JAC Motors Celebrates Its 51st Anniversary

HEFEI, China. - Thursday, July 2nd 2015 [ME NewsWire]

 (BUSINESS WIRE)-- JAC Motors, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, celebrated its 51st anniversary this year.

Founded on May 20th, 1964, the company developed the first 2.5-ton truck in Anhui province in April 1968, filling a gap in Anhui’s automotive industry. JAC has since celebrated a number of significant milestones. In June 1990, the first Chinese bus chassis was successfully developed and put into production by JAC. On August 24th, 2001, JAC was officially listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. On January 17th, 2008, the first JAC sedan rolled off the production line and JAC entered the passenger car market, becoming the only comprehensive automaker covering a full series of commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles in China. In November 2009, JAC light-duty trucks were awarded the certification of Chinese Exemption from Export Inspection. It was the first automobile enterprise to receive the certification in the light-duty truck industry in China. In September 2010, JAC was given the National Quality Award -- the highest quality certification in China. It was also the first and only independent brand automobile manufacturer in China to win the award. More recently, on December 17th, 2010, JAC’s two millionth vehicle came off the production line and the 12th Five-Year Strategy Release Ceremony was held.

During more than half a century of operation, JAC Motors has been able to accomplish a number of great achievements to certify its place at the top of the Chinese automobile industry. JAC chassis has kept the leading position in China for several years and JAC light-duty trucks have kept the second position in the industry and the leading position in exports among all the Chinese light-duty truck brands for 14 years.

For JAC Motors, the high growth rate of its heavy-duty truck sales has been most impressive. In 2014, JAC signed an agreement to export 5,239 heavy-duty trucks to Venezuela, the largest order of heavy-duty trucks export from China. JAC has also seen great success with its multi-purpose vehicles, the company’s sales champion for many years. Meanwhile, the JAC S3 has become a leader among compact SUVs. In addition, JAC engines have been honored for their innovation as one of China’s Top Ten engines for five years.

What started as the production of light-duty trucks, has progressed into the efficient and environmentally conscious production of all forms of commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. Here’s to another 51 years of excellence in automobile production for JAC Motors.

About JAC Motors

JAC Motors is an automaker that has developed full-line independent brand vehicles including light, medium and heavy trucks, sedans, MPV, SRV, buses, chassis, engineering machinery, engines, and gearboxes. Based in Hefei, China, the company’s research and development center drives its innovation. JAC also founded China’s first overseas research and development center in Turin, Italy, and a second in Tokyo, Japan.

JAC has been in business for fifty years, and currently produces more than 1,000,000 units of automobiles and 800,000 engines annually, ranking it among China’s top 10 automakers.

Contacts

JAC Motors

Crystal Feng, +86-551-62296885

jacmotors@jac.com.cn

http://jacen.jac.com.cn/showroom/s5.html

http://goal.jac.com.cn/









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/15049/en

Tour De France Wild Card Team Gets a Boost with Dimension Data Sponsorship

Team MTN-Qhubeka aims to raise money to provide 5,000 bicycles to children in Africa

PARIS. - Wednesday, July 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dimension Data, the Official Technology Partner for ASO which owns the Tour de France, today announced that it has become a MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung (MTN-Qhubeka) sponsor. Representing the African continent for the first time ever, the nine-man MTN-Qhubeka team is one of five wild-card teams invited to ride alongside the 17 World Tour cycling teams at this year’s Tour de France which starts on Saturday.

MTN-Qhubeka said it is proud to receive a boost in support, and will work closely with Dimension Data during the multi-year contract on future technical developments that will help attract more people to the sport.

In March this year, Dimension Data and ASO announced a five-year partnership that will see Dimension Data become the Official Technology Partner of ASO, and together, revolutionise the viewing experience of billions of cycling fans across the globe. When the Tour de France begins on Saturday, race broadcasters, commentators, and cycling viewing fans around the world will be able to follow all 198 riders in 22 teams real-time on television, as well as track the speed at which each cyclist is riding; where he’s positioned in the race in relation to other cyclists - all via a beta live tracking website, and enhanced information on their television screens.

