Toyota Announces Results for March 2018 and Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018

April 25, 2018, 6:05 pm

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Toyota City, Japan, Apr 26, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces its production, domestic sales, and export results, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors, Ltd. for March 2018 as well as the fiscal year from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

March 2018 Key Points (year-on-year)

Production in Japan

Toyota
- Sixth consecutive month of increase

Daihatsu
- Twenty-third consecutive month of increase

Hino
- Sixth consecutive month of increase

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Sixth consecutive month of increase

Sales in Japan

Toyota
- Decreased
- Lexus vehicle sales totaled 7,769 units (38.1 percent increase)
- Minivehicle sales totaled 4,022 units (27.1 percent increase)
- 42.0 percent share of market excluding minivehicles (1.9 percentage point decrease)
- 28.2 percent share of market including minivehicles (1.6 percentage point decrease)

Daihatsu
- Twelfth consecutive month of increase
- Minivehicle sales totaled approximately 72,300 units (2.0 percent increase); third consecutive month of increase
- 31.5 percent share of minivehicle market (0.8 percentage point increase)

Hino
- First decrease in five months
- Standard truck sales totaled approximately 5,200 units (27.9 percent decrease)
- 41.7 percent share of the truck(1) market (2.2 percentage point decrease)

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Decreased
- 41.0 percent share of market including minivehicles (0.9 percentage point decrease)

Exports

Toyota
- Sixth consecutive month of increase; due to increased exports to North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East

Daihatsu
- There have been no exports for Daihatsu since May 2017.

Hino
- Second consecutive month of increase; due to increased exports to North America, Latin America, Oceania, and Africa

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Eighth consecutive month of increase

Production Outside of Japan

Toyota
- Decreased; due to decreased production in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia

Daihatsu
- First increase in two months; due to increased production in Indonesia

Hino
- Ninth consecutive month of increase; due to increased production in Asia

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Decreased

Key Points for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2018

Production in Japan

Toyota
- Second consecutive year of increase

Daihatsu
- Second consecutive year of increase

Hino
- Second consecutive year of increase

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Second consecutive year of increase

Sales in Japan

Toyota
- First decrease in three years
- Lexus vehicle sales totaled 52,658 units (7.2 percent increase)
- Minivehicle sales totaled 32,399 units (9.2 percent increase)
- 46.9 percent share of market excluding minivehicles (1.0 percentage point decrease)
- 30.7 percent share of market including minivehicles (1.5 percentage point decrease)

Daihatsu
- First increase in four years
- Minivehicle sales totaled approximately 611,000 (6.7 percent increase)
- 32.9 percent share of minivehicle market (0.4 percentage point decrease)

Hino
- First decrease in eight years
- Standard-truck sales totaled approximately 34,000 (7.1 percent decrease); first decrease in eight years
- 37.7 percent share of the truck(1) market (0.01 percentage point decrease)

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- Second consecutive year of increase
- 44.4 percent share of market including minivehicles (0.6 percentage point decrease)

Exports

Toyota
- First increase in five years; due to increased exports to North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa

Daihatsu
- Daihatsu had one unit of export.

Hino
- First increase in seven years; due to increased exports to North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- First increase in five years

Production Outside of Japan

Toyota
- First decrease in two years; due to decreased production in North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa

Daihatsu
- First decrease in two years; due to decreased production in Indonesia

Hino
- Third consecutive year of increase; due to increased production in Asia

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
- First decrease in two years

(1) Maximum loading capacity of four tons or more; excluding imported trucks

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

↧

The Inaugural J.A.D.E Start-Up Conference - "Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship" To Take Place on 15 May

April 25, 2018, 7:14 pm

≫ Next: JCBI and Far Eastern Bank sign a new partnership on acquiring and issuing of JCB cards

≪ Previous: Toyota Announces Results for March 2018 and Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018

Dr. Hobert Wai PhD, Partner, Black Tiger Capital (Left), Ms. Wendy Kok, Founder and CEO of J.A.D.E (Centre), Mr. Lap Man, Founder & CEO, DYXnet Group / Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Beyond Ventures (Right)

One of Asia's Most In-depth Start-Up Bootcamp Style Conferences Features
Top-Notch Entrepreneurs, Incubators, and Venture Capitalists

HONG KONG, Apr 26, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Registration is now open for one of Asia's most in-depth events for start-ups, the inaugural and J.A.D.E Start-Up Conference - "Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship", organized by the Joint Association to Develop Entrepreneurship (J.A.D.E). The event, to take place in Hong Kong on 15 May 2018, will feature a number of sharing sessions by exceptional speakers and valuable networking sessions.

The J.A.D.E Start-Up Conference will assemble around 180 entrepreneurs, mentors, incubators, and venture capitalists from Hong Kong and Silicon Valley to share inspirational ideas. Apart from insightful talks by Silicon Valley serial entrepreneurs and investors on product-market fit, and lean start-up methodology to scaling globally, J.A.D.E is practically focused on growing start-ups beyond incubation and seed-stage into revenue-generating firms. The event will also offer an exceptional opportunity for start-ups and entrepreneurs in town to connect with international investors and peers to grow their networks.

"We are glad to host this inaugural and unconventional event in Hong Kong, sponsored by Black Tiger Capital, Cooley, and Deloitte. J.A.D.E is an excellent platform for founders and investors from Silicon Valley and the region to mingle and catalyze the Hong Kong entrepreneurship ecosystem. We will work with young innovators to further sharpen their product and business sense from the viewpoints of customers, investors, marketers, and technologists in order to be as viable as possible. J.A.D.E is the place to be for scaling early start-ups beyond incubation and seeding to attract future capital," commented Ms. Wendy Kok, Founder and CEO of J.A.D.E.

The J.A.D.E Start-Up Conference will feature a vast range of subjects and diverse speaker line-up. Some of the many top-notch speakers include:

- Mr. Hendrick Sin, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman of CMGE Group
- Mr. Stephen S.Y. Wong, CEO of Asiamiles
- Mr. Sammy Hsieh, Co-Founder and CEO, iClick Interactive (NASDAQ: ICLK)
- Mr. Lap Man, Founder & CEO, DYXnet Group / Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Beyond Ventures
- Dr. Marietta Wu, Co-Founder & COO of Zai Lab (NASDAQ: ZLAB)
- Mr. Alan Chiu, Partner, XSeed Capital
- Dr. Sohila Zadran, Founder of Igantia Therapeutic, Lecturer at Stanford
- Ms. SC Moatti, Founder, Products That Count (Largest platform for product managers)
- Mr. Brandon Ng, Founder & CEO, AMPD
- Mr. Raymond Yip, Co-Founder & CEO, Clickful
- Mr. Alex Cheng, Partner and Co-founder of Catalyst Ventures
- Mr. Tak Lo, Partner and Co-Founder of Zeroth.AI

For registration, please visit: https://jade-conference-2018.eventbrite.hk.

About Joint Association to Develop Entrepreneurship (J.A.D.E)
J.A.D.E is a platform to facilitate experience, knowledge, networking, and technology exchange for the perpetual growth of the entrepreneur ecosystem. The association aims to build up the Hong Kong start-up ecosystem by elevating innovators and investors through cross-pollination with Silicon Valley practical experience and networking to re-ignite Hong Kong innovators' entrepreneurial spirit to bridge the unmet local and global innovation gaps. For details, please visit: https://the-jade.org.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Cindy Lung / Janet Fong / Beverly Chiu
Tel: +852 2864 4867 / 2864 4817 / 2114 4329
Email: cindy.lung@sprg.com.hk / janet.fong@sprg.com.hk / beverly.chiu@sprg.com.hk

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JCBI and Far Eastern Bank sign a new partnership on acquiring and issuing of JCB cards

April 25, 2018, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Building the World's First Advanced Blockchain Identity Laboratory

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Vladivostok, Russia & Tokyo, Japan, Apr 26, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co. Ltd, and Far Eastern Bank, one of the largest banks in the Russian Far East and Eastern Siberia, today announced the signing of a license agreement on acquiring and issuing of JCB cards.

According to the terms of the agreement, Far Eastern Bank will start accepting JCB cards on the bank's ATM network and POS terminals, as well as issuing JCB cards. Far Eastern Bank has a wide network with more than 4,054 POS terminals and 311 ATMs located in the territory of the Far East and Eastern Siberia, and this network is constantly expanding.

Yuichiro Kadowaki, Senior Vice President, JCB International Co., Ltd., noted: "The new partnership with Far Eastern Bank, one of the leading financial institutions of Primorskiy Krai, is an important milestone for us taking into account the bank's customer base and wide coverage of POS and ATM network in the Far Eastern region. We hope that the bank's new JCB card product will become a convenient and advantageous payment tool for Russian business people and tourists who often visit Japan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. All these new customers will be able to enjoy JCB unique offers and privileges around the world. Acceptance of JCB cards on the bank's POS and ATM network will help to expand the range of the bank's services and to promote development of inbound tourism in the region. JCB cardholders traveling to the Russian Far East will feel more confident. Acceptance is also important for JCB cardholders in Russia, where JCB cards have been issued since 2015 and the number of cards is constantly growing."

Valery Pavlyuk, President of PJSC Far Eastern Bank, emphasized: "The implementation of this project will provide the bank the opportunity to issue all types of JCB card products, which allow payment transactions both in Russia and abroad. Cooperation with JCB International is an important and logical step in the development strategy of the retail business of Far Eastern Bank. We were the first bank in Vladivostok to issue payment cards. For 28 years since our foundation we have maintained and strengthened our leadership. Today the number of cards issued by the bank exceeds 800 thousand, and we keep leading positions in the Far East and Eastern Siberia in terms of issuing cards of the National Payment System Mir. Cooperation with JCB International opens new opportunities for us and our customers, and we are confident of success."

