Nissan Leaf - Business

EV 11 prototype br The EV 11 prototype electric car was based on the Nissan Tiida Versa in US platform but uses an all electric drive train including an 80 160 kW 110 160 hp 280 160 Nm 210 160 lbft electric motor 24kWh lithium ion battery pack rated to have a range of 100 160 miles 160 160 km on the EPA LA 4 or city driving cycle navigation system and remote control amp monitoring using a cellphone connection through Nissan s secure data center to the car br The prototype was on display July 26 2009 A week later on August 2 2009 the production version was unveiled at Nissan s Yokohama headquarters and is set to begin selling in both the North American market and Japan in 2010 br Specifications br Leaf s charging oulet is located in the front of the car br The Leaf uses a front mounted electric motor driving the wheels powered by a 24kWh 90 160 kW lithium ion battery pack The expected cruising range is the same as the EV 11 prototype as is the motor The battery pack is made of air cooled stacked modules br Performance br Nissan claims that the car has a top speed of over 140 160 km h 87 160 mph br The battery can be charged with 440 Volt 220 Volt and 110 Volt sources With 440 Volts it can be charged to 80 capacity in about 30 minutes with a special quick charger that sends 440 480 volt direct current to the battery With 220 Volt it can be charged in 4 hours and in North America and Japan using standard household 110 Volt outlets it can be charged in 16 hours br Connected Mobility br Nissan Leaf will employ an advanced IT system Connected to a global data center the system provides support information and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day The dash mounted monitor displays the Leaf s remaining power in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations br User mobile phones can be used to turn on air conditioning the heater and re set charging functions even when the vehicle is powered down An on board remote controlled timer can also be pre programmed to recharge batteries br Price and sales br Rear view of the Nissan Leaf exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show br Although an exact price has not been announced the car is expected to cost US 25 00033 000 The Leaf s pricing will be announced in April 2010 and Nissan will sell or lease the Leaf only with batteries included forgoing the initial idea of leasing batteries to reduce the price of the car br In mid February 2010 Nissan announced that around 50 000 people have already registered in the U S to have first priority The reservation process will begin in April and after paying a fully refundable US 100 reservation fee customers will be among the first in line able to order a Nissan Leaf Orders are expected to begin in August and deliveries will start in select markets as early as December 2010 br Partnerships br Renault Nissan has partnered with governments public utilities and private entities to produce the global infrastructure necessary to ma ke the LEAF a viable concept The Leaf however will not contain Renault Nissan s QuickDrop battery switch feature Countries already signed up to this electric vehicle network include Portugal the UK New Zealand Australia Israel Ireland France China Singapore Switzerland Canada British Columbia and Monaco br Production br Nissan Leaf s battery recharging station unit br The U S Department of Energy has granted 99 8 million to Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation eTec for the EV Project involving the installation of up to 11 210 charging stations in strategic markets Phoenix AZ Tucson AZ San Diego CA Portland OR Eugene OR Corvallis OR Seattle WA Nashville TN Knoxville TN and Chattanooga TN Nissan has partnered with eTec on this project and will supply 4 700 vehicles to individual and fleet customers in these areas beginning in the fall of 2010 br The EV Project will collect and analyze data to characterize vehicle use in diverse topographic and climatic conditions ev aluate the effectiveness of charge infrastructure and conduct trials of various revenue systems for commercial and public charge infrastructure The ultimate goal of The EV Project is to take the lessons learned from the deployment of these first 4 700 EVs and the charging infrastructure supporting them to assist in the streamlined deployment of the full production number of Leafs and other EVs br The first vehicles to be sold in the U S will be produced at Nissan plant in Oppama Japan Commercial US production would begin in late 2012 at Nissan s manufacturing facility in Smyrna Tennessee This U S plant will be modified with a 1 4 billion loan granted by the U S Department of Energy to allow the manufacturing plant to produce the Nissan Leaf and its advanced batteries The retooled plant is expected to create 1 300 jobs The Smyrna plant is expected to produce up to 150 000 vehicles and 200 000 battery packs annually br Marketing br Following General Motors announcement that th ey anticipate the Chevy Volt s city fuel economy will reach 230 mpg plus 25kWh 100mi 85mpgge combined Nissan announced on August 11 2009 via its NissanEVs Twitter account that they anticipate the Nissan Leaf can reach 367 mpg plug to wheel using the Department of Energy s formula 22 5 kWh 100mi 150mpgge br Zero Emission Tour br Nissan Leaf at the 2010 Washington Auto Show where it was announced as winner of the 2010 Green Car Vision Award by the Green Car Journal br On October 22 2009 Nissan announced The Zero Emission Tour with stops in 22 North American cities At each stop on the tour visitors were able to view the car and learn about the benefits of zero emission driving The first stop of the tour was in Los Angeles on November 13 2009 marking the unveiling of the LEAF in North America Other stops on the tour included Berkeley San Francisco Seattle Vancouver Las Vegas Houston Washington D C and Orlando br The tour ended in February 2010 in New York City after visiting 24 cities including two Atlanta and Boston that were added to the original itinerary due to requests Nissan estimates that 100 000 people saw the company lithium ion battery car br Criticism br Since the initial series of announcements a number of commenters criticized Nissan for what was seen as misleading emphasis on the 100 mile range that was computed using LA 4 or city mode Skeptics point out that electric cars unlike gasoline powered vehicles tend to achieve optimal efficiency at low speeds and furthermore Leaf s bulky shape and its relatively large size 20 taller than the GM EV1 and almost 40 taller than Tesla Roadster imply poor aerodynamics making it perform poorly on freeways citation needed As of February 2010 Nissan has not yet released the expected highway range of the Leaf Its coefficient of drag a parameter that s crucial to its highway efficiency has not been stated explicitly either its designer went on record saying it is very good without making it the typica l one motion aeroform but stopped short of proclaiming it to have the lowest coefficient of drag among mass produced cars this title is currently claimed by Mercedes Benz E class at 0 24 br Awards and recognition br Time magazine called the Nissan Leaf one of the 50 best inventions of 2009 br 2010 Green Car Vision Award by the Green Car Journal at the Washington Auto Show The GCJ editors considered that This coming electric model will provide the features the styling and the driving experience that will meet the needs of a sophisticated and demanding market while producing zero localized emissions and requiring no petroleum fuels br EV Competitors br Aixam neighborhood electric vehicle br Bollor Blue Car br Buddy br Citroen Berlingo Electrique br Dynasty IT br G Wiz REVA br Italcar br Mitsubishi i MiEV br Mini E br Nissan Leaf br MyCar evstores br Piaggio Porter br Pininfarina B0 br Renault Z E br Smart ED production car br Subaru Stella 2009 br Tazzari Zero 2009 br The Kurr ent neighborhood electric vehicle br Th nk City production car br ZENN br See also br Better Place br Chevrolet Volt br Low carbon fuel standard br Plug in hybrid electric vehicle br References br Yoshio Takahashi 2009 08 03 Nissan Unveils New Electric Car Wall Street Journal http online wsj com article SB124919217149699407 html Retrieved 2009 08 03 160 br Nissan shows off new Versa based electric vehicle prototype br 2010 Nissan Leaf electric car In person in depth and U S bound br Nissan Unveils LEAF The World S First Electric Car Designed for Affordability and Real World Requirements br Nissan LEAF Specs Nissan http www nissan zeroemission com EN LEAF specs html Retrieved 2009 08 03 160 br a b Christopher Sawyer February 2009 Nissan s EV and Battery Plans Automotive Design and Production http www autofieldguide com articles 020903 html Retrieved 2009 10 10 160 br Nissan Leaf Press Release Aug 02 2009 br G M Puts Electric Car City Mileage in Triple Digits New York Times 20 09 08 11 http www nytimes com 2009 08 12 business 12auto html Retrieved 2009 10 18 160 br a b c d Jim Motavalli 2010 02 12 Nissan Leaf Electric Car Comes to New York New York Times http wheels blogs nytimes com 2010 02 12 nissan leaf electric car comes to new york scp 1 amp sq Nissan 20Leaf amp st cse Retrieved 2010 02 13 160 br a b c d e Nissan Leaf Tour Ends In NYC With Success Electricnick com 2010 02 12 http electricnick com 2010 02 12 nissan leaf tour ends nyc Retrieved 2010 02 13 160 br Jim Motavalli 2009 08 03 Nissan Unveils Leaf an Electric Car New York Times http wheels blogs nytimes com 2009 08 03 nissan unveils leaf electric car Retrieved 2009 10 05 160 br Matt Saunders 2009 09 15 Nissan Leaf EV launched http www autocar co uk News NewsArticle AllCars 242048 Retrieved 2009 10 06 160 br a b Secretary Chu Announces Closing of 1 4 Billion Loan to Nissan U S Department of Energy 2010 01 28 http www energy gov 8581 htm Retrieved 2010 02 13 160 br Alex Nunez 2009 08 11 Nissan pokes fun at Volt claims 367 mpg equivalent for Leaf EV AutoBlog com http www autoblog com 2009 08 11 nissan pokes fun at the volt claims 367 mpg equivalent for leaf Retrieved 2009 10 05 160 br To clarify our previous tweet the DOE formula estimates 367mpg for Nissan LEAF Nissan via Twitter 2009 08 11 http twitter com NissanEVs status 3248710288 Retrieved 2009 10 05 160 br U S Department of Energy DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 2000 07 12 PDF 10 CFR Part 474 Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research Development and Demonstration Program Petroleum Equivalent Fuel Economy Calculation Final Rule U S GPO Federal Register Vol 64 No 113 http frwebgate access gpo gov cgi bin getdoc cgi dbname 2000_register amp docid 00 14446 filed pdf Retrieved 2006 09 22 160 br Proposed Rulemaking to Establish Light Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2009 09 15 http www n htsa gov portal nhtsa_static_file_downloader jsp file staticfiles DOT NHTSA Rulemaking Rules Associated 20Files MY2012 2016_CAFE_GHGN_PRM pdf Retrieved 2009 10 05 160 br a b Nissan announces dates for the Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour br Nissan is turning over a new zero emission Leaf Los Angeles Times 2009 11 14 http www latimes com business la fi nissan leaf14 2009nov14 0 6555931 story Retrieved 2009 11 20 160 br In Race to Market Nissan Electric Car Takes Shortcuts http www wired com autopia 2010 01 nissan leaf 2 Retrieved 2010 02 16 160 br EV Range High Anxiety Normal Driving May Cut Range In Half http www thetruthaboutcars com ev range high anxiety normal driving may cut range in half Retrieved 2010 02 16 160 br Tesla Motors Roadster Efficiency and Range http www teslamotors com blog4 p 70 Retrieved 2010 02 23 160 br Zero Emissions All Green Introducing the Nissan Leaf EV http blogs motortrend com 6537775 green zero emissions all green introducing the nissan leaf ev in dex html Retrieved 2010 02 23 160 br The 50 Best Inventions of 2009 Time Magazine http www time com time specials packages article 0 28804 1934027_1934003_1933970 00 html Retrieved 13 November 2009 160 br Green Car Journal Editors 2010 01 26 Nissan Leaf Electric Car Wins 2010 Green Car Vision Award Green Car Journal http www greencar com articles nissan leaf electric car wins 2010 green car vision award php Retrieved 2010 01 27 160 br External links br Nissan Zero Emissions Website br Nissan Leaf Press Release Aug 02 2009 br Official Nissan LEAF Web Site br Autobloggreen In Person Indepth Report br AutoWeek Nissan Leaf electric vehicle headed for U S market in 2010 br Nissan Leaf EV The Future of Electric Cars on its Shoulders br Nissan Leaf and Charging Station Information br v 160 160 d 160 160 e br Nissan Motor Company br Vehicles br Production br DC 3 160 100NX 160 1200 160 210 160 310 160 180SX 160 200SX 160 B10 160 B110 160 B 210 160 240SX 160 240Z 160 280ZX 160 300C 1 60 300ZX 160 350Z 160 370Z 160 510 160 810 160 Advan 160 Almera 160 Almera Tino 160 Altima 160 Altra EV 160 Aprio 160 Armada 160 Atlas 160 Avenir 160 Auster 160 Bassara 160 Be 1 160 Bluebird 160 Cabstar 160 Caravan 160 Cedric 160 Cefiro 160 Cherry 160 Cima 160 Civilian 160 Clipper 160 Crew 160 Cube 160 Datsun Truck 160 Dualis 160 Echo 160 Elgrand 160 Expert 160 Fairlady 160 Figaro 160 Frontier 160 Freeson 160 Fuga 160 Gazelle 160 Gloria 160 GT R 160 Hardbody Truck 160 Hypermini 160 Homy 160 Laurel 160 Leopard 160 Lafesta 160 Liberty 160 Livina Geniss 160 Maxima 160 March 160 Mistral 160 Multi

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Laptop computer batteries become a hot issue - Computers - Hardware

Laptop computer batteries become a hot issue

This is the VOA Special English Economics Report.

