Briefing - Asia Automotive

An executive briefing on the automotive industry for May 4, 2005, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities. AUSTRALIAN CAR SALES SHIFT UP A GEAR IN APRIL

ADELAIDE - Building approvals are down, economic growth softening and there may be continued pressure on interest rates, but vehicle sales continue to boom in Australia.

In its latest VFACTS sales bulletin today the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said 76,330 new vehicles were retailed in April, a seven per cent increase on the 71,305 sold in the same month last year. NEW CAR, TRUCK SALES IN AUSTRALIA AT RECORD LEVELS IN APRIL

ADELAIDE - Sales of new cars and trucks in Australia continued at record levels in April, according to figures released today.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said 76,330 new vehicles were retailed last month, a seven per cent increase on the 71,305 sold in the same month last year. HYUNDAI MOTOR UNION SEEKS 8.5 PCT WAGE INCREASE IN 2005

SEOUL - The union of South Korea's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:005380), decided Wednesday to seek an 8.5 per cent pay increase this year, the union said.