About Far Eastern Bank

PJSC Far Eastern Bank is a universal financial institution, which keeps a leading position in the Far East and Eastern Siberia. It was founded in Vladivostok in 1990 and is the same age as the banking system of Russia. The international agency Moody's Investors Service assigned Far Eastern Bank long-term deposit rating in foreign and national currency - B2.

The rating agency RAEX (Expert RA) assigned to Far Eastern Bank a credit rating at the level of ruBBB. The rating set a stable outlook.

Far Eastern Bank serves more than 17,000 corporate clients, small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in all major sectors of the economy, as well as about 240,000 private clients. Today the Bank has a network of 42 branches in 10 regions of Russia. Additional information about the Bank is available on the website http://www.dvbank.ru.

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:
Far Eastern Bank
Press office
Levikova Lyubov'
Tel: + 7-914-792-5986
Email: levikova@dvbank.ru

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

↧

Building the World's First Advanced Blockchain Identity Laboratory

April 25, 2018, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Azelis launches company-wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme

≪ Previous: JCBI and Far Eastern Bank sign a new partnership on acquiring and issuing of JCB cards

HONG KONG, Apr 26, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - A PIONEERING new research lab, the Blockpass Identity Lab, will explore ways in which blockchain technology can protect personal data from online scammers and hackers.

The laboratory will be built at Edinburgh Napier University's Merchiston campus as part of a GBP 600,000 collaboration between the university and Hong Kong-based Blockpass.

A blockchain is a growing list of records or blocks, which is secured using cryptography and resistant to modification, and the technology is currently being used by Blockpass to develop an identity verification platform.

Its research collaboration with the university will see the creation of the Blockpass Identity Lab. The initial three-year collaboration also includes funding for research staff, PhD studentships and a virtualised blockchain environment.

A series of data breach scandals at companies like Yahoo, Uber and Equifax highlighted the risks of centralising the storage of personal user data. Blockpass is using blockchain to develop alternatives which allow users to retain control of their identity, with only they deciding who can access their sensitive personal data.

Blockpass Chief Marketing Officer Dr Hans Lombardo said: "We continue to see identity management at the forefront of blockchain and cryptography discussions as the price of consumer data abuses becomes clearer and more pertinent.

"The creation of this lab in conjunction with Edinburgh Napier University will provide a space where further research and innovation can lead that discussion to newer and more advanced grounds."

A key focus of the lab will be to create world-leading knowledge and innovation around citizen-focused systems which enshrine the right to privacy.

Professor Bill Buchanan of Edinburgh Napier's School of Computing, the Director of the Lab, said: "The world is changing and cryptography is now being used to fix many of the problems we have created on the internet. It can now help create a better society, with the citizen at its core.

"We aim to contribute to the building of a new world, based on blockchain. Whether it is health and well-being, or the changing of our public services, it is likely to be blockchain methods that will provide the foundation for the future".

Dr Sally Smith, Dean of the University's School of Computing, said: "This is another step forward in the advancement of our research and innovation, and builds on a strong track record of success.

"This collaboration builds a foundation for the future, and supports the development of advanced skills in blockchain research."

About Blockpass IDN
The goal of Blockpass IDN (http://www.blockpass.org/) is global realization of identity for the Internet of Everything. Through the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts, Blockpass is a production ready Regtech platform offering shared regulatory and compliance services for humans, businesses, objects and devices. As this identity system supports verification of humans (KYC), objects (KYO) and connected devices (KYD), it will enable the development of new applications that rely on a trusted connection between human, corporate, and device identities. Registered in Hong Kong, Blockpass IDN is a joint venture of Infinity Blockchain Labs and Chain of Things. Blockpass IDN licenses its technology from the non-profit Blockpass Foundation, registered in the Isle of Man.

For more information and updates, please visit and sign up to the following:
Promotional video: https://youtu.be/SvO2cw3e-SI
Website: http://www.blockpass.org
Medium: https://medium.com/@blockpass
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlockpassOrg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blockpassorg/
Telegram: https://t.me/blockpass

Media Contact:
Caitlin Betts
Email: press@blockpass.org
Telephone: +852 9733 4935

↧

Azelis launches company-wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme

April 25, 2018, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Ching Lee Holdings Limited Invests in "AVA" Series Residential Project under Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group; Foraying into the Real Estate Investment Business

≪ Previous: Building the World's First Advanced Blockchain Identity Laboratory

Dr. Hans Joachim Mueller

Maria Almenar

SINGAPORE, Apr 26, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Azelis has launched its CSR programme, representing the efforts that Azelis makes throughout the entire supply chain and beyond. This launch follows two years of research, preparation, definition and implementation of the programme's goals and KPIs. Azelis is committed to follow the United Nations Global Compact key pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility: Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption. The CSR programme ensures each of these commitments, has a framework to measure and monitor performance and develop action plans, as appropriate, to ensure continuous improvement. Furthermore, Azelis is committed to communicate progress and report annually on its CSR programme from 2019.

Azelis believes that CSR concerns everyone: employees, customers, principals and other stakeholders including regulatory bodies, governments and local authorities. Being in the centre of the equation and providing the company with a strategic position to affect everyone's behaviour, Azelis trusts that it is a matter of taking responsibility and acting with respect whenever social, ethical, environmental choices or human rights and laws are concerned.

Dr. Hans Joachim Mueller, Azelis CEO, comments: "The CSR programme we have launched is exactly what has been the core of Azelis ethos: showing respect in everything we do, day in day out. We believe this is the only way of making a true and lasting difference. And of course, the bigger our efforts, the greater our impact will be. At Azelis we are committed to maintaining the highest human, environmental and ethical values through unwavering cooperation with local communities, industry bodies, authorities and regulators. Only together can we reduce the environmental impact of our workplace as much as possible, and improve social values in whatever we do, wherever we can."

Maria Almenar, Head of Azelis group Safety, Health and Environment Quality who is leading the implementation of CSR at Azelis, adds: "Responsible Care and Responsible Distribution are already part of our daily work life. They focus on operations and product stewardship while our CSR programme complements it and takes it one step further. It will concentrate on the complete picture: company values, ethical behaviour, human rights, environment and fair operating practices."

The CSR programme is implemented in all Azelis' processes and practices, building on the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and Sustainable Procurement Policy Azelis launched last year when it also signed the UN Global Compact initiative.

"Our commitment to Responsible Care and Responsible Distribution is unchanged", adds Almenar. "While the new CSR programme demonstrates the company's deeper, long-term commitment to sustainability, many of the activities and KPIs which will now fall under the CSR umbrella are not new to us; we have already had quite a few in place, but now the KPIs we measure will have one common framework and are a part of a bigger picture."

As a result of the work done by Azelis in 2016, the group's EcoVadis* score improved in only one year from 39 to 60, i.e. from Bronze status to Silver status. This placed Azelis in the top 7% of all the suppliers evaluated by EcoVadis

The Azelis CSR Steering Committee was formed in 2016 comprising of representatives from ExCom, Business / Operations and support functions. With support from the leading expert in this field the company has defined the CSR strategy and KPIs. In 2017, CSR and Sustainable Procurement policies were rolled out globally with KPIs and monthly indicators implemented in order to monitor the company's performance against these policies. In 2018 data collection across all CSR policies has been implemented and Azelis' first sustainability report is expected to come out in 2019.

* EcoVadis operates the first collaborative platform providing Sustainability Ratings for global supply chains.

Contact information
Azelis
Marina Kaptein
Head of Corporate Communications
T: +32 3 613 0125
E: marina.kaptein@azelis.com

Ninemer Public Relations
Lee Ling Ling
Senior Account Manager
T: +65 6534 9939
E: leelingling@ninemer.com

About Azelis

Azelis is a leading distributor of speciality chemicals and food ingredients present in over 40 countries across the globe with around 1,800 employees. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are each dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals. We offer a lateral value chain of complementary products to over 40,000 customers, creating a turnover of EUR 1.8 billion. In the US we operate under a number of renowned co-brands that cater to the various markets in the region.

Throughout our extensive network of 46 application laboratories, our award-winning technical staff help customers develop formulations. We combine a global reach with a local focus to offer a reliable, integrated service to local customers and attractive business opportunities to principals. And we believe in building and nurturing solid, honest and transparent relationships with our people and partners.

Creating value, growing together.

www.azelis.com

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Ching Lee Holdings Limited Invests in "AVA" Series Residential Project under Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group; Foraying into the Real Estate Investment Business

April 25, 2018, 11:15 pm

≫ Next: 21st Century Technologies, Nexusguard to build DDoS Scrubbing Center in Nigeria

≪ Previous: Azelis launches company-wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme

HONG KONG, Apr 26, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ching Lee Holdings Limited ("Ching Lee Holdings" or "the Company", stock code: 3728.HK) is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a collaboration agreement with Wing Shing Land Investment Limited ("Wing Shing Land"), which is owned by the experienced investor Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group, to buy shares of the residential project of "AVA" series. Both parties will establish a long-term collaboration partnership in accordance with the agreement. The Chairman of Ching Lee Holdings Limited, Mr. Ng Choi Wah and the Manager of Wing Shing Land Investment Limited, Mr. Choi Yan Fai participated in the joint press conference today (26th April) to elaborate on the project mentioned, and to introduce the future development of the Company.

The residential project of "AVA" series this time is located in the area of Tai Nan Street, the section between Nam Cheong Street and Shek Kip Mei Street of Sham Shui Po. Being at the center of West Kowloon district, such project is the fourth one of the series to be located at Kowloon. The well-connected transportation in the district, as well as the abundant choices of restaurants and shops conveniently located in the area, are going to be the important success factors in the project. Besides self-use purpose, the rental potential is also significant, and thus it is expected to be popular among first-time buyers and investors. The project will be a single block boutique residential development and will mainly be small unit apartments. It is expected to be launched to the market as early as the second half of this year.