Batteries are rarely a worry except when the devices they supply power to go dead.

But in June the battery in a Dell laptop computer caught fire during a conference at a hotel in Osaka, Japan. Pictures of the burning computer spread on the Internet.

In the last few weeks, other laptop owners learned that they had good reason Toshiba PA3356U-1BRS Battery to be concerned. Dell and later Apple Computer recalled millions of lithium-ion batteries that could overheat and create a risk of fire.

Dell asked the owners of more than four million notebook computer batteries to return them for replacement. More than one million of these batteries were sold outside of the United States.

Apple recalled almost two million batteries used with some of its notebook computers. 70,000 of them were sold in other countries.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recalls. It described them as the two largest recalls in its history involving the consumer electronics industry.

Agency officials said Dell had received six reports of batteries overheating. These resulted in property damage but no reports of injuries. The agency said Apple had received nine reports of overheated batteries. These included two reports of minor burns and reports of minor property damage.

In Japan, officials have ordered the two companies to investigate reports of fires in at least two Toshiba PA3250U-1BRS Battery Dell laptops and one Apple laptop.

Sony of Japan made the millions of recalled batteries. Sony officials say a production problem left very small pieces of metal that could cause a short-circuit and make a battery overheat.

Experts from different companies plan to meet in California this month to discuss the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.

As laptop computers have gotten more powerful, they require more powerful batteries. Yet batteries are still not powerful enough to satisfy many users.

Some people see microcell technology as a solution. Microcells use energy sources like hydrogen and methanol. Many companies are working to find ways to make them safe and useful for computers. Experts say it could be ten years before Toshiba PA3395U-1BRS Battery computers with microcells are widely available.

And that's the VOA Special English Economics Report, written by Sarah Randle. Transcripts and audio files of our reports are at voaspecialenglish.com. I'm Steve Ember.

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Finding A Social Work Job In Today's Economy - Education - Psychology

While the current economy has been challenging for most working-class Americans, social labor jobs have continued to be plentiful. This is likely because social labor jobs are fairly financially affordable, as social work salaries range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year depending on the area of expertise and geographical area.

Social workers are typically needed to help disenfranchised clients, which is a group that actually increases during difficult financial times such as the current economy. For example, increased numbers in lost jobs leads to increased numbers of homeless families, which can lead to increased need for case workers at homeless shelters to work with families in helping them get back on their feet. While this can mean a more demanding case load for some social personnel, it is also a form of job security. However, there is no guarantee that social labor jobs are not at any risk of being cut or lost. If social labor jobs are kept during the current economy, it has often meant giving up pay raises and taking on increased caseloads.

Social work is an incredibly versatile profession, with jobs in many areas from health care to human resources to employee assistance to social services. Jobs in government settings, such as jobs through the Department of Social Services, are at times affected by budget cuts and layoffs. However, these jobs are relatively more secure (depending on the state or local government) than other social employment jobs, such as private practice. Social personnel in this type of profession may suffer during difficult economic times as it requires clients to often pay some cost out-of-pocket. Clients may see this expenditure as a luxury or as something they do not really need. Social personnel finding their private practices dwindling may need to work harder to receive referrals, which may include contacting other social workers or health care providers.

There are several tactics social personnel can take in finding a job. One of these is, of course, to search job boards, local and state government websites, and newspapers. Social staff interested in finding a job in the current economy can also try networking through social networking websites and local professional social employment organizations. A more risky approach is to request informational interviews at settings social staff think they would be interested in working, meeting with a social employee already employed at the setting, and asking questions and gathering information about the position. This can put social recruits at an advantage if an opening were to come open at the agency in the future.

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Desktop Video Conference to Give A Fillip To Global Economy - Technology - Video Conferencing

Desktop video conference is a valued communication technology which has been successful enough in giving a fillip to the global economy. Read on and know how it fetches greater business profits.

In this first paced world, each and every individual seeks for a trusted communication medium in a bid to enhance the trade cycle. The desktop video conference call providers are initiating this advance communication technology to allow customers in the extension of business on a global sphere. The desktop video conference is one such worthy communication technology that has been proved successful in enhancing the market share of every business type. They have made it possible for companies to communicate the business related information pretty efficiently and instantly. That's the only reason why the customer base for conferencing call services keep on growing with every passing days.

Nowadays, you will find that every small to large scale business house has the tendency of using desktop video conferencing in a bid to have a real time communication with business delegates, employees and customers who are settled in various parts of the world. The conference call providers are taking a good initiative in bringing technological advancement at reasonable rates. A large number of business owners feel like subscribing to desktop video conferencing so as to interact effectively in a more personalized way. Here participants will be able to see each other, share confidential documents, marketing strategies, business proposals, and disseminate the sales report with numerous users. With such affordable and quicker communication medium, the business owners get ample scope of initiating a dialogue whenever needed. Well, what is more interesting is that the conference call made through desktop or laptop with web cam facility and high- speed net connection helps the business professionals in managing the business better way.

Business Organizations Enjoys Two Types Of Desktop Video conferenceThe conference or service providers bring two types of desktop video conference call services to business houses or organizations. The services include desktop audio and video conferencing call services. For audio conferencing a desktop well backed with a microphone and sound card helps in making audio conferencing calls. However, in case of video conferencing a web cam well accompanied with other arrangements make video conference calls easier. Both the conferencing call services are truly interactive and make communication pretty smooth for companies. Frank enough, these real-time desktop audio and video conferencing solutions have not only enhanced the business growth but also added a new definition to the global economy.

Innovation in technologyThe desktop video conference call service providers are encouraging their clients to embrace wireless headphones and get an uninterrupted discussion with better call quality. The Bluetooth technology in this respect help install these headphones to the desktop, used for making conference calls. A good number of business houses are considering the conference call techniques to avail uninterrupted trade discussion for hours.

In a nutshell, this can be said that the desktop video conferencing with its advanced features and multi-dimensional attributes has been successful in bringing a good combination of techniques and inventiveness. With such functional conferencing service, the global business world has come out triumphant in availing great business profits within the shortest possible time.

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What is the Jack ma big financial strategy ? - Business

1, cheung peak investment has already been completed in recently to 91 rich far wireless a new round of investment. This investment made by Singapore auspicious peak investment group took shots, total amount more than $30 million. This investor also includes IDG venture fund, etc. The capital will help 91 rich far wireless further consolidate their mobile Internet field in the leadership. This has been in the last two years in mobile Internet field the single largest investment.

2, naval group, which gives birth to equity funds Co., LTD and hebei caofeidian development holding group jointly set up hebei caofeidian gives birth to equity investment fund management company, the first phase of the project whip round scale 1 billion RMB. According to the hna group home page introduction, gives birth to investment for hna's group, is a wholly owned subsidiary of, its main business for financial investment and consulting, form of investment, including m&a related business equity investment, growth of the Pre-IPO enterprise investment, naval internal strategic investment, the group of the listed company, directed by rights, the QiYeZhai issue, etc.

3, the United States, a subsidiary of the god of buffett energy holding company announced 7,, and the first solar equipment company entered into an agreement to purchase the latter more than us $2 billion worth of pearl's this solar plants. The solar power plant is located in southern California, project in November this year started, is expected to be finished in 2015, after the production capacity is expected to as high as 550 million watts, is one of the world's two big solar project, electricity is equivalent to half a nuclear reactors, for some 160000 homes California resident power supply. Also, the factory can be 377000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, the equivalent of 73000 cars of carbon emissions.

4, "by 2020, shandong peninsula sea will be built in economic development, the industrial structure optimization, the human and the nature harmonious blue economic zone, estimate the fixed assets investment required more than $32 trillion." In this context, shandong province "blue fund" use born. Shandong province will be launching capital size is as high as 30 billion yuan of blue economic zone industrial investment funds, to guide the social capital, foreign capital in shandong peninsula blue economic construction.

5, founded just two months of coconut nets won Israel the risk of famous investment group, Koolanoo group's $5 million investment risk. Coconut nets is at present is electronic, mango executives and traditional domestic hotel investment group jointly set up the first focus on the domestic tourism group buying website. Its more than 300 hotels across the country to provide the bulk of the room, in price than those who hold, mango network order fifty percent less house prices, and even many price only on those who hold the reservation half the price. Coconut nets strategic planning from now hotel group buying and gradually expand to air tickets, attractions tickets bulk order, and so on, finally has been formed freedom full service team did. Koolanoo group is Israel a famous network wind cast group, domestic investment in a famous social networking site 360 laps, accumulated investment of more than 50 million dollars.

insiders

6, DengFeng: "I am no longer a Hero (Hero), but to Support Hero (shape Hero)." Harper said early of this sentence is very famous. In fact, in a venture, losing to disasters to death in what the enterprise countless disasters. For the VC industry, it is the biggest wrong ideas. At first he have a method is "vote for oneself person", in familiar circle, "in addition to communicate with entrepreneurs, but also through the surrounding people understand, also can see him how to get along with the people around you, such as his partner, girlfriend, etc. To invest in China" Google ", perhaps it is just DengFeng from a venture star into investment after the biggest stars hope." Aurora borealis has the small company to make big experience, but lack is similar to the experience of the IPO securities. Although cast other can make money, but the money is not the aurora borealis earn, we decided to throw the advantage of early, on the market also won't have too many people to be our co mpetition carve up this cake. "

7, WangChaoChong says, about the almost shares, a is the concept of history and it, the second of its present situation, the third of its future. Concept speaking, are in the word is really not accurate shares, because China now listed company in overseas has far not the concept of China, (it refers to the) is a Chinese entity, is China's enterprise, is China's market, it is called ZhongQi shares. And remind everybody in the meeting after stock drop to "keep faith, a cool head." So China concept is actually go so a lumpy process. I remember the first Wall Street in the 90 s of the shares listed only China is huachen-jinbei car, the second stock zhongce tires, overseas some investors have no conception of China.

8, the famous domestic investors strong nail-gripping ability marry, VC or PE or in the whole economy activity must have value and value to continue to exist. Our value is??????? I think we value and in the entire society, the whole economy activity, the whole asset allocation to play a role in the process. For example we capital, we said capital more, more capital in China now is still limited, how to put the limited capital can produce benefit places, in the most able to produce benefit of the enterprise, this is the VC or PE or played the role. Eventually you is good PE enterprise, poor PE enterprise, is that you in this pursuit is there to do this.

9, with "little for beauty" idea, based on alibaba platform for more than ten years trading data accumulation, the use of the Internet technology, through large-scale operations and risk model design, ali financial now is building a small loan line, financing service can also prove as a general merchandise, realizes standardization industrial production, reduce costs and ensure that "quality". Ali financial strategy is in a small loan company was established based on alibaba "to give the bank", and then build ali financial open platform.

10, BiSheng said in a speech in central Europe, electronic and business should be apart, both sides of the business are large, jack ma make money, because he only make electronic, at I am here to sell the Nike shoes he make money, because he only do business. The business enterprise to further sustainable development, need to find their own way to go, jingdong mall LiuJiangDong quickly to the CEO BiSheng, in a blog of the said every truth is telling the truth; "Midnight sleepless night, read BiSheng excitement of central Europe every brother speech is true! I want to say is: there will always be difficult! Industry will have light! Now electricity traders are the old horse said tomorrow night! Hold on five years, will reach the day after tomorrow! Hope colleagues don't lose heart."

Investment way

11, development and reform commission) recently released "on promoting the equity investment enterprise criterion development of notice of, from equity investment enterprise establishment and capital raising and investment fields, risk control, management institutions, the information disclosure, record management and self-discipline five aspects of national equity investment enterprise puts forward the specification requirements. This is China's first national equity investment enterprise management rules. Equity investment enterprise capital can with private methods to specific has risk identification ability and the risk to bear ability qualified investors raised, to raise capital to investors fully reveals investment risk, and may not promise fixed returns. Equity investment enterprise's investment fields limited to the publicly traded corporate equity, idle fund only for bank or used to buy Treasury bonds and fixed income kind investment products.

12, by the Beijing financial bureau, Beijing equity funds association, Chinese venture committee sponsored by "2011 Beijing PE/VC big events" activities will be held in December 2011, to make the event get active participation of the industry and support, presently faces the various equity investment institutions, intermediary organizations, and other relevant departments solicitation 2011 year Beijing PE/VC industry big events. E-mail: , on the capital equity investment industry the development of industry and even the whole country play an important role in the industry or has some influence events, events include policy to promote, investment events, innovation, etc. 2, events occurred in Beijing, second event organizers or initiators territory of the for Beijing.

13, 51 job co-founder, angel investors ray said he is the status of the "China is not the most famous angel investors", the founder of one ZhenGe fund new Oriental, founder XuXiaoPing said he was "kui most money angel," and the angel investors xue barbarian declared it "the older angel". No matter what kind of "the most", these are known as "angel" investors has to walk the river's lake "signature style" and characteristics. In the current international economy faces a downside risk to the background, 2011 years of Chinese enterprises listed number or junk-rated and compared to the same period last year are reduced. In such a venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) market face "winter" serious moment, the "angel" but the said the dial the cold the arrival of the oneself influence is not great.

14, in order to attract funds as soon as possible and bosses, PE began in investment income on the mode of innovation, the so-called limited partnership PE fund is set for reference model is structured, after two levels of bad LP (investors), the proportion of capital contribution for 3:1, GP (managers) in the capital fund 1.0% every year, and charge 2.2% management fee. Investment project started out and investment income distribution order, please return the first LP the principal, the principal priority LP back, to continue on this kind of investment capital contribution 50.0% LP distribution income; Return to a principal after LP, and then return the GP principal; If the above distribution finished, have left investment yields, first LP, unhealthy LP and GP after respectively in 30.0%, 45.0%, 25.0% allocation.

15, in the top of the IPO industry chain, the biggest beneficiaries of industrial capital when. Only from the first company to see the gem, and stock price makes it according to its capital market increased 82 billionaire. As a second only to industrial capital IPO beneficiaries, the venture capital company often large area; for key fishing, the same generous profit. The contribution of the natural person shareholder assault on the market is the capital of the interests of the transportation. The contribution of the assault can be divided into two categories. One kind is the company senior managers. Another kind is all kinds of connections. The beneficiaries of middle chain team, active in the middle is some intermediary organizations: investment banking and securities law firm, etc. They should play the auxiliary, supervision, regulate the responsibility of the public company. Downstream chain beneficiaries include some downstream chain financial pr, fry the new capital, they also on ipos industry chain the equation.

Dig company

16, not long ago, lenovo holding purchase hebei qianlong drunk industry Co., LTD, its first income 87% stockholder the weights of the bag from management and employee stock ownership. Qianlong drunk industry to confirm media reports that, another 13% of the shares in the local government has also and legend holdings, is organizing the wine industry holding company reached consensus, is sold to lenovo. Whether you are in the acquisition of old shares based on whether the capital increase, for both management and new development strategy to incentive in negotiated. After five years, is expected to 3 years of emperor qianlong of the sales scale will be drunk respectively is 2 billion yuan and 3 billion yuan. Quite profitable, gains on, obviously is the main reason of the liquor industry association in hand.

17, bele international acquisition shenzhen sports supplies company leading sports industry has long at rumours. Recently, reporters from internal company to realize, leading sports equity has changed, bele has finished receiving and involved in management phase. Bele business profits last year is around 4 billion, leading to the management profit is 140 million, financial contribution rate is 3.5%; The key lies in the purchase price, get run operation profit is 1.4 to, if according to the tax rate of 25% net profit of about 100 million calculation, sports goods 10 times the average p/e is calculated, 10 ~ 1.2 billion offer is more appropriate. The purchase of a business entity, will be listed company than a few higher.

18, according to the American technology blog BusinessInsider reports, people familiar with the, alibaba (the Po) group plan to purchase the video site Hulu the United States, with the assets plus $10 billion cash exchange yahoo holdings of alibaba group, equity. Yahoo current market value comes from a large part of the stock held by alibaba group. But as the investment is not accord with yahoo's strategy, also can't play with the us business synergy, so yahoo's board hope that through some form of transaction release this asset value. However, due to the need to face 40% of high taxes, yahoo will not sell easily about $14 billion worth of alibaba group stock.

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7 Reasons I Like The Pureflow Airdog 100 Air Fuel Separation System For My Truck - Autos - Trucks

When in comes to Powerstroke performance, separating air and a fuel is a crucial component to having your diesel truck running at top levels. This is especially true when you're working with a custom diesel upgrade or stand alone engine. Having the right fuel separation system is essential in providing longer injector life, increased fuel economy and optimized engine performance.

There are many different options that you can consider in the world of diesel performance parts to improve your trucks fuel system and overall performance, but the Pureflow Airdog 100 Air/Fuel Separation system actually has the capability of providing fuel at flows and pressures beyond the maximum requirements of the engine. I don't know about you, but I like parts that out perform standard expectations.

If you're thinking about an upgrade to improve performance in your Ford Powerstroke, here is a short list of highlights that this Fuel separation system targets.

Increased Fuel Economy - The improvement in fuel economy is the main reason to do this mod, whether you're looking to conserve fuel or maximize mileage.

Improved Throttle Response

High Flow Rates

Increased Injector Life

Torque - Noticeable increase in torque output. You'll find this to be crucial at times, and definitely worth noting for a future upgrade, if not now, whether you're towing, going off road, or driving through town. You'll get maximum torque with relative ease with this upgrade.

Removes Air and Vapor from Diesel Fuel

Compact - The great thing about this option is that it's small and compact. The size of this component is only 7"l x 10"t x 3.2"w. That's it, no bulk! You will find that the single piece pump body is easy to. Oh and don't forget that this mounts to frame and requires no drilling.

Here's how it works:Fuel passes through the water separator removing the water and large particulate contaminates that could damage or jam the gearator fuel pump. The fuel, with only entrained air/vapor and tiny particulate contaminates remaining, enters the fuel pump.

The fuel, now under positive pressure flow, enters the filter. As the fuel passes through the filter and the remaining particulate contaminates are caught and contained, the entrained air/vapor is also separated. The separated air/vapor is discharged from the filter through the Primary Air/Vapor Discharge Port and into the return to tank passage after the regulator. The fuel passing through the filter media {free of contaminates & power robbing air/vapor and at pressures and flows to meet the needs of the engine} exits the fuel filter through two passageways. The fuel for the engine, passes into the fuel pickup tubeand out to the engine.

The excess fuel not needed by the engine is released through the pressure regulator to combine with the air/vapor and foam as it returns to the fuel tank. The regulator controls the fuel pressure to the engine.

Granted, you'll probably only find this article interesting if you're a diesel fanatic, but here you are. And I'm sure you know that there are a lot of products claiming to be the best while only performing adequately. The PureFlow AirDog Air/Fuel Separation Systems actually over-performs making it one of the better options that you can install on your Ford diesel truck. If you're skeptical, that's ok. Check it out and you'll see that there is no real comparison between this and similar Diesel Performance Parts.

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Euro Canterbury News Article - Autos - Cars

Euro Canterbury News Article Is the VW Sharan the practical car for the people?The Volkswagen Sharan has been updated and brought into the modern day after fifteen years of success in the auto world. The seven-seater MPV has been modified in size and space, with a longer and wider shape as well as six individual folding rear seats. With comfortable room for even reasonably tall adult passengers, the new Volkswagen Sharan also has generous legroom and space throughout the inside cabin. With large rear windows and increased headroom, the new Volkswagen Sharan also provide the optimum driving position ensuring increased comfort on longer journeys.Perfect for everyday family life, the new Volkswagen Sharan is available in a powerful 138bhp diesel engine that even when worked on an uneven surface suffers minimal wind noise. With relatively low C02 emissions and good fuel economy, the new Volkswagen Sharan is available at Euro Canterbury in Kent. Established in 1976, Euro Canter bury has become the leading Volkswagen dealership in the South East. Offering new Volkswagens and ">used VW cars in Kent they have a vast amount of knowledge. For a new Volkswagen Sharan in Kent visit Euro Canterbury to arrange your test drive today!

Euro Canterbury News Article Is the VW Sharan the practical car for the people?The Volkswagen Sharan has been updated and brought into the modern day after fifteen years of success in the auto world. The seven-seater MPV has been modified in size and space, with a longer and wider shape as well as six individual folding rear seats. With comfortable room for even reasonably tall adult passengers, the new Volkswagen Sharan also has generous legroom and space throughout the inside cabin. With large rear windows and increased headroom, the new Volkswagen Sharan also provide the optimum driving position ensuring increased comfort on longer journeys.Perfect for everyday family life, the new Volkswagen Sharan is available in a powerful 138bhp diesel engine that even when worked on an uneven surface suffers minimal wind noise. With relatively low C02 emissions and good fuel economy, the new Volkswagen Sharan is available at Euro Canterbury in Kent. Established in 1976, Euro Canter bury has become the leading Volkswagen dealership in the South East. Offering new Volkswagens and used VW cars in Kent they have a vast amount of knowledge. For a new Volkswagen Sharan in Kent visit Euro Canterbury to arrange your test drive today!

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Japanese Industrial Production Gives Optimism For The Economic Recovery In Japan - Investment - Currency Trading

The Japanese economy has witnessed some improvements after the March quake, where the industrial sector increased less than market expectations in April, adding the Japanese companies began their production process, signaling that the economic recovery will start its upside movement in the second half of 2011.

The Japanese economy issued its Industrial Production preliminary reading (MoM), where the index retreated 1.0% during April, compared with the pervious drop 15.5% in March, while analyst's forecasts referred to 2.0%.

Moreover, Japan's Industrial Production preliminary reading (YoY) for the year ended March, which slid to -14.0%, compared with a prior -13.1% last year, while the expectations estimated of -12.4%.

