ABN Newswire

Asian Activities Report for February 10, 2012: Mazda Motor (TYO:7261) Develops Resin Material to Make Lighter Vehicle Parts

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:44 GMT

Mazda Motor Corporation (TYO:7261) has developed resin material for vehicle parts that maintains the same rigidity as parts made with conventional materials while achieving significant weight reduction. When the material is used for both front and rear bumpers, it contributes to weight reduction of approximately 20%. Mazda plans to adopt the lighter bumpers using this resin material in the all-new Mazda CX-5 SUV to go on sale this spring, as well as other upcoming new models.

Sinochem International Corporation (SHA:600500) has signed an agreement with French energy giant Total (EPA:FP) to buy TEPMA BV, a fully owned affiliate of Total in Colombia, for about US$1 billion. TEPMA BV holds a working interest in the Cusiana field, of which Total's share of production is around 7,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TYO:4502) announced the establishment of the Takeda Shanghai Development Center within the Shanghai-based Takeda (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda. This important step reflects Takeda's strategic commitment to China, where the company is actively enhancing manufacturing, marketing and sales operations.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TYO:7211) will present the global debut of the all-new Outlander at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 6 through March 18. The new-generation Outlander is built to be eco-friendly, with the fuel efficiency and CO2 emission levels among the best in its class.

Lion Corporation (TYO:4912) says that the Company has improved Ban Deodorant Roll On, which features a long-lasting deodorant effect, and has upgraded Ban Refresh Shower Sheets, a new product that can effectively wipe away sticky perspiration and odor. Lion will also add Pink Plumeria and Aqua Sparkle fragrances to its Ban Deodorant Powder Spray series in February 2012.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for February 9, 2012: Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (HKG:2343) Forms Alliance with Crowley Maritime Corporation

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:34:33 GMT

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (HKG:2343), one of the world's leading operators of modern handysize and handymax dry bulk vessels and a global provider of diversified shipping services, has formed business alliance with US-based Crowley Maritime Corporation. The alliance aims to provide comprehensive project management, project cargo transportation, logistics, offshore support, and other services to Oil and Gas, Mining, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management customers undertaking major infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The alliance will also provide customers with representation and a seamless marine cargo and logistics solution in and around the United States and Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TYO:6723), a Japan-based semiconductor manufacturer, has opened a wholly-owned subsidiary in Sao Paolo, Brazil, to further expand its operations into South America. The new company will provide local sales promotion and technical product support, as well as regional systems solution development expertise.

Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (TYO:7238), a Japanese manufacturer of automotive and industrial brakes and related components, has announced the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. The new production facility and supply base will facilitate a shift to localized production of Akebono Brake's components which have been exported to Mexico from Japan and elsewhere, to meet the increasing demand from automakers in Mexico.

Nikon Corporation (TYO:7731) announces the release of the Nikon D800 FX-format digital SLR camera, which offers a noteworthy effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels. The camera has superior image quality and a number of new functions, including multi-area mode full HD D-Movie that enables movie recording using either the FX-based movie format or the DX-based movie format.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 16, 2012: China Southern Airlines (HKG:1055) Eyes on Australia

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:05:43 GMT

China Southern Airlines (HKG:1055) (SHA:600029) has become a major international sponsor and the official airline for Sydney Festival 2012, which opens from 7 January to 29 January 2012 in Sydney. China Southern Airlines is the first Chinese company to sponsor Sydney Festival, Australia's most vibrant summer festival of arts and performances. The sponsorship worth A$600,000, is part of China Southern Airlines' strategic expansion in the Australian market. The Company has been flying into Sydney for over 10 years, with additional flights to Melbourne and Brisbane and a new direct Perth service added in 2011. It is currently offering Australians flights into China and 132 cities worldwide.

Hisense Group (SHA:600060) was honored with the "Value Innovation Award" for its I'TV2 product at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 10th. This is the first time a Chinese enterprise has secured the highly competitive CES award. Hisense' I'TV has become a very popular product in China since it was launched at the end of 2011. It is the world's first personalized Smart TV, built specifically as a tablet but with all the functions of a TV.

Chiyoda Corporation(TYO:6366) says that its joint venture company with JGC Corporation (TYO:1963) and Kellogg Brown & Root has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") contract for the Ichthys LNG plant facilities in Australia. The overall EPC contract value is expected to be around US$15 billion. The Ichthys LNG project is an integrated natural gas field development project, which will produce 8.4 million tonnes of LNG, approximately 70% of which is to be delivered to Japan.

Bridgestone Corporation (TYO:5108) has developed a revolutionary new printing technology for tires that is different from any tire printing or coloring process on the market today. Through this new technology, Bridgestone can realize the more creative showcase of tires while also considering environmental concerns such as fuel efficiency, without any additional weight to the tire. Bridgestone plans to quickly bring this tire printing technology to market.

Elecom Co., Ltd. (JASDAQ:6750) has unveiled its latest USB products, which features a function for encrypting stored data through a strong encryption algorithm called AES 256 bit. In addition, the USB products have superb security function, embedded with anti-virus program Trend Micro USB Security(TM) 2.0, which can protect the data on flash drive and PCs that it connects to.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for December 20, 2011: Sharp (TYO:6753) to Sell 90-Inch LCD TVs in USA in 2012

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:19:14 GMT

Sharp Corporation (TYO:6753) is planning to sell 90-inch LCD TVs - its largest LCD TV product in the US market in 2012. Sharp is already selling 80-inch LCD TVs in the USA, and is currently the leader in the country in the large-size LCD TV market. The Company is also planning to introduce their 80-inch LCD TVs in China and Japan in the first half of 2012; Sharp is already selling their 70-inch products in both countries.

Sinopec Kantons Holdings Limited (HKG:0934) and China Shipping Development (HKG:1138) have signed an agreement to form a joint venture company in Hong Kong to build around five liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels for the transportation of approximately 4.30 million tonnes of LNG per annum for the APLNG project. Under the APLNG project, the Australia Pacific LNG Processing PTY Limited is expected to sell 4.30 million tonnes of LNG per annum to Sinopec Corp (HKG:0386) for a period of 20 years commencing from 2015.

Mikuni Corporation (TYO:7247) says that its car parts manufacturing plant in Thailand has recovered part of its production ability, with operation recommenced on December 12th. The plant was shut down on October 11th due to local floods. It is expected that the plant will be brought back to full operation shortly.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for December 9, 2011: Shanghai Electric Group (SHA:601727) to Form Wind Power Equipment Joint Ventures with Siemens (NYSE:SI)

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Shanghai Electric Group (SHA:601727) (HKG:2727) has signed agreements with Siemens (NYSE:SI) to jointly invest over 165 million euros in two joint venture companies in China for the development, manufacturing and sales of wind power equipments. Shanghai Electric expects to utilise Siemens' advanced wind power technology and to play a leading role in China's offshore wind power market.

Beijing Enterprises Holdings Limited (HKG:0392) says that its subsidiary Green Industry (Qinghai) has signed a contracting agreement for a 20 megawatt photovoltaic grid-tied power generation project in Qinghai Province in China. Green Industry (Qinghai) is responsible for the operation of the Project, which is expected to commence by the end of 2011. The total investment of the Project is approximately RMB 356,220,000.

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (TYO:8306), will form a strategic business and capital alliance with AMP Limited (ASX:AMP), the largest independent financial services provider in Australia. Mitsubishi UFJ will acquire a 15% interest in AMP Capital Holdings, a subsidiary of AMP Limited. This alliance is part of Mitsubishi UFJ's business growth strategy to enhance its asset management business globally.

Honda Motor (TYO:7267) says that two of its auto plants in Ohio have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2011 Energy Star award, due to the Company's ongoing efforts to operate energy-efficient facilities. Improving the energy efficiency of Honda factories is the single biggest focus of the company's efforts. It has ongoing conservation initiatives to minimize the environmental impact from the use of fossil fuels.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for November 28, 2011: Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO:7203) Unveils Newest Sports Car "86"

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:43 GMT

Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO:7203) has unveiled its newest model of sports car "86", the world's smallest mass-production four-passenger sports car, designed to achieve superior handling and driving enjoyment. Jointly developed by Toyota Motor and Fuji Heavy Industries (TYO:7270), the sports car is expected to be released to the market in the spring of 2012. The price is undecided.