The 21-stage Tour de France covers 3,344 kms, and finishes in Paris on the Champs Elysees on 26 July.

Qhubeka (koo-beh-ka) is an Nguni [uh ng-goo-nee] word that means ‘to carry on’; ‘to progress’; ‘to move forward’. During the Tour de France, as part of the team’s *#BicyclesChangeLives campaign, MTN-Qhubeka aims to raise money to provide 5,000 bicycles to children in Africa.

Dimension Data Executive Chairman, Jeremy Ord said, “For many thousands of people in Africa – particularly rural Africa – a bike is the only mode of transport. Whether it’s used to go to school, work, the market – and even by the sick to get to hospitals or clinics – the simple bicycle is a passport to freedom, to moving forward, and carrying on. Dimension Data is proud to support Africa’s team, and at the same time, be able to make a difference to people in Africa.

Douglas Ryder, MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung Team Principal said, “Partnering with Dimension Data on this multi-year contract is a fantastic opportunity for MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung. Apart from putting the #BicyclesChangeLives campaign on the global cycling map during Le Tour, the partnership will help our team move forward into the future. Dimension Data is an iconic South African headquartered organisation that has expanded globally, and their tag line ‘accelerate your ambition’ resonates with Team MTN-Qhubeka. Because the team leverages technology - both on and off the bike - the partnership will help take our team and African cycling to new heights.”

Sarah Phaweni, Executive Director of Qhubeka said, “The support from big business is very valuable. We appreciate that Dimension Data has connected with the needs of South Africa, and are excited about the partnership and its potential to mobilise people."

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51132474&lang=en

Contacts

Dimension Data Holdings plc

Hilary King, +2782 414 9623 (mobile)



Team MTN-Qhubeka

Veit Hammer, +0039 342 975 4242 (mobile)







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/15041/en

One Thousand & One Voices™ Announces Letter of Intent for Agribusiness Investment in Beefmaster

Minority investment to be made by Sub-Saharan Africa-focused private family capital fund in leading beef processing and distribution company headquartered in South Africa and serving markets around the globe

JOHANNESBURG - Tuesday, June 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- One Thousand & One Voices™ (1K1V™), a private family capital fund focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, today announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with respect to a minority investment in the agribusiness sector. One Thousand & One Voices invests the Intellectual Capital, Relational Capital and Financial Capital—or Three-Dimensional Capital™—of industry-leading family offices in every transaction. The investee company, Beefmaster Holdings Limited, is a vertically integrated South African producer and distributor of beef related products that was founded by Mr. Laurie van Reenen. The Van Reenen family traces its South African roots to 1722 when they supplied beef and other agricultural products to ships at the Cape of Good Hope.

The investment, which is subject to customary closing conditions, will be One Thousand & One Voices’ second in the agribusiness processing and distribution sector in a matter of months. The investment will help Beefmaster expand its capacity and market share in the rapidly growing meat protein market. As a consequence of 1K1V’s investment, Beefmaster expects to significantly increase both its direct and indirect employment.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, global food production must increase by 70% before 2050 in order to meet increasing demand. The South African Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy projects beef prices will increase at an annual nominal growth rate of 6% through 2022. These factors, coupled with the growth in global population and growing affluence amongst emerging market consumers, are leading to a greater preference for proteins and an increased demand in beef.

Beefmaster is headquartered in the North West Province of South Africa in the heart of South Africa’s cattle country and with easy access to a regular water supply from the Vaal River. Beefmaster is a vertically integrated producer and distributor of beef related products, serving markets around the globe. Beefmaster’s operations include a leading abattoir, feedlots, logistics operations and multiple Beefmaster-branded retail outlets.

Louw van Reenen, Chief Executive Officer of Beefmaster and an executive with over 20 years’ experience in the beef processing industry noted: “Beefmaster has an established history of growth and success in the South African and global beef markets. An investment from One Thousand & One Voices would provide an exceptional opportunity for us to leverage not only 1K1V’s financial support, but also the unique expertise and relationships of industry-leading family offices from around the globe to accelerate our success and service our customers, suppliers and partners even better.”

