Mitsubishi Motors: Alliance Leadership Appointment to Accelerate Synergies

March 14, 2018, 7:58 pm

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From April 1, additional convergence will be put in place to accelerate synergies in key operational areas as part of the Alliance 2022 mid-term plan.

TOKYO, Mar 15, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi today announced that they have met with the necessary employee representative groups for the convergence projects unveiled on March 1. The following management organization will be effective from April 1, 2018.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Alliance, said: "We are announcing the Alliance teams who will implement the next stage of convergence. Through incremental revenues, cost savings and cost-avoidance measures they will contribute to double annual synergies to more than 10 billion euros by the end of Alliance 2022, up from 5 billion euros in 2016."

Today's announcement is another step towards turbo-charging the performance and growth of the Alliance member companies while preserving the autonomy and distinct strategies of Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors.

Each of the nine Alliance leaders named below will report to Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Alliance.

- Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, Alliance Executive Vice President, Engineering.
The function will manage all engineering activities, especially product development. It will ensure competitive delivery of technologies and capability transformation, with common decision-making that avoids duplication and divergence. It will enhance engineering delivery and efficiency through common KPIs, processes, standards, methods and tools.

Effective April 1, the following individuals will join the Engineering team led by Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi:
- Gaspar Gascon, Deputy Alliance Executive Vice President, Engineering
- Takao Asami, Alliance Senior Vice President, Research and Advanced Engineering
- Philippe Brunet, Alliance Senior Vice President, Powertrain and EV Engineering
- Christian Steyer, Alliance Senior Vice President, Product Development 1
- Kunio Nakaguro, Alliance Senior Vice President, Product Development 2
- Alexandre Corjon, Alliance Global Vice President, EE and systems Engineering
- Karim Mikkiche, Alliance Global Vice President, Transformation and Performance Office
- Hiroshi Nagaoka, Alliance Global Vice President, Customer Performance and CAE / Test Engineering
- Akihiro Otomo, Alliance Global Vice President, Platform and Vehicle Component Engineering
- John Martin, Alliance Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, Production Engineering and Supply Chain Management (SCM).

The function leads the Manufacturing, Production Engineering and SCM convergence. It is responsible for maximizing synergies through delivery and efficiency improvements, full utilization of Alliance assets, and by optimizing the management of capital expenditure and the manufacturing footprint of the Alliance member companies.

Effective April 1, the following individuals will join the Manufacturing, Production Engineering and Supply Chain Management team led by John Martin:

- Jose Vicente de Los Mozos, Deputy Alliance Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Operations 1
- Hideyuki Sakamoto, Deputy Alliance Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Operations 2
- Jun Seki, Alliance Senior Vice President, Production Engineering
- Mark Sutcliffe, Alliance Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management and Industrial Strategy
- Colin Lawther, Alliance Regional Senior Vice President, MFG Transition TQM, PMO, TdC
- Veronique Sarlat Depotte, Alliance Executive Vice President, Purchasing and Alliance Purchasing Organization Chairman and Managing Director.

The function comprises a single team to manage purchasing activities of the Alliance member companies. It is responsible for selection and management of the best supply-base for the Alliance. It will leverage Alliance suppliers' growth and volumes to secure each brand's sustainable competitiveness. The function will actively contribute to Alliance strategy definition and implementation for Overall Opinion (OaO) and technology breakthroughs.

Effective April 1, the following individuals will join the Alliance Purchasing Organization team led by Veronique Sarlat Depotte:

- Shohei Yamazaki, Alliance Global Vice President, Purchasing and Deputy Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization
- Yukihiro Hattori, Alliance Global Vice President, Purchasing and Deputy Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization
- Christian Vandenhende, Alliance Executive Vice President, Quality and Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS).

The function will develop a common Quality Strategy, recommending measures to harmonize the processes for quality assurance in projects developed by Alliance engineering. It aims to improve OaO in all markets and secure Customer Satisfaction in Products and Services. The function will also aim to mitigate risks and reduce non-quality costs through common KPIs, processes, methods, standards, tools and audits.

Effective April 1, the following individuals will join the Quality and TCS team led by Christian Vandenhende:

- Arnaud Bouthenet, Alliance Global Vice President, Quality and TCS Strategy
- Hidenobu Miyagi, Alliance Global Director, Quality and TCS Audits
- Kent O'Hara, Alliance Senior Vice President, Aftersales.

The function leads the adoption of common data-management systems, customer-relationship management best practices and economies of scale in parts logistics, inventories and purchasing. As part of Alliance 2022, the member companies are targeting increased synergies and cooperation in Aftersales activities such as accessories, parts, engineering, purchasing and connected services.

Effective April 1, the following individuals will join the Aftersales team led by Kent O'Hara:

- Hakan Dogu, Alliance Global Vice President and Deputy Managing Director, Aftersales
- Pietro Berardi, Alliance Regional Vice President, All Parts
- Hadi Zablit, Alliance Senior Vice President, Business Development.

The function will focus on future activities and breakthrough innovation including the development of the Common Module Family A-segment platform, partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Alliance Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services, new technology and product planning synchronization and Alliance Ventures. It will also seek convergence in other activities including information management and digitalization as well as the customer experience.

Effective April 1, the following individuals will join the Business Development team led by Hadi Zablit:

- Ogi Redzic, Alliance Senior Vice President, Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services
- Gerard Detourbet, Alliance Global Vice President, Breakthrough Innovations
- Jacques Verdonck, Alliance Global Vice President, Cooperation with Daimler Group and OEMs Partnerships
- Francois Dossa, Alliance Global Director, Alliance Ventures
- Nils Saclier, Alliance Global Director, Product and Technology Planning
- Arun Bajaj, Alliance Senior Vice President, Talent.

The function is responsible for ensuring that the Alliance identifies, attracts, develops and retains top leadership talent to drives business results today, as well as in the future. It does this by implementing a full complement of talent management strategies across the Alliance member companies.

- Ashwani Gupta, Alliance Senior Vice President, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi LCV Business.
The function aims to expand light commercial vehicle (LCV) market leadership under a single business unit and boost sales by unleashing the full potential of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi. This drives more synergies by having one business unit, while ensuring brand differentiation, maximizing cross-development and cross-manufacturing, technology sharing and cost reduction.

- Arnaud Deboeuf, Alliance Senior Vice President, CEO Office.
The function is responsible for strengthening and deepening the cooperation within the Alliance in order to accelerate each partner's performance and efficiency. It manages and promotes the convergence through the governance bodies of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi: Alliance Operation Committee and Alliance Strategic Committee. The function is charged with accelerating synergies and best practices in other functions and study new fields of convergence.

Executive biographies are available on Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi website: https://www.alliance-2022.com/executives/

About Mitsubishi Motors

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

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

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New Lubrizol(R) PV2600 Series Approved for Mercedes-Benz MBQL 229.71

March 15, 2018, 2:50 am

≫ Next: Behind the Wheel: Case IH and New Holland mark the start of Brazil's soybean harvest

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Motors: Alliance Leadership Appointment to Accelerate Synergies

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Mar 15, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces its new Lubrizol(R) PV2600 series additive technology is approved for formulating Mercedes-Benz (MB) 229.71 engine oils. These lubricants are mandatory to meet warranted service fill requirements for the latest generation of hybrid powertrains employing Daimler OM654 turbocharged diesel engines and M256 or M264 gasoline engines that come with 48V integrated electrics.

"European automotive OEMs are introducing new high-performance engines, hybrid powertrains and advanced aftertreatment systems as they seek to meet evolving European emissions requirements for 2021 and beyond," says Colin Morton, Lubrizol regional business manager for Europe, Passenger Car Engine Oils. "The Mercedes-Benz 229.71 specification represents one of the first in a new generation of advanced low viscosity SAE 0W-20 lubricants required to maintain reliable operation of the latest electrified automotive hardware designs."

MB 229.71 is based on ACEA C5-16, the fastest-growing engine oil category in the European lubricants market today. Mercedes-Benz vehicles requiring this class of lubricant are approaching their first in-warranty service interval, which will lead to a rapid increase in their demand.

Morton continues, "We are pleased to bring our new Lubrizol PV2600 series to the market as an addition to our established range of market-leading Lubrizol(R) ACTTM additive technologies. Our full range of additives are proven to increase durability of modern engines and aftertreatment systems, including protection against low speed pre-ignition, providing oil marketers with solutions to supply all of Daimler's service fill requirements."

Success in today's automotive industry depends on higher performance, and Lubrizol is committed to lubricant performance that enables our partners to get there. For more information on Lubrizol's solutions for passenger car engine oils, contact your Lubrizol representative and visit www.lubrizoladditives360.com to learn more.

