Digitalization to Boom as Industrial and Energy Organizations Focus on Lowering Operational Costs and Garnering Higher Revenues

The smart manufacturing trend that will span the next 5 to 10 years will trigger the adoption of digital solutions across industries, says Frost & Sullivan

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Digital Industrial and Energy Guidebook, highlights critical market issues—complex market messaging, several me-too solutions, value-creation uncertainties, and quick-hit benefits realization—that restrain organizations from…

The smart manufacturing trend that will span the next 5 to 10 years will trigger the adoption of digital solutions across industries, says Frost & Sullivan

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Digital Industrial and Energy Guidebook, highlights critical market issues—complex market messaging, several me-too solutions, value-creation uncertainties, and quick-hit benefits realization—that restrain organizations from wide-scale digital solution adoption. The study helps them address these issues by comprehensively evaluating solution providers’ ecosystems. The guidebook serves as a digital solution selection tool as it identifies the top 50 digital best practitioners across industries, characterized in three main categories—an enterprise-specific best practice, industry-specific best practice, and function-specific best practice.

Primarily driven by operational excellence, organizations throughout industries are likely to adopt digital solutions. As a result, the addressable market for digital solutions in industrial and energy markets is estimated to reach $543.66 billion by 2025 from $449.12 billion in 2020, registering growth at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. However, the market experienced adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and is expected to recover from Q1 2021, with COVID-19 subsidies in Q4 2020, and surpass pre-COVID levels by 2024.

For further information on this analysis, please visit: http://frost.ly/5bx

«Automation is a critical part of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and will drive the shift to Industry 5.0,» said Rohit Karthikeyan, Industrial Industry Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. «Additionally, established industrial automation companies will have an appetite for digitalization featuring intelligent systems with sensory, context-aware, and analytics capabilities, which will offer them a competitive edge.»

Rohit added: «Collaborative robots or cobots have the potential to reshape major manufacturing areas, such as industrial design, training, and collaboration. Going forward, declining deployment costs and efforts to automate low-skilled jobs will prompt the adoption of artificial intelligence (Al)-based robots in manufacturing in the next 10 years.»

Organizations’ strong attempt to cut operational costs, enhance competitive advantage, and generate higher revenues will further push the demand for digital solutions, presenting lucrative growth prospects for solution providers. Market participants will benefit from the following:

  • Automation vendors should leverage their installed information base to understand end users’ process requirements and collaborate to identify pain points and offer customized digital solutions.
  • Solution providers must develop comprehensive plans covering data access, management capabilities, flexibility, scalability, and innovation roadmaps to provide value to their customers.
  • Organizations must develop a robust digital strategy across the value chain, from origination/sourcing to delivery, to navigate profit pressures by increasing operational performance.

Digital Industrial and Energy Guidebook is the latest addition to Frost & Sullivan’s Industrial Automation & Process Control research and analyses available through the Frost & Sullivan Leadership Council, which helps organizations identify a continuous flow of growth opportunities to succeed in an unpredictable future.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion

Digital Industrial and Energy Guidebook
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Contact:
Jaylon Brinkley, Corporate Communications
M: 832 481 4884; P: 210 247 2481
E: jaylon.brinkley@frost.com
http://ww2.frost.com

 

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Mighty Continues Car Dealership Vertical Integration Trend with Underriner Motors

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mighty Distributing System continues the trend of partnering with car dealership groups by welcoming Billings, Montana-based Underriner Motors. The new Mighty Auto Parts franchise will operate as a separate vertically integrated portfolio company doing business as Mighty Underriner.

Founded in 1944 as Whitaker Buick, Underriner Motors features the Honda, Hyundai, Volvo,…

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mighty Distributing System continues the trend of partnering with car dealership groups by welcoming Billings, Montana-based Underriner Motors. The new Mighty Auto Parts franchise will operate as a separate vertically integrated portfolio company doing business as Mighty Underriner.

Founded in 1944 as Whitaker Buick, Underriner Motors features the Honda, Hyundai, Volvo, Buick, and Subaru brands with locations in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. William «Bill» Underriner, the principal dealer and owner, began working for the dealership in 1984 acquiring the business in 2001. Bill is a prominent member of NADA having previously served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Finance Chairman, and Convention Chairman. Today, Bill and his sons, Blake and Kyle, manage the day-to-day dealership operations.

The Mighty franchise is Underriner’s newest vertical and allows them to centrally distribute Mighty’s preventive maintenance products, shop supplies, detailing products, equipment, and PPE to their own dealerships. It also presents an opportunity to add profits with B2B product sales to their wholesale customers and other non-affiliated automotive businesses in their exclusive territory.

Blake Underriner said, «We are enthusiastic about our new partnership with Mighty. We believe that Mighty will help us generate new revenue streams and expand our business beyond our current market. We look forward to a bright future and long-term relationship with our Mighty partners.»

Josh D’Agostino, Mighty’s President said, «We are proud to welcome another prominent car dealership group to the Mighty Family. Bill, and Blake, and the entire Underriner Team, will make great partners. They couldn’t be more engaging, and their excitement is contagious. We look forward to the impact they will make in the Montana market.»

About Mighty Distributing System

Headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, Mighty supports 100 franchised distributors in 44 U.S. states and five international markets. The Mighty System features local service, inventory management expertise, and training in conjunction with extensive offerings of OE quality underhood and undercar parts, chemical products, lubricants, shop supplies, and PPE products. The Mighty business model attracts independent repair shops, quick lubes, tire centers and new car dealerships across the nation and abroad. Mighty’s unique approach of dealing directly and exclusively with automotive professionals began in 1963.

Media Contact

Tracy Buttera, Mighty Auto Parts, 8008723334, tracy.buttera@mightyautoparts.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE Mighty Distributing System

New Toyota SUVs and Research Available at Local Mars Dealership

MARS, Pa., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Residents in Mars, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area can find deals on new Toyota SUVs at Baierl Toyota. The dealership’s inventory has over 100 models available. The new Toyota SUV inventory includes the new 2021 Toyota Venza and the brand’s best-selling SUV, the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Customers can find current deals by visiting the <a target="_blank"…

MARS, Pa., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Residents in Mars, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area can find deals on new Toyota SUVs at Baierl Toyota. The dealership’s inventory has over 100 models available. The new Toyota SUV inventory includes the new 2021 Toyota Venza and the brand’s best-selling SUV, the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Customers can find current deals by visiting the current incentives page.

This page will show all current offers available including cash back deals, APR offers and lease deals. These special offers will last until the end of the month and then will be replaced with new deals. There are currently 27 offers for SUV models. Toyota drivers can also find deals for specific models by checking out the hot list specials by model tab. This section include deals exclusively for the Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and 4Runner.

If any local shoppers are still in the research phase, they can see how the Toyota SUVs compare to SUVs from Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Subaru. Each of these comparison research pages will take a look at the pricing, specifications and features of both models. These factors are placed into a comparison table to make it easier to spot the differences and similarities of the SUV competitors. Comparisons available include 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Honda Pilot.

More information about current specials and comparison research on new Toyota SUV models can be found at baierltoyota.com. Customers can also direct questions to the sales team by calling 724-655-4309. Baierl Toyota is located at 19045 Perry Highway in Mars.

Media Contact

Amber Taylor, Baierl Toyota, 878-332-7116, AmberTaylor@baierl.com

 

SOURCE Baierl Toyota

Lumen cuadruplica la capacidad de su red en América Latina en 2020

BUENOS AIRES, 23 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Para seguir apoyando a la creciente demanda del tráfico de internet impulsada por las plataformas de videojuegos, Lumen prácticamente cuadruplicó la capacidad de su Red de Distribución de Contenido (CDN, por sus siglas en inglés) en Latinoamérica, fortaleciendo las capacidades de servicio en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, México…

BUENOS AIRES, 23 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Para seguir apoyando a la creciente demanda del tráfico de internet impulsada por las plataformas de videojuegos, Lumen prácticamente cuadruplicó la capacidad de su Red de Distribución de Contenido (CDN, por sus siglas en inglés) en Latinoamérica, fortaleciendo las capacidades de servicio en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, México y Perú.

Lumen sabe que las mejores redes son el resultado de inversiones tempranas y continuas; esto es lo que nos distingue», explica Leonardo Barbero, vicepresidente sénior de productos, Lumen LATAM. «Expandir nuestras redes en toda LATAM nos permitió entregar la información sin sobresaltos en medio de los picos de demanda generados por la pandemia. A lo largo de todo 2020, reinvertimos para anticiparnos a un fenómeno que seguirá creciendo».

Las expansiones de red en América Latina comprenden:

  • México – triplicó la cantidad de fibra alcanzando los 3.600 km
  • Ecuador – implementó una nueva ruta de fibra óptica de 800 kilómetros que une el país con Colombia y un anillo nacional que se extiende por unos 1.000 kilómetros
  • Chile – 55 kilómetros adicionales para conectar 200 edificios corporativos en el Gran Santiago 
  • Argentina – sumó 180 kilómetros de fibra óptica entre las provincias de Mendoza y San Juan
  • Brasil – más de 450 kilómetros de rutas de fibra entre el nordeste del país, San Pablo, Belo Horizonte y Rio de Janeiro.

Asimismo, Lumen está aumentando la capacidad de su Red de Entrega de Contenido (CDN) para satisfacer las crecientes demandas de las empresas globales de trasmisión, de las plataformas de streaming de video over the top (OTT) y de las empresas de videojuegos para proveer aplicaciones web de alto desempeño, streaming de video de ultra alta definición (UHD) y descargas de juegos. Además, Lumen agregó más de 260 racks en sus data centers de Colombia, Brasil, Perú y Argentina durante 2020, ofreciéndoles a los clientes espacio adicional para alojar servidores, dispositivos de red y otros equipamientos de computación.

«Nuestro principal objetivo es estar siempre atentos a las nuevas demandas de red y entregar continuamente un servicio robusto de alta calidad en toda nuestra infraestructura de red, con los máximos niveles de seguridad», señaló Barbero. «En la medida en que la demanda crezca, se torne más compleja o se modifique, nuestra plataforma se irá adaptando para asegurarnos de estar ofreciendo las mejores experiencias digitales posibles», concluyó.

De acuerdo con datos de Statista, el mercado de entretenimiento por streaming alcanzó una facturación de más de US$50.000 millones en 2020 y continuará creciendo a un 10,7% anual hasta llegar a US$85.000 millones en 2025.

Acerca de Lumen
Lumen se guía por la convicción de que la humanidad está en su mejor estado cuando la tecnología mejora nuestra forma de vivir y trabajar. Con 720.000 km de rutas de fibra y prestando servicios a clientes en más de 60 países, entregamos la plataforma más rápida y segura para aplicaciones y datos, para ayudar a empresas, gobiernos y comunidades a entregar experiencias increíbles.

Conozca más sobre las soluciones de red, nube, seguridad, comunicación y colaboración de Lumen y nuestro propósito de promover el progreso humano a través de la tecnología en news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies y YouTube: /lumentechnologies.

Lumen y Lumen Technologies son marcas registradas de Lumen Technologies, LLC en los Estados Unidos.  Lumen Technologies, LLC es una filial de propiedad absoluta de CenturyLink, Inc.

Síganos en nuestras Redes Sociales de LATAM: 
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 

Contacto de prensa:
Paula Vivo
Lumen
Tel.: +55 11 3957-2424
paula.vivo@lumen.com

Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441455/Lumen_Latam_networkmap_2021.jpg

FUENTE Lumen Technologies

Las empresas y los consumidores que compraron una puerta interior moldeada entre el 1 de marzo del 2014 y el 4 de septiembre del 2020 podrían recibir $25 o más de un acuerdo de demanda colectiva global de $19,5 millones

RICHMOND, Va., 23 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — El siguiente aviso fue emitido conjuntamente por Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC y Joseph Saveri Law Firm y ha sido autorizado por el Tribunal de Distrito de EE. UU. para el Distrito Este de Virginia, en In re: Litigio Antimonopolio del Comprador Indirecto de Puertas Interiores Moldeadas (n.º 3:18-cv-00850-JAG).

La demanda, In re: Litigio Antimonopolio del Comprador Indirecto de Puertas Interiores…

RICHMOND, Va., 23 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — El siguiente aviso fue emitido conjuntamente por Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC y Joseph Saveri Law Firm y ha sido autorizado por el Tribunal de Distrito de EE. UU. para el Distrito Este de Virginia, en In re: Litigio Antimonopolio del Comprador Indirecto de Puertas Interiores Moldeadas (n.º 3:18-cv-00850-JAG).

La demanda, In re: Litigio Antimonopolio del Comprador Indirecto de Puertas Interiores Moldeadas, Caso n.º 3:18-cv-00850-JAG, pendiente en el Tribunal de Distrito de EE. UU. para el Distrito Este de Virginia, alega que JELD-WEN, Inc. y Masonite Corporation («demandados del acuerdo») acordaron fijar los precios de las puertas interiores moldeadas («Interior Molded Doors, IMD») y, como resultado, los consumidores y las empresas que compraron indirectamente IMD independientes no destinadas a la reventa pueden haber pagado más de lo que deberían. Si bien los demandados del acuerdo han aceptado llegar a un acuerdo, no han aceptado el hecho de que hayan cometido un delito o sean responsables o deban dinero o beneficios a los demandantes. El Tribunal no ha decidido quién tiene razón.

¿Quién está incluido?

Usted es un miembro del grupo del acuerdo si compró indirectamente una IMD independiente no destinada a la reventa entre el 1 de marzo del 2014 y el 4 de septiembre del 2020. Las compras deben haberse realizado en un estado de comprador indirecto o mientras se residía allí al momento de la compra. «Indirectamente» significa que compró la IMD independiente de alguien diferente a los demandados del arreglo (por ejemplo, compró una IMD independiente en Home Depot, Lowe’s o en un almacén de madera).

Las IMD son un tipo de puerta de interior fabricada mediante un proceso de intercalado de un marco de madera y un núcleo hueco o sólido entre dos paneles de puerta moldeados, en lugar de fabricar toda la puerta con madera maciza. Una «puerta interior moldeada independiente» es una IMD que no está incorporada como parte de un producto más grande (como la compra de una vivienda) o de un servicio (como la instalación de la puerta en una vivienda). Por ejemplo, usted está incluido si es (a) un consumidor que compró una IMD para instalarla en la vivienda O (b) una empresa o un contratista comercial que compró una IMD para incluirla como un servicio proporcionado a un cliente o para su propio uso. Las IMD independientes contienen patrones y no incluyen puertas al ras que no tienen patrones ni relieves.

