals alike, each Radisson Collection hotel is defined by guests who visit them. All hotels are situated in prestigious locations, close to prime leisure attractions. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Collection by participating in Radisson Rewards(TM), a global loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson Collection is part of the Radisson Hotel Group(TM) which also includes Radisson Blu(R), Radisson(R), Radisson RED(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn(R) by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites(R) by Radisson and prizeotel.

For reservations and more information visit, www.radissoncollection.com.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radissoncollection/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radissoncollection/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radissoncollection

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP

Radisson Hotel Group(TM) (formerly Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group) is one of the world's largest hotel groups with eight distinctive hotel brands, more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development around the world. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection(TM), Radisson Blu(R), Radisson(R), Radisson RED(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn(R) by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites(R) by Radisson and prizeotel. Guests can benefit from the newly rebranded Radisson Rewards(TM) (formerly Club Carlson (SM)), a global rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers exceptional loyalty benefits for our guests, meeting planners, travel agents and business partners. Radisson Meetings(TM) offers a variety of fully-equipped meeting and event venues featuring fast free Wi-Fi, A/V technology and on-site contacts designed to make every event unique. More than 95,000 global team members work for the Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. The company is headquartered in Brussels, Minneapolis and Singapore.

For more information, visit www.radissonhotelgroup.com/media.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radisson-hotel-group/
Instagram (Employees): https://www.instagram.com/radissonmoments/
Instagram (Hotels): https://www.instagram.com/radissonhotels/
Twitter (Corporate): https://twitter.com/radissongroup
Twitter (Hotels): https://twitter.com/radissonhotels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radissonhotels
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/radissonhotelgroup

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/142138/R/2173492/837957.pdf

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Twin Hong Kong Jewellery Shows Attract Record 87,000 Buyers

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The fifth Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show and the 35th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show welcomed about 87,000 buyers from 145 countries and regions.
The all-new IT Solutions for Jewellery zone at the Jewellery Show showcased the latest technology and solutions for inventory management, design, production and e-commerce advancement. The zone also featured an array of Internet of Things devices for the jewellery industry, including an augmented reality solution from SSIWO Technologies Ltd, which lets customers try on jewellery pieces through a smartphone app.
The HKTDC organised a series of events during the shows, including seminars on jewellery technology, marketing strategies, jewellery craftsmanship and quality management, buyer forum, jewellery parades and networking receptions.
On-site Survey Shows Industry Optimism on Future Prospects

HONG KONG, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Featuring more than 4,550 exhibitors, the fifth Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show (27 February-3 March) and the 35th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (1-5 March) concluded with participation from about 87,000 buyers from 145 countries and regions, representing a two per cent increase from last year. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), more than 33,700 buyers visited the Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show, while about 53,000 visitors attended the Jewellery Show.

"With improving global economic conditions, Hong Kong's exports of precious jewellery rose 3.6 per cent last year. We are delighted that exhibitor attendance at both shows was the highest in years, and that attendance of both local and overseas buyers set new records," said Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC.

"This shows that Hong Kong is an important sourcing platform for the global jewellery industry. The exhibitors are generally satisfied with the results at the shows. In terms of attendance, buyers from Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran and Turkey recorded significant growth, reflecting the market potential of these countries. Hong Kong companies should capitalise on the opportunities presented by these markets."

- Survey: Jewellery industry cautiously optimistic about prospects

The HKTDC commissioned independent on-site surveys at the two shows, interviewing nearly 1,300 exhibitors and buyers to gauge their views on industry trends and the demands of exhibitors and buyers. The survey found that 62 per cent of respondents expect overall sales this year to remain unchanged, with 33 per cent expecting sales to increase and only five per cent expecting sales to fall, which is lower than the 16 per cent recorded last year, suggesting general optimism about future prospects. In terms of retail prices, 67 per cent of respondents expect prices to remain unchanged, while 31 per cent anticipate prices to increase and two per cent expect prices to drop.

Expected Sales Performance in 2018
-Increase 33%
-Unchanged 62%
-Decrease 5%

Expected Retail Prices Performance in 2018
-Increase 31%
-Unchanged 67%
-Decrease 2%

In terms of product categories, most respondents said they were primarily sourcing contemporary jewellery (83%), followed by jewellery for weddings and special occasions (76%), designers' jewellery (73%) and precious jewellery (71%).

As for price range, 68 per cent of respondents expect products that were priced between US$501-US$1,000 to have the greatest potential in the coming year, followed by products in the US$1,001-US$5,000 price range (58%) and those in the mid-to-low price range of US$101-US$500 (56%). Compared to the findings last year, more respondents favoured higher priced items, indicating higher purchasing power.

- Karat rose gold the most popular

In terms of product materials, 45 per cent of respondents favoured karat rose gold, followed by karat white gold (37%) and platinum (37%). As for gemstones, the percentage of respondents who favoured diamond reached 61 per cent, which is the highest among gemstones and more than the 41 per cent recorded last year. This was followed by jade (18%), aquamarine (18%) and pearl (15%).

The survey also charted the industry's views on business operations in 2018. Most respondents expected major challenges to come from price fluctuations of raw materials (45%), followed by increases in operating costs (40%), global economic fluctuations (35%), and exchange rate fluctuations (29%).

Another note-worthy finding was respondents' greater optimism about prospects in emerging markets, compared to the previous year. Seventy-five per cent of respondents viewed the Chinese mainland market most favourably among emerging markets, followed by the Middle East (75%), Russia (73%), Latin America (71%) and ASEAN (55%). As for mature markets, respondents expected the markets of Western Europe (68%), Hong Kong (64%) and North America (58%) to have the greatest potential.

- Springboard for Hong Kong companies to overseas markets

Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show featured premium jewellery from around the world, providing an important sales and promotion platform for Hong Kong's jewellery sector to develop overseas markets.

