PRESS DIGEST - Hong Kong - April 17

HONG KONG, April 17 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Hong Kong newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

APPLE DAILY

-- Stronger than industry average sales performance lifted Dongfeng Motor Group Co's (0489.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) earnings 81 percent in 2007 to 3.77 billion yuan. The carmaker's turnover rose 23 percent on the year to 59.3 billion yuan.

-- Computer maker Lenovo (0992.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) says it plans to extend its market reach outside Asia by making acquisitions. Middle East and Turkey are the two target regions.

MING PAO DAILY NEWS

-- Hong Kong fears losing a lot of air passengers when regular direct flights between Taiwan and the mainland are allowed.

SING TAO DAILY

-- Rating agency Moody's gave a negative outlook on two mainland real estate companies, saying the tightening currency policy would hurt property development and sales.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST