BUSINESS NOTES

Staff On Nov 6 2000 - 8:00am




Electric Fuel Rolls Out Instant Power To Airports

Iselin, N.J.—The rollout of Electric Fuel Instant Power batteries continues across retail America with its introduction in 25 stores at major metropolitan airports. In an agreement with Altitunes, operator of "extraordinary-location retail formats," Electric Fuel said it will expand distribution of its disposable cellphone battery line to all of Altitunes airport-based retail locations this month. Altitunes has also lined up stores in train terminals, hospitals, hotels and travel plazas. Instant Power batteries are available for popular models of Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson and Samsung cellphones.

NEC, Luxxon To Develop Wireless Internet Solutions

Santa Clara, Calif.—NEC Electronics and Luxxon Corp. have signed an agreement to develop streaming multimedia solutions for wireless Internet devices. The solutions will accelerate the development and adoption of wireless devices and enable universal multimedia communication. Targeted end products include cellular phones and wireless Web pads, TVs and PDAs. NEC said its alliance with Luxxon will speed the introduction of next-generation, streaming multimedia products to the market. It also calls for the development and promotion of video distribution technology for platforms such as Luxxon video gateways, wireless mobile terminals and home gateways. Co-marketing and promotional campaigns will be developed to support sales efforts.

Fedders Declares Quarterly Dividend

Liberty Corner, N.J.—Fedders Corp. has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 3 cents on each share of outstanding Class A stock and common stock, and 2.7 cents on each share of outstanding Class B stock. The dividends will be payable on Dec. 1. Fedders manufactures air conditioners, air cleaners, dehumidifiers and humidifiers.

Sony Initiates Electronics Recycling Program

St. Paul, Minn.—Sony Electronics has signed a five-year recycling agreement with the State of Minnesota and Waste Management that enables the take-back of all Sony electronics products in Minnesota. The agreement comes on the heels of a three-month pilot program. During the pilot, which ended last March, nearly 600 tons of used electronics equipment were collected throughout Minnesota and analyzed. "As we continue to create digital products of the future, we must also realize there is a shared responsibility for the products of the past," said Fujio Nishida, Sony Electronics president/chief operating officer. "Taking back and recycling products helps Sony design future devices that cost less to manufacture and helps save our precious natural resources." In what is called the first project of its type in the world, other manufacturers are being encouraged to join the program. Currently, the new collection initiative is a Sony-only program.

Vivitar Control Purchased By Management-Led Group

Los Angeles—A management-led investor group has purchased a majority interest in Vivitar Corp., a developer, marketer and distributor of image products. The private investment group, led by Vivitar president/chief operating officer Gary Carleton, will install a new management team headed by Carleton, who will be president/CEO, and Vic Chernick, long-time industry veteran, who will take an active role in Vivitar's revised management team. Chernick, a member of the investor group, will focus his efforts on marketing strategies and product development. Both Carleton and Chernick are former presidents of Vivitar Canada. "We will continue as a major force providing cameras, electronic flash, lenses and photo accessory products," said Carleton. The majority interest was sold to the new Vivitar management by Plaza Create.

 

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