Tag Archives: TRN

Webb Fontaine Awarded New Contract by Ethiopian Government to Strengthen Trade Facilitation


DUBAI, UAE, July 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Webb Fontaine, a global leader in AI-powered trade solutions, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a contract with the Ethiopian government to continue its crucial work in the enhancement of the Customs system. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Webb Fontaine’s ongoing commitment to driving trade facilitation and economic growth in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia, with its incredibly large volumes of trade transactions, presents immense opportunities for economic expansion. Recognizing this potential, Webb Fontaine is honored to have the opportunity to continue its collaboration with the Ethiopian government in further advancing the country’s Customs system.

Pascal Minvielle, COO of Webb Fontaine, expresses his pride, saying, “We are incredibly proud of the achievements realized through our previous contract with Ethiopia Customs, where we successfully implemented a new Customs system. This new contract signifies a pivotal moment in our partnership, as we focus on developing and expanding upon the foundations we have established. Webb Fontaine is fully committed to working alongside the Ethiopian government to drive trade facilitation and foster sustainable economic growth.”

The second contract emphasizes the mutual dedication of Webb Fontaine and the Ethiopian government to leverage cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to streamline trade processes and enhance Customs operations. By further developing the Customs system, Webb Fontaine aims to optimize efficiency, increase transparency, and improve revenue collection, ultimately driving economic prosperity in Ethiopia.

The successful implementation of the new Customs system under the previous contract has already demonstrated its transformative impact on trade facilitation in Ethiopia. This new contract represents a continuation of the partnership’s shared vision to build on the system’s success, harnessing its potential to revolutionize trade processes and strengthen Ethiopia’s position in the global market.

Webb Fontaine is committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions powered by AI and innovative data analytics. Through this ongoing collaboration, the Ethiopian government will benefit from advanced tools and technologies that facilitate seamless trade operations, effective risk management, and simplified document submission and verification.

This partnership is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to digital transformation and Webb Fontaine’s dedication to supporting the country’s ambitious trade facilitation goals. Together, they will continue to enhance the Customs system, driving economic growth, attracting investments, and fostering stronger international trade relationships.

CJ Logistics and Korea Ocean Business Corporation to Invest up to $457 Million in Creating Large-scale Logistics Centers in the US

  • Large-scale logistics centers will be built in strategic logistics and distribution hubs, including Chicago and New Jersey.
  • CJ Logistics will provide the land for these centers, which collectively cover an area equal to 50 soccer fields, while KOBC will secure the necessary funding for the construction.
  • The logistics centers are expected to serve as strategic hubs, facilitating import and export transloading as part of global, end-to-end supply chain solutions, and as an export forward base for South Korean companies to North America.
  • The project is a first-of-its-kind public-private collaboration designed to expand the CJ Logistics North America supply chain.
  • CJ Logistics is expanding and optimizing its operations model to meet local demand and respond to the needs of consumer goods and industrial materials markets.

DES PLAINES, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — CJ Logistics, a leading innovative supply chain and technology company in South Korea, has announced a strategic partnership with the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) to construct large-scale logistics centers in the United States through a public-private collaboration. With a total investment of approximately $457 million (KRW 600 billion), these logistics centers will prioritize handling the import and export cargo of global and South Korean companies, facilitating their overseas expansion and trade activation. Additionally, this initiative aims to strengthen the economic alliance between the U.S. and South Korea by fostering local investment and job creation.

(From front left) CJ Logistics America COO Ken Heller, CJ Logistics America CEO Kevin Coleman, CJ Logistics Global Business Unit CEO Byoung-ku Kang, CJ Logistics CEO Sin-ho Kang, Korea Ocean Business Corporation Chairman & CEO Yang-Soo Kim, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago Deputy Consul General Hyung-In Gee, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago Consul Insu Kim, KOTRA Chicago Director Hosung 'Boston' Sohn are taking a picture at the event.
(From front left) CJ Logistics America COO Ken Heller, CJ Logistics America CEO Kevin Coleman, CJ Logistics Global Business Unit CEO Byoung-ku Kang, CJ Logistics CEO Sin-ho Kang, Korea Ocean Business Corporation Chairman & CEO Yang-Soo Kim, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago Deputy Consul General Hyung-In Gee, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago Consul Insu Kim, KOTRA Chicago Director Hosung ‘Boston’ Sohn are taking a picture at the event.

