Local maker NEC still accounts for one of every two computers sold in the country, but according to one estimate, foreign brands such as Compaq, Apple and Packard Bell now have 40% of the market, up from 10% a few years ago.

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That's mainly because foreign brands, such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW and Hyundai, are stepping up production.

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The north German city has also largely capitulated to foreign firms: its narrow streets host numerous international brands such as McDonald's and Body Shop.

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But foreign-based brands have equally appealing models coming, such as Nissan's Titan pickup, BMW's X3 compact Sport Utility Vehicle and Honda's as yet unnamed pickup-sport utility truck.

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But foreign-based brands have equally appealing models coming, such as Nissan 's (nasdaq: NSANY - news - people ) Titan pickup, BMW's X3 compact Sport Utility Vehicle and Honda 's (nyse: HMC - news - people ) as yet unnamed pickup-sport utility truck.

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There are some brands of wealth redistribution that would make foreign investors very jittery, such as higher taxes.

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Oishi quickly won the ready-to-drink tea market, surpassing genuine Japanese brands such as Kirin and Pokka, and fending off foreign and local newcomers that also conveyed messages of a clean, green Japanese lifestyle.

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But the index also includes some notable foreign companies providing similar services such as Vipshop Holdings an online discount retailer for various brands in China.

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