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Monsanto Abandons Transgenic Australian Canola

Two days after announcing a moratorium on its genetically engineered wheat, biotechnology company Monsanto has indicated that it will close its program to introduce genetically modified canola to Australia, according to the Grains Council of Australia. Grains Council President Keith Perrett says moratoriums on commercial biotech crops in most states are at the root of Monsanto's decision to pull out of genetically modified canola. The canola plant, also known as rape, is valuable for its oily seeds. "Discussions I've had with Monsanto as recently as today, have indicated to me that they will be pulling out their canola program in Australia," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Perrett says Australian farmers may now be left behind on important biotechnology innovations. Roundup Ready canola planted in Monsanto's southeastern Australia trial site, October 2001. (Photo courtesy Monsanto Australia) Monsanto's decision to terminate its genetically engineered (GE) canola breeding program in Australia is good news for consumers, farmers and the environment, Greenpeace Australia said today. Genetically engineered canola has been the heart of Monsanto's program in Australia. "The death of that program is not only a huge victory for consumers, it's a very clear message to Bayer's GE canola program in Australia that […]

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Honda Announces Major Investment in US Auto Plant

Honda of America Mfg. unveiled plans today to construct a $123 million paint facility at its Marysville Auto Plant, continuing Honda's commitment to a cleaner environment, flexible and efficient manufacturing, and high-quality products for its customers. This is the largest single investment among a series of renovations and expansions at Honda's two auto plants in Ohio. Honda's 25-year commitment to manufacturing in Ohio has grown to more than $6 billion over the years. Construction begins this month on the facility, which replaces the oldest of the plant's original paint lines. The Marysville Auto Plant was the first Japanese auto plant in America when it began producing Accord sedans in November 1982. Honda began U.S. manufacturing with a motorcycle plant in 1979. Housed in a 234,000-square-foot expansion, the paint facility will introduce waterborne paint systems to the Marysville plant when it goes into full operation in mid-2006. This, along with new paint systems developed by Honda, is expected to reduce emissions by 41 percent. Investment in high- efficiency ovens, air recycling systems and highly efficient variable drive motors should reduce energy use by 34 percent. Honda of America also announced it is constructing a 20-million-gallon pond system behind the Marysville Auto […]

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ZAP Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement for SMART Car

ZAP (OTC:ZAPZ) has signed a $10 Million purchase agreement with SMART-Automobile LLC to be the exclusive distributor and licensed manufacturer in the United States for its 60-MPG SMART Car. With record gas prices hitting the U.S., officials at ZAP and SMART are excited to be selling one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the planet. Reports indicate that SMART cars can achieve more than 60 miles per gallon in fuel economy, rivaling hybrid gas-electric cars. SMART-Automobile president Thomas Heidemann projects they may sell 15,000 units annually in the U.S. by 2005. "I believe ZAP is the best partner because they have been leaders for fuel efficiency and are focused on creating an auto dealer distribution network for these types of vehicles," said Heidemann. "I wanted to be associated with a company like ZAP that has the ability to capitalize on this sort of opportunity. I have other cars in mind for ZAP's dealer network." ZAP entered the car market in 2003 with the sale of electric cars. The company's new ZAPCAR(TM) earned five trophies at Michelin's Challenge Bibendum, the world's largest competition for fuel-efficient cars. The SMART cars will be distributed in the U.S. as part of ZAP's auto dealer […]

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