The first-of-its-kind public-private partnership between CJ Logistics and KOBC, a South Korean government entity, will increase South Korean investment in the U.S. and create new jobs for Americans.

The venture, known as the “North American Project,” entails the construction of large-scale logistics centers across three sites owned by CJ Logistics America, located in key logistics and distribution hubs such as Chicago and New Jersey, totaling 3,875,000 square feet. These sites collectively span an area equivalent to 50 international standard soccer fields. While CJ Logistics plans to contribute the land, KOBC will secure funding for the construction of the logistics centers.

CJ Logistics will assume responsibility for the operation of these three logistics centers, with a primary focus on handling the import and export cargo of global and South Korean companies and e-commerce sellers, thereby supporting their market entry into the U.S. The investment commitment agreement is expected to be signed within the third quarter of this year, and construction is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of next year, with a phased completion targeted from the first half of 2026 to 2027.

In a ceremony held on June 19, Sin-ho Kang, CEO of CJ Logistics, and Yang-soo Kim, CEO of KOBC, signed an agreement to implement this project at CJ Logistics America’s office in Des Plaines, Illinois. Following the agreement, the two CEOs and executives of CJ Logistics and KOBC visited the planned site for the logistics center.

CJ Logistics and KOBC have also committed to active cooperation not only on this project but also on investments in logistics infrastructure in the U.S. and other countries to enhance the global logistics competitiveness of CJ Logistics and South Korea.

Strategically located in three major U.S. cities or logistics hubs, CJ Logistics’ sites offer significant advantages. Elwood, Illinois, adjacent to the terminals of BNSF and Union Pacific, the largest freight railroad companies in the US, provides efficient transportation and delivery nationwide within one to two days via road and rail networks. Des Plaines, Illinois, is located near Chicago, one of the three largest cities in the U.S. and major consumer markets, as well as O’Hare International Airport, the largest freight airport in the country. Secaucus, New Jersey, situated near New York Harbor, JFK Airport, and New York City, offers access to another major consumer market.

With the development of these strategic hubs, CJ Logistics is optimizing its global logistics model to meet customer needs for integrated, end-to-end supply chain solutions. It will generate synergy by connecting the newly constructed logistics centers with its existing network of 57 operational logistics centers across the US. This connection will act as a catalyst for innovative growth in the business conducted in the US.

Moreover, with the vision of leading the global logistics industry with world-class technology, CJ Logistics will continue to accelerate and introduce advanced technologies such as automation, big data and AI, leveraging its TES (Technology, Engineering, Systems & Solutions) applications which have been successfully developed in South Korea, and are underway in North America. The company plans to enhance efficiency through the implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Autonomous Fork Lifts (AFL), and smart packaging systems.

The North America Project holds significant meaning as it represents a joint effort between a government entity and a private enterprise to support South Korean companies’ entry into the US, the world’s leading economic market, and raise their global competitiveness.

While South Korean companies have made recent investments in various sectors such as electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductors in the U.S., this collaboration between the public and private sectors is notable as the first of its kind. The project is projected to generate an investment of approximately $457 million and create 500 permanent jobs, along with additional employment opportunities, contributing to the strengthening of the U.S.-Korea economic alliance.

Commenting on the project, Mr. Kang, CEO of CJ Logistics, said, “We are committed to supporting our North America customer base, South Korean companies and e-commerce sellers as they enter the U.S. market. By utilizing our cutting-edge logistics infrastructure and operational capabilities, we aim to increase customer value, serve as a strategic partner to our customers who can benefit from global and multimodal solutions, and expand the ‘K-Wave’ into the business sector.”