Hendrik Jordaan, President and Chief Executive Office of One Thousand & One Voices said, “Beefmaster’s experienced management team, value-added vertical integration, trusted brand and opportunities for even greater growth makes it an attractive investment opportunity for One Thousand & One Voices. Our model of leveraging the Three-Dimensional Capital of leading family offices will contribute to value creation for Beefmaster, itself a family-held business, especially as demand of protein sources grows.”

About One Thousand & One Voices™

One Thousand & One Voices™ is a private family capital fund investing in Sub-Saharan Africa. The fund is designed to enhance the best of what private equity investment has to offer with the Intellectual Capital, Relational Capital and Financial Capital—or Three-Dimensional Capital™—of industry-leading family offices. For more information, please visit www.1K1V.com.

About Beefmaster

Beefmaster Holdings Limited is a privately owned vertically integrated processor of beef related products located in the Northern Cape Province in South Africa. For more information, please visit www.Beefmaster.co.za.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150629006112/en/

Contacts

One Thousand & One Voices

Kate Matheny, +1-720-407-8220

kmatheny@1k1v.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/15028/en

MoI Councils to Discuss Naturalization and Residency Services Tomorrow

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, June 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The nationwide Ministry of Interior’s Ramadan Councils, organized by the Law Respect Culture Bureau at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, are scheduled to discuss the services of the Ministry of Interior in the Naturalization, Residency and Foreign Affairs Sector on Monday evening.

The main topic of discussion consists of two subsections. The first subsection will discuss the services of the Naturalization, Residency and Foreign Affairs Sector that are provided to the citizens and residents; the issues of the Naturalization and Residency Court; and the procedures and facilities provided for the customers. The second subsection will revolve around the challenges facing the MoI in the Naturalization, Residency and Foreign Affairs Sector, such as violators of the residency law. The section will also discuss the issues related to absconding domestic helpers, its negative impact, the steps taken to solve this issue, and the public’s cooperation in fighting and responding to this phenomenon. 

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/15020/en

Dimension Data Completes Big Data Analytics and Digital Delivery Platform for Tour de France

Dimension Data set to deliver big data cycling analytics platform for the first time in the history of professional cycling

PARIS - Tuesday, June 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dimension Data today announced that it has completed its big data analytics and digital delivery platform from which the company will deliver real-time information on individual riders for the first time in the history of professional cycling.

This major innovation was made possible by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) in partnership with the 22 teams participating in the 2015 Tour de France. Highly accurate data will be collected through the use of live trackers under the saddle of each rider. Dimension Data will then process and analyse the data, and make it available to cycling fans, commentators, broadcasters and the media.

When the Tour de France begins on Saturday, the viewing public around the world will be able to follow all 198 riders in 22 teams real-time, and be able to track the speed at which each cyclist is riding, exactly where he’s positioned in the race in relation to other cyclists, and the distance between each rider - all via a beta live tracking website.

Dimension Data’s Executive Chairman, Jeremy Ord, said, “The technology will allow cycling fans to follow the race in ways they’ve never been able to before. Until now it was difficult to understand what was happening outside of what could be shown on the live television coverage. The ability to follow riders, get accurate information about which riders are in a group, and see real time speed are just some of the innovations that will be realised through this solution. During the duration of the three week race, we’ll be rolling out a range of new capabilities, including a beta live tracking website.”

The real time analytics solution will take the data provided by a third party geo localisation transmission component, undertake data cleansing and analysis, and provide access to this data as both a real time data stream, and a historical archive.

Ord said Dimension Data carried out testing during the Critérium du Dauphiné race which was held in France from 7 to 14 June. “We analysed one cyclist cycling at an astounding 104 kilometres per hour. This type of data has not been available in the past.”

All data analysed will be available through a beta live tracking website. This allows fans to select their favourite rider to follow, monitor the race on their phone or tablet (through a responsive design beta website) while they watch it live on the television, and gain access to additional data insights.

