Japan’s service sector sentiment falls for 3rd straight month in Oct.

Travel Industry Recognizes Mexico’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort
Hacienda Tres Rios, Spa & Nature Park in the Riviera Maya is named “Mexico’s Leading All-inclusive Resort” and “Leading Green Hotel in Mexico and Central America” by the coveted World Travel Awards.

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OLED Technology Pioneer Universal Display Establishes Subsidiary in South Korea
Universal Display Corporation , enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED® technology and materials, today announced that the company is forming a South Korean subsidiary to better serve and support the needs of its current and potential partners and customers, including South Korean OLED display and lighting manufacturers.

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Ricoh Electronics, Inc. Announces Plans for Solar System at Headquarters Building
Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment and advanced document management solutions and services, announced that the Ricoh Electronics, Inc. headquarters in Tustin, Calif. is in the process of installing a rooftop solar energy system, which when completed in 2011, will supply 10 percent of the headquarters building’s electricity.

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OLED Technology Pioneer Universal Display Establishes Subsidiary in South Korea
EWING, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–UDC is forming a South Korean subsidiary to better serve and support the needs of its current and potential partners and customers, including South Korean OLED display and lighting manufacturers.

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Japan’s service sector sentiment falls for 3rd straight month in Oct.
Sentiment in Japan’s service sector fell for the third consecutive month in October as government subsidies put in place to stimulate business confidence expired the previous month, a Cabinet Office survey showed Tuesday.

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Environmental Concerns Grow Hybrid Car Sector

As concerns over the environment continue to grow, so does the hybrid vehicle sector – as seen at this year’s Hybridfest in Madison, WI. The hybrid, electric car show showcases solutions for sustainable transportation and highlights relevant issues.

Report: California Dominates Green Tech Sector

EcoPower Halogen Free Flame Retardant Power Cords and Cables
Northwire Technical Cable, an innovative solutions provider in the marketing, design and manufacture of technical and retractile cables, has introduced EcoPower, an environmentally friendly power cord that is halogen free flame retardant (HFFR) (PVC free) and UL listed.

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Enterprise Homes Celebrates Groundbreaking of The Greens at Hammonds Lane in Anne Arundel County
Enterprise Homes, Inc. today joined Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold, Anne Arundel County Councilman Daryl D. Jones, Executive Director with Arundel Community Services, Inc.

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Japan’s Cabinet OKs $61 Billion Economic Stimulus
Tokyo, – Japan’s Cabinet On Friday Approved 5 05 Trillion Yen ($61 Billion) In New Economic Stimulus, The Latest In A String Of Measures To Shore Up The Country’s Lethargic Economy… Japan’s Cabinet on Friday approved 5.05 trillion yen ($61 billion) in new economic stimulus, the latest in a string of measures to shore up the country’s lethargic economy amid a battering from the strong yen. The …

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Atlanta Ballet gives preview of “Moulin Rouge” at new headquarters
Atlanta got its first glimpse of the Atlanta Ballet ‘s new production of “Moulin Rouge” yesterday at a preview party at the company’s new headquarters on Marietta Boulevard in west Atlanta. It’s the first show to be rehearsed in the Ballet’s new space, which is happy news for everyone involved.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

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Report: California Dominates Green Tech Sector
California attracted nearly half of the venture capital invested worldwide in clean technology businesses during the first half of this year.

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India a Big Trade Mart for the Automobile sector

The automotive sector is one of the prime drivers of Indian economy. Economic liberalization policies adopted by government of India have primarily propelled India into the big league, with many global automotive players seeking to establish their operations in India. In fact in the last five years, India has turned into a big trade mart for the Automobile Industry, registering a growth rate of 15-27 percent.

And interestingly, the rise of Indian middle class and the simultaneous rise of the economy over the past few years have only charmed global auto majors to the Indian market. Moreover, India’s highly trained cheaper workforce has only added to its emerging status as a global manufacturing hub. All these plus points of the Indian markets on one hand and the recession faced by the auto sector in the developed markets like Europe, US and Japan on the other, have only resulted in increased capital flow to the Indian automobile sector.

Moreover, Indian car manufacturers are earning rare reviews in the wider world. According to Global 200: The World’s Best Corporate Reputations List, compiled by US-based Reputation Institute, India automaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has earned the status of being the fourth most reputed auto company in the world, even ahead of its parent company Suzuki Motor Co of Japan.

Indian a big mart for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

Tata and Mahindra & Mahindra are the leading names in the Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) segment, creating waves on the global arena too. And given the stiff competition, Indian OEMs are continually upgrading their technology and are producing superior quality vehicles.

Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Tata and Mahindra & Mahindra are leading from the front on the global scene. And with India Inc facing increased competition from the global players, Indian OEMs have also been upgrading their technology and are manufacturing better-quality vehicles.

‘Economical Engineering’ has being the flavour of the Indian automotive industry, with Indian OEMs making the best use of its cost-efficient and highly –skilled work force. Also, the skillfulness of their suppliers has helped them in reducing costs and the manufacturing time. In fact, OEMs all across the globe are making a beeline to India to gain access to India-based design and development centers.

Production

In the recent years, India has emerged as the big mart for foreign automotive manufacturers.

• Japanese auto major, Nissan Motor Co, has chosen India among the five low-cost countries to manufacture its GenNext compact cars, including the Micra.

• Hyundai has converted India into its global hub for manufacturing small cars. By 2013, the company plans to invest US$ 1 billion in its second plant in Chennai. The company is also planning to invest US$ 40 million in its R&D facility in Hyderabad.

• General Motors till date has invested around US$ 1 billion into its Indian operations. The factory of its small car, Spark has been set up in Maharashtra, with an investment of US$ 300 million. The company also intends to make India its focal point for manufacturing of export engines, power trains as well as cars for neighbouring countries like the US and Europe.

• Mercedes-Benz plans to invest around US$ 64. 21 million in its plant near Pune. The plant will apparently have a production capacity of 2,500 trucks and buses and 10,000 cars over two shifts every year.

• Renault has entered into partnership with Nissan Motors to set up a manufacturing facility near Chennai at a cost of US$ 901.35 million to manufacture 400,000 cars annually.

• Skoda Auto is planning to make India its regional manufacturing hub. The company plans to start manufacturing cars in India by 2010 with a target of 50,000 units.

• Tata Motors plans to manufacture 80,000 units of its much awaited Nano at its Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in 2009-10. The mother facility at Sanand, in Gujarat, may be fully operational by 2010-11 and will have a capacity of producing 1, 50,000 cars annually.

Exports

Export figures of 2008-09 are a testimony to India’s growing status as big trade mart for the automobile industry. As per the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the passenger car sales in the overseas markets registered a growth of 63.01 pe+r cent during April-January 2008-09.

Exports scaled up to 2, 71,999 units as against 1, 66,859 units in the corresponding period in the previous year.

The growth in exports is primarily driven by Hyundai Motor India, followed by other auto companies such as MSIL, Mahindra Renault, Fiat India Automobiles, General Motors India and Honda Siel Cars India.

During April-December 2008, Hyundai Motors registered a growth of 100 per cent in exports with 198,600 units.

At 620,880 units as of December 2008, Bajaj Auto has clocked an increase of more than 35 per cent in exports.

Mergers& Acquisitions (M&As)

M&As have emerged as the key driving force in the Indian automobile industry. Recognizing India’s potential as a big automobile trade mart, Japanese, European, Korean, French, Italian and American automobile companies have either set up their manufacturing base in India or have joined hands with Indian automotive firms to launch new products in the Indian market. The list comprises Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Fiat, Kawasaki, Honda, Cummins and many more. Even, Indian companies have gone ahead and acquired foreign automobile companies to strengthen its presence in the global market.

One of the most publicized acquisitions in 2008 has been that of Jaguar-Land Rover by Tata Motors for US$ 2.3 billion. Even Mahindra & Mahindra had taken over three Italian companies – G R Grafica Ricerca, Metalcastello and Engines Engineering, during that period.

Other significant developments in this area include:

• Tata Motors,is planning to set up a dealership network for Jaguar-Land Rover in India. • The Auto Park established in Andhra Pradesh has received a whopping investment over US$ 401.55 million from about 34 automotive ancillary units.

• Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd (TKM) will be investing an added US$ 311 and around 83 million in its second plant, thereby taking the total investment in the plant to US$ 641.74 million.

Preserving Growth

• Mercedes Benz India witnessed strong growth in 2008 with 3,625 cars (46 per cent growth), 240 trucks (53 per cent growth) and 16 bus chassis being sold.

• BMW India sold over 2,500 units in 2008. In January 2009, for the first time ever, BMW beat Mercedes Benz in terms of sales, by selling 270 cars and sports utility vehicles (SUV) while Mercedes Benz, sold 89 units in January 2009.

• Audi reported sales of 1,050 units in 2008, a three times rise over 2007.

Luxury models to be launched soon include:

• BMW India launched the new BMW 3 Series for India in January 2009.

• German sports car maker Porsche will be introducing its Panamera in September 2009, which will be priced over US$ 1, 72,344.

• Skoda Auto India will be launching its three new variants of its hatchback Fabia in 2009. The company will also introduce a sports utility vehicle Yeti, in 2010.

