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Fifty years ago, at the 1963 March on Washington, A Phillip Randolph demanded a $2 an hour minimum wage after a study determined that such a wage was necessary to fill the needs of Americans. This demand would be equivalent to a $15.25 today. By the late 60s, the minimum wage had been brought up to around $10.00, in today’s money – still inadequate. Meanwhile, if you account for technology related increases in worker productivity over the last several decades, it would be $21.72. Apparently, employers have benefitted from these advancements, not workers, whose wages have fallen.
Today, the conditions are far more shameful for workers than in the 60s, particularly in the food service and retail sectors where a large portion of workers are at or slightly above the minimum threshold. In the state of New Jersey, minimum wage sits at an ungodly $7.25 and will rise to an insulting $8.25 in early 2014 due to a ballot initiative in the November 2013 elections. This often doesn’t include paid leave, quality medical insurance, and the ability to effectively unionize.
Even during conservative Richard Nixon’s term in office, the national discussion was about a guaranteed annual income. The rightfully despised Mr Nixon himself made a proposal, which, while considered modest for its era, would have helped the working poor infinitely more than anything either political party presents us with today. Nowadays, so-called “progressive” Barack Obama has long-proposed a $9 an hour minimum wage, only recently agreeing to go up to $10.10. Every negotiator knows that you go to the table with a good, morally acceptable number, and that in these sorts of negotiations you end up getting less than you first figure. It’s not even just a wage issue, as workers are often given less than 30 hours to avoid benefits, making even a living wage inadequate and something like a minimum income the real discussion.
Some New Jerseyans, while others shopped, said no to the continued erosion of workers’ quality of life. The target was Walmart, the industry leader and precedent setter in the retail world, long known for it’s worker abuses despite its new misleading ad campaign to claim otherwise.
In Manville, roughly a dozen protesters assembled outside of Walmart on Main Street. This was a “worker requested” protest, meaning that employees from this particular store demanded it.
Organizers, from NJ Youth Against War and Imperialism called this “the beginning of an effort led by Walmart workers and their community supporters to change the way that the company relates to the people who do the work that keeps their profits going”.
Aside from poverty wages, lack of paid leave, and poor or no medical coverage, many retail workers, at Walmart in particular, are faced with sparse opportunities for advancement within their company.
According to the NJ Youth Against War and Imperialism’s statement, they will never “give up the fight for a livable wage, full benefits, a reasonable schedule, and overall…fair treatment.”
In Secaucus, NJ, around 200 protesters gathered outside Walmart and Walton Family owned Sam’s Club. Attendees came from New York City and the entire region, as this is the closest Walmart to Manhattan.
A march ensued and several demonstrators were arrested while engaging in civil disobedience. I took a video of their disobedience and arrest below.


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Nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen wild lobster products were recalled due to a risk of food poisoning infections with Listeria bacteria.
A jury in Florida ordered 3M to pay $8.2 million to a U.S. Army veteran who lost his hearing after using defective earplugs
A recall was issued for bags of kale sold under the brand-names Baker Farms, Kroger, and SEG Grocers due to a risk of Listeria.
Harbor Freight Tools recalled about 19,000 Bauer® Forced Air Portable Propane Heaters because they can leak propane gas and catch on fire.
Thousands of $1 candles from Dollar Tree were recalled because the high flame poses a serious fire hazard and injury risk.
Kohl's recalled about 512,000 SONOMA Goods For Life® 3-Wick Candles due to a risk of high flames causing fires, burn injuries or property damage.
A recall was issued for over 256,000 Kobalt® chainsaws and pole saws from Lowe's because a user may not be able to turn them off.
Southern Motion recalled about 2,300 "Wireless Power" reclining sofas and chairs because the battery can overheat and catch on fire.
Another lawsuit has been filed against Tabletops Unlimited by people who were burned when their pressure cooker exploded hot food.
A recall was issued for certain Stater Bros. ground beef products after they were linked to a deadly outbreak of Salmonella.

domain: news


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The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is getting an update. It’s now going to be called the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA), and if it’s implemented, a few things will change. Below we cover the significant parts of the USMCA that everyone ought to know.
The USMCA has finally been signed after more than a year of negotiations. Amie Simpson of Brownfield Ag News breaks down the basics.
USMCA will replace the older North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but still needs to be passed by each country’s legislatures. That might be a challenge. One major problem in ratifying the agreement has been steel and aluminum tariffs. Leaders from both Canada and Mexico have said that they want the tariffs removed before they’ll sign.
USMCA also might run into a bit of trouble with the US House of Representatives having shifted to democratic control, say Yujun Zhou, Kathy Baylis, Jonathan Coppess and Qianting Xie, from the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. But Trump’s doing his best to sell it- calling the USMCA,
“The most important trade deal we’ve ever made.”
Trump then went on to speak of NAFTA as,
“The worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere.”
Alternatively to Trump, the US Department of Agriculture has identified NAFTA as being one of the most successful trade agreements in history.
NAFTA was signed 25 years ago, and is arguably overdue for some essential updates. The way countries trade with one another have transformed significantly since then due to advancements in digital commerce and the internet. Some of these updates were addressed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but the US withdrew from that agreement in 2016.
Though President Trump clearly says the USMCA is much better than NAFTA, most of the old agreement remains unchanged. There are large sections of the 1,809-page USMCA document that haven’t been touched. For example, there are no changes to the zero tariffs policy on most manufacturing and agricultural goods.
What HAS changed? How is the USMCA actually different from NAFTA? Trade expert Amanda M. Countryman of Colorado State University explains the significant updates to the agreement in Morning Ag Clips. As mentioned above, modernizing the agreement to be current with available technology is one of the changes.
The biotech sector, financial services, and domain names will all receive stronger protections for patents and trademarks. There are also new rules for the growth of digital trade and investment. Labor and environmental standards have been updated. This includes provisions that range from middle-wage pay for autoworkers, to fishing regulations to protect marine species, to tougher restrictions for Mexican trucks.
One policy that is remaining unchanged at the insistence of Canada- a clause to help settle disagreements that can be used when countries break the rules of the agreement. It’s essentially a “trade court” that makes it possible to dispute another country’s policies.
Changes to Dairy
One big change is in dairy trade. Both the US and Canada have had fairly protectionist policies in place for dairy. There are subsidies for dairy farmers, import quotas, and Canadian tariffs that can be between 200-300% if too much of certain products are exported. Some of these rules will change, and the new agreement should benefit both countries.
Canada will refrain from implementing some of their protectionist policies, and as a result, more US dairy products will be headed to Canada duty-free. Canada is dropping their Class 7 milk pricing system that set very low domestic prices for ultra filtered milk. This subsidy for Canadian dairy farmers essentially made imports of ultra filtered milk too costly to compete.
Products Made in North America
Another change to the trade agreement involves products made in North America. When it comes to auto manufacturers, in order to qualify for no tariffs when crossing borders, cars and trucks must be comprised of at least 75% North American made parts. In the old NAFTA agreement it was 65.2%.
It was also agreed that Mexican auto manufacturer workers should be paid more. Now, 40-45% of a car or truck’s parts need to be made by workers earning at least $16 per hour. For Mexican auto laborers that’s a really big deal.
The new USMCA trade agreement doesn’t have a lot of sweeping changes when compared to NAFTA, but it’s an improvement. It’s important to update our trade policies and, “Keep up with the times.” Now, we just need the US Congress and the Parliaments of Mexico and Canada to pass it.


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Shiseido unveils beauty tutorials with Poppy Delevingne
Shiseido is forging ahead with its plans to freshen up its image in the EMEA zone. Several weeks after announcing its ambitions, the Japanese cosmetics brand has unveiled a series of interactive beauty tutorials starring British actress Poppy Delevingne.
In so far uncharted territory for Shiseido, the brand has opted for chic and relaxed visuals for the campaign, promoting its Benefiance, Ultimune, Bio-Performance Glow Revival and LiftDynamic lines.
The viewer can then identify their needs via a questionnaire and view a mini-video presentation of the appropriate product. Delevingne then demonstrates the recommended application techniques, before the user receives an email of the beauty routine.
For Shiseido, who hopes to steal a place in the top three of regional skincare rankings - but is currently sitting in fifth position- the launch of the tutorials is anything but insignificant. By tapping Poppy Delevingne, the brand hopes to increase its notoriety and reach a demographic open to inspiration from the It-girl, targeting France, Italy, the UK and Portugal with its broadcasts.
Copyright © 2023 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.


