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Charging Network Volta announced on Saturday April 16 that its Board of Directors appointed Brandt Hastings, Volta’s CRO, as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Brandt will also retain his title as Volta’s CRO. This appointment follows Scott Mercer’s decision to step down as Chairman and CEO of Volta last month. The Board has commenced a formal search for a permanent CEO.
“Hastings is a revenue executive with two decades of experience building innovative business models and driving transformational growth for global companies such as iHeartMedia and Clear Channel Communications. Brandt currently leads Volta’s advertising and charging solutions businesses to deliver measurable impact to top international brands, agency partners, commercial properties, and retail locations. Brandt has led Volta’s strong revenue growth and expanded the company’s site partner relationships significantly since joining the company in 2020.” — the company said.
“Brandt has been instrumental in building upon Volta’s success and has an impressive track record in delivering growth for companies and their stakeholders,” said Vince Cubbage, Co-Chair of the Board. “We have seen Brandt in action first hand and have the utmost confidence that his talents and leadership skills will drive results and accelerate Volta’s business in this interim role.”
“Volta is a strong company with immense opportunity as the world transitions to electric mobility,” said Kathy Savitt, Co-Chair of the Board. “We want to thank Scott Mercer, who built this company with an incredible vision. As the Board conducts a complete and formal search for a permanent CEO, we are confident that Brandt will lead Volta’s teams to realize the company’s significant potential.”
“Volta has a proven, unique business model that is well-positioned for growth,” said Hastings. “I am excited to build on the company’s vision and success, helping to accelerate a clean energy future that benefits all of our stakeholders.”
Recently, Volta announced the launch of PredictEV Fleet. The product is the second within its suite of machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions for infrastructure planning. Volta signed a with multi-year commitment from Southern Company, the second-largest utility company in the United States.


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The marijuana industry has garnered an enormous amount of attention in the United States. However, it flew under the radar in the UK until very recently. In 2018, Sajid Javid, the UK Home Secretary, announced that medical cannabis would become legal to individuals with specific qualifying conditions.
This was great news for those in need of marijuana to help a medical problem. It also helps organizations such as the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA) that work tirelessly to promote medical marijuana.
About the Cannabis Trades Association
Seven individuals who had started CBD and hemp businesses founded the CTA in September 2016. The CBD industry was unregulated at that point, but in October 2016, the group enjoyed news of an enormous breakthrough. The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stated that cannabidiol (CBD) was classified as a medicine.
For the Chairperson at the time, Mike Harlington, Finance Director Chris Balmbert-Dowell, and then Marketing Director Tom Whettem (who is also the CEO of Canabidol), and the association’s other members, it was a significant moment. Since then, the group has grown exponentially and now has more than 900 Certified Members.
The CTA initially claimed that it was the only UK-centric trade association for the hemp and cannabis industry. Its goal is to work with members of the industry to provide practical advice and promote good practice. It also wants to ensure that those who purchase legal hemp and weed have access to the best possible information. One crucial CTA tenet is to ensure that dubious businesses don’t ruin hemp and marijuana’s good reputation.
One crucial CTA tenet is to ensure that dubious businesses don’t ruin hemp and marijuana’s good reputation.
All members agree to transparent trading conditions to ensure the public understands who they are dealing with. Association members have also pledged not to make medical claims about marijuana or hemp. They also will not distribute medical advice.
The members believe hemp and cannabis products can change modern life for the better. As such, they have all agreed not to denigrate one another’s business!
The Cannabis Trades Association’s Work
The CTA has held meetings with the MHRA. The MHRA said that the industry must work together to provide accurate and legal information. Otherwise, the CBD industry has no future. It is a message that the CTA has taken to heart. They also work with the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Perfumery Association (CTPA), and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Mike Harlington became the CTA’s chairman because of his previous work with government-regulated businesses. In his younger days, Mike was passionately anti-drug. However, after researching the marijuana plant, he now believes it is criminal not to allow the use of cannabis. He is also in favor of the legalization of other natural drugs.
After almost two years of working with the MHRA, the CTA finally received an official endorsement by the MHRA in July 2018. The group also works with Trading Standards, the Home Office, and several other British authorities. The overriding aim is to ensure that professional standards are set and met in the legal marijuana and CBD industries.
The CTA’s work involves regularly liaising with the authorities above and guiding cannabis-related businesses. They are also in the process of helping to develop the Cannabis Products Directive (CPD). This is a framework for the licensing and regulation of cannabinoid products.
In March 2020, the CTA decided to launch a campaign to pressure the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This was to ensure that the FSA doesn’t enforce rules against the CBD industry based on the ‘Novel Foods’ issue. The FSA has threatened to remove CBD products from the shelves if they are deemed unsafe. The CTA has worked hard to fight this potential move, and to date, the FSA has not followed through on its threat.
Recent Changes within the CTA
It is important to note that Harlington left his post in 2020 after four years at the CTA. Sian Phillips, of a CBD company called Fiddler’s Elbow Grease, is the acting interim Chairperson. Tom Whettem has also resigned from his position. It was the result of boardroom arguments. Phillips has stated that the CTA is looking for new board members and a permanent chairperson.
Making the Law
The CPD has been translated and sent to every European Union (EU) member by the European Food Safety Agency. It was optimistically believed that it would become UK law by 2020. In this scenario, experts would handle marijuana licensing and regulation instead of the Home Office, as is currently the case. However, there is no news of its implementation at the time of writing.
When he was still Chairperson, Harlington said there is still a lot of misinformation surrounding what the CTA does. He addressed the issue of membership. It seems as if many people believe the organization should be free to join. However, as Harlington pointed out, the CTA needs the membership fees to survive.
It has membership ‘tiers’ with the cost of joining based on turnover. More profitable companies pay a higher fee. Organizations that earn less than £10,000 a month pay £50 a month plus a £3.75 monthly legal fund levy. If you earn over £100,000, you pay £900 monthly, and the levy is £67.50 each month.
It costs several thousand pounds a month to run the group. Also, the CTA’s annual legal bill is in the six-figure range! Remember, the CTA must ensure that its members have access to the correct legal information. Then there is the small matter of the international travel required to meet suppliers around the globe.
Cannabis Trades Association Controversy
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the CTA. In August 2018, it was accused of making false statements claiming to be authorized by the States of Guernsey. The Office of the Committee for Health & Social Care (HSC) wrote the statement of complaint. The HSC said that the CTA claimed it was involved in work by the States of Guernsey relating to the medicinal hemp industry. This is not the case.
The CTA allegedly said it was working with Roland Archer, the States of Guernsey Analyst. According to the HSC, the CTA had only ever emailed Archer. Also, it had only recently met a member of HSC staff for the first time. The HSC claimed that no industry lobby groups of manufacturers or sellers were involved in the amendment of the Misuse of Drugs Law 1974 in Guernsey.
Hopefully, this is merely a misunderstanding. Further suggestions that the CTA is making false claims will doubtless hurt its credibility. This is especially the case if accusations involve taking credit for legislative changes.
Competition & Accusations
One could say that several ‘rivals’ to the CTA have popped up in recent times. The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) was formed in November 2019. It has detailed plans for creating a safe, legal, and regulated industry in the UK.
CannaPro, however, is arguably a more direct competitor. It calls itself “The trade association for the UK’s cannabis, CBD and hemp businesses.” In 2019, it made some accusations against Mike Harlington. According to CannaPro, Harlington demanded that the organization remove 21 names from its list of certified businesses. CannaPro was adamant that it would not comply.
Final Thoughts on the Cannabis Trades Association
There is no question that the UK needs a group like the CTA to operate on the marijuana industry’s behalf. The CTA has already had a significant impact on the cannabis and hemp industries in the UK. It is the world’s biggest Hemp and Cannabis Association by membership. It now represents over 7,000 businesses.
We believe there will soon come a time where the CTA represents almost every hemp and cannabis agency.
We believe there will soon come a time where the CTA represents almost every hemp and cannabis agency. One thing is for sure; the Cannabis Trades Association is only going to grow. The determination and work ethic of its founders guarantees it.

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Australian retail sales volumes rose 1.4 per cent to more than $34 million in the June quarter 2022, reaching a new record level, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This followed a record-breaking increase of 7.7 per cent in the 2021 December quarter.
These figures reflect the increase in digital shopping, which is giving consumers more options and convenience than ever before. Australian shoppers also spent approximately $62.3 billion on online goods in 2021, representing a 19.3 per cent share of total retail sales, with that figure continuing to grow steadily year-on-year.
While these numbers should not give retailers a false sense of security, they are an indicator that shoppers are not just returning, they’re already here and they need to be served. Now that consumer spending is on the rise, retailers can expect a healthy sales landscape that lets them worry less about cash flow issues and more about the customer experience.
While the pandemic has forced many retailers into survival mode to prevent insolvency over the past few years, now is the time to capitalise on growth periods while using this economic breathing space to fortify against potential future market slumps.
To capitalise on the current landscape, retailers need to enhance the customer experience. Positive retail experiences lead directly to customer satisfaction, retention, and long-term loyalty, which are all ingredients for a positive business outlook and financial stability. The rise of eCommerce has also created an influx of choice for shoppers, guaranteed to challenge traditional customer experience measures, making it essential for retailers to update their approach and keep consumers coming back for more.
Loyalty programs are an easy way to capture a customer’s spending habits; however, in their traditional form they can add unnecessary steps to the purchase process. Requiring shoppers to carry an abundance of cards on their person at any one time and remember to scan cards or input barcodes at the point of sale (POS) can create roadblocks for customers who otherwise enjoy the speed and convenience of low impact shopping and are looking to save on time as well as costs. It’s essential for retailers to take note of the changing landscape and embrace new technology to counteract these barriers to customer engagement and spending.
Rewarding customers should be a seamless process for retailers and an effortless and fun experience for customers. Retailers need to upgrade to frictionless, digital loyalty programs that encourage ease of use to foster greater levels of customer loyalty and retailer engagement. These programs can be seamlessly managed in-house with the support of a dedicated loyalty platform provider that helps retailers deliver more targeted offers and opportunities to customers for future transactions.
Bank- and card-agnostic digital loyalty programs seamlessly link to the customer’s card, providing the retailer with useful data to deliver a quicker and simpler reward system at the POS. Rewards can range from automatic discounts when a customer’s name and card is identified, charitable donations, or even direct refunds and cashback rewards. Loyalty and rewards programs of this nature are processed in real time, eliminating the need for customers to remember numbers, passwords, or carry cumbersome membership cards. This ultimately leads to customers receiving more for less, which is a significant factor in satisfaction.
A frictionless digital loyalty program tells customers that a business is ready for the future. And it shows that retailers are invested in fostering a strong relationship with its customers built on convenience, value, and loyalty in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven retail landscape.
Anurag Vasisth is group CEO at Loyalty Now.


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Mobile audience targeting firm NinthDecimal on Tuesday announced it has partnered with cross-device targeting company Tapad. The partnership will give NinthDecimal access to Tapad’s “device graph,” which links users across devices.
Specifically, the partnership is intended to improve NinthDecimal’s in-store attribution platform, LCI.
Tapad’s cross-device data will be baked into LCI, meaning NinthDecimal’s retail clients will get a better sense of how effective their campaigns were with consumers on different devices. NinthDecimal says it has tested with over 15 retail campaigns so far.
“Marketers need to understand how effective their campaigns are across all devices,” stated Michael Fordyce, CEO of NinthDecimal.


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Trade Show Exhibit Designer Wins Award for the Global Launch of its New Skyline® WindScape™ Exhibit System.
ST. Paul (December 2013) – Skyline Exhibits has been named the winner of one of three Eddie Awards given by the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) for marketing excellence at the EDPA ACCESS event on December 5th, 2013 in Marco Island, Florida. Skyline won in the category of ‘Online or Multimedia’ for the global launch of its new product, Skyline WindScape™.
“We are honored to be recognized by our industry peers within the EDPA for our successful Global Launch event,” said Skyline President Bill Dierberger. “The EDPA is a great organization so having its members validate our success makes me even more proud of our team.”
The Skyline Global Launch event was centered on a 30-minute simulcast of the WindScape product launch hosted at Skyline’s International Design Center on July 10, 2013, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Some of Skyline’s global dealer network hosted additional hybrid events simultaneously in 27 other locations around the world. For attendees in locations without a live event, interested prospects could watch the entire event streaming online, with content created by Skyline just for virtual attendees before and after the main live event. There were 2,190 attendees who attended live or online.
Key aspects of this award-winning multimedia campaign included a series of wind-themed teaser videos, email, a dedicated website, social media integration, and a live, streaming video feed seen around the world.
“Skyline has recently been recognized for its product innovation by winning a 2012 Outstanding Corporate Innovator (OCI) Award and by being nominated for the 2014 Edison Awards,” said Dierberger. “This year, we won the Progress Minnesota Award and were named a Minnesota Business Manufacturer of the Year finalist. By winning the Eddie Award, Skyline has been acknowledged for its marketing excellence as well.”
Main Event at Skyline IDC was broadcast to 27 other locations live, plus seen virtually by almost 1,500 more people online.
4 of the 27 other live events, extending the reach of the New Product Global Launch around the world.
“The Skyline® WindScape™ Exhibit System is game-changing new technology, unlike anything else Skyline has ever introduced,” said Jon Althoff, Skyline Senior Director Global Marketing. “For a product unlike anything we’ve introduced before, it needed to be launched in a way unlike we’d ever done before. This Global Launch was that breakthrough marketing event, equal in its innovation to the product itself. The event’s success was secured by the efforts of many at Skyline, including showcasing the video and graphic talents of Skyline’s newly launched Creative Services Group, under Julie Heck’s leadership. But the Global Launch event itself could not have been pulled off without the diligence and teamwork of Mike Thimmesch (Director, Customer Engagement and Industry Relations) and Sofia Troutman (Segment Manager, Solutions).” The results? Skyline WindScape is already set records within Skyline as the fastest adopted new product line in the company’s history. And that is saying something, since 27% of Skyline’s sales come from products that have been introduced in the past 5 years.
About Skyline Exhibits
Skyline Exhibits (www.skyline.com) is North America’s leading brand of exhibit systems. Known for high-quality products and services, cost-saving portability, innovative functionality creative design and exhibitor education, Skyline has nearly 100 Design Centers in North America and representation in 30 countries. The company manufactures a broad range of products for trade shows and events — from banner stands and pop-up displays to large custom modular exhibits. With over 20 integrated exhibit systems, state-of-the-art production of large-format graphics and options for exhibit rental and services, Skyline provides exhibit solutions for virtually any size or budget. Skyline is the Innovation Home for the Skyline® WindScape™ Brand.
About The EDPA
The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), founded in 1954, is an internationally recognized national trade association with more than 300 corporate members from 18 countries that are engaged in the design, manufacture, transport, installation and service of displays and exhibits primarily for the exhibition and event industry.
Its purpose is to provide education, leadership and networking for the advancement of its members and the exhibition industry. In addition to providing regional industry education programs through its six chapters, EDPA organizes one annual meeting, tradeshow and golf tournament in a resort location for industry members and their suppliers. EDPA holds quarterly board meetings, publishes a printed quarterly newsletter, monthly electronic newsletter and membership directory. EDPA also hosts several industry awards, educational surveys and supports the EDPA Foundation.


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Police arrested a man they say raided Panhandle Walmarts for 5-Hour Energy Drinks last year.
CRESTVIEW – Police arrested a man they say raided Panhandle Walmarts for 5-Hour Energy Drinks last year.
According to a Crestview Police Department arrest report, on Sept. 13, 2012, a Walmart loss prevention officer at the Crestview store said he was told by the pharmacy manager that she was missing several 5-Hour Energy drinks that had been on the shelf before lunch. They reviewed surveillance video and saw a man enter the automotive section, place a car battery into a shopping cart, then retrieve 70 bottles of 5-Hour Energy drinks from the pharmacy and put them into a plastic tote. Then, he took an HP desktop computer from the electronics department and left the store without paying for the merchandise. Total value of the stolen items was $1,404.
On Sept. 17 the same man entered Walmart and stole 15 energy drinks and other items worth a total of $528. He was stopped by an employee but fled the store and escaped.
On Dec. 31 a man identified as George Terry Mask, 33, of Pensacola, was arrested for retail theft at the Walmart in Gulf Breeze. He had the same appearance and tattoos as the man in the Crestview Walmart videos.
Mask was also wanted in connection with a theft at the Walmart on Creighton Road in Pensacola, where he is suspected of taking 10 boxes of energy drinks and other items.
Mask confessed to “doing the same thing at several Walmart locations” due to his “crack problem,” the report indicated. He said he would sell the energy drinks for 50 cents apiece.
He was arrested in Crestview March 25 and charged with felony retail theft. He has an April 23 court date.


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Here’s a new twist on restaurants offering takeout dry goods and CSA boxes around Los Angeles during the novel coronavirus pandemic: a mobile food, veggie, ice cream, and cocktail truck, rolling down LA streets shortly.
Bodega on Wheels, which starts next Tuesday, April 7, is a collaboration between the folks from the 101 Coffee Shop and upstairs drink spot MiniBar, plus Future Gin and local bottled cocktail company Vervet. The most unique part is the platform: the founders of popular ice cream brand Coolhaus are using their reformatted trucks to take the show on the road, literally.
The plan is to sell real food (think prepared sandwiches and other to-go options) as well as produce and pantry basics. There will be Coolhaus ice cream pints, sandwiches, and scoops, batched cocktails from MiniBar, canned cocktails from Vervet, gin and tonic kits from Future Gin, and more. Ten percent of proceeds from each sale will be donated to a few different local charities, like the LA Regional Food Bank and No Us Without You, which focuses on undocumented restaurant and bar staff.
“We can’t wait to roll out, and bring a little isolation salvation to people across Los Angeles,” says Jeremy Allen of 101 Coffee Shop and MiniBar over email, before adding excitedly: “It’s an ice cream truck with alcohol!”
Folks who want the Bodega on Wheels truck to roll up to them can start to pre-order packages later this afternoon on the website, with deliveries starting next Tuesday and running through Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The currently available radius is everywhere from Hollywood and the hills to Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Koreatown, Mid-City, Larchmont, the Miracle Mile, and over to Beverly Grove and West Hollywood. Delivery itself is free, but does require a minimum order of $50.


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Just when you thought Matilda Rice was fading into the shadows, the winner of season one of ‘The Bachelor NZ’ has just been announced as the new face of an upcoming Jockey underwear campaign.
The blonde bombshell who is a media sales executive by day has already shot her first campaign for the new JKY range, with images of Rice due to start appearing in store and on billboards from August.
Rice says that she is excited about featuring in the campaign and honoured to be part of a Kiwi legacy.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be involved with a brand that is known and loved by so many Kiwis, even my dad is on board and excited!” she says.
A video posted by Jockey (@jockeyunderwear) on
Jockey’s Marketing and Category Manager Will Radford says that the brand is pleased to have Matilda feature in the campaign, fitting in perfectly with the iconic Kiwi brand.
“Having Matilda on board, alongside the All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens partnership, is really exciting,” Radford said. “Matilda is stylish, active and loads of fun which is a great alignment for Jockey!”