Japanese industrial sector rebounds in April to give optimism about the current position in the nation, means that the companies had reopened their plants, but the nation's three largest carmakers (Toyota, Honda and Nissan) announced that their sales retreated in April as the disruption affected by the negative earthquake results.

As for the current position in Japan, it needs time to revive again before the end of 2011, where the sustained recovery in manufacturing may take time as companies are facing a shortfall of engine spares, caused to halt the production cycle.

Japan's government is planning to introduce more budgets for reconstruction process after parliament in Japan has approved to pump 4 trillion yen ($50 billion) package this month. Further, the government in March estimated that damage from the disaster will swell to as high as 25 trillion yen.

On the other hand, the Japanese economy has followed expectations when it recorded another contraction in a decade. However, Japan shrank more than anticipations during the first three months of the year, affected by the March quake, which has massive results on the industrial sector in Japan.

Japan contracted 0.9% in the 1st quarter, the second consecutive quarter after the devastating earthquake and tsunami which contributed to suspend the production process in many Japanese multi-national companies, and prompted consumers to cut their spending along with the retreats in consumers' confidence.

At the meantime, Japan's jobless rate increased to 4.7% during the month of April, while the actual reading came inline with the analysts' forecasts, where the prior reading showed an incline by 4.6% in March.

Moreover, household spending in Japanese dropped by 3.0% during the year ended April, from a previous drop by 8.5% a year earlier, while the anticipations estimated of -2.7%. The Japanese economy has witnessed some improvements after the March quake, where the industrial sector increased less than market expectations in April, adding the Japanese companies began their production process, signaling that the economic recovery will start its upside movement in the second half of 2011.

The Japanese economy issued its Industrial Production preliminary reading (MoM), where the index retreated 1.0% during April, compared with the pervious drop 15.5% in March, while analyst's forecasts referred to 2.0%.

Moreover, Japan's Industrial Production preliminary reading (YoY) for the year ended March, which slid to -14.0%, compared with a prior -13.1% last year, while the expectations estimated of -12.4%.

Japanese industrial sector rebounds in April to give optimism about the current position in the nation, means that the companies had reopened their plants, but the nation's three largest carmakers (Toyota, Honda and Nissan) announced that their sales retreated in April as the disruption affected by the negative earthquake results.

As for the current position in Japan, it needs time to revive again before the end of 2011, where the sustained recovery in manufacturing may take time as companies are facing a shortfall of engine spares, caused to halt the production cycle.

Japan's government is planning to introduce more budgets for reconstruction process after parliament in Japan has approved to pump 4 trillion yen ($50 billion) package this month. Further, the government in March estimated that damage from the disaster will swell to as high as 25 trillion yen.

On the other hand, the Japanese economy has followed expectations when it recorded another contraction in a decade. However, Japan shrank more than anticipations during the first three months of the year, affected by the March quake, which has massive results on the industrial sector in Japan.

Japan contracted 0.9% in the 1st quarter, the second consecutive quarter after the devastating earthquake and tsunami which contributed to suspend the production process in many Japanese multi-national companies, and prompted consumers to cut their spending along with the retreats in consumers' confidence.

At the meantime, Japan's jobless rate increased to 4.7% during the month of April, while the actual reading came inline with the analysts' forecasts, where the prior reading showed an incline by 4.6% in March.

Moreover, household spending in Japanese dropped by 3.0% during the year ended April, from a previous drop by 8.5% a year earlier, while the anticipations estimated of -2.7%. The Japanese economy has witnessed some improvements after the March quake, where the industrial sector increased less than market expectations in April, adding the Japanese companies began their production process, signaling that the economic recovery will start its upside movement in the second half of 2011.

The Japanese economy issued its Industrial Production preliminary reading (MoM), where the index retreated 1.0% during April, compared with the pervious drop 15.5% in March, while analyst's forecasts referred to 2.0%.

Moreover, Japan's Industrial Production preliminary reading (YoY) for the year ended March, which slid to -14.0%, compared with a prior -13.1% last year, while the expectations estimated of -12.4%.

Japanese industrial sector rebounds in April to give optimism about the current position in the nation, means that the companies had reopened their plants, but the nation's three largest carmakers (Toyota, Honda and Nissan) announced that their sales retreated in April as the disruption affected by the negative earthquake results.

As for the current position in Japan, it needs time to revive again before the end of 2011, where the sustained recovery in manufacturing may take time as companies are facing a shortfall of engine spares, caused to halt the production cycle.

Japan's government is planning to introduce more budgets for reconstruction process after parliament in Japan has approved to pump 4 trillion yen ($50 billion) package this month. Further, the government in March estimated that damage from the disaster will swell to as high as 25 trillion yen.

On the other hand, the Japanese economy has followed expectations when it recorded another contraction in a decade. However, Japan shrank more than anticipations during the first three months of the year, affected by the March quake, which has massive results on the industrial sector in Japan.

Japan contracted 0.9% in the 1st quarter, the second consecutive quarter after the devastating earthquake and tsunami which contributed to suspend the production process in many Japanese multi-national companies, and prompted consumers to cut their spending along with the retreats in consumers' confidence.

At the meantime, Japan's jobless rate increased to 4.7% during the month of April, while the actual reading came inline with the analysts' forecasts, where the prior reading showed an incline by 4.6% in March.

Moreover, household spending in Japanese dropped by 3.0% during the year ended April, from a previous drop by 8.5% a year earlier, while the anticipations estimated of -2.7%.

/

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Keeping an Eye Out for Good Deals on Airline Airfares - Travel

In today's world air travel is a very common and convenient mode of transport. Millions of people all over the world take advantage of traveling by air each day. A lot of time can be saved by air travel as opposed to other modes of transport. People have a range of options about their air travel arrangements because there are numerous airlines today. They have the liberty of choosing the airline which suits their needs the best.

An airline is a company which provides facilities of air traveling to people. They can be local or international. Airline airfares differ according to the airline company and your travel destination. You can, as mentioned above, pay your airline airfare according to the services that you require during the flight.

The differences in airline airfares begin with your travel destination. The further your destination is the more will be your airline airfare. This is a basic fact for all airlines, even though there can be slight differences in prices within a number of airlines. But if you are traveling with a lot of transits, your airline airfare will be less than when you take one direct flight. This too is common to all airlines.

Airline airfares also differ according to the level of your accommodation during the flight. Airlines generally offer three types of accommodation, namely first class, business class and economy class. First class is the most expensive with business class and economy class following respectively. If you are someone who is trying to save money on your airline airfare, traveling economy class will be the best option for you. But if you are determined to pamper yourself during your vacation, there is no harm in traveling first class or business class.

Airline airfares largely depend on the particular airline as well. If the airline is relatively new your airfare will be less than the airfare of other airlines to the same destination. Another instance where you can get reduced deals on your airline airfare is when an airline is celebrating one of its corporate successes. For example, a particular airline might reduce all their airfares by 50% in celebration of being in business for a particular number of years. If you keep an eye open for deals such as this your airline airfares will be reduced dramatically.

When you are making travel arrangements the best thing to do is to compare the airline airfares of a number of different airlines. This can be done online with ease. There are certain websites which provide you with airfare comparisons of all airlines once you enter the basic information of your journey such as the expected date and time of departure and arrival, along with the destination. This way you can choose the airline with airfares that suits your budget the best.

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Courier Service Hollywood - Business - Business Ideas

Hollywood is a place of glamour, of celebrities, of movies, of shopping, of wealth and of energy. But it takes a lot of people to keep Hollywood running. Every moment there are a thousands of meetings, of transactions and deliveries happening - this makes Hollywood the place that people dream about.

However, daily tasks are not nearly as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. Especially when it comes to deliveries, movies do not represent the hour sitting on Sunset very accurately. But sending out the intern to make a delivery and sit in traffic is not the most cost-effective use of time. Instead, one should consider a courier service in Hollywood. Not only does it save employees time, but it ensures accurate and timely delivery for a low price.

Regarding courier service in Hollywood, Express Connection employs over 85 bonded drivers, all equipped with GPS systems, to ensure a timely delivery. The customer will know exactly when the delivery has been completed and can choose a delivery system based on their timetable and financial concerns. Express Connection offers economy delivery, as well as weekend, after-hours and holiday delivery. Entertainment never stops, and neither does this courier service in Hollywood. Express Connection serves the greater Los Angeles area as well, so deliveries to Studio City, Burbank, and Century City as well as everywhere else, will not pose any problems. In addition, Express Connection offers an online billing and tracking service service for convenience and to save time.

With a courier service in Hollywood, daily business becomes one step closer to the epic images depicted in movies. Don't stress and waste gas in traffic, don't send out valuable employees to make deliveries. Instead, make the cost- and time-efficient decision of hiring a courier service in Hollywood.

Hollywood is a place of glamour, of celebrities, of movies, of shopping, of wealth and of energy. But it takes a lot of people to keep Hollywood running. Every moment there are a thousands of meetings, of transactions and deliveries happening - this makes Hollywood the place that people dream about.

However, daily tasks are not nearly as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. Especially when it comes to deliveries, movies do not represent the hour sitting on Sunset very accurately. But sending out the intern to make a delivery and sit in traffic is not the most cost-effective use of time. Instead, one should consider a courier service in Hollywood. Not only does it save employees time, but it ensures accurate and timely delivery for a low price.

Regarding courier service in Hollywood, Express Connection employs over 85 bonded drivers, all equipped with GPS systems, to ensure a timely delivery. The customer will know exactly when the delivery has been completed and can choose a delivery system based on their timetable and financial concerns. Express Connection offers economy delivery, as well as weekend, after-hours and holiday delivery. Entertainment never stops, and neither does this courier service in Hollywood. Express Connection serves the greater Los Angeles area as well, so deliveries to Studio City, Burbank, and Century City as well as everywhere else, will not pose any problems. In addition, Express Connection offers an online billing and tracking service service for convenience and to save time.

With a courier service in Hollywood, daily business becomes one step closer to the epic images depicted in movies. Don't stress and waste gas in traffic, don't send out valuable employees to make deliveries. Instead, make the cost- and time-efficient decision of hiring a courier service in Hollywood.

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Who is trying to save money in these hard economic times? - Education - Tutoring

Are you in debt? Do you want a new car or a new house? Do you just want some extra money so that you can take your family on a nice vacation?I think you can answer yes to almost every question above!If you answered yes to at least one of them, then I have an incredible resource for you. If you didn't answer yes to any of the questions, for more detail this resource is NOT for you. This resource is for the average Joe/Jane who is trying to save money in these hard economic times. We all want MORE out of life. Unfortunately, getting MORE out of life usually takes having MORE money.Today is THE day that YOU can start putting MORE money into YOUR pocket!I'm going to show you:82 Techniques That Will Put More Money into Your Pocket!* Save while shopping(Save on buying clothes, food, and almost anything else you shop for.)* Save while paying bills(Save on your mortgage, insurance, doctor bills, and MORE!)* Save while traveling(Save money on all of your traveling. No matter where you want to travel you can travel at much lower than normal cost.) * Save while you take your family out for a "family day". (Save on movies, eating out at restaurants, and other fun things you enjoy doing with your family.) You'll immediately be able to start learning how to save money on all the above in this 28-page information packed e-book. You're finally going to be able to do those things that YOU want to do, but never had the money to do. Are you in debt? Do you want a new car or a new house? Do you just want some extra money so that you can take your family on a nice vacation? Than you have to visit I think you can answer yes to almost every question above! This resource is for the average Joe/Jane who is trying to save money in these hard economic times. We all want MORE out of life. Unfortunately, getting MORE out of life usually takes having MORE money. Today is THE day that YOU can start putting MORE money into YOUR pocket! 82 Techniques That Will Put More Mon ey into Your Pocket! Save while shopping(Save on buying clothes, food, and almost anything else you shop for.) Save while paying bills (Save on your mortgage, insurance, doctor bills, and MORE!) Save while traveling(Save money on all of your traveling. No matter where you want to travel you can travel at much lower than normal cost.) Save while you take your family out for a "family day".(Save on movies, eating out at restaurants, and other fun things you enjoy doing with your family.) You'll immediately be able to start learning how to save money on all the above in this 28-page information packed e-book. You're finally going to be able to do those things that YOU want to do, but never had the money to do.