Mr. Kim, CEO of KOBC, added, “The construction of logistics hubs in the U.S. will enhance the competitiveness of South Korea’s global supply chain and create value-added supply chain services through integration with maritime logistics.” He further emphasized, “We will continue to explore opportunities to enhance global logistics competitiveness by leveraging the resources, capabilities, and expertise of both sides.”

In the first quarter of this year, South Korea’s exports to the U.S. recorded $28.6 billion, a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The U.S. ranked as South Korea’s largest trade surplus country during this period, with a trade surplus of $7.2 billion. E-commerce exports to the U.S. also saw significant growth, reaching $323 million in the previous year, a 23.8% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Korea Trade Statistics Promotion Institute.

CJ Logistics

CJ Logistics provides integrated global supply chain services, maximizing customer value through continuous improvement and innovation. Currently, CJ Logistics operates technology-driven logistics businesses at 280 bases in 40 countries around the world. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, CJ Logistics prioritizes the well-being of the end consumer. CJ Logistics offers an integrated, one-stop SCM service platform with air and sea international freight forwarding, warehousing and transportation contract logistics, asset-based trucking, parcel and express delivery, and supply chain consulting. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, CJ Logistics helps customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. CJ Logistics America, a division of CJ Logistics, is responsible for leading warehousing, transportation and freight forwarding operations across the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive. cjlogisticsamerica.com

CJ Logistics plans to build three large logistics centers in Illinois and New Jersey. A large distribution center in Elwood, Illinois. (Bird's eye view)
CJ Logistics plans to build three large logistics centers in Illinois and New Jersey. A large distribution center in Elwood, Illinois. (Bird’s eye view)

Announcement of the Release of Guidelines for Customizing Level 4 Commercial Autonomous Vehicles

TOKYO, June 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, a leader in open-source autonomous driving (AD) technology, is pleased to announce the release of the “Level 4 Custom Design Guidelines” for the drive-by-wire modification of commercial vehicles to accommodate AD technology. These guidelines aim to contribute to the electrification of existing commercial vehicles and ease the widespread adoption of Level 4 AD technology.

As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation (AWF), we are fully committed to promoting industry standardization and the advancement of open-source software (OSS). Building upon these guidelines, we intend to propose their adoption to the AWF, further accelerating the development of AD technology through OSS.

Download       English Version here      Japanese version here

About TIER IV

TIER IV, the creator of Autoware, the world’s first open-source autonomous driving (AD) software, is at the forefront of the research and development of AD technology. The company provides cutting-edge technology solutions, including software and hardware across multiple platforms, that enable the safe and efficient development of AD. TIER IV is committed to the societal implementation of AD technology, driven by their vision of “the art of open source – reimagine intelligent vehicles”.

As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV leverages Autoware’s capabilities and collaborates with partners worldwide. Through the ecosystem powered by Autoware, the company aims to expand the potential of AD technology, involving individuals, organizations, and all stakeholders, as they strive for the realization of a better society.

*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

Contact: Shizuka Onoshizuka.ono@tier4.jp 

Source: TIER IV, INC.

Hyundai Motor Joins Forces with Culture Convenience Club to Provide Personalized Zero-Emission Vehicle Lifestyle

  • The partnership to propose new lifestyle that combines zero-emission-vehicle (ZEV) mobility and cultural content in Japan by collaborating on new concept mobility service, data-driven marketing and global experience platform development
  • Based on their shared people-centric vision, Hyundai Motor and CCC aim to bring innovative customer experiences and foster a sustainable society
  • The two companies expect to enhance customer value based on their highly sophisticated data-driven partnership in the era of hyper-personalization

TOKYO and SEOUL, South Korea, June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Mobility Japan and lifestyle content company Culture Convenience Club (CCC) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-create sustainable lifestyle services for the zero-emission-vehicle (ZEV) era.

Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company

The partnership aims to further facilitate Hyundai Motor’s efforts to satisfy Japanese customers with zero-emission vehicles and online sales since its re-entry into the market in February 2022. With the accelerated transition to electrification, Hyundai Motor and CCC’s strategic partnership aims to expand the new mobility lifestyle in Japan and beyond to global markets.

“Through this collaboration, we expect to create new opportunities through various endeavors,” said Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “In particular, CCC, which plans new lifestyles by thoroughly analyzing customers’ preferences, and Hyundai Motor’s ZEV culture will work together to build a differentiated Hyundai brand image.”

Hyundai Motor and CCC share people-centric ideas embedded in their brand concepts and missions. In the new era that requires economic, social and environmental sustainability, the two companies have decided to collaborate on promoting a ‘new lifestyle through ZEV’ in Japan and then expand the program globally. Through this collaboration, both companies will promote specific ZEV lifestyle proposals based on their shared value of fostering a sustainable society.

“As a lifestyle content company, CCC has contributed to the creation of diverse lifestyles in Japan. With the current changes in the global environment and the significant changes in people’s life values, the concept of sustainability has begun to penetrate car life as well,” said Takahashi, President and COO of CCC. “This partnership is in line with Hyundai’s vision and values, and we hope to propose a new ZEV lifestyle to our customers, promote their wellness and lead social action for zero emissions on a global scale.”

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:

http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com

(from left) Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company / Yasunori Takahashi, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CCC
(from left) Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company / Yasunori Takahashi, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CCC

Hyundai Motor Joins Forces with Culture Convenience Club to Provide Personalized Zero-Emission Vehicle Lifestyle
Hyundai Motor Joins Forces with Culture Convenience Club to Provide Personalized Zero-Emission Vehicle Lifestyle

SK hynix Receives International Certification for Automotive Memory Solution Development

  • Obtains internationally recognized ASPICE Level 2 Certification through collaboration with Siemens
  • Aims to meet growing demand from automotive chip market, improve profitability with globally recognized NAND solutions

SEOUL, South Korea, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has received the automotive ASPICE Level 2 certification, marking the first case that a Korean semiconductor company wins the recognition.

* ASPICE(Automotive Software Process Improvement & Capability dEtermination): A guideline for automotive software development that was introduced by European carmakers to evaluate reliability and capabilities of auto part suppliers.

The certification, essential for automotive NAND solution products, is expected to lead to an increased supply and stronger profitability of the company’s NAND solution products such as Universal Flash Memory and Solid State Drive, of which combined market is expected to grow by more than an average 20% every year, the company said.

With introduction and adoption of electric vehicles and autonomous driving system, the importance of technology in the areas of electric and electronic parts of vehicles is also growing.

Particularly, with systems for Advanced Driver Assistance System and Infotainment getting more sophisticated, the importance of software quality management as well as compatibility and stability is growing, requiring auto part suppliers to obtain the ASPICE Level 2 or the equivalent.

To win the certification, SK hynix combined its digital transformation technology with Siemens’ certification solution, which helped result in optimization and success of a stable and efficient system for the overall research and development process ranging from design of software for vehicles and engineering of products to workflow.

The latest achievement follows obtainment of an ISO 26262: 2018 FSM(Functional Safety Management**) in November 2021 as SK hynix continues to deliver accomplishments in the automotive memory business with commitment to safety and reliability.

** ISO 26262: 2018 FSM(Functional Safety Management): An international standard for functional safety in automotive semiconductors set by the International Organization for Standardization.

SK hynix will now aim for the ASPICE Level 3 certification with a more advanced software development process.

“Our achievement comes at a time when product competitiveness of automotive memory solution is more important than ever,” Ahn Hyun, head of solution development, said. “We will aim higher and continue our efforts for development and stronger product competitiveness of automotive memory chips.”

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”), flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) and CMOS Image Sensors (“CIS”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

Source: SK hynix Inc.

TOPBAND shines at EES Europe 2023

Building a more intelligent and low-carbon world!