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
Rebecca Appledorn
(440) 347-8731
www.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

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Behind the Wheel: Case IH and New Holland mark the start of Brazil's soybean harvest

March 15, 2018, 3:40 am

≫ Next: FILMART Opens In Hong Kong Next Monday

≪ Previous: New Lubrizol(R) PV2600 Series Approved for Mercedes-Benz MBQL 229.71

Soybeans account for more than 50% of the grains harvested in Brazil and they are responsible for helping to develop communities and infrastructure in the country's rural Midwest region of Mato Grosso. Follow Case IH and New Holland harvesters as they raise the curtain on the 2018 soybean harvest and meet the people who have dedicated their lives to this crop. Watch the full webisode on: cnhindustrial.com/behindthewheel

LONDON, Mar 15, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Case IH and New Holland Agriculture, the global agricultural brands of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI), are responsible for some 50% of Brazil's soybean harvest. That's quite something, as it amounted to some 170 million/tons in 2017, and 2018 is set to be another record year. Soybeans are Brazil's most important cereal crop, one that has help spearhead economic and social development in the country's former 'forgotten region' of Canarana in Araguaia, Mato Grosso State.

By providing the country's famers with advanced harvesting technology, the soybean harvest has been transformed into a profitable enterprise, replacing the traditional Gaucho cattle ranches. The advanced combine harvesters of both Case IH and New Holland are produced domestically in Brazil at World Class Manufacturing facilities, and have been tailored to suit the country's specific harvesting requirements.

The latest CNH Industrial Behind the Wheel webisode introduces us to the faces behind the soybean harvest: from multigenerational farmers to researchers and machinery specialists, and enables us to gain a valuable insight into the importance of this flag raising event for the country's rural heartland.

Watch the webisode at: cnhindustrial.com/behindthewheel

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

Sign up for corporate news alerts from the CNH Industrial Newsroom:
bit.ly/media-cnhindustrial-subscribe

Media contact:
Laura Overall
Corporate Communications Manager
CNH Industrial
Tel. +44 (0)2077 660 338

Email: mediarelations@cnhind.com
www.cnhindustrial.com

20180315_Brazil_soybean_harvest_Image: http://hugin.info/163950/R/2176655/839723.png
20180315_PR_CNH_Industrial_Behind_the_Wheel_Brazil_Soybean_Harvest: http://hugin.info/163950/R/2176655/839722.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

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FILMART Opens In Hong Kong Next Monday

March 15, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Mazda, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries Agree to Jointly Develop 12-Volt Lithium-ion Starter Batteries for Vehicles

≪ Previous: Behind the Wheel: Case IH and New Holland mark the start of Brazil's soybean harvest

Mega Industry Event to Feature Some 850 Exhibitors

HONG KONG, Mar 15, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), one of the world's leading entertainment marketplaces, opens on 19 March and continues through 22 March. FIMLART is one of nine events under the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which opens on the same day with a Kick-off Ceremony.

Guests will include Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Raymond Yip, Acting Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC); Zhou Jiandong, Deputy Director-General, Film Bureau, State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of The People's Republic of China; Terry Lai, Chairman of the HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee; and Leon Lai, Ambassador of the Entertainment Expo.

About 850 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions will participate in the 22rd edition of FILMART. Alongside major Hong Kong film companies; this year's event will feature greater exhibitor participation from various Chinese mainland provinces and cities, including Guangdong, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Hunan. Exhibitors from Sichuan and Chongqing will also form new regional pavilions for the first time.

In addition, more than 360 exhibitors from Belt and Road countries, including Russia, Thailand, India, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland, Cambodia, Turkey and Vietnam, will take part in FILMART to explore Chinese mainland and global opportunities via the Hong Kong platform.

Documentaries are in focus at this year's FILMART, where visitors will find the documentary works of over 200 exhibitors. A seminar entitled "Documentaries: From Local to Global" will be held on Day 2 (20 March), featuring Daniel Braun, Co-President of Submarine Entertainment, maker of the Academy Award-winning documentaries of the past three years; Patrick Connolly, Vice President, Programming, AMC Networks Sundance TV Global and Summer Song, Director of Copyright Operation Center, China Visible Influence Pictures Ltd.

Other conferences and seminars will also feature an extraordinary line-up of speakers, such as Kang Hye Jung, producer of Korean blockbuster "The Battleship Island"; David Kosse, executive producer of Oscar-winning films "The Theory of Everything" and "Room"; "Shuzo John Shiota", and executive animation producer of the "Transformers" series and "Ajin".

At the seminar on "Navigating the Chinese TV Market", speakers will include Chen Xiao, Vice President of IQIYI; Hou Hong Liang, CEO of Daylight Entertainment Co., Ltd (producer of popular Chinese TV series "Nirvana in Fire"); Ma Zhong-jun, Chairman of Beijing Ci Wen Media (producer of mainland TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and "The Journey of Flower"); Wu Hong-liang, Chairman of the Board, Talent Television and Film Co., Ltd (producer of "The Empress of China" and "Win the World", both mainland TV series).

To further help participants foster new business partnerships, FILMART will also feature over 40 networking events, thematic seminars and press conferences. More than 300 screenings will be held during the event, including some 100 world, international and Asia premieres.

You and your representatives are cordially invited to cover FILMART. Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register at the Media Centre located at the Expo Drive Entrance, HKCEC with their business cards and/or media identification. Details are as follows:

FILMART Schedule:
19-21 Mar (Mon-Wed) 9:30 - 6pm
22 March (Thurs) 9:30 - 5pm
Hall 1, HKCEC, Wan Chai, H.K.

FILMART Website:
www.hktdc.com/fair/hkfilmart-en/

Media Enquiries:
HKTDC Comms & Public Affairs Dept.
Banbi Chen
+852 2584 4525, banbi.yc.chen@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng
+852 2584 4357, sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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Mazda, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries Agree to Jointly Develop 12-Volt Lithium-ion Starter Batteries for Vehicles

March 16, 2018, 1:27 am

≫ Next: MHPS: Full-scale Construction of Coal Gasification Furnace Begins at 540 MW IGCC Plant in Fukushima

≪ Previous: FILMART Opens In Hong Kong Next Monday

Developing Safe, Durable Lithium-ion Batteries to Replace Lead-Acid Batteries

TOKYO, Mar 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation, ELIIY Power Co., Ltd. and Ube Industries, Ltd. have agreed to jointly develop lithium-ion batteries for use in automobiles. The three companies will work together to develop durable, heat- and impact-resistant 12-Volt lithium-ion batteries as a viable replacement for lead-acid starter batteries in motor vehicles by 2021.

Lithium-ion batteries offer a promising alternative to conventional lead-acid car batteries, as environmental regulations in some regions restrict the use of lead and engineers aim to reduce vehicle weight for improved fuel economy. But their application in motor vehicles so far has been limited due to the need for car batteries to withstand the high temperatures of the engine room and the potential impact forces of a collision. With this new project, Mazda, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries will combine their technical strengths to overcome such issues.

Making use of the industry-leading computer-aided model-based development techniques it honed while developing SKYACTIV Technology, Mazda will conduct model-based research of the chemical reactions that occur inside batteries, develop technologies to manage high-performance batteries from a vehicle-total perspective and develop a general purpose model for their use.

ELIIY Power makes high-quality stationary batteries and starter batteries for motorcycles. The safety and performance of its lithium-ion starter batteries for motorcycles is widely recognized, and the company started supplying them to a major Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in 2016. ELIIY Power will leverage its experience in developing safe, water-proof, impact-resistant battery technologies with excellent cold-weather performance to lead design and development of the basic battery unit.

As a leader in the development of key components such as electrolytes and separators, Ube Industries has made significant contributions to improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries and expanding their range of applications. Its functional electrolytes have brought improvements in battery safety and longevity, and enabled higher capacity for higher voltage batteries. The company will use its accumulated expertise and engineering prowess to develop an electrolyte with a higher flash point and better heat resistance.

In light of global trends in environmental regulations, the joint development project aims to make a next-generation battery for widespread use in place of conventional lead-acid starter batteries and contribute to the realization of a safe and stress-free motorized society. In addition, the three companies will assess prospects for further collaboration in a range of fields, including using the technologies that result from this project as base for other low-voltage lithium-ion batteries applicable to vehicle electrification technologies other than starter batteries.

About Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.com

Contact:
Corporate Communications Division
Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan
+81-3-3508-5056 [Tokyo]
+81-82-282-5253 [Hiroshima]
mailto: media@mazda.co.jp

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MHPS: Full-scale Construction of Coal Gasification Furnace Begins at 540 MW IGCC Plant in Fukushima

March 16, 2018, 3:49 am

≫ Next: Joy City Property Announced 2017 Annual Results

≪ Previous: Mazda, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries Agree to Jointly Develop 12-Volt Lithium-ion Starter Batteries for Vehicles

- Plant operation start target set for September 2020, will support Fukushima revitalization
- Manufacture of components underway at Nagasaki Works, delivery to start in June

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - On March 13, a joint ceremony was held by Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) and Nakoso IGCC Power GK to mark the full-scale launch of on-site construction of a coal gasification furnace that will form the core of an integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant in Iwaki, Fukushima, ordered by Nakoso IGCC Power. The plant will have a generating capacity of 540 megawatts (MW), with operation scheduled to commence in September 2020.

The coal gasification furnace for Nakoso IGCC Power is presently being manufactured as the first product of its kind at MHPS's dedicated plant, which was completed at Nagasaki in 2017. Shipments will begin this June. The plant provides outstanding reliability and short lead time in manufacturing component modules for coal gasification furnaces that offer superlative durability against high temperatures and pressures. This capability derives from MHPS's welding and other core technologies cultivated through the manufacture of boilers for conventional coal-fired power generation.

