New Vehicle-based Techs Always from Humanity August 12, 2008
Posted by champion in : Uncategorized , add a commentNowadays, cars and light trucks aim to entertain and inform drivers and passengers, not merely transport them from one place to another. Car owners, familiar with iPods, Blackberrys, handheld video players, portable games and so on, expect their vehicles to cater to their miscellaneous “infotainment” needs. Modern gadgets carry features to make navigating easier. The latest GPS devices are miles away from the old handheld ones. In help of speech recognition, drivers can speak commands to the GPS without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. If they are driving at a significant speed, or in heavy traffic, they don’t have to take their eyes off the road because voice prompts will navigate them. Some devices even can be linked to a driver’s mobile phones, and voice calls can be made using the GPS as a hands-free gear. Read the following news via Dialog NewsEdge to find more new techs on automotives.
Sizzling Portable Navigation Devices (PND)
In a release, Research and Markets noted that report highlights include:
Globally, the satellite navigation system is still a nascent industry with market penetration of only 4 percent and this offers lucrative opportunities for all the players in the supply chain of this industry. Western Europe and North America are the potential markets for Portable Navigation Systems, a technology/medium for automobile satellite navigation system. However, still these two regions remain massively under-penetrated with Europe’s satellite navigation penetration currently stands at only 15 percent and in North America at 4 percent. Since, the satellite navigation industry has low barriers to entry; the list of entrants is long and growing. But there are only a few leading players that have dominance in this industry.
The Thinnest GPS Unit in the Industry
Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
Magellan has announced a second generation of its Maestro series of portable vehicle navigation devices that will feature the thinnest GPS units in the industry. Designed to be pocket-sized for easier portability, the new units feature a streamlined look and functionality built into a new, sleeker industrial design. At only 17.8 mm thick and just 82.5 mm tall, the new Maestro packs dozens of advanced mapping features and bright 4.3-inch or 3.5-inch QVGA screens into the industry’s most compact, portable auto navigation units.
Automotive Hard Disk Drive Shipments to Rise by Fie times by 2013
M2 PressWIRE via NewsEdge Corporation:
The explosion of digital multimedia infotainment systems in cars is prompting auto makers to adopt Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) for storage and playback of music, video and other digital content. Shipments of HDDs for automotive infotainment systems are expected to reach 16.6 million units by 2013, nearly five times the 3.5 million in 2006. Automotive HDD shipments will rise at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 25.1 percent from 2006 to 2013, making hard drives the fastest-growing storage solutions for cars in the coming years. The attached figure presents iSuppli’s forecast of shipments of HDDs and other storage formats for automotive infotainment applications.
Audio Streaming Bolsters Automotive Bluetooth
Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
The migration of Bluetooth for music streaming into the automotive and portable navigation markets is increasing automotive Bluetooth adoption, reports Strategy Analytics. In fact, the research firm noted, this wireless technology is set to account for 94 percent of in-vehicle communications system shipments by 2013, according to a new Strategy Analytics report, “Automotive Bluetooth: Heat Unit Integration and A2DP Present New Opportunities.” Over the last 12 months, key product trends were emergence of audio streaming via the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Bluetooth integration on embedded automotive infotainment systems and an increase in portable navigation devices offering Bluetooth hands-free functionality.
Satellite Radio Increases 26%
Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
“Nearly 40 percent of consumers report having satellite radio capability in their new-vehicle’s audio system-marking a considerable increase from 26 percent the previous year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study released. Additionally, 94 percent of owners indicate that their satellite radio is factory or dealer installed-increasing from 92 percent in 2006. “Buyers want the latest technologies included in their new vehicle’s audio system, and the increase in market penetration is a reflection of auto manufacturers’ response to consumer demand,” said Allison LaDuc, senior research manager of automotive product quality at J.D. Power and Associates. “New and redesigned vehicles-particularly those within the luxury segment-are increasingly being equipped with the latest multimedia features, including satellite radio, MP3/auxiliary output and navigation systems. Market penetration for these audio features will likely increase as time goes on.”
Adding NIR Capability to Portfolio of Single-Chip Automotive
Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
“The NIR capability significantly improves functionality for automotive safety and security applications while allowing OEMs and automotive manufacturers to simplify system designs and reduce the overall system bills of material. The new night vision capability is made possible by the development and successful implementation of a number of process-level enhancements that expand the sensor’s spectral light sensitivity up to 1050 nanometers, the equivalent of NIR sensitivity. This enhanced sensitivity enables OmniVision sensors to perform object detection in complete darkness with the support of only a few very low-power LEDs and allows automotive cameras to see both beyond and outside the range of a vehicle’s headlights.”
Increased MEMS-Based Applications in Automotive Industry
Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
“Demand from end-user markets such as automotive, medical and consumer electronics spurs growth in the world microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors markets, reports Frost & Sullivan. The consulting company said that its new analysis, World MEMS Sensors Markets, reveals that the market earned revenues of $1.6 billion in 2005 and estimates this to reach $4.2 billion in 2012. “Demand from key applications such as electronic stability control (ESC) and tire pressure sensors in the automotive market will likely drive the MEMS sensors market,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Prashanth Venkatesh. “Regulations passed by the U.S. highway and safety authority that mandate the installation of tire pressure sensors, also fuels demand. Moreover, environmental and legislative mandates increase the need for fuel-efficient cars, thereby supplementing demand for sensors in the automotive market.”
Simultaneously, the adoption of inertial sensors for the purpose of adding functionality and safety in devices such as mobile phones, gaming devices and e-notebooks, drives growth in the consumer markets.