According to Mr. Ng Choi Wah, the Chairman of Ching Lee Holdings Limited, it is an honor and pleasure to collaborate with Wing Shing Land Investment Limited, which is owned by the experienced investor Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group. Wing Shing Land has an eye for property investment, marketing, and always strive for high quality. All of these match with the business advantages and philosophy of Ching Lee Holdings. The Company will further enhance the partnership with Wing Shing Land to diversify the business. The investment in "AVA" series signifies another key milestone for the Company. It is the first time the Company has set foot in the property investment market. The support from Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group has exerted highly positive influence towards the long-term development of the Company.

Mr. Ng also mentioned, the Company is fully confident about the outlook and the prospects of the construction market in Hong Kong especially the boutique apartment market and will continue to participate in such market with an aim to expand its business of real estate investment in the coming future. Meanwhile, the Company believes that it is well positioned to expand its market share and maintain its active status in the construction main contracting industry in Hong Kong. The Company is committed to providing better services to the citizens and create higher investment return for the shareholders.

According to Mr. Adrian Choi, Manager of Wing Shing Land Investment Limited, Wing Shing Land has previously launched a number of boutique residential projects in the urban areas of Hong Kong and has enjoyed a high popularity in the market. Based on the huge demand for apartment purchasing, the "AVA" Series Project is expected to attract the market again. Wing Shing Land gives high affirmation towards the service quality of Ching Lee Holdings by regarding the Company as a listed company and a guarantee of confidence on quality control and corporate governance. In addition, the professional consultancy advice to be provided by Ching Lee Holdings at an early stage of the project is highly beneficial for the overall project development. By the strategic cooperation with Ching Lee Holdings, Wing Shing Land hopes to establish a long-term and stable relationship with the Company for the upcoming projects with an aim to provide high-quality products for the Hong Kong citizens.

About Ching Lee Holdings Limited
Ching Lee Holdings Limited is a main contractor in Hong Kong and listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (stock code: 3728). The Company was founded in 1998, providing services ranging from substructure building works, superstructure building works to RMAA works (repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works services). The Company has an experienced and dedicated management team with extensive knowledge of the construction industry and project management experience in the services that it provides. The broad know-how and industry knowledge of its management team will allow the Company to continue providing its customers with high-quality service. In March 2016, Ching Lee Holdings Limited was listed on the GEM board in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and transferred to the main board in September 2017. The Company's business has been developing stably since it was listed and the revenue of 2017 has increased by 22% as compared with 2016.

For further information about Ching Lee Holdings, please visit the Company's website at http://www.chingleeholdings.com.

About Wing Shing Land Investment Limited
Wing Shing Land Investment Limited is a subsidiary of the experienced investor Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group. The Group has been rooted in Hong Kong's real estate investment market for over 50 years and the projects it was involved covers broad categories, including M&A of apartment, commercial building, industrial building, shop, mansion and old building, etc.

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21st Century Technologies, Nexusguard to build DDoS Scrubbing Center in Nigeria

April 26, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for March 2018 and 2017 Fiscal Year

≪ Previous: Ching Lee Holdings Limited Invests in "AVA" Series Residential Project under Mr. Lo Wah's Family Group; Foraying into the Real Estate Investment Business

An ICT powerhouse in Nigeria is entering into cybersecurity solutions business

SAN FRANCISCO, Apr 26, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - 21st Century Technologies Limited, a leading ICT powerhouse in Nigeria, today announced its partnership with Nexusguard, a leading DDoS security solution provider. 21st Century Technologies tapped Nexusguard to build its DDoS scrubbing center in Nigeria to provide DDoS mitigation service to enterprise and government customers in Africa.

21st Century builds digital infrastructure including most advanced global digital security point of present in Nigeria, Tier 4 data centre, academy, software development centre to help esteem customers, partners and government in Africa to deploy necessary innovation solutions to remain secure, competitive, lead and win in the era of digital transformation and engagement.

"We opted to partner with Nexusguard because of their global reach and robustness of their platform. They have helped many companies and governments globally defend against cyberattack. Nexusguard is consistently recognised by analysts such as Gartner and Forrester as a market leader," said Wale Ajisebutu, CEO of 21st Century Technologies. "Customers choose to take advantage of our new compelling cybersecurity solution will surely capture enormous opportunities for unlimited growth."

With DDoS risk increasing worldwide, service providers are updating their capabilities to provide not only bandwidth and subscriptions, but also cybersecurity. That transformation, known as Telco 5.0, demands the methodology and mechanics to shift platforms, people and processes to provide optimal security. Nexusguard fulfills that need with its global scrubbing cloud. Paired with 21st Century Technologies's local capacity, the companies will provide a seamless "global+local" scrubbing network that detects and mitigates both international and local DDoS attacks, simultaneously.

"Communications service providers (CSP) have a new opportunity to help create a global DDoS defense network to protect internet users," said Andy Ng, Nexusguard CEO. "Our partnership with 21st Century Technologies in Nigeria, as with other Telco 5.0 providers around the globe, are critical to not only helping enterprises fortify themselves against future attacks but also to telcos transforming their business."

About Nexusguard
Founded in 2008, Nexusguard is a leading cloud-based distributed denial of service (DDoS) security solution provider fighting malicious internet attacks. Nexusguard ensures uninterrupted internet service, visibility, optimization and performance. Nexusguard is focused on developing and providing the best cybersecurity solution for every client across a range of industries with specific business and technical requirements. Nexusguard also enables communication service providers to deliver DDoS protection solution as a service. Nexusguard delivers on its promise to provide you with peace of mind by countering threats and ensuring maximum uptime. Visit www.nexusguard.com for more information.

About 21st Century Technologies
21st Century Technologies Limited is a Licensed Information Communications and Technology Services Provider in Nigeria incorporated in 1997. In the last 21 years, 21st century technologies limited has been in the front of providing cutting edge telecom solutions such as voice, data, internet, infrastructure and platform as a service, colocation to over 100,000 customers in Nigeria. Visit www.21ctl.com for more information.

Media Relations
21st Century Technologies Limited
commercial@21ctl.com

Benjamin Yip
Nexusguard
Head of marketing
Benjamin.Yip@Nexusguard.com

↧

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for March 2018 and 2017 Fiscal Year

April 27, 2018, 1:04 am

≫ Next: NEC Iris Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Accuracy Testing

≪ Previous: 21st Century Technologies, Nexusguard to build DDoS Scrubbing Center in Nigeria

TOKYO, Apr 27, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Summary: March 2018

Domestic Production
- First consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since February, 2018 (110.1% year-on-year)

Overseas Production
- Fourth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since November, 2017 (120.2% year-on-year)

Total Production
- Tenth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since May, 2017 (115.0% year-on-year)

Domestic Sales
- Second consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since January, 2018 (121.7% year-on-year)

Exports
- Fourth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since November, 2017 (128% year-on-year )

Supplemental Information

Overseas Production

Asia
- 68,389 units; 120.7% year-on-year

Exports

Asia
- 1,155 units; 92.3% year-on-year

North America
- 9,185 units; 131.5% year-on-year

Europe
- 20,594 units; 189.6% year-on-year

Summary: Fiscal Year 2017

Domestic Production
- First year-on-year increase in two years since 2015 fiscal year (110.9% year-on-year)

Overseas Production
- First year-on-year increase in five years since 2012 fiscal year (124.2% year-on-year)

Total Production
- First year-on-year increase in three years since 2014 fiscal year (117.7% year-on-year)

Domestic Sales
- First year-on-year increase in four years since 2013 fiscal year (122.3% year-on-year)

Exports
- First year-on-year increase in two years since 2015 fiscal year (101.3% year-on-year)

Supplemental Information

Overseas Production

Asia
- 660,832 units; 124.0% year-on-year

Exports
Asia
- 12,373 units; 72.5% year-on-year

North America
- 113,790 units; 113.4% year-on-year

Europe
- 127,336 units; 103.0% year-on-year

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

↧

NEC Iris Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Accuracy Testing

April 27, 2018, 5:32 am

≫ Next: Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for March 2018 and 2017 Fiscal Year

Reinforcing safety with "Bio-IDiom" biometric authentication

TOKYO, Apr 27, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced that its iris recognition technology achieved the highest matching accuracy evaluation in the recent Iris Exchange (IREX,(1)) IX evaluations of automated iris recognition algorithms performed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Iris recognition technology is a biometrics identifier that uses patterns from the iris, the donut-like tissue that surrounds the pupil. In recent years, this technology has been adopted by systems that require large-scale matching, mainly for organizations and companies, since it is possible to quickly provide highly accurate authentication with devices that do not require physical contact.

From the standpoint of privacy protection and security enhancement, government agencies in particular are in growing need of reliable personal authentication for purposes that include citizen ID, immigration control and criminal investigations.

NEC is a global leader in biometric identification technologies, including iris, face, fingerprint, palm print, finger vein, voice, and ear acoustics, and has supplied more than 700 systems in over 70 countries. Moreover, NEC's face recognition technology has ranked first in the NIST's benchmark tests four consecutive times(2), in addition to the company's fingerprint recognition technology also ranking first. Each of these technologies belongs to NEC's biometric authentication brand, "Bio-IDiom"(3).

NEC received the top accuracy ranking in the IREX IX evaluation among 13 participating groups, with a matching precision of 99.33% for near-infrared iris images. NEC's evaluation was achieved with its original technologies in highly precise feature extraction, matching and advanced noise reduction.

Going forward, NEC will continue with research and development in order to further improve the accuracy of authentication technologies, including the development and provision of iris recognition products and services.

"The Social Solutions business is a major focus for NEC, including the strengthening of safety business as a global growth area. Following these results, we will continue to contribute to the realization of safe and secure communities with the global development and provision of our portfolio of technologies and services centered on biometric authentication, Bio-IDiom, including cutting edge iris authentication," said Kazuhiro Takada, Executive Vice President, NEC Corporation.

