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SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Korea Bizwire) – With young Koreans continuing to shun marriage, the number of single women living alone is rapidly increasing.
Many of them complain of anxiety from living by themselves.
In order to protect themselves and lower the possibility of crime even a little, these women are paying “safety costs.” Thus, women living alone are suffering from huge financial burden.
According to a study from the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s that surveyed 3,000 single-person households, specifically 1,469 males and 1,531 females, 172 or 11.2 percent of female respondents cited safety as the number one difficulty living alone.
On the other hand, only 12 or 0.8 percent of men mentioned the same challenge.
Of the total female respondents living alone, the younger generation accounted for 86 percent. This finding can be translated into the younger generation being far more sensitive to safety than their older counterparts.
In fact, according to a research paper by Kang Ji-hyun, a professor of criminology at the University of Ulsan, single-person households consisting of young women are more than 11 times more likely to suffer from home invasion than men.
Amid such circumstances, some argue that it is unfair that the additional cost for safety is transferred entirely to women.
Women living alone have to pay relatively high housing costs as they prefer houses in safe locations and with security facilities, as well as additional money for anti-crime goods.
“As I try to get studio apartment with a security guard on the first floor of the building, I pay 600,000 won (US$520) per month even though my place is very small,” a female office worker in her mid-20s said.
“I think I spend a lot of money and energy just to be safe.”
Lee Hye-seung, a 21-year-old college student who has been living alone for three years, said, “As a woman, the cost of safety spending is practically a pink tax, the higher price paid for women’s consumer items compared to similar products marketed to men.”
D. M. Park (firstname.lastname@example.org)


