Fuzzy, lifeless TV picture quality is a thing of the past. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America (MDEA), the Mitsubishi Electric subsidiary that first introduced big screen and plasma television to the U.S., has begun selling its latest high-definition TVs (HDTVs) to U.S. consumers. Featuring new technology developed by Texas Instruments, the new 1080p DLP™ HDTVs let viewers enjoy the highest resolution available for large-screen televisions today (progressive-scan 1920 x 1080 pixels), twice that of other high-definition displays.

The new HDTVs take home cinema to a whole new level.

  Moreover, dark scenes will no longer require viewers to squint and guess what is happening, as the new models feature Mitsubishi Electric's proprietary Dark Detailer™ for improved detail. Equipped with the latest generation of the company's home theater operating system, the sets are also capable of upconverting any image source to the new 1080p format.
  On June 30, 2005, MDEA began delivering the "small" 52-inch version of the new HDTVs to select California retailers. U.S.-wide distribution of this model followed in July. In all, nine new models have been released this summer and fall, ranging in size from 52 inches to a massive 73 inches.
  A milestone in home theater, the new technology puts Mitsubishi Electric in a good position to gain from the expected release of a wide range of high-definition visual products and content, from high-capacity Blu-Ray DVD technologies to multimedia PCs and cable TV programs.

The reigning world champion: Mitsubishi Materials' 250-kg ingot, made from 99.9% pure gold, next to the company's standard 1-kg gold plate.

The world's largest gold bar, weighing 250-kg and valued at around ¥400 million, has been created by Mitsubishi Materials. Despite its considerable weight, the ingot measures a compact 45.5 cm x 22.5 cm x 17 cm—small enough to fit in carry-on luggage. It is the second time the company set this record, having entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2000 for producing the world's then-largest gold bar, weighing in at 200-kg.
  Following a report of a 220-kg bar made in Taiwan in late 2004, the company manufactured the new 250-kg gold bar to demonstrate its technology. Creating a gold bar of this size and weight, and achieving a smooth surface, is a very complicated, technical process.
  Mitsubishi Materials has developed several pioneering gold products, including the High-Strength Pure Gold (HPG), which is several times harder and stronger than normal gold.

After 35 years of development by virtually every car manufacturer on earth, should we expect anything new in an SUV? Japanese drivers are going to say "yes" after experiencing Mitsubishi Motors' surprisingly nimble and fun-to-drive SUV. In the all-new Outlander SUV, due to launch throughout Japan in October, drivers may easily imagine that they are in a smooth and quiet version of the fabled Lancer Evolution 4WD performance sedan. The Outlander's newly developed platform—which, incidentally, it will share with future Lancer Evolution models—includes a sophisticated, electronically controlled 4WD system that draws from the company's extensive experience in the World Rally Championship and other motorsport arenas. Seeking to carve out a niche in an increasingly competitive market, Mitsubishi Motors believes the Outlander will outmatch any other SUV made and sold in Japan in terms of comfort and driving "feel."

Outlander redefines SUV handling and driver enjoyment

  The Outlander is an attractive choice for car buyers looking for the fun factor and responsiveness of a performance sedan, but who also want the SUV's all-weather traction, large cargo space, high driving position and general versatility. The vehicle's unibody chassis is engineered to be supremely strong yet lightweight, benefiting both crash safety and fuel efficiency. Moreover, the 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine's new technology results in emission levels that are 75% below Japanese standards for low-emission vehicles, and a fuel economy that is 5% better than Japan's 2010 standards.

A Japanese-Turkish consortium of five companies, headed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has signed a contract with Dubai Municipality to build a high-tech driverless railway across the emirate, the first in the Middle East. The contract is worth 12.5 billion UAE dirham, or nearly US$3.5 billion. The project, known as the Dubai Metro Project, is the biggest tender in the Middle East so far in 2005. The consortium beat three competing consortia to the contract.

Artist's sketch of the future Dubai Metro

  For Dubai, where the population has rapidly increased due to steady economic growth during the 1990s, the rail network is key to solving worsening traffic problems.
  With a total length of 69.7 kilometers, the completed Dubai Metro Transit System will be the world's longest driverless railway system. All trains will be fully air-conditioned and use state-of-the-art technology to ensure safety, reliability, comfort and environment-friendliness. MHI, together with Mitsubishi Corporation, will supply a whole transit system, including rolling stock, driverless control system, traction power distribution system and trackwork.

Businessmen in Taiwan have long been used to taking the destructive forces of nature into account in their business decisions. The island is one of the most typhoon-hit areas in the world, with on average four typhoons hitting its shores every year. Moreover, the island's small size, about one-tenth the size of Japan, means that whenever a typhoon strikes virtually all areas get affected.
The fierce storms cause businesses a lot of damage, both directly through winds and floods, and indirectly by interrupting commercial activities.

Typhoons are serious business in Taiwan

  Up until now, existing insurance policies have provided little coverage of indirect losses. But, in July 2005, the Taiwanese Financial Supervisory Commission gave the green light to Tokio Marine Newa Insurance, one of Taiwan's leading non-life insurance companies and an affiliate of Millea Holdings, Inc., to offer a new type of insurance called "Weather Insurance (Typhoon Type)." The new insurance, the first in Taiwan to provide a hedge against typhoon risks, went on sale in August 2005.
  Developed using the extensive know-how of Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance, a leading insurance provider in the field of weather risk management, the new insurance has been welcomed by industries affected by typhoons, especially the tourism, transportation and restaurant sectors.