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Chevrolet Volt - Business

Classification as a hybrid Because the current Society of Automotive Engineers SAE definition of a hybrid vehicle states the vehicle shall have two or more energy storage systems both of which must provide propulsion power either together or independently the company has avoided the use of the term hybrid when describing its Voltec designs Instead GM describes the Volt as an electric vehicle equipped with a range extending gasoline powered internal combustion engine ICE as a genset and therefore dubbed an Extended Range Electric Vehicle or E REV However due to the combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motors in series rather than parallel this configuration is most commonly referred to as a plug in series hybrid See Hybrid vehicle drivetrain Design Concept vehicle The first Chevy Volt concept vehicle The Volt concept vehicle has four doors with a rear liftgate and is capable of carrying four passengers This is a significant change in design when compare d to the General Motors EV1 of the 1990s which only seated two to reduce weight The top speed has also been increased on the Volt from the electronically limited 80 miles per hour 130 km h to 100 miles per hour 160 km h The battery pack size has also been reduced from about 300 L in volume in the EV1 to just 100 L in the Volt GM s Vice Chairman Robert Lutz told Newsweek in 2007 that a two seat sports car by Tesla Motors the Roadster and the rapid advancement of battery technology inspired him to push GM to develop the Volt Production model The production design model first revealed to the public on September 16 2008 differs greatly in design from the original concept car Citing necessary aerodynamic changes needed to extend the Volt s initial full charge range the Volt uses GM s new Delta II platform shared by the planned 2010 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2011 Saab 9 3 Although GM has not publicly revealed the production model s drag coefficient they claim it will be lower than t he 0 25 drag coefficient of the Toyota Prius which uses a Kammback body Electromechanical design timeline Chevrolet Volt concept at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show GM executives report that battery technology will have a large impact in determining the success of the car To help spur battery research GM selected two companies to provide advanced lithium ion battery packs Compact Power CPI which uses manganese spinel based cells made by its parent company LG Chemical and Continental Automotive Systems which uses nanophosphate based cylindrical cells made by A123Systems However on August 9 2007 GM established a more close knit relationship with A123Systems so that the two companies could co develop a Volt specific battery cell This cell was later unveiled at the EVS23 industry convention in Anaheim CA Work with CPI has continued at a rapid pace and in late 2007 CPI delivered two fully functional prototype battery packs to GM s testing facilities On January 31 2008 A123 and Continental delivered their first prototype to GM s European test facilities GM announced on January 12 2009 that it would use the LG Chem batteries for the production model GM expects ten years of life out of the batteries As of early 2008 they had started extensive battery testing and planned to have 10 year battery results in two years Batteries were placed in the Chevrolet Malibu for further real world testing In April 2008 GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said that the first battery test mule was now running with a lithium ion battery pack By that summer GM confirmed that a non turbocharged 1 4 liter 4 cylinder engine would be used as the range extender and that the intention is to build it in Flint Michigan In August 2008 Andrew Farah the car s chief engineer stated that the project remains on track to hit the 2010 deadline saying at this point there nothing standing in our way of continuing to do what we said wee going to do In April 2009 GM allowed journalists to test the Volt powertrain in the body of Chevrolet Cruze sedans used as test mules which lacked the range extending generator The driving tests were conducted at GM Technical Center in Warren Michigan Several of the journalists noted that the Volt mule s drive in electric mode is quiet and smooth without any of the typical noises in commercially available hybrids when accelerating or decelerating In November 2009 a journalist described the feel of driving the car as it transitioned from electric to generator mode as the engine initial engagement is inaudible and seamless GM plans to include in the Volt some type of noisemaker to alert blind pedestrians of the car s presence The first integration prototype based on the final Volt design was built in June 2009 in Warren Michigan By October 80 Volts had been built and tested in various conditions and by October 2009 GM expects 80 of them to be on the road as press cars and test vehicles Drivetrain Drivetrain cut away of the Volt at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show Right side the gasoline powered engine used as generator to recharge the batteries Left side the electric powered engine used for traction The 2007 Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle that appeared in the North American International Auto Show introduced the Voltec drive system which is an attempt to standardize many components of possible future electrically propelled vehicles and to allow multiple interchangeable electricity generating systems The initial design as envisioned in the Volt combines an electric motor and 16 kWh 58 MJ lithium ion battery plug in system with a small 1 0 L engine powered by gasoline linked to a 53 kW 71 hp generator The vehicle is propelled by an electric motor with a peak output of 120 kW 160 hp Ordinarily the vehicle would be charged while at home overnight According to General Motors a full charge will take approximately eight hours from a standard North American 120 V 15 A household outlet and less than three hours if using a standard 240 VAC outlet Charge times will be less if the battery is not fully depleted when charging commences Since the electrical drivetrain is not affected by the method used to charge its batteries several options could be available for an engine The original prototype specifications for the Volt indicated a turbo charged 1 0 litre 3 cylinder engine would be used However the initial production configuration currently specified by GM indicates the use of a naturally aspirated 1 4 liter 4 cylinder gasoline engine Opel s Family 0 The Volt will be E85 flex fuel capable about a year after its introduction This drivetrain layout is considered a plug in series hybrid design since mechanical power drives the generator which in turn either charges the battery pack or provides power to the electric motor While the ICE has an electrical connection with the electric motor and hence the wheels there is no mechanical linkage to the wheels unlike current au tomobile hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius allowing optimization of engine rpm for fuel consumption efficient rate of charge and low emissions GM plans to station charge the lithium ion battery to a state of charge SoC range of approx 85 Then once the battery depletes to a precise low set point 25 the on board ICE powered generator will maintain the state of charge of the battery between the lower setpoint and an upper set point above the 30 SoC level GM has decided on a new descriptive terminology to distinguish it from traditional hybrids They are calling the Volt an E REV for extended range electric vehicle although it still qualifies as a hybrid Production and sales Volt s frontal view Volt s rear view In July 2007 General Motors stated that it would have the Volt on the U S market in 2010 and in early June 2008 they confirmed that production had been approved with a target of getting the Volt into showrooms by the end of 2010 Following the conclusion of the 2007 UAW GM contract talks assembly of the Volt was assigned to Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Initially the gasoline engine will be imported from the Opel engine plant in Aspern Austria Early estimates from GM staff were of initial annual production of 60 000 units but these claims have been scaled back to a planned 10 000 units as of May 2008 with a ramp up to 60 000 units in the second year At the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Opel Vauxhall showed the Ampera version of the Chevrolet Volt Tax credits In the U S market the price of the Volt is expected to be around US 40 000 General Motors expects that the capacity of the Volt s battery pack will qualify U S based purchasers for the maximum US 7 500 tax credit as specified in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 Initially the former GM vice president Bob Lutz wanted the Volt at about 30 000 The Volt is being endorsed by Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario government in Canada The province will provide a 10 000 subsidy and will pu rchase 500 Volts for the Ontario Public Service fleet The subsidies are part of McGuinty s target to have electric vehicles make up 5 of all cars in Ontario by 2020 Production and sales in foreign markets At the British International Motor Show in July 2008 GM stated that they were considering building all of the Volts for the European market branded Chevrolet Opel and Vauxhall at their Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port on the other side of the River Mersey to the Jaguar car plant in Liverpool United Kingdom In August 2008 GM stated that the Volt would be available for sale in Europe in 2011 In the UK market the indicated price is around GBP20k In late January 2009 Opel announced that its version of the Volt the Opel Ampera will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March The price is still not yet firm but could land around EUR40 000 The planned employment of the Opel Ampera should demand only an extremely low annual car tax of about EUR28 in Germany Opel is developing the battery control modules for the Opel Ampera at LG in Mainz Kastel In Asian markets the car will be known as the Chevy Ohm A special version for Arabic countries called the Ohma is being considered citation needed At the Sydney Motor Show in October 2008 Holden stated that the Volt would be available in Australia by 2012 for more than AUD 30 000 Marketing GM has promoted the Volt through a viral marketing campaign in which the number 230 was promoted without explanation On August 11 2009 GM announced the Volt can achieve a US EPA City rating of 230 mpg US 1 0 L 100 km 280 mpg imp plus 25 kWh 100 mi 160 km using the EPA s proposed method for evaluating plug in hybrids Specifications Fuel efficiency For trips less than about 40 miles 64 km a fully charged Chevy Volt may travel using just stored electricity and not require any on board gasoline This is referred to as Charge Depletion CD mode and the Volt is expected to use approximately 25 kWh 100 mi on the city cycle of the EPA s test while operating in this mode Once the Volt s battery has discharged to the estimated 30 lower State of Charge SoC limit the engine starts and supplies power to the electric motor to continue driving the car and maintains the battery charge at 30 The Volt s range extending gasoline engine is expected to get approximately 50 mpg US 4 7 L 100 km 60 mpg imp on the city cycle of the EPA s test while operating in this Charge Sustaining CS mode citation needed On August 11 2009 GM released their estimated EPA city fuel economy rating for the Volt of 230 mpg US 1 0 L 100 km 280 mpg imp of gasoline plus 25 kWh 100 mi 160 km of electricity The U S Environmental Protection Agency EPA issued a statement clarifying that the EPA has not tested a Chevy Volt and therefore cannot confirm the fuel economy values claimed by GM If testing on the Volt were done using the EPA s 2009 hybrid testing methodology it would yield an estimated 48 mpg US 4 9 L 100 km 58 mpg imp and require the ca r to complete the test with a battery fully charged by running the gasoline engine The Volt however can use both gasoline and grid electricity thus assigning a fuel economy value that only refers to on board gasoline would not be appropriate The EPA is working on an updated methodology for determining and then reporting the fuel economy of PHEVs An EPA presentation to the Society of Automotive Engineers in February 2009 discussed a method based on SAE J1711 to combine the gasoline fuel economy with the electrical fuel economy using the petroleum equivalency factor of 33 7 kWhallonUS the lower heating value of gasoline and the value used by the DOE which would combine GM s estimated city fuel economies for the Volt into an overall 85 mpgge notes 1 for reporting Battery Outlet for the electrical charger in the left side of the Chevrolet Volt Reuters reported in October 2008 that GM had decided to work exclusively with Compact Power Incorporated CPI a Detroit based unit of Sout h Korea LG Chem to develop the battery systems for the first production version of the Volt The cells will be produced in Korea and subsequently shipped to the United States where the battery packs will be assembled at a purpose built facility in Brownstown Township Michigan owned and operated by GM The Volt s 375 lb 170 kg 220 cell lithium ion battery Li ion pack is anticipated to store 16 kWh of energy but will be restricted to use only 8 8 kWh of this capacity to maximize the life of the pack It will only be allowed to charge to 85 of full capacity and to discharge only to approximately 30 SoC before the engine cuts in and maintains the charge near

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Economy Meltdown - How You Can Generate Money Making Ideas In It - Finance