Victor Yiu, Director of Zuri Jewellery, a Hong Kong exhibitor, said his 10-year-old company focuses on original design and on the Chinese mainland market. The company has successfully developed its overseas markets by participating in the Jewellery Show in the past four years. This year, the company's new collection "A Joyous Journey," attracted plenty of attention from large retailers, including a large retail group from the Chinese mainland, which decided to launch the collection in May. Buyers from Indonesia, the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam also expressed keen interest in the collection.

- Emerging market buyers eager to source

In its fifth year adopting the "two shows, two venues" format, the HKTDC staged the Jewellery Show at the HKCEC for finished jewellery, and the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at the AsiaWorld-Expo, where the show focused on jewellery raw materials. The format offered exhibitors and buyers a highly effective means to connect with potential business partners.

Mete Boybeyi, owner of Turkish company Boybeyi, said he purchased US$150,000 worth of diamonds from three exhibitors from Israel, India and the Chinese mainland at the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, while sourcing up to US$1 million worth of high-quality jewellery at the Jewellery Show. He said that the "two shows, two venues" format allowed for easier and more efficient sourcing of suitable products.

The HKTDC also organised an array of events to promote industry exchange, including a gala dinner sponsored by the Tanzanite Foundation, as well as seminars on jewellery technology, marketing strategies, jewellery craftsmanship and quality standard, buyer forum, jewellery parades and networking receptions.

Fair Websites:
Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show: http://hkdgp.hktdc.com/
Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/
Enhanced Security Measures for Buyers: http://bit.ly/2EIxhJa
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2oLztcQ
For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit: http://bit.ly/2CZpjtt

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 Comms & Public Affairs Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's refreshed loyalty program

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A new brand identity, a new global brand architecture and a new name to help associate member benefits with consumer facing brands

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Group(TM) introduces a refreshed loyalty program, Radisson Rewards(TM), replacing Club Carlson (SM). Radisson Rewards will align with the hotel group's new corporate identity and will make it easier for members to associate their benefits with all brands and initiatives. The updated program comes with some exciting enhancements including making status more accessible for members. All current members account numbers and point balances remain the same.

"Embedding the Radisson name into the heart of our program, will help us instantly boost the global brand awareness of our loyalty program. Radisson is a name that's instantly recognizable, respected and stands for award-winning, innovative hospitality," said Eric De Neef, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Commercial Officer, Radisson Hotel Group. "Our refreshed program will serve as a powerful driver of our commercial and brand awareness strategy, and build a stronger relationship with our members. The Radisson affiliation across the entire global brand portfolio and all markets, will ensure that our members worldwide can easily associate their rewards with the hotels where they earned their valuable points."

With more than 1,100 hotels in operation worldwide, members of the Radisson Rewards program enjoy member only rates, access to exclusive benefits including room upgrades, early check-in/ late check-out, and points towards free nights across these Radisson Hotel Group hotels: Radisson Collection(TM), Radisson Blu(R), Radisson(R), Radisson RED(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn(R) by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites(R) by Radisson.

Radisson Rewards program includes new tier names for easy understanding of the tier structure and new thresholds for a faster and more accessible path to elite status.

Club Carlson (Old); Radisson Rewards (New)
Club Carlson Red; Radisson Rewards Club
Club Carlson Silver; Radisson Rewards Silver
Club Carlson Gold; Radisson Rewards Gold
Club Carlson Concierge; Radisson Rewards Platinum

Tier; Former Threshold; New Threshold; % fewer nights
Club; N/A; N/A
Silver; 15 Nights / 10 Stays; 9 Nights / 6 Stays; 40%
Gold; 35 Nights / 20 Stays; 30 Nights / 20 Stays; ~15%
Platinum; 75 nights / 30 Stays; 60 Nights / 30 Stays; 20%

"New thresholds will be applied in 2018 based on 2017 activity, so many of our most loyal guests would be delighted to find themselves at a higher tier than expected," said De Neef.

Radisson Rewards also has a new digital home. Members can book direct and access their membership data at https://www.radissonrewards.com/ and with the Radisson Rewards mobile app (available for Apple and Google devices). Radisson Rewards Platinum guests will also have dedicated 24/7 access to call center agents.

U.S. Radisson Rewards Visa cardholders can now earn up to 3 free award nights upon renewal, on top of the points they already earn for spend.

The update also aligns Radisson Hotel Group's three Business to Business programs (Look to Book (SM), Club Carlson for Planner and Club Carlson for Travel Arrangers) under one umbrella program, Radisson Rewards(TM) for Business. The new name provides a simplified message that is closely aligned to the consumer program so that meeting and event planners, travel agents and executive assistants realize the full benefits of the program when booking with the Radisson Hotel Group. Radisson Rewards for Business members will continue to earn points as before, as there are no changes to the current structure.

MEDIA CONTACT
communication@radissonhotels.com

ABOUT RADISSON REWARDS

Radisson Rewards(TM) (formerly Club Carlson (SM)), is the Radisson Hotel Group's global rewards program that offers great benefits to guests at any of our more than 1,100 hotels in operation worldwide. Members enjoy Member Only Rates, have access to exclusive benefits, and earn towards free nights across these Radisson Hotel Group(TM) portfolio of hotels: Radisson Collection(TM), Radisson Blu(R), Radisson(R), Radisson RED(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn(R) by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites(R) by Radisson. As part of the Radisson Rewards(TM) for Business, our professional partners including meeting and event planners, travel agents or executive assistants can earn valuable points toward rewards for bookings at all Radisson Hotel Group brands. For more information, visit www.radissonhotels.com/rewards.

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP

Radisson Hotel Group(TM) (formerly Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group) is one of the world's largest hotel groups with eight distinctive hotel brands, more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development around the world. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection(TM), Radisson Blu(R), Radisson(R), Radisson RED(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn(R) by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites(R) by Radisson and prizeotel. Guests can benefit from the newly rebranded Radisson Rewards(TM) (formerly Club Carlson (SM)), a global rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers exceptional loyalty benefits for our guests, meeting planners, travel agents and business partners. Radisson Meetings(TM) offers a variety of fully-equipped spaces featuring fast free Wi-Fi, A/V technology and on-site contacts designed to make every event unique. More than 95,000 global team members work for the Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. The company is headquartered in Brussels, Minneapolis and Singapore.

For more information, visit www.radissonhotelgroup.com/media.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radisson-hotel-group/
Instagram (Employees): https://www.instagram.com/radissonmoments/
Instagram (Hotels): https://www.instagram.com/radissonhotels/
Twitter (Corporate): https://twitter.com/radissongroup
Twitter (Hotels): https://twitter.com/radissonhotels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radissonhotels
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/radissonhotelgroup

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/142138/R/2173573/838009.pdf

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Curt Espeland to address the J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Industrials Conference

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Kingsport, Tenn., USA, Mar 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Curt Espeland, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN), will address the J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Industrials Conference in New York City on March 15, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Live Webcast: Mr. Espeland's presentation will be webcast live on www.investors.eastman.com. Slides used by Mr. Espeland will be available at the time of the presentation and can also be accessed at www.investors.eastman.com.

Replay: An audio replay of the presentation will be available at www.investors.eastman.com, events & presentations.

Investor Relations Contact:
Greg Riddle, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com

Media Contact:
Tracy Kilgore Addington, Corporate Communications Manager
423-224-0498 / tracy@eastman.com

###

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

NEC Showcases the Latest in Intelligent Public Transport Solutions at IT Trans

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- Customer experience focused solutions for the next generation of transport services -

TOKYO, Mar 6, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) is participating in the IT TRANS - International Conference and Exhibition from March 6 - 8, 2018, at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre, Karlsruhe, Germany.

NEC and its partners will present a number of innovative solutions for enhancing public transport, including solutions that feature NEC's top ranked(1) face recognition technologies, NEC's cloud-based Fleet Management Solution (FMS), an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFC) and ePaper displays for real-time passenger information.

IT-TRANS is the leading international conference and exhibition on intelligent urban transport systems and the digitization of public transport. Organized by Karlsruher Messe-und Kongress-GmbH and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), this will be the sixth IT Trans. NEC will be one of the approximately 210 exhibitors from more than 30 countries taking part.

For more information on NEC's transportation solutions, please visit our Transport Solutions website.

(1) NEC's Video Face Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Testing
http://www.nec.com/en/press/201703/global_20170316_01.html

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.

Contact:
NEC Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

World Debut of the Lexus UX, a New Genre of Crossover

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Toyota City, Japan, Mar 6, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - - World debut for the Lexus UX--the first-ever Lexus--compact crossover at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
- A new genre of crossover, an "Urban Explorer" that offers a fresh take on luxury lifestyles
- Stylish and distinctive exterior design execution generates a unique vehicle identity, combining a secure and spacious feel yet condensed appearance
- Compact, driver-centric cockpit with commanding view of the road
- Interior includes new trim finish inspired by the grain of Japanese paper, and traditional sashiko leather upholstery quilting
- First Lexus to be built on the new global architecture platform, named GA-C, delivering the lowest centre of gravity in its class and exceptional body rigidity, securing agile, hatchback-like driving experience
- New, fourth generation hybrid system in the UX 250h with higher efficiency and more powerful electric motor
- UX 200 powered by new 2.0-litre petrol engine with high thermal efficiency and new direct shift continuously variable transmission

INTRODUCTION

Lexus hosts the world debut of the new UX at the 2018 Geneva Motor show, a free-spirited crossover crafted expressly for the modern urban explorer who seeks a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on a luxury lifestyle.

Chika Kako, Chief Engineer of the UX said: "Right from the start, I focused on the target customer--mid-30s, millennials, men and women--and tried to understand how they would expect a luxury compact vehicle to change their lives and enable new experiences. That's what led us to the basic vehicle concept for the UX of Creative Urban Explorer--a new genre of crossover.

"Design is still the main purchase reason for every car, it is the design that promises to the customer what the car can deliver. With the UX the design team have created a style which delivers the strong safe feeling that sets crossovers apart from hatchbacks, but combined it with a very dynamic dimension.

"We also focused on giving the UX a distinctive driving feel that would resonate with the customer. I wanted to overturn the image of a crossover with a high body that requires careful manoeuvring and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent manoeuvrability that make it as easy to drive as a hatchback."

The UX is a new gateway vehicle for Lexus, it is rich in the qualities that define the brand: brave design, exhilarating performance and imaginative technology.

Led by Chief Engineer Kako and Chief Designer Tetsuo Miki, the development teams have worked closely to produce a car in which the exterior and interior appear almost seamlessly linked. Powerful bodywork, notable for its impressively flared front and rear wings, clothes a cabin that provides a driver-focused cockpit and an open, relaxing space for passengers. While still offering a commanding view from the steering wheel, the UX offers a driving position that makes the crossover feel more like a responsive hatchback to drive, rather than an SUV.

The UX further marks a series of technical innovations, including the first use of the new global architecture platform named GA-C, which delivers fundamental high structural rigidity and a low centre of gravity, thus securing excellent ride quality and stability. New powertrains are also deployed for the first time: a new 2.0-litre petrol engine that reaps the performance and fuel economy benefits of high thermal efficiency; and a new mid-power, fourth generation self-charging hybrid system.

BRAVE DESIGN

Lexus has produced a design for the UX that expresses the sense of security that is expected of a crossover, but which equally communicates agility and a fun-to-drive quality with sleek, attractively condensed appearance. The result is a model with a unique identity in its segment that makes a strong and appealing design statement. There was close collaboration among all team members, resulting in a harmonious shape that almost seamlessly links the inside and outside of the car.

Exterior design

The aim for the UX was not to conform to the established, solid crossover look, but to achieve a compact design that is both strong and stylish, breaking with the conventions of the segment to deliver something more distinctive and dynamic.

This design approach can be seen at work in the way the front and rear wings flare strongly outwards in relation to the car's basic form, which flows out from the lines of the spindle grille to envelop the cabin. The meticulously formed exterior surfaces are simple but captivating, expressing strength and dynamism.

