Alibaba announced two of its most senior representatives, David Wei, the chief executive, and Elvis Lee, the chief operating officer, would resign to accept responsibility for the company having granted "golden status" to 2,236 dealers who it says had subsequently defrauded buyers.
Although the two executives were not personally implicated, the company had little choice than to accept their resignations and make a public disclosure about what happened.
If you are in the process of conducting business in Northern Italy and have a chance to experience one of the finest hotels, Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli, do so.
Design teams from around the globe were consulted about period features and stylistic settings. Take the time to explore.
For demanding globetrotters who need an escape once in a while -- this one's for you!
There are several factors to consider when determining whether a direct or indirect export sales strategy is best for you and your business -- most important, the extent of your resources and the degree of control you wish to exercise over your export ventures.
The following article (that I wrote as the About.com Import and Export Guide) will help you with direct exporting. Later, I'll cover indirect exporting.
We need manufacturing jobs if we are to keep a growing population busy and start paying off our debts to the rest of the world. Some Americans imagine that we can thrive by continuing to dream up gadgets like iPhones and Kindles while letting the Chinese do all the tedious work of making the products themselves.
Mr. Liveris disagrees. Learn more on why he disagrees and about his new book here and here.
Are you between the age of 18-25 years? Then you are cordially invited to celebrate the OECD's 50th anniversary by creating a short video describing your vision of progress. You can be located anywhere in the world to apply. Three winners will win a trip to Paris.
Be inspired. Get creative. The deadline is March 1, 2011.
Harry could not wait to tell you about the Car Concerns Radio Car-Of-The-Week.
Just check out the specs:
2011 Hyundai Genesis RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 Performance Features
* Engine: 3.8L V-6 DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder * Unleaded fuel * Fuel economy: EPA (08):, 18 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, 21 MPG combined and 405 mi. range * Multi-point fuel injection * 19.3-gallon fuel tank * Power(SAE): 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm; 264 ft lb of torque @ 4,500 rpm
2011 Hyundai Genesis RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 Handling & Breaking Features
* ABS * Brake assist system * Ventilated four-wheel disc brakes * Electronic brake distribution * Electronic traction control (via ABS & engine management) * Immobilizer * Space-saver spare tire with steel rim * Electronic Stability Control (ESC) stability control * Independent front and rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs
2011 Hyundai Genesis RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 Exterior Features
* Body-color front and rear bumpers * Driver and passenger and passenger power, heated ,body-color door mirrors * Exterior dimensions: 195.9 in. overall length, 74.4 in. overall width, 58.1 in. overall height, 115.6 in. wheelbase, 63.8 in. front track, 64.4 in. rear track and 36.0 ft. curb-to-curb turning circle * Front fog lights * Halogen headlights with projector beam lenses * Laminated side windows * Luxury trim: wood & leather on shifter, wood/woodgrain on doors and wood/woodgrain on dashboard * Mica paint * Rear window defroster * Curb weight: lbs * Intermittent windshield wipers
2011 Hyundai Genesis RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 Interior Features
* Front 12V power outlet(s) * Dual-zone fully-automatic climate control * Element antenna * Anti-theft protection * Front ashtray * Audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player (reads MP3 format) , satellite radio * Cargo capacity: 15.9 cu. ft. all seats in place * Cigar lighter in front seats * Coming home device * Compass * Trip computer: includes average speed, average fuel economy, current fuel economy and range for remaining fuel * Overhead consoles * Cruise control * Front cup holders * Outside air temperature indicator * Floor mats * Intelligent driver front airbag, intelligent passenger front airbag with occupant sensors * Six 12-way power heated bucket driver seat, 4-way power heated bucket front passenger seat: * Height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners for driver and passenger * Front seat center armrest * Garage door opener * Headlight control with dusk sensor * Two active height-adjustable front head restraints, three height-adjustable rear seats head restraints * Interior dimensions: 40.4 in. front headroom, 37.7 in. rear headroom, 54.9 in. front hip room, 54.3 in. rear hip room, 44.3 in. front leg room, 38.6 in. rear leg room, 58.3 in. front shoulder room, 57.9 in. rear shoulder room and 109.4 cu ft. interior volume * Low tire pressure indicator * Card key power locks , speed sensing * Power steering * Power windows, express driver and passenger, power windows, * Front and rear reading lights * Rear seat belts for driver, rear seat belts for passenger, 3-point rear seat belts for center * Rear seat center armrest with trunk access * Auto-dimming rear view mirror * Steering wheel-mounted audio controls * Remote control trunk/hatch release * Front and rear curtain airbag * Seating: five passengers * Leather upholstery * Front and rear side airbag * Proximity Key smart card/smart key; includes central locking ; includes ignition starter * Seven speakers * Leather-trimmed, tilt/ steering wheel * Tachometer * Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror * Ventilation system with micro filter and automatic recirculation * Voice activating system for phone
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis V-6 is an exceptional value that would be hard for a savvy automotive consumer to pass-up! In fact it might be considered down-right-dumb!