(1) NIST Iris Exchange
https://www.nist.gov/itl/iad/image-group/irex-ix
(2) NEC's Video Face Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Testing
https://www.nec.com/en/press/201703/global_20170316_01.html
(3) About Bio-IDiom
https://www.nec.com/en/global/ad/bio-idiom/

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

↧

Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018

April 26, 2018, 7:00 pm

≫ Next: Lubrizol Presents at the Annual Car Wash Show in Las Vegas

≪ Previous: NEC Iris Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Accuracy Testing

Previous exhibition (2013)

- The largest firefighting and disaster prevention exhibition in Japan
- All the latest products and services for fire and disaster safety
- Held every 5 years at Tokyo Big Sight

TOKYO, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Tokyo Fire Department, Tokyo Big Sight Inc. and Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018 Executive Committee are pleased to announce the Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018, scheduled from Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 3 at Tokyo Big Sight and showcasing a collection of cutting-edge firefighting and disaster prevention products and information.

The Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018 is Japan's largest firefighting and disaster prevention exhibition. The Exhibition will share information from past disasters, improving awareness and disaster-preparedness with the population of Tokyo, aiming to encourage greater cooperation among citizens, corporations and the government. The Exhibition will also showcase related technologies and industries, with the latest in firefighting and disaster prevention from Japan and world-wide. The 10th Exhibition to be held, this is the largest, with nearly 300 participating companies and 1,635 booths (end-March), expecting more that the 50,000 visitors recorded 5 years ago!

The main exhibits in East Halls 5, 6, and 7 consist of four zones; "Fire Extinguishing, Emergency, Rescue, Evacuation and Guidance", "Disaster Countermeasures", "Information Systems and Communication Services" and "Other Products and Services Related to Fire Safety and Accident Prevention". Two special zones, "Disaster Prevention and Natural Disaster Reduction Countermeasures ICT" and "Disaster Storage", are divided into the business area and the Tokyo Fire Department area, which introduces the latest techniques and products for fire and disaster safety.

The Eastern Outdoor Exhibition Area features exhibits by various businesses with large equipment on display, joint fire extinguishing practice sessions with the Tokyo Fire Department and Emergency Fire Response Team, and a corner where children can enjoy learning about disaster prevention. Not only for those involved in firefighting and disaster prevention, the Exhibition provides opportunities for the general public to learn a wide range of techniques to stay safe during disasters.

Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018 highlights:

+ Largest exhibition ever: Approximately 300 companies and groups, and 1,635 booths (As of the end of March)

This exhibition introduces a variety of the latest techniques and policies regarding firefighting and disaster prevention. Visitors include not only personnel involved in firefighting, disaster prevention (government disaster prevention departments, firefighters, NPOs, volunteer disaster prevention organizations, etc.) and personnel from main user companies but also many interested persons from the general public and students, and the exhibition provides them with a way to learn about a wide range of techniques to help stay safe during disasters.

Major exhibits: "Fire Extinguishing, Emergency, Rescue, Evacuation and Guidance", "Disaster Countermeasures", "Information Systems and Communication Services" and "Other Products and Services Related to Fire Safety and Accident Prevention"

Special exhibits: "Disaster Prevention and Natural Disaster Reduction Countermeasures ICT" and "Disaster Storage"

+ Seminars featuring real experiences of earthquakes, terrorism, ICT and countermeasures

Seminars and speeches handle a variety of themes such as firefighting, disaster prevention, etc. Speeches by participating companies and groups cover an array of themes.
Details will be announced on the official website as soon as they are available: http://www.fire-safety-tokyo.com/jp/index.html

+ Highlights such as fire extinguishing practice demos, and outdoor exhibits where children can have fun learning

In the outdoor exhibit space, a comprehensive, joint fire fighting demonstrations will be carried out between the Tokyo Fire Department and the U.S. Navy Japan District Headquarters Fire Department. Also, there are many other programs in which children can also have fun, including the Fire Fighting Training Van for casual training regardless of the small space, driving mini cars, wearing mini firemen's clothing, riding a pump truck and ladder truck, experiencing smoke similar to that which occurs in an actual fire (but is not harmful to humans) and learning about the dangers of smoke in addition to points to remember during an evacuation from a fire.

+ Special zones: "Disaster Prevention and Natural Disaster Reduction Countermeasures ICT" and "Disaster Storage"

Products and equipment from popular fields are all collected for display in the special zone for firefighting and disaster prevention. The "Disaster Prevention and Natural Disaster Reduction Countermeasures ICT" zone focuses on disaster experience systems that utilize ICT (information and communications technology) such as VR (Virtual Reality), which is expected to help in disaster prevention and natural disaster reduction efforts. The "Disaster Storage" zone features information on evacuation center products and services such as emergency rations, which must be replaced now that seven years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Logos and PR photos showing the last exhibition are available:
https://kyodo-pr.box.com/v/fst2018

For details, please refer to the following: http://www.fire-safety-tokyo.com/files/NewsRelease_English.pdf

Media inquiries:
Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018 PR Office (Kyodo PR)
Suzuki (+81-70-6462-5236), Yamamoto (+81-90-4224-3951), Imamizu (+81-70-6456-5236)
TEL: +81-3-3571-5236 FAX: +81-3-3574-9364 MAIL: fst_pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

↧

Lubrizol Presents at the Annual Car Wash Show in Las Vegas

April 27, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Eastman Announces First-Quarter 2018 Financial Results

≪ Previous: Tokyo International Fire and Safety Exhibition 2018

Highlighting API SN Plus in Educational Session

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation's Engine Oil Additive business announces its plan to highlight additive solutions for API SN Plus and LSPI in GDI engines at this year's Car Wash Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Car Wash Show, held on May 26 - 28 by the International Carwash Association and Automotive Oil Change Association, is an opportunity for Lubrizol to share valuable insights in engine oil trends and additive solutions for challenges in today's modern, GDI engines.

Lubrizol leads the lubricant industry in the development of market-driven, chemically innovative additive technologies to create reliable, durable and sustainable engine lubricants. With advanced engine testing and oil formulation expertise, we go beyond the standard to identify and correct oil performance issues in new engine hardware. As a leading advocate for GDI-specific oils, Lubrizol has the experience to help our industry partners grow market share, strengthen customer relationships and increase profits during the transition.

To learn more about attending the show visit www.carwash.org. The Lubrizol educational session will be presented by Chris Schmid, senior instructor for the Lubrizol Performance Institute, and is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27. To view the presentation after the show, visit the members-only section of the www.carwash.org site or follow the link in The Carwash Show e-newsletter out later this week.

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 in 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
+1(440)347-8731
Website: www.lubrizol.com

###

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

↧

Eastman Announces First-Quarter 2018 Financial Results

April 27, 2018, 12:30 am

≫ Next: DENSO Announces Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2018 Financial Results

≪ Previous: Lubrizol Presents at the Annual Car Wash Show in Las Vegas

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced reported earnings of $2.00 per diluted share for first quarter 2018 versus $1.89 per diluted share for first quarter 2017. Adjusted earnings were $2.23 per diluted share for first quarter 2018 versus $1.83 per diluted share for first quarter 2017. For detail of the adjustments and reconciliation to reported company and segment earnings for all periods presented, see Tables 3A and 4A.

"We are off to an excellent start in 2018, with year-over-year adjusted EPS growth of 22 percent in the first quarter," said Mark Costa, Board Chair and CEO. "Our innovation-driven growth model is continuing to deliver impressive volume growth in our specialty businesses as demonstrated by their above market growth in the quarter. Disciplined capital allocation and a sustained focus on cost management also are contributing to our strong results. We remain confident that execution of our strategy will result in continued outstanding results going forward."

Full press release: https://bit.ly/2Hwjqad

ex99_01 2018.03.31 CC Tables FINAL
http://hugin.info/150386/R/2188153/846394.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: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire

↧

DENSO Announces Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2018 Financial Results

April 26, 2018, 7:07 pm

≫ Next: Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Sequa Petroleum N.V. to be held on 31 May 2018

≪ Previous: Eastman Announces First-Quarter 2018 Financial Results

KARIYA, JAPAN, Apr 27, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Global automotive supplier DENSO Corporation today announced its global financial results for fiscal year ending March 31, 2018:

- Consolidated revenue totaled 5,108.3 billion yen (US$48.1 billion), a 12.8% increase from the previous year.
- Consolidated operating profit totaled 412.7 billion yen (US$3.9 billion), a 24.8% increase from the previous year.
- Consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company totaled 320.6 billion yen (US$3.0 billion), a 24.4% increase from the previous year.

"DENSO's revenue rose due to an increase in vehicle production, as well as sales expansion. DENSO's operating profit also saw an increase due to a rise in production volume and company cost reduction efforts," said Koji Arima, president and CEO of DENSO Corporation.

In Japan, a rise in vehicle production and newly consolidated subsidiaries resulted in an increase in revenue to 3,083.8 billion yen (US$29.0 billion), a 14.8% growth from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume and cost reduction efforts, the operating profit totaled 200.7 billion yen (US$1.9 billion), a 54.2% improvement from the previous year.

In North America, sales expansion led to a rise in revenue to 1,156.3 billion yen (US$10.9 billion), a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Operating profit totaled 42.5 billion yen (US$0.4 billion), a 29.1% decrease from the previous year due to an increase in depreciation.

In Europe, a rise in both vehicle production and sales expansion led to an increase in revenue to 662.3 billion yen (US$6.2 billion), a 14.7% increase from the previous year. Due to depreciation increases, operating profit dropped to 20.1 billion yen (US$0.2 billion), a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.

In Asia, an increase in both vehicle production and sales expansion resulted in an increase in revenue to 1,322.8 billion yen (US$12.5 billion), a 16.1% rise from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume, operating profit totaled 136.7 billion yen (US$1.3 billion), 21.3% growth from the previous year.