At the front, the arrangement of the headlights and the spindle grille are incorporated into a deep, strong shape created by the hood and bumper to generate a sense of security. At the rear, a condensed styling treatment contrasts sharply with the flared wings to emphasise the UX's dynamic and strong crossover qualities.

Details include daytime running lights, arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights to emphasise the Lexus L-shaped illumination signature. The spindle grille has a new block-shape mesh pattern with individual elements that gradually change in shape as they radiate out from the central Lexus emblem, giving a three-dimensional look that changes according to the angle of view.

The rear combination lamps have an original and advanced design that is not only eye-catching but also aerodynamically efficient while improving vehicle handling. The right and left units are connected by a continuous, single line of light across the back door to give the UX's rear a unique appearance. Formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs, this tapers gently towards the centre, measuring just 3mm thick at its narrowest point. This design is set to become a world-first Lexus signature feature.

Four new aluminium wheel designs have been produced for the UX, with 17 and 18-inch diameters. The five-spoke 17-inch wheels have a world-first aerodynamic design, details of which are given in the Imaginative Technology section below.

Dimensions and packaging

The UX measures 4,495mm long, 1,520mm high and 1,840mm wide and has a 2,640mm wheelbase. An 870mm couple distance ensures ample space for rear seat passengers, while the load area is a generous 791mm long.

The car's proportions allow for excellent manoeuvrability, with a best-in segment 5.2m turning radius. For the driver, a reduced distance between the hip and heel points gives the feel of driving a hatchback rather than an SUV-type vehicle.

Interior design

The interior of a car is the place where the driver and the car connect. As such, the designers sought to eliminate the boundary between exterior and interior, creating a seamless continuity. The effect gives the driver an excellent field of vision with a clear sense of the vehicle's body dimensions. This concept is most evident from the driver's seat, where the upper section of the instrument panel appears to extend out beyond the windscreen. Conversely, seen from outside, the hood looks as though it connects directly to the instrument panel. This is inspired by a traditional Japanese concept which blurs the boundary between the inside and outside of a house.

The human-centred approach extends to the design of the UX's interior, with a "seat-in-control" concept that focuses operation of all the principal vehicle functions around the driver's side of the cabin.

At the same time, this helps create a more relaxing atmosphere around the passenger space. The instrument panel has a low, unobtrusive design and the slim A-pillar mouldings have been shaped to improve visibility and give the kind of commanding outward view that is expected of a crossover.

Chief Engineer Kako has drawn on her earlier experience in materials development and time spent working in Europe to help define the quality and appearance of the interior, in particular applying an uncluttered "less is more" approach to achieve the desired effect.

She explained: "In the course of (my earlier) work, I learned that even if the elements that make up the interior, such as the seats, instrument panel and ornamentation, are all made to a high specification, that doesn't necessarily mean that the overall look will give an elegant impression. When it comes to determining whether an interior is good or bad, controlling the overall balance between the continuity, unity and contrast is more important than the relative specifications of individual components."

The human-centred design thinking included paying particular attention to the appearance and ease of use of the centre console that integrates audio switches into a palm rest. The seatback shape has been defined to make operation of controls possible while maintaining a comfortable, natural posture.

Getting in and out of the vehicle has been made easier and more comfortable through optimal placing of the hip-point, a cut-off profile for the rocker panel below the doors and shaping of the seat cushion.

Sashiko leather quilting

The smooth leather upholstery available for the UX is inspired by sashiko, a traditional Japanese quilting technique that is also used in the making of judo and kendo martial arts uniforms. The quilted leather is decorated with new perforation patterns that form mathematical curves and gradations in perfect alignment, enhancing the appearance of the seats.

Ornamentation inspired by Japanese paper grain

The UX's sweeping instrument panel covers a large area, connecting the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. This provides an opportunity to accentuate the atmosphere of the cabin using fine-quality ornamentation, with a choice of two grain patterns and four colours.

The UX is the first Lexus model to offer a new trim grain finish that's inspired by the grain of Japanese paper,known as washi, familiar in traditional Japanese homes. Created using slush-moulding and a carefully chosen surface finish, it evokes a calm and warm feeling.

A leather grain finish is also available, shared with the LC coupe and LS flagship sedan and building a consistency of quality across the Lexus brand.

EXHILARATING PERFORMANCE

The UX has been engineered to deliver "elegant performance with peace of mind" consistent in all Lexus models. The foundation is the new global architecture platform named GA-C, used for the first time in a Lexus.

Two new powertrains make their debut: a new, fourth generation self-charging hybrid system with 178 DIN hp/131kW(1) and the choice of front wheel drive or E-Four in the UX 250h; and a new 2.0-litre petrol engine with high thermal efficiency, available with a new Direct Shift continuously variable transmission in the UX 200.

Suspension, steering and tyres have also all been developed to support Lexus' dynamic and performance ambitions for the UX.

First use of new global architecture platform named GA-C

The UX is the first Lexus to be constructed using the new global architecture platform named GA-C, the foundation for the car's dynamic performance. Its development focused on giving the UX nimble and instant response to the driver's inputs, while communicating a sense of stability and safety.

The platform allowed for an increase in rigidity, including a high-tensile and ring structure around the rear and back door openings. Highly rigid adhesive and Laser Screw Welding have been used in key locations, greatly enhancing overall rigidity.

Low centre of gravity

The UX has the lowest centre of gravity of any vehicle in its class, thanks to the design of the global architecture-C platform. This characteristic, central to the car's fine ride and handling quality, is also supported by weight-saving measures in the body construction, including the use of lightweight aluminium for the side doors, fenders and hood, as well as a resin material for the back door.

Suspension and steering

MacPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone arrangement at the rear have been designed and tuned to promote ride comfort and sharp response. Special attention has been paid to shock absorber performance and the quality of the damper oil, oil seals and friction control.

An Electric Power Steering system with a new compact and highly rigid column assist has been adopted for the UX, with a larger diameter column shaft. This supports handling with crisp, immediate response to driver inputs, with good steering feel.

Fourth generation self-charging hybrid powertrain

The Lexus UX 250h will also use a new fourth generation hybrid electric system that features a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). It will be available both with front-wheel drive and with Lexus' E-Four.

The new engine is notable for its high thermal efficiency and output, with provisional performance figures for the full hybrid self-charging system (engine and electric motor combined anticipating a maximum 178 DIN hp/131kW).

The powertrain development programme focused not just on outstanding fuel economy, but also on a high level of driving appeal. Particular efforts were made to reduce any "rubber band" effect in the operation of the hybrid system and transmission, by optimising the level of electric motor assistance and engine rpm to generate a linear acceleration feel without the engine running at high revs. Engine rpm are synchronised with the increase in vehicle speed to create an immediate and continuous acceleration feel, responding to the driver's intentions and creating a pleasant driving feel.

New hybrid transaxle, power control unit and battery

The system has a compact and lightweight new transaxle and Power Control Unit, designed to minimise power losses through heat and friction.

A new nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery is used with a revised construction and more compact cooling system that allows for smaller dimensions overall. This allows the battery to be located below the rear seat, minimising intrusion in the load space and supporting the UX's low centre of gravity.

E-Four

The E-Four system gives the UX 250h all-wheel drive capability by placing an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimised when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. When a loss of rear-wheel grip is detected, the amount of power that can be directed to the rear of the car has been increased from 60 to around 80 per cent, at speeds up to 70km/h, contributing to excellent handling stability.

UX 200 with new 2.0-litre petrol engine

The UX 200 is powered by a new 2.0-litre petrol engine, engineered to provide a high level of dynamic and environmental performance with excellent fuel economy. The in-line four-cylinder unit uses high-speed combustion to achieve enhanced thermal efficiency.

Features which enable this across a wide range of driving scenarios include multi-hole direct fuel injectors, a continuously variable capacity oil pump, a variable cooling system and VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing on the intake side. The result is a maximum thermal efficiency of around 40%--a best-in-class level for a passenger vehicle engine.

Direct Shift-CVT

The new 2.0-litre engine featured in the UX 200 is matched to Lexus' first Direct Shift-CVT, engineered to provide the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a conventional continuously variable transmission, but with a direct driving feel.

A conventional system uses two pulleys, connected by a belt, that can change their radius seamlessly, and thus change the effective gear ratio, without any "step" effect.

The new Direct Shift-CVT has additional gears to achieve acceleration at start-up like a manual transmission. This gives the smooth acceleration of a CVT, but with a direct acceleration feel.

In addition, this use of gears for acceleration from start-up reduces the need for the CVT's pulleys and belt mechanism to be used in the low gear range. This allows more room to be dedicated to the higher gear range.

High-speed, high-response gear-shifting technology, using a multiplate wet clutch developed for use in automatic transmission, is used to switch power from the gear to the belt and pulleys. This secures performance in response to different situations, from smooth and fuel-efficient driving to sporty performance with fast shifts.

The design also maintains the benefits of a CVT, which can freely adjust the gear ratio to simulate changes like multi-gear automatic transmission under heavy acceleration. This gives linear acceleration feel with synchronisation of the increasing engine revs and vehicle speed.

IMAGINATIVE TECHNOLOGY

The unique character of the Lexus UX is expressed in the application of imaginative technology in detailed aspects of the car, emphasising its depth of quality to customers, particularly those who might be buying a premium brand vehicle for the first time.

Safety

The UX is available with the latest version of Lexus Safety System +, including a Pre-Collision System (PCS) developed to be able to recognize pedestrians at night. Additionally, PCS radar detection has been extended to enable detection of cyclists during the day--road users who are involved in a high number of traffic accidents(2). The package provided on the UX also includes Lexus Co DRIVE (featuring Lane Tracing Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control), Automatic High Beam/Adaptive High-beam System, and Road Sign Assist(3).

A Parking Support Brake detects the risk of the vehicle coming into contact with a stationary object in its path, or another vehicle approaching from behind, and will automatically reduce drive force, initiate braking and trigger sound and visual warnings to help reduce the likelihood of a collision, or lessen the damage if an impact does occur.

World-first aerodynamic design details

Lexus took a new approach to achieve the best possible aerodynamic performance from the UX's rear combination lamps, wheel arch mouldings and, in a world first concept, aerodynamic wheels.

The Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights in the rear incorporate fins with a distinctive design that helps prevent airflow from wrapping around the rear of the vehicle. They make a noticeable contribution to keeping the rear of the car stable when turning and driving in crosswinds.

Painstaking adjustments were made to the lamps' curved profile, with each change evaluated and verified in wind tunnel and real-world driving tests.

The wheel arch mouldings have flat sides and a stepped top section, which generates an airflow that helps keep reduce roll and keep the vehicle stable when the car is cornering, changing lanes or being driven in a straight line. Millimetre-precise adjustment of this step feature kept an optimal balance between the stabilising effect and design considerations.

The UX's aluminium wheels have a world-first aerodynamic design that helps both keep the brakes cool and reduce wind resistance. Computer simulations and wind tunnel testing produced a profile shape for the wheel's spokes that increased the amount of airflow that could be directed to cool the disc brakes, without compromising the coefficient of drag (Cd).

Single knob ventilation control with wireless lighting

The UX's air vents have a new single-knob control for air flow direction and volume, illuminated using a new wireless system. By combining the two functions in a single control, the vents could be made larger, improving performance. Each control has an LED light source that is powered wirelessly, using electromagnetic resonance between two coils vibrating at the same frequency. Using the same design principle as the LC's rear combination lamps, the vent lights use mirror optics to create the effect of floating lighting depth, even though the reflector element is only 3mm thick.

Predictive Efficient Drive

The UX 250h is equipped with Predictive Efficient Drive(4), a Lexus-first system that analyses the driver's driving habits and the expected road and traffic conditions to optimise charging and discharging of the hybrid battery. The more the car is driven, the more data is gathered, contributing to efficient fuel consumption. Additionally, this feature can be disabled if desired. Key components which make up Predictive Efficient Drive are as follows:

- Predictive Deceleration Support

The technology was developed by driving on many actual roads in Japan and North America that represented typical traffic conditions, such as busy urban streets or mountain routes. Performance was analysed to create a control that makes the driver feel natural deceleration when it operates and which enables more efficient driving.