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says Subhashish Dasgupta of TNS' Automotive practice.
In the past decade Auto manufacturers have focused all their efforts on capturing a share of the fast growing Automotive markets in China and India. China is after all the largest automotive market in the world now and India was seeing year on year double digit growth rates… all in a context of European and American market recession.
A new market has emerged, almost unnoticed
So while everybody was slugging it out in China and India, a new market emerged, almost unnoticed. Let me quickly describe this market – population of over 600 million, GDP of over 2,333 billion USD with rapid growth, car penetration in the single digits, imports prevalent as demand outstrips supply and a car is still the most aspirational product that is a visible indicator of personal and professional success and status. Surprised??
You would be even more surprised when you realize that this market offers opportunities for all price ranges – from entry level vehicles to premium, all body types - hatchbacks, sedan, MPVs and pickups and all manufacturers – Local, Regional and Global. If you have a product to sell, chances are you will find a market here!
South East Asia has emerged and its time you sat up and took it seriously
South East Asia (SEA) is a collection of eleven countries (Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) in close geographical proximity. Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia account for nearly 90% of the total SEA automotive sales volume and will account for over 3.3 million cars sold by 2020. Each of these three markets will demonstrate a fundamental change in how their automotive market is structured and that presents a tremendous growth opportunity.
Tremendous growth opportunities
In Indonesia, MPVs will remain the largest segment, but lose share to A/B/C segments due to rising fuel costs, improving road infrastructure, eco-car projects and smaller family size vehicles. Toyota (with Daihatsu) will continue to be dominant, although other brands will gain share.
In Thailand, A and B segments will grow rapidly and take share from pick-ups. This will be driven by increasing congestion in urban centers and a government supported move towards more eco-friendly cars. Business owners, traders and farmers will still want a pickup but even in that segment we will see demand for sleeker designs and more comfort-oriented features to make it a desired family vehicle.
In Malaysia, A/B/C segments will continue to dominate the market but the dominance of local manufacturers Proton and Perodua will come under threat from global manufacturers – primarily the Japanese majors.
However, success is by no means guaranteed in these markets.
There are significant infrastructure and regulatory challenges to overcome with varying access and availability of reliable partners. However, the biggest challenge will be a deep understanding of the evolving consumer needs, motivations, brand perceptions and growth drivers. Are you prepared for South East Asia?
Find out more about TNS's Automotive practice: www.tnsglobal.com/automotive
asks Subhashish Dasgupta of TNS' Automotive practice.
SUV sales in India were down by 17.5% in July, and while it is still early days the current uncertainty around the economic situation in India may lead to a longer downward trend considering the fact that:
Consumers watch & wait…
Right now, the mood is quite cautious in the Indian economy, which is reflected in the Automotive sales this year. The SUV segment navigated past this until now, sustained by a slew of launches which created quite a bit of interest and buzz. As I said on the ET Now programme, the overall mood has now caught up even with customers of this segment, who are now playing a "watch & wait" game. If the slump continues, it will be another knock on a troubled market. It will be detrimental for certain manufacturers whose current product portfolios are based on SUV platforms. It will also start seeding doubts in the mind of other manufacturers who are lining up new SUV launches.
Last years' growth was not an aberration
Some experts may say that the growth in SUV sales witnessed in India last year was an aberration and a bubble. However, I do not believe this to be true as there has been a latent demand for an urban SUV in India - on account of increased space, enhanced safety etc. It was always a question of the right product with the right value being available. Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki, XUV 500 from Mahindra, Duster from Renault and Ford EcoSport are all early winners in this space. Before these models were introduced, all SUV were premium priced. When customers were exposed to a correct value equation with price and features, they flocked to those models.
I am confident that we will see a return to growth due to four key factors:
Finally, picking up on these trends a number of leading manufacturers in India are lining up urban SUVs - Maruti Suzuki has announced three new launches by 2015 and Hyundai has announced two from their side. So a lot of manufacturers are placing big bets on this segment which in turn should continue to propel the sales of the SUV segment. Right now the segment constitutes about 18-20% of the market including the entire gamut of UV - MPV, MUV, SUV etc. but its share will grow and potentially stabilize around the 25% mark.
Of course, the Auto market is reflecting on a downturn in the Indian economy at the moment that needs to be ridden out, but there's no need to panic because the foundations remain strong and the Indian economy is driven by strong domestic consumption so it will grow, albeit slower than previously.
Find out more about TNS's Automotive practice: www.tnsglobal.com/automotive
Says Kai Adolphs, Global Product Research Director, TNS’ Automotive Practice
Price management is a hot topic for car manufacturers today, and for good reason. Setting prices wrongly initially can waste millions over the vehicle lifecycle, for example by using major sales promotions and discounts to correct overly ambitious price and volume goals.
Ultimately, car manufacturers have a growing interest in learning how to set the price correctly, not only in highly competitive saturated markets of Europe and North America, but also in the rapid growth markets where the “gold rush” is starting to lose its luster!
It’s no wonder that market researchers and consultants nowadays offer so many tools and concepts (of varying degrees of sophistication) to support car manufacturers in their pricing decision-making. Most of these tools try to forecast market shares and sales volumes because car manufacturers increasingly demand precise answers about the volumetric potential of their vehicles. If I asked car manufacturers, market researchers and consultants what tools they really need, many would answer: “conjoint”. But is it really the answer?
Refined tools are needed for pricing research
Conjoint analysis has been a popular approach for many years and most researchers and consultants trust it almost blindly. But I strongly believe that today it can no longer be considered the ultimate answer for pricing questions. Particularly not in its traditional form for the production of realistic market shares or volumetrics for vehicle models. Let me explain why not.
The black box
Market researchers and consultants with little experience in the automotive industry would solve the issue by building a ‘black box’ around their data model, replacing market intelligence with mind-numbing data crunching until something resembling market shares falls out.
Pricing strategies call for precision
The reality is that today’s pricing strategies need to be based on precision, not imprecise foundations. Conjoint traditionally concentrates on consumer preference. Key measures of business growth, like market share gains, incremental sales volume etc. are not what these methods have been designed to deliver, so don’t meet client needs. Pricing managers and volume planners want to understand the potential market opportunities with quantified premises. They want to play “what if” scenarios within the forecasted volumetric!
It is impossible to transform relative preference from a conjoint model into business growth measures purely by using mathematical algorithm. Accurate volumetric predictions call for the consideration of context, for example by a systematic cross-linkage of industry standard secondary data (e.g. Jato, NCBS, Global Insights) with a flow of proven primary research elements to complement the conjoint.
Also the use of “conjoint” itself needs rethinking. New approaches, e.g. discrete choice models and self-balancing solutions are much better suited to design interview settings that reflect real life decisions of human beings.
This way, pricing research can deliver precise and powerful insights which are far removed from a “calibrated” black box.
asks Rémy Pothet, Global Automotive Practice Head
At the peak of the global economic and automotive industry crisis, when new car registrations in mature markets slumped, Electric Vehicles (EV), alongside plug-in hybrids, were hailed the miraculous solution which could fundamentally change and therefore save the global automotive industry. As such it was thought that millions of consumers in highly populated fast growing markets could continue to become car owners without damaging the planet.
Energy efficiency, zero emissions, noise reduction & congestion relief aren’t enough
New EV car registrations worldwide are expected to grow significantly, even if manufacturer predictions of market share in 2020 are surprisingly different: from a conservative forecast of 2% on one side, to an optimistic 10% on the other. This makes quite a difference given the scale of the market, we’re talking about a difference of around 5-6 million vehicles here…
But either way, it seems that promises of energy efficiency, zero emissions, noise reduction and congestion relief aren’t enough to conquer consumers’ hearts and minds.
5 years on, what’s holding EV’s back?
I see three key obstacles. Firstly, the lack of public awareness and a limited range of EV’s for consumers to choose from, secondly high prices - despite financial incentives schemes introduced by many governments. Finally the insufficient infrastructure to support a “revolution” is a major obstacle: few charging stations, no standardisation of batteries or connections, limited vehicle autonomy, long charging times… As a result there is no long term visibility of where EV’s are heading, which translates into a rather unconvincing offer for consumers to “Go Electric”.
Don’t get me wrong, progress has been made. Nearly all OEM’s have an EV in their range. Electric car-sharing schemes have been introduced in major cities like London and Paris. Tesla’s Model S has won numerous awards and Venturi has achieved a world-record-breaking “Shanghai to Paris” challenge in an electric vehicle.
Our relationship to cars may change. Owning a car in a large city may become “so last century”.
But what else needs to change? It’s not just a question of changing the type of motorisation. To achieve a large-scale breakthrough we should look beyond product to the bigger picture of consumer mobility and purchasing behaviour. Our relationship to cars may also change - ownership is still key to our relationship with conventional vehicles; less so with electric ones. Car ownership in major cities is decreasing as people turn their backs on traffic jams, lack of parking, and the financial burden of owning a car. The youth segment is increasingly disillusioned by the automotive industry. They are exploring alternative solutions: car sharing, journey sharing, renting from car owners in their community, or simply using taxis or public transport instead. Maybe one day owning a car in a large city will become “so last century”!
We need some disruptive innovation!
Maybe we don’t have all the answers within the Automotive industry. In which case we should look further afield to other industries for inspiration and innovative solutions. Are there opportunities for strategic partnerships with innovative players from other sectors - energy, IT or digital for instance? Some “disruptive innovation” via a strategic partnership of innovative players could put the EV breakthrough back on the map. In the same way Apple has changed our way of consuming music, and the lifestyle changes brought about by the launch of Smartphones, electric vehicles have the potential to change our way of getting from A-B. The perks of free parking and use of bus and taxi lanes certainly sound like a tempting alternative to idling in traffic with conventional vehicles or circling to find a parking space!
"The earth is blue like an orange", a French surrealist poet once famously said … And Chinese roads are still green like an exhaust pipe, car manufacturers could similarly say today…Six years after the introduction of the Toyota Prius on the Chinese market, talking about green in the auto industry remains a rather abstract concept: in 2011, only 8,159 hybrid/EV vehicles were sold in China - a drop in the ocean compared to the 14.5 million vehicles sold there last year!
"We should drive green to protect the environment": a
consensus on the principle…
A recent study conducted by TNS in China shows that Chinese car owners are well aware of pollution, and are especially concerned about air and water pollution and its direct impact on their health. Most motorists also agree that solving this environmental crisis has now become urgent.
… But there are still a lot of hurdles to overcome
Firstly, when it comes to the car market offering, consumers struggle to find a "green" model in the specific segment and price range they are interested in: while most manufacturers have EV or hybrid technology in their product plans (Roewe E50, Denza…), less than 20 EV-hybrid models are currently on offer in China, and even fewer pure EVs available. Small numbers compared to the 450+ car models selling on the Chinese market!
A second issue is the image that Chinese drivers have of green vehicles: although EV and hybrid technologies are perceived as being innovative, distinctive, fuel efficient and ecological by definition, motorists still question their affordability, reliability, power and practicality - all of which are key considerations.
How can OEMs win the green race in China?
Four keys to success can be identified:
The Driving Green (R)Evolution is a battle which will only be won with team work: marketers will play a key role, together with officials, engineers and … consumers!
says Frédéric Casellas, Global Account Director
It is widely recognised that consumers have a strong emotional connection to their car brand: the automotive sector enjoys a brand commitment level of 60% worldwide, one of the highest scores after healthcare (67%) and finance (64%).
This score is hardly surprising given that 1) pretty much all OEMs are now offering good-quality and reliable vehicles and 2) purchasing a new car isn’t a light-hearted decision but rather a high-involvement process: it represents a substantial expenditure - even more so for car buyers in emerging markets, and involves an emotional risk for increasingly brand conscious consumers.
Looking beyond the average to unveil growth opportunities
If this 60% score highlights the imperative for OEMs to invest in loyalty programs to hold onto their existing consumers, and encourage them to spend more, more often, it also poses the question of growth potential - especially for mass-volume brands who are fighting hard for market share.
In order to identify and unlock growth opportunities, mass-market OEMs need to look beyond this average score, and truly understand individual consumer behaviour and competitive context.
Commitment to car brands varies enormously across countries; it ranges from 80% in Northern Europe to 40% in some emerging markets, with key drivers to commitment differing from one country to another. In Eastern European markets, where a relatively high proportion of motorists (30% vs. 8% in mature markets) aren’t particularly fussed about the car brand, OEMs should implement transactional strategies or develop “hero models” rather than focusing on the brand. In Mediterranean countries, up to 20-30% of car owners are dissatisfied with their current brand, which implies that manufacturers should look at understanding this group’s unfulfilled needs prior to launching new customer acquisition strategies.
Driving attractiveness through differentiation
The gap in commitment between the market leaders (usually VW or Toyota) and their followers remains wide, while the gap among the latter (mostly mass-market brands) has almost disappeared.
Competition has also intensified in mature markets as car owners perceive little difference in terms of attractiveness between their current brand and alternatives. In addition, motorists are nowadays less likely to pay an “ownership premium” for a mass-volume brand.
To gain a foothold in their target markets, mass-market auto brands should direct their marketing budgets to developing differentiation strategies. Communications will play a key role in this context: instead of continuing to invest in communicating basic attributes such as quality, security or leadership which are already “owned” by VW, mass-market brands need to emphasize their differences in new, refreshing ways. They should communicate on attributes around the pleasure of driving, talk about the emotions arisen from the car design, or focus on developing a “caring” approach.
Only then will they be able to truly drive differentiation and increase attractiveness.
asks Yaroslav Zaitsev,
Head of Automotive Research, TNS Russia
With its relatively low level of car ownership – 260 vehicles per 1000 people vs. 800 in the USA and around 550 in many European countries – Russia represents a significant growth potential for the automotive industry. But as new car sales continue to grow in Russia, so does the number of second-hand vehicles…and the need to find owners for them.
Vehicles bought during Russia’s auto boom are now hitting the used car market
New vehicle owners hold onto their cars for 3.5 to 5 years on average, selling them before they depreciate too much in value. With Russian sales of new cars hitting a record 2.9 million in 2008, a large proportion of these vehicles are now flooding the used car market, bringing it to an astonishing 46% of the total car market in 2011 vs. 27% in 2007.
As a result, the offer of second-hand vehicles in Russia now largely exceeds the demand: unsurprisingly, 84% of new car owners will only consider a new vehicle for their next purchase, while almost half of used car owners also aspire to purchasing a brand new vehicle.
Russian car buyers are heavily reliant on credit
It may be no surprise that most consumers would prefer buying a new car, but only a few actually have the financial means to afford such a purchase. Russian car buyers are heavily reliant on auto loans: in the pre-crisis year of 2007, nearly half of new vehicles were purchased on credit. Although this number dropped to less than a third in 2009 as auto loans dried up, it quickly picked up again and in 2011 almost 40% of cars were bought with a debt financing scheme.
The situation in the used car market is somehow different. Only 20% of second-hand cars are currently purchased on credit as the number of financing schemes available for used cars is limited, and loan conditions aren’t as attractive as those offered for new vehicle purchases.
The used car market in Russia might have some rosy days ahead…
Today’s used car market is largely dominated by private sellers, and as such perceived as being risky – with little visibility over the vehicle quality and market value, and no warranty offered.
But there is a fantastic opportunity for car dealerships to tap into this huge and booming second-hand car segment: by offering both peace-of-mind and finance options, they could dramatically change the face of the Russian auto market over the next few years.
A professional, regulated sales channel for used vehicles would indeed appeal to cash-strapped consumers and to those who prefer purchasing reputed foreign brands second hand over new vehicles of domestic brands whose reputation and image remain poor.
The key question is whether Russian car makers will be able to overcome this new trend and develop strong strategies to win the hearts and minds of car buyers.
says Andy Turton, Global Development Director, TNS Automotive
For more than fifty years, the automotive industry planned its communication strategies around a linear model of the purchase process, in which the 5 main traditional media played specific roles over the course of several months, with dealers owning the final stages of this process and 'closing the deal'.
The advent of digital and social blurred the picture and brought a great deal of uncertainty to the industry.
Automotive brands were in the dark about the impact that online conversations were having on the way consumers chose their new car; they also were unsure whether these new digital channels complimented or competed against their own messages conveyed through broadcast media.
Car buyers are heavy users of the Internet, with 67% using digital sources to research new cars - more than any other category! They also rely heavily on these sources to form their opinions: 60% of new car buyers in the UK or China who read about car makes & models often change their mind based on online reviews...
With these figures in mind, knowing when, where and how to best engage with consumers is vital to car manufacturers.
A recent study conducted by TNS in China has shed some light on these challenges. It looked at new car buyers' media use and make & model shopping list development throughout their journey to purchase, tracking in real time every influence affecting consumer decision-making.
Below are three of the multiple thought-provoking insights and implications for OEMs that emerged from this unique study; these are facts of life for all brands in China:
Communication strategies must address the multiple paths to purchase.
On average, Chinese consumers take 2-3 months to complete their buying cycle. As so often, the average masks the insight: in China the path to purchase is a polarised picture, with more than 40% of consumers making their choice within less than 1 month and almost 50% taking 4 months or longer: planning communications for the average buyer is dangerous. In China, the fast and the slow buyers use media in different ways and for different purposes. Brands must recognise these multiple paths to purchase and plan for each accordingly.
Brand websites need to act as vehicles to convey brand values and promises.
Brand websites are currently designed for consumers reaching the end of their purchase journey, focussing on vehicle specification details and comparisons with carefully selected competitors. Chinese consumers whose buying process exceeds 1 month actually visit brand websites right from the beginning to the very end of their buying process. To meet the needs that consumers have at different stages, brand websites need to grow beyond spec comparisons to clearly convey the brand's values, qualities and promises.
Dealerships remain a key part of the buying process.
Although Chinese car buyers often turn to friends & family and online consumer reviews for advice - checking and validating the claims made by brands - dealers retain a key role in the process. In contrast to developed automotive markets, car dealers in China are the most trusted source of advice, and often play a decisive role in make/model choice.
Later this year, as we roll this study out to other parts of the globe, we'll discover the relevance of these insights beyond China.
One thing is already clear though: brands that learn how to reach and engage potential customers in each discrete path to purchase will win in the race to sell more vehicles than last year and more than the competition.
Check out the world's first real time analysis of the car-buying process: www.tnsglobal.com/tapps
says Pradeep Saxena, Head of Automotive Research, TNS India
As in previous years, the 11th edition of the Delhi Auto Expo which took place last month attracted a crowd of over 100,000 on peak days. The one big difference from past editions however, was in terms of the models being displayed which stand a good chance of being launched in India.
The Indian car market is dominated by both small size and small price vehicles
The popularity of the small-car segment on the Indian market is well known. What is less understood though is that small doesn’t only translate into size but also into price: whatever car model is available for a small price flies off the shelves. As a result, the Suzuki Dzire, a sedan which sells at US$ 12,000, and the Mahindra Bolero, a MUV priced at US$ 14,000, consistently feature among India’s top 10 best selling cars, despite neither of them qualifying as small-sized cars.
Every major car manufacturer - with the exception of Mahindra - has a small hatchback and at least one successful sedan in its portfolio; however few are those who offer a SUV or MUV worth raving about.
The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo showcased a surprisingly high number SUVs and MUVs
The most successful models in India’s currently under-developed (yet fast-growing) SUV market, range from US$ 21,000 for the Tata Safari or Mahindra Scorpio, to US$ 48,000 for Toyota Fortuner.
The Auto Show this year revealed a first-time interest for global car makers in the lower-price band: Ford (EcoSport) and Maruti Suzuki (XA Alpha) both displayed SUVs priced at around US$ 20,000, with the launch of the EcoSport scheduled for early 2013. Meanwhile Indian manufacturers are set to venture into the mid-price band; Mahindra is planning to launch its SsangYong’s Rexton which will sell at around US$ 36,000.
Among the MUVs unveiled last month, the Stile by Ashok Leyland and Ertiga by Maruti Suzuki will both hit the Indian market at around US$ 20,000.
So, what is spurring carmakers to focus on SUVs and MUVs?
Car manufacturers are relying on India’s multi-generational households to fuel growth
Almost half of Indian car-buying households either purchase an additional vehicle or replace an existing one – and 15% of these households opt for a SUV or MUV.
India is a country where multi-generational households continue to prevail, as Oprah Winfrey found out during a recent visit: she was astonished to learn that Abhishek Bachchan, one of India’s biggest film stars, still lived with his father - even after marriage!
Such a household obviously needs to purchase a larger vehicle to accommodate a higher number of passengers. When buying an additional car - be it for a family or individual need - the combined disposable income of its members also means that it can actually afford a SUV or MUV. As most of these models come with diesel engines, their lower running costs make them even more accessible.
However, for most Indian middle-class households, US$ 20,000 remains the maximum amount which they’re prepared to spend on a new vehicle.
Whether car manufacturers succeed in luring them into breaking this ceiling, with the launch of these attractive SUVs unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo, remains to be seen…