MUNICH, June 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The EES Europe 2023 was held at the Messe München in Munich, Germany from June 14-16, 2023. TOPBAND brought its core products of cells, BMS, EMS and PCS (1C3S), small and medium-sized energy storage systems and new energy vehicles, two and three-wheelers and other related products and solutions to the fair. As one of the focuses at the fair, TOPBAND attracted a large number of visitors to the booth to conduct deep communication about future development of new energy field.

TOPBAND at EES 2023
TOPBAND at EES 2023

TOPBAND’s new energy business is mainly in medium and small-scale energy storage and new energy vehicles and its products include batteries, power supplies, controllers and motors. TOPBAND mainly provides customers with components and system solutions with its own core technologies of cells, BMS, PCS and EMS in the field of residential energy storage, industrial and commercial energy storage, portable energy storage and power backup storage. TOPBAND provides customers in the field of new energy vehicles, other special vehicles and two and three-wheelers with intelligent controllers and chargers with its integrated technology system of electronic control, motor, battery, power supply and IoT platform to support green and low-carbon development.

The boutique areas of TOPBAND were distinctive, showing its technical strength in the field of new energy. Star exhibits such as the residential energy storage, storage inverter, BMS for industrial and commercial energy storage, EV chargers and charging piles, were well received by the visitors.

Residential Energy Storage: TOPBAND’s residential energy storage products include high and low-voltage stack-based, integrated off/on-grid, rack-mounted, wall-mounted and vertical types. RS-R51100 can be installed in 4 ways (wall-mounted, rack-mounted, stack-based and vertical).

RS-R51100A uses the self-developed LFP cells, achieving a service life of over 6,000 cycles with the self-developed BMS. Besides, a single unit is of 51.2V100Ah, with a rated capacity up to 5.12kWh and supports 32PCS parallel connection to extend to 163.84kWh, easily adapting to the high-power demands. Besides, RS-R51100A is compatible with most inverters in power generation for own use, power backup and off-grid scenarios and has obtained many international certifications including IEC62619, UL1973, UN38.3, CE and UKCA.

Storage Inverter: TOPBAND TBE series inverter can meet the needs of grid-connected and off-grid systems at the same time and can realize bidirectional control of electric energy, with highly autonomous energy scheduling.

In addition, it is compatible with a variety of batteries, more charging/ discharging power options, and the off-grid switching time is less than 12ms, and the DC side is equipped with secondary surge protection as standard to provide continuous protection for safer electricity.

BMS for Industrial and Commercial Energy Storage:  It is a new generation of energy storage BMS independently developed by TOPBAND. It is mainly composed of BAU, BCU, BMU and related wiring harnesses.

The BMS can perform not only remote monitoring, OTA upgrade, big data analysis, security warning and other features through the T-smart cloud platform, but also charge and discharge management, active and passive balance management, and thermal management. In addition, this BMS can achieve more accurate and intelligent SOX estimation to extend the service life of the batteries.

Charging piles and EV chargers: TOPBAND provides various charging solutions, which are suitable for a variety of charging modes.

TOPBAND’s charging piles and wall-mounted chargers are equipped with excellent safety protection, which can well achieve protection against short circuits, overcurrent, overvoltage, thunder and lightning and electric leakage.

As an innovative leader in the new energy industry, TOPBAND will continue to make progress in product and technological innovation, and work with partners to build a more intelligent and low-carbon world!

NaaS Technology Inc. Announces Director Change

BEIJING, June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — NaaS Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: NAAS) (“NaaS” or the “Company”), the largest third-party charging network in China, today announced that Mr. Zhongjue Chen has resigned as a director of the Company for personal reasons, effective June 10, 2023.

Mr. Zhen Dai, Chairman of the Board commented, “On behalf of the board and everyone at NaaS, I would like to express our thanks to Mr. Zhongjue Chen for his contributions and dedication to the Company during his tenure on the board. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Chen commented, “It has been an honor to serve on the board of NaaS and witness all the tremendous achievements. I wish the Company all the best going forward.”

