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Stellantis to launch Leapmotor EVs in South Africa later this year
Stellantis to launch Leapmotor EVs in South Africa later this year

TimesLIVE

time3 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • TimesLIVE

Stellantis to launch Leapmotor EVs in South Africa later this year

Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles (EVs) developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday. The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used only to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, said Mike Whitfield, MD of Stellantis South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000 (R316,865). In Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6bn (R28.17bn). The two carmakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth largest carmaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification while other Chinese carmakers including BYD and Chery Auto are aggressively expanding into Africa. 'South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis and we are committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships,' Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the No 1 player in the Middle East and Africa region with 1-million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024 it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With more than 60% of the South African market concentrated below the R400,000 price point, Stellantis's Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive line-up in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.

Stellantis to debut Leapmotor's EVs in South Africa this year
Stellantis to debut Leapmotor's EVs in South Africa this year

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

Stellantis to debut Leapmotor's EVs in South Africa this year

Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday. The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used purely to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said in a statement. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000. In 2023, Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6 billion. The two automakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth-largest automaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification at a time when other Chinese automakers including BYD and Chery Auto are aggressively expanding into Africa. "South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis, and we are fully committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships," Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country, with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the No.1 player in the Middle East and Africa region with one million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024, it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With over 60% of the South African market concentrated below the 400,000 rand ($22,755) price point, Stellantis' Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive lineup in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.>

From Hollywood to Bangkok: Thailand's film boom targets B10 billion revenue
From Hollywood to Bangkok: Thailand's film boom targets B10 billion revenue

Time Out

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • Time Out

From Hollywood to Bangkok: Thailand's film boom targets B10 billion revenue

If you've watched enough Hollywood films, you might've noticed that Thailand pops up more often than you'd expect. From action-packed scenes in Tomorrow Never Dies, to the laughs of The Hangover Part II and the dreamy romance of Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love, the country has become a favourite backdrop for international filmmakers. So much so, the Thai government expects over B10 billion in revenue from foreign productions this year alone. According to data from the Department of Tourism's Thailand Film Office (TFO), 279 foreign film projects were shot in the nation between January 1 and June 30, generating B2.8 billion in revenue. These numbers account only for officially permitted productions, which continue to support both the local film industry and the wider tourism sector. Interestingly, the top countries choosing our land for filming aren't from Hollywood. Leading the list are India, South Korea, Japan and China. Popular shooting locations include Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Chon Buri, thanks to their versatile cityscapes and accessibility. So, what makes the kingdom such a cinematic hotspot? A big part of it lies in the diversity of locations. From lush jungles and waterfalls to idyllic islands such as Phuket and Krabi, along with ancient temples, historical towns and futuristic urban settings, it's a filmmaker's dream – all in one place. Beyond the scenery, it's also an affordable destination. Production costs are significantly lower than in the West, local crews and logistics are cost-effective and the favourable exchange rate adds even more value. All of this allows filmmakers to stretch their budgets further with additional special effects or extra shooting days. In 2024, the nation earned B6.6 billion from 491 foreign film productions representing 42 countries. This year, the government is forecasting revenue to reach B10 billion, exceeding its initial target of B7.5 billion and marking a 50% increase from last year. Among recent high-profile shoots, HBO's The White Lotus filmed its latest season here, drawing global attention and a wave of tourists to Koh Samui. Upcoming releases include Jurassic World: Rebirth, now in cinemas and Alien: Earth, a sci-fi series that highlights the capital's urban sprawl, purpose-built sets at Studio Park in Samut Prakan and the scenic landscapes of Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga. While it's still uncertain whether this year's revenue goals will be fully met, one thing is clear: Thailand's growing role as a film location continues to boost its global visibility and tourism appeal. And if you're missing the Land of Smiles, you can satisfy your wanderlust from afar with our roundup of 10 movies to watch when you miss traveling in Thailand.

