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Cadillac, Baojun Post Record February Sales for GM China
General Motors and its joint ventures in China delivered a total of 246,730 vehicles in February, up 0.4% year-over-year from February 2016. The automaker was led by the Cadillac and Baojun brands, both of which posted record February deliveries.
“The expanding SUV portfolio has helped us maintain our growth momentum,” said GM Executive Vice President and GM China President Matt Tsien. “The upcoming launch of the Chevrolet Equinox will further enhance our competitiveness in the fast-growing midsize SUV segment.”
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Cadillac sales totaled 9,034 units in February, up 89.6% year-over-year and giving the luxury brand its 12th consecutive month of double-digit growth. Cadillac saw 150% growth in terms of SUV sales thanks to the continued success of the XT5; XTS sales grew 27%; and, ATS-L sales grew 91% for the model’s eighth straight month of double-digit growth.
Baojun sales were up 38% for the month, achieving record deliveries thanks to the Baojun 510, Baojun 310, and Baojun 730. Sales of the Baojun 510 topped 6,000 units despite only being on the market for eight days in February, Baojun 310 sales were greater than 10,000 units for a fifth straight month, and Baojun 730 sales were strong enough to keep it atop its segment yet again.
The Chevy Malibu saw its sales more than triple from the year prior, while the Wuling brand saw sales increase 2.3% year-over-year.


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Sony has unveiled a new look PSN store, but to many this "New look" is to much like the Xbox home page.
The new layout was the reason for the recent PSN maintenance which left users locked out of the store and in some cases online gaming altogether.
A new search engine has been added to the store making it easier to find and purchase games, DLC or some of the other features offered on the PlayStation Store.
HD screen shots have been added also so customers can see the awesomeness of the games they are considering purchasing.
Personally i quite like the new look, but i am a sucker for new shiny layouts. Hopefully the next move is to revamp the home screen on the PS3.

domain: news


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The startup had millions of users, but, from the beginning, just one customer.
The predominant way of interpreting Facebook’s billion-dollar purchase of Instagram, in light of the social-networking giant's forthcoming IPO, is that Mark Zuckerberg had to pick up the photo-sharing app to boost his company’s mobile engagement. That would allow him to guard the mobile flank against incursions from Google, Twitter, and whatever other social-media tools might next arise.
That may be true – and it may even be the way Zuck thought about the deal when he swallowed hard and ponied up the purchase price. But that way of analyzing Facebook’s pickup, and the pickup of dozens of other startups, not just by Facebook but by Google, Twitter, LinkedIn and others, is probably not telling the whole story. Here’s a different theory, one that better describes the tech world that we, the users of the Internet, now inhabit: Instagram may have had millions of us as its users, but it was really built for just one customer: Facebook.
Silicon Valley, for too long, has confused the issue of what it means to be a user of a website, service or app, and what it means to be a customer of the app. Intuitively, you’d think they would be one and the same: The person using the app is the person consuming the app. But increasingly, apps are being made to grab the attention of the hegemonic companies in tech. Whatever it takes to get bought.
Sure, startup CEOs are careful to refer to their user bases as just that – users – but even when money changes hands, those users are cattle to be herded toward a cell on a venture capitalist’s spreadsheet, to help the VC decide whether to fund another pivot, engineering acquisition, rack of servers, whatever. Users are just another dart, basically, that startups have to hurl at the bull's-eye and ensure success.
A colleague of mine tells a story: You can tell when a tractor was made to be purchased by a farmer, and you can tell when a tractor was made to be purchased by a corporation to be used by its employees. Tractors whose users are also the customers come equipped with every convenience, from a satellite radio to Wi-Fi to all the cupholders a farmer could dream of. They drive well, and their controls are intuitive, because that’s what the average tractor driver wants, and what the tractor competition provides. Tractors bought by companies, for earthmoving, rock breaking and the like, come equipped with nothing but a hard seat and a prayer. Employees – mere users – don’t get any say on the amenities, or lack thereof.


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The company has released a new software product that, when used in conjunction with Symantec antivirus software, will catch viruses before they arrive at corporate email systems. The software, called the Brightmail Anti-Virus Solution, is intended to head off at the pass inundations of email-borne viruses such as the "Love Bug," or the "I Love You" virus. These programs generate thousands of redundant emails that can paralyze email servers.
The new program essentially screens out these viruses when they attempt to enter the corporate network, said chief executive Gary Hermansen. The software resides on a special server that sits between the Internet and the company's mail server, he said.
The company's virus efforts build upon its core products. Brightmail makes special-purpose software that filters out unwanted commercial email, also called "spam," before it arrives at email servers. Though spam filters are only partly effective, some filter users have lauded antispam efforts.
The two companies aren't strangers. Symantec invested $18 million in Brightmail as part of a $35 million funding round, giving the antivirus firm an 11 percent stake in Brightmail last month. In addition, Symantec executive vice president Dana Siebert joined Brightmail's board.
A number of companies, including Trend Micro and Computer Associates, have long advocated catching viruses at the server. However, security experts have maintained that this strategy can still leave companies vulnerable until antivirus software can be updated to recognize new strains--a matter of hours in the best cases.
Though Hermansen acknowledges that the Brightmail system can be evaded by rapid mutations, he said it improves existing defenses in that it's comparatively easy to update. In addition, the antispam software can help curb the infection rate because large quantities of similar email messages, such as those produced when a virus spreads widely, often are tagged as spam.
The partnership with Brightmail addresses a weakness that has afflicted Symantec antivirus software--which sits on desktops--in catching some viruses such as Kakworm, whose code is included as part of the email text instead of as an attachment. Brightmail's software, at least theoretically, allows such viruses to be screened out before they ever hit the client computers they're intended to infect.
Most analysts agree that desktop computer-based antivirus software, while important, is woefully inadequate given the difficulty of keeping antivirus definitions up to date.
Brightmail doesn't sell software in shrink-wrapped cardboard boxes. Instead, the company charges an annual fee based on the number of mailboxes its software is protecting, Hermansen said. For example, the company charges between $1 and $2 per mailbox per year for its antispam products, he said, adding that it will charge identical rates for the antivirus software.
Brightmail antispam software is used at AT&T Worldnet, Critical Path, Hotmail, Excite@Home and Motorola, Hermansen said. Critical Path is another investor in Brightmail.
The software can be installed alongside Brightmail's antispam software or can be put on a new separate server, he said. It runs on computers running Sun Microsystems' Solaris operating system and works in concert with Sendmail, iPlanet, InterMail and Isocor email software.
The company plans a Windows 2000 version later this year, said Hermansen, adding that the company also is thinking about a Linux version.
Brightmail, based in San Francisco, has about 85 employees. Of those, 25 are developers and 25 are support staff who help install software and run Brightmail's own detection software that seeks out new spam, Hermansen said.


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Bitcoin: Unravelling the Enigma of the Most Popular Cryptocurrency
Posted On August 3, 2023
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital currencies, one name stands out as the trailblazer and most popular of them all – Bitcoin. Created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin introduced the world to the concept of decentralized digital currency, and its meteoric rise has captivated the global financial community. So, why is Bitcoin the most popular cryptocurrency? Let’s delve into the factors that have propelled Bitcoin to the forefront of the digital currency revolution.
1. Pioneer of Blockchain Technology
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to leverage blockchain technology, a decentralized and transparent ledger system. This revolutionary concept eliminated the need for a central authority to validate and record transactions, ensuring enhanced security and trust. The success of Bitcoin’s blockchain laid the groundwork for the proliferation of other cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications.
2. Decentralization and Independence
One of the key features that set Bitcoin apart is its decentralized nature. Unlike traditional fiat currencies controlled by central banks and governments, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, allowing for direct transactions between users without intermediaries. This decentralization fosters a sense of financial independence, which resonates with those seeking an alternative to the traditional banking system.
3. Limited Supply and Scarcity
Bitcoin’s scarcity is a fundamental aspect that contributes to its popularity. The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins, making it a deflationary asset. This limited supply, combined with growing demand, has been a significant driver of its value appreciation over the years, attracting investors and speculators alike.
4. Security and Immutability
Bitcoin’s underlying blockchain technology provides robust security and immutability. Transactions on the blockchain are irreversible once confirmed, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the transaction history. This level of security and transparency instils confidence in users and reinforces its credibility as a legitimate form of currency.
5. Global Accessibility and Inclusivity
Bitcoin operates on a borderless network, enabling anyone with internet access to participate in the digital economy. This accessibility empowers the unbanked and underbanked populations to engage in financial transactions, opening up new opportunities for economic inclusion and empowerment.
6. Media Attention and Public Awareness
Bitcoin’s popularity has been fuelled by extensive media coverage and public awareness. As the first cryptocurrency to gain significant attention, it became a household name, attracting curiosity and interest from people worldwide. Its status as a pioneer in the cryptocurrency space has further solidified its popularity.
7. Store of Value and Investment Asset
Over time, Bitcoin has evolved beyond a mere digital currency and transformed into a store of value and investment asset. Many view it as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, leading to increased interest from institutional investors and corporations.
The Resilience of a Cryptocurrency Icon
Bitcoin’s popularity as the most widely recognized cryptocurrency is a result of its pioneering technology, decentralized nature, limited supply, and global accessibility. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing financial landscape, Bitcoin has demonstrated its resilience and staying power. While the cryptocurrency market is ever-expanding with new contenders, Bitcoin’s first-mover advantage, combined with its strong community support, ensures that it remains at the forefront of the digital currency revolution. Whether as a means of transaction, store of value, or investment asset, Bitcoin continues to shape the future of finance and inspire the ongoing transformation of our global monetary system.