Article from ttnet.net
Cars can be Smarter with Electronic Devices July 4, 2008
Posted by champion in : Auto Parts , 1 comment so farAutomotive electronics are generally categorized into four sectors: entertainment, communications, information and productivity. The major items include in-car bluetooth handsfree devices, satellite radio subscribers, DVD entertainment devices, telematics tracking devices and GPS navigation. Also included are collision warning devices, drowsiness monitors, night visions, tier pressure warning devices, lighting, rain sensing wipers, HVAC, window lifts, electronic sunroofs, power seats, electronic mirrors, power doors, body control modules, trip computers, head-up displays and even more. In 2006, the market demands for bluetooth handsfree sets were 3.68 million sets and are expected to soar to 11.4 million sets by 2010; satellite radio subscribers were 11.9 million sets and are expected to jump to 19.8 million sets by 2010; telematics tracking devices were 3.2 million sets and are expected to surge to 16 million sets by 2010 and GPS navigation were 10 million sets and expected to climb to 17.7 million sets by 2010.
The global market for non-entertainment automotive electronics was expected at US$36.8 billion in 2005 and is estimated to hit US$52.1 billion by 2010. By the survey, the strongest demands come from the emerging markets such as Asia and Central Europe. North America will indicate an average increase of 5.1% each year in the period to 2010, with the market growing from US$13.2 billion in 2005 to US$16.9 billion in 2010. Electronic braking, steering and driver information products are seeing a robust demand in North American market. Passive restraint system, particularly side impact airbags, will be steady on upside path. Body & chassis electronics tend to post a modest growth as 9.4% each year through 2010, with the world market rising from US$4.0 billion to US$6.3 billion during the period. Body controllers, multiplexing/electrical distribution and navigation are seeing market stepping up due to robust demands. GPS navigation, incorporated with audio and entertainment will devour the lion’s share as the fastest-growing sector in the automotive electronics market. In addition, the sales of driver assistance systems like collision avoidance, night vision and lane departure warning will keep moving higher due to strong demands.
As major automakers continue to reduce the number of suppliers to reduce costs, a new round of consolidation is started. Such a trend is expected to influence across all tiers of the industry, so do the automotive electronics suppliers.
Car Theft-proof Device & Safety System
The unit cost of a car is still high for an average family to purchase. Therefore, car owners are investing heavily on accessories not only to keep their automobiles smarter, but more importantly ensure the protection of their property. By a survey, most of car owners would prefer to protect their property by installing automobile anti-theft system than anything else. Therefore, automotive security devices market segment has been experiencing the healthiest sales among car electronics field for these years. A recent survey reveals that anti-theft system market will jump to US$6.8 billion by 2008 at a quick pace of compound annual growth rate of 14%.
Car safety systems such as air bags, ABS systems and tire pressure monitoring systems are still on fire. Overall airbag system is integrated with the development of intelligent and multiple air bags. The up-and-coming electronic stability program system steals the hearts of most car drivers. Promising car safety systems also include automatic collision avoidance systems, adaptive driving systems, night vision, lane departure warning devices, drowsiness monitors, tier pressure warning devices, etc.
GPS Navigation & Telematics
Global Positioning System ( GPS ) device has evolved from singly navigation system into easy to installation. The compact GPS, which can be easily installed on any car, is the most popular portable handheld devices. It can be removed and served as personal GPS by just plug into the cigarette lighter source. Now, such a device is incorporated in new technology such as Bluetooth Enable system, MP3 audio decoder and possibly to play any of the latest video formats such as MPEG4 or DiXV or coming with optimized solution or value-added applications such as television, electronic maps and any other possible applications.
Telematics is the system that joints global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and other wireless communication systems for automatic roadside assistance and remote diagnostics in consumer-oriented car. It refers to the provision of two-way voice and data communication between the vehicle and information service providers.
Telematics enables a greater sense of security through the use of remote vehicle diagnostics systems that monitor performance and engine outputs. With just a touch on a display panel, telematics allows drivers to access information on location and direction of travel, emergency assistance and even nearby entertainment facilities. The ultimate aim of telematics is to provide a much more functional atmosphere in the vehicle for a lot of people to do things that they would normally do in their homes or in offices. In the future, telematics systems are likely to serve as docking stations for PDAs and cell phones. The advantage with these systems is they enable in-vehicle telematics to integrate with a consumer’s personal telematics–a capability that will become more and more crucial as telematics expands beyond vehicle safety and security.
Telematics along with recent developments such as voice-activated controls, on-line mapping systems and in-vehicle access to e-mail, will dedicate to making automobiles more than a mode of transportation- it will be a mobile communication and entertainment center as well. The latest telematics involves in managing vehicle and customer data and voice information to give car owners more insight into performance of the vehicle and its immediate environment such as traffic, weather and business events. It also enables car owners to have continual connectivity with their vehicles through the Internet, potentially transforming every vehicle into a voice browser.
The value of telematics will reach US$15 billion by 2007 and US$33 billion or even US$100 billions by 2010.
