The Asian automobile manufacturing market is much broader than many American consumers understand it to be. Beyond Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and other household names there are quite a few automakers that are growing in size and respectability in their own markets. Two of these companies have already committed to selling their models in the U.S., but there are three others worth knowing about and watching.

Proton — Proton Holdings, the parent corporation of Proton Motors, is the largest manufacturer of vehicles in Malaysia. Volkswagen and Proton signed a strategic partnership agreement in October 2004 whereby Volkswagen cars would be built on Proton assembly lines beginning in 2006. Apart from the VW venture, Proton has a line of models of its own consisting primarily of subcompact and compact sized vehicles. Proton cars are currently exported to Australia and the company is eyeing the U.S. market perhaps as early as 2010. In addition to its VW relationship, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi owns nearly a 16% share in Proton.

Hindustan — Since 1950, Hindustan Motors has been building cars for the Indian market. Their current line up of automobiles, looking as if they were built in the 1950s, do not match up to current world styling standards. However, the emerging Indian economy has been providing remarkable growth across all business sectors and the Indian automobile industry is ripe for renewal. The Ambassador Grand, one such model, has recently been updated to meet current European emissions standards. Look for a Hindustan model to be exported to Europe first before taking on the highly competitive U.S. market.

Tata — Unlike Hindustan Motors, India’s Tata Motors is currently producing cars that look as if they were designed recently. As the only Indian car company featuring cars built and designed by Indians, the company’s Indica V2 and Indigo compacts have received a favorable reception at the Geneva Auto Show. Plans to export directly to the U.S. have been considered but Tata cars may get to the U.S. under another label before then, such as Ford or Dodge.

Windows do occupy one of the most important positions of building requirements, as they function as the “eyes” of a house. Most architects and designers would agree with the fact that the strategic positioning of windows in a house along with the right choice of the type of window makes a house what it is. Whether it is skylight high up on the ceiling, French windows or a glass paneled wall, a window defines the look of a building from outside and the comfort that it promises within.

With the infiltration of newer and newer technology in the market, windows are no longer, what they used to be. Window is no longer an opening that was fitted into the walls of rooms to let fresh air and bright sunlight in. In fact, they are now a fashion statement. The manufacturers of windows too are therefore, waking up to the new demands of the market. The consumers can now either go for the thousands of varieties of windows already available in the market or get customized windows tailored to meet their needs.

Some of the varieties of windows, which almost all manufacturers produce, are casement windows, double hung windows, awning windows, gliding windows, picture and transom windows, specialty windows, bay and bow windows and skylight and rooftop windows. These too are not watertight categories, as within them to there can be different kinds of glasses, wood paneling, and handles used to give them a distinct look and customize them to the requirements of your house and room.

There are a number of web directories available listing the various window manufacturers in the country. These directories will give you all the required information not just about their contact details but also about the various products that they keep stock of. The product details are also provided on most of the websites. The internet makes it extremely convenient to look for the perfect window manufacturer who can suit your needs.