Peugeot's lion takes on the dragon

The Peugeot 408: it might be a French brand but this model wont be built in France but in China, for the Chinese market. It's the first time Peugeot has launched a new car outside France. By playing the globalization game, Peugeot is compensating for the expected slowdown in the European market. The plan does mean moving some production out of France - going against the French government's commitment to stop home-grown car manufacture from relocating abroad.

FOCUS

07/09/2009 - DEFENCE

French military deals with Brazil

The warming of ties between Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, in Brazil for the country's independence day, could mean France securing a lucrative contract to supply Brazil with 36 modern fighter jets.

AFGHANISTAN

A questionable new strategy?

After a serious blunder from NATO on Friday that saw civilians killed, the question of local support for the Western coalition in Afghanistan seems more tricky than ever, since the US considers this support central to its new strategy.

CAMBODIA

Government uneasy over plans to widen Khmer Rouge probe

More former Khmer Rouge leaders could face charges before a UN-backed tribunal after the court agreed to extend investigations to additional suspects, a decision that could put it on a collision course with the government.

04/09/2009 - MICHAEL JACKSON

The business legacy of the 'King of Pop'

Two months after his death, Michael Jackson's funeral is to be a low-key affair but his legacy - both artistic and business - is thriving. Some 16 million albums have been sold since his death, set to net the late singer millions in record sales.

AFRICA

The rush for oil

Oil exploration has become huge in many sub-Saharan African countries, with foreign companies coming in to take their fill. But even major discoveries, such as in Uganda, rarely result in the oil wealth trickling down to the local inhabitants.