domain: news


text: (de-news.net) – The Federal Council confirmed the Growth Opportunities Act on Friday after there had already been a majority in the Bundestag. There had until recently been resistance from the CDU-CSU after an initial rejection in the Federal Council last year. The project includes stimuli for growth, innovation, but also research and development. Smaller companies and medium-sized businesses should benefit from tax simplifications. Finally, improvements are planned for loss carryforwards, for movable goods and housing for entrepreneurs. The advance VAT return will also be simplified for a limited time. A total of 3.2 billion euros in relief volume comes together within the package.


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Ossia is adding another established investor to its of group financial backers.
The Redmond-based startup, which is developing wireless charging technology, announced today that Japan-based KDDI is making a strategic investment in the company.
Ossia said that KDDI’s support, which comes through the KDDI Open Innovation Fund, will help the startup continue developing wireless charging technology and enable it to get its product in front of Japanese consumer electronics manufacturers.
“There has been tremendous interest in Ossia’s Cota remote wireless power technology in Japan,” Ossia founder Hatem Zeine said in a statement. “Ossia has been working diligently to create meaningful partnerships with Japanese companies that, like KDDI, understand the benefits and long-term possibilities remote wireless power will create.”
We met with Zeine this past April, where the trained physicist and former Microsoft engineer showed us Ossia’s Cota technology, which can wirelessly charge electronic devices through walls and power gadgets that are more than 40 feet away.
The plan is to sell the Cota technology to device and accessory manufacturers, who can embed Cota receivers in their new products. Consumers can then purchase a Cota-enabled charging station and place it in their home or office.
The vision is to be able to charge your devices anywhere at anytime, without cords. Zeine said that he hopes Cota eventually becomes as prevalent as Wi-Fi is today.
“We may not invent the next great gadget,” Zeine said last year. “But we will make it possible.”
The new funding is helping Ossia speed up development of Cota and ultimately get the technology commercialized. In April, Zeine said that Ossia had raised a little more than $6 million. The new $24 million round, which KDDI is apart of, would push total funding past $30 million. The company in November also raised more money from Intel Capital, the venture arm of Intel.


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Pay-by-phone parking proves a big hit with Winchester motorists
It has only been two months since Winchester City Council began trialling its new pay-by-phone parking system, but it has already proved to be a big hit with motorists; with almost three and a half thousand phone transactions having already been made.
The new system, which is operated by an American company called Verrus, has helped to remove much of the hassle associated with paying for parking. For a start, there is no longer any need for motorists to fumble around for change for the parking machines. Instead they can simply register with the pay-by-phone system and pay by card.
The system also solves the age-old problem of estimating how long you need to park for. Motorists can now simply pay for a minimal period of time and then top-up the time via their mobile phone as-and-when they need to. Registered users will receive text alerts on their phones when their parking session is due to expire; they then have the option to return to their car or to extend their parking session at the press of a few buttons.
There is no need to display any proof of purchase tickets in the vehicles, as Parking Attendants are equipped with special hand held devices which enable them to identify which vehicles are lawfully parked. These devises are immediately updated whenever a transaction is made.
The new pay-by-phone system does not come at the expense of the traditional ticket machines. Motorists who still want to use the coin operated machines to pay for their parking will still be able to do so.
Richard Hein, Parking Manager at Winchester City Council, said: "The new pay-by-phone system has certainly been a great success to date; offering our car park customers greater flexibility in the way they pay for their parking. The new system gives them the added convenience of being able to pay by card if they don't have the correct change. It also allows them to pay-by-phone whilst on the move or if they are unexpectedly delayed in getting back to their vehicle.
Keith Wood, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Access, added: "I am really pleased that there has been such a good take-up of this new system. Pay-by-phone parking is part of a wider programme to make our car parks more customer friendly."
The success of Pay-by-phone parking comes on the back of several high profile awards for the City Council managed car parks throughout the city. The most recent of these awards acknowledged the steps taken by the City Council to make its car parks safer and more accessible for motorists.


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Jessosps, one of the last of the UK’s national photography retailers, may be entering into administration by the end of the day, according to recent reports. The major retailer managed to narrowly avoid administration in 2009 after an unpopular deal with HSBC, in which the bank “forgave” some 34M pounds of debt in exchange for a near %50 stake in the company.
In May of last year another ray of hope appeared in the form of a potential $16M investment by Canon, but no such deal ever came to official fruition, although some sources report that an investment was made. Now, Jessops seems to be out of options, and administration may be just around the corner, with rumors pointing towards PricewaterhouseCoopers as the potential administrator.
If the term “administration” has you scratching your head, that’s because, in the US, we’re used to companies declaring bankruptcy when they’re in financial trouble (think: Kodak). In the UK, bankruptcy is limited to individuals, leaving companies options like liquidation and administration.
The news isn’t official yet, but many saw this coming as Jessops has continued to post losses quarter after quarter, leading to the exodus of both chief executive Trevor Moore and chairman David Adams.
None of the parties involved have been willing to comment on the matter, but hopefully (or maybe not so hopefully) we’ll have more definitive news for you later today, so keep an eye out for updates.
(via The Telegraph)
Update: BBC News has officially confirmed that Jessops has indeed entered administration, with PricewaterhouseCoopers appointed administrator. The chain will no longer accept gift vouchers or returns.


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Hip Interactive has been named the exclusive Canadian distributor of Sega video games. The agreement between the two companies gives Hip’s wholly owned division, SJS Group, responsibility for all Sega distribution in the country. The deal will reportedly generate approximately $15 to $20 million of revenue for Hip in this fiscal year.
Hip has been a Sega partner before, distributing brands like Sonic and Sega Sports. Going forward, Sega and SJS will embark upon a major advertising campaign, which will include television and other media across Canada.