Article from ttnet.net
TRADE PAGES - Consumer Products October 29, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Trade Pages , add a comment
Your regular source of new business |
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| LANGUAGE OF TEXT: English PUBLICATION DATE: Before 1st of every month —————————————————————————- A tabloid-size, colorfully illustrated monthly publication, packed with many new business opportunities and ideas. It is intended to provide you with the source leads and basic information, on what’s new and readily on the market, for your preliminary screening. PRODUCTS PROFILE: |
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Fabrics Moving Toward Trend-consciousness October 18, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Fashion , add a commentttnet.net - [2007/05/04]
Fashion comes and goes too often. Now, people are rethinking the good old values, traditions, class and style, looking back in time and reinventing these old treasures while diving into the past looking for something to reposition themselves, cherish historical costume couture art and translate it into contemporary fashion. We therefore see a more contemplative vision than a quick jump into trends and hypes. As doing this, we have the enough reasons for nostalgia trends, retro-trends, romanticism, Bohemian moods, echoes of folk and ethnics, and country life, new upper class luxury with reduced opulence, the classics in styles, conservatism styled with elegance and class, translated into very feminine styles. After a long period with too much opulence and colors, we need something peaceful, elegant, sophisticated and differently luxury. Sophisticated sporty looks in luxury glamorous fabrics grab attentions of fashion-sensitive shoppers.
Futurism & Metallics
Here comes a fashion transition happening at the moment with romance in dress, versus futurism in dress. Coming seasons follow futuristic space age looks, gleaming shining iridescent fabrics, romantic folkloric delicate softness, sporty slouchy looks, body conscious sculpting and an 80s neon color vibe. Futurism is an up-and-coming trend that will lead us into 2008. The metallic fabric, either in silver or gold sequins, becomes personal decorative jewelry. That¡¦s because with the metallic shimmer look, consumers need minimal jewelry. Cream jacquard fabrics enable expensive looking matching dresses and coats. This year, hemlines have been rising steadily. Lace is used as a border technique on clothes and helps create the illusion hemline.
The Echoes of Nature
The earth fascinates us with their natural expressions of textures and sparkles and enriches our inspiration to create the fashion textiles in more relaxed styles and designs. Natural fabrics like linen get mixed with silver or gold threads to capture that shimmer of the season. Fabrics patterned with blooms, roses, sprigs, botanical embellishment and floral trails, jungle plants or very bold prints with lush cabbage flowers are quite adorned. African and sepia animal prints tune with botanical and massed floral prints and futuristic textured fabrics. As combined with futuristic silhouettes, glamour zebra, leopard, tigers, cows and giraffes are all adapted as animal prints evolve into modern looks with a modern feel. These wildlife prints give a sense to get close to the nature. Green concept has been applied in performance fabrics. It refers to yarn manufactured from organic cotton and recyclable fibers. Today, however, a more environmentally conscious consumer not only is more receptive to these types of innovations, but also is demanding them. Consumers prefer the fabrics with natural, structured surface along with a handcrafted knit effect. Recent emphasis on ¡§green¡¨ has directed a highlight on bamboo as a natural fiber that provides luster as well as superior performance in terms of antimicrobial properties, dyeability, moisture absorption and breathability.
Healthy & Comfortable Wearing
New technology is applied to dress socks to provide moisture wicking, storing and releasing of body heat and destruction of odor-causing bacteria. Some new fabrics are designed to freely keep warm and release heat. Moreover, they are infused with silver particles to resist odors. Outerwear is made with new water-repellent finishes for cotton fabrics, yet, never reducing its breathability and durability. Spacer fabrics are increasingly used. The inner mesh of monofilaments crisscrossing between the fabric¡¦s two surface layers provides lightweight structural integrity, resilience and flexibility. Spacer fabrics also feature superior air and moisture permeability and temperature regulation and are easily washed and quick-drying to enable a hygienic wearing.
Fashion Palette
Strawberry ice, apricot gold, silver and blue are trendy colors for springtime. Colors of the forest after the rain, an infinite variety of greens and browns are seasonal hues for spring and summer. Brilliant blue is back. Sky blue, electric blue, brilliant ultramarine blue make a comeback to the fashion trends within the color palette. Golden apricot, sky blue, opal gray, clear greens and coffee cream as well as gemstone colors in rich slinky satins are hot for summertime. The chalky pastel colors work well with summer romance in lightest blues, mauves, orchid pinks and sweet wrapper metallic colors. Tangerine will linger to terracotta by autumn. Purple is welcome in spring but it has warmed into hollyhock tones that will move toward next autumn. The warm earthen tones plus golds, reds and violets will be key tone in the fashion palette through autumn & winter.
Household Textile
We see some new trends in home fabrics, curtain fabrics, tablecloths, bed linens, bathroom textiles and carpets. Generally speaking, household fabrics textiles emphasize on their functional qualities and, meanwhile their aesthetic glamour. For instance, blackout fabrics come in with more homely colors and eye-catching designs. Textiles with high smoke or noise absorption functions are also welcome. Curtains are gorgeously dressed up with trimmings. Simple, modern versions, in plain, clear colors are the mainstay. Plastic magnet curtain restrainers in graphic or romantic designs are used to secure the fabric in the desired position on both sides.
Trend-conscious tablecloths present Mediterranean, Asian or country house ambiance. We see table lines in graphic and floral elements, perfectly mixed for charming designs. Sixties-style bed linen is still hot. Checks and stripes, cream, caramel and stone are popular patterns and colors. Bathroom textiles come in the palette from pale pink to fuchsia red, from pale blue to deep midnight and from soft Reseda to bright grass green. Patterned towels come in stripe and check designs, floral and climber patterns or opulent Baroque and camouflage layouts. The latest carpet designs have lighter, softer shades like nougat, midnight blue, honey and putty as well as abstract floral designs and fluid stripes. Multicoloured stripes, carpets adorned with large puzzles are welcomed youthful furnishing style.
Looking Different Simply by Accessorizing
Posted by wenbi in : Fashion , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/12/04]
By the second half of 2006, fashion apparel will become more streamlined and subdued. Opulence is out; understatement is in, alongside quality, elegance, and a cool classic look. In the wake of a long period with too much opulence, color, shine and crazy fashion design, our mind and eyes are itching for some peace, elegance, sophistication, and a different kind of luxury. A return to a more classic way of dressing just enables a sense of getting everything right. Sporty casualness maintains en vogue with a playful mix of casual and classic chic. The fashion of apparel changes all the time, so does that of accessories. Apparel accessories belong to a vogue-sensitive business that fares well in both strong and weak economic climates. Despite of the soaring prices of energy and precious metals, consumers even can¡¦t afford a whole new outfit and they are also capable of updating their look at a minimal cost with accessories. We want the extra values of modern and high-tech innovation to be experienced for less money.
Here, we also see apparel accessories improving on all coverage, from fundamental items to super luxury. Some hot items making a comeback for the ladies include wedge heels, retro British leather shoes, unstructured hobo bags, saddle multi-pocketed bag in suiting fabric, tweed caps and, of course, iPod cases, a just-right example to illustrate how accessories react to trends rapidly and overwhelmingly.
Handbags
Handbags are one of the best-selling accessories. They are vital pieces of equipment for a woman as she uses to carry all her most crucial possessions. Handbags have plenty of accessories such as pockets, dangling charms, key rings, tassels, leather appliqué, free form logo attachments, and metal and non-mental ornaments as buckles, gold and steel tone studs, crystal beads and leather rouleau bows. In leather handbag sector, apart from beige, white tones and pearlized finishes, metallics are the spokesmen of “neutral” trend. The top sellers are bronze, gold and pewter tones. The fashionable oversized handbags are often textured and embellished. The texture primarily includes the use of furs and tweeds yet now also includes knitting, macramé, Suffolk patchwork puffs, lace or crochet, leather gold studded surfaces, woven, etc. For esthetic reason, some bags are embellished with tassels, ties and bold, or gold hardware details such as turnlock closures, chains and zippers, eyelets and over embroidered with raffia, and embedded with gemstones such as turquoise.
Hats & Caps
Hat business showed somewhat a downturn in 2005 years as hats were reduced to an impulse buy as compared to handbags. The neutral trend is also seen on hats, basically in metallics or more subtle metallic flecks. Some are also blended with straw such as fabric, embroidery, beading or sequin touches. Fabrics like jacquard or damask enable a vintage touch. Cloches shape the fashion, also brilliant in vintage style. Felt fabrics with minimal embellishments steal the hearts of wearers. Natural materials and hand-crafted techniques are quite stylish in 2006 in accents on straws.
Shoes & Boots
Many shoes in velvet or suede, some also decorated with diamante create sumptuous footwear with a decadent feel. Evening sandals have feather and decorative jewel trims. Retro shoes have lots of lavish fur or are laced thirties style. Shoes of bamboo stilt style wedge stacks and wedges grant interesting footwear options. Denim rope on skirt hems keeps in vogue and we also see this influence on the designs of sandals and shoes. For wearable elevation, wedges or thicker stacked heels in layered wooden, cork or fabric covered are smart choices. Shoes are sometimes in fabrics such as brocade and compact tweeds.
Boots are the big footwear statement. People are looking for boots with laces, fur cuffs, stud eyelets, fur up the sides, knee boots, crocodile boots, moccasin slouch boots with ikat and Inca designs, boots with grommets and biker buckles, flat boots, heeled boots and wedge.
Belts & Buckles
Belts are largely spurred by ready-to-wear trends such as peasant skirts, blousy tops and coats. Farewell to years of hip-hugging styles, the new waistline is right under the bosom, focused with a belt. Meanwhile, as jeans are crammed into everyone’s wardrobe, belts greatly benefited as a must-have item, both in jean belt styles and in wider contour belts worn below belt loops. Now, belts have moved up from the hip and are on the waist and mostly waist cinching statement pieces as well. There is a wide range of trendy belt styles such as embellished buckles, woven straps, patchwork leathers and sash belts. Several belts are made from grosgrain ribbon to enable a new look for a long established material. Vintage-style leathers and Western-style buckles are evergreen options. The newest fashion tends to be shifting to straps with unadorned metal buckles and tie closures.
Scarves
Scarves in a ravishing material, wonderful complexion offer an instant way to catch attention with fashion colors and mix. Now they have come back, ideal for all ages. As for prints and patterns, floral motifs and geometrics are warmly welcome while textured solids with a form of embellishment such as appliqués, and beadwork are still popular. Satin beaded sashes are sold well as sometimes doubled as embellished skinny scarves. Often crochet is a dominant theme as texture, detail and dimension turn more crucial than patterns.
Furs
Furs are the token of youthfulness, attractiveness, sex-appeal and a sense of well-being. The three mainstream designs are classicism, purism and modernism. Classicism emphasizes more on means the silhouette than on the up-to-date decorative elements to present design aesthetic and fidelity. Classic fur types include mink, chinchilla, Persian lamb and fox, in minimalism design, clear lines and the latest processing techniques. Romantic purism combines a clean, classic line with a subtle touch of romantic or folkloristic elements in lightweight sheared furs like Persian lamb. Modernism seeks to break the barriers of tradition and explores new dimensions in fur design, such as an experiment with unexpected material combinations and unusual silhouettes, etc.