Recorded on February 15, 2011 using a Cat Smith Photo Flip Video Camera at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds.
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST... USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com
Google goes all out with its free iPhone app, Google Translate, which allows you to push a button, say something in one language and it displays a translation. Makes communicating worldwide a breeze.
The app will speak the results in one of 23 different languages.
Embrace life, kiss it on the mouth, go directly to GO! Then make an appointment with your nearest Acura Dealer and test-drive the 2011 Acura MDX. We did and we liked it!
Trim: 2011 Acura MDX Base
MSRP: $42,580
Engine: 3.7L V6
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: AWD
Fuel Type: Gas
Curb Weight: 4,550 lbs. Review
The 2011 Acura MDX SUV features a new V6 engine and the versatility and performance that one expects from Honda’s luxury brand.
The standard Acura MDX sports a 3.7 liter, 300 horsepower V6 engine with 270 lbs of torque and a Drive-by-Wire throttle control. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. The new throttle system and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) provide excellent acceleration and vehicle control. The six speed automatic transmission is equipped with Shift Hold Control, Grade Logic and Sequential SportShift paddle shifters. Specifications
Here are specs we know so far on the 2011 Acura MDX:
* Pricing: the 2011 MDX should start at around $51,885 MSRP; no invoice data available * Fuel economy: fuel economy car ratings for the MDX are 16/21 mpg city/highway * Engine: 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V6 * Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control * Acceleration: 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds likely, but no data available yet * Model lineup: five existing trim levels will probably carry over to 2011, but only select trims may be available with new diesel engine * Car safety features: identical to those of the 2010 MDX * Suspension: active sport suspension available with Advance package trim * Warranty: four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty; roadside assistance for life of the vehicle
Interior Features
Entertainment features include the Acura Premium Audio System with seven speakers delivering 253 watts of power. XM Radio provides 1700 digital channels although this requires a monthly subscription after a 90-day free trial. Other audio systems include a 6-disc CD player and speed-specific volume control that compensates for audio gain. The optional Acura/ELS Surround Sound system was designed by Grammy award winning producer Elliot Scheiner and features state-of-the-art audio technology.
A USB socket allows you to plug in Apple’s iPod and other USB devices using MP3, WMA and AAC music formats. A Song by Voice feature allows the user to select music from the iPod or hard drive through voice commands.
Exterior Features
The handsomely styled exterior is complemented by an attractive and comfortable interior with nice illumination features. The steering wheel is tilt adjustable with power steering and cruise control. The audio and cruise controls are located on the steering wheel. The automatic climate control system links to the Acura Navigation System’s GPS receiver to provide continuous information on the orientation of the vehicle relative to the sun. The GPS data together with a solar sensor that provides intensity information allow the climate control system to compensate for heating in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Windows and the moonroof are power-controlled and both will continue to operate for 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, or after the front doors are opened.