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Worldwide Snowmobile Sales Jump 9%
The snowmobile community is optimistic following the above-average snowfall throughout most of North America this past winter. The industry has experienced increases in sales, show attendance and miles ridden.
Snowmobile sales increased worldwide to 157,106 new sleds sold this past yeara 9 percent gain from last year. Snowmobile sales in the United States and Canada increased 11 percent, and sales of manufacturer-branded parts, garments and accessories increased more than 20 percent from last year.
The 2015 manufacturers' spring snowmobile shows reported increases in attendance. In many of the spring shows, visitation was up more than 20 percent. Spring orders are up and that points to a good 2015 sales year.
Snowmobile related tourism also increased in North America and beyond. Economic impact studies conducted by major business colleges and universities show miles ridden by snowmobilers (which is always predictive of economic impact) increased 50 percent from the 2012-2013 season. This is a result of excellent riding conditions and improved and expanded riding areas and trail systems.
The snowmobile industry reports that registered snowmobiles in North America increased to 2 million registered snowmobiles last year. The majority of snowmobilers (55 percent ) belong to a club or association. These active, involved outdoor enthusiasts build the trails and support snowmobiling access. Research shows families go snowmobiling for reasons such as viewing the scenery, being with family and friends, getting away from the usual demands of life and being close to nature.
State and provincial snowmobile organizations continue to grow and expand club membership. Many organizations report that new trails are being developed to support the positive economic impact of snowmobiling and job growth for the rural community. Economic impact studies generated by universities in North America show that snowmobiling is growing in importance as part of the overall economic engine and job growth for winter tourism. Studies show snowmobiling now generates more than $30 billion dollars of economic activity in North America. This provides many jobs and investment opportunities and generates considerable tax revenue for local governments.
ISMA is an organization representing the four manufacturers of snowmobiles. ISMA's main function is to encourage policies, programs and activities to improve the lifestyle activity of snowmobiling. For more information, visit www.snowmobile.org.
Release date: June 2014
Contact: Ed Klim
Phone: (517) 339-7788


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UNIVERSITY PARK -- Manatee County's own Benderson Development Co. remains one of the most powerful holders of retail real estate in the nation, according to a recent ranking.
Benderson Development, 7978 Cooper Creek Blvd., owns 30 million square feet of gross leasable area in the nation, tied for 15th with The Cafaro Co. of Youngstown, Ohio. The ranking is published in the May/June issue of National Real Estate Investor, which compiled the numbers using an e-mail survey, company data, investor presentations and Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, which controls the Ellenton Premium Outlets, ranked first with 236.5 million square feet gross leasable area. The Taubman Co., developer of the Mall of University Town Center, ranked 19th with 25.5 million square feet.
Benderson is well known in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The developer's name is on what seems like an endless amount of retail space it controls along University Parkway with its University Town Center-branded centers there. More retail and restaurant space are in the works this year for North Cattle
men Road, said Mark Chait, Benderson director of leasing for the Southeast.
That is just part of the estimated 1 million square feet left of commercial/retail space the company can build in the University Town Center, along with 220,000 square feet of office space. Benderson will also construct a 79,158-square-foot light industrial space as part of an expansion for its SRQ Tech Park near Whitfield Avenue and U.S. 301.
Filling that space should be easier after a strong showing at the International Council of Shopping Centers Global Retail Real Estate Convention in Las Vegas last week.
"This has been a very strong show. The level of interest from retailers have been the strongest in years," Chait said. "Last year was a good show. This year was even better. I think the retailers are certainly looking forward toward the growth that they need."
The company is just as busy in the Northeast near its Buffalo, N.Y., base, acquiring shopping centers and gaining approval for additional projects. In addition to owning real estate, Benderson divisions manage and construct space, including hotel and residential development.
Benderson is a 50-50 partner with Taubman Centers for the 880,000-square-foot Mall at University Town Center expected to open Oct. 16. Benderson is overseeing site work and roadwork, and Taubman is focusing on leasing and managing.
"They're savvy developers in their own right," said Tampa native John Eggert, director of development for Taubman Centers.
The two maintained a healthy dialogue during the mall's leasing to better plan each other's spaces in the University Town Center area, Eggert said.
"We're not trying to cannibalize each other's tenancies or merchandisers," he said. "When we decided to put The Capital Grille in the mall, clearly Benderson is not going to be putting a high-end steakhouse on one of their adjacent properties."
Land on the east end of the mall developed by Benderson should see activity starting in 2015, Chait said.
Charles Schelle, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow him on Twitter @ImYourChuck.


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It provided packaging expertise, introduced modern bottling operations and sponsored alcohol tasting tours for foreign buyers.
The trade department said the drink had been slowly penetrating the beverage markets in Australia, Japan and Macau.
It faces competition from Sri Lanka in particular, which targets Japan, South Korea and the Maldives with premium blends. Capistrano’s best-seller is lambanog spiked with local wild blackberries called liputi which offer a slightly sweet, tangy taste.
“We want the world to know that lambanog is the official Philippine liquor,” she said.


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A new Chromebook is reportedly in the works, and it’s said to be a high-end device with a fingerprint scanner and a dedicated button for Google Assistant.See also: Samsung Chromebook Pro review February 10, 2017
Google Assistant has apparently been busy spawning copies of itself to live in so many different devices: first it was the Pixel phones and the Google Home, but it quickly expanded to virtually all Android devices. And now, rumor has it Google Assistant might find itself inside a Chromebook in the near future, not unlike Siri inside MacBooks and Cortana inside Windows 10 PCs.
According to 9to5Google, a new Chrome OS baseboard codenamed “Eve” [...]
Google has added a further 16 Chromebooks to its list of devices with Google Play support. Chromebooks from Dell, Asus, Samsung, Lenovo, HP and Acer are on the list, bringing the total up to just shy of a hundred. At least half of that overall figure are still listed as “planned” but the new additions are all in the beta channel.See also: Best Chromebooks March 15, 2017
To take advantage of Android apps on any of the freshly listed devices, you’ll simply need to switch channels on your Chromebook. Just go to Settings > Menu > About Chrome OS > Detailed build information > Change channel and select the beta channel. You’ll need a restart once the [...]
While sales of Chromebooks have not been able to make much of a dent in the consumer or business PC market against the mighty Windows juggernaut, Google has found a pretty big audience for the low-cost laptops that run Chrome OS; schools. Sales for Chromebooks have been huge for that market, particularly in the US.
A recent report from the research firm Futuresource Consulting claims that in 2016, 58 percent of the 12.6 million mobile devices shipped to primary and secondary schools in the US were Chromebooks. 22 percent of those devices were Windows-based laptops and tablets, according to the report, while Apple’s Mac and iPad products claimed 19 percent of the US [...]
In May of 2011 the Chromebook line was first announced, immediately finding itself a target of mixed reception. Many felt a computer that was “limited to the web” would ultimately struggle to find a following, and yet despite this the Chromebook market has exploded in recent years.
While the Chromebook market might still be a very niche one, there a growing number of people that are looking for an affordable, virus-free computing experience that serves as their gateway to the web. The fact that Chrome OS only has a number of true offline apps simply doesn’t matter to this type of web-centric user. Especially now that a growing number of new devices are starting to offer [...]


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Square Enix President, Yoichi Wada, seems to have really enjoyed Heavy Rain according to an interview with Famitsu. Apparently, Wada himself would like to see more cinematic style games like Heavy Rain in the market today.
In the interview Wada was stated as saying, "It would be good if they made more games like Heavy Rain," referencing Quantic Dream's hit game which has managed to sell nearly 1.5 million copies to date.
If this statement is read into in the same way as his pondering of Final Fantasy Versus XIII porting to the 360 statement on Twitter, then it could also been seen that maybe Square Enix will be publishing some titles in the same vain of Heavy Rain in the near future. Wada does have the power to make a decision like that, after all. Who knows, maybe we'll see a publishing deal with Quantic Dream and Square Enix, since that seems to be the current trend.


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Kellogg has announced that it has reduced the sugar and salt content by 18 per cent and 23 per cent respectively across all its cereals, whilst also increasing fibre by 20 per cent. Furthermore, in its children’s cereals, sugar has been reduced by 36 per cent, salt by 37 per cent, and fibre has increased by 52 per cent.
The cereal and snacking brand, which committed to reducing salt and sugar across its product range in 2011, has commissioned eight up-and-coming artists from around the world to create a series of pieces made entirely out of salt and sugar to celebrate the milestone achievement.
These will form the Kellogg’s Reductive Art Exhibition – A Story of Salt and Sugar. Pieces in the exhibition include a 3D breakfast table spread created by Tim Simpson and sculpted out of 50kgs of salt, as well as a recreation of Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait by Q Devine, created using 12,000 sugar cubes.
The final exhibits use over 200kg of sugar and salt – the equivalent to two adult gorillas.
“People today want more from companies like ours. They not only expect food to taste good, but to do a world of good too,” a spokesperson at Kellogg’s commented.
“We’re committed to helping address Europe’s chronic lack of fibre by ensuring all of our breakfast foods are either a source of high in fibre by the end of 2023. As a result, all our children’s cereals are now classified as non-HFSS in the UK. We’ve achieved all of this without using artificial sweeteners, flavours or changing our recipes too much to ensure that our food continues to taste great.
“As part of our continued efforts to support consumers in making healthier food choices we created The Kellogg’s Reductive Art Exhibition – an art installation to help visualise the amount of sugar and salt that has been removed from our cereals.”
‘The Kellogg’s Reductive Art Exhibition – A Story of Salt and Sugar’, opens to the public on 8 and 9 September at the gallery@oxo. The one-of-a-kind experience will include a variety of sugar and salt sculptures, salt sketches and salt animations all created by an array of well-known artists including Quentin Devine, Gala Bell, Bashir Sultani and Tim Simpson.


