Marco carvajal – Página 177

QuEST Global launches TCMS test lab in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, India, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — QuEST Global, a global product engineering and lifecycle services company, announced today that it has launched a Train Control and Management System (TCMS) lab at its Hyderabad facility. The 5800-sq.ft. lab will facilitate the verification and validation of safety-critical TCMS software for multiple functionalities. This next-generation lab will host test racks for various product families of Bombardier Transportation. The lab was inaugurated virtually by Stéphane Navarra, Head of Engineering Technology Office (ETO) Systems, Bombardier Transportation, and Ajit Prabhu, Chairman & CEO, QuEST Global. The lab is part of the strategic partnership signed by both companies in 2019 to strengthen their cooperation and further develop engineering capabilities for the rail industry.

QuEST’s TCMS lab has the capacity to house more than 100 racks and simulations for performing TCMS software testing and hardware-software integration checks. It is qualified to support validation checks submitted as evidence for assessing rail products; and will enable Bombardier Transportation to deliver safer transportation solutions to their customers globally. With the launch of this lab, QuEST also plans to hire over 200 engineers in Hyderabad with expertise across all phases of the software development lifecycle, test automation, and ethernet & internet protocol technology.

Commenting on the new lab, John Saabas, Head of Engineering Technology Office (ETO), Bombardier Transportation, said, «We are pleased about the launch of TCMS lab at QuEST premises in Hyderabad. Bombardier Transportation has always endeavored to deliver excellence and help our customers enable faster and smarter commute through continuous innovation. QuEST is a strategic partner in providing world-class engineering solutions to the rail industry, and I am sure this lab will further enhance our valued collaboration in this area.»

Lauding the capabilities of QuEST, Stéphane Navarra said, «The TCMS lab provides the QuEST team with the infrastructure to manage their deliverables end to end. Bombardier will be developing and housing test racks at this lab for our projects in India and globally.»

Elaborating further on the significance and value the lab will provide, Ajit Prabhu, said, «As a trusted thinking partner to Bombardier Transportation, we are excited to launch the world-class TCMS testing lab in our Hyderabad Centre. We are confident that this will enable us to help Bombardier Transportation serve and create value for its customers. This lab is part of our long-standing strategic engagement with Bombardier Transportation and is a testament to our expertise in providing transformational services and solutions to our customers. We look forward to helping Bombardier Transportation to enhance their competitiveness in the rail domain.»

About QuEST Global

For more than 20 years, QuEST Global has aimed to be a trusted global product engineering and lifecycle services partner to many of the world’s most recognized companies in the Aero Engines, Hi-Tech, Aerospace & Defense, Transportation (Auto and Rail), Power and Industrial, Oil & Gas and Medical Devices industries. With a presence in 13 countries, 56 global delivery centers and 11,250+ personnel, QuEST Global believes that it is at the forefront of the convergence of the mechanical, electronics, software and digital engineering innovations to engineer solutions for a safer, cleaner world. QuEST Global’s deep domain knowledge and digital expertise aim to help its clients accelerate product development and innovation cycles, create alternate revenue streams, enhance consumer experience and make manufacturing processes and operations more efficient.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quest-global-launches-tcms-test-lab-in-hyderabad-301216317.html

SOURCE QuEST Global

Bally’s Corporation Announces Commencement of Consent Solicitation Relating to its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2027

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY) (the «Company«) today announced the commencement of a solicitation of consents (the «Consent Solicitation«) to amend the indenture governing its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2027 (CUSIP Nos. 90171V AA3, U88818 AA4 and U88818 AB2; ISIN No. US90171VAA35, USU88818AA40 and USU88818AB23) (the «Notes«).

…

The Consent Solicitation is being made in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a Consent Solicitation Statement dated January 28, 2021 (the «Consent Solicitation Statement«), to holders of record as of January 27, 2021 (collectively, the «Holders«). The Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 3, 2021, unless extended or earlier terminated (the «Expiration Time«).

The proposed amendment (the «Proposed Amendment«) to the indenture governing the Notes (the «Indenture«) would amend the «Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Subsidiary Preferred Stock» covenant contained in Section 4.09 of the Indenture to increase the fixed dollar prong of the credit facility basket in clause (1) of «Permitted Debt» from «$745.0 million» to «975.0 million.» Except for the Proposed Amendment, all the existing terms of the Notes will remain unchanged. The adoption of the Proposed Amendment will require the consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding as of the record date (the «Requisite Consents«). As of the record date, $525 million aggregate principal amounts of Notes were outstanding.

Holders who validly deliver and do not validly revoke consents prior to the Expiration Time will receive a consent fee of $10 in cash per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, subject to the receipt of the Requisite Consents. Holders of Notes that do not consent prior to the Expiration Time will not receive the consent fee. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion and regardless of whether any of the conditions to the Consent Solicitation have been satisfied, subject to applicable law, at any time (i) to terminate the Consent Solicitation for any reason, (ii) waive in whole or in part any of the conditions to the Consent Solicitation, (iii) amend the terms of the Consent Solicitation for any reason or (iv) modify the form or amount of the consent fee to be paid.

The consent fee will be paid to consenting holders promptly after the Expiration Time, subject to the receipt of the Requisite Consents prior to the Expiration Time, the execution and effectiveness of the supplemental indenture effecting the Proposed Amendment and other customary conditions described in the Consent Solicitation Statement.

The Company has retained Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. to act as Solicitation Agent in connection with the Consent Solicitation. Questions about the Consent Solicitations may be directed to Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. at (855) 287-1922 (toll free) or (212) 250-7527 (collect). Requests for copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement and related documents, and assistance relating to the procedures for delivering consents, may be obtained by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information and Tabulation Agent, at (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers) or (866) 796-7186 (toll free).

This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or sell securities, a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell securities or a solicitation of consents, and no recommendation is made as to whether or not Holders of Notes should consent to the adoption of the Proposed Amendment. The Consent Solicitation is not being made to Holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

About Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation currently owns and manages 11 casinos across seven states, a horse racetrack and 13 authorized OTB licenses in Colorado. With more than 5,900 employees, the Company’s operations include 13,260 slot machines, 459 game tables and 2,941 hotel rooms. Properties include Twin River Casino Hotel (Lincoln, RI), Tiverton Casino Hotel (Tiverton, RI), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Biloxi, MS), Casino Vicksburg (Vicksburg, MS), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (Dover, DE), Bally’s Atlantic City (Atlantic City, NJ), Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport (Shreveport, LA), Casino KC (Kansas City, MO), Golden Gates Casino (Black Hawk, CO), Golden Gulch Casino (Black Hawk, CO), Mardi Gras Casino (Black Hawk, CO), and Arapahoe Park racetrack (Aurora, CO). Following the completion of pending acquisitions, which include Tropicana Evansville (Evansville, IN), Jumer’s Casino & Hotel (Rock Island, IL), and MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa (Lake Tahoe, NV), as well as the construction of a land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, Bally’s will own and manage 15 casinos across 11 states. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol «BALY.»

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains «forward-looking» statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than historical facts, including future financial and operating results and the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, legal, economic and regulatory conditions and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by words like «may,» «will,» «should,» «potential,» «intend,» «expect,» «endeavor,» «seek,» «anticipate,» «estimate,» «overestimate,» «underestimate,» «believe,» «could,» «project,» «predict,» «continue,» «target» or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including uncertainty regarding its extent, duration and impact, the resulting closure of, and restrictions on, the Company’s properties, costs to comply with any mandated health requirements associated with the virus and customer responses as the Company’s facilities continue to operate under various restrictions; (2) the costs, effects and risks involved in the Company’s strategy to expand its business through acquisitions, construction and other transactions, including the Company’s focus on online and interactive gaming; (3) the effects of competition; (4) risks associated with increased leverage from the Company’s recently completed and contemplated acquisitions; and (5) other risk factors as detailed under Part I. Item 1A. «Risk Factors» of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC«) on March 13, 2020 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020 as filed with the SEC on November 6, 2020. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.

Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact

Steve Capp
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
401-475-8564
InvestorRelations@twinriver.com

Media Contact

Richard Goldman / David Gill
Kekst CNC
646-847-6102 / 917-842-5384
BallysMediaInquiries@kekstcnc.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ballys-corporation-announces-commencement-of-consent-solicitation-relating-to-its-6-750-senior-notes-due-2027–301217118.html

SOURCE Bally’s Corporation

BNPL Users Opt-Out of Summer Travel According to Zip

SYDNEY, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Since early 2020, a ban on international travel for residing Australians has meant international travel is not an option. Domestic travel has also been hindered by the closure of state borders that have plagued the travel industry since March 2020.

While most locals have adapted to the idea that they won’t be able to leave the country for the foreseeable future, constantly changing border regulations have left many people…

While most locals have adapted to the idea that they won’t be able to leave the country for the foreseeable future, constantly changing border regulations have left many people unsure about booking a trip. Concerns about the risk of COVID-19 and too much uncertainty around the pandemic are the main reasons for a lack of intent to travel.

In a recent research report by Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) provider Zip, 48% of respondents indicated they would spend less money on travel this summer due to Covid-19. The report, titled «A Very COVID Xmas» showed a total of 64% of respondents stated they would only be staying in their own city, a jump of 12% from a typical year.

Australian’s have also indicated that they’re less likely to travel to attend gatherings this year. Those polled were less likely to attend venues across the board, home gathering or host their own events compared to a year-over-year comparison.

Domestic trips and travel may be bolstered by the use of BNPL services. With the option to pay for a trip at a later date and book accommodation and transportation interest-free, more people can visit loved ones or take a short break to relax.

Survey respondents indicated that they would allocate money not spent on travel towards travel at a later date once restrictions had eased (32%) or put the money away long term (31%). This could indicate a future boom in the travel industry when the country is cleared for international travel once again.

Throughout a challenging year, Australians have postponed their travel plans in favour of staying home. While this will significantly affect the travel industry, some hope that BNPL services such as Zip can offer a lifeline to those who need to travel or find it safe to do so.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bnpl-users-opt-out-of-summer-travel-according-to-zip-301216869.html

SOURCE Zip

World First: The Sporty, Smart, Stunning Renault KIGER Makes its Debut in India

– Showcases Renault’s focus on disruptive innovation and will radically alter the dynamics in the B-SUV segment

– To be first launched in India, followed by other markets

NEW DELHI, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

…

– Showcases Renault’s focus on disruptive innovation and will radically alter the dynamics in the B-SUV segment

– To be first launched in India, followed by other markets

NEW DELHI, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

Stunning design: Distinct, athletic design combining urban modernity with agility and muscular bodywork that exudes sturdiness and dynamism
Smart Cabin: A smart cabin that combines technology, functionality and roominess, Renault KIGER brings latest tech features to the CMFA+ platform that laid the foundation for the success of TRIBER with segment leading roominess, cabin storage and cargo space
Sporty Drive Powered by a New Global Engine: Renault KIGER will come with a brand-new turbo petrol engine, providing both performance and fuel efficiency

After the initial exhilaration created by the reveal of its show car, Groupe Renault globally premiered the eagerly awaited Renault KIGER in India today. A brand-new compact SUV designed and developed for India before making its international debut, Renault KIGER is the latest in the line of revolutionary products to be launched by Renault in India. Just like DUSTER, KWID AND TRIBER, Renault KIGER will also change the dynamics in its segment and promises to be another gamechanger from Renault.

Renault KIGER has already made a striking presence thanks to its Stunning design, which depicts a very strong personality. Renault KIGER has been designed with a host of sporty and muscular elements and stands out as a true SUV. On the inside, Renault KIGER’s Smart cabin combines technology, functionality and roominess. Renault KIGER will be powered by a new turbocharged 1.0L petrol engine for more performance and driving pleasure. The engine has been tested for reliability and durability, and offers the latest technological innovations already featured on Renault’s global range. This high performance, modern and efficient engine will ensure a Sporty drive and will be complemented by multi-sense drive modes which offer the flexibility to best suit the customers driving preferences.

«After DUSTER, KWID and TRIBER, we are now preparing for the launch of Renault KIGER, a modern SUV that is a perfect fit for the Indian market. KIGER combines the best Renault has to offer: our expertise in innovative cars with the creativity and in-depth knowledge of customer needs. A strong proof that Renault really is a game-changer,» shared Fabrice Cambolive, SVP, Renault Brand, Sales & Operations.

«True to the promise of the show-car, Renault KIGER is a robust, dynamic and generous SUV. Armed for travel in the urban jungle, we also designed it for the outdoors and to easily navigate any type of road conditions. KIGER has a distinctive SUV look and its long wheelbase enables great space and volume on board. Its ‘smart cabin’ has been specially designed to encourage sharing and convenience,» added Laurens van den Acker, EVP, Head of Design, Groupe Renault.

Renault KIGER will demonstrate the competence of India’s design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities and highlights Renault’s strong commitment to the ‘Make in India‘ mission. In India, Groupe Renault has always focused to be disruptive and innovative which is amply proven with its product range. Renault will further build on this with the launch of the all-new Renault KIGER.

Commenting on Renault KIGER and the importance of the India market, Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations, shared, «Renault has continued to move forward in India and has navigated the challenging macro-economic environment, bettering the industry trends. We have managed this by our robust business strategy which includes our exciting product range, laser-sharp focus on quality and customer centricity and our aggressive network ramp up across the country. Today, we take another major step in India with the global reveal of Renault KIGER, our all-new B-SUV which will stand out as an excitingly sporty, super smart and attractively stunning offering. Following DUSTER, which made SUVs accessible to a large set of people, not just in India but across the world, Renault KIGER will once again make SUV aspirations accessible to a whole new set of customers and we look forward to building on our increasing customer base with this new game-changer.»

Renault KIGER: Stunning Design

With its distinct, athletic design that is bursting with energy, the KIGER SUV combines urban modernity with agility, whichever road it takes. With its muscular bodywork that exudes sturdiness and dynamism, the KIGER is a real invitation to escape the urban jungle and experience a new kind of driving.

Sturdy on the road

The KIGER’S design was inspired by the KIGER show-car that was unveiled at the end of 2020. A sculpted bonnet that enhances the car’s personality sits at the front, above an impressive bumper. The wings boost the design with their pronounced shoulder lines, while the black sills and wheel arches provide further protection. The high ground clearance (205 mm) and functional roof bars heighten the vehicle’s silhouette and complete its bold SUV look.

Wheels built for adventure

At higher trim levels, the KIGER’S 40.64 cm alloy wheels have a black diamond-cut finish for a sporty and stylish look. The protective wheel arch cladding makes the bodywork look bolder and sturdier. The 2,500 mm long wheelbase places the wheels at the four corners of the vehicle, offering increased stability on any type of road while optimising the space inside the car, providing optimum comfort for each passenger and boot volume of 405 Litres that is unrivalled in the segment.

Strong and agile, athletic curves

The top of the KIGER boasts a dynamic silhouette with sleek and taut lines, in contrast with the more muscular and solid lower part. The slender windscreen extends into a floating roof that runs down to a steep-sloping rear window, giving the car a coupé-style SUV look. The aerodynamic spoiler with cut-outs featured on the roof drop is topped by a shark fin antenna to give the car a very distinctive look.

Sporty design expression

Renault designers have equipped the KIGER with several features to give the car a sporty look. The front grille’s 3D graphic finish with honeycomb-shaped chromed effects is a perfect example, while the Aluminium Finish skid plate further enhances the rear bumper.

The boot door’s sloping and sporty rear window, finished off with the integrated spoiler, once again highlights KIGER’S aerodynamic silhouette.

Modern and striking front end

The upper strip formed by the front grille and the LED daytime running lights positioned at both ends give the car an elevated stance. The highly recognisable lower part divides the bumper into two areas, each large corner featuring three LED headlights separately encased in a chrome octagonal unit with PURE VISION and a chrome reflector. This coherent and overlapping split-design contrasts with the bodywork and gives a strong identity with modernity and sophistication.

Rear lighting signature

All-new LED taillights light up the rear of the car. The tail lamp units with glossy black inserts are resolutely modern and distinctive within the segment, outlining the KIGER’S rear double C-shaped lighting signature. They are featured at each end of the bodywork and extend out over the wings, providing KIGER a distinct unique personality.

Two-tone body colour

The KIGER comes in six exciting body colours: Ice Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey, Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue, Radiant Red with Mystery Black Roof. All trim-levels include a two-tone option. Providing an opportunity to customers to choose from the wide range of single or dual tone colour options, Radiant Red which is an exclusive colour will only be available as a top variant under two-tone colour scheme.

Renault KIGER: Smart Cabin

A compact yet surprisingly spacious vehicle

KIGER interiors are called the smart cabin as it combines technology, functionality and roominess. KIGER is just under four metres long and falls into the compact SUV category, yet thanks to the CMFA+ platform DNA, just like TRIBER it offers segment leading roominess, cabin storage and cargo space. The interior has been designed to perfectly combine the sturdiness of an SUV with a focus on sophistication and technology. With a high centre console, 20.32 cm floating display link and wireless smart phone replication, KIGER interiors have been specially designed to encourage sharing and convenience.

Attractive style

The chiselled curves that play with light and shade give the impression of a floating cockpit, accentuated by piano-style control dials, suspended air conditioning controls and a pedestal that is easily accessible from the centre console. The console features a 20.32 cm floating touch screen, giving the passenger compartment a modern look, and so does a 17.78 cm Multi-Skin Reconfigurable TFT colour cluster.

Unprecedented comfort and roominess

The KIGER provides record levels of roominess with space onboard that one can feel. At the front, the KIGER offers a 710-mm Couple Distance between seats – the best in its segment. At the rear, KIGER provides best in segment second row legroom (222 mm) and elbow room (1431 mm). The seat height provides a commanding driving position accentuating driving comfort.

Optimum Boot capacity

The Kiger sets a very high standard when it comes to load capacity, offering the best boot capacity in the segment (405 litres which extends to 879 litres with second row folded).

Optimised storage space

The KIGER provides passengers with a whole host of clever storage compartments for a total onboard capacity of 29L including four 1L water bottle holders and 2 cup holders – an outstanding figure in the segment. The central armrest hides a 7.5 litre storage space while the glove compartment has an unprecedented volume of 10.5 litres. Smart solutions like these allow multi-level access organised with the needs of passengers in mind.

Smart and practical passenger compartment

The KIGER’S smart cockpit was designed to give a practical onboard experience without detracting from the style. Its new technology makes every day driving easy and enjoyable.

Modern and smart central console

The KIGER’S high, wide centre console is focused around a large 20.32 cm floating touch screen that features wireless smart phone replication for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at higher trims. Wireless smart phone replication allows passengers to connect their smartphones seamlessly and access the special driving and multimedia apps. Passengers can select five permanent shortcuts for faster access to apps and features. The system not only offers voice recognition through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also Bluetooth connectivity that can pair with up to five devices, a USB socket for faster charging and a built-in MP4 video player.

MULTI-SENSE driving experience and ambiance lighting

At higher trim levels, the driver has access to MULTI-SENSE settings to select different driving modes. Engine mapping, gear changes (for automatic transmissions), the responsive steering column and the digital speedometer are reset when changing driving modes, for an optimum driving experience.

Multi-Skin 17.78 cm Reconfigurable TFT cluster changes its colour and widget configuration according to the mode selected, displaying useful information relevant to selected driving mode:
Normal mode: Provides an optimum driving parameter of the engine apt for city driving conditions. It also provides handy information like real-time & average fuel consumption all in a blue colour look.
Eco mode: Provides a drive which is inclined towards economic driving practices. Changing the overall appearance of the TFT into green, the indicators, like an animated leaf provides real time feedback to maximize economic driving.
Sports Mode: Provides a driving environment which is full of fun and sportiness, with crisper engine response and faster shifting. The overall TFT screen appearance turns into red with quick information of acceleration gauge, torque / power ratios etc providing drivers to have all the fun.

Premium sound system

The KIGER boasts a brand new, well-tuned quality sound system: The Auditorium 3D Sound system by Arkamys, with a technology that diffuses 3D sound tailor-made to suit the materials and shape of the passenger compartment. All in all, there are eight onboard speakers (four boomers, four tweeters). The system also automatically adjusts sound volume according to the speed of the vehicle at higher trim levels. The system can be activated and adjusted on demand to ensure the best sound quality whatever the route.

Hands-free smart access card

With the modern hands-free card for everyday convenience, doors can be opened and closed automatically, and the engine started without a key. The sensors in the card allow drivers to lock and unlock the doors without having to take the card out of their pocket or press a button. They can also start the vehicle without having to insert the card. The hands-free system also includes a door auto-lock function when drivers walk away from the vehicle. This feature is a real time-saver and incredibly convenient.

Easier manoeuvring

The KIGER uses technology to ensure safety with radar sensors and a reverse camera with guiding lines. The driver can enjoy greater visibility and precision when reversing or manoeuvring for parking. The turning radius is 5.02 metres.

Additional all-new exclusive features

The KIGER boasts a variety of unique features, including automatic air-conditioning, which can still be adjusted manually via the air-conditioning control.

Another new feature available at higher trim levels is the white ambient lighting in the passenger compartment. It lights up the storage compartment at the front of the centre console and the back of the front door grip handles.

Cockpit features back-lit steering wheel controls. These have a whole host of settings such as access to the onboard computer menu, speaker volume, phone and radio features and voice recognition. KIGER will also feature a first in segment PM2.5 Clean Air Filter. This advanced atmospheric filter fitted in to the ventilation system ensures good air quality inside the vehicle.

Renault KIGER: Sporty Drive

Platform and Engines

The KIGER features a new turbocharged petrol engine for more versatility and driving pleasure. The modular platform, designed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance and already featured on the TRIBER, provides the right balance between performance and efficiency.

A platform full of advantages

The KIGER shares the same modular platform as the TRIBER, meaning that it offers key advantages unparalleled in the market:

Roomier passenger compartment
Optimisation of engine compartment size
Best in Segment Cabin Storage space. Best in segment Cargo Space
Best in segment Rear elbow width – 3 passengers accommodated comfortably
Best in Segment turning Radius
Best in Segment dashboard visibility from rear seat
Comfort and driving pleasure
Best in segment fuel efficiency
Higher Ground Clearance

The KIGER’S platform and new engine guarantee response and versatility for the best possible driving experience.

Powerful engine and driving pleasure

The KIGER is fitted with a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, with a power output of 100 Ps and a torque of 160 Nm (available from 3,200 rpm). The engine has been tested for reliability and longevity, and offers the latest technological innovations already featured on the Clio and the Captur in Europe. It boasts the best fuel economy of its category with 20 km/litre consumption.

The 1.0-litre 100 Ps turbocharged engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. An X-TRONIC automatic continuously variable transmission will be available shortly after the KIGER’S commercial launch. This latest-generation CVT gearbox designed by the Alliance provides smooth and responsive transitions enhancing drivability and comfort in urban areas, along with excellent fuel efficiency.

The ENERGY 1.0-litre 72 Ps and 96 Nm naturally aspirated engine is also available in the KIGER range, with either a five-speed manual or the EASY-R five-speed robotised gearbox AMT, which provides the comfort of clutchless driving at affordable pricing. It features a manual mode that allows the driver to drive either in fully automatic or sequential mode. It ensures efficient engine starting, safe car-overtaking manoeuvres and the best possible driving pleasure, with an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and best in segment torque-to-weight ratio in the compact SUV segment.

Onboard safety

On board, the two front seats and the two rear side seats are fitted with three-point seatbelts, while the rear middle passenger seat features a two-point seatbelt.

The two front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger along with the two side airbags round out the safety suite.

Both front seats get seat belt reminder alert for enhanced safety.

Technical Specifications

Length	3,991 mm
Width	1,750 mm (without mirrors)
Height	1,600 mm (with Roof Bars)
Wheelbase	2,500 mm
Kerb Weight	1,012 kg
Engine Type	3-cylinder 1.0 L turbocharged petrol engine	ENERGY 3-cylinder 1.0 L petrol engine
Displacement (cc)	999 cc	999 cc
Power	100 Ps	72 Ps
Torque	160 Nm @ 3,200 rpm	96 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Gearbox	5 Speed Manual Transmission 5 Speed X-TRONIC CVT	5 Speed Manual Transmission 5 Speed EASY-R AMT
Configuration	3 cylinders
Tyre size	195/60 R16
Front suspension	McPherson strut with lower triangle & coil spring, anti-roll bar & traverse arm
Rear suspension	Torsion beam axle
Boot volume	405 L
Ground Clearance	205 mm
Fuel tank volume	40 L

About Renault:

Renault India Pvt. Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault S.A.S. France. Renault India cars are manufactured in the manufacturing facility located in Oragadam, Chennai, with a capacity of 480,000 units per annum. Renault India also has a widespread presence of more than 500 sales and 475+ service touchpoints, which include 200+ Workshop On Wheels locations across the country, with benchmark sales and service quality.

Renault India’s product line up and services have seen strong recognition among customers and industry experts alike, winning more than 60 titles, making Renault India one of the most awarded automotive brands in a single year in India. The Renault KWID has already bagged 32 awards, including 10 ‘Car of the Year’ Awards.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428745/Renault_India_KIGER.jpg

Lexus Design Award India 2021: Nurturing the next generation of designers in India

~ Recognizing Indian talent that contributes to a better tomorrow ~

NEW DELHI, MUMBAI and BANGALORE, India, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Lexus India today announced the winners of the 4th edition of India’s prestigious design awards – Lexus Design Award India (LDAI), selected from among over a thousand high quality entries basis Lexus’ three key design principles: Anticipate,…

~ Recognizing Indian talent that contributes to a better tomorrow ~

Considering this year’s unique circumstances, Lexus innovated to create its first ever virtual edition of the awards with the support of Association of Designers of India (ADI) as part of the process that nurtures the next generation of creative talent.

Speaking on the occasion P.B. Venugopal, President, Lexus India, said, «This year’s edition of LDAI presented us with a new challenge of bringing together designers on a virtual platform to celebrate the power of design. At LDAI, we work with a strong belief that through design we can find solutions to the problems faced in India. This year, we are so proud to have received over a 1000 entries that are all potential solutions for the Indian society.»

David Nordstrom, Vice President of Lexus Asia Pacific Division and a member of this year’s jury, further added, «The Lexus Design Award India is a celebration of Lexus’ shared passion for design creations that make a positive contribution to society. At Lexus, we believe design is a catalyst for change, a force that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and create amazing experiences for a better tomorrow.»

This year, the LDAI mentorship program for the conceptual category finalists was also conducted virtually where a stellar ensemble of creative pioneers and industry stalwarts helped the finalists refine their projects. The winners were chosen after multiple rounds of extensive deliberation by the esteemed panel of jurors.

Prof. Dhimant Panchal, LDAI 2021 Jury Chairperson, said, «India, as a society, is constantly evolving and design plays an important role in shaping our future. LDAI has provided an amazing platform for Indian design practitioners and young design students from diverse backgrounds. The quality of the entries this year show the sensitivity and maturity of designers to respond to a set of diverse challenges and opportunities that we have around us. I’m glad to see that apart from industry focused solutions, there are more inclusive and socially relevant solutions this year.»

This year’s edition also saw the introduction of 3 new awards; the People’s Choice, Lexus Guests’ Choice and Media Choice awards, voted on by members of the public, Lexus guests and the media fraternity respectively.

The trophy presented to the winners of LDAI 2021 was designed by renowned designer, Michael Foley. The design features layers emanating from an arc reminiscent of the Lexus ‘L’-motif. A high luster silver finish highlights each layer’s depth, with its warm wood base humanising the machined anodised aluminium slab.

The LDAI 2021 was a confluence of amazing designers from around the world, coming together for India.

Keynote Speakers: Simon Humphries, Head of Toyota & Lexus Global Design, Vinay Venkatraman, CEO & Founder of Leapcraft, Denmark, and global LDA 2020 Grand Prix winner, BellTower Team from Kenya.

Panel of Judges: Dhimant Panchal, Unmesh Kulkarni, Rashmi Korjan, Shibani Dasgupta, Anuj Sharma and David Nordstrom

Panel of Mentors: Michael Foley, Nandita Abraham, Ayush Kasliwal, Nishma Pandit, Karishma Shahani Khan, Amit Krishn Gulati

About Lexus Design Award India

The Lexus Design Award India (LDAI) seeks to recognize and reward the best industrial design executed by Indian designers, institutions, design consultancy firms, and in-house design teams of companies. Good design is defined by LDAI as the synthesis of ergonomic, aesthetic, commercial, industrial, and scientific disciplines to create products that simplify, enrich and better human existence. Lexus, as a brand, has always stood for excellence in design, ergonomics, sustainability, technological superiority, and responsible consumption; and the LDAI will mirror these brand values.

About Lexus Design Award

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for the finalists to work with globally recognized designers as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar’s most important events.

About Lexus

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world’s first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 1.5 million hybrid vehicles. A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide. Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.

Website: www.lexusindia.co.in

Facebook: @LexusIndia

Instagram: @lexus_india

Official Hashtag: #LexusDesignAwardIndia

About ADI

ADI, Association of Designers of India, is a Not for Profit society with vision to be a world class network representing Indian Design community, creating an interface between design professionals, industry, education and policy makers. Pune Design Festival is in its 12th edition since conception and is a flagship activity of ADI, Pune Chapter.

Details of ADI can be found at www.adi.org.in

CATEGORY	WINNER	PROJECT
Open Category	Abhinav Saxena	Project Title: Samarth Modular Air Purification A modular air purification system that adapts to its environment and cleans air sustainably.
Student Category	Achyut Shanbhag	Project Title: Iceheal Hot & cold therapy for quick pain relief and speedy recovery.
Product Design	Shreelekha Lakshmipathy	Project Title: Kaapi Kaapi is a traditional South-Indian drip style coffee filter made in Ceramic, Brass and Cork.
Textile Design	Chhail Pradhansingh Khalsa	Project Title: Anuvad Humanising E-Textile A project combining craft and technology to create functional e-textiles for everyday applications.
Lifestyle Accessory Design	Satyajit Vetoskar	Project Title: Bandit Sustainable bags made of repurposed Tarpaulin, which reduces the manufacture of fresh plastic.
Furniture Design	Nuru Karim	Project Title: Bookworm Pavilion The «BookWorm» pavilion aims to foster a sense of learning through the creation of an interactive learning space.
Design Thinking	Manoj Patel	Project Title: Reassigning and reinterpreting the use of vernacular material clay roof tiles. A project identifying and exploring vernacular material as an alternate to balance ecology.
Craft Design	Tejas Sidnal	Project Title : Carbon Tile The first tile to be made with upcycled carbon emissions.
Public Utility Design	Ruturaj Parikh	Project Title: A Shrine & A Well in Asaon, Bihar Restoration and rejuvenation of historic village well and shrine.
Design For Social Impact	Abhijit Bansod	Project Title: Tigoona V1 Mobility and business solution for Indian street vendors both men and women.
Jury’s Choice	Satish Gokhale	Project Title: Micro Irrigation Dam Gates Strong, durable, easy to install gates which help in storing water for irrigation, drinking and improve the economies of the local area.
Special Mentions	Michael Foley	Project Title: Levitate Work Furniture A flexible furniture system to support dynamic work spaces.
Special Mentions	Dhairya Shikhar	Project Title: Zulo Modular wooden toys intuitively triggering imagination/aiding cognitive development in children.
Media Choice Award	Siddharth UR	Project Title: HOPE A simple, inclusive retrofittable product that enables the Blind to consume Liquid-medicines precisely & distinguish between-medicines.
Lexus Guests’ Choice Award	Abhinav Saxena	Project Title: Samarth Modular Air Purification A modular air purification system that adapts to its environment and cleans air sustainably.
People’s Choice Award	Achyut Shanbhag	Project Title: Iceheal Hot & cold therapy for quick pain relief and speedy recovery.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428724/LDAI_2021_Winners.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1372869/Lexus_Logo.jpg

Hyatt Announces Plans for the Addition of Three Story Hotels in Sweden

CHICAGO, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into franchise agreements with Story Hotels Holding AB to bring three hotels in Sweden under the JDV Hotel brand, helping to grow Hyatt’s independent collection brand in Europe. The three boutique hotels – Story Hotel Riddargatan and Story Hotel Signalfabriken in Stockholm, as well as Story Hotel Studio Malmö, Sweden – will all retain their individual hotel names and unique identities. The three Story Hotels will be available for reservation through Hyatt’s booking channels and for World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points for stays starting April 1, 2021.

Story Hotel Studio Malmö will feature 95 unique guestrooms, all creative and playful in their design to reflect the young and vibrant population of the city. The three Story Hotels will be available for reservation through Hyatt’s booking channels and for World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points for stays starting April 1, 2021.

Hyatt’s independent collection portfolio is a collection of brands that not only embrace the locations in which each hotel resides, but serve as a gateway to some of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. Each property brings a sense of place to the guest experience in new and unforgettable ways.

«We are very excited to bring these three Story Hotels in Europe under Hyatt’s JDV Hotel brand portfolio and at the same time grow the Hyatt hotel footprint in Sweden,» said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president development for Europe at Hyatt. «We are focused on thoughtful growth in locations that meet our guests and members needs, and the upcoming addition of three Story Hotels help us fuel this growth in markets like Scandinavia, as we collaborate with owners who want to maintain each property’s unique identity. With their strong design focus and neighborhood feel, Story Hotels will be the perfect representation of Hyatt’s independent collection in Europe.»

Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö are ideally located at the heart of their destinations and each will celebrate the unique neighborhoods in which the properties reside. With modern, Scandinavian design that reflects the edgy nature of both cities, the hotels will offer amenities for both business and leisure travelers.

«It was clear at an early stage that Hyatt and Story Hotels had a very similar vision of how modern upscale living should look and feel,» said Staffan Åkerlind, CEO Story Hotels. «We are thrilled to introduce the JDV Hotel brand to Europe and Scandinavia and, we are proud to be working with such an experienced, international hospitality company like Hyatt. We look forward to leveraging their experience to offer excellent service to our guests and benefit from their global scale and distribution platform.»

All three hotels will feature individually designed boutique guestrooms, vibrant public spaces and food and beverage offerings popular with both visitors and locals alike. Boutique in size as a reflection of their urban locations, each hotel will offer complimentary access to local gyms during their stay.

Story Hotel Riddargatan, Stockholm

An 83-room property widely believed to be one of Stockholm’s original boutique hotels, the Story Hotel Riddargatan will have an industrial design to represent the building’s former life as an apartment complex, barber shop and garage. The property is centrally located in the Östermalm area with easy access to vibrant neighborhood restaurants, cafés and bars as well as the high-end shopping district. The hotel will also feature a restaurant, Ling Long, specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine, and one indoor and one outdoor bar.

Story Hotel Signalfabriken, Stockholm

Story Hotel Signalfabriken will feature 83 individually designed guestrooms and a vibrant bar and restaurant, which will host regular DJ performances. Formerly a fire station and town hall, this listed property in Sundbyberg’s Torg neighborhood will attract business travelers with meetings in the surrounding areas of Solna, Bromma and Kista. Leisure guests will enjoy the small town feel and abundance of restaurants nearby with quick access to Stockholm’s city center in less than ten minutes via the nearby tram, bus and subway lines.

Story Hotel Studio Malmö

Story Hotel Studio Malmö will feature 95 unique guestrooms, all creative and playful in their design to reflect the young and vibrant population of the city. Situated on the top floors of a high-rise building, the hotel offers spectacular views overlooking the city and water. The hotel is part of the mixed-use STUDIO building, which also houses conference and meeting facilities, corporate offices, retail outlets, several restaurants and a café. With its unique waterside location at Universitetsholmen, and close proximity to Malmö’s central station, guests can easily explore the city, and nearby Copenhagen via a 35-minute train ride. The hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar, Kasai in the Sky, will deliver food and drink on Malmö’s highest outdoor terrace with views of the ocean and city skyline.

Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö are expected to increase the number of Hyatt hotels in Sweden to four, following the 2020 opening of Stockholm’s Hotell Reisen, which is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Fueled by guests’ growing desire for unique, differentiated experiences that foster genuine connections with people and cultures, Hyatt recently announced its intention to grow by more than 30 percent in Europe, with a significant focus on developing the footprint of its lifestyle brands.

For more information, please visit www.jdvhotels.com.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.

The term «Hyatt» is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About JDV Hotels

A community for the spirited, light-hearted, and young-at-heart, JDV Hotels offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods they call home. Each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, welcoming all vibes, tribes and unique souls—effortlessly bringing people together with joy-driven service. Embracing its namesake, each property invites guests and locals to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. Follow @JDVHotels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.jdvhotels.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company offering 20 premier brands. As of September 30, 2020, the Company’s portfolio included more than 950 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 67 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, lease, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®,tommie™, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Story Hotel Holding AB
Story Hotel Holding is the parent company of Story Hotel Riddargatan, Story Hotel Signalfabriken and Story Hotel Studio Malmö, with a total of 261 hotel rooms and 519 beds.The Company’s vision is to acquire and open additional Story Hotels in Scandinavia and Northern Europe within a few years and to continue to challenge the conventional hotel industry by taking advantage of technological solutions, pay homage to individualism and offering creative hotel alternatives inspired by design, art and music.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as «may,» «could,» «expect,» «intend,» «plan,» «seek,» «anticipate,» «believe,» «estimate,» «predict,» «potential,» «continue,» «likely,» «will,» «would» and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the short- and longer-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the demand for travel, transient and group business, and levels of consumer confidence; actions that governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or any resurgence, including limiting or banning travel; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or any resurgence, on global and regional economies, travel, and economic activity, including the duration and magnitude of its impact on unemployment rates and consumer discretionary spending; the ability of third-party owners, franchisees or hospitality venture partners to successfully navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pace of recovery following the pandemic or any resurgence; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and the pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geo-political conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to successfully achieve certain levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans and common stock repurchase program and quarterly dividend, including a reduction in or elimination of repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party property owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and the introduction of new brand concepts; the timing of acquisitions and dispositions, and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to successfully execute on our strategy to expand our management and franchising business while at the same time reducing our real estate asset base within targeted timeframes and at expected values; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates and operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business; and other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC»), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2020, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428693/Hyatt_Story_Hotel_Studio_Malmo.jpg

Hyatt Announces Plans for the Addition of Three Story Hotels in Sweden

Story Hotel Riddargatan, Stockholm

Story Hotel Signalfabriken, Stockholm

Story Hotel Studio Malmö

For more information, please visit www.jdvhotels.com.

The term «Hyatt» is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About JDV Hotels

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Forward-Looking Statements

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428693/Hyatt_Story_Hotel_Studio_Malmo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyatt-announces-plans-for-the-addition-of-three-story-hotels-in-sweden-301216953.html

SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Corporation

The Volvo Group creates business area dedicated to accelerating electrification

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The new business area Volvo Energy will strengthen the Volvo Group’s business flow of batteries over the life cycle as well as the customer offer for charging infrastructure. At the same time, the environmental impact from electric and hybrid electric commercial vehicles and machines will be reduced by giving used batteries a second life in different applications.

«There is a great and growing interest for electric vehicles and machines…

«There is a great and growing interest for electric vehicles and machines among our customers. This is of course very positive as it accelerates the transition towards more sustainable transport solutions. Our ambition is to offer our customers the most competitive solutions when it comes to electrification, including batteries and charging infrastructure. With Volvo Energy, we are taking a holistic view of the entire life cycle, which benefits both our customers’ business and society as a whole», says Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO.

Already today, the Volvo Group’s offer of electric vehicles and machines ranges from city buses and trucks for waste management, construction and urban distribution to compact excavators and loaders. The roll-out of additional, electric vehicles and related services will continue with high pace and later this year, it will also include e.g. heavy-duty trucks for regional transports or construction.

Volvo Energy will be a business area with full profit and loss responsibility. It will have both an internal role, providing batteries and charging solutions to the Volvo Group’s other business areas, and an external role, offering used, remanufactured and refurbished batteries to customers for use across different applications. Volvo Energy will also carry the Group’s responsibility for hydrogen infrastructure solutions for fuel cell electric vehicles. Collaborations with various business partners and actors across the ecosystem will be key.

Commercial vehicle batteries will be used for many years in the vehicle before they need to be replaced or remanufactured/refurbished. However, if completely new batteries are fitted to the vehicle, the used ones will generally still have considerable life left to offer, which makes them ideal for energy storage purposes in for example buildings or in green energy production. Repurposing these batteries therefore mean that natural resources are conserved.

«With Volvo Energy, we are further increasing our focus on this important area. We are also giving vehicle batteries a second life, which is both a business opportunity and a way to contribute to the creation of a circular economy and a fossil free society», says Martin Lundstedt.

Joachim Rosenberg, member of the Volvo Group Executive Board and Chairman of UD Trucks, will head the new business area. Starting in February 2021, he will lead the effort to create Volvo Energy while also continuing to run UD Trucks and preparing the transfer of UD Trucks ownership to Isuzu Motors as part of the previously communicated strategic alliance between the Volvo Group and Isuzu Motors.

The financial results for Volvo Energy will be reported as part of the Truck segment.

January 28, 2021

Journalists wanting further information, please contact:

Claes Eliasson, Volvo Group Media Relations, +46 76 553 72 29

For more information, please visit volvogroup.com/futureoftransportation

The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers’ uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs almost 100.000 people and serves customers in more than 190 markets. In 2019, net sales amounted to about SEK 432 billion (EUR 40.5 billion). Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/ab-volvo/r/the-volvo-group-creates-business-area-dedicated-to-accelerating-electrification,c3275412

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/39/3275412/1364688.pdf	210128-volvo-group-creates-new-business-area-for-electrification-pressrelease-eng.pdf
https://news.cision.com/ab-volvo/i/1860×1050-image-joachim-rosenberg-volvo-energy,c2871720	1860×1050-image-joachim-rosenberg-volvo-energy

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-volvo-group-creates-business-area-dedicated-to-accelerating-electrification-301216947.html

SOURCE AB Volvo

Vacation Rental Demand Increases As A Result Of COVID-19

WILMINGTON, Mass., Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The spread of COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the travel industry and as travel slowly starts to resume, new trends are developing. According to Villas of Distinction®, there is an increased demand for U.S. domestic villas, an uptick in…

«Those who aren’t quite comfortable coming into contact with large groups of people are opting to take a staycation or a road trip, and stay in a private villa which is an accommodation type that provides a socially-distanced experience,» said Willie Fernandez, general manager and vice president for Villas of Distinction.

The most notable trend for people booking 2021 vacations is the increased demand for domestic villas. Since people may be nervous about traveling out of the country and some aren’t comfortable flying, there is heightened interest in road trips and staycations. As a result of this, in the last nine months Villas of Distinction has added more than 300 villas in the U.S. including California, Colorado, Connecticut, the Florida Panhandle, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia. In addition, Villas of Distinction will add more villas in Canada for the Canadian market as they are also required to stay within their country.

Now that many children are doing school virtually and parents are working remotely, they can complete their work from anywhere. Villas of Distinction is seeing many family’s traveling and staying in a villa even when not using «vacation» time. These workcations have led to an increase in long-term rentals and is very popular in the Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Grand Cayman, which have both devised programs specifically geared toward this type of traveler.

Villas of Distinction has also seen a shift in book-to-travel windows. In 2020, there was a seven percent increase in people wanting to get away within 0-60 days, creating more close-in bookings than its seen in years’ past. There was also a five percent increase in people booking more than a year in advance even into late 2022 and 2023.

People are looking for travel options where they can adhere to the safety guidelines set by their country. Villas of Distinction’s villa properties have agreed to follow the Vacation Rental Management Association for safety and cleaning protocols.

There will be a pent-up demand for travel and people can get away, but still be in a home away from home. For more information about Villas of Distinction or to book a villa vacation, visit http://www.VillasofDistinction.com or call 800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction®
Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service premier luxury villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxurious destinations worldwide including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Central America, the United States and many private islands. Many villas feature private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, Villas of Distinction’s team of experts have made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and creating one-of-a-kind getaways and lasting memories at the world’s top villas. http://www.VillasofDistinction.com.

Media Contact

Angie Ranck, Villas of Distinction, 1-877-958-7447, media@wth.com

SOURCE Villas of Distinction

GAC Group achieves breakthrough in graphene-based fast-charging battery technology, vehicle model Aion V equipped with the new battery to start production in September

GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — All over the world, new energy vehicles have become a key solution for low-carbon travel, but battery technology has always restricted the development and widespread use of electric vehicles. In recent years, graphene, a new material with excellent electrical conductivity, has been the key to breakthroughs in battery technology.

Recently, GAC Group announced a major achievement in battery technology. The graphene-based super-fast-charging battery…

Recently, GAC Group announced a major achievement in battery technology. The graphene-based super-fast-charging battery has made breakthrough progress and has now entered the phase of actual vehicle testing. Aion V, the first vehicle to be equipped with the battery, is undergoing winter testing and is initially scheduled for mass production in September this year.

Graphene initially cost up to a few hundred dollars per gram, and was thus called «black gold». At the «2020 GAC Tech Day» held in July, GAC Group demonstrated its 3DG (three-dimensional graphene) production technology with independent intellectual property rights, solving the issue of high costs of graphene. The simple, stable, and efficient production method reduces costs to only one-tenth of the conventional method.

After achieving low-cost and large-scale production of graphene, GAC Group has also made major breakthroughs in the downstream application of its use. Among them, the electric vehicle industry is most interested in the graphene-based super-fast-charging battery. This graphene-based battery has a 6C fast charge capability, combined with a 600A high-power charger, can be recharged to 80% capacity in 8 minutes. The battery has also passed the most stringent safety test – Battery Shooting Test, possessing quality and reliability of the highest standard.

This graphene-based battery technology is an industry leader. It will significantly shorten charging time, as well as greatly extend battery life, solving the current «pain points» of pure electric vehicles. The good news is that this battery technology has come out of the laboratory into real-world production. Aion V, the first vehicle model equipped with this graphene-based battery, has entered the mass production testing phase.

GAC Group’s strategic planning and proactive approach in the field of advanced technology will provide strong support for the global expansion and development of its own brand GAC MOTOR. It is not difficult to predict that with multiple innovative technologies under its belt, GAC MOTOR will be empowered to continue creating a high-quality, high-tech, and pleasant driving experience for consumers.