Using the intelligence based on accumulated knowledge about a driver's behaviour, the system can predict when/where the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop. When UX is nearing a location where the driver has slowed or stopped in the past and the driver releases accelerator pedal, Predictive Deceleration Support triggers an increase in the amount of regenerative braking. This permits more efficient energy recovery and recharging of the hybrid battery. The system can provide deceleration support up to about 300m ahead of the vehicle.

- Predictive State of Charge Control

The UX 250h also benefits from a Predictive State of Charge (SOC) control for the hybrid battery, world-first technology that functions on both downhill roads and congested routes. Operating when the car is following guidance from the navigation system, it will predict the route for a distance of up to 10km ahead.

On a long, downhill stretch of road, when there is a large amount of charge in the hybrid battery, a full charge would be reached part-way down the hill. Beyond that point, any additional, regenerated energy could not be recovered, effectively wasting it. Downhill SOC control uses gradient information from map data to calculate when a long downhill stretch of road lies ahead; when this is the car, it actively relies on EV electric driving to reduce the level of battery charge. Fuel efficiency is improved and the amount of battery charging that can be gained during the downhill section is increased.

In stop-go and low-speed driving, there is greater use of the electric motor, making it more likely the level of hybrid battery charge will be depleted. In this driving scenario, Congestion SOC control uses traffic information gathered by the navigation system to determine if there is any congestion on the vehicle's planned route. If so, it actively charges the hybrid battery before reaching the area of congestion. This improves fuel efficiency by reducing the need of forced engine start to chargethe battery when driving in slow, congested traffic.

UX F SPORT

The F SPORT versions of the UX are clearly differentiated by styling treatment that emphasises a low and wide form, evoking sporty driving performance. At the front, an exclusive mesh grille references the Lexus F SPORT bloodline, with extra impact generated by large fog light bezels with L-shaped chrome mouldings and detailing that repeats the F-mesh pattern of the grille.

At the rear there is an exclusive bumper design with chrome highlights, projecting a secure, sporting image. Using a jet black ornamentation on the front and rear mouldings created a unified appearance, while the sporty quality is further reflected in exclusive 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

In the cabin the F SPORT-exclusive features include sports seats, made with a highly supportive integrated foaming technique, an eight-inch TFT colour display and an instrument meter with a moving outer ring. The F SPORT steering wheel has a dimpled leather covering (featured also on the shift knob) and there are sports aluminium pedals and footrest.

The F SPORT models benefit from exclusive tuning of the suspension, with adjustment to both springs and stabiliser bars, and the use of rear performance dampers to provide accurate, stable and responsive handling. They are also available with a specifically adapted version of the new high-response Adaptive Variable Suspension system featured on the Lexus LC flagship coupe. The aim is to provide a level of damping force that contributes to a rewarding drive, but doesn't detract from comfortable ride quality. This damping force is reduced in straight line driving and increased when cornering or changing lanes to provide stability with minimal roll. Where AVS is fitted, its functionality is linked to the Sport S+ mode in the car's Drive Mode Select.

The driving experience can be further enhanced with Active Sound Control (ASC), generating an audio feedback that gives the aural effect of up and downshifts like those experienced with a geared automatic transmission. And additional Sonic Interaction Design (SID) function adjust the sound the vehicle makes when drive in Sport S+ mode (S+ Sound). This can be switched off, if desired, using the ASC switch.

(1) Preliminary figures.
(2) Please inquire at your local dealer for details on the availability of features.
(3) Please inquire at your local dealer for details on the availability of features.
(4) North American mainland units equipped with Navigation system; Japan units equipped with Navigation system

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Toyota: The Legend Returns

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GR Supra Racing Concept
Modern racing concept signals Toyota's commitment to bring back its most iconic sportscar

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 6, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - The GR Supra Racing Concept makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, reviving the name and spirit of the most celebrated model in Toyota's illustrious sportscar heritage and demonstrating Toyota's commitment to bringing the Supra back to the market. It also shows the future potential for a car that can deliver high performance both on road and track.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_GRSupraRacing%20Concept.jpg
GR Supra Racing Concept

Toyota Supra heritage

The GR Supra Racing Concept revives the great heritage of one of Toyota's most famous sports cars.

The Supra name evokes power, performance and handling that defined a succession of world-class cars for a quarter of a century. As a thoroughbred sports car, the Toyota Supra built a reputation both as a formidable performer on the road and as an all-conquering machine on the racetrack, dominating Japan's top-level GT racing series and earning legions of fans.

The Toyota Supra still enjoys an iconic status among sports car aficionados, 16 years from the end of production. Its enduring popularity has been helped by its success as a popular model in the Gran Turismo driving simulator video game, and as a starring car in the first film in The Fast and the Furious global action movie series.

The Supra badge first appeared in 1978 on a larger and more powerful version of the second generation Celica before becoming established as a successful model in its own right.

Known as the A40, the original Supra was followed by three further generations: the A60 in 1981, A70 in 1986 and A80 in 1993.

The front engine/rear-wheel drive GT sportscar remained in production until 2002, and in its final generation it was Toyota's most powerful production model.

The Supra's reputation was greatly enhanced by its success in motorsport. Most notably, the fourth generation Supra, introduced in 1993, became the dominant force in the All-Japan GT racing--today's Super GT series--winning the GT500 class four times.

The Toyota Supra also competed in American IMSA sportscar racing in the 1980s and twice appeared at Le Mans in the 1990s.

GR Supra Racing Concept

A compact, two-door car, the GR Supra Racing Concept has a pure front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and makes use of advanced lightweight materials in its construction.

Created by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the concept perfectly expresses the "fun to drive" quality that is intrinsic to Toyota's commitment to making ever-better cars. The large "90" race number on its doors is a historical reference to Supra's codename and a big visual clue to the fact that this concept heralds Supra's return in a fifth generation.