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Yesterday those pesky rumours about Mass Effect PS3 surfaced once more when someone sniffed through the source code of Mass Effect 2 and found references to the PS3. Chris Priestly from Bioware has posted this on the BioWare forums;
“The Unreal Engine is cross platform, hence the PS3 code. This was brought up back in Mass Effect 1 days as well. Mass Effect is for the PC and Xbox 360.”
So there you go. Mass Effect is for the PC and Xbox 360 – which is something everybody knew anyway and does not deny the existence of Mass Effect for Playstation. Until BioWare say the words “Mass Effect is not coming to the PS3” then the rumours will persist, the world is media savvy these days and we know when someone is avoiding answering a question. Literally within the last few minutes I’ve just been alerted to yet another rumour from GamesThirst that states Mass Effect will be on PS3 by the end of the year, ‘Look out for an E3 reveal’ says their source.
Come on BioWare, how about it? Think of how much energy you could save by stating there will be no PS3 Mass Effect, the carbon footprint of all the rumours must be huge. All those computers turned on to view web pages about Mass Effect gossip, the energy consumed by servers hosting forums where endless discussions of the PS3 port are taking place. On a personal level, I must have used at least a Ginsters Pasty worth of calories this year when covering these rumours, a Pasty that could helped a starving child.
BioWare – Save the planet – Categorically state Mass Effect will not be coming to PS3. Think of the Polar Bears!


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The iPhone XR accounted for almost half of all US iPhone sales during Q2
After expecting a little too much from the iPhone XR, many analysts were quick to deem Apple's lower-cost 2018 handset a flop. But when all is said and done, the $749 and up device has impressively managed to resist an onslaught of similarly priced Android flagships with arguably superior specs, topping several best-selling lists since its late October 2018 release.
The iPhone XR was found to dominate the weak but oh-so-important US market back in January, retaining its leading position throughout the quarter and then extending its supremacy until the end of Q2. Meanwhile, Apple pulled off another overall domestic win against Samsung in the January - March 2019 timeframe, despite the early success of the Galaxy S10 family.
The S10 and S10+ couldn't crack the top three best-selling smartphone model list stateside during the year's second quarter either, with the iPhone XR followed by the iPhone 8 and XS Max in Kantar's recent chart. Obviously, that also means Apple's higher-end 2018 handsets are far less popular than their more affordable sibling, with new numbers released by the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners providing context for this interesting and somewhat unusual situation.
The iPhone XR dominance is almost unprecedented
The XR may have failed to meet certain overly optimistic sales predictions from last fall, but when it comes to market share, the 6.1-incher appears to have actually exceeded everyone's expectations. According to Kantar, 7.8 percent of all smartphones shipped in the US between April and June were iPhone XR units, while according to the latest CIRP report, the LCD model accounted for 48 percent of iPhone sales stateside in the same timeframe.
That's right, one in two US iPhone buyers (give or take) chose the XR during Q2 2019, with the XS and XS Max merely accounting for a combined 19 percent slice of the pie. That puts the 2018 generation at a 67 percent total, up from 59 percent in Q1 and a little over 50 percent for the iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus this same time last year.
The iPhone XR alone is more dominant than the iPhone X and 8 Plus taken together back at the end of 2018's second quarter. Finally, perhaps the most impressive thing about the XR is that its towering sales share right now has last been reported for an individual model way back in 2015. Of course, the iPhone 6 had fewer rivals four years ago, while the iPhone XR is currently available alongside not just the XS and XS Max, but the 8, 8 Plus, 7, and 7 Plus as well from the official US Apple Store.
A number of Apple services are still struggling
Because hardware devices are not selling as well as they used to, the Cupertino-based tech giant has been ramping up its focus on software and "services" like the upcoming TV+ streaming platform. CIRP has a few interesting services-related stats to share too, estimating that nearly half of US iPhone buyers are also paying Apple for iCloud storage.
That 47 percent number is pretty impressive, considering all the robust iCloud alternatives available on iOS right now, but other Apple services are boasting much lower penetration scores. The company's music streaming platform, for instance, sits at 35 percent, and although that number represents a massive improvement from the Q1 2019 adoption, its growth is almost entirely a result of the recent iTunes death.
Meanwhile, the popularity and aggressive pricing of third-party options make it impossible for AppleCare warranties to break into double-digit territory, with Apple TV, Podcasts, and News scoring between 15 and 29 percent penetration as they also face stiff competition.


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Panthera Group is happy to announce it has recently acquired popular Bangkok chain Birds Rotisserie.
Birds Rotisserie, as many people already know has become a hip go-to venue for foreigners and young Thais wanting to sample their now legendary rotisserie grilled chicken.
When asked, Chef Jeremy Tourret claims that the secret to their success is locally sourced free-range chicken and of course French expertise when it comes to their unique rotisserie cooking.
The restaurant picked up a prestigious Thailand Tatler best restaurant award in 2018 for exceptional cuisine and service and BK Magazine has given it a coveted four stars.
There are currently two locations in Bangkok, Soi Amon and the Commons on Thonglor Soi 17.
Paul Hayward, co-founder of the Panthera Group when asked for comment said ‘the group was very happy with the acquisition and the company had plans to roll out multiple outlets for the popular eatery in near future’
Company employees may be eligible for a discount voucher. Those interested in sampling the amazing food at Birds, should contact Panthera HR Support at their new support portal:


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The route for Apple's €850 million (£743 million; $989 million) data centre in Ireland appears to be clear at last after a High Court judge said objectors couldn't appeal his decision, according to The Irish Times.
Justice Paul McDermott ruled on October 12 that Apple should be granted permission to build the data centre near the small town of Athenry, on Ireland's west coast.
But two local residents Allan Daly and Sinead Fitzpatrick requested a certificate to appeal the court ruling. Justice McDermott refused to issue them one with one, saying he was not satisfied there was an appropriate point of law for the objectors to continue to seek to block the data centre.
The data centre was first announced over two years ago. Apple wants to use it to store European user data and to help power online services, including the iTunes Store, the App Store, iMessage, Maps, and Siri for customers across Europe.
Apple has its European headquarters in Ireland and employs thousands of people in Cork, roughly two hours drive from Athenry.
The company's relationship with the country is at an interesting point, with the European Commission ordering the Irish government to claim back €13 billion (£11.7 billion) in back taxes.


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Fidget spinners may offer some kids a release from built up tension, but in the hands of toddlers & preschoolers, they could be dangerous, doctors warn.
A 3-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl suffered severe esophageal burns after they swallowed button batteries from fidget spinners, according to one new report.
Two other case reports describe esophageal injuries suffered by children who swallowed broken fidget spinner parts, but no batteries. The pieces were removed by emergency endoscopy.
Batteries can cause serious burns when they come in contact with bodily fluids. In children’s toys, batteries are usually well secured, but in devices not made specifically for children, that’s not always the case.
The new reports add to growing evidence about the hazards fidget spinners pose, especially to toddlers and young children.
"Having an unlabeled button battery in a toy or product that children can handle and break poses a potential danger to children," Drs. Athos Bousvaros and Paul Rufo, of Boston Children's Hospital, wrote in a journal news release.
Fidget spinners are available just about anywhere you go. They’re sold at gas stations, stores and big toy chains. They’ve actually been around for years and are often given to children with autism to help them concentrate. In the last year, their popularity has exploded. The gadgets appeal to adults as well as kids.
Doctors are issuing a warning to parents to make sure that they are aware of the possible dangers to the younger kids in a household.
The reports are described in the January/February issue of the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.


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As the weather cools that means one thing for McDonald’s fans: The return of the McRib.
The barbecue slathered pork sandwich will debut Tuesday (Oct. 25) at participating restaurants nationwide, including locations in Southern California. However, don’t be surprised if you spot the McRib today at your local McDonald’s. One reader said her Costa Mesa McDonald’s was already selling the McRib.
As restaurants get “product delivered in stores,” some might have it on the menu, said Eniko Bolivar, a local rep for McDonald’s.
In the past, the McRib randomly showed up in restaurants across the nation at different times of the year. In Southern California, it typically popped up around the holidays or winter months. In 2009, the McRib returned to the region after being AWOL since 2006.
This will be the second year in a row that McDonald’s will have the beloved pork patty sandwich at the same time in all domestic restaurants. Whenever the McRib returns, sales typically spike due the popularity of the sandwich — a toasted Hoagie-style roll stuffed with barbecue sauce, a pork patty, a few slices of white onion and two pickles. (Food Frenzy review of the McRib)
The McRib fan base is so huge, it prompted one McRib craver to create a website dedicated to McRib spottings across the country. The rogue website lists “confirmed” McRib locations in Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and Laguna Niguel.
Tell us: Have you spotted the McRib at your local McDonald’s?
Join the conversation: LIKE my Facebook fan page for real-time information on local food news, trends and deals. We have great conversation about restaurants, so join the fun. You can also follow me on Twitter
Other McDonald’s stories:
- McDonald’s McRib returns next week
- SoCal McDonald’s units debut healthier Happy Meal
- Big airport food changes under way, new wine bar opens
- McDonald’s health push: trim fat, sugar, sodium
- McDonald’s near Angel Stadium gutted


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*UPDATE* Activision has posted their comments on the situation, and it looks like the rumors were true;
"Over the past three years since our purchase of Bizarre Creations, the fundamentals of the racing genre have changed significantly. Although we made a substantial investment in creating a new IP, Blur, it did not find a commercial audience. Bizarre is a very talented team of developers, however, because of the broader economic factors impacting the market, we are exploring our options regarding the future of the studio, including a potential sale of the business."
Just when the state of the world’s economy looked to be on the rebound, we get another reminder that we’re far from out of the woods yet. Giant Bomb and VG247 are reporting that Activision is closing Bizarre Creations, the studio responsible for Blur, the Club, Geometry Wars, and the Project Gotham Racing series.
According to Giant Bomb’s sources, the UK-based studio is undergoing “90-day consultation period, statutory redundancy,” a sort of mandatory 90 day notice that all British companies must undergo before shuttering their doors. VG247 is reporting that when all is said and done, over 200 staffers will be let go. Activision has yet to confirm any of this, but with multiple sources corroborating each other’s rumors, it’s looking more and more likely that Bizarre Creations will be no more.
Bizarre was founded in 1994, and acquired by Activision in 2007.


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AMD Officially Launches Wraith and 95W Stock CPU Cooler
Samuel Wan / 5 years ago
After debuting their new Wraith CPU cooler to the public back at CES last month, AMD has finally launched their new stock cooler. Based off a whole new design, the new stock cooler is reportedly 90% quieter than the previous solution. This is due to the 34 percent more airflow and 24 percent higher surface area as well a new thicker fan with an LED shroud. The new cooler will be shipping with the recently launched FX 8370 CPU only as it is a 125W solution.
In addition to the Wraith, AMD is also introducing new stock CPU cooler for their 95W products as well. Unfortunately, this cooler suffers from a bland title, being dubbed the “AMD 95W Thermal Solution” and ships with FM2 chips only for now. This is the first time we have seen this new cooler and it looks to be a new design as well, with only 2 heatpipes instead of the 4 found in the Wraith. The fan is also shroudless and thinner and comes in AMD red. It will ship with most of the higher end APU/Athlon chips, chips that were prone to throttling or noisy operation at times with the previous stock cooler.
It is nice to see AMD start addressing more of the less prominent aspects of their offerings. While the coolers might not always impact performance, they do shape consumer perceptions, especially if they are overly hot or noisy. Launching the new coolers now speaks to the confidence AMD has in Zen as otherwise, why spend money on making a new cooler?


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India is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal with Tesla, enabling the American automaker to commence electric car shipments to the country by next year. The agreement, poised for a potential announcement at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January, may also include plans for Tesla to establish a manufacturing facility within two years. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are under consideration due to their well-established ecosystems for electric vehicles and exports.
Tesla prepared to commit initial minimum investment:
Sources suggest that Tesla is prepared to commit an initial minimum investment of approximately $2 billion for the plant, with plans to boost purchases of auto parts from India to as much as $15 billion. Additionally, the company aims to produce batteries locally to reduce costs. While no final decision has been reached and plans could evolve, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, previously indicated the company’s intention to make a “significant investment” in India, planning a visit in 2024.
Despite India’s efforts to bolster domestic EV manufacturing and promote cleaner transport, the country’s electric vehicle market remains relatively modest, constituting just 1.3 percent of total passenger vehicle sales last year. High upfront costs and a lack of charging infrastructure contribute to consumer hesitancy.
Tesla refrained from direct car imports into India:
Tesla, which currently has factories in the US, China, and Germany, has refrained from direct car imports into India due to steep tariffs. However, locally manufactured Tesla cars, once available, could potentially retail for as low as $20,000. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, who visited Tesla’s California plant, revealed plans for Tesla to nearly double its purchases of auto parts from India to $1.9 billion this year.
Negotiations marked by Musk’s criticism of India’s high import taxes:
The reopening of dialogues between Tesla and India in May, following a year-long impasse, signals a potential breakthrough. The negotiations have been marked by Elon Musk’s criticism of India’s high import taxes and EV policies, while India has advised against selling cars made in China, its political rival. As part of the ongoing discussions, India is contemplating reducing import taxes for international EV manufacturers for a five-year period, contingent on their commitment to establishing local manufacturing facilities.


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030529 U.S. Bans Canadian Beef After Mad Cow DiscoveryMay 21, 2003
The United States banned all imports of cattle, beef and beef products from Canada, after a cow in Alberta tested positive for mad cow disease.
Officials called it an ''isolated case.'' But though only a single cow was diagnosed, the discovery signaled the first real threat of the ravaging disease in North America. The announcement sent shock waves through the $80-billion-a-year beef industry, which fears the same cataclysm that shook the United Kingdom in the 1990s.
The occurrence of the scourge in North America is potentially ''devastating,'' said John Lockie, executive director of R-CALF USA, a national advocacy group for cattle ranchers. ''There's going to be a tsunami tomorrow.''
No cases of mad cow disease have been found in the USA.
The United States is Canada's prime export market for beef. Canada sent 1.7 million heads of live cattle and 373,000 tons of beef product with a value of $2.5 billion to the USA last year.
Also last year, the United States produced 27.1 billion pounds of beef, the largest single sector of U.S. agriculture.
Mad cow disease infects humans as a variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, which causes paralysis and death. In cattle, it is thought to spread through feed made with protein and bone meal from rendered cattle.
When doctors in Britain realized in 1996 that humans could get the brain-wasting disease from eating infected cattle, sales of beef in the U.K. plunged 40%, exports ceased and beef prices fell more than 25%. The economic loss to the country in the following year is estimated to be $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion.
The infected cow came from a farm in Alberta. It was slaughtered Jan. 31 and the carcass rendered into meat and bone meal, Canadian Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief said. Routine testing Friday turned up a possible risk of mad cow, formally called bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The diagnosis was confirmed Tuesday morning.
No meat from the animal entered the human food chain, Vanclief said. Mad cow disease can be spread only by eating infected meat, especially infected brains and spinal cords.
Shares in fast food chains and meat producers and processors plummeted at the news, and cattle prices also fell.
Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman sought to reassure Americans that the ''risk to human health and the possibility of transmission to animals in the United States is very low. ''I intend to eat a steak tonight,'' Veneman told CNN.


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Starbucks Corp. bought a coffee farm next to Poás Volcano in the province of Alajuela to expand the company’s grower-support program and allow the coffee-shop operator to purchase more coffee beans grown in an ethical fashion.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the transaction may have hovered between $5- $10 million and was closed last week.
The 240-hectare farm will help support growers and their families, while allowing Starbucks to create new blends of coffee to sell, Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz said in a statement. Seattle-based Starbucks has committed to buying only ethically sourced coffee by 2015, The Washington Post reported.
The farm will allow development of new varieties of Starbucks coffee through hybridization (but not genetic modification) and different processing techniques that result in a unique flavored coffee, the company stated.
Starbucks, which sells fair-trade blends and reserve coffees from several countries has spent some $70 million during the past 40 years on farmer-support programs and loans.
It opened its first farmer-support center in San José, Costa Rica, in 2004 and has since opened others in Rwanda, Tanzania, Colombia and China.
Last year the company opened its first two coffee shops in Costa Rica, at malls in San José.


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The Association of Indian Cleaning Industry conducted the annual CEO Summit at Hotel Tunga Regale to present and deliberate on the industry white paper recognising housekeeping vis-à-vis the service sector. It addressed issues before the housekeeping companies and equipment & chemical manufactures/suppliers. Representatives from various companies in the cleaning industry debated on workforce related challenges, funding, taxes RFQs/SLAs and employee history, labour laws, green chemicals and its identification and mechanised cleaning. The forum arrived at a consensus with solutions on 80% of the issues addressed. AICI in coordination with various members will help create standard and implement it across the industry. Addressing various issues discussed, Dr J.P.S. Bakshi, President-AICI, concluded that “this will bring more transparency in the industry. A common effort will help undo the issues before the industry and standardise the mode of operation.”
The forum emphasised on the need for housekeeping companies to educate employees and clients and equipment manufacturers to provide adequate training on machine use and after sales service.


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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sustainable procurement and corporate social responsibility were top of the agenda as a delegation from corporate clothing specialist Incorporatewear and global retail optician Specsavers visited Chinese factories.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Incorporatewear hopes that the morning post will be sweeter than usual for nearly 100 of its current clients and future prospects during March.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Incorporatewear, the UK’s premier corporate clothing supplier, has recently been assisting Virgin Atlantic (VAA) in reconfiguring its warehousing operation at their corporate centre in Gatwick.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Incorporatewear, the UK’s premier corporate clothing supplier, set out to provide an outstanding level of service and recently one of their longest-serving clients took the opportunity to record their experience.


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Environmentalists feel that UK’s proposed ban on non-electric cars is ‘not ambitious enough’
In response to an apparent suggestion in recently leaked reports that a wider ban on sales of non-electric cars is being proposed in the UK, environmentalists have said that the proposed ban is ‘not ambitious enough.’
The reaction of the environmentalists has come in the wake of the proposal to expand UK’s Road to Zero strategy to include hybrid vehicles while implementing a ban on the sales of non-electric vehicles in the country. The Road to Zero strategy is presently being discussed in government and will likely be released in the near future.
The proposals being discussed in the framing of the Road to Zero strategy follow a 2017 announcement that, by the year 2040, there will be a ban in the UK on the sales of all new diesel and petrol cars. The move underscores an effort by the UK authorities to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, in an effort to tackle air pollution and climate change.
According to environmentalists, the proposal that a wider non-EV sales ban should encompass hybrids along with diesel/petrol vehicles by 2040 will not go as far as required by Britain to make a planned switch over to EVs.
Describing the proposal as ‘modest’ as against the targets recommended by environmentalists and government climate advisers, some environmentalist groups have called for a highly ambitious target of 100% EV sales in the UK by 2030.
In a recent announcement, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co. -- a joint venture between Nissan Motor Co and Dongfeng Motor Group Co -- said that it has commenced the production of the Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission electric car in China.
With the 2019 Chevy Volt PHEV scheduled for availability this fall, General Motors (GM) has recently announced an upgrade to the vehicle, in order to bring some new features on board.
The Union of Auto Workers (UAW) has warned that the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the US could have a devastating effect on the jobs in the country.
At Pebble Beach Automotive Week in Monterey, California, on Thursday, a stunning electric supercar prototype was unveiled by German automaker Audi. The prototype is called ‘Audi PB 18 e-tron.’
According to a recent EV magazine Electrek’s report, General Motors (GM) is bringing some new updates to its sole all-electric vehicle, the Chevy Bolt EV, with the forthcoming release of the vehicle’s third model year.
California-based electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors has released some hitherto-unknown information about its newest generation of battery cells -- the 2170 li-ion cells -- which have been designed for the company’s Model 3 electric vehicle


