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Czechs in HistoryVaclav Kral - designer of legendary cars like the "Supertatra"MTX V8
Vaclav Kral was one of the Czech Republic's most prolific automobile
designers, a veritable legend in his field. Last year, when he died
unexpectedly at the age of just 69, it understandably came as a shock to
his loved ones and friends, but even caught countless fans who never knew
him, off guard. He had been working on a new project - Autodesign &
Styling magazine, as well as a planned exhibition of some of his best work
in the town of Roztoky near Prague, where he lived for many years. The
exhibit was meant to mark his 70th birthday and his lifelong passion for
design. As it is, it became something of a final retrospective - in
memoriam. More
Business NewsBusiness News
It's time for this week's business news, which saw the release of some
major economic statistics. With elections only three months away, these
figures are bound to play an important role in whom voters choose at the
ballot box. Yon Pulkrabek brings us a rundown of the surprising numbers.
More
Current AffairsCzech economy reports record growth, three months before elections
The Czech economy reported record growth last year - new figures released
by the Czech Statistics Office show the economy growing by 6 percent, the
highest figure in the country's history. It's good news for the government
three months before the elections of course, but some analysts say it has
less to do with government policy and more to do with the business
cycle. More
Business NewsBusiness Briefs
The Toyota-Peugeut-Citroen automobile plant (TPCA) in Kolin, east Bohemia,
is in line to produce 300,000 cars per year; Russian President Vladimir
Putin has indicated some of Russia's oil profits could be reinvested in
the Czech Republic in areas of science and culture; Cesky telekom will
merge with subsidiary Eurotel to form Telefonica O2.
More
Current AffairsNew Skoda Roomster unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show
Coming off a record year in 2005, driven by strong sales of its Octavia and
Octavia Estate models, Skoda unveiled its first multi-purpose vehicle at
the International Motor Show in Geneva on Tuesday. Based on low price,
comfort and functionality - the Roomster is a car for the young generation
with a fresh design, generous storage space and flexible seats.
More
Current AffairsWorld Bank marks Czech Republic's graduation to 'developed' status
This Tuesday the President of the World Bank Paul Wolfowitz is in Prague to
mark an important shift in how the Czech Republic is viewed. Until now,
the
country was officially labelled a developing country; since the fall of
communism in 1989 it has been a beneficiary of World Bank funds that have
had a profound impact on the country's transformation to a market economy
and becoming a full-fledged democracy. Now, on February 28th, the Czech
Republic officially graduates to 'developed'. That has been a long-time
coming, agreed formally a year ago, and is of course largely symbolic.
But, the shift will also have some significant effects. More
Current AffairsEU commissioner Mandelson discusses open trade in Prague
Britain's EU commissioner for trade, Peter Mandelson, came to Prague on
Tuesday to hold a speech at an international business conference. Before
the event, Mr Mandelson met members of the Czech government to discuss -
above all - economic issues.
More
Business NewsBusiness briefs
Controversial businessman Frantisek Mrazek shot dead; Czech Republic
protests Austria proposal on VAT levels; Czech Railways to seek some
$700,000 from maker of Pendelino; Talks with South Korean carmaker Hyundai
centre on domestic-parts guarantee, infrastructure; Deputies have approved
a tougher conflict-of-interest bill; Cinema association says box-office
sales fell 22 percent in 2005; Czech crown reaches another record high
against the Euro
More
Current AffairsHyundai deal now likely at end of February, say Czech officials
From a number of months now the South Korean car maker Hyundai has been
considering opening a huge new plant in north Moravia; if it happens, it
will transform the region's economy. A decision had been due at the end of
December, but talks stalled. On Thursday a delegation from Hyundai
completed a fresh round of negotiations in Prague, but still no contract
has been signed. The minister of industry and trade, Milan Urban, said at
a press briefing on Thursday morning that he believed a final deal would
be announced at the end of next month.
More
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