Las definiciones de IMD, IMD independientes y la lista de estados de comprador indirecto, entre otras, están disponibles en el sitio web del acuerdo www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com.

¿Qué ofrece el acuerdo?

El acuerdo establece un fondo del acuerdo total de $19,500,000 («fondo del acuerdo»). Una vez deducidos los gastos de notificación y administración, los honorarios de los abogados, las indemnizaciones por servicios a los representantes del grupo y los gastos del litigio, según lo aprobado por el Tribunal («fondo neto del acuerdo»), el fondo neto del acuerdo estará disponible para su distribución entre los miembros del grupo del acuerdo que presenten oportunamente reclamos válidos. Se estima que cada miembro del grupo del acuerdo que presente un reclamo válido recibirá al menos $25. Los pagos se basarán en una serie de factores, entre los que se incluyen, como mínimo, la cantidad de reclamos válidos presentados por todos los miembros del grupo del acuerdo y la cantidad de IMD independientes compradas por cada miembro del grupo del acuerdo.

¿Cuáles son mis derechos y opciones?

Presentar un reclamo: Para recibir un pago del acuerdo, debe presentar un reclamo a través de www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com y presentar (o imprimir y enviar por correo) un formulario de reclamo. Se debe presentar un formulario de reclamo válido en línea o con sello postal antes del 25 de junio del 2021.

No hacer nada: Se le incluirá en el grupo del acuerdo y estará sujeto a la decisión del Tribunal, pero no recibirá ningún pago. Renunciará a sus derechos de demandar a los demandados por el acuerdo sobre los reclamos en este caso. 

Excluirse: Puede excluirse («optar por no participar») del acuerdo presentando una solicitud de exclusión al administrador del acuerdo que se recibirá a más tardar el 2 de junio del 2021. Si lo hace, no podrá recibir un pago del acuerdo, pero conservará el derecho a demandar por su cuenta en relación con cualquier reclamo que forme parte del acuerdo. 

Objetar: También puede objetar cualquier parte de este acuerdo. Las objeciones deben enviarse por correo al secretario del Tribunal y al administrador del acuerdo y se recibirán a más tardar el 2 de junio del 2021. 

Los detalles sobre cómo excluirse, objetar y enviar por correo su formulario de reclamo están disponibles en el sitio web del acuerdo.

¿El Tribunal aprobó el Acuerdo?

No, el Tribunal ha fijado una audiencia para el 13 de julio del 2021 a las 9:00 a. m. para determinar si se aprueba el acuerdo, las indemnizaciones por servicio de los representantes del grupo que no superarán los $56,000 en total, los gastos de los abogados que no superarán los $5,000,000 y los honorarios de los abogados que no superarán el 33 % del fondo del acuerdo. Si hay objeciones o comentarios, el Tribunal las considerará en ese momento. Usted o su abogado pueden comparecer en la audiencia por su cuenta. La audiencia puede cambiar de fecha u hora sin previo aviso. Consulte el sitio web del acuerdo o llame al 1–844-964-2884 para obtener información actualizada.

¿Cómo puedo obtener más información?

Este aviso resume el acuerdo de conciliación. Puede obtener una copia del Acuerdo de Conciliación, documentos importantes del Tribunal y más información sobre el acuerdo en www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com.

Los escritos de certificación de grupo y los informes de los expertos de las partes están actualmente sellados en espera de una apelación. Los miembros del grupo del acuerdo pueden obtener estos documentos poniéndose en contacto con los asesores del grupo del acuerdo o con el administrador del acuerdo. La Orden de protección está disponible en el sitio web del acuerdo. Siempre y cuando estos documentos se desprecinten, se publicarán de inmediato en línea en el sitio web del acuerdo.

Puede escribir sus preguntas a info@InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com o llamar al número gratuito, 1-844-964-2884. También debe registrarse en el sitio web para recibir una notificación directa de los términos del plan de asignación del fondo del acuerdo, cómo presentar un formulario de reclamo y otra información relacionada con este caso.

FUENTE Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm

Businesses and Consumers Who Bought an Interior Molded Door Between March 1, 2014 and September 4, 2020, Could Receive $25 or More From a Class Action Settlement Totaling $19.5 Million

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following notice is being jointly issued by Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm and has been authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation (No. 3:18-cv-00850-JAG).

The lawsuit, In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation, Case…

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following notice is being jointly issued by Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm and has been authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation (No. 3:18-cv-00850-JAG).