The Economy meltdown might not altogether be a total disaster after all. As we all know, tough times call for tough measures and necessity is the mother of invention.You have amazing possibilities and potentials within you seeking expression but you must realize that if you do not do anything positive about it, these potentials may die still-born waiting for you to access them. Everybody has access to unlimited intelligence but they can only tap into it via proper training. We are going to look at the two primary forms of idea production.Synthetic idea production It is the ability to put together existing bits of information into new forms for decision and action. It is the highest form of intelligence for success and achievement anywhere. From series of research, it has been estimated that you need between twenty thousand to fifty thousand bits of information at your disposal to be really successful in any field of endeavor. It is important that you understand that we liv e in the information age where knowledge is the raw material for production and value. The quest for wealth in our economy is not between those who have more and those who have less, but it is between those who know more and those who know less. Those who know more are naturally ahead of those who know less anywhere. So, your job is to continually gather additional practical and useful information so that you will have plenty of ideas to draw upon when you are striving towards any goal or faced with a problem like the economy meltdown.Remember, you cannot solve a problem if you are at the same level of information you where when you created it.Creative Idea production This is your ability to come up with completely new and different ideas to solve your problems and also the constant improvement of these ideas to achieve any goal. This creative imagination is responsible for all the great breakthroughs in science and technology, arts, medicine and so on. That most successful people are those who consciously train themselves to tap into this creativity on a regular basis. Your development of this ability can enable you make your progress much faster. Form findings we know that the average person has four ideas for improvement passing through on a daily basis all of which can make him super rich. In other words, you had the capability of becoming wealthy all these while. So by simply sitting down and having a creative imagination, you can produce an idea that can make you a millionaire. All great fortunes where started with ideas to improve something in some ways. Therefore think up how you can improve things around you or even recreate one. Let us see the four ideas for you improvement.i. Preparation: This is the most important step because it is where most of the job is done. It involves being in the right frame of mind, gathering the right information an asking the right questions that stimulate imagination and thinking.ii. Transformation: Here you turn the matter over to your subconscious mind.iii. Realization: This is where the idea you have prepared for and transformed now comes to you.iv. Application: This is where the creative idea is turned into something worthwhile. In conclusion, you should know that all improvements and forms of creativity begin with questioning the existing circumstances (economy meltdown) surrounding you.

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Debt Relief Counseling - How Can It Help With Your Credit Card Debt Payoff? - Finance - Debt Management

Are you wondering what credit card debt relief counseling is all about? This article can provide you with what you need to know about this debt relief option. When the bills keep stacking up and the bill collectors won't stop calling, the feelings of despair can become overwhelming. It's not that people don't want to pay their debts. They might not have the funds to pay their debts, or they may be unable to manage so many payments - so they have to stand back and watch their credit scores plummet, to their dismay.

Many people find themselves in this position now because of bad economic times. Many of those have worked hard on their jobs, and on their credit scores, just to see both go down the drain because of bad economic times. This has made many folks feel hopeless, worthless, and depressed.

If you find yourself in this situation, you might feel as if there is no way out. But thankfully, there is a way out that might give you hope, and eventually get you out of debt. That hope is called credit card debt relief counseling, or just credit counseling.

Many people have heard of credit card debt relief counseling, along with other forms of debt relief and repair programs. All of these programs claim to be able to help consumers gain control of their financial health, and to help repair their credit. But there are fundamental differences between a credit counseling programs, and other programs.

In credit card debt relief counseling, you work with a professional credit counseling agent. Many of these programs are operated by non-profit agencies. As such, while there is a suggested fee, the fee is collected on a donation basis. Your credit counselor will task you with gathering up your credit reports, credit card and other loan statements, as well as monthly income and expense related documents. In this context, it may be helpful for you to be aware that if you live in the U.S., you are entitled to receive one free credit report each year from all three major credit reporting agencies. Once you collect all this information, your counselor sits down with you to look at the state of your financial affairs.

After any mistakes are identified in your credit report, your counselor will work out a debt repayment plan with you. The payment plan will be designed to be tiered. For example, a certain amount will be paid each month to all your credit accounts. That amount will be negotiated by the credit counselor with your creditors, on your behalf. As one account gets paid off, the extra money will be distributed to the other outstanding accounts. This process will continue until all of your outstanding accounts are paid off. And as you pay off your outstanding debt, your credit score will improve. And that's how credit card debt relief counseling program typically works.

Credit counseling has worked out to be a great option for many people. The only real drawback, is that some creditors will report the account as being under credit counseling. In the short-term, this can look bad on your credit reports. However, this shouldn't be much of an issue, especially if your credit rating is already looking bad because of missed payments and past due accounts. Besides, consistently paying all your bills on time, with the help of a debt management plan, can only improve your credit rating in the long run. And in any case, simply working through a credit card debt relief counseling program can help you regain your hope for your financial future.

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Influence of Globalization on Japanese Industry - Business

Globalization influences every state and Japan is not the exception. Despite the fact that Japan is one of the richest countries in the world and is economically successful, still it has unsolved issues concerning working conditions. It is important to note that there are differences in payments, conditions of work at small and large companies in Japan. This model does not coincide with the model in Western developed countries. In Japan companies are oriented at the export market. The Japanese salary amount depends on the company size and region. Part-time workers, usually women, receive a minimum salary. Earlier, the Japanese economy was aimed at the level of the USA and Europe. In the 1960s there was a period of high increase in economy. The industrial growth assumed nearly 0% unemployment. However, with years the unemployment percent increased. It is obvious that the Japanese economy undergoes structural development which causes a high unemployment pattern. These modifi cations evoke new working patters and industrial models. At present Japan has a difficult period in economy as there are problems with unemployment and working patterns in Japan. These changes are mainly the result of globalization, global changes that has covered all countries and continents. Japan companies and even small firms have many methods for being competitive in the conditions of globalization. At the meeting in Tokyo researchers discussed the problem of globalization and they drew a conclusion that there are multiple ways to manage with the issues of globalization. Some companies are relying on outsourcing that is not good. Globalization makes people closer uniting markets, thus, it changes usual production systems and wipes the borders between societies. Earlier, a company organized everything within it, but nowadays every function can be performed by a different person, state or company. For instance, the iPod video player produced by Apple Inc. is designed in t he USA, using Japanese elements for manufacturing and it is assembled in China. This 'multinational product' is of high quality and is very successful. So, we can see a shift toward multinational design, manufacturing and distribution of a product. Of course, these changes affect people who work at companies and their working conditions. There is no general table what a company keeps within it and what outsources. There is information that in the industry of personal computers 'Dell' does not produce components and has little manufacturing. Thus, Dell is successful. Besides, Samsung uses components for computers produced by the company, and Sony buys almost half of components for computers in Nagano. The only way to be competitive in a globalized world is to produce components or services that are really unique and get the benefit from them. Placing manufacturing in another country is a tendency of today's world. In this way a company saves much money hiring low-wages worker s. Nevertheless, this method is not effective as a company needs to relocate its manufacturing all the time because competitors will go further and further to win. Outsourcing is a dangerous method as it can create competitors. Japanese companies have had an experience of outsourcing the manufacturing in Korean and other countries that has lead to a creation of competitors. So, some firms prefer built plants in Korea and China - to produce and sell the products in these countries. This is a good strategy that works. However, other ones prefer to keep the manufacturing or, at least, some operations, within the company and the country. This or that way Japanese companies get profits from their business having used to a changing international market. Since 2004, Japanese industry feels the growth. For example, Japanese electronics moved its manufacturing to the country. Indeed, such a tendency of placing manufacturing capabilities within the country stays the major purpose of i ndustry in Japan. Kenwood Corporation became one of the first companies returning its manufacturing line back to Japan. The thing is that the return to Japan caused the cut of worker staff in former manufacturing place - Malaysia and Yamagata. Another issue of a globalization is that in a changeable market conditions a company can raise the cost for components and you cannot flexibly answer to these changes relying on outsourcing and outside manufacturers. Moreover, outsourcing assumes a cutting of working staff, usually experienced that leads to the loss of competitiveness and dependence on outside factors. For instance, Sony's plants in Japan are main place of worldwide operations. Sony's plants in Japan are responsible for about half of its world production amount, while China's ones are responsible for about 20%. Sony's strategy is to produce its equipment in China where there is a great market and Sony sells more than 10% of all sales annually. The Japanese plants are o riented on the product and development of new product lines, promotion of manufacturing technology. Another famous Japanese electronics company, Hitachi Ltd., also adjusts to changing global market continuing production of goods in the global environment and restructuring the company. Moreover, Hitachi is creating a new manufacturing system with greater profitability where the key roles play: innovations in working patterns, application of new technologies, use of outsourcing, management of human resources according to world's standards, changes in employment patterns and working conditions. Summarizing, there are various companies who use different strategies to achieve success. Analyzing the globalization process at a macroeconomic level, one must point out that some companies - successful ones - will survive, while others will experience the declining process. However, Japanese companies do the necessary changes for achieving good result. These companies will continue gro wing and this process will have a positive effect on the working patterns. In general, globalization is an inevitable process with its problems and Japanese industry sector must develop in the right way.

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Globalization - global economic convergence & Dimension - Business - Small Business

In simple terms, the phenomenon of 'globalization' is perceived as increased inter-conceitedness of the world. However there are three primary defining pillars of globalization that includes cultural, political and economic dimensions (Potter, 2002). It was argued that 'cultural globalization' is increasing convergence of cultural styles on a global norm, with that norm being codified and defined by the global capitalist system. Now cultural values and norms are shared and adopted among people in a way where we are giving rise to one global culture. Similarly it was asserted that 'political globalization' is regarding as erosion of the former role and power of the nation-state.

On the other hand, Potter (2002:192) defines 'economic globalization' as economy where "distance has become less important to economic activities, so that large countries sub-contract to branchplants in far distant regions, effectively operating within a 'borderless' world". However Inoguchi (2001) attempted to differentiate between international and global economy. International economy suggests importance of national economies working as units under national states as a result the international economy concerns activities that take place among various 'national economies'. However global economy describes unity of globe where geographical distance is no longer obstacle to economic activities. It also implies aggregation of the movement of goods and services worldwide together with their concomitant activities including movement of technology information and currencies without 'tyranny of distance'.

The economic globalization was flourished in 1990s and many examples can be taken to validate this argument. For instance Western European integration was first step towards economic globalization by European countries through signing Maastricht Treaty in 1991 that lead to creation of single market in 1992 and set base for European Union that was on full operation in 1999. Similarly 12 members of European Community and seven members of EFTA formed European Economic Area for free trade including 380 million people and accounted for 40% of world trade (Meredith & Dyster, 1999).

How ever it was the signature on First Act Embodying the Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in April, 1994 that developed the official foundation of first real concept of borderless global economy (LeQuesene, 1996). The primary aim of Uruguay Round was finalizing ways to reduce tariff barriers in developed countries as well as reduce non tariff barriers like elimination of safeguarding, antidumping restrictions and voluntary export restraint (Meredith & Dyster, 1999:291). Currently, WTO is a body looking after ensuring economic globalization primarily through trade liberalization.

These attempts resulted in boom of what is known as 'global economic convergence', that is 'global integration of product' (through world's top manufacturing companies' global operations by conducting planning, production and joint research with companies of myriad nationalities and outside their home countries) and financial markets through currency trading, baking and loans and investment in bonds and equity leading towards global homogenization (Kenworthy, 1997).

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The Importance and Role of Semi-Trucks in Society - Autos - Trucks

With the absence of railway tracks in every location, reaching every imaginable destination, it is up to semi-trucks to delivery freight from one destination to another. It is often the case whereby a train is used to deliver the items over a long distance, as trains tend to be 70% more efficient than semi-trucks, and then semi-trucks are used to deliver the freight to the precise intended destination.