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A new all day dining restaurant is preparing to open at Fosse Park.
Cafe Clo will serve a contemporary European menu with influences from across the globe that shoppers can enjoy from dawn until dusk.
Located on the ground floor of Flannels, it will welcome diners from today, Friday, December 3.
But we can bring you a sneak peek inside.
Aiming to provide the perfect relaxing escape for shoppers, the new restaurant has surroundings inspired by Parisian decor, featuring antique brass, warm leathers, marbles and rich colours.
Take a look around in our gallery below
Cafe Clo says it takes its inspiration from across the globe, but its menu features the best local produce, with brasserie classics alongside seasonal specials.
An all-day brunch menu includes favourites such as eggs benedict and ricotta hotcakes alongside Cafe Clo’s signature dish, French toast. If you'd like a lighter start to the day, fresh filled pastries sre available.
Nibbles, including olives and croquettes, accompany small plates such as truffle arancini and buttermilk fried chicken for those looking for a smaller dish or a selection to share.
More substantial meals include crab linguini and tempura fish and chips. There is a selection of desserts alongside a carefully curated menu of cocktails and bubbles.
Cafe Clo is the latest opening by family-run hospitality group Zanna, which is behind Manchester venues including Evelyn’s Café Bar, Mughli Charcoal Pit and Gooey.
It has also recently opened Sienna Cafe Bar in Flannels Sheffield.
Keep up with the latest news with our email alerts directly to your inbox. Sign up here.


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Digital TV News: Intellectual Ventures
YouVue launches 3D sharing platform
Dec 19, 2019 – YouVue has launched a 3D sharing platform that will provide immersive viewing on any device, anywhere in the world. Unlike other 3D offerings, YouVue streams photorealistic experiences from any 3D media source to be consumed on everyday mobile devices.
News categories: YouVue, Joe Mikhail, Conrad Burke, Digital TV, Mobile, VR, Worldwide
TiVo signs IP license deal with Roku
Apr 12, 2017 – TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) has announced that it has signed an IP license agreement with Roku. Additionally, the deal includes an option for Roku to access TiVo’s entertainment metadata and other TiVo products.
News categories: TiVo Corp, Roku, Samir Armaly, Licensing, Patent, Set Top Box, Worldwide
TiVo and Netflix sign product and patent licensing agreements
Nov 28, 2016 – TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) have announced that they have signed agreements for TiVo to continue integrating Netflix into its set-top boxes, and for Netflix to license TiVo's portfolio of patents.
News categories: TiVo, Netflix, Tom Carson, Bill Holmes, Digital TV, Licensing, OTT, Patent, Set Top Box, USA, Worldwide
Rovi and Intellectual Ventures create OTT patent licensing program
Feb 1, 2016 – Rovi (NASDAQ: ROVI) and Intellectual Ventures (IV) have announced that the companies are collaborating to bring together their patent portfolios under a unified licensing program focused on over-the-top (OTT) offerings.
News categories: Rovi Corp, Intellectual Ventures, Samir Armaly, Cory Van Arsdale, Licensing, OTT, Patent, UX, Worldwide
- Vewd brings the full broadcast experience to Smart TVs
- HEVC Advance royalty rates to remain at current levels
- Alphonso signs ACR distribution deals with Seiki and Skyworth
- THEO Technologies and Synamedia form HESP Alliance
- U.S. consumers spend nearly seven hours per week watching online video
- NEXTGEN TV launches at four TV stations in Salt Lake City
- FCC designates Huawei and ZTE as national security threats
- STARZPLAY available from UPC Switzerland
- Verizon Media launches TV tune-in attribution with Inscape
- Eros Now partners with Dish TV India
- NexGuard watermarking integrated into AWS Elemental MediaConvert
- TRAI reports pay TV numbers for India at end-2019
- Altibox takes Verimatrix security into the Cloud
- Consolidated Communications introduces CCiTV in Texas
- Brat TV chooses Amagi to expand streaming TV footprint
- Churn rate for U.S. OTT services at 41% in Q1 2020
- Origin Broadband launches Origin TV in the UK with Netgem
- Mobile operators to generate 170 million SVOD subscribers
- NLogic and TVbeat bring holistic TV ad management to Canada
- Netflix, Hulu user numbers fell as COVID-19 measures were relaxed


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One of Staten Island’s diamonds in the rough will get the spotlight in a city tourism campaign.
Tompkinsville is the borough’s latest addition to the Neighborhood X Neighborhood campaign of the city’s tourism wing, NYC & Company. The campaign showcases spots in the outer boroughs that offer great travel opportunities for tourists, especially visitors making a second trip to the Big Apple.
City tourism experts highlighted Tompkinsville’s growing Sri Lankan community. Visitors are asked to check out restaurants like Sanrasa Restaurant, New Asha and the Lanka Grocery. For more information, log onto nycgo.com/neighborhoods.


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BEIJING, April 19 (Reuters) - China has resumed imports of pork products and egg products from Germany after an outbreak of dioxin pollution in the European country earlier this year, China’s Quarantine Bureau said in a statement released on Tuesday. China “allows the imports of edible pork products and egg products, which were produced after March 14 2011 and met our laws and regulations, from Germany,” said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in the statement published on its website.
The resumption takes effect immediately, it said. Earlier this year, China suspended imports of pork and egg products from Germany after German authorities said the highly toxic chemical dioxin had been discovered in pork and poultry products [ID:nBJI002524]. (Reporting by Tracy Zheng and Tom Miles)


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COVID-19 prompts urgency to cope with food waste crisis: Experts
Singapore - The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call that's highlighted the urgency to fight the world’s food waste crisis, experts and industry players told CNBC. Amid global lockdowns and halted travel, the pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of supply networks, as disruptions created bottlenecks in farm labour, transport and logistics and sparked global food shortages and price hikes.
The pandemic is a very good wake-up call, said William Chen, Director of the Food Science and Technology Programme at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. "Before COVID-19, people took climate change less seriously because food came by easily. But now this issue starts to surface in people’s minds,” he added. “I don’t see it as a lost cause, but a good opportunity to do a house-cleaning of the current system.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that one third of all food produced, or 1.3 billion tonnes, ends up lost or wasted every year. Food waste also accounts for 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, another UN report showed.
Reducing food waste could yield 700 billion USD in savings, according to Boston Consulting Group. And businesses in Southeast Asia are jumping on the bandwagon and going into food waste prevention, as well as redistribution and recycling of excess food. In 2020, Singapore generated 665,000 tonnes of food waste, making up about 11 percent of the total waste generated in Singapore.
Coming out of the pandemic, more hotels and airlines are now tackling food waste and putting sustainability “front and center” on their priority list, said Rayner Loi, co-founder and chief executive of Singapore-based AI food waste management start-up, Lumitics.
This was a stark change from a few years back when food waste was “barely on the radar” and it was “incredibly challenging” to have conversations with industry players, said Loi. The firm developed an artificial intelligence-powered tracker installed in dustbins to measure and track all food waste. By learning in real time what and how much food waste was generated, chefs could take action to reduce the amount produced for certain dishes on the buffet line.
This reduces food waste by up to 40 percent, and food costs by up to 8 percent, Lumitics found. Lumitics partners large hotel chains like Accor, Hyatt, Marina Bay Sands, as well as carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways. It plans to expand to 1,000 locations in the next five years across Asia-Pacific starting with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
Another player fighting food waste is Yindii, a Thai anti-food waste startup. It launched an app to connect eco-conscious Bangkok residents with bakeries, cafes, supermarkets and restaurants.
These businesses fill up their unsold inventory in “surprise boxes,” which customers can snap up at discounted prices of 50 to 80 percent off at the end of the day, and get them delivered to their homes. Yindii founder and French entrepreneur Louis-Alban Batard-Dupre described Bangkok’s food waste situation as “catastrophic,” where only 2 percent of food waste is recycled.
In Thailand, some 17 million tonnes of unused food is dumped each year, and about 64 percent of its 27.4 million tonnes of waste is made up of organic waste, which includes food and kitchen waste.


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James & Jenkins Garages in Cardiff has appointed Alun Davies, formerly finance and operations director at Vans Direct, as business manager.
Chris Newitt will take over as Škoda UK’s head of marketing on February 1. He replaces Mary Newcombe, who becomes head of learning services for all of Volkswagen Group UK brands. Newitt is currently head of retail operations for Volkswagen passenger cars.
Inchcape Mercedes-Benz has promoted Jeremy Podesta from business manager to general sales manager at its Liverpool dealership.
Mike Baimbridge, formerly in a management role at Stratstone, has been appointed as general manager of its Mercedes-Benz site in Warrington.
Paragon Group has appointed Neil Burrows, formerly managing director of Goodyear Dunlop’s HiQ fast fit franchise, as business development director.
Bristol Street Renault in Exeter has appointed Tim Hart as business manager. His predecessor Paul Reynolds has been promoted to new car sales manager.
Wayne Baker has joined Millers Oils as UK sales manager. His previous roles include regional sales manager at Unipart Group and UK sales manager at SIP Industrial Products.
Colin Appleyard Cars has taken on Malcolm Cohen as general manager at its Shipley site.
Bram van den Berg has become director at the Mazda Academy.


