The Weekly News Update is a weekly roundup of business news from around the Asia-Pacific region, covering Fusion Consulting's core industry practices: chemicals, consumer & retail, financial services, industrial & logistics, information & communication technology, life science and media & leisure. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in subscribing, please forward this email to them and copy knowledge@fusionc.com.     China's water and wastewater treatment sector   Huge demand exists in China for clean water with ample opportunities for  investors, water companies or water technology suppliers in the municipal and  industrial water supply and wastewater treatment market. Market-oriented  regulatory changes have lowered pricing risk, and opened up the sector.    Find out what the needs, solutions and opportunities are.

Industrial & logistics

Korea - Unions and imports boost car sales Source: BMI Industry Insights, 21 April 2008 Improved industrial relations between the major South Korean carmakers and unionised workers, coupled with strong economic growth, resulted in a 4.8% increase in domestic vehicle sales in 2007. Imported brands are also gaining ground in the market, with sales rising by 31.7% year-on-year in 2007. This growth has prompted Japanese giant Toyota to plan the launch of its own brand in South Korea, where the company is currently only represented by premium brand Lexus. Nissan and Mitsubishi have also announced their intention to launch models in South Korea, following the success of compatriot Honda, which has just three models on sale in Korea but sold 7,109 units in 2007, which was 81.7% higher than the 3,912 units sold in 2006. Korea - Machine tool industry doubles trade surplus in Q1 SOurce: Maeil Business Newspaper, 28 April 2008 South Korea's machine tool industry pulled a strong performance as its trade surplus has doubled from the previous year in the first quarter of 2008. The Korea Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (KOMMA) reported that the machine tool exports amounted to US$417.8 million in Q1 2008, up 14.4% from the same period last year, and imports came at US$352.5 million, down 8.3%. Consequently, the industry posted a trade surplus of US$65.3 million in the first quarter of the year, more than double the Q1 2007 figure (US$30 million). Orders received by domestic machine tool manufacturers have risen 5.9% to record W666 billion (US$668 million), continuing a rising trend for 27 consecutive months. Favorable results in Q1 2008 can be attributed to rising demand for automobiles, petrochemicals and wind power as well as the domestic shipbuilding industry in full flourish. India - Tyre manufacturers raise prices Source: The Times of India, 29 April 2008 Tyre companies have decided to go for another round of price increase, the third time in the last six months, blaming high cost of inputs like rubber and petroleum-based products is the reason behind this hike. However, the price revision has been opposed by federation of tyre dealers, who smell a cartel and term the move 'opportunistic'. The hike, the second after February and the third since November last, is around 5% in case of truck and bus tyres, that translates into Rs 400-600 (US$10-15) at the retail level.     View an example of our experience in this industry. Back to list of articles.  Visit our website to sign up for free intelligence on Asian markets.

This Weekly News Update is a free newsletter, providing a round-up of the week's Asia-Pacific news from our core industry practices. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in subscribing, please forward this email to them and copy knowledge@fusionc.com.

Fusion Consulting is a business intelligence consultancy providing clear strategic advice on Asia-Pacific markets. With offices in Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong and 400 industry consultants in 16 countries, we conduct custom research and consulting to help companies understand their markets, compete more effectively and grow into new areas of opportunity. Email more@fusionc.com or visit www.fusionc.com for more information.