National Resistance Thwarts Largest Smuggling Operation of Iranian Weapons to Houthi Militia
National Resistance Thwarts Largest Smuggling Operation of Iranian Weapons to Houthi Militia

Khabar Agency

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • Khabar Agency

National Resistance Thwarts Largest Smuggling Operation of Iranian Weapons to Houthi Militia

The National Resistance announced on Thursday that it had thwarted one of the largest smuggling operations of Iranian weapons to the Houthi militia. The high-profile operation was carried out by its naval forces and intelligence units in mid-June in the Red Sea. In a statement, the military media of the National Resistance reported that the operation took place on **June 27**, resulting in the seizure of a smuggling vessel named **"Al-Sharwa."** The ship was carrying a massive shipment of advanced weapons, estimated at **750 tons**, sent by Iran's Revolutionary Guards to their proxy, the Houthi militia in Yemen. The statement added that the confiscated weapons included: - **Air defense and missile systems** (naval and aerial) - **Attack and reconnaissance drones** - **Advanced radar systems** - **Launching systems** - **Eavesdropping devices** - **Konkurs anti-tank missiles** - **B10 cannons** - **Advanced sniper rifles** - **Tracking lenses** - **Large quantities of ammunition** (including Kalashnikov and "Shiki" rounds) and other military equipment. The Resistance emphasized that this smuggling operation exposes **Iran's ongoing scheme to arm the terrorist Houthi militia**, debunking the group's claims of having "domestic military manufacturing capabilities." It also reveals the extent of the threat posed by the Iranian regime to **international navigation in the Red Sea** through its armed proxies. The statement noted that the weapons were **tightly concealed**: strategic systems were disassembled and hidden inside **electric generators and industrial machinery**, while ammunition was stashed within **large battery compartments** to mislead maritime surveillance units. The military media detailed that the operation began with **precise intelligence tracking** of a suspicious vessel departing from the **coast of the Horn of Africa**, operated by smugglers linked to the Houthi militia. Naval forces of the Resistance then intercepted the ship **west of the international maritime route in the Red Sea**, towing it to a secure area where the cargo was unloaded and documented. The National Resistance stated that it would soon release **confessions from the ship's crew** and broadcast footage showing samples of the seized weapons and equipment.

