A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Chrysler and Mercedes to share parts
Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz will share more components and systems under a plan devised by their parent, DaimlerChrysler, to sharpen Detroit-based Chrysler's competitive edge.
DaimlerChrysler is expected to unveil the plan to integrate further its two carmaking units when the German carmaker announces its 2006 results on February 14th.
The degree of co-operation between the upscale German brand and the more mass-market US unit has been a subject of heated debate since Daimler-Benz acquired Chrysler in 1998. One official insisted yesterday that "we will not do anything that compromises brand values". - (Financial Times service)
Carbon trading exchange for China
China and the United Nations are working to set up a carbon trading exchange in Beijing - a move that could establish the Chinese capital as an important centre for the multibillion-dollar global trade in carbon credits, according to the UN's top official in China.
If successful, the exchange - which would be the first in the developing world - would compete with private-sector carbon exchanges established in Europe and the US, and would help to open up further the lucrative Chinese market in carbon credits. - (Financial Times service)
Tallaght's €3.5m Synergy Centre
The Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT) has unveiled a new €3.5 million on-site "innovation space" called the Synergy Centre.
The centre will provide office space to early-stage enterprises with high potential, and will also offer mentoring and networking programmes.
Hyundai chief sentenced to jail
Hyundai Motor was yesterday thrown into disarray when Chung Mong-koo, its chairman, was sentenced to three years in prison for embezzlement and breach of trust, raising the possibility of a management vacuum at South Korea's largest carmaker.
The punishment was harsher than expected and compounded the woes at Hyundai, which was already grappling with the strong local currency, flagging profits and union difficulties. - (Reuters)
New container terminal for Belfast
The Port of Belfast has seen its container-handling capacity increase by 40 per cent with the opening of a new container terminal at Herdman Channel.
It is expected that up to 50,000 containers a year will pass through the new facility, which will be serviced by direct sailings to and from Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Amarin completes clinical drug trials
IEX-listed drug manufacturer Amarin has completed the treatment phase of clinical trials in which its drug, Miraxion, is being used to treat Huntington's disease.
Top-line results from the trials are expected to be announced during the second quarter of 2007, with detailed results to be presented at a neurology meeting later this year.
Ogilvy & Mather appoints MD
Ogilvy & Mather, the advertising arm of the Ogilvy Ireland Group, has announced the appointment of Gervaise Slowey as managing director. Ms Slowey will also join Ogilvy Ireland Group's board.