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BBC News CEO Jim Egan: ‘We’re in a battle for survival for quality journalism’
Digiday+ and BBC Global News hosted an exclusive event for Digiday+ members and their guests last night, featuring a live podcast recording with BBC Global News CEO, Jim Egan, hosted by Digiday+ managing director Jack Marshall. Interested in attending the next Digiday+ event? Become a member here now for your invite.
Below are excerpts of Egan’s thoughts on the state of news publishing, edited lightly for brevity.
On brand safety:
“I understand advertisers reluctance around where their content appears, but I regard blacklisting as absolutely the wrong response. We’re in a battle for survival for quality journalism. If you turn off the tap, don’t be surprised at what happens.”
On the state of digital news after years of chasing scale:
“We talk about reach and reputation at the BBC. We say that we’re in the market for both, but if we had to choose it would be reputation.”
On working with platforms:
“We were late to the party, fashionably late. But that meant we were never dependent on the platforms. We’re currently building out relationships with Apple News. We have a good relationship with Facebook and are finding new audiences on those platforms. Fortunately, we haven’t been caught out by those algorithm changes.
Working with tech platforms needs to be part of your strategy but if that is your strategy then it’s not a good place to be.”
On the viability of an entirely ad-supported news business:
“Quite sustainable but not future proof. We’re currently entirely ad supported but we are thinking about reader revenue strategies. We’re thinking at this stage, but not doing. It’s not getting easier.
On challenges with platform monetization:
“Yes, there are definitely challenges. But because we’re growing fast and our market size is relatively small, that additional traffic is significantly incremental for us.”
On branded content:
“One of our biggest investments has been in branded content through our in-house Storyworks studio. It’s a relative strength for the company, having editorial strength with newsroom value… Close to half of our advertising this year will have a content component”
“It’s very unlikely the BBC will ever run into commerce. We do events, but you need be able to ensure you can scale it.”
On podcasts and voice assistants
“We Struck a deal with a vendor earlier this year to monetize some of our inventory. We have some skills on Alexa and talking with Google about Google Home. The commercial model is not yet clear, but it is clear that it’s going to be an important one given consumer adoption rates.”
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On a steaming hot Monday morning, business leaders from Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered outside a P.C. Richard and Sons in Plainview to push for legislation that would require online retailers to pay the same sales taxes as brick and mortar stores.
“Every dollar you spend locally returns three times more money to our economy than when you shop online,” said Francesca Carlow, the president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.
The Nassau Council of Chambers – the umbrella group for local chambers across the county – was joined at the press conference by the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, Vision Long Island Lobby Coalition, P.C. Richard & Son and other Long Island businesses and chambers.
The business groups and retailers said they want the state to collect sales tax on out-of-state retailers who sell to New Yorkers through online marketplaces like Amazon.
The date of the press conference — July 16 — was no coincidence. It coincided with Amazon’s Prime Day, a day when the online retailer offers discounts and did over $1 billion in sales last year, according to a Bloomberg report.
“Before you click and buy, give local a try,” Carlow said.
Under current law, online retailers are only required to collect sales tax from New York residents if the seller is located within the state.
Being essentially exempt from the tax, third-party retailers who sell through online marketplaces are able to offer lower prices for goods than local stores.
The sites where these transactions take place — such as Amazon — are already taxed through a state law passed in 2008 that requires major online retailers to collect sales tax.
But third-party retailers who use Amazon’s “marketplace,” a platform for online transactions between two parties, are not taxed. That puts brick-and-mortar stores at a disadvantage.
“We don’t have our heads stuck in the sand. We all have websites and an online presence,” Carlow said. “But the cost of living in Long Island is high and when dollars are spent shopping online with out-of-state vendors, there is a big, big negative effect on our businesses.”
A Supreme Court case last month — South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc. — cleared legal roadblocks for attempts to collect the online sales tax.
The court ruled that internet retailers can be required to collect sales tax even in states where they have no physical presence, The New York Times reported.
“Folks need to put their resources where their hearts are,” said Eric Alexander, director of Vision Long Island.
In March, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone held a news conference in Lindenhurst to encourage the state Senate to pass a law that would collect this tax.
“The good news is that there is support across the board for these changes,” Alexander said. “We haven’t met people who have come out and said ‘We’re against [this].'”
The Cuomo administration proposed the Internet Fairness and Conformity Act earlier this year to tax these out-of-state retailers, but it was not included in the state budget in the face of opposition from the state Senate.
A letter from the New York State Association of Counties predicted that $275 million in state and local taxes would be collected in the first year.
In an interview this week, state Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso indicated he would support such a tax.
“We need the state to act and move legislation,” Alexander said. “They may come back in a special session… we need to send a message to the Senate Republicans, or the Assembly Democrats or the governor to allow this to move forward.”
The group pledged to push on in their support for the sales tax until it is passed in Albany.
Reach reporter Luke Torrance by email at [email protected], by phone at 516-307-1045, ext. 214, or follow him on Twitter @LukeATorrance.


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As it turns out, a lot of Americans — in particular, minorities — liked the controversial Pepsi commercial that the beverage company pulled last week after facing backlash from many on the left who said the ad was “tone deaf” and took advantage of the Black Lives Matter movement. (Image source: Morning Consult/YouTube)
© 2023 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
The progressive punditry may have killed last week’s Pepsi ad featuring reality TV star Kendall Jenner, but according to a new survey, a plurality of Americans actually liked the commercial, which called for unity in a time of intense political rancor.
Forty-four percent of Americans had a more favorable view of the soda brand after watching the controversial commercial, a new poll by Morning Consult, which surveyed 2,202 people, concluded.
The PepsiCo commercial was online for only a matter of hours before it was yanked following claims by many on social media that the ad was “tone deaf” and tried to profit from the Black Lives Matter movement.
In the clip, Jenner, playing the part of a model, is inspired by an apolitical movement sweeping through the streets and decides to leave her job and join the crowd of gleeful protesters. Moments later, the rallygoers are met with a long line of straight-faced police officers.
As the tension between the protesters and the officers builds, the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star hands one of the cops an ice-cold can of Pepsi, coaxing a smile from the officer and igniting cheers, laughter, and applause from the crowd around her.
Many of the ad’s critics said the video was clearly offensive to minorities, who have been at the center of the growing gridlock between the public and law enforcement communities. But according to the new survey, it was members of minority demographics who liked the ad most.
Fifty-one percent of blacks and 75 percent of Hispanics liked the Pepsi advertisement, while only 41 percent of whites came to see the beverage company more favorably after viewing the commercial.
Interestingly, Republicans disliked the ad more than Democrats. After seeing the clip, 29 percent of Republicans said they had a less favorable opinion of Pepsi while only 23 percent of Democrats responded in the same way.
Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., tweeted her opposition to the ad.
After pulling the ad, PepsiCo released a statement, saying: “Clearly, we missed the mark and we apologize.”
“We did not intend to make light of any serious issue,” the statement continued. “We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.”
Morning Consult poll respondents reacted to the advertisement in real time, with Republicans’ reactions in red and Democrats’ in blue.
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Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Talks of Installing Surveillance Cameras in Bradford, PA
Talk of installing surveillance cameras in downtown Bradford are moving closer to reality with the help from one downtown business. The owner of the tattoo shop Inferno Studio has raised one thousand dollars so far toward camera installation. Bob Price told Bradford City Council he also wants to try and change an negative public perception about tattoo shops by inviting anyone in the area to stop by. The Bradford chamber of Commerce is spearheading the effort to have the cameras installed. Also at last nights Council meeting the council approved on first reading a change to the bike ordinance to clarify that bicycle riding is not allowed on business district sidewalks, but is allowed on certain other sidewalks.


