Vietnam launch: �koda Auto celebrates key internationalisation milestone

– koda Auto celebrated its market entry in Vietnam with a special event, co-hosted with local distribution and production partner Thanh Cong Group (TC Group)
– Sales of imported vehicles will begin on 25th September in Hanoi at kodas first dealership in the nation; local CKD production will start in 2024
– Vietnam has the highest growth potential in the region and is the companys strategic gateway to ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific region

Mlad Boleslav/Hanoi – WEBWIRE

koda Auto has taken an important step in its internationalisation strategy today with its entry into the Vietnamese market. A celebratory event took place with representatives of the Vietnamese and Czech governments alongside kodas local distribution and production partner, TC Group. koda Auto projects a rapid expansion of the dealer network to as many as 30 partners and an annual sales potential of over 40,000 units beyond 2030. The first models, starting with the Karoq and Kodiaq, will be imported from Europe. Local CKD production, planned to start next year, aims to leverage synergies due to the countrys proximity to India. koda views Vietnam as a gateway to the promising ASEAN region.

We are excited to engage with Vietnams dynamic economy and a new group of customers in this fast-growing market. This is also the next step in our accelerating internationalisation strategy, strengthening our brand in the ASEAN region and intensifying the synergies between our two key markets of India and Europe. During the preparations, it has been clear that in TC Group we have an excellent partner for the production and sale of our attractive model portfolio. I look forward to starting a successful future together.

Klaus Zellmer, koda Auto CEO

Today marks an important milestone in the history of Skoda Auto. By entering the Vietnamese market, we are further strengthening our position in the global automotive industry. We have a clear strategy, ambitious targets, and a strong local partner in TC Motor. Our medium-term plan is to engage around 30 local contractual partners, assemble around 30,000 cars from CKD kits, and realise a sales potential of more over 40,000 vehicles annually beyond 2030. This move solidifies kodas commitment to serving our Vietnamese customers and becoming an important presence in the local market.

Martin Jahn, koda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing

koda Auto celebrates market launch with celebratory event, plans to expand dealer network
The Czech car manufacturer presented the Kvasiny-produced SUV model series Karoq and Kodiaq, which will be the first models available on the local market. Customers can purchase these at the first koda showroom in Hanoi from 25 September onwards. Additional showrooms in central and south Vietnam are in the pipeline. The goal is to expand the dealer network to 20 koda dealerships by 2025 and 30 by 2028.

First models imported from Europe in 2023, start of local CKD production in 2024
koda has a well-defined roadmap for the Vietnamese market, with plans to expand its model portfolio in response to customer preferences. The Octavia and Superb models are slated for importation to Vietnam in the medium term. Additionally, the all-electric Enyaq family is being introduced to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles among Vietnamese consumers.
Starting in the second half of 2024, koda will be tapping into significant regional synergies. By then, the first Kushaq vehicles will have been exported from the Pune facility in India to Vietnam for assembly from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits, with the Slavia set to follow in 2025. Construction of a production line at the Viet Hung Industrial Park in Quang Ninh province by kodas local partner TC Group is already underway. Based on market trends, there are ambitions to ramp up production, potentially assembling as many as 27,000 vehicles annually after 2027.

High growth potential and projected annual deliveries of over 40,000 units beyond 2030
The automotive market in Vietnam is exceptionally dynamic. At present, Vietnam is the fourth strongest automotive market in Southeast Asia. Moreover, with only 38 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants in a population of roughly 100 million people and given the anticipated national economic growth, Vietnam is emerging as the country with the highest growth potential in the region. The brand foresees annual sales of 30,000 units in the medium term, with that figure rising to more than 40,000 units after 2030. The capacity at the Viet Hung Industrial Park, where the TC Group-owned plant is located, could be used in the future to expand production with a view to potentially exporting koda models across the entire ASEAN region.

Japan – Launch Result of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.47 (H-IIA F47) which carries aboard XRISM and SLIM

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has launched the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 47 (H-IIA F47) carrying aboard “XRISM(1)” and “SLIM(2)” produced by JAXA at 8:42:11am, September 7, 2023.

