XPENG EXPANDS FOOTPRINT WITH ENTRY INTO HONG KONG AND MACAU

GUANGZHOU, China, April 12 (Bernama-GLOBENEWSWIRE) -- XPENG Motors (“XPENG” or the “Company,” NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle (“Smart EV”) company, today expands its footprint through a dealer partnership with Sime Darby Motors in Hong Kong.

The partnership will enable XPENG to bring its latest smart EVs to local consumers in the Hong Kong market with branded showrooms, after-sales support, and comprehensive guidance through each stage of the buying process.

XPENG has already experienced rapid growth in the ten years since its establishment in 2014. As of the end of last year, its cumulative historical delivery volume exceeded 400,000, and it delivered more than 140,000 new vehicles in 2023 alone.

A Strategic Move

Entry into Hong Kong is a strategic next step for XPENG's business expansion. As an international business hub and one of Asia’s most vibrant cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong serves as an important springboard for XPENG’s global expansion. Entering the Hong Kong market is strategically important as a model for our market expansion and a testament to our focus to scale. XPENG is fully committed to bringing innovation that serves our customers’ evolving needs as well as realising a future of human-first intelligent mobility in Hong Kong, and around the world.

Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President of XPENG, said: “Today is a major milestone in XPENG Motors' overseas strategy. With our brand's advanced smart electric vehicle and leading technology, we are committed to providing car owners with smarter travel solutions, as well as an environmentally friendly driving experience. Coupled with Sime Darby Motors’ years of sales experience in the Hong Kong automotive market, we are excited to bring the premium XPENG experience to Hong Kong.” 

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TEENAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACTS ADULT MENTAL WELLBEING - ASICS STUDY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- ASICS Global State of Mind Study uncovers a direct link between teenage physical activity and adult mental wellbeing, reaffirming the connection between movement and the mind.

In a statement, its Managing Executive Officer, Tomoko Koda said: “The results of our second global State of Mind Study show how important it is that young people stay active and the impact this can have on their minds for years to come.”

The study of over 26,000 respondents across 22 countries found that the more people exercise, the higher their State of Mind scores, which is formulated based on the accumulative mean scores across 10 cognitive and emotional traits namely, positive, content, relaxed, focused, composed, resilient, confident, alert, calm, and energised.

Across the globe, respondents who are regularly active with 150 minutes or more of physical activity per week, have an average State of Mind score of 67 out of 100, while inactive people with less than 30 minutes of exercise per week have a much lower State of Mind score of just 54 out of 100.

Participants who engaged in exercise throughout their adolescence report higher activity levels and State of Mind scores as adults, indicating that remaining active as a teenager is key to establishing good exercise habits that last into adulthood and positively impact adult mental wellbeing.

In fact, the study was able to pinpoint each additional year a teenager remains engaged in exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood, with the ages between 15 to 17 identified as the most critical years for staying active and when dropping out of exercise significantly affects the mental state for years to come.

Those who regularly exercise are found to be more likely to remain active later in life and report higher State of Mind scores as adults (64 out of 100 vs 61 out of 100) than those who were not active during these years.

In comparison, respondents who dropped out of exercise before the age of 15 displayed the lowest activity levels and lowest State of Mind scores in adulthood, scoring 15 per cent lower than the global average, while a decline in physical activity at ages 16 to 17 and before the age of 22 reduced their average scores by 13 per cent and six per cent respectively.

Worryingly, the study also uncovered an exercise generation gap, with younger generations being increasingly less active with 57 per cent of the Silent Generation (age over 78) said they were active daily in their childhoods compared to just 19 per cent of Gen Z (ages 18 to 27).

This shows a concerning trend of younger generations disengaging from exercise earlier and in larger numbers, potentially impacting their mental wellbeing now and for years to come. Globally, Gen Z has the lowest State of Mind scores with an average of 62 out 100 compared to the Baby Boomers’ 68 out 100 and the Silent Generation’s 70 out 100.

-- BERNAMA

H2O.AI NAMED LEADER IN COMPUTER VISION TOOLS BY FORRESTER RESEARCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) Cloud leader H2O.ai, has announced its recognition as a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Computer Vision Tools, for the first quarter of 2024.

According to a statement, this evaluation by Forrester Research, one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world, underscores H2O.ai's commitment to excellence and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of computer vision (CV).

“For us, this acknowledgement is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of empowering organisations with state-of-the-art AI solutions that drive real-world impact.

“H2O.ai's cutting-edge computer vision capabilities are part of a broader suite of AI tools that enable businesses to transform vast amounts of visual data into actionable insights,” said its founder and chief executive officer, Sri Ambati.

In a comprehensive analysis of computer vision tools, Forrester assessed 12 vendors that possess enterprise-class CV platforms and a significant presence in the market.

H2O.ai received the highest scores possible in 12 criteria, including data and model testing, innovation, partner ecosystem, adoption, as well as pricing flexibility and transparency.

The Forrester Wave report and the in-depth Forrester Evaluation Overview details how the company's products were evaluated across various criteria including data management; model development; data and model testing; model inference; architecture; and complementary functionalities.

The report offers a wealth of knowledge for businesses looking to leverage the power of computer vision and AI to stay ahead in their respective industries.

Since its inception in 2012, H2O.ai has consistently been at the forefront of AI and machine learning technology, aiming to bring together the world’s top data scientists with customers to co-create Generative AI (GenAI) applications that are usable and valuable by everyone.

-- BERNAMA

LEONARD GREEN & PARTNERS AND BERKSHIRE PARTNERS PORTFOLIO COMPANY, SRS DISTRIBUTION, ENTERS INTO A DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE HOME DEPOT FOR $18.25 BILLION

LOS ANGELES & BOSTON, March 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners and Berkshire Partners, SRS Distribution (“SRS”), has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for $18.25 billion. The details of this sale were made public in press releases issued this morning by The Home Depot and SRS. SRS is a leading distributor of residential and commercial building products in the United States, with more than 760 branches across 47 states. The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer.

“We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to invest in and partner with SRS and its more than 11,000 employee stakeholders,” said Jonathan Seiffer, Senior Partner, Leonard Green & Partners. “We extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the entire team at SRS on their remarkable history of growth. SRS’s legacy of success and achievement would not have been possible without the phenomenal leadership of CEO Dan Tinker and his team and Chairman Ron Ross, as well as the unique culture and operating model that they have forged at SRS.”

“Since our investment in SRS 11 years ago, we’ve enjoyed a highly collaborative and effective partnership with CEO Dan Tinker and the entire SRS management team and we’re thrilled to reach such a successful milestone in this announced sale to The Home Depot,” said Josh Lutzker, Managing Director, Berkshire Partners. “SRS started as a small, regional player and has grown into a national platform serving multiple end markets. We’re all proud to be associated with such a great team and growth story.” 

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HOTEL VILLA FONTAINE PREMIER/GRAND HANEDA AIRPORT OFFERS ROOMS FEATURING JAL, HATSUNE MIKU, LOVE LIVE! NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL IDOL CLUB, OTHER POPULAR CONTENT

TOKYO, Mar. 29, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --

- Hoping Guests Will Experience New Value of Traveling in Japan -

 
Sumitomo Fudosan Villa Fontaine Co., Ltd., a Sumitomo Realty Group, has begun offering guestrooms featuring Japan Airlines, a major Japanese carrier, Hatsune Miku, LINE FRIENDS, and other characters that are popular worldwide at Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier/Grand Haneda Airport. It is Japan's largest airport hotel with 1,717 guestrooms and directly connected to Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) Terminal 3.
 
Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202403148023?p=images
 
The hotel has set aside and specially designed about 100 guestrooms featuring popular characters from Japan and elsewhere to enhance the value of staying at the hotel. The company hopes guests will enjoy their unique experiences near Haneda Airport, the largest airport in Japan that is aiming to be a tourism-oriented country.
 
Official website: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202403148023-O1-5q8131VY.pdf
 
Sumitomo Fudosan Villa Fontaine is collaborating with the following airlines and characters in the project (alphabetical order):
 
- Hatsune Miku
 
The six Piapro Characters -- Hatsune Miku, a virtual singer that is popular worldwide, Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, Megurine Luka, MEIKO and KAITO -- will be in the project. It is the first collaboration of all the six Piapro Characters with a hotel.
 
- Japan Airlines
 
A record 24 guestrooms are for collaboration with JAL, the same number as the destinations of the carrier's international flights from Haneda. JAL began international service when it launched flights on the Haneda-Honolulu-San Francisco route.
 
- Kanosei Art Project by TOPPAN Group ("kanosei" means "possibilities" in Japanese)
 
It is a project launched by TOPPAN Group, a leading Japanese printing company, to promote works that disabled artists create under the theme of "infinite possibilities and talents." Part of the accommodation charges paid by those who stay at guestrooms set aside for this project is donated to the Borderless Art Organization and artists with disabilities to support their activities.
 
