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Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Skechers AERO Series Opens New Chapter of Technical Running Innovation
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skechers Performance opens a new chapter of running innovation with the arrival of the Skechers AERO series. Named for the aerodynamic feel of the design, Skechers AERO represents the latest evolution of technical running shoes from the brand. The collection is engineered to deliver an exhilarating blend of speed, style and comfort to help runners cut through the wind and push beyond their personal bests while logging miles. 'Recently launched in North America and Asia, the AERO Series leverages innovative technologies to elevate our signature comfort that's now available to runners in Europe,' said Ben Stewart, Vice President, Skechers Technical Performance Division. 'An evolution of our legacy in running, Skechers AERO was developed with feedback from every type of runner from casual joggers to ultramarathoners. Based on the response from those who have experienced the difference of Skechers AERO, we expect runners everywhere will enjoy and appreciate the Comfort That Performs only offered by Skechers as they get those miles in.' The Skechers AERO series for Spring 2025 includes three styles designed to meet the differing needs of runners. Each offers a fusion of innovations to elevate comfort, promote smooth transitions, and propel you forward through every stride. Skechers AERO Burst™ —elevated cushioning, built to go the distance. Designed for long-distance running routines, this well-cushioned style combines premium comfort with performance technologies to help runners feel great mile after mile. It features Hyper Burst Ice™ dual-density midsole foam, a carbon-infused H-plate in the forefoot, and the updated Skechers Arch Fit® support system. The breathable engineered mesh upper and anchored tongue design maximizes comfort through high-mileage training sessions. Skechers AERO Spark™ —well-balanced everyday trainer. Built for logging miles with great cushioning underfoot, this go-to trainer can also pick up the pace. It features a dual-density Hyper Burst Ice™ midsole for plush cushioning and support, an all-new Skechers Arch Fit® insole design that is adapted specifically for runners with a more subtle feel, plus the carbon-infused H-plate for a snappy toe-off while also providing the right amount of torsional rigidity. The breathable engineered mesh upper with lace locks ensures a secure fit on every run. Skechers AERO Tempo™ —the launchpad for speed. This high-performance speed day shoe offers a dynamic cushioned design packed with innovation for when you want to pick up the pace. Optimized to deliver a lightweight, yet stable running experience, the energetic design features a breathable woven TPU upper, a Hyper Burst® blend in the midsole, plus an internal full-length carbon-infused H-plate that provides the perfect ratio of rigidity and stiffness. Unique to this style in the range, the Hyper Burst Pro™ sockliner offers underfoot cushioning and responsiveness. Key signature innovations featured across the range include Skechers Hyper Arc™ technology that adapts to your stride for a more efficient run, plus Goodyear® Performance Outsoles for enhanced traction, stability and durability. Skechers AERO Series footwear is available now at Skechers retail stores and as well as specialty athletic shops. Additional Skechers AERO Burst and Skechers AERO Spark versions featuring Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® technology will be available in Europe in August. About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc. Skechers (NYSE:SKX), The Comfort Technology Company ® based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company's collections are available in 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through and more than 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500 ® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 20 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, Skechers' future domestic and international growth, financial results and operations including expected net sales and earnings, its development of new products, future demand for its products, its planned domestic and international expansion, opening of new stores and additional expenditures, and advertising and marketing initiatives. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'expect,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'will,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' or any variations of such words with similar meanings. Any such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include the disruption of business and operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic; delays or disruptions in our supply chain; international economic, political and market conditions including the effects of inflation, tariffs and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations around the world, the challenging consumer retail markets in the United States, and the impact of wars, acts of war and other conflicts around the world; sustaining, managing and forecasting costs and proper inventory levels; losing any significant customers; decreased demand by industry retailers and cancellation of order commitments due to the lack of popularity of particular designs and/or categories of products; maintaining brand image and intense competition among sellers of footwear for consumers, especially in the highly competitive performance footwear market; anticipating, identifying, interpreting or forecasting changes in fashion trends, consumer demand for the products and the various market factors described above; sales levels during the spring, back-to-school and holiday selling seasons; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in Skechers' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q in 2025. Taking these and other risk factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration, the dynamic nature of these circumstances means that what is stated in this press release could change at any time, and as a result, actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Skechers operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and we cannot predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Moreover, reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance.