H-IIA F47 flight proceeded normally. XRISM separated approximately 14 minutes 9 seconds after launch and SLIM separated approximately 47 minutes 33 seconds after launch, as planned.

MHI expresses sincere appreciation for the support by all.

(1) X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission
(2) Smart Lander for Investigating Moon

About MHI Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Japan – NTT DOCOMO to Launch Public Tender Offer for Common Stock of INTAGE HOLDINGS, Aiming to Conclude Capital and Business Alliance

NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO) announced that it has decided to conduct a public tender offer for the common shares issued by marketing support company INTAGE HOLDINGS, Inc. (INTAGE HD) and to conclude a capital and business alliance with them, both actions having been approved by the board of INTAGE HD. This will make INTAGE HD a subsidiary company of DOCOMO, with DOCOMO aiming to expand its marketing solutions business as a result.

The public tender offer period will last from September 7 to October 16 and is contingent upon DOCOMO acquiring a minimum of 15,389,700 of INTAGE HD’s shares (an ownership ratio of 40.0%) and not more than 19,621,900 shares (an ownership ratio of 51.0%).

At a meeting held today, the board of directors of INTAGE HD resolved to express support for DOCOMO’s public tender offer. They ruled in favor of the alliance, and agreed that the decision whether or not to accept the offer should be left to the company’s shareholders.

If DOCOMO successfully incorporates INTAGE HD through this public tender offer, the company will combine its extensive membership base of approximately 96 million,(1) the largest in the Japanese market, with INTAGE HD’s expertise in data handling, aiming to enhance the value of this data through improved data collection, aggregation, analysis, visualization, and data mastering. DOCOMO and INTAGE HD will work closely with a variety of companies, including manufacturers, retailers and service providers, helping to make their marketing more consumer-centric and thereby enriching the lives of consumers.

Through this initiative, the two companies aim to provide a comprehensive consumer-driven marketing solution that will utilize DOCOMO’s membership data for a wide range of corporate customers. They will offer them a range of services from research, communication and sales promotion to solutions that help drive repeat business, leveraging ID-based and streamlined end-to-end marketing strategies.

DOCOMO and INTAGE HD will work together to become leaders in the field of marketing solutions, and by promoting the more efficient use of data, they will work to address a range of social issues and contribute to the evolution of society.

(1) Number of d POINT CLUB members as of June 2023.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 86 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities, creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.

https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/

For more information, visit www.docomo.ne.jp/english/info/media_center/pr/2023/0906_00.html.

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Japan – Toyota to Launch New Century in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) unveiled a new Century model and will begin accepting orders today. The new model plans to be launched during 2023 while the Century sedan will still be available.

Century (PHEV, E-Four Advanced) (Model with options shown)

A new chauffeur-driven vehicle(1) to meet the demands of a new age, developed under the concept of “The Chauffeur.” Fully embracing the ideas of inheritance and evolution associated with the Century, the new shape combines elegance, comfort, and functionality.

– A bold design with an elegant and graceful silhouette that incorporates Japanese aesthetic elements.
– Based on a concept of human-centeredness, the interior space is designed to provide an even more safe and comfortable travel experience for rear-seat passengers as well as the driver.
– The newly developed plug-in hybrid system, which inherits the quietness of the Century and delivers both environmental performance and a powerful, exhilarating ride befitting the future of chauffeur-driven vehicles.

The Century debuted in 1967 as Toyota’s premium chauffeur-driven car. Until then, the Japanese chauffeur car market had been dominated by Western luxury brands. Aiming for a breakthrough, Toyota set out to create a completely new luxury Japanese vehicle that could stand its ground on the world stage. The first-generation Century was built with the best technology Japan had to offer at the time. It was based on the concept of a dignified design incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics combined with a human-centered approach to achieve outstanding quietness and comfort. For more than five decades, the Century has served as Japan’s chauffeur car of choice, embodying an unrivaled spirit of omotenashi, or hospitality, that ensures its important passengers reach their destinations in comfort.