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Auto-playing video ads arrive in Facebook newsfeeds this week
It has long been rumored that Facebook is to sell video ads. A report out today in the Wall Street Journal reveals that rumor is turning to reality this week.
The new video ads will begin appearing on newsfeeds from this week, according to the WSJ, and will feature on both web and mobile. Costing anywhere up to $2 million per day, depending on reach, the ads will automatically play when users mouse-over although most reports state there will be no sound until a user clicks on the video.
According to the WSJ, the length of the ads is still unknown. However, users will soon get their first taste of the video ads as Lions Gate Entertainment release their Facebook-specific teaser trailer for upcoming movie "Divergent" later this week.
In September this year, CNET reported that auto-playing ads in Facebook newsfeeds were being tested by a select few. Facebook user reactions have been mixed. While some are of the opinion that, as a free service, Facebook should be able to make its money somehow, others aren't happy about the disruptive ad technique and have concerns about the auto-play ads' effect on bandwidth and performance.
Image via Shutterstock
- Ad Roundup: Partnerships to increase viewability, deflate fraud
- Expert: The most important social metrics for brands
- Smartphones reach new milestone in U.S.
- 400% rise in alcohol advertising not turning U.S. into country of drunks
- Survey uncovers negative attitudes towards wearable tech
- Survey: A little research goes a long way for salespeople
- Mobile Roundup: Payment options, partnerships announced
- Top 5 tips for overworked SMBs
Featured White Papers


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Dr Georgios Liaptsis from CYNORA speaking to Dr Khasha Ghaffarzadeh at Printed Electronics Europe. CYNORA offers tailor-made solutions for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). CYNORA provides the display and lighting markets with emitter materials, which make use of Singlet-Harvesting technology. CYNORA's research encompasses developing optoelectronic materials, including theoretic calculations, and material-testing in OLED-prototypes.
Learn more at the next leading event on the topic: Printed Electronics USA 2019 on 20 - 21 Nov 2019 at Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, USA hosted by IDTechEx.


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Sony Xperia XZ3 Premium: New High-End Phone Might Get 18:9 Screen
Sony is not wasting its time as it is already working on the Sony Xperia XZ3 Premium. Months before the XZ2 Premium even reached stores, it is looking like its successor is already going to be a major force in the smartphone market.
Sony Xperia XZ3 Premium’s massive screen
It is reported that the Sony Xperia XZ3 Premium will have a large, high-resolution 18:9 screen (3840 x 1920), according to Trusted Reviews. This will mean that the Japanese tech company will be sticking with its gorgeous “Ambient Flow” design. Apart from the wide screen, the XZ3 Premium will also get narrower bezels as part of the now-classic style of its predecessors.
Rumor has it that the XZ3 Premium has also been tested with the Android 9.0. Known by most people as the Android P, this new Android consumer build will serve as the first phone in the line to get the OS update upon release.
Other new XZ3 Premium specs and features
It looks like the XZ3 Premium will also have a glass back, according to Digital Trends. Leaked pictures of the phone indicate that it would follow the XZ2 in having a glass and metal sandwich structure. It also looks like the phone may end up having front-facing stereo speakers. This is because the photos show a bigger top and bottom for the phone.
The XZ3 Premium will also have optimal performance due to its improved specs. It will have a 6GB RAM and a Snapdragon 845 processor. Buyers will also be given the choice of storage between 64GB and 128GB. MicroSD cards of up to 400GB are also supported.
What do you think is the most exciting thing about the Sony Xperia XZ3 Premium? Comment below so that we will know about what you think about this exciting new smartphone.


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By Bart Biesemans and Yves Herman
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium's post office has teamed up with the country's largest sports store chain as a shift to online purchases accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic has left it overloaded with packages.
Postal operator bpost is, like counterparts across the world, facing an unprecedented level of parcel deliveries as coronavirus restrictions have closed shops and confined people to their homes.
The postal service has hired an extra 3,000 temporary workers, increased deliveries to two per day in parts of the country and agreed a deal with sports chain Decathlon for Belgians to pick up some of their packages at its stores.
The Belgian postal service had to handle 78% more parcels in the second quarter of 2020 than a year earlier and last week hit a record of more than 600,000 packages delivered in a day.
Most non-food shops in Belgium were closed for two months in the first COVID-19 wave and for a month in the second wave, fuelling the rise in online purchases. Shops only reopened on Tuesday.
Amazon said that independent businesses selling on its platform crossed $4.8 billion in worldwide sales from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, an increase of 60% from a year earlier.
Bpost says it still aims to deliver 95% of parcels, with only 5% needing to be picked up from Decathlon and other stores around the country.
(Writing by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Giles Elgood)


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This morning, NIO officially announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2021, with a number of data reaching new highs.
A total of 20,060 vehicles were delivered in the first quarter of 2021, including 8,088 ES6, 7,456 EC6 and 4,516 ES8.
The delivery exceeds not only records of any other quarter in the history of NIO (15.6% month-on-month growth and 422.7% year-on-year increase), but also the forecast of 20,000 to 20,500 vehicles in the financial statements of 2020Q4.
Moreover, after the entire industry falling into a state of chip shortage, NIO announced on March 26th that it would suspend production for five days and cut its estimated delivery volume to 19,500 vehicles. Still, its deliveries of vehicles hits a record high.
In addition, NIO celebrated its 100,000th production vehicle officially rolling off the line on April 7th this year.
As a comparison, the data of deliveries for the four quarters of last year are released here:
- 2020Q4, 17,353 vehicles
- 2020Q3, 12,206 vehicles
- 2020Q2, 10,331 vehicles
- 2020Q1, 3,838 vehicles
In the financial report, William LI said, “The overall demand for our products continues to be strong, but the supply chain still faces great challenges due to chip shortage. Given the strong momentum under a volatile macro-environment, we expect to deliver 21,000 to 22,000vehicles in 2021Q2.”
In 2021Q1, vehicle sales revenues were RMB 7,405.8 million, up 20% from the previous quarter and up 489.8% from the same period last year (total revenues were RMB 7,982.3 million, representing an increase of 20.2% from 2020Q4 and an increase of 481.8% from the same period last year).
In 2021Q1, NIO’s gross margin reached 19.5%, and the vehicle margin was 21.2%, both reached new highs. In 2020Q4, the gross margin was 17.2%, and the vehicle margin was 17.2%. (For comparison, Tesla’s gross margin was 21.3%, and the vehicle margin was 26.5% in 2021Q1.)
Net loss of 2021Q1 was RMB 451 million, down 73.3% from the first quarter of 2020, and a 67.5% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2020.
The increase in vehicle margin was mainly attributed to higher take-rate of NIO Pilot and 100 kWh battery package.
NIO expects total revenues of 2021Q2 to range from RMB 8,146.1 million to RMB 8,504.5 million, representing an increase of 2.1% to 6.5% from the first quarter of 2021.
Research and development expenses in 2021Q1 were RMB 686.5 million, representing a decrease of 17.2% from the same quarter of 2020 and an increase of 31.4% from the previous quarter.
Selling and management expenses of 2021Q1 were RMB 1,197.2 million, an increase of 41.1% over the same period last year and a decrease of 0.8% from the fourth quarter of 2020.
NIO’s cash reserve has reached RMB 47.5 billion.


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React, Flux, GraphQL, Hack, HHVM...? All of this and more!
In 2015 Flappy Bird took the world by storm. The popular game enjoyed a short frenzy, when it felt everyone was playing the game. But you needed to download the game from an app store...
React is now so commonplace that it's probably more popular than jQuery in bespoke projects without legacy dependencies. Part of this popularity is that React is by nature quite straightforward, simple even. What continues to add complexity to the ecosystem is the tooling around it.
Google and other browser vendors have been making strides in Web Component compatibility through 2016 as well as 2017. With this and the launch of Polymer 2.0 and the Web Components polyfills it looks like 2017 could be the start of the rise of web components as a mainstay for web developers.
Google has been using TypeScript for their Angular front end framework development for since late 2015 a while now. Since the launch of Angular 2 in late 2016 the framework has continued stabilising and picking up new features.
State management continues to be a hot topic in the React development circles. After Facebook introduced the Flux pattern, there was a plethora of solutions like Alt, but soon the community largely settled on Redux for state management.
Google today announce it's latest edition of Google Earth, which runs fully in a supported browser (at the time of writing Chrome only). In terms of web technologies the new tool leverages Polymer for user interface elements and Portal Native Client for rich functionality.


