Archive for the ‘opinions’ Category

27
Jul

Less than 15.000 € for a Renault electric

Posted by admin

This will be a key to the success of future electric vehicles: their prices. For now, Renault-Nissan, which wants to become the world leader in this niche, has revealed that the rate of its Nissan Leaf, the first step in a move that provides eight launches (four for the French manufacturer and as for its Japanese ally) from the end of the year.

The group, which claims to be the first to enter the electric car "mass market" in proposing a "sustainable" price, was disappointed in May by announcing a Leaf "less than 30,000 euros' in Europe, the aid States included.

The electric Renault Zoe, scheduled for mid-2012, will it, much less expensive.According to an internal source, the manufacturer has, at this stage, devised a unique system where the car will be given to "less than 15,000 euros in France, once the government bonus of € 5,000 for electric vehicles deducted. To this must be added the monthly rental of the battery for an amount "approximately 100 euros. A clever way to reduce the purchase price of the model.

The State had indicated that its aid would not exceed 20% of the purchase price of the vehicle, plus the cost of batteries if they are taken in hiring. Including the cost of the battery over five years, the total cost reached 25,000 euros for Zoe, which should well be eligible for bonuses of 5,000 euros.The Zoe is supposed to represent almost two-thirds of the production of electric cars of the mark, or 150,000 units per year initially on the French site Flins.

Prices same as a Clio Diesel

The goal is to offer the car at a rate similar to that of a diesel vehicle of similar size, such as a Clio. The monthly price of the battery "may also be equivalent to the fuel costs of a conventional car every month," said Le Figaro Hideaki Watanabe, project manager for electric cars Renault-Nissan faxless cash advances.Approximately 100 euros, according to ADEME (Agency for Environment and Energy Management) for an average car running on diesel, which confirms our information.

To these costs will be added to the battery charging 1 euro for a full power of 100 kilometers. About 12 euros per month for a motorist driving 15,000 km per year. Renault also considers that the maintenance costs will be two times lower than those of a conventional vehicle, an electric motor requiring less intervention. In total, the group calculates that the cost of use of the electric car (rental of the battery, electricity and maintenance) will be each less than that of a conventional car.

Renault-Nissan Invests 4 billion euros in the development of this technology in 2008-2012.The group expects that operating fully aware cars represent 10% of global sales in 2020. A number deemed overstated by most experts. Among the obstacles to the growth potential of electric vehicles: the availability of public infrastructure charging and battery life, limited to 160 km for Zoe.

Renault will launch next year's electric Fluence in Israel, and its electric Kangoo in Europe. Side competitors, PSA Peugeot Citroën will market its Peugeot ion adapted from Mitsubishi iMiEV by the end of the year, but will have only 100,000 vehicles by 2015. The German Volkswagen is preparing a response for 2013.

ALSO READ:

"What car plug after its extension?

"The state aid to Renault's electric cars

"Most of Renault will come out of the electric plant Flins

19
Jul

The Dreamliner is unveiled in Europe

Posted by admin

Boeing has chosen to present Farnborough for the first time outside the United States the B787 Dreamliner, its new long haul aircraft.

The Boeing 787 landed at 9.08 am yesterday on the British airport. The American competitor for the A380 will be on display until tomorrow. The B787 Dreamliner is the only aircraft, representing 50% of composite materials. With this choice of technology, Boeing says that the device saves 20% fuel and 30% of maintenance costs.

Ordered 860 copies, the B787 Dreamliner has encountered serious difficulties. It lags two years. Its first test flight took place December 22.

Boeing also announced Thursday it would postpone for a few weeks the first delivery company commissioned by the ANA.It should be available until early 2011 when he was scheduled to deliver in late 2010.

Boeing has recently discontinued the test flights of its first B787 after the discovery of problems on some parts.

17
Jul

A site to choose the right nursing home

Posted by admin

1.1 million people are now receiving personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA). This figure gives an idea of the number of elderly dependents currently in France, knowing that all or most currently receive this state aid. To facilitate this transition to an often grueling medical management, the Hospital Federation of France (FHF) was launched in early July, a site whose purpose is to brush this rocky road administration and finance.

"We made the observation that there was no comprehensive information on the care of dependent persons, the diagnosis of dependence on the choice of suitable retirement home," says one hospital to the Federation France.To fill this gap has been launched in early July retraite.fr-houses (not to be confused with home-from-retraite.fr), which includes a multitude of basic information for relatives: a guide for assessing the frail elderly, the coordinates of organizations to contact, a directory of nursing homes classified by criteria, advice for making the administrative processes and be supported financially … Useful information if we know that the average cost of investing in retirement homes reached € 2,200 per month in 2009, according to a barometer carried out by TNS Sofres. A sum that 76% of French people declared so they can not afford.

Qualitative criteria

The directory of retirement homes also facilitates the search for a facility nearby, through a system of records updated regularly paydayloans. Each sheet contains qualitative information on the nursing home concerned. In addition to practical information (address, price) are shown including the number of patients per carer – as a guide, only a ratio of 0.6 health workers per resident is regarded as representing a framework of quality – the degree of dependency supported, comfort criteria, the presence or absence of a psychiatrist or a therapist ….It is even possible to select only those institutions that have spaces available immediately.

Two caveats, however: the book contains only the first public nursing homes, which currently represent 60% of French institutions, among the most medicalised. Then there is still no official criteria for certifying the quality of a retirement home, and who would perform in the rankings. "These indicators are being developed," says Hospital Federation of France. An urgent given the increasing numbers of elderly and dependent. While more than 75 years represent 8.8% of the population today, that proportion should rise to 15% in 2015.

ALSO READ:

"Dependency: a priority area for Sarkozy

"Read the report of the National Assembly on the assumption of dependence

14
Jul

Credit card: 340 million fraud in 2009

Posted by admin

The bank fraud rebounding. The fraud rate for all types of payment cards has reached 0.072% in 2009, amounting to 342.4 million euros, according to the annual report of the Observatory for Payment Card Security released Tuesday. In 2008, the rate was 0.069%, corresponding to an amount of 320.2 million euros. The fraud has overtaken its 2004 level (0.070%), after having stabilized between 2005 (0.064%) and 2007 (0.062%).

This increase masks "divergent trends," says the report by the Centre, presented by Christian Noyer, governor of the Bank of France. On the one hand, fraud on national payments made to retail outlets and automata remains on a downward slope. It reached a low in 2009, ie a rate of 0.014% for a $ 41 million.

Conversely, fraud is still gaining ground on front of remote payments (internet, telephone or mail). For domestic payments, the amount of fraudulent transactions has risen from 67.2 million euros in 2008 to 82.2 million euros in 2009. An increase that does not include payments made from abroad. If the amount of fraud registered for French maps in international traders remained high (60.5 million euros) last year, he registered a slight decline.

At a time when networks compete in international fraud imagination, the Observatory for Payment Card Security said in its report that "the majority of the holders consider the card as a secure means of payment.The organization, which advocates the establishment of strong authentication solutions to verify, whenever possible and appropriate, the payment is made by the legitimate holder of the card, "has conducted a qualitatlive investigation to determine the acceptance of such devices by consumers.

Online payments still inspire confidence

And the verdict of the study is final, according to the Observatory. While "significant concerns remain regarding online payments, particularly on foreign sites, users of payment cards of all types" show a clear preference for strong authentication solutions. " These include for example the use of a single use code obtained by various means (card reader, sending an SMS from the bank, etc.).

These findings appear to be timely.The construction of strong authentication is indeed well advanced. "The implementation by banks of these solutions with their carriers is now being phased in accordance with the recommendations of the Bank of France," says Monitor's report.

ALSO READ

"Credit cards: Fraud that threatens

"Fake cards, stolen codes … hackers to maneuver

"Fraud cards: France very exposed

30
Jun

China: market attracts regulations concern

Posted by admin

Attracted by the extraordinary growth of China, European companies are worried that Chinese law is hardened against them after the 2010 survey of business confidence (Business Confidence Study) published on Tuesday by the Chamber of EU in China.

80% of firms surveyed are optimistic about the growth of their sector in China. The country, which registered a growth of 11.9% in the first quarter of the year, "has become an even more important to their overall business strategy," reports the study.

But the good economic health is not enough to reassure European investors worried about the Chinese regulations.40% of respondents fear and regulations discriminate against foreign firms worsen in the next two years no fax pay day loan.Only 10% of survey participants say they are rather optimistic on the subject.

Specifically, the Europeans are worried "a discretionary application of laws and regulations, while the registration process, issues of intellectual property rights and inconsistencies in the local application of national criteria continue to be subjects of frustration ".

The study, European companies operating in China have a clear message to convey: their continued involvement in China as an investment is not unconditional and would be improved by a more clear and more predictable. "

ALSO READ:

"Google wants to change strategy in China

"China is paradise for foreign banks

24
Jun

Back to green on the Asian stock

Posted by admin

While overall European shares dropped after further bad news on the front real estate in the United States, and that Wall Street has resisted pretty well Wednesday night despite some optimism about the Fed on the resumption of the Atlantic, Asian markets have chosen an upward trend on Thursday.

Around 6.45 am, the Nikkei 225 0.74% ahead of 9996 points, the threshold of 10,000 points. Elsewhere, the trend is less clear, with Hang Seng (Hong Kong Stock Exchange), which has assembled 0.5% to 20,867 points a Straits of Singapore which is also timidly 0.07% to 2873 points.

In India, the Bombay SE 30 allows itself 0.38% to 17,823 points.

In Australia, the S & P / ASX wins 0.31% to 4499 points, worn by mining, which have the hope that the new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, could soften under a new tax on super profits of these companies .

Rio Tinto (2.23% to 72.1 Australian dollars) and BHP Billiton (1.89% to 39.9 AUD) are also considering a price increase of over 30% of iron ore in the third quarter.

Japan trade surplus less than expected

Japan's trade surplus grew by 15.2% in May over one year to 324,200,000,000 yen (EUR 3 billion), thanks to strong exports to Asia and emerging markets.A smaller than expected increases (50% expected), however, shows that trade in the country have suffered from the crisis in Europe.

In May, exports surged 32.1% year on year to 5.311 billion yen, helped by strong sales abroad of machinery (+42.6%) and cars (45.9% )

Exports to China increased notably (25.3%) and other Asian countries such as Thailand (73.3%), Indonesia (73.5%) and Malaysia (57, 1%) low fee payday loans. They have also increased to India (+52.1%), Brazil (+47.8%) and especially Russia (177.1%).

Imports have increased their share from 33.4% to 4,986.8 billion yen.

Yuan steady

The Chinese central bank set a central parity of the yuan virtually unchanged from Thursday to Wednesday.This meant the weekend its intention to revive a system of exchange rates more flexible. And mercreid Tuesday and hit the central parity, which it fixes every day and around which the exchange rate dollar / yuan may vary by plus or minus 0.5%.The yuan has begun to appreciate since Monday.

The institution has decided on a course of 6.8100 yuan against the dollar, instead of 6.8102 yuan to one dollar a day, according to a statement available on its website.

Oil down

Crude prices have continued to drop Thursday (76.16 dollars) in electronic trading in Asia, driven by anxiety about U.S. demand, world's largest consumer.

The latest indicators from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) showing an increase of two million barrels in crude inventories have worried investors, who had forecast a decline of one million barrels in the week concluded on June 18 This increase in weekly crude oil inventories reported in effect weakening demand.

22
Jun

United Kingdom: a dose of austerity history

Posted by admin

From our correspondent in London

With 155 billion pounds (186 billion euros) and 11% of GDP this year, the UK deficit is the highest in the G20. In response to this near disaster on young British finance minister George Osborne, this Tuesday, on the occasion of his "emergency budget" the austerity plan the hardest since the Second World War. Cuts so severe that many economists are concerned about its negative effect on growth.

The austerity is announced in the British house-to-false vis-à-vis Barack Obama, who wrote the G20 leaders to ask them to continue to support the recovery."Countries have different approaches, and in some countries like ours, there is a need to tackle the deficit and reduce it more quickly," argued on Monday, a spokesman for Downing Street 10.

To divide by four the structural deficit by 2014-2015, the government of David Cameron must find at least 88 billion pounds (106 billion euros), reducing government expenditure but also by increasing taxes . This effort far exceeds the level of 80 billion euros announced by Berlin and promises to be the largest of the major European countries.The savings could reach 34 billion pounds (41 billion euros) in the first year, equivalent to 2.4% of GDP.

Since taking office Prime Minister, David Cameron, communicate each week on budget cuts, "whose impact will last for years, perhaps decades, that will win the country to avoid being in a situation similar to that of Greece. The Treasury is fear of being penalized by the rating agencies and losing its AAA rating, which would explode the cost of refinancing the country.

Taxes on capital gains

If George Osborne is expected to announce Tuesday the total austerity plan, details of the cuts by department will not be released until this fall. Rumors point to a decline of 25% of expenditure in the budget of Defense. But tax increases will be unavoidable, experts say.The new fees will concentrate on the richest. Under pressure from its partners the Liberal Democrats, George Osborne should also increase the tax on capital gains for individuals, 18% to 40% or even 50%, while the tax rate to 50% highest income is not questioned. "The VAT is expected to increase by 17.5% to 20%, moving closer to the European average, which would yield 12 billion pounds per year (14 billion euros)," said Brian Hilliard, economist at Societe Generale.

ALSO READ:

The British consulted on future budget cuts

"First in the UK budget cuts

20
Jun

Hermitage build two giant towers of Defense

Posted by admin

The signing took place in presence of Nicolas Sarkozy and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Saturday in St. Petersburg, Russian promoter Hermitage is committed by a Memorandum of Understanding with the EPAD to build by early 2016 two towers of 91 floors of a new kind of defense. Today, the skyscraper highest in the business district tu 220 m The twin towers designed by architect Norman Foster-star will climb to 323 m, "a meter below the Eiffel Tower to avoid offending local sensitivities," says Emin Iskenderov, CEO of Hermitage. Importantly, this will be the first high-rise (high rise buildings) mixed in France combining housing, offices and shops.With the key equipment in unprecedented tours: a theater of 1,300 seats, a contemporary art gallery, a five star hotel, restaurants, swimming pools, a student residence …

As for the apartments have a spectacular view of Paris, they will be positioned in the niche market of luxury with a price of 12,000 euros per square meter. A challenge for Defence is not today a prestigious address for individuals and Parisians are not rushing to live in towers.

Introduced in March 2009, the Hermitage Plaza project has also met with some suspicion among the French real estate professionals. First, because this promoter Russia has never built a tower in France. Then because it is a huge operation to two billion euros.

Buildings slated for demolition

But since then, Hermitage has provided some safeguards.Including funding. "We have already invested $ 150 million, Emin Iskenderov details. And in all, we will bring 250 to 280 million euros in equity. Furthermore, we are in advanced discussions with a pool of European banks to grant us a credit line of 700 million. And the marketing of our area we will bring the remaining one billion euros. "According to our information, Hermitage is also negotiating with the Four Seasons hotel group to host one of its locations in the towers. On the marketing of 540 apartments, Emin Iskenderov was also very confident: "I have already received 3,200 letters of prospects who want to buy from us."

Another thorny issue: the relocation of 250 families who lived in the buildings slated for demolition to build the towers Plaza. For now, Hermitage has found a solution for 235 to 250.That leaves five families to relocate in the year. A task is not insurmountable. But there is still a few steps before this project happen. In late July, demand for building permits will be filed. It should be granted in early 2011. And work should start right away. With delivery scheduled for late 2015-early 2016.

14
Jun

The CAC40 index returns in excess of 3600 points

Posted by admin

While experts from the European Union (EU) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in Athens to verify accounts of the Greek state and the status of the austerity plan, the Paris stock exchange continues the momentum of last week, where the CAC 40 had returned upward, three consecutive sessions, breaking a cycle initiated since April 16 last and prevented systematically aligning more than two consecutive increases. The CAC 40 in advance of 0.79% to 3583 points at the opening and exceeds the threshold of 3600 points. Although nothing is played, far from it. But in recent days, the indices seem more determined to resume the upward path. Trading volumes, including the Paris Bourse, were provided over the last week. The CAC 40 climbed beyond 3,600 points, a course that is almost a record a month.At midday, the index feature of the Paris Stock Exchange gained 1.46% to end at 3607.30 points.

On other markets in Europe, the trend is upward. In London, the Footsie took almost 1% to 5213 points this morning and gained further 0.64% to 5196.59 points shortly after noon. In Frankfurt, the Dax clinching the outset more than 1%, and still earning 1.23% to 6122.17 points in mid-day.

On Friday, the CAC 40 gained just over 1% to just over 3555 points. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq has also allowed U.S. markets finished the week on a positive note after economic indicators, however, mixed.

After a particularly bloody month of May for all equity markets, investors believe, however, that European markets are undervalued.This could naturally incite bargain hunting and so restoring the energy markets.

The start of the week is very quiet with a single statistic, Europe, the industrial production of the Euro Area in April. The agenda will be fleshed out, however, more tomorrow, with a range of indicators on the U.S. real estate, consumption and inflation. The speech of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke on Wednesday, will also be very influential.

On the foreign exchange market, the strengthening of the euro, long stuck in the $ 1.21, was confirmed this morning – it is trading at 1.2183 dollars against 1.2077 on Friday. The euro is close to $ 1.22 in the wake of the stock market, and good resolutions are shown in deficits on both sides of the Rhine, pending the meeting between Merkel and Sarkozy, this evening after missed appointments Monday .

Values follow

Club Med

The title is featured on Monday, clinching 7.54% to 13.55 euros. Chinese Fosun Group has acquired 7.1% stake in Club Med, where he has a director.

This is the beginning of the conquest of the Chinese market for Club Med. A promising market as the tourism industry in China is driven by a double-digit growth for ten years. The two companies also announce the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in the field of construction and operation of 'quality resorts'haut Guaranteed pay day loans. Friday, closing, Club Med's share jumped from 9.4% to 12.6 euros on the publication of a half-year net profit of 3 million Euros.

Societe Generale

The action jumps from 3.59% to 34.93 euros.Crédit du Nord, a subsidiary of Societe Generale, and BPCE entered into exclusive negotiations for the acquisition by Crédit du Nord, Société Marseillaise de Credit a little over 870 million euros. An operation that was in the pipes for several weeks and was formalized this morning before the opening of the Parisian market. The amount of the transaction is exactly 872 million euros, net dividend for 2009 (for the seller). The CMS was acquired, with other regional banks to HSBC by BPCE in 2008. It has 144 branches and 200,000 customers in southern France. With this transaction, Credit du Nord confirms its strategy of development in the banking system nearby.

Axa

The insurer (3.13% to 13.52 euros) confirmed the sale of part of its life insurance business in the United Kingdom.The buyer, Resolution Group, is prepared to pay 3.3 billion euros to get their hands on this activity. Axa will keep activities damage, life insurance and individual savings. The transaction currently under discussion provides for a lump sum sales of 2.75 Billion Pounds (about 3.3 billion euros). The insurer, however, remember that there is no certainty that current discussions lead to an agreement, note analysts at BNP Paribas.

Renault

Automaker (2.56% to 31.40 euros) should benefit from the information supplied on the weekend by its Russian partner Avtovaz plans to return to the green this year after heavy losses in 2009.The first constructor Russian head out of the water, enjoying the scrappage.

Veolia

The subsidiary of Veolia Water Environment (+1.10% at 21.16 euros) announces the signing of an agreement for the resumption of certain activities of United Utilities Group in Europe. Veolia Water would control Sofiyska Voda company in charge of utilities and water treatment in the city of Sofia, Bulgaria, serving 1.3 million inhabitants, of which Veolia Water would own 58%.

TF1

TF1 wins 1.96% to 12.21 euros. The subsidiary of the Bouygues group (1.23% to 35.770 euros) recorded Friday night at the game of the World Cup Soccer, France, Uruguay, its best audience of 2010. Viewers were 15 million to their desks on Friday night and even 18 million over the end of the meeting."This is the best audience of the Year for TF1 and the 15th best audience for a football game since the inception of Médiamat-Médiamétrie," insists the chain.

LVMH

LVMH gleaning 0.09% to 91.99 euros. Bank of America Merrill Lynch lowered its recommendation on the luxury group and its parent company, Christian Dior (0.63% to 83.23 euros).

09
Jun

Spain: strike against wage cuts

Posted by admin

This was both a first and a dress rehearsal. In six years of Socialist government, the unions had never called for national strike in Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. But since the mobilization of officials Tuesday, the divorce between the executive and the two largest trade unions – Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) and CGU – is officially consummated.

Pressed by their bases, the unions had no choice but to break with Zapatero. That, of course, the single most dramatic reduction plan deficits that ignited the powder: falling wages in the public service, 5% on average in the month of June, arouses indignation public employees. But the unions' own admission, is the absence of any consultation that infuriates most."We do not even ask for the withdrawal of the measure," says Julio Lacuerda, the Secretary General of the Federation of utilities UGT. The unions are aware that these decisions will be implemented. The austerity plan is required by the markets, the European Union and … by the United States, including the president himself, Barack Obama, called Zapatero payday loan no faxing.

A war of figures

Therefore, the event serves as a test of officials for each game. The first testing their strength before calling, "if necessary", a general strike. The executive, for its part, gauge the discontent before announcing new measures unpopular. First, the reform of the labor market, to be unveiled June 16 Meanwhile, everyone engaged in a war of numbers.For unions, 75% of staff were on strike Tuesday. The government says they were only 11%.

Above all, workers' representatives refuse to be the only ones to pay. "Why do we keep our troops in Afghanistan? Why do we continue to offer 900 million euros in tax subsidies to the Catholic Church? "Interrogates Julio Lacuerda. While Zapatero announced the creation of a new tax on the rich and inspired by the French TFR. But according to his own statements, "99.99%" of the Spaniards should escape.

ALSO READ:

"Spain announces a new dose of austerity

»COMPUTER GRAPHICS – The European tour plans rigor