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The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) has rejected the premise of recycling both materials in tandem over concerns of separation costs, increased contamination and yield loss. The group also warned about the impact any such move would have on recycled PET quality and processing.
The trade group advocated “extreme caution” going forward, adding: “Today’s domestic PET recycling system can’t successfully absorb PLA containers, nor does this scenario offer a sustainable model for PLA.”
It further called on brand owners and the authorities to “to fully consider the impacts and the realities of the current situation when they make the packaging decisions that address their product requirements and sustainability goals.”
Tom Busard, NAPCOR Chairman, said: “We don’t doubt that PLA can be recycled but there are unquestionably some big issues yet to overcome. The current reality is that these issues transfer significant system costs and logistics burdens to the PET recyclers, impacting the viability and continued sustainability of their businesses.
“This solution not only jeopardizes the PET system, but is not an effective solution for PLA.”
A further issue, he continued, is that traces of PLA could be mixed with other out-sorts from the PET stream – including PVC and other resins – making marketing of the product even more “complicated”.
Because it is not easy to differentiate between PET and PLA containers by sight, companies may have to invest in new sorting machinery, said the body. One such system - near infrared (NIR) equipment - is believed to cost in the region of $200,000. Quality issues such as PLA getting stuck in the dryers during the PET reclamation process would also need to be addressed, it added.
Putting PET in jeopardy
Present volumes of PLA that can be extracted after the recycling process are too low to make up the critical mass required for a viable reclamation business model, said NAPCOR executive director Dennis Sabourin.
“The reality is that the PLA container becomes a contributor to PET bale yield loss which is already a big concern for PET reclaimers, as is the additional fraction of marketable PET which will invariably get sorted out along with the PLA,” he added. “So not only is there an increased cost for sorting and a higher yield loss, but without any practical way to aggregate the sorted material, or markets for it, it’s destined for landfill.”
The body said that many curbside recycling schemes relied on the market values of their materials and diluting their value goes against the need to bolster these programmes – especially in the current tough economic climate.
Sabourin commented: “NAPCOR has no wish to impede the recycling of additional resins including PLA, but we can’t sanction putting successful programs in jeopardy through the premature inclusion of other resins into the PET system.”


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US department store Neiman Marcus up for sale
US department store Neiman Marcus has revealed today that it is exploring strategic options which may include a sale of the business. Hudson's Bay Company, the Canadian group which owns Saks Fifth Avenue, is being tipped as a likely purchaser.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Neiman Marcus, which abandoned a planned January IPO, is already talking to the Canadian group but any deal struck would be unlikely to include its $5bn debt. Hudson's Bay Co was said to be interested in mainstream department store group Macy's but has redirected its attentions to Neiman Marcus having learned of its potential availability.
Neiman Marcus' situation is a reflection of the general slow-down in footfall at US malls, which has hit retailers in those locations hard. The business, which also owns the upscale Bergdorf Goodman stores and luxury multi brand etailer My-theresa.com, has been trying hard to attract a younger customer and build its e-commerce business. Last year it teamed up with e-commerce start-up Rent the Runway in a bid to reach more Millennials (18-35 year olds).
The news came as the Dallas-based store group revealed its numbers for its second fiscal quarter ending 28 January. The numbers revealed that sales at stores open for at least a year fell 6.8% while it recorded a net loss of $117.1m in the period, a figure that was hampered by a write-down in value of its brand and other assets by $153.8m during the quarter.
Neiman Marcus was founded in 1907 and has stores in 42 US locations, it was bought in 2013 by Ares Management and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.


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04-Dec-2013 - Brazilian beef exports for the year-to-date hit a record $6bn in November, surpassing whole year targets with a month to go.
18-Nov-2013 - Brazilian pork exports reached 52,000 tonnes (t) in October, according to the latest data from the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Pork (ABIPECS).
15-Nov-2013 - China has confirmed that it will send inspectors to Brazil in December to discuss the re-opening of the Chinese market to Brazilian beef exports.
09-Oct-2013 - Brazil is set to smash the $6bn mark on beef exports before the end of the year, setting a record high for the South American meat giant.
08-Oct-2013 - Russia has banned imports from 10 meat processing plants in Brazil over fears that they have been supplying the Customs Union with meat containing the forbidden growth promoter ractopamine.
04-Oct-2013 - Brazil is set to become the world’s largest producer of pork, according to the country’s Agriculture Minister.
30-Sep-2013 - The European Commission has granted Brazilian company JBS regulatory approval to expand its company, with several new international acquisitions.
19-Sep-2013 - Brazilian poultry export volumes have fallen slightly so far this year, although August saw an uplift in volume and value.
17-Sep-2013 - Brazilian beef exports have soared as a result of strong demand from Russia and a weakening of the Brazilian real.
23-Aug-2013 - Brazil has lost out on billions of dollars-worth of poultry exports as the result of loss of competitiveness, according to a new report released by the Brazilian Poultry Union (UBABEF).
16-Aug-2013 - Brazil’s beef exports have soared in the first seven months of the year, boosted by strong demand from Hong Kong.
14-Aug-2013 - Brazil pork exports have continued to recover, soaring in terms of value and volume last month, according to the Brazilian Pork Industry and Exporter Association (ABIPECS).
08-Aug-2013 - Brazilian exports of chicken grew in terms of volume and value last month, according to the latest data from the Brazilian Poultry Union (UBABEF).
26-Jul-2013 - Mexico has opened its market to chicken and eggs from Brazil, according to the Brazilian authorities.
17-Jul-2013 - The value of Brazilian poultry meat exports saw an uplift in the first six months of 2013, although volumes were down, according to the latest statistics.
15-Jul-2013 - Brazilian beef export revenues reached a record $3bn in the first half of 2013, although pork exports were hit by the import ban imposed by Ukraine.
04-Jul-2013 - Brazilian meat giant Marfrig has announced plans to split its South American beef business into two operational divisions.
25-Jun-2013 - Ukraine has lifted a temporary ban on pork imports from Brazil, according to Brazilian authorities.
14-Jun-2013 - Brazilian pork exports have continued to plummet in the face of an import ban imposed by Ukraine.
12-Jun-2013 - South African poultry producers have warned that the government must cut down on cheap chicken imports or risk devastating the local industry.
07-Jun-2013 - A Portuguese member of the European Parliament (MEP) Nuno Teixeira has raised concerns about the safety of Brazilian beef after learning that two shipments of Brazilian beef have been blocked in the port of Rotterdam after testing positive for the presence of E.coli bacteria.
31-May-2013 - Ukranian pork production increased significantly in the first four months of 2013, with experts predicting that the country could become self sufficient in pork by the end of the year.
29-May-2013 - Japan has given the green light to exports of Brazilian pork after seven years of negotiation.
17-May-2013 - Brazil’s pork exports plummeted last month, with an increase in trade in some markets offset by the Ukrainian ban on Brazilian pork, according to the Brazilian Pork Industry and Exporter Association (ABIPECS).
03-May-2013 - An appeals court in the Netherlands has maintained the fraud conviction of a man who sold horsemeat as beef in 2012.
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From 0 to 200,000 with 4G
The launch of KPN’s 4G network in the Netherlands
Caption: The 4G network being launched in Amsterdam by (from left to right) Eberhard van der Laan, Mayor of Amsterdam, Joost Farwerck, member of the KPN Executive Board, Eelco Blok, CEO of KPN and Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs.
KPN – the largest telecom provider in the Netherlands - purchased the frequencies for its 4G network in December 2012 and started operating the network commercially just six weeks later. The network for customers in Amsterdam was launched on 4 February 2013. Customers throughout the rest of the Netherlands were then connected to the network in a single continuous wave. As well as lightning-fast logistics, the rollout and operation of the superfast network called for excellent marketing and communications specifically designed to promote the new proposition in the market. This was the task undertaken by Hill+Knowlton Strategies, together with the KPN Business Market, Consumer Market and Corporate Communications Departments.
Hill+Knowlton Strategies was responsible for the communications strategy for all stakeholders, both during the launch of KPN’s 4G network and during the rolling out of the new network. Hill+Knowlton also developed the corporate story and the key messages presented as part of the launch strategy. The aim was to ensure that all stakeholders were aware of the following USPs of KPN’s 4G network:
- KPN is the first telecom provider to offer 4G services in the Netherlands.
- KPN is providing a fast roll-out as a single continuous wave.
- The internet speed of 4G networks is up to 10 times faster.
- 4G offers customers better mobile coverage and a better mobile experience.
By involving relevant stakeholders at each stage of the rollout process, Hill+Knowlton Strategies ensured that the status of the rollout of the 4G network was transparent to everyone from the start. Media representatives, politicians, experts, burgomasters, aldermen and celebrities were all called in to help present communications about KPN’s 4G network. Care was taken to create distinctive and innovative storylines with high news value.
The specific elaboration of the strategy was based on five cornerstones:
- Announcement and launch in Amsterdam.
- A review programme for media representatives and influencers.
- Regional launch events for the press and stakeholders.
- Additional press updates at key moments during the intervening period.
- And – last but not least – the launch of KPN’s new 4G subscription packages.
The 4G network was launched in Amsterdam in the presence of Eberhard van der Laan, Mayor of Amsterdam, Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Eelco Blok, CEO of KPN. During the review programme dozens of media representatives and stakeholders were offered the opportunity to experience KPN’s 4G network and could then report back on their experience and ask questions during press updates in the intervening period. At the regional launches Hill+Knowlton Strategies always made sure that there was a clear link with the local community, whether that was the high-tech economy in and around Eindhoven
or local celebrities in Utrecht
. Press updates were scheduled in the intervening period to announce things worth reporting, such as in the middle of June, when KPN announced that it was speeding up the roll-out of the 4G network
. The launch of KPN’s new mobile subscription packages included both offline and online advertisements. These were preceded by a series of individual media interviews, which demonstrated both the relevance of 4G technologies and KPN’s firm belief in the developments that the new 4G network offers for consumer and business use.
Caption: Author Ronald Giphart and 3FM DJ Coen Swijnenberg look back on a summer in Utrecht captured on video with KPN 4G. They filmed their experiences in Utrecht in the summer of 2013 with a 4G-enabled device.
Since launching its 4G network KPN has explicitly positioned itself among all of its stakeholders as the first (and initially the only) telecom provider to offer 4G services. The USPs of KPN’s 4G network were clearly conveyed to, and well received by, the business and consumer markets. Belief in the credibility of 4G as a new technology – and the validity of the investment that KPN had to make to introduce 4G technology – has increased in both public and political opinion. The investment in the PR and communications programme paid off ten-fold in terms of media value. By the end of the third quarter of this year KPN had managed to sell 200,000 4G subscription packages. And sales continue to exceed expectations. Research has shown that the number of potential customers has increased by dozens of percentage points in a matter of months (Peil.nl, November 2013).