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The following is a guest post from Bill McClure, executive director of Global Food & Agribusiness at Ernst & Young.
Shifting consumer trends are driving fundamental change across the entire food and agriculture industry. The traditional farm-to-fork model has evolved to fork-from-farm and today is better described as a connected ecosystem. This raises questions about the role that companies across the value chain — processors, manufacturers, distributors and retailers — will play as this new, more connected ecosystem emerges.
And yet, while the system experiences consumer-led disruption, players across the ecosystem must prepare for multiple operating scenarios. The expectations of what food and ag companies provide drive home the need for a more connected food ecosystem.
For the last several decades, producers based their decisions primarily on commodity prices, whereas in the future, they will need to be more in tune with consumer preferences, industry trends and other market opportunities. Sustainability, climate change and new advancements in digital technology have prompted many producers to put everything on the table as they assess their future and search for ways to optimize production.
Focus is shifting from a linear feedback path to a system where connectivity across the value chain is more important than ever. Producers are exerting more control over their operations, using new tools and capabilities in pursuit of greater profitability and efficiency.
As a result, players in the middle, between the producer and the consumer, will need to evaluate their own business models to see where they fit in the new, connected ecosystem where agility and resilience have become imperative.
Consumers are changing, too. They want visibility into where and how food is produced, packaged and delivered. As transparency of physical production methods and the value systems of producers and manufacturers become baseline consumer expectations, opportunity is emerging for those who can deliver their product with authenticity to command greater trust and value with the consumer. Evidence of these changes can be found everywhere from the re-emergence of farmers’ markets to fresh menu options to heightened awareness of local sourcing and transparency. In a reimagined food system, data will be critical in addressing consumer preferences.
The latest EY Future Consumer Index (FCI) found that in the next three to four months, 35% of households will spend more on fresh food and 27% of people will track the healthiness of the products they consume. Meanwhile, 43% agree that they would pay more for products that are produced sustainably, and 41% find it influential to see sustainability scores printed on product labels.
Change is already causing ripples across the value chain. Decisions are being made that could accelerate disruption of the entire ecosystem, and create new opportunities for asset optimization, growth and a deeper connection between producers and consumers.
How the future producer persona will drive a connected ecosystem
Farms focused on a primary crop or animal product for generations continue to uproot established operating plans in response to changing climates, rising production costs and shifting consumer preferences. Changes like this present both challenges and opportunities that a connected ecosystem will need to address.
There is certainly a risk of profit pool shifts within the value chain. If more consumers want to get closer to their food, and midstream to downstream companies are not willing to facilitate that connection, a portion of consumers may choose to find alternative options.
There was a time when processors held all the data and thus, greater control. Now and into the future, producers will have valuable data at their fingertips, enabling their own efficiency and profitability.
Producers are beginning to leverage a more connected ecosystem, as well as embrace market disruptors and emerging technology by considering the following trends:
- Climate change – capturing new profitability: How can companies create a connection with producers to help ensure an ecosystem that is financially advantageous to producers and also helps to ensure that companies get the products that they need?
- Digitization and AgTech – optimizing assets: Beyond the capabilities already in the market, the future farm shows potential for the implementation of digital twins that allow producers to manipulate real-time inputs to model future scenarios. The key is that farmers need to see the payback for whatever investment they are being asked to make.
- Alternative income sources – creating economic sustainability: Today’s producer strategy going forward will be to maintain a diverse portfolio that likely goes beyond food and animal products and relies on innovative marketing approaches such as carbon credits, water rights and e-commerce to supplement income from their core business.
Implications of producers finding alternative income sources could send ripples across the value chain. Companies will need to reimagine how they do business – including finding new ways to make it more financially appealing for farmers and ranchers to sell their products to the company rather than the consumer. Critically examining all future scenarios should be a key part of future strategy development for all businesses and embracing a more connected ecosystem can help these companies be more resilient to coming disruptions.
As consumers place greater focus on where their food comes from and how it was produced, producers are exploring options to enhance profitability and better utilize their assets, such as changing the type of crops grown or incorporating technology to manage animal health. Opportunity exists throughout the value chain for companies to embrace agility and improve resiliency, while being consumer-centric and planet-friendly in the connected ecosystem.


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Shake Shack misses out on $3.2m of sales in June
US fast-food chain Shake Shack warned on Tuesday that it had missed out on around $3.2m in sales as a result of curfews stemming from nationwide protests during June.
Shake Shack said it had closed multiple locations and reduced operating hours at many others, leading to a 39% drop in same-store sales for the week ended 1 July.
As far as quarterly earnings were concerned, Shake Shack said total sales came to around $91.8m for the three months ended 24 June, while same-store sales plunged 49%.
Shake Shack, which will announce its full third-quarter results on 30 July, also said it had $184m in cash and marketable securities on hand as of 6 July.
As of 1620 BST, Shake Shack shares were down 3.74% at $51.43 each.


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June, 26 2019
Awarded for the Commitment in Social Responsibility
CARTONAJES LA PLANA, VORAMAR, SUPERNARANJAS AND MAS DE AMELA, AWARDED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Social Responsibility Board of Castellón celebrates its tenth anniversary and brings together more than 50 companies and organizations in Castellón.
The business fabric of Castellón continues taking steps in social responsibility. Small and large companies each day drive individual initiatives that strengthen this commitment and can serve as a model for other organizations. The Social Responsibility Board of Castellón wanted to highlight the good practices of four companies that carry out their activity in the province of Castellón and has created specific awards that have been delivered to Cartonajes La Plana, Voramar, Supernanjas and Mas de Amela, an award for his career in social responsibility.
The jury has assessed key aspects such as social commitment, environmental and economic impact of companies and freelancers who “have developed a social responsibility initiative for two consecutive years, with measurable results and continuity over time.” The candidatures presented have been grouped into four different categories: entrepreneur, micro-enterprises, SMEs and large company.
The winner of the entrepreneur category has been Mas de Amela, for its program of promotion of ecological livestock, sustainable and healthy food, and fixing the rural population to the territory. In micro-business, Supernaranjas has been recognized for the recovery of the citrus grove in an ecological way through online sales, based on the economy of the common good. As for small and medium-sized companies, the award is for Voramar, for the implementation of the Sustainability Plan since 2015, which integrates the SDGs in the management of the activity and the principles of the Economy of the Common Good. And among the large companies, the work of Cartonajes La Plana has been recognized, for the implementation of a strategy for the Economy of the Common Good, and for its commitment to the creation of value in Betxí and in the province with the donation of the business foundation to the citizenship Fundació Cívica Novessendes . The award given to the winners has been created by Deferro.


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The 11th Dubai Wood Show 2016 will showcase exquisite wood and woodworking material. The largest trade fair for wood products in the Middle East will take place from April 4 to 6.
This year Turkey and India will participate in addition to last year’s seven national pavilions – USA, Spain, France, Malaysia, Sweden, Canada, and China. This expansion is expected to boost the show’s growth from last year’s record growth of 33%.
“Dubai WoodShow allows customers in the Middle East to have access to wood products and accessories of topmost quality. Our distinct advantage is the new product launches that will use the exhibition floor to target the regional market,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organiser of the Dubai Wood Show. “We have succeeded in creating an ideal meeting platform to attract quality visitors, facilitate meeting with new business contacts, increase branding exposure, help establishing business in a new market, and support networking opportunities through this world-class exhibition.”
Innovations in timber industry are set to be the highlight of the show, where industry experts from around the world will participate. Visitors will be updated on key innovations related to wood processing, such as mortising, tenoning, treenailing, beveling, gluing, and intricate joining and inlaying.
The UAE imported approximately 412,400 m³ of softwood lumber from Europe and North America between January and July 2015, according to a recent Woodstat industry report.
Romania was the largest softwood exporter with a volume of 233,000 m³, while Germany came second at 101,000 m³. The collective exports of Austria, Russia, Canada and Ukraine amounted to 78,000 m³ of softwood lumber.
The last Show saw a 30% increase in visitors from the GCC region, with countries like Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Iran, Kuwait, and China featured in the top 10 list.
Source: Dubai Wood Show 2016/ Edited by Panels & Furniture Asia


