January 23, 2021
COVAX announces new Agreement and Plans for Pfizer and Oxford Vaccine Deliveries.
COVAX announced the signing of an advance purchase agreement for up to 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; rollout to commence with the successful execution of supply agreements.
Additionally, COVAX announced that pending WHO emergency use listings, nearly 150 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford candidate would be available in Q1 2021 via existing agreements with the Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca.
COVAX is therefore on track to deliver at least 2 billion doses by the end of the year, including at least 1.3 billion amounts to 92 lower-income economies in the Gavi COVAX AMC.
Photo: UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO), and Dr. Sylvie Briand, Director, Global Infections Hazard Preparedness of WHO, during a strategic briefing on COVID-19 at Strategic Health Operations Centre (SHOC) in the headquarters of WHO in Geneva. 24 February 2020. UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré.
Geneva/Oslo 22 January 2021 - COVAX, the global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level, today announced the signing of an advance purchase agreement with Pfizer for up to 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine candidate, which has already received WHO emergency use listing. The rollout will commence with the successful negotiation and execution of supply agreements.
COVAX also confirmed that it would exercise an option via an existing agreement with India’s Serum Institute (SII). It would receive its first 100 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford University-developed vaccine manufactured by SII.
Of these first 100 million doses, most are earmarked for delivery in the first quarter of the year, pending WHO Emergency Use Listing. The WHO review process, which is currently underway, follows approval for restricted use in emergencies by the Drugs Controller General of India earlier this month and is a critical aspect of ensuring that any vaccine procured through COVAX is fully quality assured for international use.
COVAX also anticipates that, via an existing agreement with AstraZeneca, at least 50 million further doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine will be available for delivery to COVAX participants in Q1 2021, pending emergency use listing by WHO of the COVAX-specific manufacturing network for these doses. A decision on this candidate is also anticipated by WHO in February.
“Today marks another milestone for COVAX: pending regulatory approval for the AstraZeneca/Oxford candidate and pending the successful conclusion of the supply agreement for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, we anticipate being able to begin deliveries of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines by the end of February. It is not just significant for COVAX; it is a major step forward for equitable access to vaccines and an essential part of the global effort to beat this pandemic. We will only be safe anywhere if we are safe everywhere,” said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which leads COVAX procurement and delivery.
Preparations, led by WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, are already well underway for COVAX to deliver vaccines to economies eligible for support via the COVAX AMC, with Gavi making US$ 150 million available from its core funding as initial, catalytic support for preparedness and delivery.
“The urgent and equitable rollout of vaccines is not just a moral imperative, it’s also a health security, strategic and economic imperative,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
“Country Readiness Portal” will be launched by WHO this month, which will allow AMC participants to submit final national deployment and vaccination plans (NDVPs).
“These purchase agreements open the door for these lifesaving vaccines to become available to people in the most vulnerable countries,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “But at the same time we are securing vaccines, we must also ensure that countries are ready to receive them, deploy them, and build trust in them.”
The COVAX Facility intends to provide all 190 participating economies with an indicative allocation of doses by the end of this month. This indicative allocation will provide interim guidance to participants - offering a minimum planning scenario to enable preparations for the final portion of the number of doses each participant will receive in the first rounds of vaccine distribution.
COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT), is co-led by CEPI, Gavi, and WHO, operating with vaccine manufacturers, UNICEF, the World Bank, and others. It is the only global initiative working with governments and manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are available worldwide to both higher-income and lower-income countries.
The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT) is a new, ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. It was set up in response to a call from G20 leaders in March and launched by the WHO, European Commission, France, and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in April 2020.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides global leadership in public health within the United Nations system.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 3:56 AM | View the original post
January 22, 2021
David Yurman Introduces Spring 2021 Campaign, "My New York"
Photo: David Yurman Introduces Spring 2021 Campaign, “My New York.”
NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2021 — America’s foremost luxury jewelry brand, David Yurman, presents their Spring 2021 campaign, “My New York.” Creative directed by Chief Creative Officer, Evan Yurman, shot by Manhattan-based photographer Lachlan Bailey and styled by Anastasia Barbieri, the campaign features David Yurman brand ambassadors and returning models Joan Smalls and Taylor Hill. The campaign celebrates “My New York” as the brand and founders’ home and a constant source of inspiration and creativity for the Yurman family.
According to the brand, David Yurman, whether you have visited once or lived here all your life, New York is the city of dreams and endless possibilities, no matter where you are in the world. The city’s creative pulse—its people, diversity, cultural institutions, neighborhoods, landmarks—is what gives New York its eternal spirit and continues to inspire us anew. The David Yurman campaign pays homage to the real heart and soul of New York City.
“Sybil, Evan, and I were all born in New York City. It’s our home and in our DNA—its creative energy courses through our veins,” said co-founder and CEO, David Yurman. “We want to celebrate and support our hometown—what this city was, is, and will always be. It’s our New York.”
The campaign features a mix of classic and iconic pieces from David Yurman Cable, Pinky Ring, Stax, Lexington, and Renaissance collections pieces from the brand’s upcoming launch—the new Elements collection. Inspired by the circular form, the Elements collection represents perfect balance, harmony, and unity—the ultimate amulet, the company elaborated.
David Yurman announced that in February 2021, it would expand on the “My New York” campaign concept with a social media initiative featuring iconic individuals from across the country. They include actors, musicians, artists, philanthropists, athletes, entrepreneurs — each with a unique and personal story to tell about the city.
Spring 2021 campaign images will appear in digital and print media, out of home advertising, video streaming, and social media platforms throughout the Spring.
David Yurman is an American jewelry company founded in New York by David Yurman and his wife, Sybil. David Yurman collections are available at 49 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and France and at over 300 locations worldwide through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry retailers’ network.
Source: David Yurman
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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 1:56 PM | View the original post
January 21, 2021
Porsche Studio Delhi, located in Connaught Place, brings a new brand experience to India.
• The first in India, Porsche Studio personalizes the customer experience.
Photo: The opening of Porsche Studio Delhi is the first-of-its-kind in India. Image provided by & copyright © Porsche India.
Photo: The center stage area with its LED wall is an integral part of the Porsche Studio concept. Image provided by & copyright © Porsche India.
Photo: The Heritage Wall presents milestones of Porsche’s unique history. Image provided by & copyright © Porsche India.
New Delhi, India. January 21, 2021 — Porsche is strengthening its presence by opening a new, interactive showroom concept in Delhi, the first of its kind in India. The Porsche Studio Delhi joins the line-up of exclusive locations worldwide to embrace an innovative retail environment that enables the sports car manufacturer to interact with a broad spectrum of target groups in an intimate atmosphere. Located in the prime position of Connaught Place, the Studio opens up onto the high street as a perfect addition to the recently launched Porsche showroom in Gurugram, Delhi-NCR. Given the present situation regarding health and safety protocols, Porsche Studio Delhi is open by pre-scheduled appointments only.
The Principal Dealer of Porsche Centre Delhi Dilmohan Singh said, “Porsche Studio Delhi presents a new way for customers and fans to explore and immerse themselves in the brand through a welcoming and engaging environment right in the middle of one of the busiest neighborhoods in Delhi. I am very proud of our new destination as the first in India.”
The Studio is a futuristic showroom concept in city centers: a new brand space beyond the traditional showroom format by offering a wide range of experiences in customers’ daily lives.
