Mazda launches new generation of 35-year-old car: Mazda Motor Corp on Tuesday unveiled the ninth generation of its 35-year-old Familia compact, a core model in its lineup, predicting it would aid the company's steady return to profitability. Mazda set a sales target of 5,000 Familias per month in Japan and 15,000 per month overseas, where launches are planned for July and thereafter. The Familia is sold as the 323 in Europe and as the Protege in North America. Mazda has been powered back toprofitability in recent years by a series of popular new models, including the revamped Capella/626 sedan and Roadster/Miata MX-5.

Zambia seeks private operator for strategic harbour: Zambia's privatisation agency said on Tuesday it was looking for private investors to operate the country's main inland harbour, which links the southern African country to the Great Lakes region. The agency said it wanted to lease the "operations and supporting assets of Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Ltd to a long-term development and commercially efficient operation."

MetroPac says to receive 14 bn-peso boost: Diversified concern Metro Pacific Corp said on Tuesday its board approved a proposed 14 billion-peso equity infusion from a local affiliate of First Pacific Co Ltd. The affiliate, which Metro Pacific did not identify, will buy new Metro Pacific shares at 1.30 pesos per share. Metro Pacific was trading at 1.18 pesos in early Tuesday trade. "Under the terms of the subscription agreement, the funds will bereceived on or before June 30, 1998," the company told the Philippine Stock Exchange.

German jobs data may get worse over summer: German labour office president Bernhard Jagoda said on Tuesday that the seasonally-adjusted German jobless total could fall by more than 30,000 in June. However, he added that holidays could lead to a deterioration in job numbers.