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Report: Ford Leaving Indian Market, Ending EcoSport Production
Ford appears to be pulling out of India, with the automaker confirming plans to end production there by next year. While a sizable automotive market — fifth just behind Japan, with about 2.5 million sales annually — the region never felt like a good fit for Blue Oval. Ford’s cash cows have long been upsized SUVs and pickup trucks, whereas India has an obvious penchant for small automobiles prioritizing value above all else. This left the automaker with a paltry market share estimated below two percent and likely explains why it’s no longer interested in manufacturing vehicles there.
In Thursday’s announcement, the company confessed to having accumulated operating losses of more than $2 billion over the last decade — hence the need for restructuring. But it won’t be cutting ties with India entirely, as it wants the region to handle Ford Business Solutions and help with customer support services via the relevant information centers.
Jaguar Is Going to Try and Sell the I-Pace in India
Jaguar Land Rover unveiled its all-electric SUV to the Indian market this week, proving that it’s dead serious about expanding the I-Pace’s customer base. While parent company Tata Motors undoubtedly has a fondness for its home region, we cannot help but wonder if its a market worthy of pursuit considering the model’s starting price.
The manufacturer has the (90-kWh) I-Pace stickered at 105.91 lakh rupees, which translates to about $147,000 USD. Considering the unique way India writes out denominations and often transitions between crore and lakh as a way to avoid listing high-value items in the millions of rupees, we were initially convinced we’d messed up the conversion. The sum would not only eclipse the $70,000 MSRP Jaguar has affixed to the I-Pace in the United States, it makes it highly uncompetitive against the luxury EVs already on a market that’s not known for its wealthy consumer base. How could this be JLR and Tata’s preferred strategy?
India's Auto Market Also Sucks
We’ve spent the better part of 2019 describing how unwell the automotive markets of China, Europe and North America have become, which might accidentally lead some to believe that most other markets are performing better. While Brazil expects continued expansion and a presumably healthy 2019, its rosy outlook is unique.
Japan saw a modest decline in registrations (just 0.3 percent) through the first half of the year, while Russia recorded slippage of 2.4 percent. But figures from India were far worse. In fact, the country is looking at the biggest sales slump in almost twenty years. Early estimates suggest passenger vehicle registrations may have plunged as much as 30 percent in July, after falling 17.5 percent just a month earlier. Most annual outlooks forecast a double-digit decline in overall sales.
From Durham to Delhi: 2020 MG Hector, Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch
Foreign-market cars are always an interesting case study on these digital pages. The latest craft to catch our eye? The MG Hector, India’s newest family SUV.
When we said that brand, you may have thought we were going to say Britain’s newest family SUV. For that, you are easily forgiven. After all, the Morris Garages name is as quintessentially British as a kidney pie on a foggy morning. The brand was bought ages ago by Chinese interests, of course, and is now making inroads into the Indian market following a tough year of sales in its home country.
To amp things up, they’ve signed the devilishly debonair Benedict Cumberbatch to huck the Hector. About the length of the 2020 Ford Escape, this MG is packed with voice-activated and internet-connected technologies and priced at the equivalent of just $17,600.
Remind me again why cars like this won’t sell on our side of the pond?
World's Cheapest Stripper Bites the Dust; Disinterested Public Barely Mourns
While our Ace of Base series delights in revealing just how bargain basement a mainstream vehicle can get, none of those rides hold a candle to the spartan purgatory that was the Tata Nano.
Billed as the world’s cheapest car upon its release in 2008, the Indian-market four-door was tailor-made to lure that country’s growing market of would-be vehicle owners off motorcycles and into a car with two cylinders, 37 horsepower, and a rear hatch that didn’t open.
Not unexpectedly, the vehicle quickly developed a stigma.
Ford and Mahindra Hop Deeper Into Bed; Joint SUVs Planned
China got a headstart in the “countries with over a billion people who suddenly love owning a car” race, but India’s trying its best to catch up.
With a growing pool of consumers ready and willing to hand over cash for a car, Ford Motor Company knows partnering with a local company that knows the lay of the land is a speedier and cheaper route to profits, so last year it formed an alliance with Mahindra Group. You know Mahindra — the company currently building a retro Jeep-shaped ATV for nostalgic Americans.
This week, the two companies further consummated their bond by signing off on the joint development of SUVs.
See the USA in a Mahindra? Indian Automaker to Open Detroit-area Plant, Report Says [UPDATE]
For the company’s sake, hopefully Mahindra & Mahindra’s second attempt to enter the U.S. market won’t go the same way as the first.
The Indian automaker is reportedly planning a 400,000-square-foot assembly plant in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills, and has scheduled a press conference with government officials for November 20th. As we all know, local representatives and their higher-ups don’t like braving the cold unless there’s a promise of jobs and cameras.
A previous attempt to tap into the U.S. market went nowhere, ending in a lawsuit. If this plan comes to fruition, it would make Mahindra’s auto plant the first built in the Detroit area in decades — and would provide American consumers with some new SUV options.
Domestics Abroad: Part II - Chevrolet's Foreign Fare
Today we feature the second entry to our Domestics Abroad series. Here’s where we take a look at the international models proffered around the world that wear a domestic company’s badge on the grille, but are not offered in their brands’ domestic markets. This is ground zero for “you can’t get that here.” All nameplates you’ll see in this series are current production models.
We kicked off this series with Ford, and its 13 qualifying models. Our second entry is Chevrolet, which also places second in number of models.
Here are Chevrolet’s nine entries, in alphabetical order:
Lexus Sees Fertile Ground in India, Launches Trio of Models
After being knocked off the top perch of the “fastest growing economy” podium in 2016, India is expected to return to the Number One spot both this year and next. The world’s second most populous country has seen average per-capita incomes rise to record levels and, while the average only amounts to $1,500 greenbacks, India’s well-to-do class is thriving.
For automakers, the untapped Indian market offers big potential. The latest to the game: Lexus, which arrived today to offer citizens something better than just a Camry.
Flush With Bailout Money, Peugeot Purchases Legendary Hindustan Ambassador
Peugeot seems to be on a roll. PSA Group, formerly known as PSA Peugeot Citroën, announced a new five-year strategy last year after its bailout by the French government. This week we’ve seen some big movement on a potential purchase of Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors. The news was upsetting at Opel’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and the rumblings were loud enough to warrant a personal visit from GM CEO Mary Barra.
In lesser reported news, however, Peugeot’s net has already been cast over a storied Indian nameplate — the Hindustan Ambassador.
Ford Patents the Simplest Car You Can Imagine
Harkening back to its early days as a purveyor of horseless carriages, Ford Motor Company has patented a no-frills folding vehicle for those who want something more than a bicycle.
Intended for developing countries with poor infrastructure, the patent filing uncovered by Autoblog details a lightweight, endlessly configurable vehicle with a collapsible frame.
Ford is Quickly Disappearing From Jaguar Land Rover Engine Bays
Ford Motor Company stuck a “for sale” sign on Jaguar Land Rover as the world spiraled into the 2008 financial crisis, but its engines still beat within many of the British automaker’s models.
That will soon change, as the Tata Motors-owned company continues its rollout of in-house engines designed to reduce its dependence on other companies.
Zero Stars: Watch These Indian-Market Cars Prove What Death Traps They Are
Three versions of a Renault hatchback spectacularly failed their frontal crash tests in India, earning them zero out of five stars, even with an available airbag.
It’s food for thought for the 125,000 Indian buyers who placed orders for the subcompact coffin, but the Renault Kwid isn’t alone in flunking Global NCAP testing in that car-hungry country.
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon also failed to earn a single star, reports Business Standard.
Marchionne Straddles the World, Shouting 'Jeeps for Everyone!'
The Jeep brand is Fiat-Chrysler’s biggest money maker, so it’s no wonder that CEO Sergio Marchionne is scattering factories around the world like a sailor’s offspring.
The company’s head honcho outlined his business plan for the brand in an interview published by Automotive News, and it involves no longer having to make a “Sophie’s Choice” decision with Jeep output.
Foreign Affairs: Chinkara Roadster S, India
The Indian auto industry is … unusual. Most personal transport is via motorcycle or scooter, but there is a history of car production spanning seven decades. As the country was one of Britain’s largest colonies, it’s not surprising that most of these cars are derived from English ancestors.
Enter the Chinkara Roadster S: an Indian interpretation of the iconic Lotus Seven, built with rough roads and ease of servicing in mind.
Only in India: Attack of the Stubby Little Sedans
How automakers address the sedan question in India is particularly interesting. It doesn’t involve increasing legroom or wheelbase. It doesn’t involve creating a reason to increase the average transaction price of those cars. And despite India having some of the deadliest roads in the world, it doesn’t involve safety.
In India, most automakers go in the exact opposite direction with their sedans — by building them shorter and cheaper, but no more safer — yet they remain just as comfortable inside as the models on which they’re based.
TTAC News Round-up: Winterkorn Appears on BI Top 15 List, Oil Near 11-Year Low (Again), and Jeep Goes Online in India
Where do you end up if you’re the former CEO of a company guilty of cheating diesel emissions tests, the fallout of which wipes out billions of dollars of value from said company? Business Insider’s “The 15 biggest career crashes of 2015” list, of course.
That, and Nissan prices the new Sentra, oil is still on a well-lubricated downhill slide, Jeep is now online in India, and more … after the break!
Volkswagen Has To Recall 323,700 Cars in India Now
Volkswagen will have to recall hundreds of thousands of cars in India for cheating emissions standards, adding to Volkswagen’s worldwide woes that the automaker illegally sold with “defeat devices” designed to cheat emissions tests, Reuters reported.
More than 323,000 Audi-, Volkswagen- and Skoda-branded cars with the automaker’s EA 189 diesel engine will need to be fixed after authorities discovered in November that those cars were illegally polluting. The revelations follow similar charges made by U.S. authorities two months ago that Volkswagen and Audi cars were polluting up to 25 times more nitrogen oxide than allowed by law.
Volkswagen officials in India said cars would be recalled immediately.
Suzuki: "I Feel Refreshed" After Win Against Volkswagen
Osamu Suzuki (middle right), chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, can finally celebrate his biggest win. After a failed alliance with Volkswagen put Suzuki — the chairman and company — on the back foot for almost four years, the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce in London has decided in the Japanese company’s favor. Suzuki will purchase back their own stock from Volkswagen.
Suzuki received news of the ruling Saturday and filed the information with the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Sunday.
“It’s good that a resolution came. I feel refreshed. It’s like clearing a bone stuck in my throat,” said to reporters gathered at a news conference in Tokyo, reports Automotive News. “I’m very satisfied with the resolution. Through it, Suzuki was able to attain its biggest objective.”
Suzuki May Finally Climb Out From Under VW
Hedge fund investor Daniel Loeb has purchased a minority stake in Suzuki Motor Corp., which may mean the automaker could have a ruling on its nearly 5-year arbitration with Volkswagen, Bloomberg Business is reporting.
The unspecified investment in Suzuki by the billionaire Loeb, who is one of Japan’s wealthy business elite, could be a sign that a ruling following June’s completion of arbitration is imminent. For years, Suzuki remained “paralyzed” as the procedure slogged on.
Suzuki has a significant automotive presence in emerging markets and India.
Hyundai May Bring Subcompact Crossover, but It Won't Be Creta
Hyundai is looking to jump into the subcompact crossover fold in the States with the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax and everyone else, but it won’t be with the Creta, Edmunds is reporting.
The Creta recently went on sale in India, but executives in America told Edmunds that it wasn’t the right fit for U.S. buyers.
“We have decided to wait a little bit longer to get the right vehicle,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
Jeep Points to Map of India, Says Let's Print More Money Here
More and more automakers are looking at exotic locales to produce their wares (us Canadians can consider Mexico exotic thanks to its ice-free beaches) as they expand their brands and explore in-roads to untapped markets.
For Jeep, that means investing in a shared money-printing press with an unlikely partner: Tata, the parent company of Land Rover. FCA will put $280 million USD into joint venture Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited which, since 2007, has solely produced Fiat models.
Mahindra-Pininfarina Deal Rejected By Creditors
Mahindra’s attempt to buy Italian design firm Pininfarina collapsed over the weekend due to opposition by the latter’s creditors.
First Rendering Of Hyundai Creta Subcompact CUV Revealed
Recently announced for production with the Santa Cruz to possibly be made as well, the Hyundai Creta was revealed in rendered form Tuesday.
Renault Kwid Unveiled, Ready To Battle Maruti Suzuki Alto In India
As the Datsun brand stumbles in India, Renault-Nissan unveiled the Kwid Wednesday to take on the challenge of beating the best-selling Maruti Suzuki Alto.
Will the GenX Nano Erase Tata's 'Cheapest Car' Stigma?
It’s not often a car company, or any group of people for the matter, will admit mistakes – particularly billion dollar mistakes. That’s why the launch of the all-new Tata GenX Nano is refreshing. Based on former CEO Ratan Tata’s dream of moving Indians who transport their entire families on scooters and motorcycles into safer – albeit, basic – four wheeled automobiles, the very fact the original 2009 Nano was the least expensive car on sale anywhere in the world proved to be an albatross around the Nano’s tiny neck. Even Indians aspiring to the middle class of a developing country, it turns out, aspire to be seen in something other than the cheapest car in the world. They’d rather buy a used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, the hatchback that more or less defines India’s entry level car segment. In recognition of that reality, the new GenX Nano will now be positioned as an entry level hatchback to more directly compete with the Alto 800, Hyundai Eon and the newly announced Renault Kwid.
Tata GenX Nano Latest In Low-Cost Line Of Nano City Cars
Hitting showrooms Tuesday, Tata Motors announced its latest variant of the Nano city car: the GenX Nano.
Mahindra & Mahindra In Negotiations To Buy Pininfarina
Pininfarina designs many things: Ferraris, scissors, Coke machines. Now, Mahindra & Mahindra wants the Italian house’s talents.
Mahindra Buys Majority Stake In NEVS
Ever wondered what Indian curry and Swedish meatballs tasted like together? You will soon enough, thanks to a new deal between National Electric Vehicle Sweden and Mahindra.
Datsun Dealing With Low Sales In Emerging Markets
Last year, Renault-Nissan resurrected Datsun, positioning the brand for emerging markets — like India, Russia and Indonesia — with a portfolio of models that would attract new, young consumers whose wallets were a bit thin.
It’s not quite working out thus far.
Mahindra Seeking Alliances With Global Players
Despite its struggles in its native market — and, perhaps, because of said struggles — Mahindra & Mahindra is seeking to build alliances with a trio of automakers to develop its global presence.
Tata To Enter Global Passenger Market With Help Of Jaguar Land Rover
Having done well with Jaguar Land Rover in its portfolio, Tata Motors is now turning to its premium subsidiary for its own foray into passenger cars and SUVs.
Akerson: Barra Did Not Know About Ignition Defect Before Becoming CEO
Automotive News reports former General Motors CEO Dan Akerson proclaimed in an interview with Forbes magazine that current CEO Mary Barra had no knowledge of the out-of-spec ignition switch that led to the February 2014 recall of 2.6 million vehicles, going as far as to bet his own life on the statement. Barra added the fallout from the recall is a chance for GM to not only “do the right thing and serve the customer well through” the crisis, but “to accelerate cultural change” within the company. Akerson passed the torch to Barra in December 2013 to take time to care for his ailing wife, and has since rejoined Carlyle Group as vice chairman on its board of directors.
GM Moves EV Pack Production In-House, Almost Had A Commodore EV
Automotive News reports General Motors will bring production of the Chevrolet Spark EV’s battery pack in-house to its Brownstown Township plant in the Detroit metro area, having already moved the subcompact’s 85-kilowatt electric motors to White Marsh, Md. in 2013. The pack was originally assembled by A123 Systems before Wanxiang Group picked up the torch. No new jobs will be created as a result of the move, spokesman Dave Darovitz stating GM would add jobs “if consumer demand requires it.” The packs for the 2015 Spark EV — whose market will expand to include California and Oregon later this year — will be 86 pounds lighter than the outgoing units, and will have a storage capacity of 19 kilowatts held within 192 lithium ion cells.
TTAC Salutes The Maruti 800
Despite an ailing presence in North America, Suzuki has been a pioneer in the Indian marketplace, with its Maruti Suzuki subsidiary selling over 10 million vehicles since inception in 1981, with the Maruti 800 serving as its core product.
Datsun Go Production Launched In India
Just in time for the 2014 Delhi Motor Show — where the above Datsun Redi-Go concept made its debut this week — Renault-Nissan launches production of the revived brand’s Go subcompact at their plant in Chennai, India.
Tata Debuts Bolt, Zest Subcompacts
Debuting their first new cars in four years, Tata took the wraps off the Bolt and Zest subcompacts, which are designed specifically to sneak in under four meters in length, to get around vehicle taxation schemes.
Ford Figo Debuts In India
Datsun to Unveil Concept at 2014 Delhi Auto Expo
Should you happen to be in India two weeks from now, Datsun will unveil the above concept at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo during a conference held by the offshoot automaker.
Indian Car Market Sees First Yearly Sales Decline Since 2002
Akio Toyoda Sees Emerging Markets' Growth Slowing, Uncertainties in China, Japan
Bloomberg is reporting that Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp. and scion of its founding family said that a slowdown in emerging markets and uncertainty over demand in both China and the Japanese home market makes 2014 “unpredictable”.
Tata to Base "Global" Range of Cars On Advanced Modular Platform That It Says Will "Leapfrog" VW's MQB
According to Tata Motors’ managing director, Karl Slym, the company is developing a new modular platform, to be the basis of a “global” range of vehicles that it claims will “leapfrog” VW’s MBQ technology. The new vehicles will be rolled out over the next six years.
Though Tata has had more success selling commercial vehicles than cars, Tata says that it is going to build a family of world class passenger vehicles based on what it’s calling the Advanced Modular Platform (AMP). Tata badly needs new product to replace an ageing lineup of cars which has been doing poorly as the Indian market has experienced a downturn.
2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe to Debut at LA Auto Show
For those of us who love the Jaguar’s F-Type’s zazz but would prefer to keep the wind out of our hair (along with the rain, sleet and snow) on a more permanent basis, Jaguar now has an option for you.
GM Found Responsible For Using "Ringer" Engines in Indian Emissions Testing, Tavera Production Resumes
The Times of India and the Hindustan Times are reporting that a panel appointed by the Indian government to look into General Motors’ recall last summer of 114,000 Chevrolet Tavera multiple use vehicles says that the company violated testing regulations, according to a government official who has seen the report. The recall came after a surprise check by the Automotive Research Association of India, an industry group that works with India’s Ministry of Transportation, found that the Tavera’s production diesel engines were not consistent with those that GM had supplied for testing.
You Can Buy A New Stingray Right Now For Only $7,000!
Production on the all new seventh generation 2014 Corvette Stingray has begun, though they haven’t officially gone on sale yet while the inventory pipeline fills. It’s the first time in decades that the Stingray name has been used by the Corvette. However, it turns out that you can buy a brand new Stingray right now, and for only about $7,000. There’s just one catch. It’s not a Corvette, made by Chevy or even sold in the United States.
Suzuki Denies Renewed Talks With VW
Not so fast…again
Though recent reports claim that VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech and Suzuki President Osamu Suzuki are involved in board level talks to resolve the differences in their on again off again relationship, at a news conference for quarterly earnings, Suzuki Executive Vice President Toshihiro Suzuki denied any such talks have taken place. According to Reuters, Suzuki claimed that “There have been various reports, but there absolutely are no such facts, so there is nothing I can talk about on this topic.”
GM Names Chief Transmission Engineer Interim Head of Global Powertrain Operations in Wake of Indian Emissions Testing Scandal
GM tabbed the automaker’s head transmission engineer to be interim chief of the firm’s global powertrain operations while the company conducts a search for a permanent replacement for Sam Winegarden, who was fired in the wake of an emissions testing scandal in India.
Jim Lanzon, 62, is currently vice president of GM, global transmissions, a position he’s held for 11 years and had an important role in negotiating the recently announced agreement between GM and Ford Motor Co. over jointly developing new 9- and 10-speed automatic transmissions. Like Winegarden, Lanzon has been a longtime GM employee.
GM Axes Global Powertrain Chief & Several Employees Over India Emissions Testing "Ringer Engines" Scandal
Tavera SUVs at GM India assembly plant
Automotive News is reporting that Sam Winegarden, GM’s vice president for global engine engineering, the company’s highest ranking powertrain executive, was fired this week along with about 10 other GM Powertrain employees in the U.S. and India, over cheating in GM’s emissions testing at its Indian subsidiary.
Renault-Nissan To Launch Modular Architecture For Low-Cost Cars
In India for the relaunched Datsun brand’s first car, the Go, CEO of the Renault-Nissan alliance, Carlos Ghosn, announced that Renault and Nissan will jointly develop a platform for low cost and ultra low cost cars aimed at India and other emerging markets, which Ghosn believes will make up 60% of the global automotive market by 2016. To do that, the alliance will spend another $5 billion on investments in their Indian operations over the next five years. Renault-Nissan is committed to using India as its global hub for emerging markets, developing the cars there as well as assembling and exporting them.
Jaguar F-Type V8S Costs More Than XKR-S In India
Jaguar has launched the F-Type in India, priced at an insane Rs. 1.37 crore for the V6 S and Rs. 1.61 crore for the V8 S (no base V6 on offer). Jaguar has almost confused Indians with the F-Type’s pricing as the 2-seater sportscar costs more than the XK in the country.
Mahindra Tweaks Car To Evade SUV Tax
The Indian government is bizarre. A few months back, a new tax was applied on SUVs, resulting in 3% extra excise duty on them. The government justified the move saying that SUVs occupy more space on the road, although the truth is that large sedans occupy more space than SUVs. A criteria was set and if a vehicle fits into all three, then it is classified as an SUV. Thus an SUV is a vehicle which is more than 4-metres in length, having an engine larger than 1.5-litres and a ground clearance of more than 170 mm. Indian roads are pathetic and you really need good ground clearance to prevent scraping the underbody on large and unmarked speed-breakers.
Renault Duster Starts Losing Steam To Ford EcoSport
Renault launched the Duster in India last year and it immediately became a strong seller. The response to the Duster was so good that the compact SUV overtook India’s best selling SUV, Mahindra Scorpio, to become the segment’s best seller. All was well for Renault until Ford crashed the French automaker’s party with the launch of the EcoSport. Ford not only undercut the Duster’s price by a cool $3000 but also offered way more equipment, helping them to get 50,000 orders in a matter of just two months.
Ford Shocks Renault With EcoSport Price In India
Did you know that the Duster is the highest selling Renault car in the first five months of 2013? The Duster has changed the fortunes of Renault India, selling 5000 units on an average every month, accounting for 80% of Renault’s sales in India. The Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport are big competitors all over the world. In Brazil, the EcoSport has been outselling the Duster. Both cars are compact SUVs with a front-wheel drive layout and monocoque chassis (the Duster is also offered with 4-wheel drive in select markets but not in India). The competition between both vehicles is extremely intense. Both cars are manufactured in India with heavy localisation (the Duster is already being exported to Europe, while the EcoSport will soon be exported to Australia, South Africa and Europe).
Nissan/Renault Join The Kit Car Age
The first CMF-based cars will be produced in a new section of Nissan’s plant in Chennai, India
As you know, TTAC has been following the modularization trend in the industry with great interest. At TTAC, you received an early heads-up on Volkswagen’s MQB kit architecture four years ago, and we followed it ever since. TTAC was one of the first to tell you that Toyota is working on its own kit architecture, called “Toyota New Global Architecture,” TNGA for short. More than a year ago, we told you about Nissan’s Common Module Family (CMF). Now, everybody is talking about kits and modules. Let’s talk a little more.
Nissan Terrano Is A Re-Badged Renault Duster
Renault and Nissan have a global alliance and in India both companies keep re-badging each other’s vehicles. While Renault has re-badged the Micra as the Pulse and Sunny as the Scala, Nissan will do it’s first re-badge exercise on a Renault product with the Terrano. The Nissan Terrano, as you can see in the above sketch, is a re-badged Renault Duster.
Mahindra Chops Off Renault Logan's Trunk
When Renault entered the Indian market a few years back, it had little experience. Thus the French automaker tied up with local automobile giant Mahindra. The first product to be launched was the Logan, priced a bit optimistically. The product didn’t sell, and Renault decided to part ways, giving Mahindra the rights to sell the Logan as its own product. Mahindra went solo with the Logan, re-badged it as the Verito and made some changes. The Logan started to sell better under the Mahindra umbrella.
Indian Car Market: Big Hopes Turn Into Big Disappointment
Long feted as “the next China,” the Indian car market turned into a big disappointment: India’s annual car sales fell for the first time in a decade in the financial year just ended, Reuters says.
“Carmakers in India, two years ago the world’s hottest growth market after China, have seen high interest rates, rising fuel prices and prolonged economic gloom turn an industry recently growing at 30 percent a year into one plagued by huge discounts, showrooms full of unsold cars, and chronic overcapacity.”
Cheap Is Not Always In, How The Nano Flopped
The Tata Nano is the world’s cheapest car but nowhere close to being a good seller. If you factor in the economics of demand and pricing, you will feel the Nano should have done better, much better. Sadly it hasn’t and there are several reasons for it. Firstly the car was positioned as the cheapest car in the world. Nobody (at least not in India) wants to drive the “CHEAPEST” car. Had Tata Motors positioned the vehicle as the most affordable car in the world, things could have been different for the Nano. Or so the theory goes. The truth is probably closer to the fact that people, once they have a little money, don’t want to drive a car that shouts “I can’t afford more!” That type of reverse snobbery is left to very developed markets, or Jay Leno’s garage.
Indian Farmer Spends $13,000 For AK47 Number Plate
A farmer from a village in Punjab recently paid Rs. 7,00,000/- ($13,000) to get the registration number PB-07 AK-47. AK-47 is the famous assault rifle, but what is shocking is the vehicle he got this number for.
GM Mounts Heavy Losses In India
General Motors entered India in 1996 and to this date, the company hasn’t been able to understand the market. The American car maker was among the first few to enter India after the economy was opened to foreigners in 1991, with majority of manufactuers entering India after 1998. GM has two plants in the country, both of which are under utilized (only 38% utilisation). The company initially entered with Opel branded cars (Corsa and Vectra), which were a nightmare when it came to repairs, since parts were imported from Germany, thereby costing a fortune.