Performance
Honda has not confirmed any changes under the hood for the 2011 Acura MDX. However, the automaker has said that it would like to offer a fuel-efficient diesel V6 engine option in the MDX for either the 2011 or 2012 model years. Should the MDX offer a diesel option for 2011, buyers can expect radically improved fuel economy. Changes to the existing 3.7-liter, 300-hp V6 are unlikely for the coming year. We’ll know more about the performance, braking, and handling of the 2011 Acura MDX once we conduct an official road test. Road Test
Early road testing of the new Acura MDX indicates that this luxury SUV has good acceleration on the highway, and that the powerful engine responds well to driver control. The vehicle comes with a four-year 50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with six years of coverage on the powertrain and full vehicle life roadside assistance. Summary
The positives, there is so much to be said about the 2011 Acura MDX from its superb performance to its exceptional entertainment features. Few vehicles stand out so clearly from their competitors. The technology level on the MDX is truly state of the art, but that hardly seems reflected in the price tag. If there is a drawback, it may be that the MDX does not look quite as impressive as it should for such an outstanding vehicle.
Drivers would be hard pressed to find a finer luxury SUV than the 2011 Acura MDX, which offers so much to like in a single vehicle.
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST... USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com
Exuberant quickness and suburb handling, the all new model for 2011 Subaru WRX STI Limited 4 door sedan with sporty rear spoiler new the STI 5 door wagon now comes standard with upgraded silver BBS alloy wheels and fog lights
new redesigned 18" alloy, 4 door model. 17.6 lbs lighter than 2010s std wheel new BBS silver alloys now standard on all 5 doors and on 4 door sedan Limited new driver's window auto up/down with pinch protection new steering wheel, leather wrapped, with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls new All Weather Package: Hi/Lo Heated Front Seats, Heated Outside Mirrors and Front Windshield Wiper De-icer (on with rear defroster button) new suspension upgrades: thicker front/rear sway bars (like the 2010 STI SE) 21/19mm vs 2010 STIs 20/18mm. Pillow-ball front bushing replace rubber for a more positive feel. Springs- 15.6% stiffer in front, 53% in rear. new stereo AM/FM/single disc CD, 6 upgraded speakers, hands free Bluetooth phone with steering wheel controls, bluetooth audio streaming, USB port, auxilliary input, iPod control capability, prewired for XM/Sirius.
Standard STI features.. 2.5L DOHC intercooled high boost engine Electronic Throttle Control SI Drive (Subaru Intellegent) 3 modes: Intelligent (I), Sport (S), Sport Sharp (S#) VDC, Vehicle Dynamics Control with 3 modes: Normal, Traction, Off. Transmission Shift Up indicator light in Intelligent mode.
Multi-mode DCCD Driver Controlled Center Differential with nine settings, including three auto modes and six manual modes. The 3 auto modes are Auto, Auto Minus shifts torque to the rear for high-friction surfaces, and Auto Plus shifts torque to the front for low-friction surfaces. Manual mode varies front/back power split up to 50/50.
Incline Start Assist similar to hill holder, uses VDC, to minimize rollback when starting on a hill Short Throw Shifter (note- there is an optional shorter throw shifter as well) Power steering, quick ratio 6 speed manual transmission Limited-slip front differential, Helical type Limited-slip rear differentail, Torsen type Speedometer to 160mph (WRX is to 150mph) Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) 18x 8.5" 5 spoke aluminum alloys 245/40R 18 93W Dunlop SP Sport 600 summer tire BBS alloys, silver on 5 door and 4 door Limited SuperSport 4 channel anti-lock brakes, Brembo Ultra-low expansion brake hoses Aluminum alloy front door sill plates STI Electroluminescent guages Power adjustable HID headlight hi/lo angle Power windows, power locks, power mirrors Climate Control AC 60/40 split-folding rear seat Leather wrapped Momo steering wheel, audio, cruise control switches
Fog Lights (standard on 5 door) 18" BBS alloys, silver (standard on 5 door) Power moonroof (not available on 5 door) Leather trimmed interior (not available on 5 door)
Option Package
pkg #10 Navigation, List Price $1800 7" Touch Screen Navigation system with hands-free touchscreen Bluetooth (no steering wheel controls). 100w Audio System, AM/FM, single disc CD player, 10 speakers, audio-video multimedia auxiliary inputs. Speed sensing volume control, 3 FM bands.