United Company Rusal Plc ("UC RUSAL") (HKG:0486), the world's largest aluminium producer, has signed a share purchase agreement with China North Industries Corporation ("NORINCO") under which UC RUSAL has agreed to purchase a 33% stake in Shenzhen North Investments Corporation Limited, a trading affiliate of NORINCO specializing in aluminium, alloys and other non-ferrous metals. This acquisition is expected to enhance the effective promotion of RUSAL's products in the Chinese market.

Bathurst Resources Limited (ASX:BTU) announces its first export shipment of coal from the Buller Project. The shipment left Westport over the weekend bound for the Port of Taranaki where it will be discharged pending a bulk shipment to the final customer in Asia.

Australian resources company GBM Resources Limited (ASX:GBZ) has discovered broad zone of Rare Earth Element and Yttrium mineralisation at the Milo Project. Drilling has confirmed that the mineralisation is open along strike and at depth. The Company is planning to commence a Scoping Study at the Milo Project.

Asia Business News
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Asian Activities Report for November 22, 2011: Courage Marine Group (HKG:1145) Acquires Second Supermax Vessel to Meet Rising Dry-Bulk Shipping Demand in Asia

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:00:03 GMT

Dry-bulk shipping company Courage Marine Group Limited (HKG:1145) has signed an agreement with Zhejiang Zengzhou Ship Building Co., Ltd for the purchase of a newly-built Supermax-sized vessel for US$26.6 million. This is the second new Supermax vessel acquired by the Group within a month, part of its strategic move to meet the growing demand in the raw materials transport business in Asia.

Blackwood Corporation (ASX:BWD) announces a JORC exploration target of 2.1-3.2 billion tonnes of thermal coal at South Pentland Project in Queensland, following the completion of Phase 1 and 2 exploration programs, which demonstrated potential for significant quantities of export quality thermal coal. Next Phase of project development is planned in the first quarter of 2012 with enlarged exploration efforts to explore a number of priority projects concurrently.

Invictus Gold Limited (ASX:IVG) announces the first results of the maiden drill programme at the Scartwater Prospect at its 100%-owned Drummond Basin Project in Central Queensland. Drilling indicates the presence of considerable gold mineralisation at depth. A further drill hole is in progress to test the mineralisation to a depth of about 150 metres below surface.

Yellow Hat Limited (TYO:9882) and Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (TYO:5019) are currently discussing the formation of an alliance in wholesale, retail sales, and development of automotive accessory, with the final agreement expected by the end of March 2012. Yellow Hat has launched new stores for the expansion of its wholesale operations within its core automotive accessory sales business. The alliance is expected to boost its wholesale operations as well as new store development.

Asia Business News
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Asian Activities Report for March 28, 2011: Avonlea Minerals (ASX:AVZ) Confirm High Grade Potential At Magnetite Iron Ore Prospects In Namibia

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:28 GMT

Avonlea Minerals Limited (ASX:AVZ) said today that test results have confirmed high grade potential at Thresher, Hammerhead and Bronzy magnetite iron ore prospects in Namibia. Grades of up to 62% were returned from rock chip sampling. The three prospects have a collective magnetite exploration target of 1-1.9 billion tonnes at 20%-30% Fe. The Company will commence a more focused mapping program and a drilling program to further define and extend the target.

Quickstep Holdings Limited (ASX:QHL) is participating in a European research project to investigate the use of nanotechnology to improve material properties, increase cost efficiency and reduce weight of advanced composite parts. The research will focus on manufacturing for the transport industry, with particular emphasis on aerospace and train components. Research is being undertaken in conjunction with 16 major international manufacturing and research organisations and is being partially funded by European Commission. The project is expected to complete in the third quarter of calendar 2013.

Alexium International Group Limited (ASX:AJX) has signed an agreement with International Textile Group (PINK:ITXN), whereby the two parties will work collaboratively on several product development initiatives and International Textile Group will be Alexium's preferred fabric supplier. This agreement will accelerate the adoption rate of Alexium's Reactive Surface Treatment technology in the textile market. The technology is a protective treatment that can be applied to apparel and other textiles to provide multifunctional properties such as chemical and biological protection, flame retardance, water proofing and oil repellency.