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When Katie Ragan took over as Executive Director of the Crossroads Downtown Partnership in February, she had no idea what she was in for. No one did. A month into her tenure at the nonprofit promoting Morristown’s downtown Businesses, business was closed down as the COVID-19 global pandemic reached our shores.
With only essential businesses open, Ragan had to expand her own role and navigate a Downtown business community in lockdown.
“I remember in my interview I said I like to be challenged and here I am facing one of the biggest challenges,” Regan said. “It’s been great with my board. They’re all so helpful and key players in my job. If I have a question, they’re only a phone call or a text message away. They’re vital in helping me get my footing.”
The good news for downtown and Ragan is with the phased reopening comes the opportunity to throw a party. On June 20, Crossroads and the downtown businesses hosted the “It Takes A Village Party” to celebrate the community’s response to local business during the COVID-19 shutdown and reopening.
“It’s a way for the downtown merchants and crossroads to give back to the community and show thanks for the support they’ve shown downtown during COVID,” Ragan said. “Whether it’s online orders or curbside pick ups, anything and everything, it was good to see people walking downtown and being outdoors.”
The opportunity to plan an event, even one that required nearly 100 vintage cars to throw, was something that Ragan relished.
“Honestly, it felt so good to finally be able to give back to the community,” Ragan said. “That’s why I like planning events. It’s not about me. It’s about those that get to enjoy the event. I’m excited to see it all come together. The biggest reward is seeing everyone enjoy it and the smiles on their faces. I feel like we really need that right now. I’m ready to see it.”
In the meantime, Ragan was able to expand her own role, transition her office and do more behind-the-scenes work as Tennessee continues to expand what businesses can do amid the ongoing coronovirus pandemic.
Events planned for March and April haven’t been cancelled, but postponed as Crossroads and the Downtown business community strives for some kind of return to normalcy.
Still, there’s no doubt that missing nearly two months put Crossroads behind. Ragan was instrumental applying and receiving an East Tennessee Foundation Grant, but nothing would be better for Crossroads or Downtown than to be open for business.
“That’s why we put this event together,” Ragan said. “Everything on our calendar, we’re planning on doing. I want to keep putting on events for our community. That’s one of the reasons we’re here. That helps our Downtown. We’re going to keep pressing on.”
Part of that is the refinement of the Downtown Morristown App, a resource already available that gives users a virtual tour, links to Crossroads, a calendar of events, photo sharing, contact link, business directory, coupons, parking and business map.
The next step for Ragan is assessing the new needs of Downtown and filling up empty spots with businesses that benefit the community.
“My biggest goal is to go through Downtown and see what’s vacant, what’s for sale and start filling up Downtown a little bit,” Ragan said. “There’s a lot of missed opportunities there and I think I can help in that area.”