In an IGCC system, coal is gasified in a high-temperature, high-pressure gasification furnace, and power is generated using a high-efficiency combined-cycle format integrating gas and steam turbines. The system is revolutionary in that power generation efficiency is significantly higher and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions lower than conventional coal-fired plants. Providing the dual advantages efficient use of resources and environmental protection, demand for IGCC plants is expected to grow worldwide, especially in countries such as Japan which lack abundant resources.

Nakoso IGCC Power's construction of the IGCC plant--the world's most advanced coal-fired power plant--is being developed to create industrial infrastructure and contribute to the revitalization of Fukushima Prefecture.

Going forward, MHPS will continue to contribute to efficient use of resources and protection of the global environment through robust initiatives to promote adoption of IGCC, today's leading-edge technology for efficient power generation.

About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) was formed on February 1 2014, integrating the thermal power generation systems businesses of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Hitachi, Ltd. in a quest to further enhance their social response capabilities in all respects. These include the technological strength to create new products of outstanding quality and reliability, the comprehensive strength in engineering to oversee projects in regions across the globe, and finely honed sales and after-sale servicing capabilities. MHPS aims to come out a winner in global competition and achieve a solid position as a world leader in thermal power generation systems and environmental technologies. For more information, please visit www.mhps.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

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Joy City Property Announced 2017 Annual Results

March 16, 2018, 5:11 am

≫ Next: Toyota Accelerates Use of Hydrogen at its Plants

≪ Previous: MHPS: Full-scale Construction of Coal Gasification Furnace Begins at 540 MW IGCC Plant in Fukushima

Excellent performance in property development and investment; Revenue and core net profit gained a significant increase of 67% and 220% respectively

HONG KONG, Mar 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Joy City Property Limited ("Joy City Property" or the "Company", Stock Code: 00207) announce the consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the year ended 31 December 2017 (the "Period").

Results Summary:
- Total revenue was RMB 11,700 million, increased by 67% YOY
- The core net profit amounted to RMB 1,900 million, representing a YOY increase of 220%
- Core net profit to shareholders increased by 163% to RMB 800 million
- EBITDA was RMB 4,200 million, increased by 58% YOY
- The total interest-bearing liabilities were 21,700 million, and the net debt ratio was 28%, a decrease of 1.87%
- The average financing cost was 4.28%
- Settlement area was 147,873 sq.m., representing an increase of 116% YOY
- Contracted sales amount was approximately RMB8,156 million and contracted area was 242,498 sq.m., representing an increase of 79% and 158% respectively YOY

During the reporting period, due to the excellent performance from property development and investment properties rental, the group's total revenue was RMB 11,700 million, increased by 67% YOY; The core net profit amounted to RMB 1,900 million, representing a YOY increase of 220%; Core net profit to shareholders increased by 163% to RMB 800 million; EBITDA was RMB 4,200 million, increased by 58% YOY; The total interest-bearing liabilities were 21,700 million, and the net debt ratio was 28%, a decrease of 1.87%.

In 2017, the Group achieved relatively steady performance in the four main segments such as property investment, property development, hotel operation, property management and related services.

For investment properties business, in 2017, the Group's investment properties were in good operation condition, and the operational efficiency of Joy City was significantly improved, as a result of which, it recorded rental income of approximately RMB 2,300 million, with a year-on year increase of 11%. Merchants' sales reached RMB 16,100 million, increased by 10% YOY; The number of members is 2.9 million, increased by 35% YOY, and the Passenger flow is 130 million, which continued to increase steadily. In December 2017, Joy City Property released the second product line "Joy Breeze", insisting on "warmth, fashion, cozy and taste" and positioning it as a regional fashion life center, further improving the layout of commercial product lines. "Joy City Shopping Spree Festival" started jointly in nine cities, creating an online and offline shopping carnival through its own platform. During the festival, member consumption accounted for 54.8%, 13,000 new members were admitted on a single day, 68 branded tenants became the national top sellers, and 319 branded tenants became the city's top sellers.

For property development business, the Group continued to produce products and customer services of high quality, resulting in a favorable market response. With the strong product power of Hainan COFCO Hong Tang Joy Sea, the LOFT products sold pretty well and the second phase sold quickly after being released. With a good geographical location and complete business supporting facilities, Hangzhou Joy City Bo Yue was favored in the market, and sold out during the opening. During the period under review, the project recorded contracted sales area of 240 thousand sq.m., increased by 158% YOY, with contracted sales amount of RMB 8,200 million, increased by 79% YOY.

For hotel operation business, the operating performance of hotel business maintained steady growth, since the Group continued to reinforce its brand positioning with our unique hotel features and increasingly improved service. For example, the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort achieved a record high in its room sales, by establishing a healthy and stable pricing system, expanding into markets outside Hainan Island, enhancing coordination between sales and revenue management. During the period under review, the project recorded year-on-year increase in various performance indicators with EBITDA by 6%. The Group further optimized its asset structure and sold the shares of Suzhou Gloria, Nanchang Gloria; the transaction price was about RMB 400 million and completed W Beijing-Chang' an 's listing; the transaction price was about RMB 1,400 million.

For property management and related services business, the Group continued to take the concept of "Green, Environmental Protection, Science and Technology, Humanities and Health" as guidance and further refined the development of EISS platform to develop a "smart green" property management system in all aspects to maximize the value of its properties.

Looking to the future, the Vice President of COFCO Group, the Chairman of Joy City Property Limited, Mr. Zhou Zheng said: "With the development of e-commerce and technological progress, the trend of experiential consumption focusing on consumer participation, experience and feelings, and that requires more space and environment has become the mainstream creative theme. In addition, with the further development of "popular entrepreneurship and innovation", the wide spread of "internet thinking" and the extensively application of new science and technologies, new business models, like shared commercial offices and long-term rental apartments, are emerging rapidly, which is becoming a new market for the commercial real estate and encourages its innovation and development. Looking forward, the Group will continue to maintain the two-wheel-drive development strategy of holding and selling properties under a balanced approach and uphold the business approach of "cohesiveness, system optimization, overall acceleration and leapfrog development", adhered to innovation and development to strengthen and enhance the position of Joy City in the city complex development by leveraging on its advantages in operating commercial properties and combining financial capital with Internet thinking, and to achieve our aim to build Joy City a long-lasting brand in the property industry in the PRC."

About Joy City Property Limited
Joy City Property Limited (HK00207) is the leading commercial property developer and operator of COFCO Group, focusing on the development, operation, sales, leasing and management of complexes and commercial properties in the PRC.

The group mainly engages in the development, operation and management of mixed-use complexes under the brand of Joy City, and owns projects including several Joy City complexes in Beijing, Shanghai and other tier 1 and tier 2 cities. The group also has prime investment properties strategically located in first-tier cities, including Beijing COFCO Plaza and Hong Kong COFCO Tower, as well as high quality properties held by the Group, namely Shanghai Joy City Joy mansion one. The Group operates a number of national high-end luxury hotels, including The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort and MGM Grand Sanya. These high quality property projects are strategically located in central districts of first or key second tier cities with good investment and appreciation potentials.

Looking forward, the Group will maintain the two-wheel-drive business strategy of "holding and selling properties", the development strategy of "light and heavy asset", and establish the development model of "Joy City Asset Management" combined real estate with finance, enhancing product quality and cost-effectiveness, so as to create value for its customers, shareholders and partners. The group will inherit the ideals of "Sustain Operating for Centuries", and preserve with the "young, fashionable, trendy and quality" brand spirit of Joy City to lead the trend of new city lifestyle of China. It is a mission of the Group to assist in coordination among and development of cities in China and become a leading complex and commercial property developer in the PRC.

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Toyota Accelerates Use of Hydrogen at its Plants

March 15, 2018, 6:06 pm

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Hydrogen station and fuel cell forklifts at the Motomachi Plant

Deployment of 20 fuel cell forklifts at its Motomachi Plant and introduction of a dedicated on-site hydrogen station

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces today that it has deployed 20 fuel cell forklifts, manufactured by Toyota Industries Corporation, at its Motomachi Plant located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. It has also built a hydrogen station for designated use by fuel cell forklifts at the plant. In addition to Toyota's first two fuel cell forklifts, which were introduced at the Motomachi Plant on January 31, 2017, this brings the number of fuel cell forklifts at the Motomachi Plant up to 22.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ToyotaHydrogenStationFuelCellForklifts.jpg
Hydrogen station and fuel cell forklifts at the Motomachi Plant

As part of its efforts to realize the Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge, which falls under Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050, Toyota has been developing and implementing low-emission production technologies and conducting regular kaizen (continuous improvement) activities. In addition to these efforts, it is also utilizing renewable energy and hydrogen in its plants, and this deployment of fuel cell forklifts is part of these efforts. In order to achieve the Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge, Toyota intends to continue to replace existing conventional forklifts with fuel cell forklifts, deploying a total of 170 to 180 fuel cell forklifts to the Motomachi Plant by around 2020. Furthermore, the deployment and use of fuel cell forklifts will also be promoted at other plants.