The 198 riders in 22 teams will generate 42,000 geospatial points and 75 million GPS readings. In addition, the live tracking website is built to support 17 million viewers and 2000 page requests per second. Data on riders will be processed in Dimension Data’s cloud platform across five continents consuming over 350 000 000 cpu cycles per second.

Brett Dawson, Dimension Data’s Group CEO said there are multiple layers to the innovation required to deliver the solution for ASO. We needed to implement cutting edge technology in the form of advanced real time analytics and a highly contemporary digital platform that’s able to provide innovative insights into the race that have never been available before.

“Dimension Data is bringing a new level of technical capability to the Tour de France in areas that will transform the technology landscape, including internet of things, real time big data analytics, Elastic Cloud Infrastructure, contemporary digital platforms, advanced collaboration technologies, and agile development practices. We’ll be their ‘Technical Tour de Force’.”

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director said, "This top notch technological development will enable a better analysis of the race, highlight the race tactics, and also show how essential in this sport is each rider’s role within his team. It will now be possible to understand how to prepare for a sprint finish in the last few kilometres of a stage, feel the wind’s impact on the rider’s speed, and so much more. Our efforts combined with those of Dimension Data will permanently change the way we follow cycling and the Tour de France.”

From 2016 for the next four years, ASO and Dimension Data will work closely together to extend and enhance the platform to deliver a range of innovative end-user experiences.

Contacts

Dimension Data

Hilary King, +2782 414 9623

Global PR Manager

hilary.king@dimensiondata.com



or

A.S.O press officer

Thomas Cariou, +33 (0)6 07 02 42 17

tcariou@aso.fr







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/15037/en

Cranberry Juice May Help Protect Against Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk Factors

Study finds polyphenol-rich cranberries to be a sustainable lifestyle approach to better health

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass. - Tuesday, June 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new study1 reveals that drinking low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail may help lower the risk of chronic diseases that rank among the leading causes of death worldwide, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The finding is welcome news considering the World Health Organization estimates the trio of diseases annually claim 15.6 million lives around the globe.2 These illnesses are among the most common and costly health conditions, but fortunately, they are also among the most preventable through dietary intervention. That’s where this research comes in. It shows that cranberries provide a rich source of protective compounds - called polyphenols – that support our body’s natural defenses and help us achieve a balanced lifestyle to improve health.

Sipping Your Way to Better Health

To discover the extent to which polyphenol-rich cranberries can bolster whole-body health, researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided eight weeks’ worth of meals to 56 healthy adult volunteers (average 50 years of age). One group drank a glass (8 oz) of low-calorie cranberry juice twice daily (16 oz total). Meanwhile, the other group drank a placebo beverage with a similar color and flavor.

“At the start and end of the experiment, the researchers measured things like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, blood lipids, as well as C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation,” explained Christina Khoo, PhD, Director of Research Sciences at Ocean Spray. “All of these measurements come together to tell a story. The worse off these numbers are in an individual, the more likely he or she will face a health condition like diabetes, heart disease or stroke in the future.”

Individuals drinking two glasses of low-calorie cranberry juice a day improved across all these measures. It’s a change that adds up, and could be associated with a 10 percent lower risk of heart disease and a 15 percent lower risk of stroke.3 Of note, the reductions in blood pressure numbers alone matched those achieved from top-rated diets such as DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)4; an eating pattern established as the gold standard for lowering blood pressure after several successful studies by the National Institutes of Health.

Power-Packed with Polyphenols

“These findings suggest that polyphenols help to protect our bodies, and may be adept at keeping a large number of ailments at bay,” said Dr. Khoo. “Luckily for us, a rich source of polyphenols is only a glass of cranberry juice away. Among the commonly consumed fruits in our diets, cranberries boast some of the highest levels of polyphenols – more than apples, blueberries, grapes or cherries.”

Incorporating these tart-tasting berries into our daily diets is a sustainable and practical lifestyle approach that holds notable promise for improving health. In addition to the cardiometobolic effects of polyphenols, cranberries also contain unique proanthocyanidins (PACs) that may help prevent certain bacteria from sticking inside the body.