Its development is true to the belief of Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of the car company, that participation in motorsport provides the challenges of performance and durability that can directly help develop better cars, while at the same time generating interest and excitement among motoring fans.

This ethos has been fully embraced by both Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda and by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, with the pursuit of success at the highest levels of international motorsport, including the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours race. Taking part in these and other racing series around the world provides technical learnings that can be transferred from the race track or rally stage to development of not just new generations of Toyota's sports-focused GR models, but also to its wider range of vehicles, driven by tens of millions of people around the world.

The GR Supra Racing Concept is to be featured in a new update of the Gran Turismo Sport video game, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., and scheduled for release in April 2018.

Design, chassis and equipment features

The racing concept has a dramatic bodywork design that includes a large rear wing. It makes extensive use of strong but lightweight composite material for elements such as the wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings and the rear wing. The hood is crafted from the same material and features louvred air inlets. The windscreen and side windows are made of plastic.

The concept's chassis features lowered front and rear suspension using original equipment (OE) components. BBS racing wheels with centre-nut attachment are fitted with Michelin racing tyres. The braking system uses Brembo Racing callipers and discs and there is a racing exhaust.

The cabin is entirely competition-focused and is fitted with a racing dashboard and OMP driver's seat and safety harness. OMP has also supplied the quick-release steering wheel, mounted on a racing column and equipped with a paddle shift system. The doors are lined with carbon fibre panels and the dashboard includes a racing display.

Competition safety requirements are met by a full roll cage and fire extinguishers, and the fuel and brake lines, pedal box, battery and wiring looms are all designed to competition standard.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing first competed in Europe in 2007 (as GAZOO Racing). It began a long association with the Nurburgring 24 Hours with two Toyota Altezza cars (equivalent to the first generation Lexus IS) and a team comprising drivers and mechanics who were Toyota employees.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has since become the international umbrella organisation for Toyota's global sporting programme. In just the past year is has claimed two victories during its first season in the FIA World Rally Championship and won five rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Its new vehicle development programme has produced the Yaris GRMN performance hatchback, the latest in a successful series of performance-focused GR-branded cars and the first GRMN model to be developed and built in Europe.

Its work is based on three pillars: developing people through taking part in motorsport; creating fans through the excitement of motorsport and producing fun-to-drive cars; and making ever-better cars by using the knowledge gained from competition.

By bringing employees into the racing garages and pit lane, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing helps them improve their skills and help them acquire new abilities, working as a team in extreme, high-pressure environments. The personal development aspect of this work again feeds directly into Toyota's making of ever-better cars, supported by people who have the experience and vision to excel.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

ETRI's Cup Holder Charges Phones Wirelessly

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Shaped just like a circular cup holder, the wireless charger generates and maintains a constant and uniform magnetic field. (Copyright: ETRI)
- Using magnetic resonance technology to generate and transfer energy from the cup to electronic devices

Daejeon, KOREA, Mar 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - A cup holder that wirelessly charges electronic devices in a 3D space has been developed by ETRI in South Korea. It is dubbed as 'E-Cup' and can charge multiple devices placed inside the 10 cm-wide holder at the same time, at the same rate as wired chargers, regardless of orientation or position of the devices.

Shaped just like a circular cup holder, the wireless charger generates and maintains a constant and uniform magnetic field. The electric current wirelessly flows to the batteries inside the electronic devices based on the magnetic resonance.

"The newly developed technology has a wide range of potential applications including phones, although it is still in infancy. But at the same time it has a great potential to be improved," says Dr. Ho-Jin Lee, the AVP of the Radio & Satellite Research Division of ETRI.

The team debuted the E-Cup at the Consumer Electronics Show 2017 (CES2017) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. While it matches the speed of wired chargers, it is less efficient; its power conversion reaches to about 60% when calculated in terms of DC-to-DC conversion systemwise. The team is working on raising that to 70% before the product can be commercialized. When this technology comes to market, people can easily and freely charge the cellular phone wirelessly.

ETRI has been working on wireless charging for several years. From 2015, ETRI developed a 3D wireless charging technology based on magnetic resonance for electric bikes, drones and smart devices. They succeeded to overcome the limitations of its 2D design and expand to 3D design to accelerate the freedom of charge without a loss of efficiency.

The research team considers this a 'generic' technology that can be applied to all areas of industry. The market for wireless charging devices is expected to grow to nearly 1 billion USD in 2022, according to the U.S.-based firm Markets and Markets. Besides smartphone chargers, ETRI is focused on developing highly efficient and safe wireless energy transfer technologies applicable to charge multiple devices in huge spaces, such as living rooms.

Enquiries:
ETRI
Dr. In-Kui Cho
E: cho303@etri.re.kr
T: +82-42-860-1242

About ETRI - the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
Established in 1976, ETRI is a non-profit Korean government-funded research organization that has been at the forefront of technological excellence for 40 years. In the 1980s, ETRI developed TDX (Time Division Exchange) and 4M DRAM. In the 1990s, ETRI commercialized CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). In the 2000s, ETRI developed Terrestrial DMB, WiBro, and 4G LTE Advanced, which became the foundation of mobile communications. As a global ICT leader, ETRI has been advancing communication and convergence by developing SAN (Ship Area Network) technology, Genie Talk (world class portable automatic interpretation; Korean-English/Japanese/Chinese), and automated valet parking technology. ETRI has about 2,000 employees where about 1,800 are researchers. Please visit https://www.etri.re.kr/eng/main/main.etri

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Order Books for Production Version of Honda Urban EV Concept Open from Early 2019

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- Order books for a production version of Honda's Urban EV Concept to open from early 2019
- New model will be Honda's first mass-produced battery electric vehicle sold in European region

TOKYO, Mar 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda took the opportunity at its 2018 Geneva Motor Show press conference to confirm that order books for a production version of its Urban EV Concept will open in early 2019.

Speaking during Honda's 2018 Geneva motor show press conference, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe, Philip Ross confirmed the news, "A production version of this highly acclaimed concept will be introduced to Europe during late 2019, and in response to the positive feedback to this model, we expect to open order banks for the Urban EV during early 2019."