2025 Audi A5 First Drive: A Damn Fine Daily Driver
2025 Audi A5 First Drive: A Damn Fine Daily Driver

Motor Trend

time18-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Motor Trend

2025 Audi A5 First Drive: A Damn Fine Daily Driver

As sedans fight to find their place in an SUV-hungry world, the Audi A5 enters 2025 (yes, we know the year is half over) with a full redesign, attempting to entice drivers away from choosing yet another crossover. Success? We traveled to scenic Aspen, Colorado, to drive the new 2025 A5 and find out. The 2025 Audi A5, redesigned as a luxurious hatchback, offers practicality with ample cargo space and a refined interior. Powered by a 268-hp turbocharged engine, it provides a stable drive, though lacking thrilling performance. It serves as a quiet, comfortable daily driver. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next The Audi A5 Then and Now The A5 has evolved significantly leading up to this third-generation version, known as the B10 by Audi aficionados. Introduced for 2008, the first A5 was a two-door counterpart to the popular four-door A4, which it shared fundamental hardware with while draped in evocative coupe styling. The A5 lineup expanded later to include a soft-top convertible, as well as a Sportback—that being not a true sedan but a sleek four-door hatchback. For the 2025 A5, there is no two-door version, and this Sportback body is the standard offering. (Americans don't get the sweet A5 Avant station wagon sold overseas.) That's largely because the A5 has assumed the A4's position in the lineup while the latter is on a production pause as Audi plots its path into electrification. The German automaker once planned to use even numbers for EVs and odd numbers for combustion-powered vehicles, but no longer, as the A6 and A6 E-Tron—completely different cars—indicate. One more item to get up to speed—literally—with the A5 story is that a sporty S5 variant has long been part of the lineup. The S5 will be sold in the U.S., and we already drove it in European specification. A high-performance RS 5 also appears to be in the works, though when or where it will be available is unclear. Outside and Inside On to the 2025 Audi A5. Built on a new vehicle architecture called Premium Platform Combustion (PPC, akin to the PPE basis of Audi's latest EVs), the A5 changes in its adaptation to the role of replacing the A4. The wheelbase increases, and the body is slightly longer, wider, and taller than before. Notably, it appears to have a traditional trunk, but it doesn't. Audi says this design element was added to look familiar to traditional three-box sedan buyers even though the rear decklid and glass open together to reveal a hatchback cargo area. Compared to the outgoing A5, this profile is less alluring, and the overall styling seems somewhat generic. It doesn't look bad, but aesthetics are no longer as strong of a reason to want the A5. In contrast, Audi made the interior more appealing. From the driver's seat there's newfound visual interest, seen in the shapes, textures, and trim details that the last A5's austere cabin lacked. There are some hard plastic panels, but those are well hidden so that soft-touch surfaces are the ones you see and interact with most. Quality of materials and overall assembly is excellent. Big screens are prominent inside the 2025 A5. All models get an 11.9-inch digital driver's display paired with a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen inside a single curved enclosure. The high-end Prestige trim gains a 10.9-inch touchscreen ahead of the front passenger, while the Premium and Premium Plus models below have a lame shiny black plastic panel there instead. The new 2025 Audi Q5 offers the same screens as the A5. For the positives and negatives of that tech, check out our 2025 Audi Q5 Interior Review . Beyond a premium feel, the new A5 provides superb practicality. There are plenty of spots to stash daily carry items around the cabin, but a key selling point for this car is how much cargo space it has. With 22.6 cubic feet of capacity behind the back seats or 36.6 cubic feet when those seats are folded, there's considerably more volume than the typical trunk-equipped sedan and enough to reasonably rival some small SUVs. The power-operated liftgate moves quickly, and the huge aperture presented when it's open makes loading cargo easy. Moving Right Along Like before, the A5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, but it's now stronger, producing 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 7 hp and 22 lb-ft. It's all sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to Audi's signature Quattro AWD system. The automaker claims a 5.8-second 0–60-mph time; fuel economy of 22/31 mpg city/highway is slightly worse than before. Setting off from a stop, the dual-clutch transmission can show slight hesitation as its clutches engage, but that's fairly unobtrusive; it's a common blemish with this type of gearbox. Once underway, shifts are imperceptible aside from a subtle change in engine sound. There's enough power from the turbocharged four-cylinder, not so much to thrill with acceleration but certainly a sufficient amount for everyday driving. How it's tuned makes ample torque available from the powerband's low end, most useful for helping the A5 feel unstressed during around-town driving and getting up to freeway speeds, though there is some turbo lag when pressing the accelerator while underway. In the manner of many four-cylinder engines, the idle at a stop is a little choppy. A large steering wheel diameter and relaxed ratio for the lightly weighted adaptive steering rack don't provide much engagement or connection with the chassis. Still, it turns just where it needs to, and Audi's chassis revisions within the PPC structure provide a stable, secure handling experience. It's quite apparent the A5 isn't meant to be driven with verve—that's what the S5 is for—but when doing so, the car follows its driver's input, resisting understeer impressively and moving with a cohesive balance between its front and rear axles. More poised than plush, ride quality is comfortable despite the taut suspension sensation over larger impacts and potholes. The A5 doesn't glide over pavement, nor does it devolve into floaty imprecision when the road gets rough, instead remaining settled as the suspension keeps body motions well controlled. Even though the brake pedal travel is long, it engages at the very top as soon as you press it. That reactivity takes a little getting used to, but there's still enough progression through the brake stroke to allow for smooth, gradual stops. New Audi A5: Chill, Versatile, and Upscale Built in high-end Prestige trim, the 2025 A5 we drove in Colorado featured acoustically laminated glass for the windshield and front doors that made the cabin remarkably quiet as tunes poured out of the Bang & Olufsen audio system, which includes speakers in the front headrests. Under incredible scenery, the trick electrochromic glass roof allowed for a view of what's above or an instant switch to opacity when it got too bright. During our time in the new A5, the car's high level of competence shone. There's not an abundance of notable personality, but the overall package is unobtrusive, and its uncomplicated nature made it a pleasant place to spend time inside and take in the surroundings. Glancing back at that huge hatchback cargo area, we became convinced the 2025 Audi A5 will make a pleasant and practical daily driver back on city streets or cruising along the open road.

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