NEC Corp and Toshiba Corp have agreed to jointly develop next-generation magnetic random access memory chips, which are expected to greatly reduce power consumption for personal computers, cellular phones and other portable electronic devices, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, citing sources at the companies.

Sony Corp will shift Chinese production of camcorders bound for the US back to Japan by the end of September in an attempt to shorten the delivery time to three weeks from four weeks, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, citing company sources.

EUROPEAN shares shed early gains and fell in late trade yesterday, dragged down

Nasdaq Japan Inc representatives said they are unsure whether the company will make an announcement this afternoon or next week on the future of the company.

Honda Motor Co aims to reinvigorate its European automobile business, with plans calling for the release of a 1.3-liter upmarket car to be produced in China to help turn the firm's business in the region profitable in fiscal 2003, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, citing company sources as saying.