Quickness...standard!
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING CALL HARRY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com
According to the Commerce Department, U.S. exports grew by almost 17% to $1.8 trillion last year. Imports jumped nearly 20%, pushing the annual trade deficit up to almost $498 billion, a 32.8% increase that marked the biggest percentage gain in a decade.
And look at what the big focus is:
With developed economies growing slowly, U.S. companies are recognizing that expansion lies in selling to other foreign markets—some that were long seen as competitors. The Obama administration is pushing that perspective to achieve its goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2014.
In the global e-marketplace, details matter. Sure you have a website and a blog, but can you claim you sell international customers? If not, why not? This article might help:
Why are Coke's sales on the rise internationally? As a small business owner or entrepreneur, you probably wonder what we can learn from the big guy -- Coke. Two things for now:
1. Coke's growth was fastest in emerging markets like India and Brazil. You have to challenge yourself: Should you be looking at this market? My answer: Yes! Definitely consider the BRIC (why it's important here) area for expanding your business internationally.
2. Coke is sticking to its long-term pricing strategy, and plans to implement price increases that won't affect or startle consumers who are still fairly value conscious. Is this something you should be doing too with your business offerings? My answer: Yes! If you can gently raise prices and still have customers buy -- go for it. Over the long haul, you'll finish up the year in a far healthier (= profitable) state.
"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?" ~ J.B. Priestley
Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, Rogers Park, Illinois, February 2011.
Singapore will host the 4th annual conference of the World Entrepreneurship Forum in November 2011. This makes Singapore the first founding member from Asia to join the Forum, and the first country in Asia to host the Forum.
WSJ: You now have these eight global classes. What does that entail?
Mr. Robertson: They're in the U.K., Israel, India, China, South Africa and Brazil. The courses would be relevant to that environment. So as we're teaching in Brazil it's about sustainability, and when we're teaching in Israel it's about technology and one of the courses in India is about health care in India and what we can learn from that experience.
WSJ: What's changed in business that pushed you to make such broad changes in the curriculum?
Mr. Robertson: We were seeing a somewhat different world. We recognize now that much of the future growth of the world is going to come from 150 countries that, to a large extent, until recently, weren't mentioned very often in M.B.A. programs.
Read the entire interview with the WSJ and Thomas S. Robertson, Dean of the Wharton Business School and Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise and professor of marketing and management here.
Take a good long look at the timeless Chalkboard Globe (pictured).
It is a table top metal globe that has outlines of the continents painted on it, but can be drawn on with chalk. You can add the dividing lines of countries as they change or as you like.
Around the world, are the super-rich different from you or me?
Excerpt from the author, Chrystia Freeland:
Through my work as a business journalist, I’ve spent the better part of the past decade shadowing the new super-rich: attending the same exclusive conferences in Europe; conducting interviews over cappuccinos on Martha’s Vineyard or in Silicon Valley meeting rooms; observing high-powered dinner parties in Manhattan. Some of what I’ve learned is entirely predictable: the rich are, as F. Scott Fitzgerald famously noted, different from you and me.
According to Freeland, a lot of the distinctions have to do with our light-speed, globally connected economy.
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST... USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com
After laying out your blueprint and choosing the right product to sell in the market, as well as deciding on your target customers, you are now ready to set up a business in Singapore. If you are a foreigner who is not a permanent resident and wanted to actively run a business in Singapore, you have to apply for an EntrePass from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). However, if you don’t want to apply for an EntrePass, you can appoint a person who is Singapore citizen to act on your behalf.
For all you worldly travelers, you can keep track of where you've been and where you desire to go next with the Scratch Map.
Use a coin, scratch off the layer of gold foil covering each country or area you've traveled to, unearthing punchy colors and local details underneath. For less than U.S. 25 bucks, you are in luck.
A powerful online resource that will give you what you need for precise, effortless communication regardless of cultural differences.
Subscribers will have instant access to key business etiquette information on more than 60 nations, in addition to country background, business protocol and key phrases in local languages.
Don't wait another second to learn international business etiquette:
