Mercedes-Benz has again taken the top spot for the largest fine for failing to meet US fuel-efficiency standards.

THE Chinese economy has rolled into the new year at a scorching pace, as the country's most respected business news team re-emerged from political exile to warn that inflation was stalking "like a tiger".

INVESTMENT in Australian manufacturing has slumped below 1 per cent of GDP for the first time in 60 years of statistics, as the high dollar and the rise of China slowly suffocate confidence in the sector.

THE state's fire authority has warned against installing fire bunkers until national standards have been developed – on the same day the consumer watchdog clamped down on bunker manufacturers making false claims about their products.

DESIGNERS and manufacturers around the world are always searching for that niche in the market that needs to be filled.