About NaaS Technology Inc.

NaaS Technology Inc. is the first U.S. listed EV charging service company in China. The Company is a subsidiary of Newlinks Technology Limited, a leading energy digitalization group in China. The Company provides one-stop EV charging solutions to charging stations comprising online EV charging, offline EV charging and innovative and other solutions, supporting every stage of the station lifecycle. As of March 31, 2023, NaaS had connected over 575,000 chargers covering 55,000 charging stations. In the first quarter of 2023, charging volume transacted through the Company’s network reached 1,023 GWh and gross transaction value reached RMB990.5 million. On June 13, 2022, the American depositary shares of the Company started trading on Nasdaq under the stock code NAAS.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations
NaaS Technology Inc.
E-mail: ir@enaas.com
Media inquiries:
E-mail: pr@enaas.com

Source: NaaS Technology Inc.

DFI Presents in-Vehicle T-Box with Cybersecurity Solution VC900-M8M, Creates New Smart Fleet Management Applications

TAIPEI, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — DFI, the global leader in embedded motherboards and industrial computers, aims at the smart transportation industry and launches their new low-power, energy-saving vehicle system, VC900-M8M, with the NXP I.MX8M processor. Equipped with a 6-axis sensor (IMU), fleet managers can better manage driving behavior, motion sensing, sudden braking, and impact detection. They have also introduced the vehicle network security solution by VicOne as a Trend Micro subsidiary to deliver automotive cybersecurity solutions, to build a more robust vision of road safety and cybersecurity protection.

For vehicle edge computing applications, DFI’s industrial-grade vehicle system, VC900-M8M, with the NXP i.MX8M processor has advanced computing capabilities and power management functions to save energy and increase efficiency. The VC900-M8M is based on the ARM design architecture and supports Yocto Linux 2.5 and Android 9.0. It provides more flexibility for development and helps customers create customized software solutions according to their specific needs.

DFI President Alexander Su stated, “Constructing an efficient and safe intelligent transportation system (ITS) is the most important part of developing a smart city. VicOne’s vehicle network security solution, xCarbon, has been installed in the VC900-M8M. When the On Board Unit (OBU) detects abnormal behavior, it can immediately communicate with the Driver HMI and report to the back-end system to ensure that the car and connected devices are protected from hackers.”

The VC900-M8M’s strengths are its built-in 6-axis IMU and various I/O settings, including one CAN and four COM combo ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1, one Micro USB (OTG), and two M.2 sockets. It supports 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and it also provides comprehensive mobile service and integrates many types of sensors and communication devices. These features allow fleet managers to collect real-time vehicle-related data and location, including speed, mileage, and driving behaviors, to help them carry out different applications.

The VC900-M8M can support a wide operating temperature range of -20 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius and a wide voltage input range of 9VDC to 36VDC. It has also passed the MIL-STD-810G military standard and the European E-Mark Certification, making it suitable for operations in harsh environments and extreme climates. In addition to meeting the industry’s needs for electric and new energy vehicles, the VC900-M8M also delivers transportation efficiency and safety for self-driving and electric cars.

For more information, please visit: https://www.dfi.com/, LinkedIn or contact us.

CONTACT: Melanie Ho, melanie.ho@dfi.com 

Source: DFI Inc.

BEST Inc. Publishes 2022 ESG Report, Driving Green Logistics through Digitalization

HANGZHOU, China, May 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) (“BEST” or the “Company”), a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia, today released its “2022 ESG Report,” highlighting the company’s fulfillment of social responsibilities, global participation in social welfare initiatives, and promotion of green logistics through digitalization.

The report is divided into seven sections, showcasing BEST’s contributions to social welfare and green logistics. In 2022, it delivered goods to areas affected by the pandemic for free, reduced paper usage by 8.5 million A4 sheets annually through blockchain technology, and saved 70,000 liters of diesel by continuously replacing diesel forklifts with electric forklifts.