Urban EV Concept

The Urban EV Concept previews Honda's first mass-produced battery electric vehicle sold in Europe. The Concept features a simple and sophisticated design, slim A-pillars and wide windscreen that appears to sweep around the entire front of the passenger cabin.

Inside, four occupants can be accommodated in comfort across the concept car's two bench seats, which are finished in different materials to create the ambience of a lounge. The front row is upholstered with a natural grey fabric and embellished with contemporary wood finish accents. The dashboard features a wrap-around screen that extends into the doors. The dashboard display presents a range of vehicle information, while the extended door screens function as the car's side mirrors through digital camera displays.

The Urban EV Concept will feature as part of Honda's booth at 2018 Geneva Motor Show from 8-18 March.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

How Generation Z, Social Media and Mobile Technology are Transforming the Jewellery Industry

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"The Role of Responsible Business Practice in the Future of the Jewellery Industry" panel discussion was held on the first day (1 March) of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.
Jewellery Seminar Tackles Transparency and Responsible Business Practices

HONG KONG, Mar 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Among the events staged during the recently concluded HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show (27 Feb - 3 Mar) and Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (1-5 Mar) was a panel discussion on the future of ethical business practices in the jewellery industry, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Moderated by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), an international not-for-profit standards and certification organisation, "The Role of Responsible Business Practice in the Future of the Jewellery Industry" featured moderator Edward Joyce, RJC's Business Development Director, along with Victor Chan, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association Vice Chairman and Chairman of Continental Holdings Ltd; Dr Guido Grohmann, BV Schmuck + Uhren Managing Director; and Jonathan Kendall, Forevermark Senior Vice president and CIBJO Marketing and Education Commission President.

Introducing RJC's work around the world, Mr Joyce said RJC is setting standards in the jewellery supply chain, from mining to retail, to strengthen consumer confidence in the jewellery trade. To date, RJC counts more than 1,000 members, 726 of which are certified, covering 455,136 employees, 8,887 business premises in 75 countries.

In his welcoming remarks, Ken Lo, Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association noted that the Hong Kong body established links with the RJC in 2013, and became a member in 2015.

- Synthetic and Simulant Gems are the Biggest Threat to the Industry

The panellists began discussions by identifying what they considered the biggest challenges in the industry. Mr Kendall said that synthetic and simulant gems are the biggest threat and will remain so in the future. He said that synthetic and simulant stones can infiltrate any part of the supply chain, that even one sale would be one too many. The industry has sought to tackle the problem, particularly during the last year, including by distributing testing machines to both manufacturers and retailers.

Dr Gohmann said the biggest challenge for Germany's jewellery and watch industry is keeping up with European legislation and around the world that have a direct impact on their business. Dr Gohmann noted that the vast majority of jewellery businesses in Germany were small to medium-sized and lacked the manpower to keep abreast of legislation, particularly in the areas of data privacy and money-laundering. Dr Gohmann added that membership in a body such as RJC, which offers legal support, helps smaller companies to mitigate the problem.

Mr Chan said that corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the jewellery industry in China was a challenge as the country still lacked formalised CSR initiatives that are found in the West. However, he added that CSR is becoming an important issue in China and is moving in the right direction, largely driven by consumers who want more sustainable suppliers. Mr Chan said that the environment is becoming a bigger policy concern for the Chinese government, but that given the country's size, it would be more effective for local industry bodies, with the help of RJC, to start their own initiatives.

- Employees are the Key Communication Bridge to Consumer on Responsible Jewellery

The panel also discussed promoting the importance of responsible jewellery manufacturing and retail to consumers, with Mr Chan noting that employees serve as the key communication channel. He said that when his company joined RJC, employees initially questioned the wisdom of the membership, but eventually saw the value of RJC's work after seeing improvements in standards and product quality. Mr Chan said that employees then started relaying directly to consumers their own experience with supply chain integrity.

Mr Kendall said communicating responsible business practices is paramount amid greater consumer scrutiny of jewellery products. Mr Kendall added that consumers today want to know where stones are mined, cut and polished, a trend that the industry must embrace. Mobile phones have dramatically changed consumer behaviour, Mr Kendall said, creating a relationship between the consumer and the production pipeline that did not exist 10 or 15 years ago. To allay consumer concerns, cameras may eventually be brought into mines to document the process, allowing buyers to check on the gem's provenance and obtain immediate answers.

- Radical Transparency Becomes a Defining Issue in the Jewellery Business

The discussion wrapped up with a look towards the future and the most pressing challenges facing the jewellery industry, particularly as responsible business practices increasingly come to the fore. All of the panellists agreed that transparency, even radical transparency, would become a defining issue in the jewellery business.

Mr Kendall said that the industry needs to start considering the purchasing behaviour of Generation Z, the post-millennial generation, who are currently aged 15 to 20 years old. Citing research by Forevermark, Mr Kendall said Generation Z exhibit a strong affinity to social media, are technologically sophisticated, strong communicators, risk-averse and have an interest in the environment, ethical business practices and the "greater good." These traits make it vitally important for the jewellery industry to adopt more ethical and transparent practices to satisfy the next generation of consumers, Mr Kendall said.

Mr Chan echoed similar sentiments, adding that the world has become smaller with rapid improvements in the Internet and technology, which will lead consumers to seek more information, not only on jewellery but on all the products they buy.

Dr Gohmann also agreed that the next generation of consumers will be more interested and invested in responsible business practices. He added that language and distance were no longer barriers to checking the supply chain. Dr Gohmann added that the industry need to be mindful that the dominance of social media meant that companies that fall foul of ethical behaviour will face huge problems within minutes due to viral boycotts on Twitter and Facebook.

Fair Websites:
Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show: http://hkdgp.hktdc.com/
Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/
Enhanced Security Measures for Buyers: http://bit.ly/2EIxhJa
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2oULBYA

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 Comms & Public Affairs Agnes Wat T: +852 2584 4554, E: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org Sunny Ng T: +852 2584 4357, E: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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