The 20 newly introduced fuel cell forklifts have been deployed by tapping into a joint initiative led by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in an effort to promote the use of fuel cells in industrial vehicles to realize a hydrogen society.

Reference: Fuel cell forklifts

Fuel cell forklifts utilize hydrogen to generate electricity, and demonstrate excellent environmental performance as they do not emit CO2 or substances of concern (SOCs) during operation. They are also very convenient given that they can be refueled in approximately three minutes. Furthermore, with their ability to supply electricity, fuel cell forklifts can serve as a source of power supply during emergencies.

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

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NEC Expands Services from Space

March 15, 2018, 9:10 pm

≫ Next: Northern New Energy Announces 2017 Annual Results

≪ Previous: Toyota Accelerates Use of Hydrogen at its Plants

NEC Satellite Operation Center

- Establishes new "NEC Satellite Operation Center" -

TOKYO, Mar 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced the establishment of the "NEC Satellite Operation Center," a base of operations for satellites that is scheduled to be fully operational in April of this year.

The center will initiate operations for the ASNARO-2, a high-precision compact radar satellite that was developed with assistance from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and launched in January of this year. The center uses NEC's GroundNEXTAR ground operations system and a high-security data center that was established using dedicated equipment. Moreover, the center can be used to operate multiple satellites simultaneously, as an expansion of operations is planned for the future.

GroundNEXTAR is a high-quality ground system package developed by NEC based on the expertise the company has acquired through approximately 60 years working on the development and production of satellites and construction of ground systems. In addition to the primary operational functions provided by GroundNEXTAR, the system also offers visualization of satellite operations, especially 3D animation visualizations, and a distribution function for images. As a result, NEC plans to bring to market a wide range of images taken by ASNARO-2 in collaboration with Japan EO-Satellite Service, Ltd. (JEOSS)(1) starting in September of this year.

"As the first satellite production company in Japan to provide comprehensive space solutions, including satellite production and utilization, NEC will contribute to solving a variety of social challenges through space projects such as satellite operation, data distribution and data utilization," said Hiroyuki Nagano, general manager, National Security Solutions Division, NEC Corporation.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_NECSatelliteOperation.jpg
NEC Satellite Operation Center

(1) Japan EO-Satellite Service, Ltd. (JEOSS) website: http://www.jeoss.co.jp/

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

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Northern New Energy Announces 2017 Annual Results

March 16, 2018, 3:21 am

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Develops Both Catering and New Energy Businesses; Strategically Expands Business to Enlarge Income Streams

HONG KONG, Mar 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Northern New Energy Holdings Limited ("Northern New Energy" or the "Group;" stock code: 8246) today announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2017. During the financial year, the Group pushed its business strategy forward on two fronts, with the catering business serving as foundation while expanding into the new energy business. By developing both operations at the same time, it hopes to broaden income streams and steer the Group towards comprehensive and professional development. During the year, revenue amounted to RMB302,427,000, with profit and total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company amounting to RMB42,425,000. Both basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB1.2 cents.

Review of New Energy Business
In 2017, "providing dynamic integrated new energy solutions" was the primary objective set by the Group. With regard to technical consultancy, Northern New Energy provided technical services for heating systems, technical services for pre-stage coal-to-natural gas conversion systems, technical services for de-nitrification of coal-fired boilers and de-plume engineering solutions for its wide range of clientele. As for the engineering construction segment, the Group undertook projects including sale, installation and debugging of equipment for de-nitrification of coal-fired boilers, sale and installation of bag filter equipment for coal-fired boilers, installation of heat exchanger units as well as the pipeline layout and construction of outdoor network projects. In response to market demand, the Group has expanded its business to the sale and purchase of new energy related industrial products by way of trading, thus venturing into the market and broadening income streams.

In the fourth quarter, the Group entered into a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with two independent third parties. Pursuant to the MOU, it has conditionally agreed to purchase liquefied nature gas ("LNG") stations of Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas. The deal was officially completed in February 2018. The Group is actively applying for the necessary industrial license and permit with which it will subsequently be able to start the LNG business. The business covers sale of natural gas; gas pipeline engineering; sale, installation and maintenance of gas transmission equipment; development, consultation, service and transfer of heat supply technology; development of new energy technology; leasing and commercial services industry; installation of electric and mechanical equipment; and centralized urban heat supply service.. As such, the Group will be able to expand the new energy business towards the upstream segment of the natural gas industrial chain, diversify the operations of the Group and potentially raise the business to the next level.

Review of catering business
During the year, following review by the management based on market conditions and the existing operating model, it took the initiative of adjusting and reorganizing associated businesses. The efforts gradually improved the catering business, which realized a turnaround and subsequently achieved breakeven, which suggests that this approach was correct. Given the difficult macro-environment of the industry, this was by no means an easy task. The Group hopes to remain on track to stimulate development of the catering business going forward.

Prospects
At the end of 2017, the Chinese government published the "Clean Winter Heating Plan for Northern China (2017-2021)", which provides policy guidelines for the new energy industry in Northern China and creates enormous business opportunities. The Group's business and development direction corresponds with this government plan, hence will facilitate its overall development. The Group has strived to provide "dynamic integrated new energy solutions" for an extensive period. With the acquisition of assets of the independent third party in early 2018, its business coverage has expanded horizontally and vertically, becoming an all-round solutions and services provider that includes supplying LNG and gasified natural gas and providing consultation expertise on technical facilities in Tianjin. The Group's existing customer base is growing steadily. While it gradually enlarges its market share and actively builds its presence in the industry, the Group is also considering developing the new energy business to include other areas in Northern China as part of its long-term strategic plan. At the same time, the Group will continue to strengthen its professional capabilities and the proficiency of its teams, so as to consistently deliver top solutions to customers. The management will also explore appropriate opportunities for acquisitions as well as link-ups with strong partners, in order to further enhance profitability.

In respect of the catering business, the management will continue the review and adjust operations, with the goal of consolidating and strengthening the foundation of this arm. As for property development, it will further search for quality properties to invest in, so as to secure stable cash inflows and generate stable returns for shareholders.

By adhering to the strategy of pursuing two business and development objectives of "diversification and professionalism", the Group hopes to generate greater revenue while leading Northern New Energy to a new journey.

Northern New Energy Holdings Limited
Northern New Energy Holdings Limited formerly known as Noble House (China) Holdings Limited, is a company listed on the GEM Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2011 (stock code: 8246). In 2015, the Group began to develop new energy operations and R&D of related technologies, plus construction engineering business. The Group also operates restaurants, provides management services, and sells processed food and seafood. Also in 2015, the Group further diversified its business to cover also property investment.

Media enquiries
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Keris Leung +852 2864 4863 keris.leung@sprg.com.hk
Fanny Yuen +852 2864 4853 fanny.yuen@sprg.com.hk
Jeffrey Tam +852 2864 4858 jeffrey.tam@sprg.com.hk

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Hong Kong and Brazil sign MOU on investment promotion co-operation

March 16, 2018, 3:30 am

≫ Next: Russian Standard Bank is to provide high-level security for online transactions with JCB Cards in Russia

≪ Previous: Northern New Energy Announces 2017 Annual Results

InvestHK and Brazil signed an MOU (3/16) enhancing co-operation generating more direct investment between the countries.

HONG KONG, Mar 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and Brazil today (March 16) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing mutual co-operation in generating more direct investment between the two regions.

The signing of the MOU in Sao Paulo, Brazil, marked the end of a five-day visit by the InvestHK Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, who also visited Auckland in New Zealand and Santiago in Chile, to promote Hong Kong's new business opportunities arising from Mainland China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's latest HK$50 billion innovation push.

The memorandum was signed by Mr Phillips, and the President of Apex-Brasil, the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr Roberto Jaguaribe. It provides a framework to enhance the close relationship of the HKSAR and Brazil by further promoting both inward and outward investment in the two jurisdictions. In Sao Paulo, Mr Phillips also met with mayor, Mr Joao Doria, and a wide range of Brazilian business leaders in various quarters, including the WTC Business Club.

Earlier, in Auckland, Mr Phillips met with business leaders and was one of the key speakers at a business seminar jointly organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney, and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, at which he updated around 100 business executives on the latest business developments in Hong Kong. While in Santiago, he met with heads of leading banks, the Chile China Business Council and the Chilean National Fruit Exporters Association, as well as with leaders of key industries such as aviation, innovation and technology and business services.

Concluding the visit, Mr Phillips said, "I have explained to the local business communities in these countries Hong Kong's unique position in the Belt and Road Initiative. In this connection, Hong Kong as an international financial and business centre plays an active role in terms of fundraising and professional services, as will be required by many Belt and Road projects.

"I've also provided an update on the latest financial boost from our government for innovation and technology development in Hong Kong, as set out by the Financial Secretary in his Budget speech. I believe the latest financial measures will help InvestHK lure more foreign investors to set up in Hong Kong in the arena of innovation and technology to add to the diversity of our economy."