The lawsuit, In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 3:18-cv-00850-JAG, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, claims that JELD-WEN, Inc. and Masonite Corporation («Settling Defendants») agreed to fix the prices of Interior Molded Doors («IMDs») and, as a result, consumers and businesses who indirectly purchased Standalone IMDs not for resale may have paid more than they should have. Although the Settling Defendants have agreed to settle, they do not agree that they engaged in any wrongdoing or are liable or owe any money or benefits to Plaintiffs. The Court has not decided who is right.

Who is Included?

You are a Settlement Class Member if you indirectly purchased not for resale a Standalone IMD between March 1, 2014 and September 4, 2020. Purchases must have been made in, or while you were residing in an Indirect Purchaser State at the time of purchase. «Indirectly» means you bought the Standalone IMD from someone other than one of the Settling Defendants (e.g., you purchased a Standalone IMD at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or a lumber yard).

IMDs are a type of interior door made through a process of sandwiching a wood frame and hollow or solid core between two molded doorskins, rather than making the entire door from solid wood. A «Standalone Interior Molded Door» is an IMD that is not incorporated as part of a larger product (such as the purchase of a home) or service (such as the installation of the door in a home). For example, you are included if you are (a) a consumer who purchased an IMD for home installation OR (b) a business or commercial contractor that purchased an IMD to be included as a service provided to a customer or for its own use. Standalone IMDs contain patterns and do not include flush doors which have no patterns or relief.

The definitions of IMDs, Standalone IMDs, and the list of Indirect Purchaser States, among others, are available by visiting the Settlement Website www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com

What Does the Settlement Provide?

The Settlement provides for a total Settlement Fund of $19,500,000 («Settlement Fund»). After deduction of notice and administration expenses, attorneys’ fees, service awards to the Class Representatives, and litigation expenses, as approved by the Court («Net Settlement Fund»), the Net Settlement Fund will be available for distribution to Settlement Class Members who timely file valid claims. It is estimated that each member of the Settlement Class who submits a valid claim will receive at least $25. Payments will be based on a number of factors, including at least the number of valid claims filed by all Settlement Class Members and the number of Standalone IMDs purchased by each Settlement Class Member.

What are My Rights and Options?

Submit a Claim: To receive a Settlement payment, you must submit a claim by going to www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com and submitting (or printing and mailing) a Claim Form. A valid Claim Form must be submitted online or postmarked by June 25, 2021

Do Nothing: You will be included in the Settlement Class and bound by the Court’s decision, but you will not receive a payment. You will give up your rights to sue the Settling Defendants about the claims in this case. 

Exclude Yourself: You can exclude yourself («opt out») of the Settlement by submitting an exclusion request to the Settlement Administrator that is received no later than June 2, 2021. If you do so, you will not be eligible to receive a settlement payment but you will retain the right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlement. 

Object: You may also object to any part of this Settlement. Objections must be mailed to the Clerk of the Court and the Settlement Administrator and received no later than June 2, 2021

Details about how to opt-out, object, and mail your Claim Form are available on the Settlement Website.

Has the Court Approved the Settlement?            

No, the Court has set a hearing for July 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to determine whether to approve the Settlement, Class Representative service awards not to exceed $56,000 total, attorney’s expenses not to exceed $5 million, and attorneys’ fees not to exceed 33% of the Settlement Fund. If there are objections or comments, the Court will consider them at that time.  You or your lawyer may appear at the hearing at your expense. The hearing may be moved to a different date or time without additional notice. Check the Settlement Website or call 1-844-964-2884 for current information.

How Can I Get More Information?

This Notice summarizes the Settlement Agreement. You can get a copy of the Settlement Agreement, important Court documents, and more information about the settlement on www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com.

The parties’ class certification briefs and expert reports are currently under seal pending an appeal. These documents can be obtained by Settlement Class Members by contacting Settlement Class Counsel or the Settlement Administrator. The Protective Order is available on the Settlement Website. If and when these documents are unsealed, they will promptly be posted online on the Settlement Website.

You may write with questions to info@InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com or call the toll-free number, 1-844-964-2884. You should also register on the website to be directly notified of the terms of the Plan of Allocation of the Settlement Fund, how to file a claim form, and other information concerning this case.

SOURCE Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm

LexisNexis Insurance Demand Meter Reports Growth in U.S. Auto Insurance Q4 Shopping Activity

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — To help carriers understand the ever-changing market and offer benchmark insights, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions released its latest Insurance Demand Meter, reporting on Q4 U.S. auto insurance shopping activity, as well as 2020 year-end trends. The Meter shows…

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — To help carriers understand the ever-changing market and offer benchmark insights, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions released its latest Insurance Demand Meter, reporting on Q4 U.S. auto insurance shopping activity, as well as 2020 year-end trends. The Meter shows that both shopping and new business policy volumes increased overall in the fourth quarter, and that despite the ups and downs throughout the year, 2020 ended relatively strong. The year concluded with an annual shop rate of 41%, which, while consistent with each quarter in 2020, is the highest since we began collecting the data.

Shopping activity is hot, but conversion appears tricky 
The auto insurance shopping quarterly growth rate averaged 4.7% in Q4, ending the year relatively high at 10.9%. New business growth also increased from the end of the previous quarter to 3.9%, yet the year-over-year growth rate for the quarter was 0.6%, lagging behind shopping activity. 

«Considering all the events that shaped 2020, the fact that the market had some growth is a great benchmark for 2021,» said Tanner Sheehan, associate vice president of auto insurance at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. «We’re already starting to see patterns emerge when it comes to stimulus check distributions, and we look forward to seeing how correlations like that continue to play out in the year ahead.»

Gap remains between insured and uninsured shopping
Although both the insured and uninsured segments experienced an uptick in December, shoppers with existing insurance grew 15.1% while those who were uninsured declined -7.6%. With COVID-19 stimulus packages distributed, 2020 concluding rates indicate early signs of an uptick in the uninsured shopper segment heading into 2021, which aligns with the trends we saw earlier in the year with the Q2 stimulus payouts.

Additional key insights from Q4 include:

  • Shopping patterns by age normalized: While Q3 growth rates for all age groups stabilized within a few percentage points of each other for the first time, in November growth rates by age group began to shift back toward historical patterns. Q4 ended with those ages 66+ re-emerging as the most active shoppers.
  • Shopping with Exclusive Agents: Growth in the exclusive agent channel began to emerge with the initial COVID-19 shutdowns in March, and it continued to strengthen and outperform other distribution models throughout 2020, ultimately ending the year with +16% growth.

«It’s promising for the industry to see that the latest round of stimulus checks are enabling Americans to get back on the road and we’re cautiously optimistic that as the COVID-19 vaccines are more broadly administered a return to normalcy may be possible. With early discussion of additional stimuli, we look forward to continuing to examine the trends and identifying new opportunities of U.S. auto insurers in the year ahead,» Sheehan said. 

About the LexisNexis Insurance Demand Meter
The LexisNexis Insurance Demand Meter is a quarterly analysis of shopping volume and frequency, new business volume and related data points. LexisNexis Risk Solutions offers this unique market-wide perspective of consumer shopping and switching behavior based on its analysis of billions of consumer shopping transactions since 2009, representing nearly 90% of the universe of shopping activity.

To download the latest Insurance Demand Meter, click here.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis® Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com, and www.relx.com.

Media Contacts:
Rocio Rivera
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Phone: +1.678.694.2338
rocio.rivera@lexisnexisrisk.com 

Mollie Holman
Brodeur Partners for LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Phone: +1.646.746.5611
mholman@brodeur.com

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SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Businesses and Consumers Who Bought an Interior Molded Door Between March 1, 2014 and September 4, 2020, Could Receive $25 or More From a Class Action Settlement Totaling $19.5 Million

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The following notice is being jointly issued by Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm and has been authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation (No. 3:18-cv-00850-JAG).

The lawsuit, In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation, Case No….

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The following notice is being jointly issued by Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm and has been authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation (No. 3:18-cv-00850-JAG).

The lawsuit, In re: Interior Molded Doors Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 3:18-cv-00850-JAG, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, claims that JELD-WEN, Inc. and Masonite Corporation («Settling Defendants») agreed to fix the prices of Interior Molded Doors («IMDs») and, as a result, consumers and businesses who indirectly purchased Standalone IMDs not for resale may have paid more than they should have. Although the Settling Defendants have agreed to settle, they do not agree that they engaged in any wrongdoing or are liable or owe any money or benefits to Plaintiffs. The Court has not decided who is right.

Who is Included?

You are a Settlement Class Member if you indirectly purchased not for resale a Standalone IMD between March 1, 2014 and September 4, 2020. Purchases must have been made in, or while you were residing in an Indirect Purchaser State at the time of purchase. «Indirectly» means you bought the Standalone IMD from someone other than one of the Settling Defendants (e.g., you purchased a Standalone IMD at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or a lumber yard).

IMDs are a type of interior door made through a process of sandwiching a wood frame and hollow or solid core between two molded doorskins, rather than making the entire door from solid wood. A «Standalone Interior Molded Door» is an IMD that is not incorporated as part of a larger product (such as the purchase of a home) or service (such as the installation of the door in a home). For example, you are included if you are (a) a consumer who purchased an IMD for home installation OR (b) a business or commercial contractor that purchased an IMD to be included as a service provided to a customer or for its own use. Standalone IMDs contain patterns and do not include flush doors which have no patterns or relief.

The definitions of IMDs, Standalone IMDs, and the list of Indirect Purchaser States, among others, are available by visiting the Settlement Website www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com

What Does the Settlement Provide?

The Settlement provides for a total Settlement Fund of $19,500,000 («Settlement Fund»). After deduction of notice and administration expenses, attorneys’ fees, service awards to the Class Representatives, and litigation expenses, as approved by the Court («Net Settlement Fund»), the Net Settlement Fund will be available for distribution to Settlement Class Members who timely file valid claims. It is estimated that each member of the Settlement Class who submits a valid claim will receive at least $25. Payments will be based on a number of factors, including at least the number of valid claims filed by all Settlement Class Members and the number of Standalone IMDs purchased by each Settlement Class Member.

What are My Rights and Options?

Submit a Claim: To receive a Settlement payment, you must submit a claim by going to www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com and submitting (or printing and mailing) a Claim Form. A valid Claim Form must be submitted online or postmarked by June 25, 2021

Do Nothing: You will be included in the Settlement Class and bound by the Court’s decision, but you will not receive a payment. You will give up your rights to sue the Settling Defendants about the claims in this case. 

Exclude Yourself: You can exclude yourself («opt out») of the Settlement by submitting an exclusion request to the Settlement Administrator that is received no later than June 2, 2021. If you do so, you will not be eligible to receive a settlement payment but you will retain the right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlement. 

Object: You may also object to any part of this Settlement. Objections must be mailed to the Clerk of the Court and the Settlement Administrator and received no later than June 2, 2021

Details about how to opt-out, object, and mail your Claim Form are available on the Settlement Website.

Has the Court Approved the Settlement?            

No, the Court has set a hearing for July 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to determine whether to approve the Settlement, Class Representative service awards not to exceed $56,000 total, attorney’s expenses not to exceed $5 million, and attorneys’ fees not to exceed 33% of the Settlement Fund. If there are objections or comments, the Court will consider them at that time.  You or your lawyer may appear at the hearing at your expense. The hearing may be moved to a different date or time without additional notice. Check the Settlement Website or call 1-844-964-2884 for current information.

How Can I Get More Information?

This Notice summarizes the Settlement Agreement. You can get a copy of the Settlement Agreement, important Court documents, and more information about the settlement on www.InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com.

The parties’ class certification briefs and expert reports are currently under seal pending an appeal. These documents can be obtained by Settlement Class Members by contacting Settlement Class Counsel or the Settlement Administrator. The Protective Order is available on the Settlement Website. If and when these documents are unsealed, they will promptly be posted online on the Settlement Website.

You may write with questions to info@InteriorMoldedDoorSettlement.com or call the toll-free number, 1-844-964-2884. You should also register on the website to be directly notified of the terms of the Plan of Allocation of the Settlement Fund, how to file a claim form, and other information concerning this case.

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SOURCE Robins Kaplan LLP, Gustafson Gluek PLLC, and Joseph Saveri Law Firm

Nikola Details North American Fuel-Cell Vehicle Program

PHOENIX, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and infrastructure solutions, announced today details about its North American hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) commercial truck program.

PHOENIX, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and infrastructure solutions, announced today details about its North American hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) commercial truck program.

Following the launch of North American production of the Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV), Nikola plans to introduce a FCEV variant of the Nikola Tre Cabover, and the long-range Nikola Two FCEV Sleeper targeting best-in-class efficiency for ranges between 300-900 miles in the North American market. 

«To expedite the transition to a carbon-free future, the trucking industry needs heavy-duty, zero-emission commercial vehicles engineered to match the weight and range capabilities of today’s diesel trucks. Nikola is excited to introduce additional detail about our portfolio of FCEV trucks and our continued commitment to sustainable commercial transportation,» said Nikola’s Global Head of FCEV Jason Roycht.

The Nikola portfolio includes trucks for the entire spectrum of commercial freight:

  • Metro/Regional—Nikola Tre BEV Cabover for trips up to 300 miles
  • Regional—Nikola Tre FCEV for longer-range needs of up to 500 miles and for fast fueling/quick turnaround needs
  • Long-Haul—Nikola Two FCEV Sleeper for longest-range missions up to 900 miles

NIKOLA TRE FCEV CABOVER

The Nikola Tre FCEV Cabover is targeted for distances up to 500 miles, and is expected to address the majority of the North American regional market, especially use cases where additional freight hauling capacity and quick fueling are required by fleet operators.

The Tre FCEV leverages the Tre BEV platform with hydrogen fuel-cell power, while being designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce total vehicle weight.

The first Tre FCEV prototype builds are scheduled to begin in Arizona and Ulm, Germany in Q2 2021, with testing and validation of the vehicles continuing into 2022, and production commencing planned for the second half of 2023.

NIKOLA TWO FCEV SLEEPER

The Nikola Two FCEV Sleeper is a long-haul freight solution with hydrogen capacity allowing a non-stop range of up to 900 miles.  The Two FCEV leverages the weight advantage of hydrogen in long-range, long-haul zero-emission commercial transportation. The Two FCEV will be based on a new chassis custom designed for North American long-haul routes and is anticipated to launch in late 2024.

NIKOLA FUEL-CELL AND HYDROGEN STORAGE SYSTEMS

The Nikola Tre and Nikola Two FCEVs are expected to utilize multiple common fuel-cell power modules and scalable hydrogen storage systems.  Both systems are currently in development and testing with industry leaders in collaboration with Nikola Engineering. The first Tre prototypes utilizing these systems are expected to begin road testing in 2022.

«Our plan is to enter the market in steps,» said Roycht. «We are building on the current Tre platform with the planned launch of our fuel-cell and hydrogen storage systems in 2023. These      systems are designed to be scalable in order to handle the greater power and longer-range requirements for long-haul, which allows for concurrent integration into the chassis design of the Nikola Two FCEV Sleeper. Utilizing common components and systems for hydrogen propulsion will support greater economies of scale and also allow Nikola to continuously expand and adapt our FCEV truck portfolio to address the diverse requirements of commercial trucking.»

ABOUT NIKOLA CORPORATION
Nikola Corporation is globally transforming the transportation industry. As a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure, Nikola is driven to revolutionize the economic and environmental impact of commerce as we know it today. Founded in 2015, Nikola Corporation is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.nikolamotor.com or Twitter @nikolamotor.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as «believe,» «may,» «will,» «estimate,» «continue,» «anticipate,» «intend,» «expect,» «should,» «would,» «plan,» «predict,» «potential,» «seem,» «seek,» «future,» «outlook,» and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the need for and benefits of FCEV trucks  and hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies; the ability of the company to achieve economies of scale; and the expected timing, features and specifications of the company’s FCEV trucks.  These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Nikola’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, design and manufacturing changes and delays; general economic, financial, legal, regulatory, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; the outcome of legal, regulatory and judicial proceedings to which Nikola is, or may become a party; demand for and customer acceptance of Nikola’s trucks; risks associated with development and testing of fuel cell power modules and hydrogen storage systems; the conversion of pre-orders into binding orders; risks related to the rollout of Nikola’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; the effects of competition on Nikola’s future business; the availability of capital; and the other risks detailed from time to time in Nikola’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and other documents Nikola files with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and Nikola specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

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SOURCE Nikola Corporation

Hopium Confirms Its Hydrogen Sedan Prototype Coming In June 2021

PARIS, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The future is in the making. Racing driver Olivier Lombard confirms the arrival in June 2021 of Hopium Māchina’s prototype, the first high-end zero-emission hydrogen powered sedan.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

PARIS, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The future is in the making. Racing driver Olivier Lombard confirms the arrival in June 2021 of Hopium Māchina’s prototype, the first high-end zero-emission hydrogen powered sedan.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8854851-hopium-confirms-hydrogen-sedan-prototype-coming-june-2021/.

The French manufacturer Hopium that listed on the Paris Stock Exchange at the end of last year, aims to become the world leader in hydrogen mobility with its vehicle hitting the roads by 2025.

To achieve this industrial feat, Olivier Lombard, CEO and founder of Hopium, has surrounded himself with a team of experts, including car designer Félix Godard, previously at Porsche, Tesla or more recently Lucid Motors, who signs the sleek design and aerodynamic lines of Hopium Māchina; and Loïc Bouillo, Programs Director (former-PSA and Safran), in charge of orchestrating the development of the vehicle and its technological platform.

This unique platform, unveiled late January, sets the standards for a next generation of hydrogen cars. It has been specifically designed to serve the most abundant element on earth and take it to its highest level.

The model, equipped with revolutionary proprietary technologies, promises unmatched performances for a hydrogen vehicle: 500+ hp and 1000+ km of range (629+ miles) for a record filling time of only 3 minutes. Forward-looking, it will combine hyperconnectivity, safety and ergonomics in a cabin that is both sporty and comfortable, while meeting the environmental challenges of our era.

The prototype, currently in an advanced manufacturing stage, is the first in a series thought out to validate the various cutting-edge technologies incorporated in the vehicle. It constitutes a major step in the rigorous preparation of its industrialization.

About HOPIUM

A High-Tech Manufacturer founded by Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Hopium is the result of his experience as a professional racing driver. 

Olivier Lombard has been driving hydrogen powered racing cars for 7 years, making him the world’s most experienced racer in this field. The race was like an open-air laboratory which made it possible for Olivier Lombard and his team to reflect on new mobility solutions to meet contemporary environmental challenges. While the transport sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, the company is positioning itself as a player in climate change.

Hopium brings together a team of leading partners and experts at the forefront of innovation in the hydrogen fuel cell and automotive engineering sectors.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441185/Hopium_Hydrogen_Sedan_Prototype.jpg  
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1432668/Hopium_Logo.jpg

 

Hopium Machina Front View (PRNewsfoto/Hopium)

 

Hopium Logo (PRNewsfoto/Hopium)

 

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SOURCE Hopium