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Celebs on Vegan Diet: How veganism is set to be the biggest eating trend of 2018 and how popular culture figures and celebrities have already endorsed the healthy eating alternative.
In a recent interview discussing his role in the new ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ British actor of Sherlock and Dr Strange fame, Benedict Cumberbatch spoke about his vegan ways.
When Time Out London asked Cumberbatch if he’d had to eat anything ‘gross’ such as ‘egg whites’ to get in shape for the role he swiftly replied, “No, no—well, I eat a plant-based diet”.
For fans of his, this would come as no surprise as Cumberbatch has never been one to shy away from advocating his chosen way of eating. Also, back in 2016, the actor was even on the cover of British GQ magazine wearing a suit made of Future Wool by Brave Gentleman.
The question though, is what do vegans eat? Why do some celebrities refer to their diet as plant-based? And who is on it? Firstly, according to the NHS; a vegan diet contains only plants such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits and food made from plants. That means no animal product of any kind including eggs, milk and even honey. A whole-food plant-based diet takes everything one step further, by minimising the eating of refined and processed foods, even if they are vegan.
Therefore, anything made using white flour, refined sugar and oil is usually kept to a minimum. Many people who eat a vegan diet for reasons other than ethics – maybe for reasons which are related to their health – often label their diet plant-based.
Studies have shown that veganism was set to be the biggest eating trend of 2018, with more vegan restaurants and specialised food stores popping up in major cities, and so far the lifestyle seems to be still growing.
Throughout 2017 plant-based milk sales grew by 3.1%, US consumers bought 8.1% more plant-based food and McDonalds even released their own McVegan burger. The growing number of celebrities and social media influencers who are on the frontline of the lifestyle are certainly making waves in helping to increase demand.
The sudden surge of popularity veganism has enjoyed over the past few years has meant more and more eating options are becoming available to its followers.
For example; supermarkets now have entire sections dedicated to free-from ranges, whilst some restaurants even specialise in vegan only menus. All it takes is a browse of Deliveroo to find vegan or vegetarian takeaway options from a selection of high-end restaurants in no time. This is especially convenient for those just starting out to eat vegan food, who might have gotten used to animal-based products and aren’t sure what to substitute with what.
So, who’s flying the flag for veganism in Hollywood? Well, the list is almost too long for one article but here are a few. Oscar winning movie star Leonardo DiCaprio is a key figure, who was actually the producer of the eye-opening documentary Cowspiracy. Many of today’s vegans and plant-based people say Cowspiracy was one of the reasons they decided to abstain fromÂ using animal products.
Jared Leto, who is also an Oscar winning actor when not carrying out frontman duties for, ’30 Seconds To Mars’, is also a vegan along with his bandmates. Former child star, The Voice judge and pop singer Miley Cyrus made the switch to living plant-based back in 2014 and was shortly followed by her partner and Hunger Games actor Liam Hemsworth.
More recently, the modern-day queen of pop Beyonce adopted a specially designed 44-day plant-based diet to help get in shape for her headline performance at the Coachella music festival in LA. In a post that received well over 3 million likes, the ‘Run the World (Girls)’ singer told her army of followers; “4 days until Coachella!! Vegan Time!! Click the link in my bio to join me!”
Other notable celebrity personalities include; singer Ariana Grande; songstress, actress and dancer Jennifer Lopez; musician Moby and actor Woody Harrelson.
It certainly seems like every day more celebrities are turning vegan or plant-based. So, if you’re thinking of trying the diet for yourself, you’ll not be stuck for food inspiration or people to follow. Just keep an eye out for #vegan and #plantbased on your social media feeds.


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Nashville, Tenn., April 20, 2021 – Global leading tire company Hankook Tire has won ‘Winners‘ in the Professional Concept and Communication categories at the renowned iF Design Award 2021 for its Design Innovation Project 2020.
The Design Innovation is Hankook’s R&D project held every two years, in collaboration with one of the world’s leading design universities. Through joint research, the project puts forward a vision for future driving and solutions that tackle today’s challenges. For the Design Innovation 2020, Hankook collaborated with professors and students from the Department of Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati.
Under the theme ‘Urban Reshaping’, the project visualized transformation of cities geared by mobility reconfigured as part of living spaces rather than stand-alone vehicle in the future where augmented automation infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies such as eco-friendly technology, autonomous driving and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are to be adopted.
Read the source article at Hankook USA
Hankook has entered the trailer tire market with the introduction of the Vantra Trailer range, consisting of a standard trailer tire and the high-load TH31 variant.
The Vantra Trailer will be released in nine sizes, while the Vantra Trailer for high loads (TH31) will be released in three. The tires are intended for use on vehicles such as campers, fifth wheel trailers, travel trailers, flatbed/hauling trailers, boat trailers and horse trailers.
Read the source article at Tire Technology International
Leading global tire maker Hankook Tire announced that it will continue its multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) as the league’s Official Tire in the U.S. and South Korea. Hankook first entered into partnership with MLB in 2018 with the goal of showcasing Hankook Tire across Major League Baseball’s wide array of highly engaged media assets, which include MLB Network, MLB.com, the MLB app & MLB social media channels. The multi-dimensional partnership also provides Hankook with marketing rights during the most-viewed events of the baseball calendar – MLB All-Star Week and the MLB Postseason, through the culmination of the World Series.
Read the source article at Aftermarket News
Michelin has become the world’s most valuable tire brand following 30% brand value growth that generated $7.9 billion over the last year, according to the latest Brand Finance report.
It overtook Bridgestone (down 6% to $7.0 billion), which slipped from first to second place in the annual Brand Finance Tyres 10 ranking.
Read the source article at Tire Review
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As COVID-19 cases decline in many areas and the national vaccination effort gains momentum, twice as many Americans are driving regularly compared to the beginning of the pandemic, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index. While 66% of Americans are now driving at least a few times per week, compared with just 31% in April 2020, the Gauge Index found that most of us have not been looking after our vehicles. With more mild temperatures on the horizon, proper vehicle maintenance ensures a smooth ride as more drivers get back on the road.
According to the Gauge, 70% of drivers across the U.S. had not checked their tire pressure in the 30 days prior, despite the industry recommendation to do so at least once a month. In addition, 73% had not topped off their vehicle fluids, and two-in-three had not cleaned their vehicle, inside or out.
Read the source article at PR Newswire
Hankook Tire and Revvo Technologies are testing smart tire sensor technologies with Junk King.
The pilot will include 30% of the trucks in Junk King’s California fleet, integrating Hankook’s SmartFlex tires with Revvo’s sensors and analytics.
“Ensuring our trucks stay in pristine shape is critical for our operations. It is the key to providing the top-notch customer service we promise to each and every one of our customers,” said Michael Andreacchi, CEO and co-founder of Junk King. “We’re excited to be at the forefront of this intelligent tire pilot program; having access to the tire data for our trucks is going to help us continue to standout in the junk removal industry.”
Read the source article at Truck News
Global leading tire company Hankook Tire is further driving its digital transformation by partnering with the leading analytics platform, Tableau Software. Through this partnership, Hankook will be equipped with advanced data analytics and agile user interface platform for next generation business intelligence.
Read the source article at apnews.com
Hankook is pursuing a digitalization of its office through Tableau’s data-driven analytics platform. Based on Tableau’s software platform, Hankook says it created a standard database processing algorithm that enabled the accumulation of globally-scattered data. As a result, the company says, analyzing and reporting tasks has been minimized.
Read the source article at Tire Review
Hankook Tire announced will equip Fiat with its original equipment tire, Kinergy Eco², expanding its ever-growing global original equipment.
The Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda are the first FCA city cars fitted with the new gasoline Mild Hybrid technology and they are the first step towards the electrification of the Fiat brand. The two models, icons of style, design and “Made in Italy” around the world, now improves fuel efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions on average by 20% and up to 30%.
Read the source article at Traction News
Tyre maker Hankook reveals a futuristic mobility concept with its “Design Innovation 2020” project, presenting a two-wheeled mobility device called “HPS-Cell”. The HPS-Cell serves as an autonomous driving platform, which can be connected to various passenger cabins or cargo spaces, called pods. To bring the scenario to life, concept films and prototypes have been produced and are available to view on the official Hankook Tire YouTube page.
Premium tyre maker Hankook revealed the “Design Innovation 2020” project on its official YouTube Channel that envisions a futuristic tyre platform as a future driving and mobility innovation. Launched in 2012, the “Design Innovation” program is the tyre maker’s R&D project which is organised in collaboration with one of world’s leading design universities every two years. The joint research project puts forward futuristic concepts for driving and mobility solutions that tackle today’s challenges.
Read the source article at Automotive World