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May. 18, 2021
Using the new method, researchers could more quickly and accurately identify chemical elements in olive oil, helping determine provenance and identify adulteration.
Apr. 1, 2021
A scientific review identified the most prevalent types of olive oil fraud and proposed countermeasures including more cooperation among regulatory bodies.
Jun. 22, 2020
A majority of products sold as avocado oil in the U.S. is mislabeled or adulterated with cheaper oils, researchers at the University of California Davis found.
Jun. 5, 2020
Olive oil tops the list for joint activities against counterfeit, adulteration and misleading labels.
Jan. 14, 2020
The American Botanical Council has released a report detailing the causes of adulteration of olive oil and the issues surrounding olive oil counterfeiting, mislabeling and fraud.
Jul. 20, 2017
Members of the House Committee on Appropriations have called on the Food and Drug Administration to update its report on the authenticity of extra virgin olive oil sold in the U.S.
May. 9, 2017
In Denmark, the operation focused samples of olive oils sold in supermarkets to check their compliance with labeling regulations. Results showed that many of the 'virgin olive oils' tested were blends or lampante oil.
Mar. 22, 2017
New rules on food safety and inspection have been adopted by the European Parliament to tackle fraudulent practices in the food industry.
Feb. 23, 2017
Spain received an international judicial cooperation request from Italy after the country conducted several investigations which confirmed the falsification of oil products from Andalusia.
Oct. 21, 2013
Olive oil, fish and organic foods are the products most prone to food fraud, according to a draft report of a European Parliament committee which also calls for tougher penalties.
Jun. 13, 2013
An international research project on olive oil authentication will be funded by the European Union.
May. 8, 2013
A judge ordered Capatriti to either recall its products, or apply a label stating that what’s inside is not really olive oil at all.
Jan. 22, 2013
New World producers are renewing a bid to raise the limit for campesterol in olive oil which they see as a trade barrier.