Semi-trucks play a pivotal role in the American economy. They provide lots of opportunities for businesses to transport the freight to various destinations; they provide valuable revenue to the gas companies, and when a semi-truck isn't in operation, it is often being mended by mechanics. If for some unexpected and unforeseen reason semi-trucks disappeared, the American economy would be in sorts of trouble. It is quite unimaginable how much an important role semi-trucks play in our society.

There are an estimated 5.5 million commercial semi-trucks in operation according to the Federal Highway Administration, conducted in 2008. As a country, we tend to use more diesel than any other country, with the whole of Europe using slightly more than the US alone, and Canada using a fraction the amount of diesel. Even Australia, with its long and illustrious history of using semi-trucks to deliver freight across vast amounts of Australian land, doesn't use anywhere close to the diesel that the semi-trucks in the US do.

With the advent of a different way of thinking in terms of caring for our planet, semi-truck companies have recognised this increased compassion, and have sought to improve the efficiency of their semi-trucks. Back in the day, semi-trucks used to achieve anywhere from 2 MPG to 3 MPG, whereas these days, they're able to attain a much improved 7 MPG to 8 MPG. This again adds to the American economy in terms of the inventing of the technology to improve the efficiency, and the companies pouring lots of money into researching any additional benefits in addition to the already known areas of improvement:

Gap enclosures are used to reduce the gap between a semi-truck and its trailer, thus reducing the overall drag of the vehicle. Side skirts can be attached to reduce the airflow underneath the trailer itself, especially in crosswinds, which also increases drag without side skirts attached. Side mirror designs allow the airflow to flow more aerodynamically over the vehicle. Last but certainly not least, boat tails taper the back of the trailer to minimise the wake airflow.

Companies rely heavily on semi-trucks also, since if perishable goods, for instance, are not delivered in a timely manner, then they may be rejected as they may not be able to be sold commercially. This is due to the strict rules that many legislations dictate. Semi-truck companies strive tirelessly to deliver goods on time, and therefore are constantly employing extra drivers to meet the demands of their business. Whilst we may therefore complain about the pollution that semi-trucks emit into the atmosphere, it is important to remember that they are an invaluable source of income for many millions of people in America, both directly and indirectly, and without our added compassion for our planet, semi-trucks companies which continue to research and develop ways in which to reduce omissions, and increase the MPG of their trucks to thus use less diesel.

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Money Matters Financial Services Limited Unfolds Market Opportunities - Finance - Debt Management

Money Matters Financial Services Limited Unfolds Market OpportunitiesNo doubt, Indian economy has endured the trauma of recession and has strongly stood with a growth registering 7.6% GDP in 2009-10 financial year. The consolidating Indian economy is the result of rising domestic demand, consumption, investment and trade and positive capital inflows. Moreover, the economy is expected to get remarkable support from consumption and infrastructure sectors in the next few years, thereby projecting significant upsurge in GDP. Sensing the accelerated growth momentum of the Indian economy, Money Matter Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) is eager to extend its financial related services to corporate and institutional clients in order to capitalize on the market opportunities. A non banking financial services company (NBFC), Money Matters Financial Services Limited is one of the trailblazers that provide a whole gamut of financial solutions and services with special emphasis on Cre dit Syndication and Debt Capital Market Advisory Services (Primary and Secondary), Financial Restructuring, Investment Banking and Asset Financing. Holding a clientele base of different industry verticals including Real Estate, Power, Telecom, Hospitality, Retail and Financial Services, the company, of late, has decided to put focus on fund based activities and the non fund based activities in addition to render its services in the investment banking space.Money Matters Financial Service Ltd. holds great expertise in diverse domains of financial sector and is serving businesses and corporate houses in debt placement & syndication and financial restructuring that make them financially secure in this highly competitive financial world. Right from offering prompt decision pertaining to acquisition and mergers to guiding through the formation of strategic alliances and joint ventures, every vital financial suggestion is offered in the manner that proves beneficial in the long te rm. Interestingly both debt advisory and credit syndication services contribute the major part in its net earning. Money matters financial service limited is leading financial services company in india which provides best advisory, consultancy and other financial related services to corporate and institutional clients.There services are designed to augment funds for various large and emerging corporate, thus enabling them to permanently consolidate their positions in the market. The success of the company is the result of having a pool of talents with strong execution skills who are committed to provide comprehensive financial requirements to clients in the most cost effective manner. With the expert and specialized knowledge of the Indian financial market, the company aims to build strong relationships and provide innovative financial solutions to clients with excellence, integrity and passion.Visit us : /Home/Homepage.aspx

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The Blessings of the Black Economy

Some call it the "unofficial" or "informal" economy, others call it the "grey economy" but the old name fits it best: the "black economy". In the USA "black" means "profitable, healthy" and this is what the black economy is. Macedonia should count its blessings for having had a black economy so strong and thriving to see it through the transition. If Macedonia had to rely only on its official economy it would have gone bankrupt long ago.

The black economy is made up of two constituent activities:

1.. Legal activities that are not reported to the tax authorities and the income from which goes untaxed and unreported. For instance: it is not illegal to clean someone's house, to feed people or to drive them. It is, however, illegal to hide the income generated by these activities and not to pay tax on it. In most countries of the world, this is a criminal offence, punishable by years in prison.

2.. Illegal activities which, needless to say, are also not reported to the state (and, therefore, not taxed).

These two types of activities together are thought to comprise between 15% (USA, Germany) to 60% (Russia) of the economic activity (as measured by the GDP), depending on the country. It would probably be an underestimate to say that 40% of the GDP in Macedonia is "black". This equals 1.2 billion USD per annum. The money generated by these activities is largely held in foreign exchange outside the banking system or smuggled abroad (even through the local banking system). Experience in other countries shows that circa 15% of the money "floats" in the recipient country and is used to finance consumption. This should translate to 1 billion free floating dollars in the hands of the 2 million citizens of Macedonia. Billions are transferred to the outside world (mostly to finance additional transactions, some of it to be saved in foreign banks away from the long hand of the state). A trickle of money comes back and is "laundered" through the opening of small legal businesses.

These are excellent news for Macedonia. It means that when the macro-economic, geopolitical and (especially) the micro-economic climates will change - billions of USD will flow back to Macedonia. People will bring their money back to open businesses, to support family members and just to consume it. It all depends on the mood and on the atmosphere and on how much these people feel that they can rely on the political stability and rational management. Such enormous flows of capital happened before: in Argentina after the Generals and their corrupt regime were ousted by civilians, in Israel when the peace process started and in Mexico following the signature of NAFTA, to mention but three cases. These reserves can be lured back and transform the economy.

But the black economy has many more important functions.

The black economy is a cash economy. It is liquid and fast. It increases the velocity of money. It injects much needed foreign exchange to the economy and inadvertently increases the effective money supply and the resulting money aggregates. In this sense, it defies the dictates of "we know better" institutions such as the IMF. It fosters economic activity and employs people. It encourages labour mobility and international trade. Black economy, in short, is very positive. With the exception of illegal activities, it does everything that the official economy does - and, usually, more efficiently.

So, what is morally wrong with the black economy? The answer, in brief: it is exploitative. Other parts of the economy, which are not hidden (though would have liked to be), are penalized for their visibility. They pay taxes. Workers in a factory owned by the state or in the government service cannot avoid paying taxes. The money that the state collects from them is invested, for instance, in infrastructure (roads, phones, electricity) or used to pay for public services (education, defence, policing). The operators of the black economy enjoy these services without paying for them, without bearing the costs and worse: while others bear the costs. These encourages them, in theory to use these resources less efficiently.

And all this might be true in a highly efficient, almost ideal market economy. The emphasis is on the word "market". Unfortunately, we all live in societies which are regulated by bureaucracies which are controlled (in theory, rarely in practice) by politicians. These elites have a tendency to misuse and to abuse resources and to allocate them in an inefficient manner. Even economic theory admits that any dollar left in the hands of the private sector is much more efficiently used than the same dollar in the hands of the most honest and well meaning and well planning civil servant. Governments all over the world distort economic decisions and misallocate scarce economic resources.

Thus, if the goals are to encourage employment and economic growth - the black economy should be welcomed. This is precisely what it does and, by definition, it does so more efficiently than the government. The less tax dollars a government has - the less damage it does. This is an opinion shares by most economists in the world today. Lower tax rates are an admission of this fact and a legalization of parts of the black economy.

The black economy is especially important in times of economic hardships. Countries in transition are a private case of emerging economies which are a private case of developing countries which used to be called (in less politically correct times) "Third World Countries". They suffer from all manner of acute economic illnesses. They lost their export markets, they are technologically backward, their unemployment skyrockets, their plant and machinery are dilapidated, their infrastructure decrepit and dysfunctional, they are lethally illiquid, they become immoral societies (obligations not honoured, crime flourishes), their trade deficits and budget deficits balloon and they are conditioned to be dependent on handouts and dictates from various international financial institutions and donor countries.

Read this list again: isn't the black economy a perfect solution until the dust settles?

It enhances exports (and competitiveness through imports), it encourages technology transfers, it employs people, it invests in legitimate businesses (or is practised by them), it adds to the wealth of the nation (black marketeers are big spenders, good consumers and build real estate), it injects liquidity to an otherwise dehydrated market. Mercifully, the black economy is out of the reach of zealous missionaries such as the IMF. It goes its own way, unnoticed, unreported, unbeknownst, untamed. It doesn't pay attention to money supply targets (it is much bigger than the official money supply figure), or to macroeconomic stability goals. It plods on: doing business and helping the country to survive the double scourges of transition and Western piousness and patronizing. As long as it is there, Macedonia has a real safety net. The government is advised to turn a blind eye to it for it is a blessing in disguise.

There is one sure medicine: eliminate the population and both unemployment and inflation will be eliminated. Without the black economy, the population of Macedonia would not have survived. This lesson must be remembered as the government prepares to crack down on the only sector of the economy which is still alive and kicking.

Operational Recommendations

The implementation of these recommendations and reforms should be obliged to be GRADUAL. The informal economy is an important pressure valve for the release of social pressures, it ameliorates the social costs inherent to the period of transition and it constitutes an important part of the private sector.

As we said in the body of our report, these are the reasons for the existence of an informal economy and they should be obliged to all be tackled:

a.. High taxation level (in Macedonia, high payroll taxes);

b.. Onerous labour market regulations;

c.. Red tape and bureaucracy (which often leads to corruption);

d.. Complexity and unpredictability of the tax system.

Reporting Requirements and Transparency

a.. All banks should be obliged to report foreign exchange transactions of more than 10,000 DM (whether in one transaction or cumulatively by the same legal entity). The daily report should be submitted to the Central Bank. In extreme cases, the transactions should be investigated.

a.. All the ZPP account numbers of all the firms in Macedonia should be publicly available through the Internet and in printed form.

a.. Firms should be obliged by law to make a list of all their bank accounts available to the ZPP, to the courts and to plaintiffs in lawsuits.

a.. All citizens should be obliged to file annual, personal tax returns (universal tax returns, like in the USA). This way, discrepancies between personal tax returns and other information can lead to investigations and discoveries of tax evasion and criminal activities.

a.. All citizens should be obliged to file bi-annual declarations of personal wealth and assets (including real estate, vehicles, movables, inventory of business owned or controlled by the individual, financial assets, income from all sources, shares in companies, etc.).

a.. All retail outlets and places of business should be required to install - over a period of 3 years - cash registers with "fiscal brains". These are cash registers with an embedded chip. The chips are built to save a trail (detailed list) of all the transactions in the place of business. Tax inspectors can pick the chip at random, download its contents to the tax computers and use it to issue tax assessments. The information thus gathered can also be crossed with and compared to information from other sources (see: "Databases and Information Gathering"). This can be done only after the full implementation of the recommendations in the section titled "Databases and Information Gathering". I do not regard it as an effective measure. While it increases business costs - it is not likely to prevent cash or otherwise unreported transactions.

a.. All taxis should be equipped with taximeters, which include a printer. This should be a licencing condition.

a.. Industrial norms (for instance, the amount of sugar needed to manufacture a weight unit of chocolate, or juice) should be revamped. Norms should NOT be determined according to statements provided by the factory - but by a panel of experts. Each norm should be signed by three people, of which at least one is an expert engineer or another expert in the relevant field. Thought should be dedicated to the possibility of employing independent laboratories to determine norms and supervise them.

a.. Payments in wholesale markets should be done through a ZPP counter or branch in the wholesale market itself. Release of the goods and exiting the physical location of the wholesale market should be allowed only against presentation of a ZPP payment slip.

