ANN ARBOR, MI-New orders for North American robotics companies fell 30 percent in the first quarter of 2006, according to statistics released by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA).

FORT WORTH, TX-Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway Co. (BNSF) will become the first U.S. railroad to establish a permanent presence in China when it opens an office in Shanghai this summer.

FARGO, ND-DaimlerChrysler subsidiary Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) has begun production of an all-new, six-passenger electric vehicle. The GEM e6 comes in addition to the company's existing line of two- and four-passenger vehicles, and utility vehicles.

BRISBANE, Australia-Siemens Transportation Systems (Munich, Germany) has closed a deal to supply 20 Class 3800 electric freight locomotives to the Queensland Rail company in Australia.

PETERBOROUGH, England-Perkins Engines Co. has unveiled a new line of environmentally compliant 400 series diesel engines for use in agricultural machinery, generator, construction and general industrial applications.

BRUSSELS, Belgium-A group of European automotive manufacturers and fuel suppliers have formed what is being called the Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe to promote "sustainable mobility" in Europe.

WASHINGTON-The Federal Reserve has reported that overall U.S. industrial production rose a strong 0.6 percent in March, capping a strong first quarter.

SEOUL, Korea-Samsung Electronics Co. and Sony Corp. (Tokyo) have signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture company dedicated to developing state-of-the-art LCD television panels.

SOUTHFIELD, MI-Integrated Manufacturing and Assembly, (IMA) a joint venture between Comer Holdings LLC and Lear Corp. is building a new 123,000-square-foot plant in Columbia City, IN, to manufacture automobile seats.

WASHINGTON-According to the Commerce Department, the overall U.S. trade deficit improved more than expected in February, in large part thanks to strong performance in the manufacturing sector.