Over that time, the development team has deliberated extensively on a future direction for the Century to ensure that customers experience a level of hospitality exceeding their expectations. In recent years, chauffeur-driven car needs have diversified as passengers seek to utilize their time on the road more effectively by getting rest inside the cabin or participating in online meetings. It was these circumstances that brought the team around to the idea of introducing a new model.

Under the concept of “The Chauffeur,” the new model has evolved into a chauffeur car that will continue to meet customer expectations in the years to come while pursuing the essence and inheriting the dignity, quietness, and ride comfort befitting a Century.

The new model of the Century will be fully customizable on a global basis by listening to the needs of each individual customer. The aim is to deliver “freedom in motion―the ultimate freedom of movement” to even more people.

(1) A chauffeur-driven car, chauffeur vehicle, or chauffeur car is a high-end passenger vehicle used primarily for chauffeur services, whereby a dedicated driver transports the owner of the vehicle or other passengers who sit in the rear.

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/39708909.html.

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Historic Launch of UISC Initiative to Address Climate Impact on Earth

Dr. Egon Cholakian, a distinguished CERN and NASA scientist with an extensive experience in climate research and national security matters, has announced the Unified International Scientific Center (UISC) initiative on his newly-launched platform: Earth Save Science Collaborative (ESSC).

Dr. Egon Cholakian

This groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Egon Cholakian aims to unite scientists from all around the globe to launch a comprehensive multidisciplinary study of the drastic effect of climate change on our planet, and to devise viable solutions to this global issue.

The creation of such a Unified International Scientific Center presents an unparalleled opportunity for researchers across diverse disciplines to converge, fostering multi-disciplinary research that transcends traditional boundaries. Driven by an innovative approach to physics that extends beyond the confines of quantum mechanics, the center’s pioneering work promises to unlock new horizons for scientific exploration.

Central to this groundbreaking approach is a paradigm shift that holds the key to addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly changing climate.

“We will work under conditions of complete confidentiality as the path we embark on goes beyond even quantum physics, it is much more profound,” – says Dr. Egon Cholakian.

The UISC extends an open invitation to all interested scientists, inviting them to contribute their expertise to this cutting edge endeavor.

Scientists interested in collaboration can submit their requests on the website:
https://earthsavesciencecollaborative.com

Dr. Cholakian’s vision for the Unified International Scientific Center announced in his video brings together a diverse community comprised of experts in various fields, including physics, geophysics, geology, history, archaeology, neurophysiology, political science, religious studies, psychology, psychiatry, and numerous other scientific disciplines. By creating a unified platform for collaboration, Dr. Cholakian seeks to harness the collective power of these diverse minds for a singular purpose.

Highlighting the urgency of the global challenge, Dr. Egon Cholakian asserts, “The correct and only solution to this problem depends on talented, united scientists, endowed with unlimited scientific and financial resources. We must create a unified scientific community as soon as possible… We need to act together as a unified force, a unified mind, and a unified heart.”

The Unified International Scientific Center embarks on a mission that transcends borders, serving humanity at large by advancing our understanding of climate change and cataclysmic events. This ambitious undertaking not only seeks to illuminate the causes and consequences of these phenomena but also endeavors to devise strategies to mitigate their impact, offering hope for a sustainable future.

Contact Information:
Dr. Egon Cholakian
Email: egoncholakian@earthsavesciencecollaborative.com
ESSC Website: https://EarthSaveScienceCollaborative.com

About: A. EGON CHOLAKIAN

A. Egon Cholakian PhD is a Visiting Researcher (National Security) at Harvard University, and a retired Physicist / Attorney. Lobbyist, U.S. Congress and White House, Member of NASA’s NISAR mission team, CERN Laboratory’s Future Circular Collider project team, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility user team, Educator member, International Association of Intelligence Educators.

Contact Information
Egon Cholakian
Lead Scientist
egoncholakian@earthsavesciencecollaborative.com


Topic: Press release summary