MONEYMAKERS
CLEANER CONVERTER: A new catalytic converter that reduces harmful exhaust emissions from diesel engines has been developed by Toyota Motor Corporation. The clean exhaust technology called Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction System is a filtering system made of porous ceramic and cuts both particulate matter and nitrogen oxide pollutants by more than 80 per cent and also significantly reduces sulphur emissions. The technology will be used in Toyota's midsize and large commercial trucks by 2003. This technology will help the company's diesel-powered cars and trucks to meet tighter emission regulations, set to go into effect in Europe and the US over the next three to five years.
ECO-FRIENDLY CAR: Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced a new hybrid car Prius, that runs on both gas and electricity. It will be available in the US markets from August, 2000. The car uses a battery to start and switches to gasoline when the speed exceeds 24 kilometres (km) per hour. While slowing to stop, the car shifts back to the electric battery, which recharges itself. According to Toyota officials, Prius gives an average of 18.9 km per litre of gasoline on the highway and 21.9 km per litre in the city. It is priced at US $20,450.
BIOTECH OFFERINGS: Kee Pharmaceuticals Limited, a Delhi-based company, will be launching at least 12 new biotechnology products in the coming three years. Some of these products will be launched for the first time in India. They include recombinant streptokinase, which dissolves intra-coronary clots, therefore, helping in preventing fatal heart attacks. The company has collaborated with Heber Biotec, a Cuba-based company, to manufacture the products.
MIRACLE DRUG: Malorone, a new drug for the treatment and prevention of malaria, is being introduced by Glaxo Wellcome in the us markets . The drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It has been found to be effective in 98.7 per cent cases during clinical trials conducted in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Malarone is a combination of two drugs