The Company also formed long-term strategic partnerships with over 100 colleges and universities, and participated in public welfare activities, such as helping underprivileged students and donating goods.

“Social support and trust are essential to corporate development,” said Johnny Chou, BEST Inc.’s Chairman and CEO. “As a logistics enterprise, BEST has always prioritized green practices, digitalization, and mutual benefit, in order to promote sustainable development and create greater value for our customers, employees, and society.”

BEST Inc. generated RMB 7.74 billion in total revenue in 2022, with service in eight countries. The Company achieved full coverage of its express network in four Southeast Asian countries and was listed in the “Top 500 Private Enterprises in China” in 2022.

For the full BEST Inc. ESG 2022 report, please visit:
https://www.best-inc.com/BEST-Inc.ESGReport2022.pdf

Source: BEST Inc.

Mini-sized, Mega Performance: Introducing New VIOFO A119 MINI 2 Dash Cam with Sony STARVIS 2

SHENZHEN, China, May 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — VIOFO, an innovative dashcam brand, has been committed to improving the image quality of dashcams. Following last year’s release of the world’s first 4K HDR A139 Pro featuring Sony’s newest STARVIS 2 technology, VIOFO recently launched another first-ever 2K HDR dashcam A119 Mini 2, using Sony’s latest STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor and boasting a range of impressive features, which greatly enhances low-illuminance performance and ability to capture clear license plates.


A119 Mini 2 is the newly upgraded version of our A119 Mini dashcam, making leaps and bounds in both performance and functionality. Let’s take a closer look at it and whether it’s worth considering for your vehicle.

Mini Design

One of the standout features of A119 Mini 2 is its mini design. It is VIOFO’s smallest dashcam, with a discreet dimension of 1.8 inch*2.9 inch*1.6 inch, just the size of a car key. Despite its powerful performance, A119 Mini 2 is incredibly compact and can be mounted behind the rear-view mirror, taking up minimal space on your windshield. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more concealed installation, as it won’t obstruct the driver’s view or draw attention to itself.

What’s new on A119 Mini 2?

Newest Sony STARVIS 2 Image Sensor

A119 Mini 2 is the world’s first dashcam using Sony’s newest STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor. The new sensor employs Sony’s unique STARVIS 2 technology which delivers high sensitivity and a wider dynamic range, but with approximately 30% less power consumption than conventional models such as the STARVIS IMX335 image sensor.

Main Features

  • Single exposure method with approximately 2.5 times wider dynamic range than conventional models

The Sony STARVIS 2 tech uses unique processing technology to increase the area of the light-receiving unit despite pixel size limitations, resulting in a wide dynamic range in a 1/2.8-type 5.12 megapixels format. This design delivers a dynamic range approximately 2.5 times wider than conventional models, at 78 dB, thereby enabling high-precision capturing. It can record images accurately without overexposure even in situations such as nighttime roads or tunnel entrances/exits with large changes in brightness.

  • Improved sensitivity in the low-light domain delivers high-quality images in dark environments

The STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor deploys a back-illuminated structure which increases the amount of light to be captured and enables super-high sensitivity, making it possible to capture high-quality and low-noise images even in low-light scenes and at night.

  • Consumes 30% less power than conventional models

The IMX675 sensor utilizes a stacked structure, employing a Cu-Cu connection between the pixel unit and circuit unit, to achieve an optimized layout for multiple high-speed signal processing circuits. This results in significantly lower power consumption, approximately 30% lower than conventional models. With this new sensor, issues such as power consumption costs, impact on the environment, and camera heat generation can be effectively reduced.

Best-In-Class 2K HDR Image Quality

Powered by a Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor, A119 Mini 2 is by far VIOFO’s second most advanced dashcam. The Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor means that A119 Mini 2 can record crisp videos at 2K 60fps resolution, and at a sensitivity beyond the human eye in low light environments, bringing low noise, eliminating motion blur, and revealing more details. This is a step up from their already impressive 2K quality on other models.

The image sensor IMX675 produces sharp and detailed footage day and night with its outstanding DOL HDR technology. This tech captures a bright and dark image in succession and superimposes one over the other, which helps balance extremely bright and dark areas to accurately restore 2K details recorded at night.

A119 Mini 2 also features an F1.6 aperture with a wider-angle view than A119 Mini’s 140˚, providing a good field of view for capturing everything that happens on the road.

Smart Voice Control

Voice control is another innovative A119 Mini 2 feature, which allows you to start recording, take photos, turn on WiFi, and more by giving simple voice commands in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai). This can be especially handy if you’re driving while you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

The voice control function supports up to 10 voice commands, including:

  • Take Photo
  • Video Start
  • Video Stop
  • Turn On Audio
  • Turn Off Audio
  • Turn On Screen
  • Turn Off Screen
  • Lock the Video
  • Turn On WiFi
  • Turn Off WiFi

Other Amazing Features

Ultra Fast 5GHz Wi-Fi

A119 Mini 2 comes equipped with dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz Wi-Fi. The upgraded 5GHz Wi-Fi provides 4 times faster file transfer than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, enabling ultra-rapid file transfer, smooth video viewing, and dashcam settings adjustment. The built-in Wi-Fi feature lets you connect the dashcam to your iOS & Android smartphones using the VIOFO app, you can live stream, playback recorded videos, download, or share video files with ease, making it simple to access, store, and send over video evidence in case of any incident.

*Download a 1-minute 2K video in just 10 seconds, with a download speed up to 11MBps (data from VIOFO R&D center).

Intelligent Parking Mode

One of the most important A119 Mini 2 features is Parking Mode, providing 24/7 surveillance of your car even when you’re away. The parking mode offers three options, Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse Recording, and Low Bitrate Recording, keeping your car safe while parked and giving you peace of mind no matter where you go.

Auto Event Detection

With a built-in G-sensor, A119 Mini 2 can detect any motion or impact during parking and automatically start recording for 45 seconds. Supported by a buffered function, it records a 45-second video that starts 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after the detected event, ensuring no critical moments are missed.

Time Lapse Recording

The time lapse mode condenses long periods of time into shorter video clips, recording a video at low frames at 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 fps without audio recorded, which saves storage and power. This is particularly useful for capturing road trips, scenic drives, or lengthy commutes, as it presents the entire journey in a more concise and easily watchable way.

Low Bitrate Recording

It keeps continuous recording with audio in small file sizes, helping save more space on the MicroSD card.

Voice Notification

A119 Mini 2 comes with voice notifications that serve as a virtual assistant to keep you informed of important dashcam events, such as video protection, setting changes, or memory card errors. This feature keeps you fully focused on the road.

GPS Logger

A119 Mini 2 is equipped with a GPS logger that accurately records detailed location, speed, and time data of the vehicle, making it an ideal tool for insurance claim situations. The GPS data can be viewed when playing back the video on VIOFO App or a computer.

Auto Emergency Lock

With the built-in G-sensor, when a sudden collision or crash occurs, the dashcam automatically triggers the Auto Emergency Lock feature and locks the current video file, preventing it from being overwritten. This way, the accident scene can be accurately reconstructed for your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the A119 Mini 2 dash cam is innovative and tech-forward. It is powered by Sony’s newest STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor, offering best-in-class 2K footage quality. Additionally, it features smart voice control, enabling hands-free operations. Whether you’re looking for a way to protect yourself on the road or simply want to capture beautiful footage of your travels, the A119 Mini 2 is definitely worth your consideration.

About VIOFO Dashcam

Founded in 2011, VIOFO was started by two engineers aiming at providing the ultimate dash camera image quality for users worldwide.  Attribute to 10 years concentration in dashcam imaging, VIOFO dash cameras are now distributed in over 70 countries with millions of followers. For best customer experience, VIOFO always stays ears open to feedback from both regular and professional users. For more product information, pls visit VIOFO official.