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Piramal Enterprises-owned real estate fund Indiareit Fund Advisors is looking to exit its existing investment portfolio including its managed accounts, with a value generation of Rs 800-1,000 crore (...
- Valuation and Fundraising for Tech Startups, Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, 2020-02-26
- VCCircle India Limited Partners Summit 2020, Trident, Nariman Point, 2020-02-27
- Business Transformation Summit 2020, ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad, 2020-03-14
- VCCircle Consumer Investment Summit 2020, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, 2020-03-20


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San Diego, CA, July 10, 2014 --(PR.com
)-- Kiran Gems, the world’s largest manufacturer of diamonds, gets the first IIDGR’s Automated Melle Screening (AMS) Machine commissioned in its Headquarters in BDB, Mumbai. AMS is currently the most advanced machine with the latest technology in CVD screening. Mr Dinesh Lakhani, Director Global Sales said, “It is one more step towards bolstering customer confidence. This would now allow having even higher control on distribution flow of goods and keep the integrity of diamonds. Kiran Gems is the fore runner in technology adoption and would remain so as it goes long way in adding value to the relationships with customers.”
The machine allows the screening of 500 carats of colorless and near colorless diamonds ranging from 1 pointer to 20 pointers in various pre-selected size categories per screening event. The machine is hassle free to use and due to its automated technology, it does not require any person to sit through the whole process of screening. AMS would allow Kiran Gems to handle CVD screening of goods in volume, that return to the premises after being out for business, which is a normal and daily practice.
Prior to AMS Kiran Gems used IIDGRS’s Diamond Sure machine for the same. Kiran Gems had been the first to have the Diamond Sure machine as well. At present, Kiran Gems has 3 Diamond Sure machines which are all installed in its headquarters in Mumbai.
About Kiran Gems:
Kiran Gems is India’s premier diamantaire with international reach and reputation. It is “The world’s largest manufacturer of diamonds”. Kiran’s breadth of product offering and its focus on quality has made it one of the most preferred diamond supplier to the biggest and most well-known brands and/or companies of jewellery and watches. The company has 160 specialised production units, in Surat and Ahmedabad, which processes over 5.8 million carats of rough to produce over 1.6 million carats of polished diamonds. A workforce of over 35,000 trained individuals makes the group the largest employment creator in the Indian diamond industry. Kiran owns over 1 million sqft of factory space to manufacture polished diamonds. More information about Kiran Gems is available on www.kirangems.com.


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America's grocery stores are reportedly using decoys and cardboard cutouts of food to persuade customers that the supply chain emergency isn't as grave as some think.
What are the details?
Some stores, according to a Tuesday report from "Inside Edition," are filling previously food-stuffed shelves with hordes of seasonal items in order to make up for the large gaps in product and even placing cardboard sheets of pictures of grocery items and price tags over bare shelves.
Retail analyst Phil Lempert told the outlet that he believes retailers are attempting to stem panic shopping and quell fears that may lead people to begin hoarding items as they did in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"What a supermarket is trying to do is hide the fact that there are shortages. They don't want to scare consumers at all," he explained. "They also want to prevent hoarding from take place the way it did in the beginning of COVID. ... We better get used to it. We're gonna see higher prices, we're gonna see more shortages, and frankly, we're going to see retailers try even harder to be able to mask the fact that their store is empty."
Reporter Jim Moret added, "It's a tactic many stores are using to fill empty shelves at a time when the nation is experiencing major shortages of pretty much everything due to the supply chain crisis."
Other examples of such practices include spreading out items of abundance in order to make up for empty space.
Inside Edition shared video of the apparent trickery on Tuesday, and at the time of this reporting, the video has been viewed more than 1.7 million times.
Fake Food Covers Empty Grocery Store Shelves to Hide Shortageswww.youtube.com
Earlier this month, the U.K.'s Guardian reported that similar incidents are taking place across the pond.
The report read, "Supermarkets are using cardboard cutouts of fruit, vegetables, and other groceries to fill gaps on shelves because supply problems combined with a shift towards smaller product ranges mean many stores are now too big."
One such store is popular U.K. chain Tesco, which has reportedly begun using cardboard and paper images of asparagus, carrots, grapes, and oranges in order to give the appearance of bountiful produce sections amid the supply chain crisis.
"Shoppers have spotted fake carrots in Fakenham, cardboard asparagus in London, pictures of oranges and grapes in Milton Keynes, and 2D washing liquid bottles in Cambridge," the outlet added. "Sainsbury's has also used outline drawings of packaging to fill shelves."
Retail analyst Bryan Roberts told the outlet that the practice has become commonplace over the last year.
"It is not only because of shortages, but because a lot of the larger stores are now simply too big," he said.
Roberts added that cutouts aren't the only tactic grocery retailers are using — some are also "filling meat fridges with bottles of tomato sauce or mayonnaise, spreading packs of beer out across whole aisles, and erecting large posters or other marketing material."
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” We must be ready to adapt our financial support as the situation evolves”
Last week, as tighter coronavirus rules came into force for millions of people across the UK, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled significant changes to the government’s support package with increased financial assistance for businesses and workers hit by COVID restrictions.
Four weeks after initially announcing his Winter Economy Plan, the Chancellor responded to growing calls to assist businesses in tier two areas that are not forced to close but still face “profound economic uncertainty.” Speaking in the Commons last Thursday, Mr Sunak said, “We must be ready to adapt our financial support as the situation evolves, and that is what we are doing. These changes mean that our support will reach many more people and protect many more jobs.”
The revised Job Support Scheme – which replaces furlough in November – will now see employers contribute less while staff can work fewer hours before qualifying for financial help. In addition, the taxpayer subsidy has doubled, with government now funding 62% of employee hours not worked. To mirror these changes, the amount paid under the self-employment scheme has also doubled from 20% to 40% of profits.
Prior to the announcement, the Treasury confirmed it was abandoning its planned long-term Comprehensive Spending Review due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Instead, the Chancellor will now deliver a one-year Spending Review in late November.
Borrowing exceeds forecasts
Amongst a raft of economic statistics published over the past seven days, government borrowing figures revealed the havoc the pandemic continues to wreak on public finances. In September, the UK government borrowed £36.1bn, above all forecasts in a Reuters poll of economists, and the third highest monthly figure since records began in 1993. The national debt now equates to 103.5% of the country’s total output, the highest level of debt on this measure since 1960.
Retail sales strong
The latest official retail sales statistics did offer a glimmer of light amongst the economic gloom, with total sales volumes up 1.5% between August and September. This was the fifth consecutive monthly rise, leaving sales volumes 5.5% above February’s pre-pandemic level. Other data released last week, however, highlighted the pandemic’s damaging impact on UK high streets, with a record number of shop closures reported during the first half of 2020.
Last week also saw the release of the latest inflation data, with the end of ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ pushing the Consumer Prices Index up to 0.5% in September, from 0.2% the previous month. Despite this rise, inflation remains at a historically low level, although the Head of Logistics UK warned a no-deal Brexit could push up import costs for some everyday items by almost a third. In a letter to the Sunday Times, David Wells said, “This will make the household shopping basket much more expensive, particularly in the early part of 2021 when we rely on imports for much of our fresh food.”
Brexit talks resume
Whether an EU trade deal will be struck appears to remain in the balance, although last week did see the resumption of talks following a week-long standoff. Ahead of the talks, EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier said both sides share a “huge common responsibility”, while International Trade Secretary Liz Truss suggested “real progress” had been made during “intense negotiations.” Ms Truss was speaking on Friday after signing a trade agreement with Japan at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking the UK’s first major post-Brexit deal on trade.
US election countdown
The second US presidential debate also took place last week. It proved to be a much calmer affair than the first, with both men adopting more restrained manners, although it is unlikely to have had much impact on the election result, with polls suggesting most voters had already chosen their preferred candidate. Indeed, with early voting under way across all 50 states, a record number of people had cast their ballots prior to the debate taking place.
Santa is a ‘key worker’
In the week that clocks went back, thoughts perhaps inevitably began turning to Christmas. Despite numerous warnings that a ‘normal’ Christmas was wishful thinking, a Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister’s “ambition” was still for people to celebrate Christmas with their families. And, reassuringly for Scottish children, First Minster Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that her government has classified Santa as a ‘key worker’.
Here to help
Financial advice is key, so please do not hesitate to get in contact with any questions or concerns you may have.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.


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Last week, a shortened work week, after a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend, started out as a good week however, changed quickly as Tuesday progressed. The announcement by Sears Canada to apply for approval to liquidate all its remaining stores and sell assets, confirmed the closure of the North Bay store. Approximately 85-part time workers would be facing an uncertain future as soon as the announcement was made.
The loss of these jobs at any time is in itself, cause for concern but this comes at a time when our local economy has certainly taken more than its fair share of hits. Retail shopping habits have changed considerably over the past two decades and will no doubt continue to change. Any one that remembers the seventies and the proliferation of shopping malls which changed Main Streets everywhere, it is all coming full circle. On line shopping, Power Centres, and niche market specialty stores are taking their toll on the former retail giants.
The comments made by the Northgate Shopping Centre management, in regard to the closure, expressed optimism that redevelopment of this space into multiple stores is an opportunity for them. For those workers that will be out of work due to the closure, that is positive news. The naysayers out there will no doubt have an opinion on this, but we don’t have a choice. Things happen that is out of our control and will continue to.
One thing that we can count on as we move forward is that things are going to continue to evolve and yes, change. And, we are going to have to change and adapt to that ever-changing landscape. Over the past six months since my arrival at the Chamber, I have been fortunate to be able to speak with many of our business community, politicians and citizens regarding our local and district economies. I have heard that the challenges are many but opportunities also go hand in hand with those same challenges.
If our mining sector manufacturers had not adapted to their market realities and sought out global markets from right here in North Bay, they would not be here today and employing a significant segment of our local population. Our local retail sector continues to adapt and change as well, expanding into other regions and seeking out new markets that complement their operations.
As we celebrate “Business Week” at the Chamber this week, thank you to our business community, owners and employees alike, for what you do and what you contribute to our district. For details on events – click HERE.
Peter Chirico is the President and CEO of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce.