- KOKUYO
 
KOKUYODOORS, a shop operated by major Japanese stationery company KOKUYO, oversaw the design and layout of the rooms. It is the first time that a hotel has collaborated with the stationery company in such a way.
 
- LINE FRIENDS
 
Guestrooms have set aside for collaboration with "LINE FRIENDS." Soft colors and Japanese flavors are in the rooms' unique design that can be seen only at this hotel.
 
- Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club
 
Guestrooms are themed with Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, one of the works in the "Love Live!" series of a Japanese multimedia project.
 
- Sirotan
 
Collaboration rooms are with "Sirotan," an adorable harp seal character, by Creative Yoko Co., Ltd. Guests are able to enjoy Japanese pop culture while staying with Sirotan.
 
About Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier/Grand Haneda Airport
 
The hotel connected with Haneda Airport Terminal 3 is convenient for guests who stay there pre & post arrival/departure. The hotel covers wide range of needs, not only business but for leisure. It offers early birds’ breakfast at Grand Aile, opening from 6 am to 1 am.
 
About HANEDA AIRPORT GARDEN
 
The commercial complex is featuring Japan's largest (*) airport hotel with 1,717 rooms, shops & restaurants, an onsen spa, event halls, and a bus terminal.
 
 
(*) The number of guestrooms in the premises is the largest among all airport hotels in Japan, according to a research by JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. in Sept. 2022.
 
 
Source: Sumitomo Fudosan Villa Fontaine Co., Ltd.  

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MIDEA GROUP SETS RECORD-BREAKING REVENUE OF 373.7 BLN CHINESE YUAN IN 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- Midea Group, the world's largest home appliance supplier has reported total revenue for 2023 increased 8.10 per cent year-on-year to 373.7 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM65.46)

In a statement, the group said its net profit attributable to shareholders reached 33.7 billion Chinese yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.10 per cent, marking the largest growth since 2019.

The company's success is attributed to its "Global Impact" strategy, which has resulted in overseas sales accounting for over 40 per cent of its total sales for several years, demonstrating its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global expansion.

Midea's products have been exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide, and it is continuously expanding its overseas manufacturing layout, promoting the construction of manufacturing bases in Indonesia, India, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and Egypt, among others.

Its new energy and industrial technology are co-builders of digital transformation and green sustainable development in the global industrial field, consolidating its leading position in the industry.

The company's household air conditioning compressor business ranked first in 2023, claiming a global market share of 45 per cent, while its household air conditioning and washing machine motors also secured the top spot globally, with market shares of 40 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively.

Furthermore, its New Energy automotive parts product lines are rapidly developed, with an expected shipment volume of 750,000 units in 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 400 per cent.

Additionally, through the acquisition of energy companies such as CLOU Electronics and Hiconics Eco-energy, Midea has entered the energy storage industry, which holds immense market potential.

Midea Group has invested over 14.5 billion Chinese yuan in research and development, employing more than 23,000 research personnel globally. As of 2022, the company ranks seventh globally in total patent families, first among Chinese enterprises and the global home appliance industry, with over 28,000 invention patents.

The group has approximately 200 subsidiaries, 33 research and development centres, and 40 major production bases worldwide, with over 190,000 employees.

-- BERNAMA

Park Place Technologies Acquires Virginia-based SDV Solutions

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Park Place Technologies, the world’s leading data centre and networking optimisation firm, has acquired Virginia-based SDV Solutions, which provides client-centric data centre infrastructure solutions exclusively to Federal Government agencies.

Founded in 2004 by service-disabled veteran of the United States (US) Air Force and current owners Mike McMahan and Erin McMahan, SDV is a multi-original equipment manufacturer (OEM), independent third-party services provider exclusively to the US Federal Government.

Mike McMahan will remain with Park Place to ensure clients have a consistent and trusted team supporting the most critical missions of the US Government.

Park Place Technologies President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Adams in a statement said SDV’s reputation and business practices make it an important addition for Park Place’s established Federal client base.

“We have been firmly entrenched in the Federal space and continue to foster long-term relationships at the highest levels. The trust and unquestioned dedication SDV is known for will be joined with our mission to optimise government data centre budgets, productivity, performance, and sustainability,” he said.

Park Place helps more than 21,000 clients optimise data centre budgets, productivity, performance, and sustainability so they can think bigger, and act faster.

From procurement to decommissioning, Park Place’s comprehensive portfolio of services and products helps information technology (IT) teams optimise IT lifecycle management.

SDV’s Channel partners will have access to Park Place’s decades-long platforms of partner incentives, Federal-adherent processes, US-based supply chain and deeper depth of security-cleared field engineers.

-- BERNAMA