In other areas, mainly the South American region, including Brazil and Argentina, revenue totaled 79.0 billion yen (US$0.7 billion), a 20.0 percent increase from the previous year. Operating profit totaled 13.4 billion yen (US$0.1 billion).

"For the new fiscal year, revenue will increase due to the increase in car production, sales expansion, and the newly consolidated subsidiaries. Despite a rise in production volume and cost reduction efforts, operating profit will decrease due to an increase in investment for future growth, in addition to the impact of the yen's appreciation and increase of material costs," said Arima.

(Foreign exchange rates used for the full-year are US$=105 yen, Euro=130 yen)

About Denso

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe 
DENSO CORPORATION 
Phone: 81-566-25-5594 
Fax: 81-566-25-4509 
sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp 
toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

↧

Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Sequa Petroleum N.V. to be held on 31 May 2018

April 26, 2018, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: Hong Kong young people to go on "Belt and Road Journey" in July

≪ Previous: DENSO Announces Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2018 Financial Results

LONDON, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Sequa Petroleum N.V. (the Company) invites its shareholders to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGM), to be held at the offices of Allen & Overy LLP, Apollolaan 15, 1077 AB Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 31 May 2018 at 10.00 hours CET.

A copy of the documentation is available on the Company's website at http://www.sequa-petroleum.com

###

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

↧

Hong Kong young people to go on "Belt and Road Journey" in July

April 26, 2018, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: World's Largest Gifts & Premium Fair Opens with 4,360 Exhibitors

≪ Previous: Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Sequa Petroleum N.V. to be held on 31 May 2018

Central Asia Trip to Encourage Participation in Initiative

HONG KONG, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The HKTDC and the Belt and Road Pioneer are jointly organising the "Belt and Road Journey" Youth Exchange Programme to encourage the city's young people to participate in the development of China's Belt and Road Initiative. The trip will take about 20 Hong Kong youths, aged between 18 and 25, on a trip to Xinjiang and Kazakhstan, in Central Asia, in late July.

The trip will include visits to local businesses and cultural exchanges with local citizens and youth, enabling the participants to gain an understanding of the economies as well as experience life in countries along the Belt and Road route. The programme is now open for application.

Co-organised by the SMEs & Younger Generation Working Group under the HKTDC Belt and Road Committee and the non-profit Belt and Road Pioneer, the "Belt and Road Journey" Youth Exchange Programme is supported by tertiary institutions in Hong Kong.

Raymond Yip, HKTDC Executive Director, said, "The HKTDC actively promotes a series of activities which we hope can enable more people to understand the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as strengthen Hong Kong's role as the commercial hub for the Initiative.

Jason Chiu, Convenor of the SMEs & Younger Generation Working Group and Founder & CEO of Cherrypicks, said: "Central Asia is relatively 'foreign' to many young people in Hong Kong, yet it serves as a critical hub connecting China, Russia and the Middle East. The Youth Exchange Programme is the Working Group's predominant event this summer.

"Through a creative and fun approach, the Programme aims to raise local youth's awareness of the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, help them better understand the opportunities arising from the Initiative, as well as encouraging them to proactively participate in Belt and Road developments in the future."

Wilson Chan, Chairman of Belt and Road Pioneer, said that Belt and Road opportunities are not limited to the business, but also other aspects of life, such as cultural exchanges. "Through this programme, we seek to encourage young people to actively equip themselves, expand their horizons and develop more interests by exploring opportunities around the world."

Participants will travel to a number of Central Asia cities along the China-Kazakhstan Railway including Urumqi, Yining, Khorgas and Almaty. Highlights of the programme include exchange activities with local tertiary students, as well as visits to major companies, logistics and industrial parks, and landmarks such as the Urumqi international Bazaar and the Huiyuan Ancient City. To help all young people in understanding Belt and Road opportunities, arrangements will be made for participants to share their experiences on the journey on television, social media and through other channels.

The programme is open to Hong Kong residents aged between 18 and 25, who can apply by uploading to a dedicated website a 40-second video with self-introduction and presentation of their understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative.

For enrolment details, please refer to http://beltandroadjourney.hktdc.com/en/.

"Belt and Road Journey" Youth Exchange Programme
Enrolment: 27 April - 18 May 2018
Travel: 26 - 31 July 2018

The HKTDC announced the formation of the HKTDC Belt and Road Committee in December last year. Through its five working groups targeting different markets and business sectors, the Committee implements a comprehensive and targeted programme to engage different sectors and the public to participate in Belt and Road development and share in the benefits presented by the Initiative. In particular, the SMEs & Younger Generation Working Group seeks to promote and foster participation of young professionals in the Initiative, as well as to help start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand their business into Belt and Road markets. The Belt and Road Pioneer is a voluntary organisation that aims to introduce the Belt and Road Initiative to youth.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/2JweaUV

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 more than 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 business insights and 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 Communications & Public Affairs Department -
Banbi Chen
Tel: +852 2584 4525
Email: banbi.yc.chen@hktdc.org

↧

World's Largest Gifts & Premium Fair Opens with 4,360 Exhibitors

April 26, 2018, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Joy City Property Announced Unaudited Operating Figures for Three Months Ended 31 March 2018

≪ Previous: Hong Kong young people to go on "Belt and Road Journey" in July

The 33rd Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The four-day fair (27-30 April) features a record 4,360 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, making it the world’s largest fair of its kind

The World of Camping & Outdoor Goods Zone is exhibiting for the first time at the Gifts & Premium Fair, presenting outdoor sports items

The De Luxe Zone features an exciting variety of high-end printing, and packaging products and solutions for buyers looking for printing and packaging for high-end products in food & beverage, cosmetics, jewellery & watches and general merchandise

Providing a One-stop Sourcing Platform with Concurrent Printing & Packaging Fair at AsiaWorld-Expo

HONG KONG, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The 33rd Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day fair (27-30 April), organised by the HKTDC, features a record 4,360 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, making it the world's largest fair of its kind. The 13th Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, held in parallel with the Gifts & Premium Fair, opened today at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Ltd, the Printing & Packaging Fair showcases a wide spectrum of quality packaging and printing products and services.

Debut of the World of Camping & Outdoor Goods Zone --

"The HKTDC launched the 'World of Camping & Outdoor Goods' Zone at this year's Gifts & Premium Fair in response to growing popularity of hiking and camping," said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. "The zone features more than 90 exhibitors from around the world that offer a variety of professional and casual climbing packs, daypacks, diving goods, camping gear and sports items. To generate greater business opportunity, the HKTDC invited more than 170 buying missions, comprising over 9,400 companies, to visit the Gifts & Premium Fair and Printing & Packaging Fair."

Hong Kong has long been a cradle for entrepreneurs. Recognising the rise of entrepreneurial activities, the Startup Zone was launched last year at the Gifts & Premium Fair to encourage innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, which is a driving force for the economy. Returning this year, the zone promotes more than 30 start-ups including first-time participants from Indonesia and Vietnam. Start-ups from around the world will be able to expand their networks and uncover business opportunities through the Fair.

Four major zones under The Hong Kong Exporters' Association Pavilion --

Hong Kong's gifts industry is renowned for outstanding design and excellent quality - a favourite highlight for buyers at the Fair. The Hong Kong Exporters' Association has set up four major zones, "Isle of Originality", "Brand Oasis", "Smart Design Village" and "Trendy Gifts", to show quality and premium gifts from Hong Kong companies to global buyers. To further underscore the strength of Hong Kong design, winning pieces from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards are on display at the fairground. These include the functional anti-theft backpack, which won the Judge Award (Gold), and the bacteria cleaner key chain, which won the Technology Award (Bronze).

Branded products in Hong Kong --

As there is a growing awareness in the importance of brand effect, the "Hall of Fine Designs" is displaying more than 130 brands from local and overseas companies, including B.Duck from Hong Kong, Sanrio from Japan, German writing instruments' brand Kaweco and Italian stationery brand Moleskine.

Besides the "Hall of Fine Designs", thematic zones are based on product categories to improve sourcing efficiency. Other main attractions range from the "World of Gift Ideas", "Beauty, Health & Wellness", "Fashion Accessories", "Figurines & Decorations" and "Licensed Gifts" to "Travel Goods & Umbrellas", "Startup Zone" and "Tech Gifts". There are also group pavilions set up by different countries and regions, including the Chinese mainland, Korea, India, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom, which exhibit their own distinctive products.

Concurrent Printing & Packaging Fair at AsiaWorld-Expo --

The 13th Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair has attracted more than 480 exhibitors from six countries and regions. Pavilions representing the Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong, Hunan and Shenyang from the Chinese mainland, and Korea made their debut this year, bringing an array of professional book printing and digital printing solution providers, as well as packaging design manufacturers and service providers.

The market continues to attract customers through diverse product expositions, and this year the returning "Innovative Retail Display Solutions Zone" presents a wide array of exhibits and eye-catching marketing solutions. The "Printing & Packaging Solutions for Fashion & Accessories" zone is also back with state-of-the-art printing and packaging solutions for the fashion industry.

The "De Luxe Zone" highlights a variety of high-end printing and packaging solutions catered for different products and service industries such as food & beverage, cosmetics, jewellery & watches, and general merchandise. Green Printing & Packaging Solutions zone covers added product categories, such as recyclable materials, sustainable products and services. Other thematic zones include Digital Printing & 3D Printing and Food & Beverage Packaging Solutions.

Value-adding seminars --

Seminars at the Gifts & Premium Fair include "Top 5 Global Digital Consumer Trends in 2018", where the Global Head of Digital Consumer Research of Euromonitor International shares her market insights, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Pantone APAC will discuss how colours impact design, and the US's Promotional Products Association International will offer advice on capturing opportunities in the American market.