Media contacts:
For Auckland-
Luca De Leonardis
Head, Investment Promotion
Tel: +61 2 9283 3222
Luca_De_Leonardis@hketosydney.gov.hk

For Santiago-
Veronica Medina
Principal Consultant (Santiago)
Tel: +56 2 2530 3600
VMedina@investhk.com.hk

For Sao Paulo-
Thiago Cruz Silveira
Principal Consultant (Rio de Janeiro)
Tel: +55 21 98862 2629
TSilveira@investhk.com.hk

For Hong Kong-
Antoine So
Head of Public Relations
Tel: +852 3107 1035
ASo@investhk.gov.hk

Eva Chan
Manager of Public Relations
Tel: +852 3107 1071
EChan@investhk.gov.hk

↧

Russian Standard Bank is to provide high-level security for online transactions with JCB Cards in Russia

March 18, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) Opens

≪ Previous: Hong Kong and Brazil sign MOU on investment promotion co-operation

Moscow and Tokyo, Mar 19, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Russian Standard Bank and JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., announced that Russian Standard Bank is to provide high-level security for online transactions with JCB Cards in Russia.

The security of online transactions is supported by 3-D Secure technology. This is a procedure for additional authentication of cardholders in order to provide assured security for online payments. Each payment system has a 3-D Secure brand and J/Secure is the 3-D Secure version for JCB Cards.

J/Secure utilizes special technology for secure online payments and data processing is carried out on a high-tech processing server of Russian Standard Bank.

Inna Emelyanova, Head of Acquiring Department of Russian Standard Bank commented: "JCB International has been our partner since 2008. JCB Cards are very popular in the world because of wide privileges and a high level of security. Russian Standard Bank pays much attention to security in e-commerce as well as JCB International. We are glad that our Bank is to launch J/Secure technology for JCB Cards in Russia".

Today Russian Standard Bank is among the top three leading banks in acquiring network and transaction volume. The in-house processing center of Russian Standard Bank meets the highest standards of performance and security.

Takashi Suetsugu, General Director of JCB International (Eurasia), added: "Nowadays both international and domestic e-commerce markets are actively gaining momentum. Increasing internet access and smartphone penetration are contributing to the rapid growth of card payments in e-commerce. Furthermore, the spread of 3D-Secure technology gives cardholders additional confidence in the security of such purchases. JCB, as an international payment brand, launched its 3-D Secure technology in 2004 under the name J/Secure. Since that time, we have expanded functionality for our cardholders and have increased the level of protection of online payments. We are glad that our long-standing partner Russian Standard Bank is to launch J/Secure in Russia. It is a great chance to provide JCB cardholders with greater freedom to shop using e-commerce. Our J/Secure technology greatly increases the security of online transactions with JCB Cards and minimizes the risk of fraud".

About Russian Standard Bank

Russian Standard Bank was founded in 1999. The main shareholder of the Bank is the holding company Russian Standard Corporation.

Russian Standard Bank is a leading private bank in the consumer lending market and consumer deposit market. The Bank dominates the merchant acquiring sector.

- More than 28 million individual customers.
- More than 46 million credit cards.
- Key business areas: POS loans, credit cards, PILs, payments and money transfer, deposits, acquiring.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.ru.jcb/ru/ or www.global.jcb/en/.

Contacts

Bank Russian Standard
Anastasia Maximova
Press Office
Tel: +7 495 797 84 20 ext. 555-3019
E-mail: pr@rsb.ru

JCB Co., Ltd.
Kumiko Kida
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp

↧

Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) Opens

March 19, 2018, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Tongda Group Announces 2017 Annual Results

≪ Previous: Russian Standard Bank is to provide high-level security for online transactions with JCB Cards in Russia

The 22nd edition of the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) opens today and welcomes some 850 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, including emerging markets such as Colombia, Finland and Nigeria.

The Doc World and the Global Filming Support zones make their debut at FILMART's fairground to cater to the diverse needs of global industry players.

(Front row from L): Terry Lai, Chairman of the HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee; Zhou Jiandong, Deputy Director-General, Film Bureau State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China; Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Raymond Yip, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, and Leon Lai, Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador

Mega Platform Gathers Industry Leaders for Cross-sector Collaboration

HONG KONG, Mar 19, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 22nd edition of the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) opened today and continues through 22 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), raising the curtain for the largest marketplace of its kind in Asia.

- A global entertainment trading platform to create opportunities

This year, FILMART, as a premier trading platform, features some 850 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, including emerging markets such as Colombia, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Ukraine. Exhibitors from across the world continue to set up pavilions at FILMART to promote their entertainment productions to global buyers, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

A range of prominent Hong Kong film companies also returned to FILMART to show their keen support for the prime trading platform, including China 3D Digital Distribution Limited, Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia Distribution Limited, MediaQuiz Entertainment International Company Limited, Mega-Vision Project Workshop Limited, Mei Ah Entertainment Group Limited, One Cool Film Production Limited, PCCW Media Limited, Pegasus Motion Pictures Distribution Limited, Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, Sun Entertainment Culture Limited and Universe Films Distribution Company Limited.

- Record-breaking participation from the Chinese mainland

This year's FILMART sees record-high exhibitor participation from various Chinese mainland provinces and cities. In particular, exhibitors from Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Hangzhou, Hunan, Ningbo and Shanghai are setting up regional pavilions, encouraging global buyers to leverage the potential of the mainland's film market. One of the thematic seminars held this morning featured a number of leading figures in the mainland TV sector, including studios, distributors; OTT platform and big data research company, and discussed the prospect, challenges and forecasted changes in the mainland market.

- New themes under the spotlight

Two new themes make their debut at the fairground to cater to the diverse needs of global industry players. The Doc World gathers more than 200 exhibitors to showcase the latest productions, while the Global Filming Support features 14 exhibitors from 8 countries and regions, including the US, Finland, Spain and Taiwan, to highlight the business opportunities presented by various filming incentives.

With documentaries under the spotlight, Daniel Braun, Co-President of Submarine Entertainment from the US will join other global industry leaders to discuss viewers' needs at the "Documentaries: From Local to Global" seminar.

- TV and new digital production on display

TV World and the Hong Kong Animation and Digital Entertainment Pavilion continue to be the highlights of FILMART this year. The Hong Kong Animation & Digital Entertainment Pavilion, sponsored by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, showcases 36 Hong Kong companies from three major sectors of digital entertainment, including animation, digital effects and interactive solutions. Eight winners from the 5th Animation Support Programme are joining the pavilion for the first time.

Another highlight is the Digital Entertainment Summit 2018, where industry experts will examine the potential for monetisation of live-streaming.

- Nine thematic seminars to explore new industry frontiers

In addition to the exhibition, FILMART also features a remarkable line-up of leading industry representatives from sectors including film, TV, digital entertainment and animation to share their insights. Speakers include Kang Hye Jung, Producer of Korean Blockbuster The Battleship Island and CEO of Filmmakers R&K; David Kosse, Executive Producer of Academy Award-winning films The Theory of Everything and Room; Andrew Hevia, Co-Producer of Moonlight, the Academy Award winner for Best Picture; and Juno Mak, renowned Hong Kong director whose work includes Sons of the Neon Night and Rigor Mortis.

At the "VR/AR: What Will This Change the Animation Industry" conference, speakers including Brandon Oldenburg, Academy Award winner for Best Short Film, Animated and Chief Creative Officer of Flight School Studio, will examine how VR is changing story-telling in animation along with other prominent speakers.

A wide range of networking activities, thematic seminars and press conferences will also be held at the four-day event to help open doors to more business opportunities, including 105 global and Asia premieres. A total of 25 award-winning titles will be featured at the Market Screenings.

- Opening ceremony of 14th Entertainment Expo

The high-profile cast of officiating guests at the opening ceremony this afternoon included Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Raymond Yip, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC; Zhou Jiandong, Deputy Director-General, Film Bureau State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China; Terry Lai, Chairman of the HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee; Leon Lai, Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador; and organisers and supporting organisations of the nine events under the Entertainment Expo umbrella, including three founding events and six core events.

The three founding events are: the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony (HKFA); while the six core events are: the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the Hong Kong Asian-Pop Music Festival (HKAMF), ifva (Incubator for Film & Visual Media in Asia Festival), the 11th Asian VFX and Digital Cinema Summit, the Digital Entertainment Summit and TV World International Forum.

FILMART website: http://m.hktdc.com/fair/hkfilmart-en
Entertainment Expo website: http://www.eexpohk.com
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2G6qGfC

FILMART schedule
19-21 March (Monday-Wednesday) 9:30am-6pm
22 March (Thursday) 9:30am-5pm

Media registration:
Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.

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 Dept.
Banbi Chen Tel: +852 2584 4525 Email: banbi.yc.chen@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng Tel: +852 2584 4357 Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

↧

Tongda Group Announces 2017 Annual Results

March 19, 2018, 4:50 am

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Turnover up Approximately 10% to HK$8,562.8 Million;
Waterproof and High-Precision Components Climb in Price and Volume

HONG KONG, Mar 19, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Tongda Group Holdings Limited ("Tongda Group" or the "Group") (stock code: 698) today announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2017 ("the year").

The Group continued to achieve revenue growth during the year, with turnover up by 9.4% to HK$8,562.8 million and gross profit increased by 18.3% to HK$2,231.1 million. Due to an increase in research & development ("R&D") expenses, profit attributable to shareholders was HK$1,006.1 million. Gross profit margin and net profit margin were 26.1% and 11.7% respectively. Basic earnings per share was HK16.82 cents.

The Board has recommended payment of a final dividend of HK3.8 cents per share for the year (2016: HK3.2 cents). Together with the already paid interim dividend of HK2.0 cents per share (2016: HK2.0 cents), total dividend for the year amounted to HK5.8 cents per share (2016: HK5.2 cents), representing a dividend payout ratio of 34%.

The Group maintained a solid financial position. As at 31 December 2017, it had pledged deposits balance and cash and cash equivalents of HK$1,274.2 million (31 December 2016: HK$1,131.2 million).

Mr. Wang Ya Nan, Chairman and CEO of Tongda Group, said, "As a world's leading solutions provider of high-precision components for smart mobile communications and consumer electronic products, we actively invested in R&D during the year to cope with the transition of handset designs and align with the upgrade and enhancement of waterproof specifications. Although the past year was full of challenges and changes, thanks to the strong technological "barrier" we have built over the years, allowing us to apply different technologies and craftsmanship to meet diverse product requirements, we have been able to keep enhancing our capabilities and at the same time maintain sustainable revenue growth over the years."

Business Review
The Group's products are mainly used in handsets, electrical appliances, notebook computers and automotives. The Group also operates an ironware parts division, and communication facilities and other businesses.

Electrical Fittings Division
This division primarily designs and produces consumer electronic products, including casings and components for handsets, electrical appliances and notebook computers. Revenue from the division for the year grew by 9.8% from HK$6,439.3 million in 2016 to approximately HK$7,070.1 million, accounting for 82.6% of the total turnover.

Handsets
Turnover of the handset business increased by 10.1% to HK$5,911.3 million, making up 69.0% of the Group's total turnover. Matching customers' demand, the Group focused on producing metal casings with high price-performance ratio, large volume of shipment and simpler designs to help it grasp market share during the year. However, the relatively simple designs of the metal casings caused average unit price to drop slightly during the year, offsetting part of shipment growth.

In order to match with the physical demand on wireless charging and the 5G Antenna setting in the future, the Group has acquired the technology and production capacity of one-stop glass back covers production and realized small-scale mass production during the Year. It is also the first supplier to offer customers IMT uni-body casing that has a high price-performance ratio with similar appearance and function with glass. Furthermore, waterproof, dustproof and shockproof and High-precision components business enlarged its production rapidly during the Year. In the first half of the year, the Group has finished the research and development of new products and personnel training. Came the second half year, it mass produced related components including liquid-silicone rubber ("LSR"), precision insert molding and precision rubber molding parts for customers. As the varieties, quantities and complexity of the components for new handset models have notably increased, per handset revenue contribution has also increased accordingly.

Electrical Appliances
The Group's electrical appliances business mainly offers casings and control panels for high-end household appliances. The sales of the segment was HK$578.3 million, representing 6.8% of the total turnover.

Notebook Computers
Revenue from notebook computers rose by 23.8% to HK$580.5 million, representing 6.8% of the total turnover. The Group completed the spin-off and listing of its notebook and tablet casings manufacturing business on the Main Board of HKEX on 16 March 2018. Hence, looking ahead, it will no longer engage in computer hardware business, and will devote resources to developing its handset-related core business.

Ironware Parts, Communication Facilities and Other Business
Revenue from ironware parts for the year was HK$469.7 million. Sales of communication facilities increased by 18.8% to HK$1,023.0 million. At the Group's effort to realize synergies brought by In-mold Lamination ("IML") technology and its surface treatment craftsmanship, the Group's automotive business founded a few years ago continued to grow during the year. The Group is currently negotiating with nine customers for over 20 projects, which highlighted another development milestone for the Group in the future.

Percentage of the total revenue by product type for the year ended 31 December 2017, as compared with the last corresponding period, as follows:
2017 2016
Electrical Fittings Division 83% 82%
i. Handsets 69% 68%
ii. Electrical Appliances 7% 8%
iii. Notebook Computers 7% 6%
Ironware Parts Division 5% 7%
Communication Facilities and Other Business 12% 11%

Prospects
Handsets will remain as the Group's development focus going forward. The Group expects the main metal components to continue to make up the biggest proportion of its output in the future. And, as wireless charging gains popularity and in the advent of 5G handsets, mid-range and high-end handsets will gradually adopt designs using 2.5D/3D back casings made of glass and metal middle frames, whereas some mid-range handsets will adopt IMT uni-body casing that has a high price performance ratio and has similar appearance with glass. The Group has over 10 years of experience in film printing, customized mold production and surface decorating technology such as IMT and IML. Its leading technology will bring greater advantages to the Group.

As for the waterproof, dustproof and shockproof components and high-precision components business, in view of the strong demand from customers and the full operation of the new plant in 2017, the Group has planned to set up an additional plant during the second half of 2017 which is expected to be put into operation in mid-2018. The Group will strive to offer more high-precision components and waterproof, dustproof and shockproof components for handsets and other electronic products to customers. To that end, the Group has established a professional team to oversee market expansion and provide technology support, as well as cooperate closely with customers in North America.

Developing the automotive business is another long-term direction of the Group. Existing related R&D projects will commence production in the coming two years. The Group will actively approach domestic and joint-venture automotive brands to rally more customers and orders so as to enlarge its market share.

Mr. Wang concluded, "With more than 30 years' experience in handling surface decorating craftsmanship of different materials. Diversified processing craftsmanship and customized precision mould enable the Group to face the upgrade and changes in material, decorating effect, product variety in the market more effectively. In the coming year, we will work hard to improve our leading technologies, craftsmanship and capabilities so as to raise the Group's production efficiency and lay a solid foundation for our business in the ever-changing market. At the same time, we will continue to apply the advantages of our core technologies, IML technology and surface treatment craftsmanship to help us explore other potential businesses, with the aim of reaping maximum synergy."

About Tongda Group Holdings Limited
Tongda Group is the world's leading solutions provider of high-precision components used in smart mobile communication and consumer electronic products. The Group has been listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 2000, under the Information Technology - IT Hardware category, and has been selected as a constituent stock in the Hang Seng Composite LargeCap & MidCap Index, Hang Seng Broad Consumption Index, Hang Seng Global Composite Index and the MSCI Global Small Cap Indices - China Index. The Group garners the DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards 2015- Enterprise Award and has been selected to the Forbes Asia's 200 "Best Under A Billion" list in 2016. Mr. Wang Ya Nan, Chairman and CEO of the Group has been named the winner in the technology category of EY Entrepreneur of the Year China 2016.

Leveraging its leading In-Mold Lamination ("IML"), waterproof, dustproof and shockproof components, and rubber parts business technology, as well as the stable and high-quality clientele, the Group has established a solid presence in the markets for handsets, electrical appliances and notebook computer casings and automotive decorative business. The Group is dedicated to satisfying customers' needs through establishing global service networks in various regions, with strategically located production bases in Shishi city, Xiamen, Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as R&D centres in Shanghai and Taiwan.

For press enquiries
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Angela Ng Tel: 2864 4855 Email: angela.ng@sprg.com.hk
Angela Wong Tel: 2114 4953 Email: angela.wong@sprg.com.hk
Fax: 2527 1196

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PromarkerD Diagnostic Test Leader Officially Launched

March 19, 2018, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: CNH Industrial Announces Senior Leadership Changes

≪ Previous: Tongda Group Announces 2017 Annual Results

PromarkerD, the world leading predictive diagnostic test for DKD, launched in Dominican Republic this month, with new markets planned in mainland USA, Mexico, Japan, Australia, China and Europe

PERTH, W. AUSTRALIA, Mar 20, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - MedTech pioneer Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (Proteomics International; ASX: PIQ) has announced the official product launch of its world leading predictive diagnostic test for diabetic kidney disease, "PromarkerD".

The pioneering diagnostic test was launched by Proteomics International partner Omics Global Solutions (Puerto Rico, USA) through its distributor in the Dominican Republic, Macrotech Farmaceutica, the exclusive provider of dialysis services in the country.

The successful launch represents the achievement of a key milestone in the stepped approach to commercialise the test in global markets using a range of technology platforms. Proteomics International is engaged with potential partners to bring PromarkerD to market in mainland USA, Mexico, Japan, Australia, China and Europe.

Proteomics International Managing Director, Dr Richard Lipscombe said, "The world is now recognising the growing burden of diabetes and the importance of kidney health. We see PromarkerD as transforming the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic kidney disease and saving healthcare systems billions of dollars."

The test is being provided using the published mass spectrometry technology platform, known as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT), and the Company expects to conclude its next licensing deal for this version of PromarkerD with a certified laboratory within weeks. Following uptake by specialised facilities, Proteomics International is focused on finalising the development of the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) immunoassay version of PromarkerD, that can be used in clinical laboratories around the world.

