As demand surges for LCD TVs ranging from home theater models to small personal-use sets, Mitsubishi Electric predicts that total market demand in Japan will rise by 20% to over 7 million sets in fiscal 2007. To help meet that demand, Mitsubishi Electric will introduce two brand new models as the “REAL” MZ Series of LCD TVs in Japan.
      On both models, the frame surrounding the picture is the world’s thinnest in its class*—the bigger model is 46v inches wide with a 27 millimeter frame, while the smaller is 40v inches wide with a 25 millimeter frame.
      Like other Mitsubishi Electric appliances, they are based on the “Uni & Eco” philosophy, which combines universal design concepts with ecological soundness. User-friendly features include “Home Image Quality Mode,” which automatically optimizes the image for the viewing environment, and an easy-to-use remote control.
      The exclusive DIAMOND Engine PRO circuit ensures superb image quality in full high definition TV (HDTV), while enhanced DIATONE audio circuitry brings superior sound. The new TVs also comply with xvYCC, a new image quality technology promoted by Mitsubishi Electric and Sony Corporation as a next-generation world standard for color reproduction.

* As of March 14, 2007, according to Mitsubishi Electric’s research on consumer use of 40v-inch and 46v-inch TVs.
The new “REAL” MZ models are ultra-slim, yet packed with features
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Europeans who have coveted Mitsubishi Motors’s new Outlander SUV, but not been able to buy it in Europe, can finally celebrate. Among the 16 vehicles exhibited by the company at the 77th International Motor Show, held March 6–18 in Geneva, Switzerland, was the long-awaited European version.
      The Outlander was previously only available in Japan, North America and China. With the European launch, it is available in all of the world’s major car markets.
      The European-specified Outlander has been tailored to European market needs. A new platform brings enhanced strength and collision safety, and the vehicle also has electronically controlled 4WD.
      The company will offer the European Outlander with a choice of four engines. These include diesel turbo engines of either 2.0 or 2.2 liters, the 2.4-liter MIVEC gasoline engine from the Japanese version, and
The Outlander SUV is rapidly making inroads in Europe
the 3-liter V6 MIVEC gasoline engine from the North American and Chinese versions. In line with the design identity set by Mitsubishi Motors in Europe, the vehicle also has a new front grille bearing the three-diamond logo against a background symbolizing Mount Fuji.
      For those dreaming of something slightly sportier, Mitsubishi Motors also unveiled the Prototype-X concept car, a next-generation high-performance 4WD sports sedan.
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In the U.S., concerns about global warming and rising crude oil prices have increasingly made nuclear energy look like an attractive option. Conservation is not the whole answer unless we want to give up cars and home heating entirely, while fossil fuel alternatives, such as wind power and solar power, are unlikely to supply all the power for existing needs. These realizations have led power suppliers to re-evaluate nuclear power, and it is estimated that there will be demand for several new plants to be constructed in the period up to 2030.
      The new US-APWR* reactor technology, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), will certainly help meet that demand. Already, Dallas-based power company TXU has selected the US-APWR for its next nuclear plant. The new reactor is based on technologies planned for use at the Tsuruga Power Station Unit 3 and 4 of the Japan Atomic Power Company.
      Reflecting the needs of U.S. customers through substantially improved performance, the reactor features 24-month continuous operation, reduced plant building size and a power generation capacity of 1,700 MW—placing it in the world’s largest class. At 39%, its thermal efficiency is the highest of any nuclear unit in the world. MHI will pursue further deployment of the US-APWR technology and promote it to other utilities seeking to build new reactors.

* APWR stands for Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor.
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It must be fun to work at the Precious Metals Division of Mitsubishi Materials. They recently announced the schedule for the spring 2007 Mitsubishi Materials Jewelry Fairs, held regularly since 1991 to exhibit and sell jewelry. The scope of these shows is unrivalled, with products ranging from stunning luxury products, including diamond, emerald and ruby items, to more affordable light jewelry and pearl jewelry. They have become extremely popular with people in all age groups. Last year’s spring fairs, held at cities across Japan, brought in sales totaling ¥1.8 billion. The Tokyo fair held in March 2006 was one of the biggest jewelry fairs ever held in Japan, with 90,000 visitors, over 50,000 exhibits and sales totaling ¥1.3 billion.