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Following rumblings, Apple has once again been rumored to be finalizing plans to make its debut with a dedicated gaming console.
According to a rumor posted on Korean forum Clien.net last week, Apple has been internally conducting feasibility studies to enter the global gaming console market that involves converting its existing Apple TV micro-console into a full-fledged gaming console.
Apple is also said to be discussing its gaming console venture with external consultancy firms, including leading game publishers such as Ubisoft and Capcom for both advice and exclusive content.
In January, WindowsCentral editor Jez Corden claimed that Apple has been poaching Xbox engineers to help put together an Apple gaming console. It however remains to be verified if the iPhone manufacturer has been able to see its plans come to fruition or not.
Apple is said to be exploring too many ideas at once with the possibility of virtual reality support and a metaverse implementation in the wind. Whether a gaming console or not, Apple is presumed to be definitely working on something related to the game industry. Suffice to say, whatever the technology conglomerate is cooking up, it will not be meant to match shoulders with the likes of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft, and Nintendo.
If the rumors come out to be true, Ubisoft, as one publisher, can be expected to affirm its full commitment to the new Apple gaming platform. The belief is based on Ubisoft being one of few publishers to believe in Google Stadia from the start.
A number of its franchises including Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry were made available in addition to new releases on the Google streaming platform. Unfortunately, Google Stadia perished. Its streaming technology is reportedly being sold to interested parties after seeing its internal game development division shuttered after just a year of launch.


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You are here
WASHINGTON -- Easter spending is expected to increase this year, with the average shopper planning to invest the most on food for the Easter meal ($37.56) and a new spring outfit ($26.03), according to the National Retail Federation's 2007 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.
Shoppers who are planning to celebrate Easter (79.5 percent) are expected to spend an average of $135.07, up 11 percent from last year's $121.72 per person. Total holiday spending is estimated to reach $14.37 billion.
In addition to food and clothing, popular Easter purchases include candy ($18.53), gifts ($20.61), flowers ($9.63), and decorations ($7.63).
The survey was conducted for NRF by BIGresearch, reaching 8,801 consumers from March 7 through March, 14, 2007. The consumer poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.0 percent, NRF said.


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By Admin, BuyLocalBG.com, firstname.lastname@example.org/
Tuesday, March 12th, 2013 10:00 AM CST
The WKU Store is busy and we have 3 quick pieces of news to get to you, first:
Your 2013 Sun Belt Champs t-shirts are available to order online. $14.99 each, Size: Small – 3XL. http://www.bookstore.wku.edu/ Shirts will also be available at Nashville Road Store on Wednesday. March 13 at Noon. Main Campus-Garrett Store will be closed Wednesday, March 13, due to Power Outage. *Not eligible for the trade-up sale.
Secondly, St. Patrick’s Day is here:
Don’t forget, fan them on facebook!