The lifestyle boutique store links Porsche craftsmanship, aesthetics, and urban lifestyle with a center stage area and LED screens that will feature the latest Porsche models. A dedicated Configuration Lab and Trimming Area for customers to tailor their car with inspiration provided by materials and large interactive screens on the Exclusive Manufaktur wall. Customers can learn about the latest hybrid models and the soon-to-arrive Taycan in the so-called E-Performance booth.
The recently appointed Brand Head - Porsche India, Manolito Vujicic, describes Porsche Studio Delhi’s opening as an essential pillar of the brand’s global Future Retail strategy. “It is an innovative and exciting new approach to interact with our Porsche family of customers and enthusiasts through a combination of personal interaction and the use of the latest technology. Displays and digital touchpoints offer diverse attractions beyond just products, ranging from heritage and lifestyle to the future of the brand,” he added.
Adjacent to the center stage, visitors can relax in the Driver’s Club fitted with large panorama screens to watch Porsche’s latest videos. A private sales suite offers complete discretion for the purchase process with a personal consultant. Its library style interior holds a selection of samples and trimmings for any design tweaks during the consultation.
The Porsche Studio in Delhi reflects Porsche Centre Delhi’s commitment towards its current and future customers in the region. The company said it looks to a promising 2021 with a full complement of new models, including the new Panamera, the all-new Taycan electric sports saloon, and the latest 911 Turbo.
Source: Porsche India
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Porsche Studio Delhi
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 9:56 AM | View the original post
January 19, 2021
Automobili Lamborghini closes 2020 with 7,430 cars delivered and six new product launches.
7,430 Lamborghinis delivered worldwide in 2020.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the company set an all-time six-month sales record in the second half of the year.
Six new products launched on the market: Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD coupé and Spyder, Sián Roadster, Essenza SCV12, Huracán STO and SC20.
The company took Social responsibility initiatives, from medical masks to the cultural project “With Italy, for Italy.”
Photos: Lamborghini in 2020. Images provided by & copyright ©, Automobili Lamborghini.
Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, January 18, 2021 - Automobili Lamborghini responded to a year marked by the global pandemic’s significant challenges with enormous energy and determination. The company delivered 7,430 cars worldwide in 2020, a decrease of only 9% compared to the previous year. The slight drop is attributable to the 70-day production shutdown in the spring, in compliance with Italian government directives and to protect workers’ health during the first emergency phase. In contrast, the second six months saw record sales figures, resulting in the best second half-year for deliveries-to-customers in the company’s history.
The United States was the top market with 2,224 cars, followed by Germany (607), mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau (604), Japan (600), the United Kingdom (517), and Italy (347). The two countries with the highest growth were South Korea (303 units, + 75%) and Germany (607 cars, +8%). The Urus SUV, which just last year set a production record of 10,000 units, was the most successful model, with 4,391 vehicles delivered. Both the super sports car lines significantly contributed to global volumes: the V10 Huracán recorded growing numbers with 2,193 cars sold (+3%), alongside 846 V12 Aventador units delivered worldwide.
The new 2021 year gets off to a positive start with a robust order portfolio: so much so that the company has already assigned more than half of 2021’s planned production.
Stephan Winkelmann, President, and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, commented: “The 2020 results are a clear demonstration of the excellent work that, despite the difficulties of a year of global challenges, was carried out by the entire Lamborghini team with enormous dedication and a spirit of resilience. It is a great honor for me to be part of our future again. The sense of community felt so strongly during the past year, along with the values of social responsibility and the drive toward innovation that has always distinguished Lamborghini will be the basis for confronting a challenging 2021. It would consolidate the product range, seek new business prospects, and further strengthen the brand.”
Source: Automobili Lamborghini
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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 5:24 AM | View the original post
January 17, 2021
Deutsche Bank and Google Cloud Sign Pioneering Cloud and Innovation Partnership
Deutsche Bank and Google Cloud to co-innovate the next generation of cloud-based financial services.
The bank’s move to the cloud will improve resilience, deliver new capabilities to the market quicker, and reduce cost over time.
Co-innovation use cases already being explored include new lending products, one retail bank interface, and enhancements to the Autobahn platform.
Deutsche Bank and Google Cloud intend to selectively co-innovate with promising start-ups and fintech. They plan to make Deutsche Bank products available on Google Cloud Marketplace for the first time.
Photo: Deutsche Bank Towers - Looking through the Sphere. Headquarters in Frankfurt am Main. Image provided by & copyright © Deutsche Bank.
FRANKFURT, Germany and SUNNYVALE, Calif.,— Deutsche Bank and Google Cloud announced that they had finalized a strategic, multi-year partnership to accelerate the bank’s transition to the cloud and co-innovate new products and services. It is the first partnership of this kind for the financial services industry.
For Deutsche Bank’s clients, the agreement will reshape how products and services are designed and delivered. With faster application development and the use of advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics tools, the bank will be able to respond more flexibly and more accurately to the most pressing challenges, trends, and client needs.
“Today marks a new chapter for Deutsche Bank,” said Bernd Leukert, Deutsche Bank’s Chief Technology, Data and Innovation Officer and Member of the Management Board. “With Google Cloud by our side, we have a strategic partner that will accelerate our technology transformation, enable us to use data more intelligently, and provide a flexible and safe environment for us to deliver new products and services quickly. This is the blueprint for bringing together the relative strengths within banking and technology for the benefit of our clients.”
“Mobile self-service options, artificial intelligence-based recommendations, and other innovations are transforming the banking experience for businesses and consumers around the world,” said Rob Enslin, President, Google Cloud. “Our partnership with Deutsche Bank will bring innovations to life and further establish the financial services industry as an early technology adopter. Deutsche Bank is a trailblazer in the industry, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with such an important market leader.”
Several use cases for the partnership are already being explored, including:
New lending products to support “pay-per-use” models as an alternative to purchasing assets outright (asset-as-a-service).
Establishing a unified, intuitive interface for retail customers in Germany to more efficiently view the range of Deutsche Bank and Postbank products.
Enhancing the bank’s Autobahn platform, the award-winning electronic service offering for corporate and institutional clients, to create more personalized recommendations and experiences.
As a further step, Deutsche Bank and Google Cloud intend to selectively co-innovate with promising start-ups and fintech that can support the bank’s client and transformation goals. Deutsche Bank plans to list its Google Cloud products on Google Cloud Marketplace to expand customer reach to drive broader adoption of its new cloud-native services and solutions.
Moving to the cloud will enable Deutsche Bank to take advantage of an up-to-date and fully managed environment for applications. Flexibility and resilience will improve, with an uncompromising focus on data privacy and security to safeguard customer data and Deutsche Bank’s information assets.
Deutsche Bank applications will encrypt data at rest and in transit. Google Cloud will provide Deutsche Bank with functionality to allow the bank to manage its encryption keys.
Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking, and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and the Asia Pacific.
Google Cloud provides organizations with leading infrastructure, platform capabilities, and industry solutions.
Source: Google Cloud
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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 1:27 AM | View the original post
January 15, 2021
World Intellectual Property Indicators Report: Trademark and Industrial Design Filing Activity Rose in 2019; Patent Applications Marked Rare Decline
Photo: The Thirty-First Session of WIPO’s Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 2 to December 5, 2019. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Photo The Delegate of Finland at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Photo The Delegate of India at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Photo The Delegate of Moldova at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Photo The Delegate of France at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Photo The Delegate of China at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Photo The Delegate of USA at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.