About Diabetes and Kidney Disease :
The International Diabetes Federation estimates 422 million adults worldwide now have diabetes, which is the major cause of kidney disease accounting for approximately 44% of new cases. One in three adult diabetics will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a disorder in which patients show progressive loss of kidney (renal) function usually accompanied by excess protein in the urine (proteinuria). Ninety percent of kidney function can be lost without experiencing any symptoms and in Australia 53 people die every day from the disease.

Many CKD patients progress to a need for dialysis or kidney transplant, or experience excessive mortality from cardiovascular-related diseases. The prevalence of CKD is rising and as such there is urgent need for early diagnosis and treatments that can benefit CKD patients. Medicare spending in the USA for patients with chronic kidney disease aged 65 and older exceeded US$50 billion in 2013, and represented 20% of all Medicare spending in this age group.

About Omics Global Solutions and Macrotech Farmaceutica :
Omics Global Solutions (OGS) was established to launch innovative products based on the "omics" sciences (proteomics, genomics, etc.) to have an impact on the lives of patients, their caregivers, and medical professionals involved with their treatment. Located in Puerto Rico (USA) it has partnered with Macrotech Farmaceutica to serve the population of Latin America.

Macrotech Farmaceutica, established 1995, is a leading health services company and is the exclusive provider of dialysis services, instruments and reagents in the Dominican Republic. The PromarkerD test is branded locally as INNOVATIO ND2.

About Proteomics International Laboratories (PILL) :
Proteomics International is a wholly owned subsidiary of PILL (ASX: PIQ), a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bio-analytical services. The company specialises in proteomics - the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins.

It received the world's first ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation for proteomics services, and operates from state-of-the-art facilities located on the QEII Medical Campus in Perth, W.Australia. The Company's business model uses its proprietary technology across three integrated areas of diagnostics, drug discovery and analytical services. www.proteomicsinternational.com.

For further information, contact:
Dr Richard Lipscombe
Managing Director
Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd
T: +61 8 9389 1992
E: enquiries@proteomicsinternational.com

[Investor Relations]
Paul Hart
Canary Capital
T: +61 421 051 474
E: phart@canarycapital.com.au

[Media Contact]
Susan Fitzpatrick-Napier
Director, Digital Mantra Group
T: +61 2 8218 2144
E: team@dmgpr.com

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CNH Industrial Announces Senior Leadership Changes

March 20, 2018, 1:30 am

≫ Next: Toyota Reveals World-First Flexible Fuel Hybrid Prototype in Brazil

≪ Previous: PromarkerD Diagnostic Test Leader Officially Launched

LONDON, Mar 20, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) announces the following leadership changes:

Richard Tobin is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of CNH Industrial to pursue another executive opportunity. Mr. Tobin's departure will be effective April 27, 2018, following announcement of the Company's financial results for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018.

The Board of Directors has appointed Derek Neilson as interim CEO. Mr. Neilson has nearly two decades of experience with CNH Industrial and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer EMEA and President of the Company's Commercial Vehicles Products Segment. From 2012 to 2015 he served as the Group's Chief Manufacturing Officer.

"Rich and I have worked together for over 20 years across various companies and industries and I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman of CNH Industrial. "One of the most important and lasting qualities of a leader is the development of the people you lead. Rich worked hard at building a strong team at CNH Industrial, including Derek Neilson who will serve as interim CEO as the Board undertakes a search for a new Chief Executive. Derek brings a breadth of experience across the Company's product and geographic profile and will provide a seamless transition as we finalize our decision for the CEO position through the Board's governance process."

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

20180319_PR_CNH_Industrial_Senior_Leadership_changes http://hugin.info/163950/R/2177412/840186.pdf

###

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

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Toyota Reveals World-First Flexible Fuel Hybrid Prototype in Brazil

March 20, 2018, 1:56 am

≫ Next: Etisalat Selects NEC/Netcracker's NaaS Solution to Accelerate B2B Revenue Growth

≪ Previous: CNH Industrial Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Sao Paulo, Brazil, Mar 20, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - A prototype of the world's first hybrid flexible-fuel vehicle (Hybrid FFV), debuted in an event Toyota held today in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Stakeholders including the state government, universities, and the sugarcane association (the Sugarcane Industry Union: UNICA) attended the event. The prototype is the combination of a flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) that can be powered by both gasoline and alternative fuels such as ethanol, and Toyota's famous hybrid system which combines a combustion engine and an electrical powertrain.

Hybrid FFV is a new powertrain system that Toyota is developing with an aim to popularize Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Brazil and contribute to the environment through reduction of CO2 emissions. Hybrid FFV has the potential to drastically reduce total CO2 emissions as it is built on Toyota's hybrid system that has high energy efficiency and low emission levels and it also leverages the CO2 reabsorption capacity of ethanol, a plant-derived 100% renewable fuel. The prototype uses the Toyota Prius as a base model, which is currently sold and becoming popular in Brazil.

Toyota's initial studies indicate that Hybrid FFV has a great advantage in environmental performance compared to a standard FFV, when we estimate CO2 emissions starting with the extraction of the raw material, through its distribution at the fuel pumps to the ignition in the combustion process of the car. If it is fueled only by sugarcane-based ethanol (E100 fuel), the results are even better.

The development of Hybrid FFV represents one of Toyota's efforts to achieve its "Environmental Challenge 2050" where it challenges itself to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions by 90% in comparison with 2010 levels, by 2050. Another objective of the Environmental Challenge is to completely eliminate CO2 emissions from the vehicle lifecycle, including materials, parts and manufacturing. In line with that goal, Toyota also targets to have more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles in its global new vehicle sales by 2030.

"I am very proud of our Toyota do Brasil engineers that worked closely with our engineers in Japan to develop the world's cleanest hybrid vehicle that uses ethanol for our Brazilian customers. The invention demonstrates our journey in providing a new mobility society," said Steve St. Angelo, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation serving as CEO of Toyota Latin America Region and Caribbean, as well as Chairman of Toyota do Brasil.

Toward the commercialization of Hybrid FFV in Brazil, Toyota will collect various data through real-world road testing in Brazil going forward and evaluate the system's reliability, durability, and powertrain performance.

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

↧

Etisalat Selects NEC/Netcracker's NaaS Solution to Accelerate B2B Revenue Growth

March 20, 2018, 5:30 am

≫ Next: Toyota to Open On-site Child Care Facility "Bubu Forest"

≪ Previous: Toyota Reveals World-First Flexible Fuel Hybrid Prototype in Brazil

Virtualizing Enterprise CPE Will Drive New Value-Added Services With Fast Time-to-Market

TOKYO, Mar 20, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation and Netcracker Technology announced today that Etisalat has selected NEC/Netcracker's Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) to deploy a complete virtual customer premises equipment (vCPE) solution for enterprises. Etisalat's use of NEC/Netcracker's NaaS solution is part of the service provider's larger virtualization initiative and builds on its recent deployment of the NaaS platform for residential vCPE.

Etisalat is the leading communications provider in the Middle East, offering a wide range of 3G, 4G and fiber-to-the-home services to more than 142 million customers across the region.

As part of the enterprise vCPE program and larger cloud initiative, called the Sahaab program, Etisalat is using NEC/Netcracker's full-stack Network-as-a-Service solution comprised with Self-Service Portals, Service Orchestration and MANO offerings. The initial service includes security virtual network functions selected from NEC/Netcracker's Ecosystem 2.0 marketplace. Because NEC/Netcracker NaaS includes many pre-integrated VNFs from its Ecosystem 2.0 program, the VNF and service onboarding process was extremely fast, both technically and commercially. Virtualizing enterprise-focused customer premises functions, distributed in the customer premises or centralized in the data center, will enable Etisalat to deliver higher-value services to both large and small business customers faster and at a lower cost.

The new capabilities enabled by the vCPE program will help Etisalat's enterprise customers to securely order, manage and control their services on demand, becoming more agile and ready to succeed in the rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.

"Using virtualization to drive more sophisticated functionality to our business customers will play a major role in enabling their evolution into digital enterprises, allowing them to open new revenue streams by offering more diverse services," said Esmaeel Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of Network Development at Etisalat. "We selected NEC/Netcracker's NaaS solution for our large-scale virtualization program because of its ability to support both residential and enterprise transformation."

"We are excited to continue supporting Etisalat's virtualization program, first driving its residential transformation and now its enterprise-focused initiative," said Shigeru Okuya, Senior Vice President at NEC Corporation. "Our solution will enable new revenue opportunities and support Etisalat's evolution into a next-generation digital service provider."

"Following the deployment of our NaaS solution for its residential vCPE program, Etisalat's use of the solution for its enterprise vCPE initiative underscores a commitment to giving customers the best functionality possible," said Aloke Tusnial, CTO of SDN/NFV at Netcracker. "By using our sophisticated NaaS solution and Ecosystem 2.0 Program, Etisalat is in a market-leading position to quickly transform into a cutting-edge digital service provider."

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

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Toyota to Open On-site Child Care Facility "Bubu Forest"

March 19, 2018, 6:43 pm

≫ Next: FILMART: Drama Adaptations are a Big Hit in China

≪ Previous: Etisalat Selects NEC/Netcracker's NaaS Solution to Accelerate B2B Revenue Growth

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 20, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has always been committed to the promotion of diversity, a component of its management strategy, and is continuously working to establish a workplace environment and culture that values its employees, enables them to attain greater work-life balance, and to reach their full potential.

As part of these efforts, in order to address employee concerns about child care and to establish a workplace environment that fosters greater understanding of the challenges associated with child care, TMC plans to open the "Bubu Forest," an on-site child care facility, on Monday, April 2.

Features of Bubu Forest

Increasingly, society understands that work styles are becoming ever more diversified. At the same time, work styles are diversifying at TMC as well, and greater numbers of employees require support to balance both their work and child-rearing responsibilities. Currently, TMC has three on-site child care facilities that can accommodate a total of approximately 140 infants and young children. The new 320-child capacity Bubu Forest brings the overall capacity of all four on-site facilities to approximately 460.

Hours of operation of Bubu Forest include early morning as well as overnight hours to accommodate employees with a diverse range of needs such as shift workers at plants and nurses who work the night shift. Newly available bus transportation is also provided for children to/from all plants in the TMC Head Office area to ease the burden of pickups and drop-offs for shift-work employees and to enable group care.

The facilities also accept new enrollees throughout the year, to accommodate the needs of employees including those who intend to return to work after child-birth, mid-career employees, and employees returning to Japan from overseas assignments.

In cooperation with Toyota Memorial Hospital, located on the same premises as Bubu Land, the forthcoming opening of Pipo Land, a child care facility within Toyota Memorial Hospital, will be made available to take in sick children. This facility will employ professionally qualified daycare staff and nurses who can provide care and monitor the health condition of children, making it possible for TMC employees to work when their children fall ill. This child care facility for sick children will be available to TMC employees as well as Toyota City residents and allows TMC to build stronger ties with the local community in support of promoting work-life balance and child-rearing.

Opening Ceremony

Prior to the start of operations of these facilities, TMC held an opening ceremony for Bubu Forest on March 20 at the site.

In addition to representatives of the Heiwa-cho area, Senior Managing Officer Tatsuro Ueda of TMC attended the opening ceremony and shared TMC's perspective on work style reform, stating that, "It's important to find ways to help employees attain greater balance in both their work and child-rearing responsibilities, through the expansion of on-site child care facilities that offer flexible services in the early morning and overnight hours in response to the unique work schedules faced by those in the manufacturing and automobile industries."

TMC will utilize new ideas and emergent challenges, both borne from diversified values and perspectives, to continue to further enhance competitiveness in pursuit of creating ever-better cars, while also aiming to be an attractive organization to even more people.

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

↧

FILMART: Drama Adaptations are a Big Hit in China

March 19, 2018, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: Technology & Talent Visualised as Key Growth Drivers in Asia Pacific Corporate Real Estate at the CoreNet Global Summit 2018

≪ Previous: Toyota to Open On-site Child Care Facility "Bubu Forest"

Catherine Liu, Entgroup Solution Centre, Beijing EntGroup Century Data Technology Co, Ltd.

The HKTDC invited leaders in Chinese TV and video to talk on the TV and IP mania at yesterday's "Navigating the Chinese TV Market".

Leading Mainland Industry Executives Discuss Strong Demand at FILMART

HONG KONG, Mar 20, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Chinese mainland dramas adapted from popular novels, animations or video games are enjoying strong ratings on TV and online platforms, giving rise to huge demand for IP dramas. The topic was the subject of the thematic seminar "Navigating the Chinese TV Market," at the 22nd edition of the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), which runs until 22 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the FILMART seminar featured several leading players from the mainland TV and online video platforms, offering insights on the development of mainland TV and demand for this IP genre.

- Steady development of mainland TV sector

Catherine Liu, Associate General Manager of Entgroup Solution Centre, Beijing EntGroup Century DataTechnology Co, Ltd said that after rising for the last eight years, the scale of mainland TV drama transactions peaked in 2015 and 2016.

With the amount of 2017 transaction expected to record a drop, the overall scale of TV drama transactions and the number of distributed productions have also shrunk, sparking improvements in production standards.

She noted that online platforms have become a major source of TV drama consumption. The number of major Chinese TV productions broadcast in each region remains at 280, while the top 10 major productions comprise about 45 per cent of the total broadcast. There is intense competition among the various platforms for broadcasting rights to major quality productions. IP dramas adapted from novels are the most popular among online viewers.

- Parallel broadcast and production for higher ratings

Ma Zhong Jun, Chairman and President of Ciwen Media Co, Ltd said that online content, such as online novels and articles, has become an important source for TV and film IP adaptations.

"As original authors have accumulated large followings, TV or film are more willing to purchase these IP for adaptation." But he cautioned that they are no guarantee for success, adding that Hollywood films and Japanese animations are also key factors in shaping the tast of Chinese audience for drama. He recommended taking into consideration global trends and the IP's extendibility - how adaptable the IP is to other formats - before making acquisitions.

He also noted that foreign TV dramas, such as those from the United States and Korea, are broadcast even while production is ongoing. The format, he said, allows greater interaction between the show and audience, and helps ratings. However, he said such arrangement is not feasible on the mainland, where TV dramas are subject to approval from censorship authorities.

Last year, the company piloted a non-golden drama production, which underwent simultaneous filming, broadcasting and submission for censorship approval. The drama content was revised based on audience feedback throughout the process, enhancing interaction and garnering the show positive reviews. The company hopes to produce more productions of this kind in the future whenever circumstances allow.

- Bold creativity a key driver of IP drama popularity

Chen Xiao, Vice President of IQIYI noted that while popular online novels enjoy strong following, the materials do not automatically succeed when adapted for TV drama. When an IP is presented in a new platform, its target audience also changes.

While the target audience of TV channels is larger than that of online platforms, the TV audience seeks new experiences different from reading the original novel. "In this sense, adaptation using bold creativity is key to driving the popularity of an IP drama."

Apart from sourcing different kinds of TV dramas, Ciwen Media also produces its own drama series, which are sold to TV channels in Asia and worldwide. Mr Chen said that as online content is played in the click-to-play format, the company does not set limits on the length of their previous online dramas.

To synchronise its productions with the standards of overseas TV channels, however, the company has imposed limits on the length of their drama productions, which are now set at 45, 60 or 90 minutes.

- Subpar infrastructures, a barrier to development

Mainland production companies have long been grappling with the issue of how to create extendibility in IP works. Hou Hong Liang, CEO of Daylight Entertainment Co, Ltd said that the company's IP dramas Nirvana in Fire and Ode to Joy enjoyed both high ratings and audience acclaim in the first season, only to see a drop in ratings or limited acclaim in the second season.

With the mainland TV and film sectors developing at a fast pace, the number and production value of TV dramas continues to rise. But the sector has yet to achieve higher levels of professionalism. A lack of infrastructure support for the sector in the areas of government policy, personnel and laws also hinders the extendibility of TV and film IP, where further development is only possible with well-defined standards in place.

- Quality production for higher ratings

Liu Zhi, Executive President, Croton Cultural Media Co Ltd said that producers should have a firm grasp of audience's needs and evaluate which types of IP they should acquire based on the broadcast time and their company's niches.

As online and TV dramas have different target audiences, there is an increasing degree of audience classification in the market. In developing drama productions, production companies may consider two different approaches targeting the "big" and the "small" audience segments. "They may produce a major production to attract the majority of the audience, or programmes that target the smaller audience segments," he said.

Mr Liu added that there is limited room for profits from the sale of TV and film rights. TV stations currently operate under a difficult environment while many online platforms are running at a loss. Turning TV dramas into an IP and merchandise collection, such as video games, film, comics and gifts, is one way to make the venture more profitable, similar to the Disney business model. In light of this, TV production companies and online platforms may consider collaborating on creating popular programmes.

- All-round strategy to extend IP lifespan

Ren Yi-wan, General Manager of Talent International Film Co, Ltd said that most US drama programmes previously centred around star actors, but that over time, American dramas have evolved into IP-oriented productions, which are serialised in seasons, and are well-developed so that any cast changes would not affect the shows' popularity. "The mainland sector is still at an early stage where IP dramas are oriented around star actors, who greatly impact a show's ratings. This is the result of an imbalance and a necessary phase, which will pass."

The company is also proactive in creating new IPs. One of the company's new IP, All New Jacky Chan Adventures, debuted as a TV animation series, followed by a collection of related products and a film version. Mr Ren said that the animation, which was serialised in seasons, was produced by a team of outstanding directors and production crew in cinematic style. The series was broadcast on both TV and online platforms to build a lasting IP.

FILMART website: http://m.hktdc.com/fair/hkfilmart-en
Entertainment Expo website: http://www.eexpohk.com
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2FMeSQh

FILMART schedule
19-21 March (Monday-Wednesday) 9:30am-6pm
22 March (Thursday) 9:30am-5pm

Media registration:
Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.

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 Dept.
Banbi Chen, 
T: +852 2584 4525, E: banbi.yc.chen@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, 
T: +852 2584 4357, E: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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