As LEDs Meet Lighting…
Posted by wenbi in : Lighting , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/04/07]
Booming building and manufacturing activities and a revolutionary transition to energy-efficient products pave a bright road for lighting fixtures. The global market for light sources of all types (incandescent, fluorescent, etc.) reaches $12-15 billion, growing by 2-3% per year, while the lighting fixture industry is forecasted to increase by 6.2% annually through 2008 to $85 billion. Although the lighting industry has a long way to go before it is in a position to accept LEDs as light sources for general use, industry experts predict that energy-efficient LEDs will sooner or later sweep away all other forms of lighting, up to and including household lights. High-brightness light-emitting diodes (HB-LEDs) mainly aim at illuminating application. HB-LEDs offer lower power consumption, longer operating life and environmental advantages yet use up only one-tenth the energy incandescent lights consume. The demand of HB-LEDs lights is driven by their increasing penetration in market segments such as mobile appliances, LCD backlights, automotive lighting and signage. In 2004, the market for HB-LEDs in all applications reached $3.6 billion. By 2008, the overall HB LED market will be nearly $6 billion, of which 12% will be used for lighting.
The very high performance white LEDs are now widely available thanks to the hybrid of high brightness blue emitters and high efficiency phosphors. Conventional LED lights, which focus LED application on illumination field, are also making inroads into the market of traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights. In spite of facing competition from better-performing lamps, including halogen types and compact fluorescents, certain fluorescent lamps tend to show persistent growth, including compact fluorescent lamps, which will benefit from increasing penetration in the large residential lamp market.
The U.S.
U.S. demand for lamps is forecasted to inch up by 3.1% per year through 2009 to $5.2 billion. The gains will be stimulated by robust nonresidential and non-building construction spending, along with a healthy outlook for the production of lamp-containing manufactured goods like motor vehicles, transportation equipment and electronic products. Moreover, the demands for lamps will be spurred by continued consumer and government focus on energy efficiency, which supports sales of more efficient, and more costly, fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps. Filament lamps such as incandescent and halogen types tend to keep to account for slightly more of value demand through 2009. Even under the strong challenge of better-performing lamps, including halogen types and compact fluorescents, Incandescent lamps will maintain the single most commonly used type of lamp as a result of widespread use in residential applications. Halogens will last to erode incandescent lamp market share in both building and automotive applications, marking strong growth through 2009.
Nevertheless, the growing momentum will remain somewhat limited by the highly mature nature of the market while confronting rising competition from alternative lighting technologies such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and fiber optic lighting systems. In concerning about energy efficiency and longer lifespan, the US government schedules to equip LED at all traffic lights by the end of 2006 so as to save 750 dollars a year each.
TAIWAN
Taiwan sees its LED industry grow rapidly over just the last few years to become the second-largest supplier behind Japan, which is forecast to be responsible for almost half of world production at 47%. In fact, Taiwan dominates the global production of InGaAlP HB-LEDs, with more than 80% share, followed by Japan and Mainland China. The overall value of LEDs manufactured in Taiwan is to exceed $1 billion in 2005, accounting for 25% of the global LED market as the second-largest supplier after Japan, according to the Industrial Technology Intelligence Services (ITIS). The output of high-brightness LEDs is nearly $1.6 billion and is predicted to grow to $2.64 billion in 2008. Ultra-brightness LEDs are to make up 22% of the world market by 2008. The LEDs for general illumination will approximate $844 million by 2008, while automobile signage and backlighting occupying more than 60% of the market throughout the forecast period. Forecasts also see the LED market almost doubling from USD 3.2 billion in 2004 to USD 5.6 billion in 2008.
CHINA
China’s rapid economic growth results in an urgent need for energy, which push the government to aggressively adopt the solid-state lighting as an ultimate energy-efficient solution as 12% of electricity currently goes to lighting. Over the next few years, LEDs will account for 30% of domestic lighting market, aiming to save 58 billion kilowatt-hours per year. So far, the government has invested $725 million in solid-state lighting industry, in part to prepare for the Olympics in Beijing in 2008. In 2004, outdoors decorative lighting makes up for nearly a quarter of the Chinese LED market, in total value of $1.4 billion. China is to produce 65 billion units of HB-LEDs by 2007. The production bases concentrate on mainly in Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Shanghai and Fujian.
Beauty Is World’s Common Language
Posted by wenbi in : Cosmetic , 1 comment so farttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
According to the latest report, the trends of cosmetics focus on colorless charm, either the liquid or powder foundation, applying on skin to create an effect of shimmering veil. Eyeliners are basically blond, taupe and brunette; glistening ‘eye dust’ in silver, golden, pink or lilac. Eye shadows come in powder or in pencil form, which can be applied with water or as cream. Or even with a foam applicator. Definitely, lips are indispensable sexual appeals. Brand new lip gloss is loyal to transparent colors, such as bronze, coral and cool violet, along with fashionable colors such as peach, strawberry, beige, pink, raspberry and honey. Nail varnishes, either colored or transparent, aim at a balanced appearance. Fashion colors include pastel shades of yellow, light blue, pale green, pink and lilac.
Market Snapshots
USA
Cosmetic products refer to personal care, hygiene and well-being, with products such as sunscreen lotions with UV filters, decay-fighting toothpaste, anti-dandruff shampoos, deodorants and baby care applications, as well as about creativity with make-up products and perfume. US demand for cosmetic is predicted to rise 2.6 percent per year to 23 billion units by 2007. The growing momentum manly comes from the male, teenage and younger adult markets.