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Business News›andhra cements ltd q2 results
ANDHRA CEMENTS LTD Q2 RESULTS
4 construction & contracting companies with "Strong Buy" and "Buy" rating can rise up to 37 %
The government spending on infrastructure projects has remained at elevated levels for many years, this had a trickle down effect on many parts of the economy and specially companies which are ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus lists down stocks with high upside potential over the next 12 months, having an average recommendation rating of “buy” or "strong buy".
Rs 2.4 lakh crore-fund manager picks this high dividend-yield PSU stock
Apart from Hindustan Zinc, Axis Mutual Fund's new entrant stocks in February include Triveni Turbine (3,10,000 shares), India Cements (1,04,000 shares), and Delta Corp (6,000 shares) in its portfolio.
Weekly Top Picks: 7 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 55%
In the last month of high volatility and repeated attacks by bears, while the nifty has corrected, there are still some pockets where stocks have seen an improvement in their analysts' score. The selected stocks depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars i.e. earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.
Mohnish Pabrai stock climbs over 6% on Q4 results
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company incurred capital expenditures of $ 85 million, including expansion CAPEX for the vertical-shaft kiln project in Vizag, India, anhydrous carbon pellet project in the US, solar power plants in India and other maintenance projects across all locations.
This smallcap cement stock climbs 5% after board approves stock split
In Q3FY23, Visaka Industries reported an 86% decline in its net profit to Rs 3.71 crore as against Rs 24.03 crore during the previous quarter ended in December 2021. Its sales stood at Rs 354.76 crore in the quarter that ended December 2022 as against Rs 353.82 crore during the previous quarter that ended December 2021
Heidelberg Cement India Q3 Results: Profit falls 81.66% YoY to Rs 5.58 crore
"On a per tonne basis, operating costs, including freight increased by 8.8 per cent y/y (year-on-year) due to a steep increase in coal, Petcoke & diesel costs. The increase was partially offset by an increase in prices resulting in EBITDA of 339 per tonne, a decrease of 44 per cent y/y," HeidelbergCement India said in its earning statement.
Airtel Q3 postpaid growth signals hike likely only in pre-paid segment: IIFLThe company, in its Q3 webcast, said that its postpaid to pre-paid ARPU ratio is at around 1.7x, which it feels is optimum to drive further growth in the segment. “When this hit 3.5x (in the past), postpaid adds saw a material slowdown. All these (points) seem to suggest that Bharti may not be in a hurry to raise postpaid tariffs,” brokerage firm IIFL said in a report.
Shree Cement Q3 Results: PAT declines 44% YoY to Rs 277 crore; dividend declared at Rs 45/shareHowever, its revenue from operation grew 15% YoY at Rs 4,069 crore during the October-December 2022 period compared to Rs 3,552 crore in the year-ago period.
Ambuja Cements Q4 results: PAT rises 13% YoY to Rs 488 croreThe company's EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) fell 6% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1,138 crore during the quarter under review. Meanwhile, EBITDA margins too shrunk to 14.6%, compared with 16.2% a year ago
Q3 results to track this week: Airtel, LIC, Tata Steel, Zomato, M&M and moreBharti Airtel, Adani Green Energy, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Ambuja Cements, Hero MotoCorp, Astral, NHPC Ltd. Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. Deepak Nitrite Ltd. Phoenix Mills Ltd. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Navin Fluorine International, Bayer Cropscience, Bharat Dynamics, Ramco Cements, and other domestic companies are set to declare the earnings on Tuesday
The India Cements Q3 Results: Firm posts profit of Rs 133 croreThe India Cements Ltd on Friday reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 133.29 crore for December quarter 2022-23, helped by gains from sales of its subsidiary Springway Mining Pvt Ltd (SMPL). The company had posted a net profit of Rs 16.24 crore in the year-ago period, it said in a regulatory filing.
Weekly Top Picks: 6 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 35%While NIFTY gets into volatile mode once again, there are some pockets where stocks have seen an improvement in their analyst scores. The selected stocks depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars i.e. earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.
The hectic month of January; watch out for these 4 eventsThe same is visible in tractors too backed by strong rabi sowing, good kharif procurement, and agriculture exports. Meanwhile, EV and scooter penetration is accelerating in the urban market, however, the space is getting crowded.
India Cements shares fall 5% as CCI conducts searches at Chennai officeHowever, its revenue from operations was up 7.46% to Rs 1,327.06 crore in the second quarter of this fiscal. The same stood at Rs 1,234.85 crore a year ago. The company's total expenses were at Rs 1,528.01 crore, up 27.16% in the September quarter of FY23, as against Rs 1,201.61 crore a year ago.
The Ramco Cements' 98% slide in Q2 profit sparks target cutsThe cement and cement products player reported a 98% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit to Rs 11 crore for the quarter that ended September 30, 2022. It reported a bottomline of Rs 515.84 crore in the same period the previous year.
Hot Stocks: Brokerages on Tata Motors, Phoenix Mills, Godrej Properties and Ramco Cements post Q2 resultsGoldman Sachs maintained a buy rating on Phoenix Mills with a target price of Rs 1,550. The company is showing healthy consumption trends.
Nuvoco Vistas Q2 Results: Cement maker posts cons net loss of Rs 130-croreThe company had reported a loss of Rs 26 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The loss was despite 19% growth in the consolidated topline to Rs 2,401 crore.It was the high input costs, especially energy and logistics that pulled the company into the red. Expenses for the cement maker grew 24% year-on-year.
India Cements Q2 results: Net loss at Rs 113.26 cr; revenue up 7% at Rs 1,327 crThe company's total expenses were at Rs 1,528.01 crore, up 27.16 per cent in the September quarter of FY23, as against Rs 1,201.61 crore a year ago.Shares of India Cements were trading at Rs 248.50 on BSE, up 1.02 per cent from the previous close.
Q2 results this week: Tata Motors, Adani Green, Coal India, Paytm, LIC and moreTata Motors, Pidilite Industries, Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Healthcare, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company, Godrej Properties, Deepak Nitrite, 3M India, General Insurance Corporation of India, Piramal Enterprises, The Ramco Cements, Finolex Cables, Quess Corp, Balrampur Chini Mills, Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals, Edelweiss Financial Services, New Delhi Television, Max Ventures and Industries.
Q2 results this week: Bharti Airtel, Adani Ports, SBI, BoB and moreBharti Airtel, 3i Infotech, Asahi India Glass, Castrol India, LT Foods, Larsen and Toubro, Saregama Industries, Swaraj Engines, Tata Steel, VST Tillers, Mold-Tek, TCI Express, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Motherson Sumi etc.
JSW Energy Q2 Results: PAT rises 37% to Rs 466 croreDuring the quarter, total revenue increased by 16% year-on-year to Rs 2,596 crore from Rs 2,237 crore in the year-ago period
3 factors that can trigger a fresh rally in this Adani Group stockNevertheless, as the company commands a strong brand, cost efficiencies as well as a healthy balance sheet, the brokerage sees the cement major to post healthy revenue growth in CY21-23E despite high base
Ambuja Cements Q2 Results: Profit plunges on rising costStandalone profit for the three months ended Sept.30 was Rs 138 crore ($16.68 million), compared with a profit of Rs 441 crore a year ago. Revenue rose to 13.38% to Rs 3670 crore. Analysts, on average, had expected the company to report a profit of Rs 470 crore, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.
UltraTech Cement Q2 Results: Profit slides 42% YoY to Rs 756 crore despite growth in salesThe sharp fall in the net profit was due to higher costs and weak profitability. The cement major’s consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the quarter dropped more than 31% YoY to Rs 1,866.64 crore. Operating margin shrunk by a whopping 914 basis points to 13.4%.
UltraTech Cement Q2 Preview: Earnings seen languishing on weak prices, demandEstimates given by analysts show that the cement major’s consolidated net profit could fall up to 38% from the year-ago number of Rs 1,314 crore.
Q2 results this week: ACC, RIL, Asian Paints, Network18, Axis Bank and moreACC, Can Fin Homes, Heidelberg Cement, Indowind Energy, Jindal Drilling & Industries, Bank of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Seamless, Oriental Hotels, Pioneer Distilleries, PVR, RPG Life Sciences, Tanfac Industries, Tata Coffee, Tata Metaliks, Thangamayil Jewellery, Elixir Capital, Spandana Sphoorty, Craftsman Automation and Choice International, among others.
Shree Cement Q2 Results: Profit falls 67.5% YoY to Rs 183.24 croreThe company further said its board has also approved the elevation of Managing Director Hari Mohan Bangur as its chairman, effective October 15, 2022, for the remaining period of his current tenure up to March 31, 2026, subject to shareholders' approval.
Q2 earnings, FOMC minutes among top 9 factors to guide markets this weekThe US Federal Reserve will release its minutes of meeting for the last meeting on Wednesday, when it announced a rate hike of 75 basis points. Markets will be looking at the commentary from the Fed members in order to tame the rising inflationary pressure.
Q2 results this week: TCS, Infosys, Bajaj Auto, Tata Elxsi, HDFC Bank, othersSecond-quarter earnings will be led by the banking and finance, consumer, and automobile sectors and dragged down by commodity sectors such as metals and oil and gas, said Gautam Duggad, institutional research head at Motilal Oswal Financial Services.Load More
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Seabourn Venture’s inaugural programme of cruises exploring the Norwegian coast from December 2021 have gone on sale.
The ship, which is due to launch in December 2021, will be the Carnival Corporation-owned line’s first purpose-built expedition ship.
Venture’s inaugural season, running from December 2021 to April 2022, will sail on a range of 10- to 14-day Norwegian Winter voyages.
Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz said: “Our Norwegian Winter itineraries were carefully designed to offer guests the potential to view one of earth’s true wonders, the northern lights.
“There will be no better way to explore Norway’s winter beauty than on our new ultra-luxury expedition ship and all the activities it offers.”
Seabourn Venture, which will offer 132 oceanfront veranda suites, will carry two six-seat custom submarines, expedition kayaks and 24 Zodiacs, allowing guests to explore Norway’s winter landscape and wildlife.
A sister ship to Venture will be launched in 2022, but has yet to be named.


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(Bloomberg) — After weeks of muted buying and selling, Bitcoin might be poised for a brand new breakout and a possible breach of a key stage, technical indicators present.
Over the weekend, the biggest cryptocurrency bounced off the decrease Buying and selling Envelope band, a transfer that counsel it’s prone to retest $12,000. The measure tends to easy transferring averages to map out larger and decrease limits.
As well as, the GTI International Energy Indicator exhibits the coin has entered a brand new shopping for development and isn’t in overbought territory, portending additional positive factors.
Bitcoin rose as a lot 1.2% on Monday in New York to round $11,778. Peer cash bitcoin cash and Ether additionally superior, whereas Litecoin and Monero traded decrease.
Some crypto followers are betting that curiosity from institutional buyers may assist carry Bitcoin larger. Constancy Investments launched its first Bitcoin fund final week. JPMorgan Chase & Co. additionally made an funding in ConsenSys whereas promoting its blockchain unit Quorum to the software program firm for an undisclosed quantity.
“As more household names like JPMorgan enter into the crypto space and regulators relax constraints on custodian companies, we’ll see more institutional capital pour into the industry, driving up the BTC,” stated Marc Grens, president and co-founder of DigitalMint.
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