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In case you love Chameleon Launcher on your Android tablet, you should know that the team responsible for the app is working on a smartphone version. While we have no release dates for the app at this time, we have some good news for you. The Chameleon team is looking for testers to try out the smartphone version of their launcher.
Chameleon Launcher has come a long way since it first started its Kickstarter campaign. Once it broke out of it’s successful introduction, it underwent a lengthy beta phase that caused all sorts of hype and produced all sorts of excitement. The one thing that held it back was that it was a little too pricey right out of the gate. Priced at $10, most people wouldn’t pay that much just to try out a launcher that they might not even like.
Chameleon Launcher 1.1 now available in Google Play
Chameleon Launcher is a popular launcher for Android tablets, and while it may seem expensive at $10, it certainly is ready to offer plenty of home screen customizations. The app has reached version 1.1, which is available to download right away from Google Play, as long as you’re ready to pay the app fee.
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BUSINESS IN BRIEF 27/8
Int’l exhibition on renewable energy and energy saving
Hundreds of enterprises and leading Asian and European experts will take part in an international exhibition on renewable energy and energy saving in Vietnam to be held in November in Ho Chi Minh City.
Various energy saving products and devices will be on display at the exhibition.
A forum on energy and sustainable development in Vietnam will update the participants on trends in the development of Vietnam’s energy market.
Nguyen Van Ly, deputy general director of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation, said, “We hope that the exhibition will help to raise people’s awareness and suggest practical courses of action to save energy in households and businesses.
The event is also an opportunity for enterprises to exchange, and transfer technology and develop energy-saving products”.
The international exhibition on renewable energy and energy saving in Vietnam will coincide with the international exhibition on water and waste water treatment in the country.
ASEAN countries stifle free labor market
Labor flow within the region is still subject to domestic rules in each member country.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), a framework for the region’s economic integration, focuses on a free labor market that allows skilled professionals to work anywhere they like across the region, which has a population of 620 million people.
The free labor market, which began to take shape in 2015, has freed up eight professions, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering, architecture, natural resources and geographical exploration, accounting and tourism, allowing professionals in these areas to move between countries in the region to work.
ASEAN has about 300 million people of a working age, 70% of whom are from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Despite this vision of freer movement of labor, many ASEAN countries still impose requirements on companies that want to recruit foreigners in an attempt to protect their domestic labor forces from tough competition.
Experts said most member countries have built market barriers by tightening tax rules and immigration laws.
For instance, when employees apply for a work permit, they are required to have a sponsor who can confirm their employment offer. For employers, they have to prove that they can’t find qualified locals for the position.
“Even if you are in Malaysia for a day, you still have to apply for a work permit unless you can prove that you are in the country for a seminar or conference,” said Ang Weina, a tax advisor for Deloitte in Malaysia.
Foreigners also face higher tax rates than their local counterparts.
“During the first six months I worked in Malaysia, I had to pay up to 28% in income tax. After the first six months, if I had stayed there long enough, i.e. less than 14 days out of the country, the tax rate dropped to 11% based on my salary,” said Nguyen Hong Duc, a white collar worker in Malaysia.
About 60% of revenue from personal income tax that Ho Chi Minh City collects comes from foreign workers, said Tran Thi Le Nga, the city’s senior tax official, adding that foreigners working in Vietnam are subject to income tax rates ranging from 5% to 35% based on their salaries, while the rates for Vietnamese range from 5% to 30%.
ASEAN governments not only increase income tax rates levied on non-resident workers, they also tighten tax rules by imposing heavy fines for tax fraud.
Vietnam’s industry targets global production chains
A future national industry policy should work to sustain the national economy’s self-reliance and enable sectors’ effective participation in global production and distribution chains, heard a seminar in Hanoi on August 28.
The industrial sectors should be oriented towards modernity, characterised by scientific-technological advances, and have high locally-made content, experts said.
The event looked into the national industrial policy and sought changes to it in the context of globalisation and international economic integration.
With a target to become an industrialised country, the Political Bureau has assigned the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission to study a project on National Industry Policy.
Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh shared other experts’ view that attention should be paid to sectors that are competitive and strategic to rapid and sustainable development.
The industrial strategy set for 2025 with a vision towards 2035 must mesh with the new situation and follow rules of a market economy, the participants said.
They stressed the need to ensure sustainable development, reform administrative procedures, make the best use of domestic resources, and lure foreign resources to serve the cause of national industrialisation and modernisation.
A report presented at the event revealed that Vietnam has made big strides over the past 30 years of reform, holding an improved position in the world arena.
The Party has consistently pursued the goal of becoming an industrialised nation and changed implementation methods through different periods of time, with importance placed on quality and competitiveness at present, the report said.
Calling for efforts to carry forward the reform achievements, Binh noted that apart from developing the policy, the execution of the policy is also important.
Vietnam-Myanmar economic ties remain untapped
Partnerships in economics, trade and investment between Vietnam and Myanmar have yet to meet expectations, participants said at a discussion on bilateral ties in Hanoi on August 25.
Among those attending the function were representatives of the Vietnam-Myanmar Friendship Association, the Myanmar Embassy to Vietnam, and the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations.
Nguyen Trong Kien, deputy head of the Party commission’s department for cultural diplomacy, said the two countries set up diplomatic relations in 1947 and upgraded their ties from the Consul General level to the Ambassadorial level in May 1975.
Since then, they have regularly organised diplomatic activities to consolidate their amity. They have also continually coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums, he noted, elaborating that while Vietnam advocated Myanmar joining in ASEAN and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Myanmar supported Vietnam’s participation in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the candidacy for the non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
The two countries’ economic cooperation has been flourishing in recent years. They have held trade fairs in the respective countries annually to promote goods and investment. A meeting of the joint sub-committee on trade has been maintained with the latest – the eighth meeting – taking place in Myanmar in March 2015.
Kien noted that Vietnam is now the ninth biggest trade partner of Myanmar with bilateral trade at 657 million USD. With a total investment capital of 693 million USD, it ranks 10 th among foreign investors there.
Some of Vietnam’s major projects in Myanmar include the Hoang Anh Gia Lai complex in Yangon and the Myanmar branch of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV). Vietnam’s telecommunication group Viettel is also preparing to form a joint venture with the local group YPT, he added.
However, participants admitted Vietnamese businesses are weak in financial capacity and haven’t gained a firm foothold in Myanmar. Meanwhile, complicated administrative procedures in Myanmar have hampered Vietnamese firms’ development there.
Many attendees agreed that the two sides boast huge potential for investment and trade cooperation in multiple spheres such as agriculture, industrial trees, automobile manufacturing, and construction. Among them, aviation, banking, telecommunications, oil and gas, and mineral should be prioritised in the time ahead.
Myanmar Chargé d’affaires Thaw tar Aung highlighted the countries’ similarities such as struggling for independence in the past and being ASEAN members.
Highly valuing Vietnam’s investment orientations in his homeland, the diplomat assured that Myanmar is ready to assist Vietnamese companies to seek investment opportunities and deal with investment-related administrative procedures.
Vietnam, Brunei forge trade links
The upcoming State visit to Brunei by President Tran Dai Quang from August 26-28 is meant to not only mark the bilateral partnership but also promote bilateral affiliation to such potential fields as trade, investment, tourism, education-training, agriculture, oil and gas, and seafood.
At the same time, it will help Vietnamese businesses study investment opportunities to make inroads into Brunei.
Brunei has become a potential and reliable trade partner and investor of Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, two-way trade reached 17 million USD in the first six months of this year. Of which, Vietnam exported 8.4 million USD worth of goods to the market, mainly rice and seafood. The country spent 8.7 million USD chiefly importing chemicals.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Brunei said despite differences in area, population and culture, both countries share similar views on regional and international issues, creating a premise for the two sides to enhance cooperative ties.
Furthermore, as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam and Brunei have actively and proactively got engaged in ASEAN cooperation fields such as defining the bloc’s future development orientations and outlining major policies.
This has helped strengthen solidarity among member states, and increase the role and position of ASEAN in the region and beyond.
Over the past few years, the two nations have witnessed high-level delegation exchanges such as the visit to Brunei by President Tran Duc Luong in 2001 and by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2007. Brunei King Hassanal Bolkiah visited Vietnam to attend ASEAN, ASEM and APEC conferences in 1998, 2004, and 2006.
The two countries have signed a double taxation avoidance agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sports and youths collaboration, and another on oil and gas cooperation, creating legal foundations for the bilateral partnership in the fields.
Vietnam and Brunei are expected to secure a cooperation agreement in cultivation and seafood farming soon.
Experts suggested Vietnamese firms build a proper marketing strategy to boost exports to the market.
Phu Tho – “golden” land for tourism development
With natural and cultural advantages, the northern province of Phu Tho is considered a “golden” land for tourism development.
The locality is home to popular destinations such as the Hung Temple – a special national historical relic to worship the Hung Kings – the legendary founders of Vietnam; Au Co Mother Temple; and Tam Giang Pagoda.
Attractive tourist sites also include the fairy land Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien; Thanh Thuy hot spring resort; and Ao Chau Swamp – dubbed Ha Long in Phu Tho town with numerous islands and romantic landscape.
Furthermore, the province boasts world’s intangible cultural heritages of Hung Kings worshipping practice and “xoan” singing.
All have created a Phu Tho with huge potential to develop various forms of tourism such as eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and spiritual tourism.
To fully tap its strengths, the province has built a long-term tourism development strategy to turn the industry into a spearhead economy.
As planned, the tourism sector aims to draw nearly 5.8 trillion VND (261 million USD) in revenue by 2020.
It moves to increase investment for tourism by 13 trillion VND (585 million USD) in 2030 to improve infrastructure, human resources, and tourism products and services, especially in four tourism centres in Viet Tri city, and Thanh Thuy, Tan Son and Ha Hoa districts.
Authorities will apply particular policies to make it easier for businesses to invest in the field, while organising conferences and direct investment promotion programmes in the local key tourism centres, and increasing domestic and international connectivity.
This means to create a safe, hospitable, friendly and attractive destination for tourists with a target of welcoming 7.2 million domestic visitors and 7,500 foreigners by 2020, and earning over 3.8 trillion VND (171 million USD) in revenue.
The province is expected to welcome 25,000 overseas holidaymakers and 10.7 million at home by 2030.
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Phu Tho greeted 7 million visitors each year in the 2011-2015 period, registering an annual growth of 4.3 percent.
In 2015 alone, the tourism sector raked in over 2.17 trillion VND (97.65 million USD) in revenue, three times against 2010, and generated jobs for 11,600 workers.
Vietnam participates in INAGRITECH Indonesia 2016
Vietnamese companies are displaying their technological products at the INAGRITECH Indonesia 2016, an international event on agricultural technology which opened on August 25, for the first time.
Le Phan Hai, Head of Business Division of the Vietnam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation or VEAM, said that the company has exported agricultural machineries to Indonesia and is planning to export a truck line to the Southeast Asian country.
Hai said the company is also introducing right hand steering wheel trucks that are suitable with the Indonesian market at the event.
The Tran Hung Dao Mechanical Company joins the event.
INAGRITECH Indonesia 2016, which runs until August 27, attracts 350 exhibitors from 12 countries in and outside the Southeast Asian region, displaying products such as rice, products from palm trees, sugarcane, corn, and forestry products and machinery used in agriculture.
Vietnam to develop energy for sustainable development
Vietnam need to carry out many solutions to supply enough energy for social-economic development as well as pursue a sustainable development in the long term, according to experts.
At the Vietnam Energy Forum 2016: Challenges for Sustainable Development held in Hanoi on August 25, Le Tuan Phong, Deputy Head of the General Department of Energy, said Vietnam needs to improve the making of strategy strategies for energy industry development and energy planning.
The country also needs to raise proportion of clean and renewable energy as well as promote solutions for efficient and effective electricity use, Phong said.
Tang The Hung, Deputy Director of Planning and Master Plan of the General Department of Energy under the MoIT, said Vietnam set a strategy for renewable energy development by mobilising all resources and at a reasonable price.
The country also will increase the rate of renewable energy under a set road map and reduce dependence on fossil energy to ensure energy security and mitigate climate change, protect environment and pursue sustainable social-economic development.
According to goals set in the strategy all most of households will be connected with the national grid by 2020 and will be able to get access to modern, sustainable energy services at a reasonable price by 2030.
The country targets to reduce 5 percent of greenhouse gas emission by 2000 and 45 percent by 2050, and the number of households using solar energy will be increased from 4.3 percent to 50 percent by 2050.
According to Phong, the demand for electricity consumption in Vietnam increased 13.07 percent per year during 2006-2010 and 11 percent during 2011-2015.
Public-private partnership eases pressure on State budget
A seminar on strengthening public-private partnership (PPP) took place in Hanoi on August 25, attracting representatives from ministries, agencies and 100 businesspeople.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association of Woman Entrepreneurs (VAWE) Ho Thi Kim Thoa said PPP does not only strengthen resources but also eases pressure on paying for the government’s public services.
She also spoke highly of the woman entrepreneurs’ role in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which currently account for 96 percent of the total.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has given businesses, especially SMEs and businesswomen, access to support in technology that helps lower cost and improve product quality.
Nguyen Thanh Tra, a PPP expert from the Frontier law consulting firm admitted that businesswomen frequently meet difficulties in bidding and price pressure.
Several law experts shared lessons learnt from the US, Zambia and India, success stories in attracting SMEs owned by women.
Director of the Minh Khai commercial company Nguyen Bich Hoa called for holding more trade promotion campaigns and offering support to businesswomen as well as spreading the drives “Vietnamese prioritise Vietnamese goods” and “Proud of Vietnamese goods”.
The seminar was co-hosted by the US Agency for International Development’s State Governance for Comprehensive Growth, the MoIT and the VAWE.
Road toll collection to be inspected
The Directorate for Roads of Việt Nam has proposed the transport ministry inspect fee collection at the toll station on Pháp Vân-Cầu Giẽ expressway, the southern gateway to Hà Nội, to prevent loss of fees.
The move was made following recent toll collection supervision at the station which found that total collection increased.
The supervision period was conducted over ten days, from July 10 to July 20.
Earlier this year, inspections supervised toll collection at the station following reports of alleged fraud committed by employees. They allegedly collected tolls from drivers at rates lower than those specified by the State without giving tickets to the drivers so that they could pocket the money.
The 10-day inspection discovered an increase of up to VNĐ700 million (US$31,400) each day in comparison with the amount collected before the supervision.
However, a representative from the joint investor of the upgrade project on the Pháp Vân-Cầu Giẽ Expressway explained that the increase resulted from more vehicles using the expressway.
The station is managed by the Việt Nam Infrastructure Development and Finance Investment Joint Stock Company.
The Directorate for Roads of Việt Nam also proposed the transport ministry to inspect all toll collection tasks at the station from the first day of fee collection.
The fees will be collected for 17 years and three months, starting from October last year, after the upgrade of the Pháp Vân-Cầu Giẽ highway was completed on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.
The upgrade in the first phase of the two-phase project, with total capital of more than VNĐ6.7 trillion ($315 million), includes a revamp of the current four-lane, 25m-wide road. The second phase, worth more than VNĐ4.7 trillion ($223 million), involves the expansion of the four-lane highway to a six-lane one, with a width of 33.5m.
It also asked the ministry to soon approve a master plan to increase supervision and transparency in toll collection in road projects managed by the ministry. The plan will focus on building fee collection and supervision software and complete related legal documents and regulations.
The ministry has required all investors of expressway projects to save data on the images of the number of vehicles going through toll stations for at least five years to serve inspection tasks when necessary.
HCM City to host K-Food Fair
The 2016 K-Food Fair will be held from September 8-11 in HCM City to promote Korean food and cuisine in the Vietnamese market.
The fair is organised by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.
The event will feature a business-to-business (B2B) programme that will take place at GEM centre in District 1 from September 8-9.
The B2B programme will include a workshop on the Vietnamese food market and business meetings.
Thirty South Korean food exporters and 60 importers from Việt Nam and other Asian countries will participate in the programme.
As part of the fair, a business-to-customer event will be held at September 23 Park downtown from September 10-11.
It will include a K-food exhibition, cooking demonstration of South Korean dishes, and music and dance performances of Vietnamese and South Korean artists.
Exporters compare notes on risk
Exporters should carefully check the background of new customers and the terms before signing export contracts, a conference on risk management in international trade heard from bitter business executives.
Organised by the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa) in HCM City on Wednesday, the conference was held soon after a major trade dispute broke out between Czech furniture distributor Global Home S.R.O. and many Vietnamese woodworking companies.
Đồng Nai-based furniture maker Gia Hân Ltd Co had been the first to accuse Global Home of not making payments.
Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc, the company’s director, said Gia Hân signed a contract with Global Home to export furniture in 2012.
As of July last year the Czech company had owed his company US$493,000.
It had also ordered another consignment of wooden products worth $280,000 but failed to take delivery. As a result, the items remain in stock, causing his company losses, he said.
His executives tried to meet Global Homes CEO Otto De Jager many times, but the latter refused, saying his company had not paid because of quality problems.
Gia Hân has since complained to the provincial Police.
Executives of many other companies like Việt-Mỹ Co and Hà Nội-based Cửu Long Furniture Company said they are in a similar plight as Gia Hân.
Nguyễn Thế Truyền of Thiên Thanh Law Office, who provided legal consultancy to Gia Hân, said after seeing its contract with Global Home, he realised that many provisions were inimical to Gia Hân, including the fact it was in English and based on British law and the international arbiter in case of a dispute was in Hong Kong.
Instituting arbitration proceedings in Hong Kong would cost Gia Hân a lot of time and money, he said.
Truyền said many Vietnamese businesses only pay attention to the pricing and payment terms and not other provisions.
Phạm Ngọc Hưng, deputy chairman of the HCM City Union of Business Associations, said a dearth of new contracts means many businesses are happy to get whatever they can and so mainly pay attention to delivery date and payment and not other conditions.
Việt Nam has the International Arbitration Centre attached to the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and businesses can choose it to resolve disputes.
Trần Quốc Mạnh, Hawa deputy chairman, said importers and exporters should have staff well versed in foreign trade.
They should consult lawyers if the contracts are large, he said, adding that they should pay close attention to dispute-related provisions.
Nguyễn Chiến Thắng, a former Hawa chairman, said firms need to carefully study information about new customers to ensure they do not deal with dubious companies.
Delegates agreed that business groups play a very important role in their industry and called for holding more meetings to share information or provide warnings to help their members avoid risks.
The Hawa office, where the meeting was going on, had a visitor at the same time: De Jager, who came to meet Huỳnh Văn Hạnh, another deputy Hawa chairman.
Hạnh said he had rejected Gia Hân’s charges and said it had been putting undue pressure on him, and furnished documents related to dispute with Gia Hân and other companies.
He had told the visitor that the association received complaints and documents from several Vietnamese companies though it does not have the power to resolve the disputes, he said.
De Jager promised to come again two weeks later to work with the association on the problem.
VN, Austrian firms seek business ties
Vietnamese and Austrian enterprises attended a business-to-business platform in Austria on Tuesday to seek partners in the fields of clean energy, banking, telecommunications and garments, as well as food.
Representative of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Nguyen Hoang Thang, described this event as a good opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to get up tot date information about the European Union market and then draw up business strategies to access the market more effectively.
Participants at the event said Austria would be a good gateway for Vietnamese businesses to penetrate the lucrative European Union market. Meanwhile, Viet Nam will help Austrian firms to enter potential markets in Southeast Asia.
In his speech, Georg Brunauer, CEO of Novapecc Co, which specialises in hi-tech industries, said his company planned to enter the Vietnamese market as soon as possible.
Currently, Austria ranks seventh among the 10 largest importers in the European Union of Vietnamese goods such as footwear, smart phones, electronics and garments, with a turnover of US$2.2 billion in 2015.
Viet Nam, meanwhile, is the largest trade partner of Austria in Southeast Asia. Austria’s total turnover from exports, including machinery, electronics, steel products and medicines, to Viet Nam hit $412 million in 2015.
The business exchange in Austria was organised as part of a Vietnamese business delegation’s trip led by the VCCI to the European Union from August 18 to 28.
Viet Nam looks forward to EVFTA benefits
The European – Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) would promote the flow of high-quality investments from the EU into the country with commitments on goods and services, market access, the opening of Government procurement, investment environment and policy transparency.
This was heard at a seminar entitled “European Union-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement: What’s in it for me?” held in the northern Hai Phong Port City to learn about what the trade pact entails.
The event, jointly held by EuroCham, Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Hai Phong branch, and Deep C Industrial Zone, attracted more than 80 representatives from companies in the city, Ha Noi and from EU countries’ embassies in Viet Nam.
The seminar therefore gave audiences an insight into changes in trading regulations, market access, regional implications and expectations from the European business community in the country.
EVFTA will come into force from 2018, connecting Viet Nam – one of ASEAN’s most dynamic manufacturing hubs with the EU – one of the world biggest markets with GDP of over US$18 trillion, accounting for 22 per cent of the world’s total GDP and a population of over 500 million people.
“EU is a common market with 28 member countries and 508 million people. Goods exported to the EU would have to meet strict standards,” said Miriam Garcia Ferrer, head of the trade section of the EU Delegation in Viet Nam.
“However, once the country meets the standards, goods will be able to access all EU member markets.”
Once the EVFTA agreement goes into effect, the EU will eliminate import duties on approximately 85.6 per cent of its tariffs lines for Vietnamese products. After seven years, 99 per cent of EU tariffs will be removed for Vietnamese products. Vietnamese textiles, footwear, and seafood products (except for canned tuna and fish balls) will incur no import duties within seven years after the agreement takes effect.
Viet Nam will eliminate 65 per cent of its import duties on EU items and has drawn up a roadmap to eliminate tariffs (over 99 per cent) over 10 years. The remaining export items will be offered tariff quotas with an import duty of zero per cent.
According to Claudio Dordi, EU-MUTRAP Project team leader, the EVFTA benefits are not only limited to tariffs, but it would also contribute to eliminating other trade barriers and benefit member countries.
The country in the past few years has been one of the most active players in negotiating and implementing free trade agreements, emphasising its privileged position and potential in becoming the world’s manufacturing and trading hub.
The EU is currently Viet Nam’s second biggest export market and Viet Nam is EU’s 11th biggest source of import. About 900 European enterprises have invested in the country, making it the destination in South East Asia with the largest European business community.
This relationship has huge potential for improvement under this important agreement. It can open for European exporters markets that have FTAs with ASEAN but not with the EU, such as China, India and Australia. Rules of origin are challenges but also opportunities. They give extra incentives to attract part suppliers into Viet Nam, improving the supply chain and localisation rates.
Realising this trend, Deep C Industrial Zones also organised a tour of the industrial zone to give investors an idea how it actually works on the field and the development pace of the city with the upcoming Lach Huyen Deep Sea Port. Opportunities and challenges are there for players who are poised to take them.
HCM City to host int’l exhibition on power engineering
The sixth International Power Engineering (Generation, Transmission and Distribution) Technology Exhibition, or Electric and Power Vietnam 2016, will return to HCM City from September 14 – 16, promising to create good opportunities for local and foreign companies to compare notes and seek business opportunities.
Electric and Power Vietnam 2016 features 250 exhibiting companies from 30 countries and territories, including seven international group pavilions of Germany, Korea, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and China, with well-known brands such as ABB, ASKA Power Generation, Datakom, Hanyoung Nux Vietnam, Honeywell International Inc., Intertek and Mekong Technology.
The exhibition will showcase a wide range of power engineering solutions and technologies – electrical control and distribution systems, backup power generation, manufacturing and process automation, SCADA, and transmission and distribution. Wireless security, instrumentation and control, power station hardware and equipment, renewable energy and other related equipment will also be on display.
Held alongside Electric and Power Vietnam is the Industrial Automation Vietnam, this is expected to provide a sourcing center for factory and process automation equipment and software needed to effectively run a modern factory and processing plant.
Many conferences and seminars will also be held on the sidelines of the exhibition, according to BT Tee, Deputy Chief, Viet Nam Representative Office, Singapore Exhibition Services, one of the event’s organizers.
Tee said: “The high rate of electric power demand, driven by Viet Nam’s industrial expansion is phenomenal, putting quite a lot of stress on the current power infrastructure in Viet Nam.”
He said there was an interesting imbalance between supply and demand where there is a higher supply capacity in the north of Việt Nam, but where power demand growth in southern Viet Nam is faster.
“As such, power transmission, distribution and grid efficiency becomes important with long transmission distances. This needs to be improved with new technology implementation, replacing less efficient legacy systems and technologies,” he told a press conference held in HCM City on August 24.
To be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, the exhibition is expected to welcome 4,500 professional visitors.
First launched in 2006, Electric and Power Vietnam has gradually expanded to become Việt Nam’s most comprehensive electric power trade event, with a diverse community of exhibitors interested in the Vietnamese market.
Tokio Marine to strengthen insurance lineup in Vietnam: report
Japanese insurer Tokio Marine Holdings plans to add agricultural, auto and life insurance policies to its offerings in Vietnam, the Nikkei Asian Review reported on August 25.
The Tokyo-based company will develop the agricultural insurance, which is not yet available in Vietnam, with a Vietnamese university, the newspaper said.
It said the government plans to cooperate with the firm in order to stabilize farm operations. Based on data and analysis on the effects of rainfall levels and temperature on crop yields, policyholders will receive payments when certain conditions are met.
For autos, Tokio Marine reportedly will work with Vietnamese dealerships affiliated with Japanese automakers to sell insurance to drivers when they buy new cars.
The company will also develop life insurance with Bao Viet Holdings, a local giant whose sales network spans 90,000 locations in Vietnam.
In May Tokio Marine raised its stake in Bao Viet Tokio Marine Insurance Co., a non-life insurance joint venture with Bao Viet, by 2% to 51%.
“With the middle-class population growing in Vietnam, demand for insurance policies will accelerate,” Tokio Marine’s President Tsuyoshi Nagano said, as quoted by Nikkei. “We plan to make the Tokio Marine brand take root in Vietnam over the long term.”
Official figures showed Vietnam now has 17 insurance companies, five of which — AIA, Bao Viet, Dai-ichi, Manulife and Prudential — controlled more than 75% of the market.
The Association of Vietnamese Insurers forecast the local insurance market to grow 20% this year.
Amata to invest in Dong Nai urban area
The Amata Vietnam Joint Stock Company, owned by Thailand’s Amata Corporation, is planning to invest in the Amata City Long Thanh urban area project in southern Dong Nai province.
The project has total registered capital of over $309 million and is located on an area of 753 ha, according to a report from the Dong Nai Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).
Amata Vietnam preferred not to elaborate on the project when contacted by VET.
The Amata Corporation is the largest industrial park developer in Thailand and is listed on the country’s stock exchange. It is one of Vietnam’s leading foreign industrial infrastructure developers, with the under-construction Long Thanh High-Tech Industrial Park in Dong Nai.
The Long Thanh High-Tech Industrial Park has capital of over $282 million and is located on an area of 400 ha. Fields of focus are projects using high-technology and industrial support. The park is expected to employ 16,000-20,000 workers when put into official operation by 2020.
Amata Corporation also came together with Vietnam’s Tuan Chau Group in May 2015 to develop the Amata City Halong High-Tech Industrial Zone in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
Amata holds 70 per cent stake in the joint venture, which has investment of $1.6 billion.
Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed in 2018. The industrial zone will attract investment in the vicinity of $5 billion once opened and create some 300,000 jobs.
Dong Nai has an area of 6,000 sq km and a population of 2.8 million people and is next to Ho Chi Minh City.
It had 1,350 registered FDI projects with total investment capital of about $24 billion as at the end of 2015. As at the end of July it had received $25 billion worth of FDI in 1,422 FDI projects, according to the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).
Six countries and territories had invested over $1 billion each in Dong Nai province as at August 2016: Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the British Virgin Islands.
Taiwan has 283 projects with total registered capital of almost $5.13 billion, followed by South Korea with 312 projects and more than $5 billion in capital.
Vietnam invited to join Philippine rice tender
The National Food Authority (NFA) of the Philippines has invited Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia to take part in a tender for supply of 250,000 tons of rice later this month.
A source from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) confirmed with the Daily on August 24 that Vietnam had got an invitation from the Philippines to join the bidding. This bidding would be held in line with the government-to-government (G2G) pacts between the Philippines and the three countries.
The rice tender will be opened on August 31, the source said. NFA requires the winner to deliver rice at its warehouse, the source said, adding information about the delivery time is not available.
Media last Friday cited a vice chairman of the Cambodia Rice Federation as saying that the country would not join the Philippines rice tender this year. If the news is true, Thailand and Vietnam would be the only two to bid.
Earlier, Pham Thanh Tho, deputy director of food business at Loc Troi Group, said the Philippines’ rice stocks are currently equivalent to 25 days of national consumption, compared to the minimum requirement of 30 days. So the country will have to import around 250,000 tons of rice in either September or October.
Last year, the Philippines imported at least 1.5 million tons of rice based on G2G contracts, including one million tons from Vietnam and 500,000 tons from Thailand.
VFA members exported 2.93 million tons of rice in the January-July period with a free-on-board (FOB) value of more than US$1.26 billion, down 370,000 tons and US$101 million year-on-year.
Soc Trang seeks to develop port
Nguyen Van The, Party chief of Soc Trang Province and former Deputy Minister of Transport, have proposed building a major port in the Mekong Delta province to ease pressure on Quan Chanh Bo Canal.
He made the proposal at a conference on mobilization of resources to develop traffic infrastructure and logistics systems in the delta held by the transport ministry and the Southwestern Steering Committee in Can Tho City on Monday.
Speaking to the Daily on the sidelines of the conference, The said big vessels can go through the canal to enter Cai Cui Port in Can Tho City where goods are exported to a number of regional nations.
He said that industrial production, coupled with the development of thermal power plants, will lead transport demand in the delta to surge. Therefore, Cai Cui Port alone cannot meet rising demand in the coming years.
Soc Trang, The said, wants to construct a port as the province lies in the south of the Hau River and cargo from An Giang, Can Tho, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau can be transported along the river to Soc Trang for export. This will ease pressure on Quan Chanh Bo Canal and help spur economic growth.
Experts calculated it would cost VND4 trillion (US$179.4 million) to build the port which can handle vessels of up to 100,000 DWT.
Vo Hung Dung, director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Can Tho City, said the proposed port project is unfeasible. He told the Daily that the port’s construction was discussed years ago but the volume of goods in the Mekong Delta remains small.
He cited Can Tho International Airport as an example, saying it is expected to help connect the delta to Hanoi and other parts of the nation but has operated inefficiently. Dung said it would take tens of years to prove the efficiency of the airport.
He said the State budget is tight now but the cost of the proposed port is high. Even there is a big port in the Mekong Delta, goods must be transported to HCMC for shipment to overseas markets, he noted.
Dung proposed further discussing the feasibility of the port project, saying that in the current economic conditions in the delta, an inland container depot (ICD) and a complete logistics system are deemed as more workable.
Dung said that to fuel economic growth in the delta, logistics services are essential. He emphasized an ICD will help cut costs and time for enterprises in terms of customs declaration and quarantine.
Dung said ports in the Mekong Delta cannot replace Cai Mep-Thi Vai and Tan Cang ports in HCMC. He added shipping routes from Cai Mep-Thi Vai and Tan Cang to foreign countries took shape a long time ago, and exporters wanting to save time have transported goods to HCMC for export.


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- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 04:54 06:08 12:11 15:33 18:08 19:22
More than 25 million German bank cards have been hit by a software bug that cropped up on New Year's Day, the country's savings bank association and private banks said yesterday.
The problem has hit cardholders trying to use cash machines or make payments throughout the country and abroad, stems from software unable to recognise the year 2010, and might take a week to resolve, the DSGV association said in a statement.
A global alert had gone out 10 years ago amid widespread fears of a similar problem, dubbed Y2K, which is linked this time to some computer's inability to recognize the year 2010.
Clients at two of the biggest German retail banks, Postbank and Commerzbank, have also been affected but yesterday a Postbank EC card functioned normally for at least one transaction, AFP noted.
A Commerzbank spokeswoman said only some of the bank's cards had been affected and that some of its machines had already been adapted to accept those in question, but did not provide detailed figures. Postbank declined to comment.
In addition, almost half of the 45 million eurocheque debit cards issued by savings and regional banks were affected, as were 3.5 million of their roughly eight million credit cards, DSGV said.
The association added that the bug, which it termed a delayed "Year 2000 problem", should be completely eliminated "by next Monday", January 11.
It has sporadically affected ATM cash machines and stores across Germany and abroad, but around 25,700 machines have been already repaired, DSGV said.
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Aug. 26--Central Restaurants Group (CRG), operator of the Chabuton ramen chain, plans to double the size and sales of the business over the next three years.
Chabuton general manager Yasuto Togashi said CRG would spend 120-180 million baht to open 15 Chabuton restaurants nationwide over the next three years, bringing the total to 30.
Many of the new locations will be upcountry to capitalise on increased purchasing power stemming from the Asean Economic Community beginning late next year.
Chabuton's business in Thailand fell by 20% in 2014's first half amid political unrest. Sales have since returned to normal.
"We still have room to grow in the ramen business in Thailand because there are few giant ramen chains in the market," Mr Togashi said.
The ramen market in Thailand is worth 3 billion baht and grows by 10% a year.
Big ramen brands include Hachiban and Oishi.
Ippudo is the latest contender after its debut at Central Embassy last week.
Chabuton entered Thailand five years ago and controls 10% of the market.
With its expansion plan, CRG expects Chabuton's market share to reach 15% in the next five years.
The company also hopes to expand Chabuton to other Asean members after securing approval from Chabuton's parent company in Tokyo.
Related search: Restaurants, Chabuton