Track Record of Whole-Body Health

The findings by the team of USDA researchers that drinking cranberry juice could lower disease risk comes on the heels of supporting research that further espouses cranberry products as part of a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle. Two recent studies5,6 analyzing four years’ worth of data from the Center for Disease Control’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found that those who regularly drink cranberry juice are more likely to be normal weight, have significantly lower waist circumference and showcase improved heart health characteristics. Add these benefits to cranberry’s known track record of maintaining urinary tract health, and you have the makings of quite the all-star berry.

For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, visit www.cranberryhealth.com.

About Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry and grapefruit growers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in 1930, Ocean Spray is now the world’s leading producer of cranberry juices, juice drinks and dried cranberries and is the best-selling brand in the North American bottled juice category. The cooperative’s cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 90 countries worldwide. With more than 2,200 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that respects our communities, employees and the environment. In fiscal year 2014, Ocean Spray posted gross sales of over $2 billion. For more information visit www.oceanspray.com or www.oceanspray.coop

1 Novotny, J et al. “Cranberry Juice Consumption Lowers Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk, Including Blood Pressure and Circulating C-Reactive Protein, Triglyceride, and Glucose Concentrations in Adults.” The Journal of Nutrition. 2015; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25904733 2 World Health Organization. “Top 10 Causes of Death Fact Sheet.” WHO Media Centre. 2014. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/ 3 Collins, R et al. “Blood Pressure, Stroke, and Coronary Heart Disease. Part 2, Short-Term Reductions in Blood Pressure: Overview of Randomised Drug Trials in Their Epidemiological Context.” Lancet. 1990; 335:827–38. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1969567 4 Heller, M. “What Is the DASH Diet?” The DASH Diet Eating Plan. 2015. http://dashdiet.org/what_is_the_dash_diet.asp 5 Duffey KJ et al. “Adult Cranberry Beverage Consumers Have Healthier Macronutrient Intakes and Measures of Body Composition Compared to Non-Consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008.” Nutrients. 2013; 5.12:4938-49. http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/5/12/4938/htm 6 Duffey KJ et al. “Adult consumers of cranberry juice cocktail have lower C-reactive protein levels compared with nonconsumers.” Nutrition Research. 2015; 35.2: 91-174 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2014.11.005

Contacts

Media Contact:

Weber Shandwick for Ocean Spray

Christine Gary, 202-585-2898

cgary@webershandwick.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/15029/en

Seminar Held for International Day in Support of Victims of Torture ‎

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, June 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The Ministry of Interior (MoI), represented by the Police College in collaboration with the Human Rights Department at the MoI, organized a seminar for student cadets on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which is annually observed on 26 June. The seminar was held at the Al Ittihad Hall at the Police College.

Lecturers from the Police College, Dr. Muhammad Khalil and Dr. Rifat Rashwan, took part in the seminar that was moderated by Lt. Colonel Muhammad Butti Al Shamesi, Head of the Media and Public Relations Section at the College.

Dr. Muhammad Khalil noted that true Islam honors human beings and encourages protecting them against torture or any other act that affects the nature of their existence. Referencing the guidance from various verses of the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith, he stressed that torture in the eyes of Islam is forbidden, as it is considered to be an affront to humanity and to human dignity.

From a legal standpoint, Dr. Rifat Rashwan discussed the topic of countering torture. He provided the definition of the concept of torture, as defined by the United Nations Convention against Torture and as signed by the UAE. He also pointed out that the Federal Penal Code of 1986 imposes severe penalties for the criminal act of torture, as it causes both psychological and physical harm. Such crimes are punishable by imprisonment ranging from 3 to 15 years.

The seminar was attended by Colonel Ahmad Al Kharaz Al Zaabi, from the Human Rights Department, and Lt. Colonel Khaled Abdullah Al Khouri, Police College Deputy Director; alongside department and section heads, and a number of officers at the Police College.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/15021/en