Geneva, Switzerland — Worldwide trademark and industrial design-creation activity rose in 2019 even as the number of global patent applications dipped slightly on weaker demand in IP powerhouse China, WIPO’s benchmark World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report showed.
Trademark and industrial design filing activity increased by 5.9% and 1.3%, respectively. A 3% decline in global patent applications, the first fall in a decade, was driven by a drop in filings by Chinese residents. Excluding China, international patent filings rose 2.3%.
The annual WIPI report collects and analyzes IP data from some 150 national and regional offices to inform policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, and others seeking macro trends in innovation and creativity.
The WIPI’s 2019 figures, which pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic, underline the long-building growth in demand for the intellectual property tools that incentivize an increasingly global and digital-focused economy, said WIPO Director General Daren Tang.
“The robust use of intellectual property tools shows high levels of innovation and creativity at the end of 2019, just at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr. Tang. “The pandemic has accelerated long-building trends by fostering the adoption of new technologies and accelerating the digitization of everyday life. Because IP is so connected to technology, innovation, and digitalization, IP will become even more important to a greater number of countries in the post-COVID world.”
World Intellectual Property Indicators - 2020
(An authoritative annual survey of IP activity around the globe)
• Patents
China’s IP office received 1.4 million patent applications in 2019, more than twice the amount received by authorities in the second-busiest country, the United States (621,453). The U.S. was followed by Japan (307,969), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO; 218,975), and the European Patent Office (EPO; 181,479). Together, these five offices accounted for 84.7% of the world total.
Among the top five offices, the Republic of Korea (+4.3%), the EPO (+4.1%), and the U.S. (+4.1%) recorded growth in applications, while both China (-9.2%) and Japan (-1.8%) saw declines.
Filings in China declined for the first time in 24 years due to a 10.8% drop in resident applications amidst an overall shift in regulations there, aiming to optimize application structures and improve applications’ quality.
Germany (67,434), India (53,627), Canada (36,488), the Russian Federation (35,511) and Australia (29,758) also featured among the top 10 offices. These offices saw mixed performance. Canada (+0.9%) and India (+7.1%) exhibited growth in filings in 2019, while Australia (-0.7%), Germany (-0.7%), and the Russian Federation (-6.4%) recorded declines.
Offices located in Asia received close to two-thirds (65%) of all applications filed worldwide in 2019 - a considerable increase from 50.9% in 2009 - primarily driven by long-term growth in China. Offices located in North America accounted for just over one-fifth (20.4%) of the world total, while those in Europe accounted for slightly above one-tenth (11.3%). The combined share of offices located in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Oceania was 3.3% in 2019.
In terms of filing abroad, which indicates a desire to expand in new markets, U.S. residents continue to lead with 236,032 equivalent patent applications filed abroad in 2019. The U.S. was followed by Japan (206,758), Germany (104,736), China (84,279), and the Republic of Korea (76,824).
Patents in force worldwide grew by 7% to reach around 15 million in 2019. The highest number of patents in force was recorded in the U.S. (3.1 million), followed by China (2.7 million) and Japan (2.1 million). More than half of all patents in force in the U.S. originate from abroad, while domestic applicants accounted for around four-fifths of all patents in force in Japan.
• Trademarks
An estimated 11.5 million trademark applications covering 15.2 million classes were filed worldwide in 2019. The number of types specified in applications grew by 5.9% in 2019, marking a 10th successive growth year.
China’s IP office had the highest volume of filing activity[1] with a class count of around 7.8 million; followed by the IP offices of the U.S. (672,681) and Japan (546,244); the IP office of the Islamic Republic of Iran (454,925) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO; 407,712).
Among the top 20 offices, the largest increases between 2018 and 2019 were in the IP offices of Brazil (+22.3%), Viet Nam (+19.3%), the Islamic Republic of Iran (+18.4%), the Russian Federation (+16.5%), and Turkey (+15.5%).
Offices located in Asia accounted for 70.6% of all trademark filing activity in 2019, up from 38.7% in 2009. Europe’s share declined from 36% in 2009 to 15.4% in 2019. North America accounted for 5.7% of the world total in 2019, while the combined share of offices located in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Oceania was 8.3% in 2019.
There were an estimated 58.2 million active trademark registrations worldwide in 2019 - up 15.2% in 2018, with 25.2 million in China alone, followed by 2.8 million in the U.S. and 2 million in India.
• Industrial Designs
An estimated 1.04 million industrial design applications containing 1.36 million designs were filed worldwide in 2019, representing a 1.3% year-on-year increase. China’s IP office received applications containing 711,617 procedures in 2019, corresponding to 52.3% of the world total. It was followed by the EUIPO (113,319) and the IP offices of the Republic of Korea (69,360), the U.S. (49,848), and Turkey (46,202).
Among the top 20 offices, the following three offices reported double-digit growth in design counts: the Russian Federation (+22%), the Islamic Republic of Iran (+19.3%), and Australia (+10.3%).
Offices located in Asia accounted for more than two-thirds (68.4%) of all designs in applications filed worldwide in 2019, followed by Europe (24.3%) and North America (4.2%). The combined share of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania was 3.1% in 2019.
Designs related to furnishings accounted for 9.4% of global filing activity[2], followed by those related to clothing (8.1%) and packages and containers (7.3%).
The total number of industrial design registrations in force worldwide grew by 7.3% to reach around 4.1 million. The largest number of registrations was in China (1.8 million), followed by the Republic of Korea (358,803), the U.S. (357,959), and Japan (261,669).
• Plant Varieties
China’s relevant office received 7,834 plant variety applications in 2019, up 36% in 2018. It now accounts for over one-third of the plant variety applications filed worldwide. China was followed by the Community Plant Variety Office of the European Union (CPVO; 3,525) and relevant offices of the U.S. (1,590), Ukraine (1,238), and Japan (822). Among the top five offices, China (+36%) and Ukraine (+1.1%) saw growth in filings 2019, while Japan (-6.6%), the U.S. (-1.2%), and CPVO (-0.8%) saw a drop in filings.
• Geographical Indications
In 2019, there were around 55,800 GIs in force worldwide. GIs are signs used on products with a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin, such as Gruyère for cheese or Tequila for spirits. Germany (14,289) reported the largest number of GIs in force, followed by China (7,834), Hungary (6,494), and the Czech Republic (6,071).
GIs in force relating to “wines and spirits” accounted for around 56.6% of the 2019 world total, followed by agricultural products and foodstuffs (34.2%) and handicrafts (3.5%).
• Publishing Industry
Revenue generated by the trade and the educational sectors of the publishing industry of 21 countries amounted to USD 67.3 billion in 2019. The U.S. (USD 23.5 billion) reported the most considerable net revenue, followed by Japan (USD 16.1 billion), the Republic of Korea (USD 6.2 billion), Germany (USD 5.6 billion), the U.K. (USD 5.4 billion), and France (USD 3 billion).
Online sales generated more than half of total trade sector revenue in Sweden (50.1%) and the U.K. (55.2%). The U.S. (43.5%) and Turkey (22%) also had a large proportion of their total trade sector revenue generated by online sales.
The U.K. reported a combined total of around 202,000 published titles covering the trade and educational sectors in 2019. It was followed by the Russian Federation (115,171), France (107,143), Italy (100,266), and Spain (95,849).