The top-three items include hair-care, oral hygiene and skin care, together accounting for nearly two-thirds of unit demand. Among the three, skin care and liquid soap enjoy the strongest growth. By survey, skin care products will be boosted from healthy expansion in the over-45 population, fueling rapid sales of skin creams and lotions as well as non-drying skin cleansers. In fragrance sector, the demand is driven by ongoing consumer preferences for natural ingredients, and increasing consumer interest in more complex and authentic flavors and fragrances, forecasted to climb over 5.0 percent per year, approaching $6 billion in 2007. Product differentiation and pricing play two key roles in fragrance industry, particularly in mature market segments such as laundry detergents. By this, less expensive synthetic flavors and fragrances continue to govern the market.
Here, backed up with strong demand, anti-aging skin products, tooth whitening toothpastes and fortified foods markets will continue to prosper. Fundamentally, product safety continues to be the primary consideration for the cosmetic industry. Under the Cosmetics Directive, cosmetic products are required not to cause any harm to human health. To that end, a safety assessment needs to be carried out, taking into account all the ingredients used in the product.
Recently, the home is once again emerging as the “nest egg” of choice as homeowners are strongly willing to pour money on their homes to enhance living quality. Such a new attitude toward life coming with homing, boosts the demand of environmental fragrance such as air fresheners, deodorizers, candles, potpourri, incense and aromatherapy-based goods, marking the fastest growth through 2007.
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Fueled by booming economics and improved employment rates, sales of cosmetics in Thailand celebrated growth of 9.2%, valued over Bt57.4 billion. By 2008, total sales value are predicted to reach over Bt80 billion, representing Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. In Thailand, the major items in cosmetics and toiletries include bath and shower products, skin care and hair care. Sun care will be highly potential as mature baby care, bath and shower products are estimated to see only minimal growth owing to their large and almost-saturated sales value bases. Nevertheless, both will still experience positive growth as per capita figures reveal some potential for further penetration. Thailand has recovered from the Asian economic crisis of 1997/1998 as local consumers are spending more on premium cosmetics and toiletries.
In Malaysia, cosmetic and toiletries market inched up by 5% in 2003, boosted by improved education levels and a growing number of working women, which contributed to strong-growth beauty-related sectors including color cosmetics, nourishers, anti-agers, skin care and depilatories. Thanks to the strong desire for a youthful look, new products and aggressive promotions, skin care products remained the largest sector within cosmetics and toiletries, accounting for 23% of total market value sales. Bath & shower products and oral hygiene will be merely post marginal but stable growth as the above head to be mature. Popular whitening trend focuses on deep cleansing, pore-refining, purifying, oil-control and deep moisturizing.
The up-and-coming sophistication and spreading urbanization tend to spur growth of luxury products such as color cosmetics, skin care and fragrances. Singapore’s cosmetics and toiletries market is predicted that the annual growth of cosmetics and toiletries will be 4% on average from 2004 to 2008, benefiting from recovery economy and increasing male market. The most-welcome products include sun care and hair care. However, consumers in Singapore become more sophisticated and discerning in purchasing.
The sales of cosmetics and toiletries in Vietnam soared highly as 5-year composite growth is predicted to climb 100%, largely spurred by Vietnam’s remarkable economic performance along with an increase in advertising expenditure from manufacturers. In Vietnam, cosmetics and toiletries such as oral hygiene, hair care, and bath and shower products accounted for the biggest shares, occupying 77% of total value sales. Among the all sectors, oral hygiene enjoyed the strongest growth of 29% as rural penetration rates increased and manufacturers made use of intensified pomotional campaigns and school dental programs. Due to improving living standards across the whole country, the sale of cosmetics and toiletries products tend to last to increase in the coming years. Yet, with tougher competition, the growth of sales will slow down, merely at 9% in CAGR.
EU
In Europe, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes play a crucial part in everyday life: from the use of deodorant and shampoo, to skin care products and perfumes. Essentially, personal hygiene and beauty products are regarded to be indispensable today jus as health-related products such as sunscreens and decay-fighting toothpaste. By statistics, there are more than 5 billion cosmetic products including five sectors perfumes and fragrances, decorative cosmetics, skin care, hair care and toiletries, sold every year to some 380 million consumers in the European Union.
The industry employs over 150,000 Europeans, together with an additional 350,000 indirectly in retail, distribution and transports sectors to generate nearly £á 60 billion every year almost as twice the sales volume of Japan and one-third more than the USA. In terms of specific regions, Norway celebrates the largest market growth (+13.2%), followed by Ireland (+9.8%). Denmark (+8.6%), Sweden (+6.9%), Switzerland (6.9%), Spain (+6.6%), Greece (+6.5%), Belgium/Luxembourg (+5.9%), France (+5.7%), Netherlands (+5.4%), Portugal (+4.9%), Finland (+4.5%) and Austria (+3.9%) also hit above average (+3.6%).
Toys Always Bring Smiles
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
Always, toys bring smiles to the faces of children around the world. They are almost part of children’s life, teaching them the alphabet, colors as well as shapes and also keeping them busy and having fun. Children are encouraged to learn, experiment and increase their knowledge base as they play educational toys. Toys are purely for children, yet parents play decision-maker role on what to buy, especially in the toy market for young children, between the ages of 1-3. A toy has to meet the requirement of the parent and convince them it is worth the money.
Classic toys have come back with nostalgia sentiment. A stereotype is limited edition miniature cars. Other popular items include puzzle, family, dexterity games, educational games, slot car racing tracks or rocking horses, outdoor games, skipping ropes or scooters to miniatures or railways. Outdoor toys in themes of football and basketball enjoyed great popularity, known as “action” trend. Toys with high sentimental value such as model railways, cars, dolls and soft animals shine the trend of “collection”. Collecting as an unchained passion constantly amplifies toy sector, and not only among the older generation.