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PlayStation Store pre-orders can start pre-loading tomorrow at 12 AM (local time) with the game launching at 10 AM ET on November 11th.
Rockstar has finally released a trailer for the upcoming remastered trilogy, giving glimpses of the updated visuals across the three games.
The page for the trilogy on the Rockstar store has revealed a November launch date, with a physical release coming on December 6.
PC requirements of the remastered collection have also leaked, thanks to a Rockstar post that went live earlier than it was supposed to.
Many Achievements are tied to completing story missions while others can be earned through completing various tasks.
Includes Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas with improvements to visuals and gameplay.
The leaks for the rumoured Grand Theft Auto remastered collection are continuing to heat up, thanks, funnily enough, to the Rockstar Launcher.
Mentions of the unannounced collection have also been spotted in backend updates made to the Rockstar Launcher.
Following its recent GRAC rating, the rumours remastered trilogy looks set to launch in November, as per a new report.
A collection by the name of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition has been rated in South Korea, further fueling rumours.
Instead of October or November, the rumored remasters of Grand Theft Auto 3, GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas could slip into 2022.
The remasters are planned to release in late October/early November for current and previous gen platforms along with mobile devices.
The developer has been rebranded as Rockstar Dundee.


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One clear outcome of the coronavirus pandemic is explosive growth in cannabis sales in every major market around the country.
Even in places like Illinois, which just started legal adult-use sales about two months before the coronavirus hit the United States, sales continue to make records.
If 2020 is one of the worst years in recent history, people apparently are turning to cannabis for a degree of comfort and solac
The proof is in the sales figures. Florida and Arizona have established new records in medical marijuana sales. Colorado hit $192 million in recreational and medical marijuana sales in May, a record for the state that was the first to allow adult-use sales. Oregon sales reached $100 million for the first time since 2015.
While tied to the pandemic, experts expected an increase in 2020 cannabis sales before social distancing and mask-wearing became commonplace. But certainly, the pandemic drove sales higher, faster.
Through June, sales increases were nothing short of staggering. Based on the current pace, sales nationwide will hit $15 billion by the end of 2020—that’s 40 percent higher than in 2019, according to most recent Marijuana Business Factbook. Essentially, every market that is not tourist-driven has seen an increase.
The extra $600 per week in unemployment benefits played a key role in keeping sales strong, according to the Factbook. With the future of those benefits in doubt, the future of sales increases could be in jeopardy.
However, in some ways, making cannabis an essential business that could remain open during lockdowns – something most states did – cemented cannabis as a solid American industry going forward.
Cannabis revenue in 2024 could exceed craft beer and pain medication.
Projections call for sales reaching as high as $37 billion by 2024, according to the Marijuana Fact Book. A large chunk of growth is driven by booming medical marijuana sales in Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
For example, In Oklahoma, more than eight percent of the population has registered for the state’s medical marijuana program. That’s higher than anyone originally projected.


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Halo Infinite Mid-Season Update Revealed, Includes Multiplayer And Campaign Improvements
The mid-season update is expected to be released on February 24
Halo Infinite is getting a mid-season update next week that will include changes and improvements to multiplayer and campaign alike. The update is expected to release on Thursday, February 24, and to begin with, it'll include networking updates to improve rubberbanding issues, in particular.
"Next week's update will add new telemetry that specifically focuses on gathering more data around instances of being shot around walls or corners. It will also have targeted improvements to reduce rubberbanding around vehicles and vehicle debris. This work will help us as we continue to improve the online experience, but it does not signify the end of the road," 343 said in a blog post.
The February 24 update will also address an issue with first-person animations. "If you’ve ever spotted some framerate issues while clambering or reloading (or any other first- person action), you should see those run more smoothly next week," 343 said.
The patch will also make general performance and stability improvements, and 343 said it will continue to make further improvements based on reports that fans send in. And for Big Team Battle specifically, the range of the Motion Tracker in BTB will increase from 18m to 24m. "This has been a consistent piece of community feedback in BTB, especially since the update earlier this month, and we’re happy to make it a reality with this update," 343 said.
343 also told fans to expect improvements to Halo Infinite's anti-cheat systems, though the developer did not reveal any specifics apart from there being "multiple improvements" in the update.
For Halo Infinite's campaign, the February 24 patch will address issues with Achievements and problems related to resuming the game through the Xbox's Quick Resume feature.
The full patch notes for the Halo Infinite mid-season update will be announced next week as the update's release draws closer. We'll post the patch notes on GameSpot when they're announced.
GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.


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Rivian turned down GM investment so it could build EVs for others
GM reportedly wanted exclusivity.
Oslo is working on wireless charging for its electric taxis
Norway's capital aims to be the first city to deploy such a system.
James Bond's next Aston Martin might be electric
He could save the planet while saving the free world.
Fisker plans to release an electric SUV under $40,000 in 2021
Tesla will have some fresh competition... eventually.
Tesla drops mid-range Model 3 battery option
It might not be that necessary now that the entry model is available.
Tesla's change of heart will bring Autopilot prices 'back to normal'
You can still score the discounts before March 18th.
Tesla extends delivery times for base Model 3 by one month
The more affordable EV already has a backlog.
Nissan Leaf is the first electric car to top 400,000 sales
Nissan might want to keep an eye on Tesla.
Polestar wants you to buy and unlock your car with your phone
Its Polestar Explore app will play a large part.


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References in periodicals archive ?
said the PRN expects resident recruitment to get a boost from a late November decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which ruled that interns and residents at private teaching hospitals function more as employees than students and therefore should have the right to bargain collectively.
Nurses PRN flu shots are administered by experienced registered nurses who help people feel comfortable.
PHOTO : HEAD NURSE: Bruce Linn founded PRN staffing services two years ago.
Meredith Video Studios and PRN will customize hosted how-to segments and scripted narrative vignettes that will air on PRN's Checkout TV[R] and HDTV Networks at major retail locations.
PRN is in public relations and investor relations communications and related services, connecting over 30,000 customers to their target audiences through its distribution network.
A fundamental principle is to use routine, not PRN, administration.
Before PRN, Mitchell spent more than 10 years with the ABC Television Network, holding several senior management positions.
PRN operates the largest in-store television network in the United States, based on the number of consumers reached each month.
Apart from the regular dosage of morphine, one can also work in a PRN dosage of morphine of, say, one-third to one-half the regular dosage because this gives one a better shot at maintaining a lower maintenance dosage.
NYSE:BJ), a leading warehouse chain in the eastern United States, today announced that BJ's has selected PRN to provide high-quality, 1080p video programming for BJ's in-club television department.
PRN is a Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania-based developer of specialty omega-3s and related products for dry eye and macular degeneration.
We're thrilled with the outstanding showing of the PRN HDTV Network audience," said Richard Fisher, PRN president and chief executive officer.
the Midwest supercenter chain, today announced that Meijer has selected PRN to provide advertising sales and sales support services for the retailer's in-store media network.
Today's audience enjoys media that is socially connected," said Cathy Stauffer, PRN executive vice president, market development.
com, and bring the best of celebrities, glamour and personal stories to our network," said Jonathan Rosen, PRN vice president of content strategy and development.
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QUẢNG NINH — The northern province of Quảng Ninh hosted a ceremony on Saturday to welcome the certificate of ASEAN Sustainable Urban Tourism Award given to Sa Vĩ border information cluster of Móng Cái City, which was announced in Brunei on January 16 this year.
|Sa Vĩ border information cluster of Móng Cái City, which won ASEAN Sustainable Urban Tourism Award by ASEAN Tourism Forum. Photo baoquangninh.com.vn|
Leaders from central sectors in Hà Nội joined more than 2,000 locals and tourists at the ceremony.
The Sa Vĩ border information cluster of Móng Cái City was built on a total area of 16,000sq.m, starting from 2009 and completed in October 2013. It includes a square, a monument, and a service area built using the State budget.
The cluster is situated inside Trà Cổ Relic Site, which was recognised as a National Tourism Site by the culture ministry on April 24 last year. This is the first national tourism site in Quảng Ninh and among four national tourism sites throughout the country.
At the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2020, in Brunei, on January 16, the Sa Vĩ border information cluster of Móng Cái City (Quảng Ninh Province) and Thanh Đông Organic Vegetable Garden (Quảng Nam Province) representing Việt Nam were given the ASEAN Sustainable Rural or Urban Tourism Products Award 2020.
The ASEAN Sustainable Rural or Urban Tourism Products Award is an award of ASEAN honouring the brands of businesses and high-quality tourism products and services in the region.
It is also an opportunity for the units to promote and improve the effectiveness of Việt Nam tourism promotion and the 'Vietnam Timeless Charm' brand.
Located at the easternmost point of the country, Móng Cái City hosts magnificent landscape with mountains, rivers and sea as well as friendly people. —VNS