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property policy, services, information, and cooperation. A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO assists its 193 member states in developing a balanced international IP legal framework to meet society’s evolving needs. It provides business services for obtaining IP rights in multiple countries and resolving disputes. It delivers capacity-building programs to help developing countries benefit from using IP. And it offers free access to unique knowledge banks of IP information.
Source: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
|GlobalGiants.Com|
(The Editor is an Alumnus of the World Intellectual Property Organization Academy (WIPO Academy), Geneva, Switzerland.)
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:49 AM | View the original post
January 14, 2021
Indian Army signs a $20 million contract with ideaForge to procure SWITCH UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
Photo: Indian Army signs a $20 million contract with ideaForge to procure SWITCH UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).
MUMBAI, India, Jan. 14, 2021 — The Indian Army has signed an approximately $20 million contract for unknown quantities of a high-altitude variant of ideaForge’s SWITCH UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to be delivered over one year. The Indian Army awarded ideaForge this contract after it emerged as the only vendor that qualified the operational requirements in an evaluation done in real-world conditions for a fast-track procurement. The deal marks a strategic shift in the Indian defense procurement process as the Indian Army goes on an aggressive modernization drive. It has also cemented ideaForge’s position as India’s largest manufacturer of drones for defense, homeland security, and industrial applications.
SWITCH UAV is an indigenous system built to cater to the most demanding surveillance operations of the Indian Forces. This Fixed-Wing VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) UAV can be deployed at high altitude and harsh environments for day and night surveillance in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is man-portable and has the highest time on target compared to any other UAV in its class.
Speaking on the development, ideaForge CEO Ankit Mehta said, “SWITCH UAV is the culmination of insights and knowledge we have gained over years of experience in helping the Indian Forces operationalize UAVs in their ranks. The trials saw about a dozen national and global players compete to meet the operational requirements. SWITCH UAV is the only product that cleared the Indian Army’s stringent product trials and surpassed expectations. It is a testimony that our systems are built like a bird and tested like a tank. Our systems are fully ready to serve nations that seek to protect their territorial sovereignty.”
“A combination of world-class technology and a deep understanding of customer requirements has resulted in ideaForge bagging this contract against global competition. With the backing of reputed institutional investors such as WRVI, Infosys, and Qualcomm, ideaForge is set to grow. We plan to work with like-minded investors and partners to achieve our vision of premier drone company serving enterprise, security, and surveillance market globally,” said Ganapathy Subramaniam, Partner - WRVI Venture Capital, who also serves as Executive Chairman - ideaForge.
Source: ideaForge Technology
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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:49 AM | View the original post
January 11, 2021
Redesigned TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Collection features Fresh Racing Look.
As the luxury watchmaker celebrates its 160th anniversary, the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera, original racing chronograph, is relaunched with a range of sporty watches that bring the collection back to its roots.
TAG Heuer, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Switzerland’s Jura Mountains, is a luxury watch brand. Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and with four production sites, TAG Heuer is active in 139 countries.
Source: TAG Heuer
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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 3:12 AM | View the original post
January 7, 2021
Kia Motors unveils New Logo and Global Brand Slogan to ignite its Bold Transformation for the future.
Kia celebrates its new face and slogan, declaring the brand’s future transformation.
The new logo features’ symmetry’, ‘rhythm,’ and ‘rising’ elements that embody Kia’s confidence and commitment to customers.
Kia discloses a new brand slogan: ‘Movement that inspires.’
Kia sets new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’ during logo unveiling.
Kia Moros would present the new brand purpose and strategy to the world on January 15, 2021.
Seoul, South Korea, January 07, 2020 — Kia Motors Corporation has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify its bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business, the company announced.
The logo symbolizes Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers, Kia explained.
“Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President, and CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”
Kia revealed the new logo with a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw crewless aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic show, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. It set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously.’
A new brand purpose and strategy to be revealed on January 15, 2021.
In addition to an all-new logo, Kia revealed its new global brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires.’ Details on Kia’s new brand strategy, including the brand purpose and philosophy and application to Kia’s future product line-up, will be shared through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event to be held on Friday, January 15, 2021.
The new logo’s launch follows the announcement of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy in 2020. Under Plan S, Kia, among other objectives, has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market. The approach focuses on popularizing electric vehicles and introducing a broad range of mobility services tailored to meet individuals and local markets’ needs and tastes.
Kia Motors is a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart. Founded in 1944, Kia today sells around 3 million cars a year in 190 countries, with more than 52,000 employees worldwide, annual revenues of over US$49 billion, and manufacturing facilities in five countries.
Source: Kia Motors Corporation
|GlobalGiants.Com|
KIA | New Logo Unveiling Show.
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:56 AM | View the original post
January 6, 2021
Jennifer Lopez Launches 'JLo Beauty' with the tagline — Beauty Has No Expiration Date™
Photos: Jennifer Lopez launches JLo Beauty. Images provided by & copyright © JLo Beauty.
LOS ANGELES, January 5, 2021 — American actress, singer, dancer, fashion designer, producer, and businesswoman Jennifer Lopez introduces JLo Beauty. It is a luxurious skincare collection infused with the expertise and experience of iconic, ageless charm.
The announcement said that Jennifer Lopez is a global superstar; she has undimmable beauty that only gets better with age. The number one question she’s asked is her secret to flawless, timeless, radiant skin — the “JLo Glow” that’s become a hallmark.
According to the new brand, like Jennifer herself, JLo Beauty is a force: powerhouse ingredients in rare combinations delivering uncompromising results for one groundbreaking authority in agelessness. Determined from the beginning to create luxe formulas that work as hard as she does, Jennifer carefully curated this game-changing, high-performance skincare collection. The collection she spent decades searching out.
It all stems from Jennifer’s long-time beauty philosophy based on The Five S’s: sleep, sunscreen, serum, supplements, and Sano. Inspired by the Spanish phrase, ‘Vivir Sano,’ Jennifer has always committed to living a healthy, sane life. While Jennifer can’t bottle sleep or Sano, her approach to life has informed an edited line-up of multitasking formulas that make self-care more straightforward. She has a sensory experience that serves as a daily reminder that beauty is an inside job, the brand explained.
“I want people to know that this is deeply meaningful for me, that it’s personal. Now I want to share what I’ve learned with people everywhere. You want to know how I got my skin, how I look this way? It is how. It is how I live my life, and it’s pretty simple.” — Jennifer Lopez, Founder, JLo Beauty.
Jennifer was inspired by an old family secret—olive oil—but challenged her formulators to create something new, innovative, and groundbreaking for her hero ingredient. Enter the proprietary JLo Beauty™ Olive Complex: a 4-part olive blend of squalane, fermented oil, extra virgin oil, and leaf extract that delivers antioxidant protection and is clinically shown to provide all-day moisturization and that star glow.
“Conceived by Jennifer, grounded in science, the eight-piece collection reflects two years of product development and over 100 reformulations — until the result was finally worthy of her name,” the brand announced. “Starring Jennifer’s favorite glow serum and wonder cream, JLo Beauty improves the look and feel of skin — uncovering ageless beauty and limitless glow.”
The JLo Beauty collection features eight luxury formulas:
- THAT HIT SINGLE IN A GEL CREAM CLEANSER — Brighten. Refine. Soothe.
- THAT JLO GLOW IN A MULTITASKING SERUM — Tighten. Brighten. Hydrate.
- THAT LIMITLESS GLOW IN A MULTITASKING MASK — Tighten. Plump. Radiate.
- THAT BLOCKBUSTER IN A NONSTOP WONDER CREAM — Hydrate. Plump. Nourish.