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The consortium of buyers includes Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. and CI Investments Inc.'s Signature Global Asset Management, according to a news release yesterday.
The Austin, TX-based chain is loaded with debt and wasn't able to find a buyer to rescue it, according to news outlets, though Dick's Sporting Goods may be interested in acquiring Golfsmith and its some 100 US stores under bankruptcy, sources told the New York Post.
The purchase price was not immediately revealed.
The company, which was founded in Edison in 1967, is expected to reduce its retail footprint in the U.S.as it struggles with millions of dollars of debt.
The company said it plans to sell itself as a going concern and partially liquidate the business. "Today represents a significant step forward for the long term-viability of the Golf Town and Golfsmith businesses". Concurrent with the Chapter 11 filings, Golf Town commenced proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List).
USA stores have suffered because of either over saturation in certain markets or being too large in general, said a source close to the matter. However, if the plan fails, the company plans a full liquidation.
Golfsmith has been headquartered in Austin since 1973, and has about 350 employees in Central Texas.
In addition to shuttering stores, Golfsmith's restructuring calls for a reduction in the amount of its junior bonds by roughly 72% and the refinancing of its senior debt.
The orders issued by the Bankruptcy Court and the CCAA Court will help the Company continue its business in the normal course while the Company works to achieve long-term financial stability through the implementation of various transactions aimed at maximizing value for its stakeholders.
The first round of expansion began in 1995.


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A greedy finance manager lived the high life after fleecing her company out of more than £250,000 - spending it on a trip to Paris, designer brands and dozens of Amazon parcels.
Sonia Sharafi was in a senior and trusted role with a national company when she started lining her own pockets by transferring huge sums into her own account.
A court heard in the space of two-and-a-half years, she made 115 payments from the online banking system of Lucion Services to herself, to the tune of £257,371.
The 34-year-old also used a company credit card to make 150 purchases from Amazon, worth £5,000.
She created a “web of deceit” to try to cover her tracks and a judge labelled her spending “selfish and lavish”.
Her offending put more than 300 jobs and the solvency of the company at risk, while colleagues were also put under stress and suspicion, the court heard.
The court heard Sharafi began working for the firm, which deals with hazardous materials and risk management, in early 2013.
She was swiftly promoted and in early 2014 was appointed as finance manager, prosecutors said, and had access to a code and password for the firm’s online banking system.
Judge Gittins said: “Almost immediately upon your appointment, you began to make irregular, inappropriate payments to yourself.”
The court heard she would use methods to try to cover up what she was doing in the hope it might slip under the radar of any audits.
But the offending came to light in the summer of 2016 after an investigation which was “stressful and time-consuming for those involved”.
The judge said: “This revealed you had created a web of deceit and mismanagement over that two-and-a-half year period, that saw you pocket more than £250,000 plus a further £5,000 of unnecessary expenditure on the company credit card.”
The judge said she had spent it on the Amazon parcels, a hotel in Paris and “significant spending on designer brand shopping”.
“These were selfish and lavish purchases, all at the expense of your employer,” Judge Gittins told Sharafi.
The judge added that her attempts to cover up her fraud with false invoices also had a knock-on effect, including reputational damage to the company “given the mayhem you had caused”.
Judge Gittins said: “You may have been promoted beyond your capabilities, stress and excess hours and the culture of the business may have combined to cause you considerable anxiety.
“You say that led to you associating with the wrong people and taking cocaine on a regular basis and becoming reckless in your lifestyle and the way you were funding it.
“The answer was not to do this but to raise the alarm, indicate you couldn’t handle the pressure or remove yourself from that environment. Not to act dishonestly and not to act on such a grand and greedy scale of dishonesty.”
The judge added: “Obviously you have little left to show for your spending.
“The consequences will be long-lasting for the company and for yourself.”
After being told Sharafi disputes what prosecutors say about the name of her job, the judge added: “Whatever your title was, you took advantage of the trust placed in you, you having direct access to the financial control of that company by their online banking system.”
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Sharafi was said to have benefited to the tune of £182,000 and was ordered to pay back a nominal £1 as she has no available assets.
Shaun Routledge, defending, said she had already paid back a “substantial amount” of her ill-gotten gains but is now bankrupt.
Mr Routledge added: “She says she was not in charge of the accounts department.
“She has been frank about what she spent the money on.
“Clearly the drugs problems she had then is something she has not now.
“It was a case of pressing a couple of buttons and transferring money.
“She has brought all of this on herself but it would seem at the time she was enjoying the fruits of her dishonesty while with people she has now distanced herself from.”
Mr Routledge said it was sad people at the firm had been affected by Sharafi’s actions and added that she had made arrangements for her baby to be looked after by her family while she is in prison.


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Want To Become An Amazon Delivery Driver? You Could – Using Your Own Car!
Realizing they want to ensure continued success of their Prime Now delivery service, Amazon is turning to YOU as a possible delivery driver!
The company is testing what reports indicate is a an "Uber-Like" delivery service, where people would deliver packages with their own vehicles.
It sounds lucrative - the company says drivers who meet the requirements could earn anywhere from $18-25 dollars with their new Amazon Flex program.
You have to be at least 21, pass a criminal backround check, and motor records vehicle review.
People in Seattle are already starting to sign up, as pilot efforts are beginning on the West side of the state. Amazon is seeking to further expand it's Prime loyalty program, where those who pay the $99 annual fee can order items that will be delivered within an hour or two. The wide range of delivery options include free two-hour delivery, one-hour is $7.99.
Hence, the need to add more delivery people - using their own cars!


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Royal Pas Reform announces the departure of CEO Harm Langen
Royal Pas Reform announces that CEO Harm Langen will be leaving the company, effective October 1, 2020. The search for his successor is underway.
“Harm has been in post as CEO since 2015 and has built a strong foundation for smart growth,” says Bart Aangenendt, CEO of parent company Hydratec Industries. “He was pivotal in our transformation from machine manufacturer to supplier of integrated hatchery solutions. Under his leadership, Royal Pas Reform has achieved substantial growth and gained significant share across our markets, worldwide.
“He leaves us a financially strong and stable company, one that supports our customers with a strong product and service portfolio and highly dedicated employees. On behalf of all his colleagues, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for this and wish Harm the very best for the future.”
Harm Langen comments: “I have been with Royal Pas Reform for five years now and hugely enjoyed my time at the company. There have been many milestones along the way...
Do you already have an account? Log in here