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More than 33 million people in the United States drive cars that have a potentially deadly hazard: airbag inflators that, in rare cases, could burst and spray fragments in a crash. Only a few of them know about it, reported the Associated Press.
Moreover, they are unlikely to discover it anytime soon because of a dispute between federal safety officials and an airbag parts maker.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) has ordered the maker, ARC Automotive of Knoxville, Tennessee, to recall 67 million inflators that have the potential to break apart a metal canister and release shrapnel. But ARC is rejecting to do so, possibly setting up a legal fight with the agency.
The NHTSA says that the recall is necessary since ARC’s inflators have killed two people and injured at least seven others in the United States and Canada. The explosions, which started in 2009, are still happening.
After an eight-year observation, the NHTSA provisionally decided that the inflators are defective. According to the records provided by the government, the inflators date from at least the 2002 model year through January 2018, when ARC placed equipment on its production lines to detect possible safety problems.
Marlene Beaudoin, a 40-year-old mother of ten from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, was killed after her 2015 Chevrolet Traverse SUV was struck by metal shards, reported the Associated Press.
What is ARC’s response?
ARC says that there is no safety problem, that the NHTSA’s demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical evidence, and that the agency does not have the authority to demand a components manufacturer to do recalls, which ARC claims are the responsibility of automakers.
In a letter to the NHTSA, ARC stated that no carmaker has found a problem common to all 67 million inflators, and no root cause of the inflator bursts has been determined.
“ARC believes they resulted from random ‘one-off’ manufacturing irregularities that were properly handled by vehicle manufacturers through lot-specific recalls,” the letter said.
In a statement, NHTSA made it clear that both ARC and automakers are accountable for recalls and that it can pursue a recall from a parts maker that supplies multiple automakers.
The NHTSA will next make a final decision on whether the inflators are defective, followed by a public hearing. It may take ARC to court to get a recall order. The NHTSA will not say when or if any of this will happen.
Meanwhile, owners of cars made by at least a dozen manufacturers — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai, and Kia — are left to wonder if their vehicles have ARC driver or front passenger inflators. (ARC inflators can be found on both sides of some cars.)
There is no one way for car owners to know whether their inflators are made by ARC because ARC sells inflators that are integrated in the airbags of other manufacturers. Neither the NHTSA, the ARC, nor the manufacturers have issued a complete list of affected vehicles.


