LOS ALTOS, CA – Chinese vehicle production is estimated to have risen 12.1% during 2006, according to analyst Henderson Ventures.

The research group says world unit vehicle sales rose 4.4% last year, after a 5.2% gain in 2005. Unit production of cars and light trucks is expected to be up 2.9% in 2007, in part as a result of higher-end vehicles with electronic modules.

EL SEGUNDO, CA – After increasing its holdings of excess semiconductors during the first half of the year, the electronics supply chain finished 2006 with its highest level of end-of-year overstock in five years, says iSuppli.

ATLANTA – The Surface Mount Technology Association Atlanta Chapter announced a free panel session, Busting the Myths of Supply Chain Management, will be featured April 19 at the chapter’s annual trade show. Panelists are Wendy Causey from Arrow Electronics, Chris Ellsworth from World Micro Components and David Scruggs of New Age Electronics. The one-hour session will discuss the three main layers of the supply channel: the manufacturer’s rep, the franchise distributor and the hybrid distributor. The SMTA Expo is a free, one-day event on April 19 at the Gwinnett Civic Center in Duluth, GA. For information on exhibiting or attending, visit http://smta.org/education/vendor_days/vendor_days.cfm.

REDWOOD CITY, CA – Component maker EoPlex Technologies has closed an $8 million Series C round. ATA Ventures led the financing along with current investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Labrador Ventures and Draper-Richards. EoPlex produces components in layers using custom printing equipment and proprietary inks.