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Porsche’s Taycan will receive some updates for the new model year, including additional range, new connectivity options, and classic exterior point options.
Porsche has a new Paint to Sample system which adds a whopping 65 colors on top of the 17 original ones. These include, Acid Green, Moonlight Blue Metallic, Rubystar Red, Viola Metallic, Riviera Blue and others that are a call back to models like the 964 generation 911.
A premium version of Paint to Sample, Pain to Sample Plus allows customers to submit a custom color. This will run one a mere $8,568 and a minimum six-month wait time.
The current model will receive some technology based updates to the drivetrain that will increase its range. Additionally, the Taycan’s thermal management and charging functions will have improvements. This will include a system to use waste-heat from the electronic components to improve the regulation of battery temperature.
Android Auto will now be compatible with Porsche Communication Management system which will come with an improved, higher quality voice control system. Also, a there will be an optional remote parking assistant package available for the Taycan.
Finally, access to Porsche’s destination charging program will be improved. The program includes 2000 destinations at which Taycan owners can charge their vehicles free of charge.
In a new world of electric sports cars Nissan Motor Co has unveiled a new model Z that will be strictly gasoline-fueled and with a manual transmission.
Nissan’s COO Ashwani Gupta was quoted as saying, “We just listen to our fans.”
The automaker’s chief operating officer said that is the way fans want it. Gupta also noted that customers asked specifically for 400 horsepower and a manual transmission (however, there will be an automatic transmission option).
In the United States the new Z will be available for purchase in spring 2020. The new Z will be an important part of Nissan’s continued pandemic recovery.
The Z has been the face of Nissan’s financial turn-arounds in the past. During a slump in 1999, the lustrous new Z prototype helped revive interest in Nissan from consumers in the wake of Nissan being rescued by Renault SA.
Like other automakers releasing new models Nissan faces supply shortages like semiconductors and other challenges as Delta variant surges sweep the world. Gupta said that despite these issues semiconductor supply lines had recovered somewhat just recently.
Honda is resurrecting their famous Integra name after 15 years and will introduce a new “compact premium” car that will arrive in 2022.
The Integra name was used by Honda from 1986 until 2006 and included four generations of the famed sports coupe’.
Acura, the American market premium brand from Honda, announced the return of the Integra. They stated that Integra will rejoin the performance brand’s product portfolio as a new compact premium entrant.”
They stated that the new Integra will maintain the original’s “fun-to-drive spirit.”
There are still a lot of unanswered questions such as if the Integra would be available outside of North America or whether Honda or Acura would produce a Type R or Type S version, respectively.
The new Integra could be produced at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant. It would be a logical production replacement to the NSX and could very well be using some basics from the Civic.
The original Honda Integra, launched in 1985, replaced the Quint as a sports coupe’. It was originally built in Japan and was one of just two cars branded as Acura when the brand launched in America.
Land Rover is entering the final stages of development on the fifth-gen Range Rover SUV and experts expect a full reveal is just a few months away as a prototype has been photographed on public roads.
Some sightings have seen or captured a barely visible charging port, giving away a few details about one 5th Gen Range Rover’s powertrain. It also tells us that like the current Ranger Rover P400e it seems that as far as looks the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be identical to is gasoline brother.
A Range Rover PHEV was also spotted this week in the UK.
The new Range Rover line is expected to be unveiled in early 2022, just about 10 years after the launch of the current model.
Land Rover expects the semiconductor shortage to continue affect production through September. They are predicting a shortfall of 50% as far as number of cars produced.
The new Range Rover model will be an important part of Jaguar Land Rover’s pandemic/chip shortage recovery. The PHEV version, along with others, will be keystones in the auto maker’s journey towards total electrification.
Aston Martin recently reported a massive 224% sales increase to its dealerships. These sales numbers were largely due to their first SUV, the DBX.
The DBX SUV, which has only been available for about a year, accounted for more than half of Aston Martin’s sale of 2,901 vehicles between January and June.
Aston Martin stated that with the success of their first SUV, the DBX, they have delivered two other new vehicles will help position the company for continued growth.
The DBX went into production in July 2020 has widened the appeal of the company in one of the most lucrative segments of the auto market, SUVs, and has been profitable for Aston Martin’s rivals.
In the first half of 2020 Aston Martins losses were at about 315 million dollars and fell to just $126 million by the end of 2020.
As a fix to the global chip shortage Ford Motor Co is considering shipping unchipped vehicles to dealerships to finish as chips become available. While the vehicles would be un-driveable to consumers, the vehicles would help fill dealership lots which are becoming more and more baren by the day.
When the chips on back-order become available dealership techs would insert the components in the vehicles, some of which might even be pre-sold and then immediately sent to the homes of consumers.
Ford spokesperson Said Deep stated that Ford is still investigating if dealerships are interested and noting is for certain yet.
Shipping won’t happen right away. If Ford goes forward shipping could happen by the end of the year.
Dealership technicians already possesses the skill set and tools to do the work as it is very much like recall orders and repairs they deal with all the time. The logistics are all in place, Ford and its dealerships just have to make the decision to move forward.
For would hold vehicle titles until the vehicle is 100% complete and drivable for a buyer. This doesn’t allow Ford to record the sales any sooner than normal.
The Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation has stated that they expect the semiconductor crisis in the global auto industry that they expect the situation to be alleviated by the 3rd quarter.
SAIC Chairman Chen Hong made the statement during the annual shareholders general meeting. He stated specific that the chip shortage can be ended by late July. While OEM manufacturers struggled to produce in June, according to SAIC, things will be back to normal in the 3rd quarter.
Chen, when pursued further, said that the chip shortage would not affect the company’s annual target of selling 6.8 million vehicles.
Company president Wang Xiaoqiu state the lack of chips has had a great impact on the company. Though he also noted that SAIC’s total performance had not been affected.
Chen Hong noted that the shortage of chips had changed the relationship between OEM’s and chip makers. While previously OEM’s didn’t work directly with the chip makers, they now do. And with the increase in smart vehicles, SAIC is trying to increase its supply chain.
Porsche, well known luxury sports car maker, recalled 43,000 electric Taycan cars when they found a glitch in the software that can cause the electric engine to suddenly shut down.
The recall is out for all Taycan vehicles produced and delivered by June according to Porsche. Porsche is offering a free software update to fix the issue.
The Taycan was launched just last year.
Porsche told the press that while there are no known accidents associated with the software issue, it had been observed in 130 Taycan vehicles.
The Taycan is a low riding, four-door, sports car. It has a 280 mile range. It is Porsche attempt to attract high-end customers into their EV market.
Porsche noted that an over-the-air software update would not be possible for the Taycan and that owners should expect a one-hour visit to fix the issue.
General Motors has invested in a U.S. lithium plan to might become the country’s largest. This would also make GM the first automaker to create its own source for a resource critical for batteries and the electric vehicle industry.
The deal comes at a time as automakers worldwide race for access to lithium and other important EV materials.
GM said it’ll make an investment in the multimillions to help develop the Controlled Thermal Resources ltd’s Hell’s Kitchen geothermal brine project which is near California’s Salton Sea southeast of LA.
GM stated that this will potentially supply the automaker with a large amount of the lithium they need. The company declined to mention a specific investment amount. As travel restrictions ease GM’s scientists and engineers will visit the site.
While Great Wall Motor Co and BYD (both Chinese automakers) have previously made a similar move to invest in lithium producers, GM is taking it more than just one step further. Other automakers may make similar investments as lithium demand is suspected to increase by 20% over the next four years.
Ferrari revealed their new plug-in hybrid sports car, though known for their roaring gas engines Ferrari makes another step into the electric motor era.
The 296 GTB is Ferrari’s third hybrid in series production. The SF 90 Stradale and convertible SF 90 Spider came before.
Ferrari stated the 296 GTB was designed for the peak of pleasure driving and that they hope the new model may attract those who were not interested in Ferrari before.
The basic two-seater will start at $321,000 USD and the high-performance version, Assetto Fiorano,” will cost about $359,000 with a top speed over 205 mph.
The296 GTB will be fitted with V6 turbo engine with the 122KW electric motor will produce 830 horspower. The electric only range of the vehicle will be around 25 km.
The Italian sports car and racing company known worldwide stated that their goal is to have a fully electric vehicle by 2025.


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Mercedes has a very ambitious electrification plan as we all know. The German brand also stands developing new platforms which will make it possible to launch several new battery-powered models over the next few years. Among these is expected to be an electric sedan equivalent to the current C-Class and which could arrive from 2024 onwards. A model that could called EQC like the current electric SUV. Lately, we have seen that for its new generation electric, the manufacturer tends to want to offer them both in the sedan version and in the SUV version.
However, it is speculated that the German manufacturer does not want to follow up on the current battery-powered SUV. Partly because he did not get the desired result and partly because his place will essentially be taken from the SUV version of the EQE. The next EQC, therefore, could only have the features of a sedan.
Certainly, for its development, Mercedes will be inspired by the contents of the Concept Vision EQXX. Therefore, he will also work a lot on aerodynamics to improve efficiency as much as possible. Starting from these assumptions, we tried to imagine what the new electric sedan could be like. The result is the render that you can see.
The Mercedes EQC electric sedan will rest on the new MMA platform expressly made for electric cars only. This will allow designers more freedom in making the design. Furthermore, the platform will allow the integration of different types of powertrains with one or two electric motors, as well as, of course, accumulators of different capacities.
The new sedan will also feature advanced driving assistance features as well as a brand new evolution of the MBUX infotainment system. No new SUV version as mentioned at the beginning also because it seems there would not be much space to insert a new SUV model between the EQB and the EQE SUV.
All that remains is to wait for further news on the development of future electric vehicles that Mercedes will launch on the market in the coming years and which will make the brand electric only by 2030, at least in the markets where it will be possible.


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West Side Business News & Notes
Nov. 24 is Small Business Saturday
GREATER AKRON — Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is spreading awareness and advising consumers to support the small businesses in their area Nov. 24. For the third year in a row, American Express OPEN has declared the Saturday after Thanksgiving to be Small Business Saturday.
Businesses can take advantage of free tools offered online at www.facebook.com/Small BusinessSaturday, including free signage, free ads on Twitter and ideas to help grow your business.
Last year, more than 100 million people came together to “shop small” in their communities on Small Business Saturday, according to BBB officials.
For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit www.smallbusinesssaturday .com.
Versona Accessories now open at Summit Mall
FAIRLAWN — Versona Accessories opened its newest store Nov. 15 in Summit Mall at 3265 W. Market St., next to Dillard’s North.
The store carries jewelry, handbags, shoes, belts, scarves, hair accessories, sunglasses, gift items and more, according to mall officials. Merchandise is organized by color and trends.
Cindy Rossetti will manage the new store, and Versona will employ approximately 25 store associates.
For details, visit www.Ver sonaAccessories.com.
Stephanie Kist contributed to these reports.
More Business News
- Upscale items found at La Daisy Boutique
- CrossFit Copley event benefits Battered Women’s Shelter
- West Side Business News & Notes
- Acme presents checks to Green Schools
- Clock Tower Landing debuts
- Summa implementing program for tradespeople
- Front Porch Café now open
- Smokey’s hosts customer appreciation event
- South Side Business News & Notes
Calendar of Events
- The University of Akron Brass Choir’s “Home for Thanksgiving” - 11/23/2014
- Jerry McNamee book signing - 11/23/2014
- Metro Parks Book Club: “Choosing Wildness” by Claude Arbour - 11/23/2014
- Candlelight Walk - 11/23/2014
- The University of Akron Percussion Ensemble - 11/24/2014


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Period poverty is where women are unable to afford basic menstrual hygiene products. Research by Plan International UK has highlighted the scale of period poverty in the UK. It reveals that one in ten girls have been unable to afford sanitary wear and one in seven have struggled to afford sanitary wear. One in ten girls have had to improvise sanitary wear because of the cost.
While universal access to free sanitary products has been in place in schools across Angus since August 2018, this new initiative will now include businesses and public buildings. More properties across the county are likely to also join the initiative in the coming months.
The sanitary products will be available within toilet facilities and will be signposted by posters and stickers. The products, including tampons and pads, are made available in a clear box and women are invited to take as much or as little as they need.
The Angus Community Planning Partnership met up with one of the companies who are offering free products. Hear from Murton Farm in Forfar, as to why they are involved in the initiative.
The initiative is assisted by funding from the Scottish Government, and will also ensure equality is addressed, Angus Council is allocated £24,642 for 2018/19 which includes £10,374 Set-up and Development Funding and £14,267 funding for products. For 2019/20 the total allocation is £57,069.
Use our map to find premises across Angus where you can access free sanitary products.