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A new smartphone app that identifies Israeli goods and services has been attacked as a modern, high-tech version of traditional Israel-hatred.
The app — which will be released within the next few weeks — has been built by Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) campaigners at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
The software scans barcodes and reports on the Israeli links of the producers of goods searched.
An early screengrab of the app shows how a shopper scanning a container of Sabra Hummus is told that its Israeli manufacturer, Strauss Group, “provides financial support and supplies to the Golani and Givati brigades” — infantry units in the IDF.
Abbas Naqvi, one of the developers of the software, says that it will allow the “average Joe” to “dynamically and quickly identify products that fall within the BDS boycott guidelines”.
Simply the latest iteration of Israel-hate
Paul Charney, chairman of the Zionist Federation, said: “The new app is simply the latest, most modern iteration of the Israel-hatred that a small number of bigoted obsessives have succumbed to. No other nationality is subjected to this level of demented fixation.
“The good news is that it will actually highlight the hundreds of ways in which Israel is an indispensable part in the British economy, including the many medications that the NHS couldn’t survive without. And of course, if BDS supporters don’t want to be hypocrites, then they’ll have to boycott the app itself, since they’ll inevitably be using it on technology that’s also been developed in Israel.”


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Though its updates were slight, Google’s recent logo and homepage revamp sent a message to companies looking to win on the web. The company muted the color pallet and flattened the three-dimensional lettering of its logo and streamlined navigation between Google Products. The search engine believes multi-device will matter more in the future and it’s best for marketers who want visitors to have positive visitor interactions (and SEO success) to offer seamless navigation experiences.
As the leading search engine, you might wonder why Google would invest at all – new looks can be a risk. According to comScore‘s August 2013 U.S. Search Engine Rankings, Google sites earned 67 percent of all explicit core searches. Competitors Microsoft (Bing) and Yahoo account for around 18 and 11 percent, respectively. Given Google’s impressive lead, why change something that’s already working? (Need I bring up the ‘New Coke‘ debacle?)
However, Google’s upgrades seem to be aimed at improving user experience by optimizing its pages for display across devices. An official announcement from The Official Google Search blog explains that most people crossover from desktops to mobile devices, tablets to laptops as they perform tasks, conduct research and consume web content. To accommodate this new behavior, the site allows users to navigate easily between applications like Gmail, News, Maps, YouTube and Search without clicking away.
“Regardless of your routine, getting around Google should be seamless, and once you’re inside an app, you don’t want any distractions,” Google Tech Lead and Manager writes in the post.
“Getting around Google should be seamless, and once you’re inside an app, you don’t want any distractions.”
Chances are marketers are not managing a website with numerous applications and web properties in the same way as Google. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t updates that can fuel website conversions. If brands improve their own site navigation, they might also minimize distractions, encourage visitors to stay connected on social media or stay on the site longer and click to valuable conversion pages.


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Archive: October, 2017
Government launches £25m trial fund to develop UK 5G industry
16 October 2017
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is inviting interested parties from around the UK to apply for match-funded grants out of a £25m funding pot to develop...
British businesses are unprepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with just 3% of employers viewed as ‘leading edge’
10 October 2017
Most British businesses are seemingly unprepared for the dramatic technology developments set to reshape the workplace in the next decade, according to the findings of a recent research report.
Ofcom adds new protections for consumer broadband buyers
9 October 2017
Internet service providers (ISPs) will have to take additional steps to clarify information about broadband speeds for consumers following revisions to Ofcom's 2015 code of practice.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone X: At a glance....
3 October 2017
Apple announced three new iPhones at its special event on 12 September 2017, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and the iPhone X (pronounced iPhone Ten).