India a big mart for Small Cars & Hybrid Cars

Electric car Reva is very much popular in South India. Other markets are also coming under its influence with too much emphasis now on going green these days. Few other car manufacturers like Hero Electric and M&M are also planning to launch electric versions.

The euphoria that Nano car generated has also inspired other auto giants to cash in on the massive potential of the small car segment.

According to the survey carried out by Invest India Incomes and Savings Survey 2007, by IIM Data works and another study by CRISIL Research, there is a colossal demand for entry level cars in India. And as per the survey there is a demand for 1.6 million small cars in India. So naturally, all auto giants have pulled up their socks towards capitalizing in on the prospect of this segment.

1. Fiat plans to roll out ‘Grande Punto’—plan in the new small car segment.

2. General Motors plans to launch its new mini car next year from its Talegaon plant, close to Pune.

3. Tata Motors is all set to offer new version of its Indica.

4. Honda intends to unveil ‘Jazz’, while Volkswagen plans to launch Indianised version of its popular ‘Polo compact.

5. Even Toyota and General Motors may join the bandwagon by 2010.

6. India launched its first hybrid car, Honda’s ‘Civic’, in June 2008, Indian majors like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are also planning to launch hybrid cars.

7. BMW also plans to launch its hybrid car to India.

Automotive Mission Plan 2006–2016 to Sustain India’s Status as Big Trade Mart for Automobiles

The idea behind Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006–2016 is help India emerge as a big trade mart for design and manufacture of automobiles and auto components.

As per the AMP, India would continue to be largest tractor and three-wheeler manufacturers in the world and also world’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer. By 2016, India will be the world’s seventh largest car producer and fourth largest truck manufacturer. Moreover, by 2016, the automotive sector would contribute 10 percent to country’s GDP from current level five per cent.

Government Support for Green Energy Sector

Britain’s green energy sector could soon be booming after it received a boost from a government minister.

New Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne visited the All Energy renewables exhibition in Aberdeen last week and took the opportunity to praise the potential of the UK’s green energy industry.

The minister said that there are plenty of prospects in the renewable power sector for job seekers to gain employment and for new businesses to invest and generate profits.

Engineers who have completed gas training courses and commercial gas courses may want to take green energy courses as job opportunities are likely to be created in the renewable power sector in the future, according to the minister.

“There are a lot of opportunities in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector which need to be taken advantage of. The expertise and skills that have been vital to the oil and gas sector are transferable and will be key to the renewable energy sector as it develops,” said Mr Huhne.

Mr Huhne went on to say that the new coalition government shared the same belief that the renewable power sector was crucial to the future of Britain’s economy and environment.

He said: “The renewables industry will come of age under this government. It’s early days but our coalition agreement is explicit in its support for the sector.”

The minister did criticise the current state of the renewable sector for failing to compete with other countries which had less resources.

An increasing number of people may be required to take green energy courses if Britain is to catch up with its rivals in the renewable power industry.

Mr Huhne said: “One of the biggest scandals is that we’ve got one of the best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world – and the know how to exploit it – and yet we’re one of the worst performing countries when it comes to harnessing it.”

Britain’s renewable energy industry must mirror the success of the nation’s oil and gas sector so that it can stake a claim to be a global leader in new low carbon energy technologies, claimed the minister.

“The prize is too great to let this opportunity pass us by. The UK must reap the rewards from its renewable energy potential just as we do with our oil and gas supplies,” the minister said.

Mr Huhne also visited the oil firm Apache, which has taken over the Forties field from BP, and met industry leaders at Oil and Gas UK.

Inquiry will see winds of change blow through our energy sector

PCT receives grant to extend green job training ability
Already considered as one of the nation’s primary resource centers, the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Weatherization Training Center is about to undergo a further extension of its capabilities in green job training.

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The art of Green Day: ‘Rock Band’ game incorporates details from the group’s shows
Published: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Green Day’s members are having the time of their multimedia lives.

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Inquiry will see winds of change blow through our energy sector
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Green ‘forever’ homes become major design trends
Award-winning and nationally-recognized designer Iris Harrell sees green building and universal design as two major design trends today. In fact, she predicts green practices and the ‘forever home’ will become more important to buyers as a smart alternative to the conventional home. The founder and CEO of Harrell Remodeling, who is also an affiliate of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors …

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Where can I learn more about the green energy sector?

Hi everyone, how are you? I was just wondering- where can I learn more about the green energy sector? Specifically, I would like to learn more about how much of an impact green energy will have on the economy (job creation, growth, etc). I am also interested in reading about which types of green technology sources would be the most effective (in terms of having a better environment).

Are there any specific books, articles, etc. that you would suggest me to read? Thanks!!