QRxPharma Limited (ASX:QRX) (PINK:QRXPY) announced today the completion of its pre-New Drug Application (NDA) meeting with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At the meeting, the Company reviewed with the FDA a number of critical components of its planned NDA submission, and the Company believes it is on track to file an NDA for MoxDuo(R) IR in mid-2011. MoxDuo(R) IR will target the acute pain market for the management of moderate to severe acute pain in patients who need an opioid analgesic.

Asia Business News
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3rd China Off-Highway Vehicle Summit 2011 To Be Held In January In Beijing

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:30:05 GMT

Organized by Duxes Business Consulting Inc. and endorsed by powerful organizations around the world, 3rd China Off-Highway Vehicle Summit 2011 will take place on 17-18 January, 2011 in Beijing, China.

Contributed from implementation of the drive to revive equipment manufacturing industry, sales revenue of construction machinery is expected to reach 400 billion yuan in 2010. Meanwhile, that of agri-machinery, mining machinery and components is to increase by 15%, 8% and 12-15% respectively. Energy efficiency and emission reduction being focus of off-highway vehicle industry, growing numbers of leading OEMs are developing environment-friendly and highly efficient machinery, which will be the trend.

With the previous two annual events being great successes that gathered 246 high-profile delegates, the 3rd China Off-Highway Vehicle Summit 2011 is to be held with the strong recommendation of previous speakers and attendants.

The summit will provide an effective platform for the participants to learn latest industrial policies and regulations, to explore Chinese and international market, and to strengthen cooperation between OEMs and components providers. Speakers from Chinese central government like NDRC, SAT, MEP, MOA as well as world-leading companies including Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT), Bucyrus (NASDAQ:BUCY), XCMG (SHE:000425), CNH (NYSE:CNH) etc. will share with the attendees their precious experience and opinions on China Off-Highway Vehicle industry.

Event Time: 17-18 January, 2011
Venue: Kuntai Royal Hotel, Beijing, China
Organizer: Duxes Business Consulting Inc.
Website: http://www.duxes-events.com/covs_3

Email: events@duxes.cn
http://www.duxes.cn/Index.aspx

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Sponsors Team Trev Renewable Energy Vehicle In Its Zero Emissions Race Around The World

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Sat, 31 July 2010 17:30:50 GMT

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Australia has become a sponsor of "Team Trev" as it prepares to race a unique electric vehicle around the world.

"Trev" (Two-seater Renewable Energy Vehicle) is Australia's competitor in Zero Race (www.zero-race.com) the first zero emission race around the world for electric vehicles powered by renewable energy.

Zero Race commences in Geneva on August 16th and will take competitors 30,000 km across 16 countries in 80 days of driving. A key highlight will be appearance of the electric vehicles at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun (Mexico) in November 2010.

Trev was designed and built by the University of South Australia. A team of volunteers called "Team Trev" (www.teamtrev.com) has upgraded Trev and is about to depart Adelaide for Geneva, in preparation for the race.

Team Director Andrew Dickson says that Google's sponsorship is a huge boost for the team, and is a vote of confidence in the vision behind the design of Trev.

"Trev is a potentially game changing vehicle. It is very lightweight at only 350kg, and it uses small amounts of energy to recharge. It is conceivable that urban commuting in Trev could be powered entirely from domestic photovoltaic panels. It is a 'power it yourself' car," he says.

"Trev is also an 'open source' car, with car plans and designs available for free on the internet. In the future Trev may be turned into a kit car, which people could build themselves. Trev would then be a 'build it yourself, power it yourself' car."

Google Australia's Engineering Director Alan Noble says that Trev caught his eye and appealed to his sense of innovation.

"This is a fantastic example of Australian technology - Trev is an open source electric vehicle designed and built here in Australia. We love the concept and we're proud to support Trev as it travels around the world."

With Google's support, Team Trev will compete against teams from Switzerland, South Korea, Spain, China and the USA.

Zero Race will be a high profile media event, with public appearances and press conferences in over 150 cities including Geneva, Brussels, Berlin, Kiev, Moscow, Shanghai, Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexico and Lisbon. It will show the world that zero emission transport solutions are already a reality.

Supporters can follow Team Trev on its website (www.teamtrev.com) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/teamtrev).

Interested volunteers and sponsors should contact Team Trev Director Andrew Dickson.

Andrew Dickson
Team Trev Director
Tel: +61-418-866-470
Email: andrewdickson2009@gmail.com
www.teamtrev.com