- THAT BIG SCREEN IN A BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 MOISTURIZER — Hydrate. Protect. Soothe.
- THAT FRESH TAKE IN A FIERCE EYE CREAM — Hydrate. Brighten. Smooth.
- THAT STAR FILTER IN AN INSTANT COMPLEXION BOOSTER — Highlight. Bronze. Diffuse.
- THAT INNER LOVE IN A SKIN-NUTRITIOUS DIETARY SUPPLEMENT — Nourish. Protect. Soothe.
Source: JLo Beauty
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Jennifer Lopez | JLO BEAUTY | Making the Brand.
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 9:13 AM | View the original post
January 5, 2021
Series production of the Volkswagen Beetle started just after Christmas 1945 in Wolfsburg, Germany.
• British Major Ivan Hirst enables vehicle production in record time with considerable improvisation.
Photo: Volkswagen ‘Markenhochhaus’ Brand Tower with new Volkswagen logo in Wolfsburg, Germany. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen AG.
Photo: Series production of the Volkswagen Beetle started just after Christmas 1945 in Wolfsburg, Germany. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen AG.
Photo: The Volkswagen “Max” Beetle. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Photo: The Volkswagen “Max” Beetle. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Photo: Historic VW Beetle. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Herndon, VA, USA — On December 27, 1945, the Volkswagen Limousine series production began. Referred to internally as “Type 1” and later became world-famous as the “Beetle,” the vehicle’s unique success story started in Wolfsburg thanks to British Major Ivan Hirst’s strategic vision.
In June 1945, the British Military Government Series assumed the trusteeship over Volkswagenwerk GmbH. Following World War II, production of the Volkswagen Type 1 began with a plan to use the vehicle to perform urgently needed transport tasks within their occupation zone. Senior Resident Officer Major Ivan Hirst played a crucial role in this development, and it was this British pragmatism that finally protected the plant against impending demolition. Hirst’s farsightedness and talent for improvisation made it possible to start automobile production in the years of rationing, under conditions dominated by shortages. With his enthusiasm for technology and cars, his purposefulness, and his different attitude, he successfully transformed a former armaments plant into a civilian industrial company in an impressively short space of time.
The British Military Government issued an order for 20,000 vehicles in August 1945. The start of production was a visible sign of a new beginning and hope at the factory, which had been largely destroyed by World War II. This solution was in line with British policy for Germany, which saw the population’s financial security and prospects as vital elements in developing democratic structures. Democracy found its way into the Volkswagenwerk, and on November 27, 1945, the Works Council elected in a democratic ballot held its constituent meeting.
Nevertheless, there were considerable problems in supplying the workforce with food and living space, and production got hampered by raw material and energy supply bottlenecks. Despite these challenging conditions, the first Volkswagen sedan left the production line shortly after Christmas. By the end of 1945, the factory had produced 55 vehicles.
From 1946 up to the currency reform, the factory produced about 1,000 vehicles per month. It was impossible to make more vehicles with material shortages, rationing, and lack of personnel. The trustees responsible laid the foundations for further growth of the company by exporting the Volkswagen sedan in 1947 and establishing a sales and after-sales service system.
The decision to develop a civilian factory and start a series of production of the Volkswagen Type 1 was the starting point of a unique success story. Thanks to the early restart, Volkswagenwerk GmbH was ideally positioned for the economic upswing. Under the unofficial designation of “VW Beetle,” the car became more popular than almost any other automobile model throughout the world. It was also a record-breaker in terms of production, duration, and volume. Volkswagen only discontinued production of the original VW Beetle in Mexico in 2003, after 21,529,464 vehicles had been manufactured, including about 15.8 million in Germany.
Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:11 AM | View the original post
December 29, 2020
Test Driving the Renault Twingo Electric with Charlotte Berton, Professional Driver & Driving Instructor.
Photos: Renault Twingo Electric Vibes Limited Edition. Images provided by & copyright © Jean-Brice LEMAL/Planimonteur, Renault Group.
Paris, France, December 29, 2020 — The Renault Twingo Electric got tested. Thanks to its clean and silent 100% electric propulsion, 82hp engine, reduced size, and its excellent turning radius, Renault’s iconic small city car provides even greater driving pleasure and comfort daily. Professional driver Charlotte Berton, who was behind the wheel for this test, endorses that Twingo Electric more than ever deserves its nickname as the queen of the city!
Test drive of the Renault Twingo Electric by Charlotte Berton, professional driver.
Professional driver, French women’s rally champion, and driving instructor Charlotte Berton got behind the Twingo Electric’s wheel for a test drive.
DISCOVER THE TWINGO ELECTRIC
Twingo Electric takes up the playful design that has made its Twingo twin such a success. It has “endearing impish looks,” as Charlotte Berton likes to remind one during her test drive.
A few small, signature details echo this electric version. There is a recharging socket, blue piping on the front grille., and a strapping in the wheels’ center. A pinstripe also runs along the body to highlight the car’s dynamic lines.
The Twingo Electric Vibes limited edition car stands out for its vibrant exterior style with its exclusive “Valencia Orange” color. Orange or white strippings, white inserts on the front grille, and 16” Monega diamond alloy wheels with orange wheel caps round off its sparkling summery style.
THE QUEEN OF THE ELECTRIC CITY CARS!
As Charlotte Berton explains, “Drivers today are looking for vehicles that are practical, economical, and environmentally friendly. And Twingo Electric is Renault’s answer to this changing demand.”
This model has a range of 270 km in town. Compared with the average daily mileage of around 30 kilometers traveled by owners of mini-city cars in Europe. It means one can make a week’s worth of daily journeys without charging anytime. What’s more, it is easy to recharge it at any charging station, thanks to its Cameleon® Renault-patented intelligent charger. A simple half-hour break connected to a 22-kW terminal is enough to recover enough power to drive 80 kilometers on mixed routes.
Behind the wheel, you start quietly. The electric engine is refreshing, with a power output of 60 kW (82 hp) for a maximum torque of 160 Nm immediately available. Acceleration and throttle response are at the same time frank, silent and accessible from low revs. In addition to its liveliness, Twingo Electric still offers the best turning radius on the market and excellent agility thanks to its four-cornered wheels.
Twingo Electric has a specific mode in addition to the traditional functions, known as “B mode.” It is a smart system that adapts driving to the traffic conditions and lanes used. There are three modes to choose from, and the one selected acts directly on energy recovery linked to the car’s deceleration.
A VERY FUNCTIONAL ONBOARD SPACE
Twingo Electric has a spacious and practical interior. The center console with its storage compartments, the closed glove compartment, the sockets designed for smartphones, and the 7-inch touch screen are all details that enhance onboard comfort. Noteworthies are the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system and the MY Renault application, which provide access to numerous connected services such as real-time tracking of the car’s charge or planning a trip according to the charging points available on the way.
The interior decorations are reminiscent of the new “Valencia Orange” color on the Vibes limited series. From the new specific upholstery to the inserts on the dashboard, the Vibes Limited Series has sparkling touches of orange. The complete details, emblazoned with “Vibes,” animate the center console and door sills.
CHARLOTTE BERTON’S VIEW
For Charlotte Berton, this test-drive was successful. Twingo Electric was a pleasant surprise.
“Autonomy, versatile recharging, agility, connected services: New Renault Twingo Electric is the ideal city car for everyday use,” concludes the driver in her video.
ABOUT GROUP RENAULT
Groupe Renault has manufactured cars since 1898. Today it is an international multi-brand group, selling close to 3.8 million vehicles in 134 countries in 2019, with 40 manufacturing sites, 12,700 points of sales, and employing more than 180,000 people.
Groupe Renault focuses on international expansion to address significant technological challenges while pursuing its profitable growth strategy. To this end, it is drawing on the synergies of its five brands (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, and LADA), electric vehicles, and its unique alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. With a 100% Renault owned team committed to the Formula 1 World Championship since 2016, the brand is involved in motorsports, a real vector for innovation and awareness.
Source: Groupe Renault
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 9:51 AM | View the original post
December 27, 2020
Barclays Bank: Direct-to-Consumer Sales would give UK Manufacturing Industry £24bn Boost by 2023.
Direct-to-consumer sales worth £96bn for UK manufacturing in 2020 and set to grow to £120bn in 2023.
57% of consumers now choosing to buy direct from manufacturers.
Eighty-five million packages will be sent direct-to-consumer by manufacturers this year as logistics companies also benefit.
New Barclays Corporate Banking research gives cause for optimism after a tough 2020: average manufacturer earnings have fallen by 26% this year, and headcount by 19%.
Photo: Barclays Bank logo outside its branch in High Street, Colchester, England. Image Credit: Howard Lake.
London, December 26, 2020 — A boom in manufacturers selling direct-to-consumer (D2C) will provide a £24bn boost to the industry’s coffers by 2023, research from Barclays Corporate Banking has revealed.
The new report - ‘A direct approach’ - combines polling of manufacturers, logistics firms, and consumers with detailed economic modeling to assess the impact of D2C sales, where traditional channels of distribution such as retailers and wholesalers get bypassed. The results show that a surge in shoppers going direct will mean sales through this channel total £120bn in 2023 - an increase from £96bn this year.
According to the Barclays report, consumer choices exacerbated by the pandemic are driving the growth. Almost three-fifths (57%) of the people surveyed said they now frequently go direct to manufacturers because they believe they will get a better price (36%) and better service (23%). Besides, almost a third (32%) of consumers are buying direct as a conscious decision to support the UK manufacturing sector. The most frequently purchased through the ‘direct approach’ are clothes (39%), electronics (30%) and food and drink (27%) - as well as larger items such as household appliances (24%) and furniture (22%).
Encouragingly for manufacturers, consumers’ newly-formed habits show no signs of abating even after the pandemic. More than half (52%) of consumers say they will continue to shop online as much as they do now, and 13% predict they’ll turn to e-commerce even more often. Shoppers expect 29% of their home deliveries to come via D2C in 2023, rising from 20% in 2020.
These trends have seen 13% of manufacturers set-up a D2C channel this year. Each invested an average of £288,000 in doing so - while 22% have seen an increase in D2C sales. However, despite the growing prominence of direct sales, the vast majority (98%) of manufacturers also continue to work with wholesalers and retailers.
The move to D2C means that many manufacturing firms are creating jobs: 45% of those introducing direct channels this year have recruited new staff across customer service areas. There could be as many as 118,000 new job roles supported by D2C sales across the next three years: rising from 500,000 in 2020 to 618,000 in 2023. It is positive news for the manufacturing industry. On average, each company has lost 26% of its revenue and 19% of its headcount across 2020.
The logistics sector is also benefiting from the move to D2C. Barclays estimates that around 85 million parcels and packages will be delivered to UK households this year thanks to manufacturers’ D2C sales. It will rise by about 30% to 110 million in 2023. Logistics firms predict that D2C contracts will account for 50% of their annual revenue in three years, compared to 39% this year. 45% are leasing more vehicles to accommodate this growth, 42% are employing more staff, and 28% take on more real estate.
Lee Collinson, Head of Manufacturing, Transport, and Logistics at Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “2020 has been a turbulent year for all industries, and the manufacturing sector is no different. However, the increasing demand to procure goods directly from the companies that make them provides growth opportunities and confidence for manufacturers of all sizes. D2C sales will help manufacturing firms increase their earnings and protect and create jobs in the next three years: that’s a welcome shot in the arm not only for the industry but also for the wider UK economy.”
Other notable findings from the Barclays report include:
The food and drink manufacturing sector will be the biggest beneficiary of D2C growth in the next three years, adding around £5.7bn of revenue and creating 27,300 new jobs.
While more than a quarter of manufacturers are already using electric vehicles to deliver packages to consumers as part of their overall fleet, over two fifths (42%) of manufacturing firms say they have plans to introduce electric vehicles.
Source: BARCLAYS
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:19 AM | View the original post
December 24, 2020
Renault Triber, Groupe Renault's Spacious and Ultra Modern Vehicle
Photos: Renault Triber. Images provided by & copyright © Renault.
Renault Triber is an entirely new ultra-modular, modern and value-for-money model. Triber is a compact vehicle (less than 4 meters long) offering unbeatable flexibility. It can carry one to seven people and features its category’s largest boot capacity in a five-seater configuration.
Renault Triber is a world-first vehicle designed and produced for the Indian market. India is an important market for Groupe Renault.
“We are still young to India, yet our ambitions are high in line with our “Drive the Future” strategic plan: we aim at doubling our sales by 2022. For that reason, we are bringing Renault Triber, another breakthrough concept targeted at Indian’s core market. Renault Triber was conceived, developed, and produced in India, for Indian customers first, before taking it to the world. It is a real game-changer,” said Thierry Bolloré, CEO of Groupe Renault.
With this innovative concept, Groupe Renault expands its local range already made up of Kwid, Duster, and Captur. With no direct competitors, Triber is a real game-changer in comparison with other standard B-segment vehicles. Renault’s response to the critical expectations of Indian customers is a modern, spacious yet compact, ultra-modular, and fuel-efficient vehicle that the whole family can travel in. Attractively designed, sturdy, compact, roomy, and modular, Triber is a versatile product that also achieves the feat of accommodating one to seven adults in comfort in less than 4 meters of length.
“Our goal with Triber was to design a car that would transform according to the many needs and the many lives of our customers. Whether they are parents, lovers, a friends’ group, a family pack, whatever their tribe, Renault Triber should adapt whatever their lifestyle. Triber is true to the Indian values of friendliness and sharing, which are the same in Renault. It offers an attractive, robust, and compact design and is re-inventing space for all. We are very proud of our latest breakthrough, which turned a length challenge into a miracle within 4 meters!” said Laurens van den Acker, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Design, Groupe Renault.
Groupe Renault has international ambitions and aims at growing worldwide (over 40% of sales growth, with a target of more than 5 million vehicles by 2022). Triber will contribute to this global strategy. Renault’s medium-term goal in India is to double the sales volume to 200,000 units annually over the next three years.
Groupe Renault has manufactured cars since 1898. Today it is an international multi-brand group, selling close to 3.8 million vehicles in 134 countries in 2019, with 40 manufacturing sites, 12,700 points of sales, and employing more than 180,000 people.
Groupe Renault focuses on international expansion to address the future significant technological challenges while continuing to pursue its profitable growth strategy. To this end, it is drawing on the synergies of its five brands (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, and LADA), electric vehicles, and its unique alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. With a 100% Renault owned team committed to the Formula 1 World Championship since 2016, the brand is involved in motorsports, a real vector for innovation and awareness.
Source: Groupe Renault
|GlobalGiants.Com|
All you need to know | #RenaultTRIBER
Renault TRIBER | Space For Everything.
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 1:41 AM | View the original post
December 22, 2020
AIRBUS boosts the Mission Capabilities of its H135 Helicopters
Photo: OAMTC Air Rescue operates 28 H135 helicopters from 17 permanent bases and four other bases during the wintertime in Austria. Last year, the operator performed more than 20,000 missions, with 52 tasks per day. Image provided by & copyright © AIRBUS.
Photo: The latest version of the H135 family of helicopters. Image provided by & copyright © AIRBUS.
Donauworth, Germany. December 21, 2020 - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified a new Alternate Gross Weight (AGW) for the latest version of the H135 family of helicopters. The new AGW enables operators to benefit from an increased maximum take-off weight of up to 120 kg (265 lb) and useful load. This increase can also extend the range by up to 75 nm or the endurance by up to 40 minutes under standard conditions. The new AGW is available as an option and can be applied retroactively to all H135s equipped with Helionix.
Additionally, Airbus has recently certified a new single-pilot IFR Helionix cockpit for its H135 helicopters. The modified cockpit enables customers to choose between removing the instrument panel’s copilot side to increase the field of view or to keep it to install specific STC equipment. The single-pilot IFR cockpit of the H135 will further boost the capabilities of the H135 in several missions, including aerial work, utility, and law enforcement.
To date, AIRBUS has delivered more than 1,400 helicopters of the H135 family around the globe with more than 5.6 million flight hours.
More than 300 customers in 60 countries use helicopters from the H135 family for a wide range of missions, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), law enforcement, private and business aviation, offshore wind, and military training.
Source: AIRBUS.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 11:54 AM | View the original post
December 21, 2020
The Volkswagen Beetle GSR, a Classic in Yellow and Black
Photos: Old and new Beetle GSR. Images provided by & copyright © Volkswagen.
While the Volkswagen Beetle may be one of the most recognizable cars globally, one of its most eye-catching variants is lesser-known - the GSR yellow and black striped speed racer.
The GSR is a flashy, sporty, bumblebee-colored car that was the answer to years of requests from Beetle fans for a sportier version of the classic coupe. In 1973, Volkswagen unveiled the GSR sporting updates designed with European rally racing in mind, a bright yellow paint scheme offset with flat-black hood and bumpers, and sport seats plus a three-spoke race-quality steering wheel. Each 15-inch wheel, outfitted with extra-wide tires, featured the vehicle’s production number.
One thing that didn’t change with the first GSR model was the Beetle’s engine. The Beetle engine was still powered by the famous flat-four, which offered 50 horsepower and 80 pound-feet of torque - a bit low, even by historical standards. Though the GSR would seem pokey on modern interstates, buyers at the time were after an affordable package for rallying, not commuting.
The original GSR came into being toward the end of the Beetle’s run in Europe. Only 3,500 units were built, with only a hundred or so originals known to exist today - making them rare and highly sought after.
The rare model did make a curtain call of sorts with a special edition Beetle GSR that debuted in 2014. A modern re-interpretation of the 1970s original, the contemporary take includes all-black mirror caps, GSR lettering above the side skirts, and a large rear spoiler. The significant difference between the original and the relaunch was a modern water-cooled engine, packing 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.
Source: Volkswagen
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 2:53 AM | View the original post
December 19, 2020
ATHLETIC GENESIS MIDSIZE URBAN SUV 'GENESIS GV70' DEBUTS ONLINE
Photos: GENESIS GV70. Images provided by & copyright © Genesis.
SEOUL, KOREA - December 18, 2020 - Genesis has launched the GV70, its dynamic urban midsize SUV with a worldwide digital showcase.
Genesis broadcasted the GV70’s cinematic launch film, entitled “The GV70: A Travelogue,” via live streaming.
“Genesis has been striving to build an integrated and sincere connection on every aspect directly related to consumers, such as design, product, service, and lifestyle,” said Jay (Jaehoon) Chang, Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “Upon the release of the GV70 today, based on its customer-centric philosophy, Genesis will continue to provide luxurious models that consumers want, and that help deliver special memories to their daily lives.”
The GV70 is the first midsize SUV model produced by Genesis and features a Uniquely athletic SUV design with a strong personality. A driver-oriented interior layout expresses the ‘Beauty of white space’ in its ultimate interpretation, completing a uniquely Genesis luxury experience.
The GV70 offers an optimal driving experience by adopting state-of-the-art technologies, including ‘Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II),’ which helps drivers on highways or driveways control the steering wheel changing lanes.
• Exterior design featuring uniquely athletic SUV design
The front of the GV70 reflects Genesis’s brand identity with Crest Grille and two-lined Quad Lamps inspired by Genesis’ signature Wing Emblem. The Quad Lamps are at the same height as the Crest Grille, which accentuates with and prominent stance.
The Parabolic Line, which begins above the Quad Lamps and runs elegantly along the SUV side, creates a dramatic contrast with the muscular rear fenders. The sleek and elegant coupe-like roofline, along with the dropping chrome line of the C-pillar, accentuates the GV70’s unique character.
At the rear, the taillights feature the ultra-thin, two-lined Quad Lamp, while all functional elements are set in the bumper, helping to achieve immaculate, pure forms, the company said.
• Driver-oriented Interior Design Expresses the ‘Beauty of White Space’
The GV70’s driver-oriented interior features the ultimate interpretation of “Beauty of White Space” inspired by Korean architecture, offering maximum comfort and convenience.
The colors of the GV70 reflect its energetic yet refined design, giving customers an extensive range of color combinations, along with various interior materials.
A total of 13 exterior colors will be available in the GV70, including three new ones: Mauna Red, Barossa Burgundy (metallic), and Barossa Burgundy (matte). The GV70 also offers metallic colors such as Cardiff Green, Uyuni White, Vik Black, Saville Silver, Royal Blue, and Carbon Metal. The other available matte colors are Matterhorn White, Melbourne Grey, and Brunswick Green.
The GV70 offers a choice of five interior colors, including Obsidian Black Monotone, Obsidian Black/Vanilla Beige Two-tone, Ocean Waves Blue/Pine Grove Green Two-tone, Ocean Waves Blue/Havana Brown Two-tone, and Slate Gray/Velvet Burgundy Two-tone. Sport Package models also offer exclusive colors: Ultramarine Blue Monotone, Obsidian Black Monotone, and Obsidian Black/Seville Red Two-tone.
• Strengthening Sporty Emotion with the GV70 Sport Package
The optional Sport Package offers another level of athleticism that further enhances the emotion of the GV70.
• Spacious Interior — Both Practical and Luxurious
The GV70’s interior is optimized to offer passengers a generous amount of space and combines a low seating height to provide a great sense of comfort and a dynamic driving environment.
Also, GV70 applies new technologies to provide clean air to customers.
The GV70’s dual filter system improves indoor air quality by preventing fine dust and bacteria from entering the engine room pre-filter and indoor cabin filter.
The indoor cabin filter efficiently removes fine dust from inside and outside the vehicle with a higher capability to filter ultrafine dust. It also removes indoor bioaerosols by up to 99.9% within 10 minutes based on its antibacterial function.
• Powerful Performance and Balanced Driving Befitting a Luxury Midsize SUV
The GV70 offers an optimal driving experience with its powerful performance, fit for a luxury midsize rear-wheel drive SUV, and delivers comfortable driving experiences even when going off-road.