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Passengers are owed billions from airlines and holiday companies for trips cancelled due to coronavirus. Companies must obey the law and refund you.
03/11/2020: More than £1 billion still outstanding
Months into the pandemic, our latest analysis reveals that more than £1bn in refunds for cancelled holidays, between March and October, remains outstanding.
That means one in five (21%) holidays where a cash refund was requested still haven’t been refunded.
We surveyed more than 7,500 people who have had a package holiday cancelled as a result of the outbreak. Overall, more than £8bn worth of holidays have been cancelled since March, leaving millions of people fighting to get back the money that they are owed.
While we previously highlighted that the average amount outstanding for flight-only bookings is just over £400, this survey suggests that the average cancelled holiday cost is a huge £1,784.
We’ve previously highlighted the impact that withheld or delayed refunds can have on passengers, especially during such a stressful time. This research further adds to those concerns.
Perhaps most worryingly, nearly four in ten (37%) people who have had a package holiday cancelled by their provider since the beginning of the outbreak said the experience has had a negative impact on their confidence in the travel industry.
We want to see action taken to both support the industry through this period and ensure that people can have the confidence that they need to book travel in the future.
The government must urgently set out its plan to save the travel sector, including introducing a temporary travel guarantee fund to support travel companies that are struggling to meet their refund obligations.
16/09/2020: 17 years since the last CAA fine
Airlines operating in the UK haven’t faced a single fine for breaking consumer law on refunds, delays, or cancellations since 2003.
At the same time, the CAA has only used its powers to apply to the courts for an enforcement order once.
Without the ability to issue fines or take swift action against airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority has struggled to effectively stand up for the passengers it is there to protect.
Several airlines already know this, and there’s a real risk some have felt empowered to break the law as a result – and without the threat of penalties, they may continue to do so.
Trust in the travel industry has been battered in recent months, so passengers need a strong regulator they can count on.
It’s clear that serious reforms need to be made to the sector – as a first step, the government must take urgent steps to ensure the CAA has the tools it needs to effectively hold airlines to account.
12/08/2020: Airlines failing on their commitments
Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and Tui are failing to refund passengers in the timeframes they agreed to, despite promising the CAA they would commit to speeding up the refund process.
What’s more, despite our sharing of more than 12,000 complaints of passengers struggling to get refunds, the CAA has opted not to take enforcement action against these airlines, instead saying it would monitor and continue to push for improvements.
If airlines are continually allowed to openly break the law on refunds, it will set a dangerous precedent that sees airline continue to treat passengers unfairly without consequence.
The CAA needs to have the power to take swift and meaningful action against airlines that have repeatedly disregarded the law.
22/07/2020: Coordinated BEUC action
After thousands of people shared their refunds nightmares with us last week, Which? is now taking part in coordinated action led by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) to call for an EU-wide solution to resolve the refund scandal.
BEUC reports major airlines for breaching passenger rights.
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, our member organisations have received thousands of complaints. Airlines do not reimburse passengers or provide clear/complete information about rights. https://t.co/IPAhMRMps6 pic.twitter.com/InaHZda8w2
— The Consumer Voice (@beuc) July 22, 2020
Consumer groups from across Europe have identified airlines operating across the continent that are consistently breaking the law on refunds and treating passengers unfairly – including Aegean, Air France, EasyJet, KLM, Norwegian, Ryanair, TAP Portugal, and Transavia.
As part of this joint action, BEUC has lodged a complaint with the European Commission calling for urgent action to hold airlines to account and secure refunds for those passengers struggling to get one.
18/07/2020: DfT protects refund credit notes
The Department for Transport (DfT) has said it will protect refund credit notes for cancelled package holidays.
This is something we’ve been calling on since the start of this crisis, and the news will come as a huge relief to the countless customers who’ve accepted one in place of a cash refund.
It means people can now be confident their money is protected if they decide to support their tour operator by accepting a refund credit note, but it later goes bust.
But package travel companies should not use this as an excuse to continue forcing credit notes onto their customers and must make clear when they have the right to a cash refund.
16/07/2020: Join our campaign
Four months into the coronavirus pandemic, we’re still hearing from hundreds of consumers who have yet to get money back for cancelled flights and holidays.
Many people are simply being told that they have to wait until their refund can be processed, in some instances up to 6 months after they were meant to travel.
Others are only being offered vouchers for future travel, and are struggling to even claim a cash refund as an option.
This is an unacceptable situation – lots of people are facing financial hardships of their own while companies are being allowed to openly break the law.
Yet, the Government continues to be silent on the issue while the regulator has failed to hold law-breaking companies to account.
Our “Refund Us. Reform Travel.” campaign is demanding that travel companies refund passengers immediately and, as international travel begins to re-open, the government takes urgent action to make sure passengers are never in this position again.
Inundated with complaints
We asked people to share their refund experiences with us and received more than 12,000 complaints in six weeks from passengers who are struggling to get refunds for cancelled flights worth £5.6 million in total.
Passengers are owed an average of £446.40, and have collectively spent a total of 52,000 hours – almost six years – trying to chase their airline for the money they are due.
We analysed all of these complaints and have reported airlines directly to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Our data shows that Ryanair was the worst offender, owing £1.15m total equating to 1 in every 5 pounds that was reported to us.
This is despite the budget airline’s relatively cheap fares. Respondents to our tool were owed an average of £206 by the Irish airline, compared to an average of £1,032 for Virgin Atlantic.
The second most complained about airline, EasyJet, accounted for 14% of responses – less than a third of Ryanair’s with a total of £663,000 owed in refunds. In addition, three in 10 said they were yet to receive a response from the airline.
Virgin Atlantic was the third most reported airline, accounting for 7% of all complaints. More than £915,000 is collectively owed to Virgin Atlantic customers.
Join our campaign
In May, we published a ten-point plan setting out our calls on the government, industry and regulators to maintain passenger trust in travel.
This included calls for the government to step in and support companies to fulfil their legal obligations.
Trust in the travel industry has plunged to an all-time low following this disruption. As flights and destinations start to open up again, companies must protect passengers’ rights – issuing refunds where required – to restore our trust.
Have you had a holiday or flight cancelled? Did you struggle to get the refund you are owed?
Do you agree that the government needs to reform travel so passengers aren’t left in this position again?
Sign our petition and join our campaign.


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COLONIE - The Colonie Fire Department's annual rose sale is underway.
The sale, held from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14 each year, usually sell out quickly but snow over the weekend left the fire department with plenty of roses to sell today.
The flowers are for sale at the fire house at 1631 Central Ave.
Love is in the air @ColonieFire for it's annual #valentinesday rose sale fundraiser pic.twitter.com/EXoFTfVfeK
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.


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Ticket Size: $500K – $3M...
Ticket Size: $500K – $3M
Retail Goes Digital
E-commerce in the region is set to be worth $48 billion by 2022.
How can traditional retailers embrace the nascent digital revolution and
adapt their business models to these new markets?
This session was developed in partnership with MIT Technology Review
Project of establishing a website
Participatory economy to provide additional income and job opportunities over the Internet
Our goal is to provide customer service and high profits
Exceeded 60 billion dollars
More than a million drivers
Exceeded 31 billion
The volume of trade across electronic platforms in the Middle East is only $ 3 billion, equivalent to only 2 per cent of total retail sales, however
The UAE businessman expects the figure to jump to $ 70 billion by 2025.
For its part, Saudi Arabia aspires to diversify its investments within the "Vision 2030" economic plan aimed at diversifying sources of income for the local economy away from oil, increasing the available job opportunities and enhancing the role of women in the labor market. The Kingdom has already entered into a partnership with Softbank To establish a $ 100 billion technology investment fund that could be the largest in the world


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A privacy-oriented search engine, DuckDuckGo has called out Google for tracking and collected users browsing history on iOS. After months of delay, Google recently updated the privacy information of its app on the iOS App Store and Chrome web browser which astonishingly reveals that the most popular search engine collects a lot more of users’ data than it should.
In iOS 14, Apple introduced several new privacy updates which are designed to bring transparency in user tracking across third-party apps and websites on iPhone and iPad. The newly launch ‘App Privacy labels’ feature compels all developers to disclose their tracking details. Apple has also introduced a new ‘Privacy-label’ webpage to show privacy labels of all of its native apps.
DuckDuckGo is a secure search engine that claims to not collect users’ data. Making online privacy simple and accessible, the search engine presents its self as a tracking-free and private alternative to Google.
Ever notice ads constantly following you around? That’s in part because Google tracks your searches and hides trackers on millions of websites. By contrast, our private search engine doesn’t track your searches and our DuckDuckGo browser extension and mobile app block Google’s (and many other companies’) trackers across the Internet, helping to keep your browsing history more private, as it should be.
And that’s just the beginning — by using DuckDuckGo you also escape the manipulation of the filter bubble and can use the Internet faster (after all that tracking code is disabled).
DuckDuckGo highlights that Google is spying on iPhone users
On its Twitter account, @DuckDuckGo shared an image of the Google app, Google Chrome, and its own web browser privacy labels. And the updated information reveals that the American search engine collects users’ location, search history, browsing history, and much more data. A lot of personal data is collected for analytical purposes like contact information, contacts, user content, identifiers, and more.
On the other hand, DuckDuckGo’s privacy label shows that it does not collect or share any personal information. Therefore, the browser is accusing Google of deliberately delaying the information, so that it continues spying on users.
Spying on users has nothing to do with building a great web browser or search engine. We would know (our app is both in one).
In addition to other antitrust lawsuits, Google is also facing a $5 billion class-action suit for tracking users in incognito mode. And DuckDuckGo makes it a point to highlight privacy concerns of that mode as well.
It is a myth that you can’t be tracked while using so-called “Incognito” mode. In fact, Incognito mode mainly just deletes information on your computer and does nothing to stop Google from saving your searches, nor does it stop companies, Internet service providers, or governments from being able to track you across the Internet. By contrast, DuckDuckGo search is completely anonymous and if you add our app & extension on top, we help keep you private when browsing off of search results.