Printing & Packaging Fair seminars include "How Hong Kong's Graphic Arts Industries Embrace the Cultural & Creative Opportunities in Greater Bay Areas" and "New Development and Application of Digital Printing". To help buyers access the fairs easily, free shuttle buses run between the HKCEC and the AsiaWorld-Expo at regular intervals.

Gifts & Premium Fair
27-29 April (Fri-Sun), 9:30am-6:30pm
30 April (Mon), 9:30am-5pm
Media Registration:
Hall 1E Concourse, Harbour Road Entrance, HKCEC
HKTDC Media & Webcast Centre, Expo Drive Entrance, HKCEC
Fair Website: http://hkgiftspremiumfair.hktdc.com/

Printing & Packaging Fair
27 April (Fri), 10:30am-5:30pm
28-29 April (Sat-Sun), 9:30am-5:30pm
30 April (Mon), 9:30am-3:30pm
Media Registration: Room 105, AsiaWorld-Expo
Fair Website: www.hkprintpackfair.com

A free shuttle bus service links the two fair venues. For details, please visit http://bit.ly/2pMg2it

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/2r5zdGd

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 more than 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 business insights and 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.
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Joy City Property Announced Unaudited Operating Figures for Three Months Ended 31 March 2018

April 26, 2018, 11:59 pm

≫ Next: CNH Industrial reported 2018 first quarter consolidated revenues up 17% to $6.8 billion, net income at $202 million, or $0.14 per share. Net industrial debt at $1.9 billion

≪ Previous: World's Largest Gifts & Premium Fair Opens with 4,360 Exhibitors

Maintain High Average Occupancy Rate and Constantly Strengthen the Brand Image

HONG KONG, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Joy City Property Limited ("Joy City Property" or the "Company", Stock Code: 00207) announced its unaudited operating figures of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the three months ended 31 March 2018.

In recent years, China's economic growth remained generally stable while the development of commercial real estate was transforming. The contribution of the service industry to economic growth continues to increase, and consumer demand is still the main driving force for economic growth. The road of commercial capitalization has become the direction of future development, and new retail and other trends have become the focus of enterprises.

In the first quarter of 2018, Joy City Property performed outstanding in operation, brand building and promoting M&A Fund steadily. Particularly, the average unit rental price of Shenyang Joy City and Chengdu Joy City rose sharply by 25% and 29% respectively.

Xidan Joy City
Xidan Joy City is situated in the prime location of Xicheng District, Beijing. The project is approximately 200 meters away from Chang'an Street in the south and adjacent to Financial Street and Xinjiekou Commercial District in the north. In the past year, Xidan Joy City actively sought for innovations and changes to explore breakthroughs for results from various aspects such as solicitation, promotion, operation and research. With respect to operation, Xidan Joy City focused on the demand of customers, stood out from the horizontal competitions among department stores in the business district by continued introduction of key international fashion brands. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Xidan Joy City was approximately 96% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 7% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Chaoyang Joy City
Chaoyang Joy City is located in prime zone of Chaoyang District, Beijing. It is approximately 5 kilometers away from Beijing CBD Commercial District and is surrounded by a number of high-end luxury apartments with a population of 2.5 million. Chaoyang Joy City organized a number of theme campaigns and large-scale exhibitions featuring culture, creativity, art and interactive experience, creating buzz for promotions and attracting target customers. Meanwhile, through constant brand adjustment, the Group has created more selling points for its shopping mall, thereby expanding the target customer groups of Joy City. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Chaoyang Joy City was approximately 91% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 15% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Tianjin Joy City
Tianjin Joy City is located in Old Town, Nankai District with convenient traffic. Tianjin Joy City improved consumers' experience and enhanced its market shares by organizing various themed exhibitions and themed events. Meanwhile, Tianjin Joy City actively sought cooperation with various external resources such as film rights, balloons, Coca-Cola and TV stations which effectively enhanced its cost effectiveness. Targeted events were organised and exhibitions were held in vacant shops to boost the number of visitors to the street districts. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Tianjin Joy City was approximately 98% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 7% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Shenyang Joy City
Shenyang Joy City is located at the east end of Shenyang Zhong Street, a traditional commercial pedestrian street, where is right at the core of the local government construction project, which named "Golden Key" and "Dongzhong Street". Shenyang Joy City selected quality businesses by screening and renewed tenancy agreements of quality brands to perform a weeding out and replacement process with an aim to raise the rents generally. It also dug up the rental growth potential of certain lower-end areas. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Shenyang Joy City was approximately 98% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 25% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Shanghai Jing'an Joy City
Shanghai Joy City was opened in 19th December 2015 and is located at core district of Suhewan District, Shanghai. Shanghai Joy City adjoins the commercial district on Nanjing Road East, and is adjacent to Qufu station of Shanghai Subway and a number of bus stops with convenient traffic. Shanghai Joy City was widely welcomed among teen consumers for its SKY RING, the first cantilever Ferris wheel erected on the rooftop in China, More Fun 166, the new culture and arts community in Shanghai, as well as "Magical Romantic Landmark" built upon the innovative concept of intimate social place. The Ferris wheel opened for riders on the Valentine's Day and made a great success. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Shanghai Jing'an Joy City was approximately 93%.

Yantai Joy City
Yantai Joy City is located in Zhifu District, Yantai, and is the only shopping mall that enjoys premium sea view in Yantai. The project is adjacent to stations of Yantai Metro, train station of Yantai and a number of bus stops with convenient traffic and excellent geographical location. During the "Crazy Shopping Festival" held on 23 April, the sales reached approximately RMB5.87 million, of which the consumption from members accounted for approximately 69.4%. This opened up new landscape for the marketing in offseasons. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Yantai Joy City was approximately 88% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 21% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Chengdu Joy City
Chengdu Joy City was opened in 24th December 2015 and is located in Wuhou District, Chengdu. Situated in the Outer Shuangnan luxury residential area, it belongs to an emerging commercial district in Chengdu. Chengdu Joy City is the first trendy joy park offering a variety of experiences and amenities. Under the experiential business model of life style that keeps abreast with the word, this low-density shopping park covers diverse elements, including catering, entertainment, shopping and leisure. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Chengdu Joy City was approximately 93% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 29% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Beijing COFCO Plaza
The project is conveniently located in the heart of Beijing facing Chang'an Avenue and near the Jianguomen subway station and Beijing station. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Beijing COFCO Plaza was approximately 78%.

Hong Kong COFCO Tower
The project is situated at a prime location in Causeway Bay, the busiest business and commercial district in Hong Kong. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Hong Kong COFCO Tower was approximately 92% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 2% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Fraser Suites Top Glory Shanghai
The project is located in the core area of Lujiazui CBD in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, along the Huangpu River and is a top-grade high-end serviced apartment project in Shanghai. In respond to the opening of the Shanghai Disneyland Park, the Happy Summer Package for Disneyland was launched to attract even more short-term customers that take a vacation on a family basis. By organizing a series of activities, customer experience was improved. For the first quarter of 2018, the average occupancy rate of Beijing COFCO Plaza was approximately 86% and the average unit rental increased by approximately 1% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Property Development

For the period ended 31 March 2018, the Group's aggregate contracted sales amounted to approximately RMB 1,044 million. The Group's aggregate contracted sales area amounted to approximately 37,876 square meters and increased by approximately 3.97% as compared with that for the same period in 2017.

Hotel Operation

MGM Grand Sanya
MGM Grand Sanya is located at the center of Yalong Bay National Tourism and Resort District in Sanya, Hainan. The awareness and influence of MGM Grand Sanya in international market was reinforced by the successful hosting of annual meeting of Boao Forum for Asia; its market share in wedding market was increased by holding celebrity wedding that contributed to ensuring its activity in wedding market. For the first quarter of 2018, the average room rate of the hotel was increased by approximately 16% as compared with that for the same period in 2017 to about RMB 1,808 per room per night and the average occupancy rate was approximately 95%.

St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort
The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is located in Yalong Bay National Tourism and Resort District in Sanya, Hainan, and is a first-class luxury resort hotel operated and managed by Starwood Group. The room rate for various types in low and peak seasons was determined to secure more customers by analyzing customers' sensitivity towards room rate of different types in different seasons. For the first quarter of 2018, the average room rate of the hotel was increased by approximately 2% as compared with that for the same period in 2017 to about RMB 2,183 per room per night and the average occupancy rate was approximately 83%.

About Joy City Property Limited
Joy City Property Limited (0207.HK) 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 include 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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CNH Industrial reported 2018 first quarter consolidated revenues up 17% to $6.8 billion, net income at $202 million, or $0.14 per share. Net industrial debt at $1.9 billion

April 27, 2018, 1:50 am

≫ Next: CUHK Business School Research Reveals How You Perceive Your Socioeconomic Status Affects Your Appetite and Food Intake

≪ Previous: Joy City Property Announced Unaudited Operating Figures for Three Months Ended 31 March 2018

LONDON, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE:CNHI / MI:CNHI) today announced consolidated revenues of $6,773 million for the first quarter of 2018, up 17% compared to the first quarter of 2017. Net sales of Industrial Activities were $6,300 million in the first quarter of 2018, up 19% compared to the first quarter of 2017. Net income was $202 million for the first quarter of 2018.

Adjusted net income was $204 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared to $55 million in the first quarter of 2017, with an adjusted diluted EPS of $0.14 ($0.04 in the first quarter of 2017).

Adjusted EBITDA of Industrial Activities was up 40% to $547 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared to $391 million for the first quarter of 2017, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.7%, up 1.3 percentage points ("p.p.") compared to the first quarter of 2017.

Income taxes were $63 million in the first quarter of 2018 ($51 million in the first quarter of 2017). Adjusted income taxes(1)(2) for the first quarter of 2018 were $64 million ($54 million in the first quarter of 2017). The adjusted effective tax rate (adjusted ETR)(1)(2) of 26% (59% in the first quarter of 2017) improved as a result of a favorable geographic mix of earnings, and the lower U.S. tax rate. For the full year 2018, the Company updates its expectation of an adjusted ETR of approximately 30%.

Net industrial debt of $1.9 billion at March 31, 2018 increased by $1.0 billion from December 31, 2017, as a result of normal seasonality in working capital in the first quarter. Total debt of $24.7 billion at March 31, 2018, was down $1.2 billion compared to December 31, 2017 primarily as a result of the repayment at maturity of the remaining outstanding CNH Industrial Finance Europe S.A. 6.25% Notes of approximately $1 billion. At March 31, 2018, available liquidity(1)(2) was $7.6 billion, down $1.7 billion compared to December 31, 2017. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company repurchased 6.8 million of its common shares for a total amount of $90 million under the buy-back program authorized by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") held on April 14, 2017. The program has been reauthorized and increased to $700 million from $300 million. Furthermore, in April 2018, the Company repaid at maturity the outstanding $600 million of the CNH Industrial Capital LLC 3.625% Notes from available cash.

On April 16, 2018, the Company announced that, as a consequence of a favorable judgment issued by the United States Supreme Court in February 2018, the Company determined to modify the healthcare benefits (the "Benefits") provided to certain of the Company's U.S. retirees to make them consistent with the Benefits provided to current eligible CNH Industrial retirees who had been represented by the UAW Union. These Benefits modifications are estimated to result in a reduction of the plan liability by approximately $500 million to $550 million in the second quarter of 2018.

Segment Results

Agricultural Equipment's net sales increased 15% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 (up 11% on a constant currency basis). The increase was the result of higher sales volumes and positive net price realization. Industry demand was overall flat, with strong industry volume in APAC and lower demand in LATAM.

Adjusted EBIT was $186 million in the first quarter of 2018 ($115 million in the first quarter of 2017). Adjusted EBIT margin increased 2.1 p.p. to 7.2% compared to the first quarter of 2017. The increase was due to favorable volume, better mix, and higher production levels, with NAFTA row crop production matching retail demand, as a result of an achieved balanced inventory of used equipment. Price realization, net of a negative foreign exchange transaction impact, represented 2.5% of revenues, and was partially offset by raw material cost increases and higher overhead costs. The Company continues to invest in its product development program for precision farming and compliance with Stage V emissions requirements.

Construction Equipment's net sales increased 36% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 (up 32% on a constant currency basis), as a result of a solid rebound in worldwide demand and market share gains across most regions.

Adjusted EBIT achieved breakeven in the first quarter of 2018 from a negative adjusted EBIT of $31 million in the first quarter of 2017. Results were favorably impacted by higher sales volume due to improved end-user demand, as well as the related 30% increase in production. Pricing conditions remain favorable, more than offsetting unfavorable foreign exchange impact and raw material cost increases. The order book is up approximately 20% relative to the prior year period.

Commercial Vehicles' net sales increased 17% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 (up 5% on a constant currency basis), primarily as a result of higher industry volumes in the light commercial vehicle market in Europe. Net sales increased in APAC and were flat in LATAM.

Adjusted EBIT was $49 million for the first quarter of 2018 (up from $17 million in the first quarter of 2017). Adjusted EBIT margin increased 1.2 p.p. to 2.0% compared to the first quarter of 2017. The increase was mainly due to favorable end-user demand in light commercial vehicles, improved pricing and manufacturing efficiencies, partially offset by increased spending in new product development initiatives.

Powertrain's net sales increased 19% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 (up 5% on a constant currency basis), as a result of higher sales volume in engine applications. Sales to external customers accounted for 48% of total net sales (45% in the first quarter of 2017).

Adjusted EBIT was $95 million for the first quarter of 2018, a $21 million increase compared to the first quarter of 2017, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 8.0%, up 0.6 p.p. compared to the first quarter of 2017, as a result of the higher volumes and manufacturing efficiencies.

Financial Services' revenues totaled $502 million in the first quarter of 2018, a decrease of 2% compared to the first quarter of 2017.

In the first quarter of 2018, retail loan originations (including unconsolidated joint ventures) were $2.2 billion, up $0.3 billion compared to the first quarter of 2017. The managed portfolio (including unconsolidated joint ventures) was $26.5 billion as of March 31, 2018 (of which retail was 62% and wholesale 38%), up $1.8 billion compared to March 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of currency translation, the managed portfolio increased $0.5 billion compared to the same period in 2017.

Net income was $103 million in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of $16 million compared to the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to a better performance in EMEA and LATAM, and due to the lower U.S. tax rate.

2018 Outlook(1)

As a result of the stronger than anticipated results in the first quarter of 2018 and positive developments in end-user demand, CNH Industrial is increasing its net sales and adjusted diluted EPS guidance for the full year 2018 to the upper-end of its range as follows:

- Net sales of Industrial Activities of approximately $28 billion;
- Adjusted diluted EPS(2) of $0.65 to $0.67;
- Net industrial debt at the end of 2018 unchanged at between $0.8 billion and $1.0 billion.

Full press release (PDF): https://bit.ly/2Kl13ak

About CNH Industrial

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

Additional Information

Today, at 3:30 p.m. CEST / 2:30 p.m. BST / 9:30 a.m. EDT, management will hold a conference call to present 2018 first quarter results to financial analysts and institutional investors. The call can be followed live online at: http://bit.ly/CNH_Industrial_Q1_2018 and a recording will be available later on the Company's website (www.cnhindustrial.com). A presentation will be made available on the CNH Industrial website prior to the call.

Contacts
Media Inquiries
United Kingdom
Richard Gadeselli
Tel: +44 207 7660 346

Laura Overall
Tel: +44 207 7660 338

Investor Relations
United Kingdom
Federico Donati
Tel: +44 207 7660 386

United States
Noah Weiss
Tel: +1 630 887 3745

###

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

↧

CUHK Business School Research Reveals How You Perceive Your Socioeconomic Status Affects Your Appetite and Food Intake

April 27, 2018, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Five Tech-Driven Consumer Trends Reshaping Commerce

≪ Previous: CNH Industrial reported 2018 first quarter consolidated revenues up 17% to $6.8 billion, net income at $202 million, or $0.14 per share. Net industrial debt at $1.9 billion

HONG KONG, Apr 27, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Obesity has become an increasingly serious problem around the world and regarded as one of the major risks to human health. Many factors such as more wealth and food accessibility may explain its prevalence. Now, there is a possible psychological explanation as well.

A recent research study by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School titled "Mere Experience of Low Subjective Socioeconomic Status Stimulates Appetite and Food Intake" published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) reveals that feelings of occupying lower socioeconomic status can make us consume more food, and fatty food, in particular.

The study was conducted by Ying-yi Hong, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Marketing of Department of Marketing and Principal Investigator of Culture Lab at CUHK Business School, together with her former post-doctorate fellow Bobby Cheon, now an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Singapore.

Subjective Socioeconomic Status Matters
According to the study, there has not been much attention on the impact of subjective socioeconomic status on people's obesity in the study of diet-related health. Unlike objective indicators of socioeconomic status, such as actual income, education, or occupational status, subjective socioeconomic status is largely based on perceived relative possession of material and social resources compared with others.

"Even people with a decent job or wage could feel inferior if they are surrounded by people whom they see as richer and better off," says Prof. Hong.

According to Prof. Hong, there are no studies to date which have tested whether the mere psychological experience of low subjective socioeconomic status would stimulate appetite and caloric intakes. However, she believes that such subjective socioeconomic status may be sufficient to stimulate appetite and consumption of greater calories.

"When people are facing low socioeconomic status, they may feel deprived, which in turn make them take an adaptive response to seize and exploit other resources for survival. One of such resources is food," Prof. Hong explains.

The Studies and Key Findings
For the purpose of the research, four experiments were carried out.
In the first study, 101 participants in Singapore were asked to think of a ladder as representing where people stand in Singapore. Then they were asked to compare themselves to the people at the very bottom/top of the ladder, who are the people having the least/most money, and with the least/most education and least/most respected jobs. Participants who compared themselves with people at the very bottom would experience a high subjective socioeconomic status (SSES), whereas those who compared with people at the very top would experience a low SSES.

Following the comparison, participants were asked to select what they would eat for their next meal from a hypothetical buffet. Calories of the food they selected were estimated. The results showed that the participants in the low SSES condition were more likely to pick high-calorie foods than did those in the high SSES condition.

"The result suggests that low socioeconomic status may increase people's motivation and intention to consume more foods, or food with higher calories," Prof. Hong says.

In the second study, using the same comparison of social status as in the first study, 167 people were tested on their "implicit" evaluation of both high-calorie foods, such as pizzas and burgers, and low-calorie foods, such as vegetables and fruit. The result again showed that participants in the low SSES condition, in comparison with those in the high SSES condition, were more likely to associate high-calorie with pleasant words, such as tasty delicious, wonderful, rather than unpleasant words, such as disgusting, nasty and awful, indicating that they subconsciously preferred high-calorie foods.

"When people are facing low socioeconomic status, they may feel deprived, which in turn make them take an adaptive response to seize and exploit other resources for survival. One of such resources is food," Prof. Hong says.

To examine whether the experience of low socioeconomic stimulates actual food intake from snacks during a fixed time interval, a third study was performed. Similar with the first and second studies, the same experimental manipulation of socioeconomic status was conducted with 83 participants who then viewed a short documentary video while freely eating three snacks (potato chips, M&M candies, and California raisins). The result showed that participants in the low SSES condition consumed 65 percent more calories than those in the high SSES condition.

"Feeling socioeonomically inferior not only changes the perception of food but can trigger your actual food intake," Prof. Hong points out.

In the last study, the research looked at whether low socioeconomic status would stimulate food intake when larger portions were provided in a meal. After comparing their socioeconomic status as before, 148 participants were each given a big bowl of noodles and asked to eat until they were comfortably full. Consistent with the previous experiments, participants who felt they were of a lower status consumed more, specifically, an average of 201 grams (or 20 percent more) as compared with 169 grams of those who felt the opposite.

"Across four experiments, we found that participants who felt they're of low socioeconomic status subsequently exhibited greater automatic preferences for high-calorie foods, and also actually ate more," Prof. Hong comments.

Social status, she said, acts as 'a buffer or insurance' against pressure. Without the protection afforded by higher social status, people may switch to seek the protection offered by other available resources - such as food.

So What Does it Mean to Us?
All studies have demonstrated that the mere mindset or subjective feeling of lower socioeconomic status and standing when compared with others may contribute to obesity and metabolic disease independent of actual economic deprivation. As such, the study sheds light on potential interventions to curb the obesity pandemic.

"Given that simply feeling inferior to other people could be sufficient to alter our diets and healthy lifestyle, we believe certain measures could be taken to tackle the growing obesity and overweight problem in our society."

"Intervention focusing solely on reducing such material and financial barriers may not be sufficient to address the issue of obesity and diabetes in our society. Our result suggests that intervention should be focused on people's subjective experience of low socioeconomic status. For example, helping low status individuals to feel secured and empowered may buffer their sense of relative deprivation. At the societal level, we would need to fix the problem of social inequality, reducing the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. Indeed, other research has shown that greater levels of income inequality were associated with higher rates of obesity, diabetes mortality rates, and daily caloric intake across wealthy nations. These findings together with mine underscore the importance of reducing social inequality as a way to curb the obesity pandemic," Prof. Hong remarks.

Reference:
B. K. Cheon and Y. Hong (2017), "Mere experience of low subjective socioeconomic status stimulates appetite and food intake," Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 114(1), 72-77.
This article was first published in the China Business Knowledge (CBK) website by CUHK Business School: https://bit.ly/2KdwAL4.

About CUHK Business School
CUHK Business School comprises two schools - Accountancy and Hotel and Tourism Management - and four departments - Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. Established in Hong Kong in 1963, it is the first business school to offer BBA, MBA and Executive MBA programs in the region. Today, the School offers 8 undergraduate programs and 13 graduate programs including MBA, EMBA, Master, MSc, MPhil and Ph.D.

In the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2018, CUHK MBA is ranked 43rd. In FT's 2017 EMBA ranking, CUHK EMBA is ranked 32nd in the world. CUHK Business School has the largest number of business alumni (34,000+) worldwide - many of whom are key business leaders. The School currently has about 4,400 undergraduate and postgraduate students and Professor Kalok Chan is the Dean of CUHK Business School.

More information is available at: http://www.bschool.cuhk.edu.hk or by connecting with CUHK Business School on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cuhkbschool and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/3923680/.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Edmond Siu
Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager
Tel: +852 3943 1842
Email: edmondsiu@cuhk.edu.hk

Summie Wan
Marketing and Communications Executive
Tel: +852 3943 4492
Email: summiewan@cuhk.edu.hk

↧

Five Tech-Driven Consumer Trends Reshaping Commerce

April 28, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Kingsley EduGroup Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the GEM of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong

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Michelle Evans, Global Head of Digital Consumer Research, Euromonitor International

Hong Kong Gifts Fair Seminar Offers Insight on Ways to Stay Relevant

HONG KONG, Apr 29, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Rapid advances in mobile technology and Internet accessibility are revolutionising shoppers' behaviour at a breathtaking pace, with digital-savvy consumers driving fundamental change in businesses and the market.

Five key relevant trends and the need for commerce to keep up with them to stay relevant were underlined at a 27 April seminar themed "Top 5 Global Digital Consumer Trends in 2018", held during the 33rd HKTDC Hong Gifts & Premium Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The seminar was presented by Michelle Evans, Global Head of Digital Consumer Research, Euromonitor International, the world leader in global strategic research for consumer markets.

As the overseer of Euromonitor's research on today's digital consumers, she noted there are now 3.6 billion global Internet users, or half of the world's population, with 53% saying they would be lost without the Internet - a clear indication of "the Internet getting more and more entwined in our daily lives."

Ms Evans defined three "Internet megatrends" that directly affect commerce: 'Connected Consumers', namely tech-savvy shoppers; 'Shopping Reinvented', the trend towards seamless shopping by smartphone; and 'Experience More', reflected by today's consumers spending more on experiences than 'things'.

Technology serves as an enabler of all these megatrends, she said, with 28% of Connected Consumers using a phone to compare prices in shops on a weekly basis. Ms Evan went on to identify five key trends on how technological advances are reshaping the way consumers shop and spend.

Trend 1: Digital life converges in super apps --

The first of these trends is the so called 'super apps' - multi-functional, all-in-one apps such as China's WeChat, combining almost every aspect of a consumer's world from utilities, lifestyle and finances to shopping and communication into a single mobile platform.

"WeChat is this revolution's posterchild, giving the world a preview of where the Internet is going," said Ms Evans. In the meantime, Western tech titans including Alphabet, Apple and Facebook are "tiptoeing into the area", with Facebook the closest, she said.

China's leadership is understandable, she noted, given the world's most populous nation dominates mobile Internet subscriptions with more than 1.1 billion, approximately three times the number in the United States. With China's "mobile first mentality", WeChat is also the top social platform globally, with more than a billion users.

"Old habits die hard in the US, with an established way of doing things," she said, "while Asia-Pacific consumers have embraced all-in-one super apps, because they offer a cohesive experience." The implications for businesses is that a "new breed of competitors is emerging", responsive to evolving consumer expectations.

Trend 2: Data as the new currency --

There is a clear reason why tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook, along with Chinese counterparts such as Alibaba and Tencent, are valued highest in the world, said Ms Evans - because they possess the most data.

This means they can craft individually tailored experiences for consumers, in high demand because today's consumers all "want to be seen as distinct from one another, and desire unique experiences and individually-tailored stories", said Ms Evans, adding this is the second digital-age consumer trend.

Artificial Intelligence can greatly empower this personal touch, illustrated by Netflix recommending films or TV series based on what a viewer has recently watched; or Amazon recommending similar books, she explained.

On the flip side, she said "data privacy issues continue to plague data uptake", with Facebook hitting the headlines and 50 per cent of consumers considering target ads an invasion of privacy. Empowerment is now shifting to consumers, she noted, as the European Union's "sweeping new privacy laws" threaten fines of four per cent of global revenue, or EUR 20 million, for infringement. "Even companies exporting to Europe can be at risk," she cautioned.

Trend 3: Keeping the tab open --

The new digital era is also boosting the business model of subscription purchasing, said Ms Evans. While baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Z have been wary of subscriptions, 50 per cent of Millennials are now embracing it - most notably for entertainment, such as movie streaming and gaming. This is another new trend, noted Ms Evans.

The boom in subscriptions like Netflix is now spreading to food and beauty. "Subscription is reinventing consumption," she said. The day is coming when Artificial Intelligence in the forthcoming Internet of Things era will predict when we are running out of detergent, for example, based on past purchasing pattern, and know when we need to replenish.

But again, there is a flip side. "Machine-led commerce will re-define what brand loyalty means," she cautioned. "By signing-up to automated orders, such as detergent, subscription locks-out other players, now left on the outside looking in. So it's a bit frightening."

Trend 4: Mobile wallets going global --

Another consumer trend is the use of the mobile wallet, said Ms Evans. Consumers are in motion, traveling more than ever before, with China a major driver of growth as the world's fastest-growing travel market - predicted to take 225 million international trips by 2030. Since they expect the same payment convenience wherever they go, the playbook of card networks opens for "global expansion, strengthening the upward trend of digital payments", said Ms Evans.

Most prominently, Alipay, the mobile-based payment tool of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, is "moving west as Chinese spending power grows", forging global partnerships to make spending easier on the go. Already supporting payments in 27 currencies across 30 countries, Alipay has even extended as far as Los Angeles taxis.

As such, Euromonitor expects US$3 trillion in payments expected to be made via mobile device by 2022, with China reaching US$2.1 trillion and the US accounting for US$1.6 million, together contributing to 75 per cent of the market. "Mobile payments are a big space to watch," she said.

Trend 5: Outlets will get their tech injection --

Despite the growth in e-commerce, physical outlets - such as shops, stores, restaurants and entertainment venues - will always "remain a critical part of the consumer journey", said Ms Evans. "But digital is changing a number of competitive realities," she said, as the trend moves towards outlets utilising various technologies to "reimagine the experience".

Ms Evans predicted more and more near-field communication (NFC) tags, 3D imaging and virtual and augmented realities in retail outlets, noting that Britain's Thomas Cook travel agency now enables customers a sneak preview of where they can book holidays with VR headsets.

Tottenham Hotspur football club is this year opening a new state-of-the-art stadium promising the "ultimate game day experience", complete with mobile entry and sales. Self-service pubs are pouring craft beer on tap via mobile, with waiting staff no longer present to serve, but mostly to provide IT tech support.

"Technology is re-inventing the way commerce is unfolding," Ms Evans added. "Outlets are getting a tech injection, leveraging a plethora of technology re-imagining new spaces. It's important that business and commerce keeps up with these trends to stay relevant in the future."

Gifts & Premium Fair
27-29 April (Fri-Sun), 9:30am-6:30pm
30 April (Mon), 9:30am-5pm
Website: http://hkgiftspremiumfair.hktdc.com/

Printing & Packaging Fair
27 April (Fri), 10:30am-5:30pm
28-29 April (Sat-Sun), 9:30am-5:30pm
30 April (Mon), 9:30am-3:30pm
Website: www.hkprintpackfair.com

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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 more than 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 business insights and 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.
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Contact:
Katherine Chan, Tel: +852-2584-4537, Email: katherine.cm.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852-2584-4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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