• Securing a Higher Level of Driving Safety Based on the Latest Technologies
Genesis applied a wide range of new technologies to the GV70 to protect passengers from risks inside and outside the vehicle.
The GV70 delivers a level of convenience and safety by applying a variety of technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Forward Attention Warning (FAW), Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), and Highway Driving Assist.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) analyzes potential collisions by helping the driver stop the vehicle automatically if there is a chance of collision at a crossroad with incoming cars from the left or right. It automatically supports evasive steering controls if there is a potential collision with pedestrians on the edge of the road while driving.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) helps prevent drivers from crashing into cars approaching from the rear when changing lanes or pulling out of a space where they have parallel parked.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) is a driving safety feature regulating driving speed within the speed limit. It operates based on traffic sign information that is identified by the front camera or navigation information.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW) provides notification to the driver when driver inattentiveness is detected and recommends a rest if needed.
Forward Attention Warning (FAW) draws the driver’s attention with acoustic warning sounds and pop-up notifications if an interior camera detects reckless or fatigued driving.
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) utilizes the navigation system to maintain a safe speed while driving, ensuring safety by proactively reducing the SUV’s speed when rounding curves.
Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) allows for a convenient driving experience. It helps drivers on highways or driveways, controlling the steering wheel to assist them in changing lanes once they have activated their turn signal, and actively responding to close-range cut-ins in traffic congestion instances.
The GV70 features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) technology to ensure optimal safety.
• Intelligent Car Equipped with Biometric Technology and the Latest Infotainment System
The GV70 creates an optimum driving environment by combining a state-of-the-art infotainment system with the latest connected-car technologies.
The GV70 also maximizes user convenience by strengthening the display features of AR Navigation.
The improved AR Navigation can provide directions that indicate the exact direction based on the destination and its location at that very moment.
Source: GENESIS
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 3:15 AM | View the original post
December 15, 2020
TISSOT SUPERSPORT
An assertive style with the Tissot Supersport.
The new Tissot chronographs coordinate with a casual style or a dressier one, classic or sporty. Several versions are available to bring out the unique look of each individual.
Demonstrating forthright elegance, each of these imposing masculine timepieces nestles perfectly against the wrist. The watch has a 45.5 mm steel case available in several colors, from black to gold. It will not go unnoticed, Tissot said.
Featuring a fixed bezel with a tachymetric scale, the Tissot SuperSport has a great deal of character. The indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® for easy visibility of the time, making this the ideal accessory of men with assertive style, the company added.
The strap is available in various materials, from steel to vintage leather, to adapt to every look. The result is a watch with a very distinctive allure, perfectly suited to the style and whims of the man who wears it.
Source: TISSOT
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:08 AM | View the original post
December 10, 2020
Goodyear Innovation Challenge Inspires Students To Build Future Mobility.
Photo: Goodyear expands Mobile Tire Installation Service to make Tire Buying easier in Greater Atlanta area. This zero-contact service lets drivers have tires installed on their time and their turf. Image provided by & copyright © Goodyear.
Photo: The Goodyear Blimp returns to Europe. Image provided by & copyright © Goodyear.
AKRON, Ohio, December 8, 2020 — A collaboration between The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Akron Innovation Lab and Case Western Reserve University offers college and graduate students an opportunity to design the future via a virtual competition focused on the mobility ecosystem.
Goodyear is sponsoring the competition for the fifth straight year as part of its continuing drive to deliver future mobility solutions.
“The Goodyear Innovation Challenge allows students to show their talent and ideas, and we are consistently amazed at the passion and innovation they show,” said John Brainerd, Goodyear manager, Innovation Lab.
While Goodyear held the event at the university’s world-class maker-space in past years, this year, it would be hosting this event virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.
Students are invited to submit their proposals in response to a brief displayed at Case Western Reserve University until February 1, 2021. A review panel will select five teams to participate in the event, which begins February 22, culminating in virtual pitches to Goodyear leaders and an awards program on March 3.
Student participants get a chance to practice their innovation skills in a real-world context and receive valuable mentoring and interaction with Goodyear innovation leaders, along with the opportunity to win cash prizes up to $5000. In conjunction with the program, Goodyear will interview participating students for a possible internship position next summer.
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 62,000 people and manufactures its products in 46 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the industry’s technology and performance standard.
Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 2:49 AM | View the original post
December 9, 2020
Volkswagen presents 2022 Taos compact SUV
Taos slots under Tiguan in the Volkswagen lineup and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up strategy for SUVs.
VW Taos has a 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 158hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. That pairs with either 8-speed automatic and FWD or 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion® all-wheel drive.
Photos: Volkswagen Taos 2022. Images provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Herndon, VA. December 09, 2020 — Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently unveiled the all-new 2022 Taos. The Volkswagen Taos will slot under the Tiguan and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up SUV strategy following the launch of Atlas Cross Sport earlier this year. The vehicle comes in the largest U.S. vehicle segment, the compact SUV market, where 4 million cars were sold in 2019—around 24 percent of the market. According to VW, the Taos is small in stature, but big on value, with bold design, smart packaging, and high-end features.
“Taos is our fifth new addition to the Volkswagen SUV family in just four years, and we’re thrilled to keep finding new ways to meet the needs of American families,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Taos will bookend our compact SUV offering, giving buyers all the style, technology, and drivability that Volkswagen is known for at an even more affordable price.”
The Volkswagen SUV design DNA is apparent in the exterior of the Taos. It bears a bold front end with a sculpted hood and LED light signature reminiscent of the VW Atlas Cross Sport. Top trims feature LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and an illuminated light line stretching outward from the logo, as on the recently unveiled ID.4 electric SUV. The distinctive side profile harkens to the ‘VW Tiguan’ with a strong character line, while the more squared-off wheel arches give ‘VW Atlas’ a nod. Eight colors meet four-wheel designs—17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard, with two 18-inch wheels (machined or black finish) and 19-inch wheels available—and a panoramic sunroof is optional, VW said.
Dimensionally, Taos sits at the middle of the entry compact SUV space, in contrast to the Tiguan, which sits at the top of the compact SUV space. Nose to tail, Taos is 175.8 inches long—9.3 inches shy of Tiguan—with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. Passenger space is a roomy 99.5 cubic feet—just 1.6 cu ft less than the two-row Tiguan—with 28.1 cu ft of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 66.3 cu ft with the second row folded down. In addition to offering generous cargo space, the Taos provides a comfortable ride for all passengers, with 40.1 inches of legroom in the front and 37.9 in the rear, the company explained.
Inside, the Taos features a modern design and premium fit and finish. The cockpit comprises clean lines with a horizontal focus; the dash décor divides the central touchscreen from climate controls and flows seamlessly into the door inserts, adding visual interest.
Taos offers the latest in Volkswagen connectivity and infotainment technology. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit configurable instrument cluster comes standard, as does Volkswagen Car-Net with in-car WiFi capability when you subscribe to a data plan.
According to VW, the IQ.DRIVE® suite of driver assistance technology is available on every Taos model. It features Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking (Front Assist), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop-and-Go feature, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. High Beam Control (Light Assist), the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and Park Distance Control are also available.
The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission in the front-wheel-drive model, while models with 4Motion® all-wheel drive get a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Taos will be produced in the North American Region at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico factory, the company stated.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and is a Volkswagen AG subsidiary, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest passenger cars producer and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.
Source: Volkswagen of America
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Exterior design of the all-new Volkswagen Taos.
Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 5:14 AM | View the original post