The rise of Internet attracts the attention of children and reduces their time and interest in playing toys. In order to offset the loss of younger customers, major toy makers make effort to lure adults into the market by developing toys that will appeal to older consumers. More and more adults are buying toys as collectibles after all collectibles are really only toys for adults. For example, toy makers launched loneliness-fighting toys imitating popular movie stars or singers with voice and pouring drinks for single people who live alone.
World Market Snapshot
According to United Nations Industrial Development information, it is predicted that the worldwide toy market will reach $ 150 billion by 2005. On average, American children have an investment of $400 of toys every year. There are bout $29.4 billion spent on toys and 3.6 billion toys, 76 million dolls, 349 million plush toys, 125 million action figures, 279 million hot wheels and matchbox cars, 88 million sporting good items purchased in the U.S. Among major supercategories, action figures & accessories dropped 14.6% from $1.4B to $1.2B; building sets decreased 18.4% from $766M to $625M; outdoor & sports toys declined 5.3% from $2.5B to $2.4B; plush down 5.5% from $1.5B to $1.4B and vehicles slashed 11.1% from $2.2B to $2.0B.
The European Union has 2,000 toy manufacturers employing nearly 100,000 people, 53,500 of whom work in production, and 45,000 in research and development, marketing, sales, distribution, and many other services. Most of them are small-and-medium sized companies, largely concentrating on specific regions such as Jura in France, the province of Alicante in Spain and the Black Forest in Germany. The total toy market reaches 17.3 billion £á at retail prices, which total imports amounting to over 9 billion £á. U.S. is the biggest buyer, representing 18.1% of all exports, following by Switzerland, representing 14.9% of all exports.
China is now the biggest toy supplier, accounting for 85% of world toy production. There are more than 8,000 enterprises, including approximately 6,000 toy manufacturers, of which 4,000 of them are located in Guangdong Province, employing 3 million workers. The exports exceeded US$ 10 billion, mainly for United States, Europe and Japan markets. According to a recent study, the volume of the Chinese toy market will soar more than 20 billion dollars by 2010, with the sectors expanding most rapidly being educational toys and electronic games.
China is not only the world’s largest toy exporter but also potential as the largest toy market on the planet. According to the statistics, China has more than 0.3 billion children under 14, accounting for 25% of the total population in China and about 1/3 of children of the world. The domestic toy market has been booming with rising personal income and disposable income in these years. By a survey, toy expenditure accounts for 2.5% of total household income. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu, parents spend an average Rmb100 a month on toys for per child. On the ripple effect of “one-child policy”, parents tend to purchase a toy with a higher price, basically over Rmb50, in case that it is very attractive to them or child, or for special occasions like birthdays, or even as a reward for good academic performance.
The bestsellers are electronic games and educational toys with average prices at Rmb300 and Rmb244 respectively. As young Chinese people’s spending on toys reaches the average level in Asia, the industry will see annual sales of more than US$30 billion in China.
India’s toy market grows 20% annually at one of the fastest paces anywhere in the world. It is expected that the market size will increase from US$282 million to US$1 billion inside 10 years. India now manufacture a wide variety of toys namely including plastic and mechanical activity toys, plastic and soft dolls, stuffed toys, board games, puzzles, educational games and toys, metal and time toys, electronic toys and games.
Facts about US and EU Sporting Goods Markets
Posted by wenbi in : Sporting Goods , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
Sporting goods are big and ever-young business, basically influenced by people’s preferences for and participation in sporting activities. The sporting goods industry comprises sports apparel, athletic footwear and a wide variety of equipment for sports, fitness and outdoor activities.
USA
U.S. sporting goods exports for 2004 reached $2.107 billion compared with $1.996 billion for 2003, marking an increase by 7.1%. The total dollar value of the sixteen sports equipment categories was $2.002 billion compared with $1.869 billion in 2003. Among the domain equipment categories, gym/exercise (+25.1%), fishing tackle (+18.4%), and other bowling equipment (+12.5%) topped the list of growth items. Exports of roller skates and parts (-55.6%), golf club parts (-14.4%), and other golf equipment (-11.9%) had the largest declines in dollar value. Total sporting goods imports exhibited robust growth, up 11.3% in 2004 to total $4.96 billion. Among the major equipment categories, sleeping bags/tents (+26%), gym/exercise equipment (+14.9%), and inflated balls (14.5%) topped the list of growth items. Imports of roller skates (-14.2%), ice hockey (-5.3%) and “other” equipment (-6%) had the largest declines in dollar value. The major supplying nations are Mainland China (58.9%), Taiwan (8.3%), Canada (3.9%), Mexico (3.8%), and South Korea (1.9%).
On demographic survey, 86% of all Americans over the age of 12 say they are sports fans and 29% consider themselves “avid” sports fans. The youth sports playing population (ages 5-19) is likely to grow annually by just 3% by 2010, however is as a large segment as 59 million strong. Female players show a rise in participation in organized school sports. The senior market, ages 55 and older, will grow by nearly 40% between 2000 and 2010, benefiting for fitness sector and others. Especially, baby boomer population that has strong inclination for staying fit is stimulating demand in the fitness equipment market in the United States.
Europe Union
The European Union (EU) is the second largest market for sports goods in the world after the USA. It is estimated that the 379 million consumers of the 15 member states spent almost ECU 34 billion on sports goods. Around 50% of people in the EU countries participated in some form of sporting activity. Basically, sports are highly popular in France and the United Kingdom and both countries had relatively many regular sports enthusiasts. In all countries sports people tend to grow as recreational concept is concerned. Traditional forms of sport still have the largest numbers of participants in most EU countries, but popular sports such as tennis, squash and some team sports have declined in popularity because of a shift from competitive to individual sports and recreational activities. In terms of outlets, sports specialist shops take control of the retail distribution of sports goods in the EU, accounting in most selected markets for around 60%.
The largest sports goods markets are Germany, France and United Kingdom, which together accounted for around 60% of shipment in the EU. Germany is the largest sports good market in EU, reaching a value of Euro 6.5 billion. Germany is also the largest EU importer, accounting for 18% of total value of EU imports, closely followed by the United Kingdom (17%), France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and Spain. Sports equipment (especially for fitness, golf, snow sports, outdoor games, skates and balls) accounted for 46% of total EU imports. There is more than 86,000 clubs. The most popular sports include inline skating, soccer, fitness, golf, cycling, tennis, snowboarding and skiing.
In Exuberant, Luxuriant, and Alternative Moods
Posted by wenbi in : Fashion , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
Fashion is a common language around the world, which functions as a form of tribal identification that crosses barriers and classes. Its totems spread from handbags, belts, scarves, footwear, headwear to furs and much more. Although less expensive than clothes, accessories offer consumers with the same semiological comfort and a sense of being en vogue. Switching from sporty styles and masculine look, fashion is heading towards a comeback of femininity and a zest for glamour. Consumers want something really feeling good. The focus of well-being has turned to luxury.
FUR WEAR
Fur wear is major beneficiary to this change on account that it lends itself to the wish for something unique, comfortable and expensive looking, for a piece of pure individuality. The fur business is heading into the new seasons with an optimistic outlook. This confidence is rooted in the strong showing of fur at the recent fashion fairs and weeks in Paris, Düsseldorf, London, New York and Milan. The fur design tends to be more feminine, adorning, and decorative. Lightweight, courtesy of special deep fleeces and the innovative processing techniques have been applied to shaggier hides, by making good use of both front and back of the hides for reversible parts from the classic coat to the sassy fashion accessories. With the comeback of the classic fur look, full-length mink coats are radiant in catwalks often with slim silhouettes and styles of the ’60s and ’70s.
BAGS
Bags are must-have accessories for every season. In the past when clothes had no pockets, a bag was essential for holding money and personal items. Bags were made from leather, cloth, velvet or silk and left unadorned or decorated with needlework, stitched designs of figures, flowers or mythical beasts. Nowadays, women use the bag in a semiotic way in front of knowing assistants to get serious attention. They emphasize their esthetic value more than their functionality, that is, shopping. Indeed, color is central part of the handbag equation. Fashion colors turn from traditional black and brown to pink, light blue, chartreuse and orange. Textured surfaces shape the trend toward luxury- particularly with embossed crocodile, python and lizard as animal prints such as leopard, cheetah and zebra become popular.
FOOTWEAR
Footwear is people’s closest friend. Most of us wear many shoes during the course of a 24-hour day, such as dress shoes, casual footwear, athletic shoes, and finally household slippers at the end of a long, tiresome day. Women adorn boots with laces, stud eyelets, knee boots, crocodile boots, wearable pirate/highwayman cuffed boots. Also the boots with grommets and biker buckles, the boot with fur cuffs, moccasin slouch boots with ikat and Inca designs and fur topped elegant boots. Some shoes are in velvet or suede creates luxury footwear with a quality-sensing feel. Retro shoes have many lavish fur or are laced ’30s style. Exotic satin colored evening shoes with crystal trims are perfect match for a pair of jeans. Rugged but cozy boot-style slippers in imitation shearling and fleece are sold well throughout the colder months. Casual footwear with jelly-style kitten heels, as well as espadrille wedge silhouettes, is worn everywhere on floors.
NECKTIES
As men become more interested in expressing their individual style, in this case, they prefer to wear formal clothing as an expression of their own style. Although half of neckties is bought by women as gifts, the increasing numbers of under-25s show intense feedbacks on purchasing neckties. Such a trend reinforces stronger growth of premium products.
HEADWEAR
Hair styles change all the time so does headwear fashion. Some changes dance with how a particular celebrity cuts. By this, the street version is always slightly different. Younger generation loves their hair being a blonde, although never will. In fact, dyeing seems a good way. Women pretty up their hair with hair accessories, including combs, barrettes, decorative bobby pins, clips, butterflies and hair bands.
In hat sector, we saw a return to a more dressier hat, with molded felt and straw shapes frequently replacing cut-and-sew silhouettes. Hats with jeweled brooch decorations turn to a more “multi-media embellishment“, like feathers, sequins, velvet trim and lace. In addition, flower pin designs can be found on hats, either in matching fabrications and colors or contrast colors, creating a hybrid of girl-meets-boy.
BELTS
Jeweled belts, buckles with fabric as scarf wrapping at the waist have been welcomed. Brooch belts with colorful colored stone or clear rhinestone buckles are pretty echo-friendly. Some are combined with materials like distressed and rugged leathers for a “rock n roll” look of glam to suit street fashion. Fabrics are woven and mixed with pearls or chain, or even woven through leather. Ring buckles decorate soft fabric or ribbon belts are friendly for consumers in dealing with sizes. The hot sales are charm bracelets, charms on chain belts. Gold color is popular as gold price surges in international market.
