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Many Slovenian tradmarks are renowned the world over. And it might well be a coincidence, but the fact remains that many of this nation's premium manufactures are closely related to recreational sports - mainly winter ones, but also for those whose interests are far from earthbound...

A great many professional competitors, as well as amateurs, descend snow-covered slopes on Elan skis (www.elanskis.com), first made world famous thanks to the Swede Ingemar Stenmark, who was undoubtedly one of the greatest skiers ever. Today the company is well known for its carving technology, the fruit of Elan's indigenous R&D endeavours.

Alpina (www.alpina.si), a leading manufacturer of cross-country boots, supplies footwear to many national and biathlon teams. Alpina ski boots are worn by some of the most distinguished competitors, including the Norwegian several-times world and Olympic champion, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen.

Slovenia also plays a role in one of the world's most technologically demanding fields - aircraft manufacture. Pipistrel (www.pipistrel.si) manufactures high-quality microlight and ultralight aircraft under its own trademark, and belongs among the most acclaimed and reputable manufactures in its field.

By way of their design work as well as craft, Slovenian companies also feature in the world on nautical engineering. Did you know that Bavaria and Dofour sailboats are the products of Slovenian designers? Seaway (www.seaway.si) is one of the few European companies to specialise in the design and development of yachts and motorboats. Over recent years, Seaway designed craft have been built in 24 shipyards in 14 countries. And what one designs, another can build; indeed some 12,000 vessels have been built under licence. Elan Marine (www.elan-marine.com) has been involved in yacht manufacture since 1949, and there is ever-increasing demand for their sail-and motor-boats. Indeed, the proud owners of the Elan vessels are to be found in marinas right around the globe.

The Slovenes are also a nation of travellers. One may hit the road to distant lands with a Slovenian motor home or touring caravan, and one of the leading European manufacturers in this field is Adria Mobil (www.adria-mobil.si).

In addition to vehicle manufacture, Slovenia's automotive sector boasts a world leader in the manufacture of exhaust systems for racing motorcycles - Akrapovič (www.akrapovic-ai.si) - which is also one of the fastest growing enterprises in the country.

Simple & Logical is the trademark of washing machines and a range of household appliances - which also embraces intelligent refrigerators connected to the Internet - manufactured by Gorenje (www.gorenje.si). With their emphasis on design these appliances can't be anything but first-class.

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