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Electric cars are trying to convince customers

For the second consecutive year, the price of the car of the year was awarded by a jury of European journalists in an electric car: the Chevrolet Volt, after the Nissan Leaf in 2011. The least we can say is that these awards recognize technology more than economic success. In the U.S., General Motors will suspend production for five weeks of its Volt. The U.S. has not elapsed in 7700 as last year, missing its target of 10,000 sales. Furthermore prohibitively expensive ($ 41,000 less $ 7,500 of assistance), the application has been hampered by a government investigation, while fires were reported several weeks after collisions. For its part, Nissan, whose activity has, indeed, was disrupted by the Japanese disaster, has sold only 22,000 Leaf in 2011 (including 2,000 in Europe). Figures he intends to double this year.

A drop of water compared to a global production

With tens of thousands of copies last year, this solution is a drop compared with a world production of 80 million cars. In France, only 2,630 electric cars were registered to individuals last year, representing 0.12% of the market.

After the electric Kangoo and Fluence, especially designed for professional fleets, Renault is launching his Twizy quadricycle, and fall, the Zoe, the spearhead of its range. The French put on the price of this car to democratize power: it will be offered at 15,700 euros (including the government bonus of 5,000 euros), which will be added monthly rental of the battery for 79 euros. 150,000 copies per year will be manufactured at Flins.

The group, which provides a market share of 10% for electricity in 2020, appears now more cautious about starting on a difficult European market. "We'll have to show persistence, even quiet. We do not know if the request will happen as quickly as desired. One thing is certain, the price of gasoline will continue to rise and, at a time, each billboard service station will become an advertisement for the electric vehicle, "predicted Carlos Tavares, head of Renault operational flexcheck cash advance.

Meanwhile, Zoe will reassure consumers that they are not likely to fail. For if this car has a range of 210 km certified, in real driving, it comes down to the summer and 150 km to 100 km in winter, with heating. This is why Renault is targeting commuters or provincial equipped with a garage, making every day from 40 to 50 km. The group considers that from 12,000 km per year over three years, it is more advantageous financially to own a Clio diesel Zoe.

Low self

Another obstacle, "in France, there is only one thousand charging points around, as he ought to have ten times more," said Thierry Koskas, director of Renault's electric cars.

Moreover, the Volt arrives this year in Europe as the Opel Ampera. "It will be interesting to see whether demand will be greater in Europe. But make no mistake, this is the first generation of the vehicle, we will need a second generation to continue to reduce its cost, "said Steve Girsky, vice president of General Motors.

Most other manufacturers are skeptical about the power. Toyota continues to focus on the hybrid, expanding its offering. "In 2011, we achieved 10% of our European volumes with hybrid versions. We expect this share to rise 14% this year, "said Didier Leroy, who started a small hybrid Yaris.

For its part, PSA Peugeot Citroën has invested on the hybrid diesel engine to power 3008, 508, DS5 and RXH. Only problem: these vehicles cost an average of 2500 euros more than the diesel version, including bonus of 2000 euros.

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European groups headwind against the carbon tax

The European carbon tax causes coughing sector of the European air. Corroborating sources, and six Airbus airlines are head wind against the tax for the European fight against the emission of carbon dioxide, which is theoretically in force since 1 January 2012. This tax, imposed on all companies operating in the EU whatever their nationalities, for a total of nearly 4300 companies, and would cost 705 million euros for 2012 those involved in the air around the world.

The aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the airlines British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia and Air Berlin have thus associated to "alert" on "economic consequences" of this tax, in letters to the heads of the French government, German, British and Spanish. French equipment Safran and German MTU would also be associated with this outcry.

These groups believe that the application of the tax threatens "inadmissible" for the sector as it could revive a trade war with China, but also with the United States and Russia, the Financial Times. The protagonists also challenge "the unilateral nature of this measure and require" the establishment of a general discussion with all stakeholders within the ICAO, "the Organization of International Civil Aviation, told a familiar with the matter told AFP.

In fact, China has threatened trade retaliation at the expense of Airbus, said Thursday the group EADS, parent of Airbus. Beijing could well cancel orders for 45 Airbus (10 A380 superjumbo and 35 long-haul A330) amounting to several billion dollars. The freeze order would represent a potential shortfall of $ 12 billion for Airbus, according to the catalog prices. More than 2000 jobs would be directly threatened by the Financial Times. But so far, the EU refuses to yield, saying Friday that it stands ready to respond to any discriminatory provision in Beijing.

Greece: rescue relieves the euro area

EU leaders breathed a sigh of relief Friday after the success of the voluntary exchange of Greek debt, 85.8% subscribed by private creditors. Within the euro area, this is Nicolas Sarkozy, who hosted the agreement with more enthusiasm. "I am pleased that we have found a solution to the Greek crisis plaguing the financial economic situation of Europe and the world for months," welcomed the French president, traveling to Nice election. "With Angela Merkel we worked day and night to find a solution," he recalled. "Today, the problem is solved, and the page of the financial crisis is beginning to turn" it was welcomed.

In Berlin, the reaction was more cautious. According to the spokesman of the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is "encouraged" by the agreement. "It would be a big mistake to give the impression that the crisis is resolved," warned the German Minister Wolfgang Schauble Finances.Pour "an important step was taken, but we are not out of the woods."

The agreement sealed between Athens and its private creditors will erase 107 billion euros of debt, a total of 350 billion. This is a historic debt reduction. It must allow the Greek debt, which now reaches 160% of GDP, reaching 120.5% in 2020, a ratio similar to that of Italy.

"This agreement allows more to protect Europe from Greece to help that Greece itself" summarizes Jacob Kirkegaard, a researcher at Washington. Photo credits: Kostas Tsironis / Bloomberg

Paris: a triplex to 46 million euros in sales

A record. Triplex of 780 m2 in the heart of the capital is on sale for 46 million euros. With 60,000 euros per square meter, this is the first time a well as expensive is listed in Paris. This luxury apartment, located 42, avenue du Président-Kennedy in the sixteenth district, was inhabited in the early 1960s by the legendary couple of French cinema, Alain Delon and Romy Schneider. Overlooking the Seine, in an upscale neighborhood of the capital, it boasts an unrivaled location.

Some parts of the apartment are furnished in a modern style. Photo Credits: Paris West Sotheby's International Realty

Banking secrecy: Switzerland transfers

The Swiss Parliament voted yesterday the revision of an agreement allowing the U.S. to get lists of bank customers Helvetian for suspected fraud. This addition to the double taxation agreement of 2009, which may be applied retroactively, goes much further than those signed thus far. The IRS will not need to demand details in the form of 'group applications', confidential information to banks Helvetians.

A major issue

This new cut to the sacrosanct banking secrecy does not delight the Swiss deputies. "Nobody does it with a light heart, but we have no alternative, said Christophe Darbellay, president of the Christian Democratic Party. Play the showdown with the Americans could have serious consequences. "The stakes are high: eleven Swiss banks (Wegelin, Credit Suisse, Julius Baer …) are the subject of a complaint for helping U.S. taxpayers evade taxes. If Bern does not play the game, Washington threatens to withdraw the banking license to establishments Helvetians.

Yesterday, only the Central Democratic Union (UDC) has objected to signing the text. "Banks have done wrong and they should pay the bill, but it's not MPs to bow down," says Guy Parmelin, vice president of the parliamentary group CDU.

According to press Helvetian, the success of the United States in this matter could lead to the European Union, too, have strengthened administrative assistance. An option that the President of the Confederation, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, refuses to consider. In an interview with Time, it maintains that the priority remains the final withholding tax at source, called the "Rubik" whereby Switzerland would pay a lump sum to partner countries to compensate for the loss of tax revenue.

"Applications bundled"

Despite the optimism of Bern, "Rubik" soon however to be validated by the Germans and did not interest the French authorities. Pierin Vincenz, CEO of Raiffeisen, the third Swiss bank, recently broke a taboo by speaking to the automatic exchange of information. Philippe Kenel, tax lawyer near Lake Geneva, also defended this solution, which in return would allow "the free movement of financial services, that is to say the possibility for Swiss banks to work in European countries."

But the debate is far from over, as Switzerland will have to adjust by the end of the new OECD standards, which should also include 'group applications'. The American victory could turn into an international standard … Meanwhile, the Swiss tax advise their customers in Europe to come to Switzerland to avoid tax evasion charges.

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Calling the earth is receiving more and more conversions

They are every year more and more people choosing agriculture to bounce professionally. It used to be was a farmer from father to son. "Now more than a quarter of young people have just installed another workplace or have been outside the farm before returning," says Christiane Lambert, senior vice president of the FNSEA (National Federation of farmers). This is for example the case of five young people who come to create a GAEC (farming group operating in common), Radish & Co, specializing in organic farming, located in Mayenne.

They include a baker, farmer, Gwendal Bazin, two gardeners, Robert-Jan and Yannick Devinik Rouseau, a rancher, Marc Besnier, and a cheese maker, Steve Milosevic. "We chose to produce basic food with a commitment to practice for organic farming using compost from such an activity of milk to fertilize the land, farmers' seeds and collecting the runoff," they explain . While focusing on short distribution through the AMAP (Association for the maintenance of peasant agriculture).

The women won

Another example is that of Jean-Cyril, former spokesman of an international NGO fighting against poverty and injustice. Farmer's son, he spent a patent professional farm manager with the prospect of settling in the Dordogne.

Women, too, conquered by the call of the earth. Isabelle Horses, stay at home mom for seventeen years, participated in a training assistant sommelier in 1997. It incorporates a large area and then a plant and finally a group of winemakers operators of Lons le Saunier in 2006, working as wine. "The wine and the agricultural community fascinate me. I like working outdoors and crafts, "she says. Only downside, it gets a little more than the minimum wage, "which is not very rewarding when you know the price of bottles. We must encourage young people to integrate this kind of jobs they will not regret it. "

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Calling the earth is receiving more and more conversions

They are every year more and more people choosing agriculture to bounce professionally. It used to be was a farmer from father to son. "Now more than a quarter of young people have just installed another workplace or have been outside the farm before returning," says Christiane Lambert, senior vice president of the FNSEA (National Federation of farmers). This is for example the case of five young people who come to create a GAEC (farming group operating in common), Radish & Co, specializing in organic farming, located in Mayenne.

They include a baker, farmer, Gwendal Bazin, two gardeners, Robert-Jan and Yannick Devinik Rouseau, a rancher, Marc Besnier, and a cheese maker, Steve Milosevic. "We chose to produce basic food with a commitment to practice for organic farming using compost from such an activity of milk to fertilize the land, farmers' seeds and collecting the runoff," they explain . While focusing on short distribution through the AMAP (Association for the maintenance of peasant agriculture).

The women won

Another example is that of Jean-Cyril, former spokesman of an international NGO fighting against poverty and injustice paydayloan. Farmer's son, he spent a patent professional farm manager with the prospect of settling in the Dordogne.

Women, too, conquered by the call of the earth. Isabelle Horses, stay at home mom for seventeen years, participated in a training assistant sommelier in 1997. It incorporates a large area and then a plant and finally a group of winemakers operators of Lons le Saunier in 2006, working as wine. "The wine and the agricultural community fascinate me. I like working outdoors and crafts, "she says. Only downside, it gets a little more than the minimum wage, "which is not very rewarding when you know the price of bottles. We must encourage young people to integrate this kind of jobs they will not regret it. "

ALSO READ:

"Agriculture – 30,000 new contracts per year on permanent

"In Greece, the happiness is in the meadow!

SERVICE:

"All jobs in France and in your area with Cadremploi

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON FIGARO:

"Twitter: @ LeFigaro_Emploi

The president does not speak enough employment

Rarely have there been a fear of unemployment too high (one third of the French fear of being unemployed in the coming months) coincide with proposals also limited in terms of job candidates in the presidential election.

Apart from generation contracts (with uncertain effects) of Francois Hollande, antidélocalisation VAT (which will particularly benefit the jobs are not exposed to international competition) by Nicolas Sarkozy, or the prohibition of redundancies (fantastic in a global economy ) by Jean-Luc Melenchon, the impétrants at the Elysee do not shine with the inventiveness of their proposals. Everything happens as if in fact the only social issue of this campaign was beginning to worry about the plight of factory workers in difficulty: Lejaby, Petroplus, Photowatt, ArcelorMittal? to name only those "lucky" to one of the 20 hours. So much so that outgoing President announced that a buyer or a command Unexpected unexpected, the Socialist candidate responds by passing a law requiring an industrial facility to the closing yield. Syndrome Jospin, powerless anger of employees in 2002 by Lu who accused him of doing nothing to save them, has been there?

These employees are far from being the most deprived. From large groups who fulfill their obligations reclassification or revitalization (and often sign large checks start), they are part of the iceberg. Registration for employment center after a redundancy no longer represent each month that 2.9% of input patterns. Contrary to popular belief, their numbers fell 3.4% in 2011 to 14,000 per month. All also receive a contract security professional (CSP), ensuring a strengthened support and 100% of their net salary for a year.

This double "deluxe treatment" (media and procedural) for the CSD and interim would like to also benefit. First variable adjustment of the workforce in the companies they represent one third of entries each month at employment center (or 150,000 people) and are not entitled to a CSP in 15 experimental and employment areas. And, in an envelope limited to less than 20,000 contracts this year. 5 times less than for retrenched when they are 10 times more each month to bear the brunt of the crisis. In factories or elsewhere?

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SMEs, weak link of French exports

Although occupies an important place in the French economy, SMEs – firms employing fewer than 250 employees – are content to play second fiddle to export. They represent less than 18% of sales generated abroad by France, while firms with more than 1,000 employees generate 39% of its amount. And the number of exporting SMEs has been declining in recent years. It took until 2010 for companies embarking on exports (28,900) are more numerous for the first time in eight years than abandoning international markets (26,000). This weakness is particularly disturbing that the French trade deficit worsened to reach a record 69.6 billion euros in 2011.

A series of measures to encourage partnerships

"Entrepreneurial culture does not lead French SMEs to turn spontaneously to export, unlike Germany and Italy where entrepreneurs naturally think to foreign markets to grow their business," says Jean-François Roubaud, president of the CGPME, in a draft opinion "Winning the battle of SMEs with export" submitted today to the vote of the members of the Economic, social and environmental.

To give new impetus to French exports, Jean-Francois Roubaud offers a series of measures ranging from improved business support for encouraging partnerships between large companies and SMEs. It recommends that regions create a "single window for export involving all stakeholders who can help companies" or "Export House" by drawing on the example of Lille. SMEs also need to have information "relevant and immediately usable" to enable them to quickly understand what are the growth markets and declining and who are their competitors. Inspired by the Swedish, France could adopt a "true diagnostic tool" to identify firms capable of exporting.

Billing policy

Despite efforts in recent years, the president of the CGPME observed that coordination between the public can be improved. He believes that the financial institution Oséo public must become "the main contact for funding" by resuming activity insurance prospecting Coface. This insurance allows SMEs to finance their business development and to be compensated in case of failure. Ubifrance under the Ministry of Economy should clarify its public service mission and its activities in competition with chambers of commerce. This would save public money. Its billing policy is also to be revised. Latest proposal: to encourage the economic patriotism of large groups, governments are encouraged to vary the amount of aid awarded to international contracts won by the largest corporations based on the part of activities carried out by SMEs.

These American rappers become entrepreneurs

"I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man! *". This sentence from Jay-Z – the title Diamonds From Sierra Leone Remix by Kanye West – sums up the prevailing situation in the world of American rap. At the head of a fortune respective $ 450 million and $ 100 million, the two artists will be performing in Paris-Bercy in June, are real business men. And they are not alone. P.Diddy, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre or Pharrell Williams, these rappers are also producers, composers, actors sometimes but mostly contractors.

For most self-made men, from disadvantaged backgrounds, the American rap stars today are wealthy. In addition to the income they derive from the music is by increasing business partnerships, equity investments or launching their own brands that they have become real cash machines. The latest example, Snoop Dogg released in April his trademark cigars Executive Branch. P.Diddy expected him to launch his own tequila.

Jay-Z, entrepreneur model

Investing turns to alcohol, clothing or food, these artists have become multimillionaires. Thus, the famed producer Dr. Dre has seen the brand of headphones he had founded in 2008, Beats by Dr Dre, being acquired last year by the Taiwan-based HTC for a whopping $ 300 million.

Thanks to its partnership with Diageo, the world of spirits, P. Diddy could become the first billionaire rapper dollars if we are to believe Forbes magazine. Ambassador of the Ciroc vodka brand, it also supports its development. Marketing, management, the rapper takes care of everything and receives 50% of profits. His fortune is now estimated at $ 475 million.  

But he who is cited as an example is Jay-Z. Author of a biography of the rapper from Brooklyn, Empire State Of Mind, the reporter Zack O'Malley Greenburg of Forbes sees in him a model for ambitious of any contractor to build a business empire. In 2007, the sale of his Rocawear clothing line, had allowed him to pocket $ 204 million. Label boss, he is also a minority shareholder of a NBA basketball team, the New Jersey Nets and co-founder of the chain of clubs 40/40.

French rappers go at it too

To advertise their own brands, they can rely on themselves for long references in their rap songs. They also benefit from their address books thick and artists they produce to make a perfect product placement in their videos. The ambition and the cult of success are perfectly claimed. They are even in the heart of their brand. The rappers are betting on the fact that in addition to consuming their music, fans will adopt, and therefore buy, their lifestyle. "My brands are an extension of myself, Jay-Z told the magazine Men's Health. All my things are a part of my culture. " His music is inseparable from his business.

American rappers are not the only ones to diversify their incomes, French rappers go at it too. Like Booba who launched his clothing brand streetwear Unkut in 2004. Precursor, was created in 1998 JoeyStarr brand Com8 (Come-Eight) with two partners. It has benefited in its early stages of the promotion by both members of NTM.

Some fans will blame these rappers emblematic of a new kind of move away from the original message of the rap genre protest denouncing the inequalities and injustices. Still, in 2010, Jay-Z was the one of Forbes magazine along with the American billionaire Warren Buffett. A form of consecration.

* "I'm not a businessman, I'ma business"

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