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This year's easiest-to-guess passwords... as discovered by hackers that worked them out
Despite widely publicised mass hacking attacks computer and smartphone users still leave themselves vulnerable by choosing passwords that are incredibly easy to guess.
Password management app maker SplashData has revealed this year’s worst passwords, with ‘password’ and ‘123456’ taking the top two slots.
The online security firm didn’t have to hack anything to get them – they were left online by hackers who had broken into major servers such as Sony’s Playstation Network and the CIA’s.
Key facts: Typing in obvious passwords - such as 'password' - is just asking for trouble
The publication of the list follows the news that computer hackers attempt to break into at least 600,000 Facebook accounts using stolen username and password details every day, according to the social networking giant.
The online criminals attempt to crack the accounts so they can steal user information, spread frauds or send bogus offers and messages trying to sell counterfeit goods to members' friends.
Facebook has an estimated 800 million users and receives over a billion login attempts every day. Half the British population now have a Facebook account.
THE TOP 25 WORST PASSWORDS OF 2011
1. password 2. 123456 3. 12345678 4. Qwerty 5. abc123 6. Monkey
7. 1234567 8. Letmein 9. trustno1 10. Dragon 11. Baseball 12. 111111
13. Iloveyou 14. Master 15. Sunshine 16. Ashley 17. Bailey 18. passw0rd
19. Shadow 20. 123123 21. 654321 22. Superman 23. Qazwsx
24. Michael 25. football
Simon Ellson, a security expert for anti-virus computer firm Norton, emphasised that it's crucial to change passwords frequently and avoid repetitions in them.
He said: 'The biggest mistake anyone can make is using the same password for each account as you can become more vulnerable should a cyber attack occur. Therefore it is important to have multiple, strong passwords which you should change regularly.
'When creating a password, ensure you use a mixture of numbers, letters or symbols and avoid using personal information, sequences or repetition, as these passwords are easier to hack.
'Never store all your passwords in the same place either, such as in a personal folder in your email account called "passwords", or rely on a website to "remember login details" – always enter them manually each time.
'Norton has a feature called Norton Identity Safe which allows you to store all your usernames and passwords in the cloud, rather than on your PC for better security. Make sure you also keep a close eye on what you do on the internet and when you log into certain websites.
'Some online banking websites show the date and time of when you last logged in which should be closely monitored.'
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Spoon, an audio-only live-streaming platform based out of South Korea, has announced a partnership with esports stats platform OP.GG to launch an esports audio show.
The weekly show, called ‘GG no RE’, will feature actor Ben Stillwell as host alongside a guest host, and will include pro players along with interactive elements for listeners.
Sangrak Choi, CEO of OP.GG, commented in a release: “Launching the series with Spoon gives us another key touchpoint to connect with our esports community. The platform’s interactive format and focus on audio bridges professional athletes and the broader gaming community together to celebrate the art of the sport, engage in authentic conversations, and connect with the human being behind the keyboard.”
Executive produced by Clint Sears, the show will serve as Spoon’s first original programming effort and will focus on an array of popular esports titles. Spoon’s app-based platform allows users to interact with DJs and even host their own audio streams.
Listeners will be able to interact with the show’s hosts and other listeners via the smartphone app, while recorded versions of the episodes will be released afterwards as podcasts via platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
“Interactive media has certainly seen a rise across the industry and I’m thrilled to help spearhead the first of its kind show,” said Sears. “Spoon’s audio platform is a breakthrough for user-driven entertainment, and its content provides unparalleled interactivity that users, especially in the burgeoning esports community, love.”
Esports Insider says: There are plenty of esports-related shows on streaming video platforms, but streaming audio is a different kind of approach. It’ll be interesting to see how “GG no RE” is embraced and whether it courts a unique following.


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LG is set to launch its flagship G3 in India today at an event in Mumbai. If you can’t attend the event, the company will be live streaming the entire event. Also Read - LG TV 2021 lineup launched in India: Check details here
The LG G3 launch event is scheduled to kick off at 12:00PM IST, and the event will be live streamed on a special microsite that has been created for the G3, which can be accessed from here. Also Read - LG Gram 2021 series with 11th-gen Intel Core CPUs launched in India: Price, specifications
The LG G3 specifications are top of the line featuring a 5.5-inch QHD (1440×2650 pixels) display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB/3GB of RAM, 16GB/32GB internal storage and a microSD card slot. The LG G3 also includes a 13-megapixel rear camera with laser auto-focus, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat with LG’s new UI. Also Read - Best camera phones under Rs 35000 to buy in July 2021: Pixel 4a, Mi 11X, and more
We will be in Mumbai covering the event live. So stay tuned!


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Minnesota Sues Juul Over ‘Deceptive Advertising’
Minnesota is now the latest state to sue e-cigarette maker Juul.
In an 82-page complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court on Wednesday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison accused the company of consumer fraud, deceptive advertising practices, and negligence.
Juul knowingly employed marketing tactics to attract younger users, Ellison said. For instance, the company sold fruity and dessert-like products, such as mango-flavored e-cigarette pods. (In October, Juul took all those flavors off the market.) The company also paid social media influencers to pose with its products and created hashtags to help spread the message, Ellison noted.
In the complaint, Ellison drew parallels to Minnesota’s landmark $6 billion settlement with big cigarette manufacturers in 1998.
“Juul’s strategies, which Juul internally recognized were ‘eerily similar’ to those implemented by Big Tobacco, were multi-faceted,” Ellison wrote in the complaint. “Realizing that it could not compete with the well-funded e-cigarette manufacturers, Juul turned its marketing eye toward the youth, which it correctly perceived to be a relatively untapped and lucrative market.”
According to an October 2019 survey by the state, vaping has doubled among Minnesota eighth graders since 2016. Among eleventh graders in the state, vaping has grown by 54 percent.
Under Minnesota law, only people over 18 can buy tobacco products, including “electronic delivery devices.” Ellison said that Juul was negligent in verifying customers’ ages online.
“Until at least 2018, Juul regularly allowed customers under the age of 18 to purchase its products online,” the complaint read. “Although Juul knew that its system allowed such purchases, it failed to implement new measures out of fear of creating friction with users and generating negative press.”
Juul now faces hundreds of lawsuits over its advertising practices. Attorneys general in New York, North Carolina, and California have also filed suit against the company.
A Juul spokesperson told the Star Tribune that the company will work with attorneys general, regulators, and public health officials “to combat underage use and convert adult smokers from combustible cigarettes.” The spokesperson said the company hadn’t yet reviewed Minnesota’s complaint


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Find out what QSRs have been up to on social media this week.
BRAND AND STORE UPDATES
Krispy Kreme will open a new store in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre on 26th October.
Las Iguanas Royal Festival Hall and Gunwharf Quays have reopened with a new look.
Benito's Hat is set to launch its first site outside of London on 24th October.
Lola's Cupcakes will open a store in Selfridges Birmingham.
Krispy Kreme has set up its Skreme Machine stall at Southbank in front of London Eye starting 23rd until 27th October.
Greggs is partnering with Surfers Against Sewage to support the Autumn Beach Clean.
NEW ON THE MENU
Nando's has introduced its new Fino Pitta.
Ping Pong has unveiled its new lunch menu, available exclusively at Ping Pong Soho, Covent Garden and Westfield London restaurants.
Lola's Cupcakes has released its Halloween treats in stores.
Snog Frozen Yogurt has introduced its new range of frozen yogurt.
West Cornwall Pasty Company has brought back its Cheese and Onion Gluten-Free Pasty in stores.
Wimpy has added Sweet Potato Criss Cut Chips to its side offerings for £1.50.
Pizza Express' Halloween Dough Balls are back.
ShakeAway has unveiled its limited-edition Scary Scarlett Halloween shake.
Greggs has introduced its new Thai Chicken Soup.
Subway UK & Ireland will celebrate World Sandwich Day on 3rd November with free six-inch subs giveaways.
Pizza Express offers a half-price promo on its classic pizzas at Tesco.
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