Reduction of Cash Transactions

a.. Cash transactions are the lifeblood of the informal economy. Their reduction and minimization is absolutely essential in the effort to contain it. One way of doing it is by issuing ZPP payment (debit) cards to businesses, firm and professionals. Use of the payment cards should be mandatory in certain business-to-business transactions.

a.. All exchange offices should be obliged to issue receipt for every cash transaction above 100 DM and to report to the Central Bank all transactions above 1000 DM. Suspicious transactions (for instance, transactions which exceed the financial wherewithal of the client involved) should be duly investigated.

a.. The government can reduce payroll taxes if the salary is not paid in cash (for instance, by a transfer to the bank account of the employee). The difference between payroll taxes collected on cash salaries and lower payroll taxes collected on noncash salaries - should be recovered by imposing a levy on all cash withdrawals from banks. The banks can withhold the tax and transfer it to the state monthly.

a.. Currently, checks issued to account-holders by banks are virtually guaranteed by the issuing banks. This transforms checks into a kind of cash and checks are used as cash in the economy. To prevent this situation, it is recommended that all checks will be payable to the beneficiary only. The account-holder will be obliged to furnish the bank with a monthly list of checks he or she issued and their details (to whom, date, etc.). Checks should be valid for 5 working days only.

a.. An obligation can be imposed to oblige businesses to effect payments only through their accounts (from account to account) or using their debit cards. Cash withdrawals should be subject to a withholding tax deducted by the bank. The same withholding tax should be applied to credits given against cash balances or to savings houses (stedilnicas). Alternatively, stedilnicas should also be obliged to deduct, collect and transfer the cash withdrawal withholding tax.

a.. In the extreme and if all other measures fail after a reasonable period of time, all foreign trade related payments should be conducted through the Central Bank. But this is really a highly irregular, emergency measure, which I do not recommend at this stage.

a.. The interest paid on cash balances and savings accounts in the banks should be increased (starting with bank reserves and deposits in the central bank).

a.. The issuance of checkbook should be made easy and convenient. Every branch should issue checkbooks. All the banks and the post office should respect and accept each other's checks.

a.. A Real Time Gross Settlement System should be established to minimize float and facilitate interbank transfers.

Government Tenders

a.. Firms competing for government tenders should be obliged to acquire a certificate from the tax authorities that they owe no back-taxes. Otherwise, they should be barred from bidding in government tenders and RFPs (Requests for Proposals).

Databases and Information Gathering

a.. Estimating the informal economy should be a priority objective of the Bureau of Statistics, which should devote considerable resources to this effort. In doing so, the Bureau of Statistics should coordinate closely with a wide variety of relevant ministries and committees that oversee various sectors of the economy.

a.. All registrars should be computerized: land, real estate, motor vehicles, share ownership, companies registration, tax filings, import and export related documentation (customs), VAT, permits and licences, records of flights abroad, ownership of mobile phones and so on. The tax authorities and the Public Revenue Office (PRO) should have unrestricted access to ALL the registers of all the registrars. Thus, they should be able to find tax evasion easily (ask for sources of wealth- how did you build this house and buy a new car if you are earning 500 DM monthly according to your tax return?).

a.. The PRO should have complete access to the computers of the ZPP and to all its computerized and non-computerized records.

a.. The computer system should constantly compare VAT records and records and statements related to other taxes in order to find discrepancies between them.

a.. Gradually, submissions of financial statements, tax returns and wealth declarations should be computerized and done even on a monthly basis (for instance, VAT statements).

a.. A system of informants and informant rewards should be established, including anonymous phone calls. Up to 10% of the intake or seizure value related to the information provided by the informant should go to the informant.

Law Enforcement

a.. Tax inspectors and customs officials should receive police powers and much higher salaries (including a percentage of tax revenues). The salaries of all tax inspectors - regardless of their original place of employment - should be equalized (of course, taking into consideration tenure, education, rank, etc.).

a.. Judges should be trained and educated in matters pertaining to the informal economy. Special courts for taxes, for instance, are a good idea (see recommendation below). Judges have to be trained in tax laws and the state tax authorities should provide BINDING opinions to entrepreneurs, businessmen and investors regarding the tax implications of their decisions and actions.

a.. It is recommended to assign tax inspectors to the public prosecutors' office to work as teams on complex or big cases.

a.. To establish an independent Financial and Tax Police with representatives from all relevant ministries but under the exclusive jurisdiction of the PRO. The remit of this Police should include all matters financial (including foreign exchange transactions, property and real estate transactions, payroll issues, etc.).

a.. Hiring and firing procedures in all the branches of the tax administration should be simplified. The number of administrative posts should be reduced and the number of tax inspectors and field agents increased.

a.. Tax arrears and especially the interest accruing thereof should be the first priority of the ZPP, before all other payments.

a.. All manufacturers and sellers of food products (including soft drinks, sweetmeats and candy, meat products, snacks) should purchase a licence from the state and be subjected to periodic and rigorous inspections.

a.. All contracts between firms should be registered in the courts and stamped to become valid. Contracts thus evidenced should be accompanied by the registration documents (registrar extract) of the contracting parties. Many "firms" doing business in Macedonia are not even legally registered.

Reforms and Amnesty

a.. A special inter-ministerial committee with MINISTER-MEMBERS and headed by the PM should be established. Its roles: to reduce bureaucracy, to suggest appropriate new legislation and to investigate corruption.

a.. Bureaucracy should be pared down drastically. The more permits, licences, tolls, fees and documents needed - the more corruption. Less power to state officials means less corruption. The One Stop Shop concept should be implemented everywhere.

a.. A general amnesty should be declared. Citizens declaring their illegal wealth should be pardoned BY LAW and either not taxed or taxed at a low rate once and forever on the hitherto undeclared wealth.

The Tax Code

a.. To impose a VAT system. VAT is one the best instruments against the informal economy because it tracks the production process throughout a chain of value added suppliers and manufacturers.

a.. The Tax code needs to be simplified. Emphasis should be placed on VAT, consumption taxes, customs and excise taxes, fees and duties. To restore progressivity, the government should directly compensate the poor for the excess relative burden.

a.. After revising the tax code in a major way, the government should declare a moratorium on any further changes for at least four years.

a.. The self-employed and people whose main employment is directorship in companies should be given the choice between paying a fixed % of the market value of their assets (including financial assets) or income tax.

a.. All property rental contracts should be registered with the courts. Lack of registration in the courts and payment of a stamp tax should render the contract invalid. The courts should be allowed to evidence and stamp a contract only after it carries the stamp of the Public Revenue Office (PRO). The PRO should register the contract and issue an immediate tax assessment. Contracts, which are for less than 75% of the market prices, should be subject to tax assessment at market prices. Market prices should be determined as the moving average of the last 100 rental contracts from the same region registered by the PRO.

a.. Filing of tax returns - including for the self-employed - should be only with the PRO and not with any other body (such as the ZPP).

Legal Issues

a.. The burden of proof in tax court cases should shift from the tax authorities to the person or firm assessed.

a.. Special tax courts should be established within the existing courts. They should be staffed by specifically trained judges. Their decisions should be appealed to the Supreme Court. They should render their decisions within 180 days. All other juridical and appeal instances should be cancelled - except for an appeal instance within the PRO. Thus, the process of tax collection should be greatly simplified. A tax assessment should be issued by the tax authorities, appealed internally (within the PRO), taken to a tax court session (by a plaintiff) and, finally, appealed to the Supreme Court (in very rare cases).

a.. The law should allow for greater fines, prison terms and for the speedier and longer closure of delinquent businesses.

a.. Seizure and sale procedures should be specified in all the tax laws and not merely by way of reference to the Income Tax Law. Enforcement provisions should be incorporated in all the tax laws.

a.. To amend the Law on Tax Administration, the Law on Personal Income Tax and the Law on Profits Tax as per the recommendations of the IRS experts (1997-9).

Customs and Duties

a.. Ideally, the customs service should be put under foreign contract managers. If this is politically too sensitive, the customs personnel should be entitled to receive a percentage of customs and duties revenues, on a departmental incentive basis. In any case, the customs should be subjected to outside inspection by expert inspectors who should be rewarded with a percentage of the corruption and lost revenues that they expose.

a.. In the case of imports or payments abroad, invoices, which include a price of more than 5% above the list price of a product, should be rejected and assessment for the purposes of paying customs duties and other taxes should be issued at the list price.

a.. In the case of exports or payments from abroad, invoices which include a discount of more than 25% on the list price of a product should be rejected and assessment for the purposes of paying customs duties and other taxes should be issued at the list price.

a.. The numbers of tax inspectors should be substantially increased and their pay considerably enhanced. A departmental incentive system should be instituted involving a percentage of the intake (monetary fines levied, goods confiscated, etc.).

a.. The computerized database system (see "Databases and Information Gathering") should be used to compare imports of raw materials for the purposes of re-export and actual exports (using invoices and customs declarations). Where there are disparities and discrepancies, severe and immediate penal actions should be taken. Anti-dumping levies and measures, fines and criminal charges should be adopted against exporters colluding with importers in hiding imported goods or reducing their value.

a.. Often final products are imported and declared to the customs as raw materials (to minimize customs duties paid). Later these raw materials are either sold outright in the domestic or international markets or bartered for finished products (for example: paints and lacquers against furniture or sugar against chocolate). This should be a major focus of the fight against the informal economy. I follow with an analysis of two products, which are often abused in this manner.

a.. I study two examples (white sugar and cooking oil) though virtually all raw materials and foods are subject to the aforementioned abuse.

a.. White Sugar is often imported as brown sugar. One way to prevent this is to place sugar on the list of LB (import licence required) list, to limit the effective period of each licence issued, to connect each transaction of imported brown sugar to a transaction of export, to apply the world price of sugar to customs duties, to demand payment of customs duties in the first customs terminal, to demand a forwarder's as well as an importer's guarantee and to require a certificate of origin. The same goes for Cooking Oil (which - when it is imported packaged - is often declared as some other goods).

a.. All payments to the customs should be made only through the ZPP. Customs and tax inspectors should inspect these receipts periodically.

a.. All goods should be kept in the customs terminal until full payment of the customs duties, as evidenced by a ZPP receipt, is effected.

Public Campaign

a.. The government should embark on a massive Public Relations and Information campaign. The citizens should be made to understand what is a budget, how the taxes are collected, how they are used. They should begin to view tax evaders as criminals. "He who does not pay his taxes - is stealing from you and from your children", "Why should YOU pay for HIM?" "If we all did not pay taxes- there would be no roads, bridges, schools, or hospitals" (using video to show disappearing roads, bridges, suffering patients and students without classes), "Our country is a partnership - and the tax-evader is stealing from the till (kasa)" and so on.

a.. The phrase "Gray Economy" should be replaced by the more accurate phrases "Black Economy" or "Criminal Economy".

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