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February 13, 2020
Tesla hopes to raise $2 billion by selling new shares.
The car manufacturer said it would issue new shares to raise up to $2.3 billion in capital, just weeks after Elon Musk said it "doesn't make sense to raise money."
Musk has now said he'll personally buy $10 million worth of stock in the new offering. Tesla's shares have risen over 83% so far this year, though they fell by 4% following Thursday morning's news.


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Uber Electric Vehicle Program! All Cars Electric in London by 2025
Uber has plans to minimize air pollution in London and start a Clean air initiative. It aims to make all of its taxis in the city electric by 2025 as per Uber Electric Vehicle Program.
What is the Plan of Uber turning all Electric in London?
This year Uber announced that it has plans to go all electric in the city by 2025, and to achieve that they plan to raise £200 million ($260 million) with the help of an extra “clean air fee”. The clean air fee will be charged to the customers as 15p ($.19) per mile on each trip that will provide financial help to its drivers in switching to electric vehicles.
Uber previously had its license revoked under former CEO Travis Kalanick over “a lack of corporate responsibility,” as per the London regulators. Thus, this can also be seen as a long-term investment strategy by new CEO, Khosrowshahi to get its root again into the city. Uber received a temporary license over this summer, enabling it to start its operation again into the city.
Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO, said in a statement: “We’re determined to do everything that we can to support the Mayor’s bold vision to tackle Air Pollution in the Capital”
On the Uber’s Clean Air plan, he stated: “Over time, we have a goal to help people replace their own car with their phone, and that’s by offering a wide range of options to travel — whether through cars, bikes, scooters, or public transport — all in the Uber app.”
The city has almost 3.5 million Uber users in present and almost 45000 drivers operating under Uber’s license. By the end of 2021 almost 20000 drivers are estimated to switch to electric vehicles under this scheme, CNBC reported.
What will it take to implement?
With the Uber Electric Vehicle Program going into implementation soon, Uber is also looking to get the EV infrastructure ready, as the EV prices and charging options may create problems. Expanding EV infrastructure is something that Uber is treating like a key element under the Clean Air Plan. In terms of providing more affordable charging to the app using drivers, Uber has started teaming up with the several homes charging suppliers like – Franklin Energy, NewMotion, Pod Point, EO Charging, EVBox, and BP Charge Master.
CEO of London First, Jasmine Whitbread, stated: “Here at London, we are stepping up to improve air quality and cut emissions – and we need bold initiatives from businesses, the public sector, and Londoners. It’s great to see Uber helping its drivers to make the switch to electric as we continue to work with the Mayor’s Taskforce to build up the home and public charging networks London needs.”
This initiative by Uber is being considered very commendable in terms of contributing to the atmosphere, including its contribution to the removal of highly pollution-emitting vehicles running on roads of London by its Diesel scrappage scheme. Uber is also looking forward to expanding its EV base in the US, as president Trump announced that the US might pull out of the Paris climate agreement. Uber is playing the scheme as a rollout to its EV base from London, that is expected to grow further in other countries in the future.


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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (CBS.MW) -- Visibility. Publicity. Respectability. Legitimacy. All things an initial public offering can immediately give a company.
But an IPO is no longer the only way to raise a heck of a lot of money. Venture capitalists are so swamped with new funds that pre-IPO rounds of financing totaling $30 million or more are now quite commonplace.
Just ask Scott Andrews, the chief executive of SciQuest.com, which was able to attract VC money so readily that it canceled its road show after visiting only one of the three cities on its schedule.
SciQuest.com offers an Internet-based marketplace that connects buyers and suppliers of scientific products equipment, a $9.4 billion market. Unlike the major distributors in the industry, SciQuest.com focuses on harder-to-find or specialized supplies.
Andrews talked to CBSMarketWatch.com about the company's future financing alternatives as well as the competition, which includes IPO registrant Chemdex.


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Disclaimer: the sole purpose of this article is to inform and impart current news that is happening in the Philippines. It in no way encourages, supports, or promotes vaping, e-cigarettes, or smoking, in general.
A case of Electronic cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (or EVALI for short) has recently been reported in Central Visayas. As of November 13, 2019; more than 2,000 cases of EVALI have been reported in the USA with vitamin E acetate being the common denominator in all sample studies.
Vitamin E acetate can commonly be found in e-cigarettes and vaping products that contain THC, a cannabinoid found in marijuana. As such, it is highly advisable not to use e-cigarettes or vaping products with vitamin E acetate or THC in them.
The first case in the Philippines involves a 16-year-old girl who has reportedly been vaping for six months. The Department of Health says she is into “dual use”, which means that she vapes and smokes regular cigarettes at the same time. There are no reports as to what kind of e-cigarette or vaping product the teenager used or whether it contained THC, but she was admitted to the hospital after experiencing “sudden onset severe shortness of breath”.
It was later deducted that the 16-year-old was suffering from EVALI.
Many Filipinos have turned to e-cigarettes and vaping products with hopes of quitting smoking cigarettes for good despite warnings that they are not a proven nicotine replacement therapy. If you wish to quit smoking, the Department of Health recommends seeking medical help and asking your doctor for ways to quit instead.
They would also like to remind parents that e-cigarette products should never be made accessible to young children and adolescents. Do you know anyone who vapes? Share this article with them.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.org or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad!


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Motorola Moto G Verizon release seemingly closer
The launch of the Motorola Moto G a while ago brought budget Android smartphones to a whole new level, as not only does the handset have some worthy specifications it also comes at a great non contract price. Now the handsets release on US carrier Verizon Wireless is seemingly getting closer thanks to a leaked image of the device inside some packaging.
Motorola released the Moto G early in the US when it wasn’t expected to arrive until the New Year, and the company has also begun updating the device to the Android 4.4 KitKat update. Now the image that you can see on this page has been posed by Google+ user Josue Joseph, and is showing the Moto G in its plastic packaging for Verizon Wireless.
The carrier has already confirmed it will be adding the smartphone to its prepaid range of handsets early next year, and the user that posted the image according to his profile works for the Best Buy Mobile store and the image has the statement “Look at what just arrived!!”.
So this seems to suggest that the carrier has begun sending out inventory to retail stores in time for the handsets official availability, but the user does state that he can’t actually sell the Motorola Moto G yet and doesn’t know of its launch date.
He does go onto say that he thinks it will be available for only $100 which if accurate is a great price, and will be at a similar level that Tesco in the UK is selling the handset for but it has to be connected to their network.
To quickly recap the device features a 4.5-inch 720p display with a quad cote 1.2GHz processor under the hood with 1GB of RAM, and there is also a 5-megapixel rear facing camera paired with a 1.3-megapixel front facer.
Update: The handset will be available via the carrier from January 9th.
Are you planning to get the Motorola Moto G from Verizon?


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Apple Unveils Striking New Window Coverings at Forthcoming Amsterdam Store
We've been covering Apple's forthcoming Amsterdam retail store with interest for some time now, as it will be the company's first location in the Netherlands. While development has been slowed by historic preservation issues, rumors last month suggested that the store could open on February 18.
Apple indeed appears to be getting closer to opening the store, as today it unveiled striking new orange window coverings announcing that the location will be "opening soon". Several Dutch sites including One More Thing
] and iPhoneclub.nl
] have posted photos of the store.
Orange is the national color of the Netherlands, while the three vertically-stacked Apple logos are a play on the three crosses found in Amsterdam's coat of arms and which are popularly used to represent the city.
An opening date for the new store remains unknown, with hiring plans and glimpses of the store's interior suggesting that it will not quite meet the previously-rumored February 18 date.
Last year's iPhone 13 Pro models were the first of Apple's smartphones to come with 120Hz ProMotion displays, and while the two iPhone 14 Pro models will continue to feature the technology, their screens could well boast expanded refresh rate variability this time round.
To bring ProMotion displays to the iPhone 13 Pro models, Apple adopted LTPO panel technology with variable refresh...
Leaker Jon Prosser today shared ostensibly accurate renders of the iPhone 14 Pro, providing the most accurate look yet at what the device could look like when it launches later this year.
In the latest video on YouTube channel Front Page Tech, Prosser revealed renders of the iPhone 14 Pro made by Apple concept graphic designer Ian Zelbo, highlighting a range of specific design changes...
With around four months to go before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 14 lineup, the overwhelming majority of rumors related to the new devices so far have focused on the iPhone 14 Pro, rather than the standard iPhone 14 – leading to questions about how different the iPhone 14 will actually be from its predecessor, the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are expected...
The iPhone 14 will feature a more expensive "high-end" front-facing camera with autofocus, partly made in South Korea for the first time, ET News reports.
Apple reportedly ousted a Chinese candidate to choose LG Innotek, a South Korean company, to supply the iPhone 14's front-facing camera alongside Japan's Sharp. The company is said to have originally planned to switch to LG for the iPhone...
Apple today confirmed that the keynote event for the Worldwide Developers Conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on June 6, the first day of WWDC. The keynote will be an online-only event, though a select number of developers have been invited to the Apple Park campus for a viewing event.
In addition to confirming the keynote date and time, Apple has shared the full WWDC 2022...
Apple today announced new Pride bands for the Apple Watch, with new Pride Edition Sport Loop and Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop options available.
The new Pride Edition bands are available to order today for $49 on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app, and will be available at Apple Store locations starting May 26. The Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop is also coming soon to Nike.com.