Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation are to collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

The world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have signed a memorandum of understanding on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Software provider Skype is to acquire US-based GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging services, it has been announced.

Luxembourg-based Skype said the acquisition will underpin its drive to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience, complementing Skype's existing market position in voice and video communications by providing “best in class” text-based communications and innovative features enabling users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans.

Nissan Canada today announced a list of 27 retailers selected to sell, support and service the all-electric Nissan LEAF in Canada.

The selected retailers have passed a rigorous certification process, have modified their sales and service departments and undergone specialized training to provide the unique vehicle service required, in time for the Nissan LEAF launch in the Canadian market.

Israeli food flavourings company Frutarom Industries has acquired UK-based Aromco for £15 million, it has been announced.

The transaction is Frutarom’s fourth acquisition of a flavour company since the beginning of 2011.

Hertfordshire-based Aromco develops, manufactures and markets flavours for the beverage, dairy, confectionary, bakery and savoury markets. The company had sales of £7.7 million in 2010.

Namibian power utility NamPower is working hard to overcome the challenges presented by securing the country’s energy supply.

NamPower’s major investment projects are among some of the largest ever carried out in Namibia and serve as the backbone of dynamic growth and diversification. As Namibia’s national power utility, NamPower was established in 1964 with the ambitious vision of powering Namibia to new commercial heights.

These days, the task of energy procurement is becoming increasingly critical as users struggle against relentlessly rising costs. Adrian Newton, event director of Energy Solutions, discusses ways in which to tackle the challenge head-on.

For many business leaders, managing the maintenance, repair & operations (MRO) supply chain has not always come top of the list of priorities. But to neglect it can cause major problems for a company’s ERP system in the long-term, leading to a number of knock-on effects that could easily have been avoided.

Joshua Ngoma, CEO of Tranter Holdings (Pty) Limited, talks to Jayne Alverca about his desire to move beyond making a good profit and contribute to a lasting improvement in the economic conditions and livelihoods of the people of Southern Africa.

Until very recently, Greenland has been a sleeping giant with regard to oil and gas exploration. Hans Kristian Olsen and Stig-Morten Knutsen of the national oil company Nunaoil talk to Gay Sutton about the prospects for a significant discovery and how they will ensure the Greenlandic people will benefit.