      Items on display at this year’s fairs will include trilogy necklaces, which have been featured in television advertising. Mitsubishi Materials will also present each visitor to the fairs with a free, exclusive silver and cubic zirconia swing necklace. This unique
True gems for slightly thicker wallets;
(from left to right) a natural diamond ring, a natural blue diamond ring and a natural yellow diamond necklace
item has been specifically designed to match contemporary trends, with all stages from concept design to manufacture handled in-house. It will only be available during the fairs.
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Nikon has launched the 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon D40X, positioned as a sister product to the entry-level 6.1 megapixel Nikon D40, which has been extremely popular with camera users ever since its launch in December 2006. The D40X is a digital single-lens reflex model that accepts a wide range of interchangeable lenses.
      The compact body weighs approximately 495 grams, making it the lightest camera in its class. Other features include a CCD image sensor equivalent to the one in the more expensive D80, and a high-performance image-processing engine for
The COOLPIX S500 offers instant photo satisfaction in a compact package
enhanced resolution and image quality. The camera is designed for ease of use, and offers a wide array of functions to enhance photographic enjoyment and image quality.
Picture this: a 10.2 megapixel, high-performance camera that weighs about 495 grams
      The new COOLPIX S500 is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera. Despite its small and stylish design, the new camera offers a range of advanced features, including an optical lens shift Vibration Reduction (VR) system and ISO 2000 sensitivity for sharper photos in low light, as well as an optical 3x zoom lens, all wrapped in a lightweight brushed stainless steel body. Its forte is superb ease of use and fast response—like Nikon’s big cameras, power on and shutter release are nearly instantaneous.
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Mitsubishi Rayon Makes Pitcher-Perfect Filters
With its state-of-the-art, triple-stage filtration system, Mitsubishi Rayon’s CLEANSUI® tap water purifier is capable of removing everything from soluble lead and pesticides to microorganisms and fungi.
      Now, for the first time, Mitsubishi Rayon has released a pitcher-type filter that is a stylish addition to any kitchen or table. The Super-High-Grade Cartridge (CPC5) used in the pitcher-filter incorporates Mitsubishi Rayon’s exclusive and proven triple filtration system, and eliminates all 13 substances listed in Japan’s strict Household Goods Quality Labeling Law. In addition, an easy-to-read counter in the lid records the number of uses and indicates when it is time to replace the cartridge.
Mitsubishi Paper Mills Fights Bird Flu
Cooperation between Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd. of South Korea, National University Corporation Tottori University and Mitsubishi Paper Mills has resulted in an air cleaning system with a special avian influenza filter. This “AI Filter” traps and removes 99.97% of avian influenza viruses of the A(H5N1) strain.
      Mitsubishi Paper Mills manufactures high-performance filters. It developed the new filter by combining two natural ingredients, an extremely safe extract of ginkgo leaves, which have been used for centuries in Western medicines and health foods, and an extract from the Chinese sumac tree.
      Woongjin Coway designed and developed the air cleaning system that uses the AI Filter.
Nippon Oil Engineer Earns Highest Award
Having the finest talent onboard is a key competitive strength for any organization, and Nippon Oil can certainly be proud of its crew. In February, Mr. Hajime Shibata, an engine combustion engineer from the company’s Fuel Research Laboratory, was awarded the title “Fellow Engineer” (2007) by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE)—the society’s highest level of recognition for an engineer. Of the 19 people selected as Fellow Engineers, only two, including Mr. Shibata, are from the petroleum industry.
      The JSAE promotes the professional development of researchers and engineers through seminars, international conferences, exhibitions and visits to facilities.
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