Mid East Info
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Largest edition of Automechanika Riyadh underscores the Middle East's position as a global automotive hub - Middle East Business News and Information
Captured by Lights In Motion Automechanika Riyadh 2025 saw record attendance, achieving 35% year-on-year growth The event hosted over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, with China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, KSA, and the UAE accounting for the top five exhibiting nations The event's knowledge-sharing platform, Automechanika Academy, gathered thought leaders from around the region while the latest industry innovations were presented across the show floor Riyadh, KSA: Automechanika Riyadh 2025, Saudi Arabia's leading trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, concluded last month at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) with a 35% year-on-year increase in attendance. The event showcased over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and highlighted the Middle East's position as a global hub for the automotive industry. The domestic market represented 90% of visitors, with international markets accounting for 10% of attendees. As Saudi Arabia accelerates progress under Vision 2030, major projects such as Lucid Motors' new plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and the launch of Ceer, Saudi's first electric vehicle brand, reflect the Kingdom's commitment to localising the automotive value chain. The wider MENA region is also contributing significantly, with Morocco targeting an annual production of one million vehicles by 2025 and the UAE strengthening its role in aftermarket services and re-exports. In his keynote address at Automechanika Riyadh, Dr Faisal Al-Kadi, CEO of Al Kadi Commerce & Industry, underscored the importance of fostering strong local and international partnerships to drive sustainable growth. This was echoed in a high-level panel discussion on 'Building the Middle East's automotive hub', which examined supply chain development, certification frameworks and the role of collaboration across sectors in supporting the region's transformation. During the event, industry voices, including Ben Stewart, Supply Chain Director, Lucid MENA and Aftab Ahmed, Chief Advisor, National Industrial Development Centre, highlighted the critical need for government and private sector cooperation to create a robust, standardised, sustainable supply chain ecosystem. Discussions highlighted the importance of certification, localisation and long-term industrial planning as key pillars for establishing trust and competitiveness in the regional market. Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, licensee of Automechanika Riyadh, directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, commented: 'Automechanika Riyadh 2025 was our largest and most successful edition to date from a visitor and exhibitor perspective, reflecting the impressive growth of the automotive aftermarket sector region-wide. The exhibitor showcase at Automechanika Riyadh 2025 increased by 34%, with the top five participating countries being China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, KSA, and UAE.' To accommodate the growing interest in Automechanika Riyadh, the exhibition space expanded by over 70%, covering 19,270 square metres across five halls. In addition, the event featured seven international pavilions that presented the latest industry solutions from Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Thailand. Automechanika Riyadh also featured Automechanika Lovers, a programme that offers marketing benefits and services to exhibitors at all Automechanika shows worldwide. Valid until 30 September 2026, the programme supports companies in enhancing their presence at Automechanika events and includes Gold, Silver or Blue status for participants. Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: 'We would like to extend special thanks to the companies that participated in the Automechanika Lovers programme at Automechanika Riyadh, who undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the event's success. The programme offers many benefits, enhancing exposure for exhibitors before, during and after the event.' This year, the programme featured companies with Gold status, including Add Industry (Zhejiang) Corporation Limited, C.E.I. Costruzione Emiliana Ingranaggi S.p.A, GSP Automotive Group, WENZHOU CO. LTD, REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH, and Sampa Otomotiv Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirket. Automechanika Riyadh will return in 2026, where it is expected to build on this year's edition, welcoming more exhibitors and visitors. The product areas showcased at Automechanika Riyadh include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Connectivity & Autonomous Driving, Accessories & Customising, Tires & Batteries, Car Wash & Care, Oils, Lubricants, & Fuels, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, Digital Solutions & Services. About Automechanika Riyadh: Automechanika Riyadh, licensed by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, will take place from 28 April – 30 April 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the 7th edition of Automechanika in Saudi Arabia, which is the leading exhibition dedicated to the automotive aftermarket industry in the Kingdom. The dedicated exhibition is one of 14 instalments of Automechanika – the most successful and largest automotive aftermarket exhibition brand in the world. About 1st Arabia: 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences is a leading exhibition & conference organizer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, 1st Arabia has regional offices in Jordan and is set to expand its operations in more countries regionally. 1st Arabia organizes top international trade exhibitions and conferences that provide unparalleled networking and business opportunities for companies looking to excel and grow within the Kingdom. Apart from conducting quality and high profile B2B trade fairs, country specific shows, corporate events, conferences, events management and festivals, 1st Arabia also provides a complete marketing tool and exhibition solutions to their valued clients. 1st Arabia is the only MICE organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who is a member of the International Organizations like IAEE, ICCA, MPI PCMA, SISO and, UFI.
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Led By Donkeys wanted to confiscate Michelle Mone's yacht but settled for renaming it. It was still a coup
At the Charleston literary festival earlier this month, two members of Led By Donkeys – Ben Stewart and Oliver Knowles – were describing their first big act of 2023, which was to rename Michelle Mone's yacht, Lady M, the 'Pandemic Profiteer'. It's a thrilling yarn, featuring a tiny boat rented under the false pretences of a picnic on the Catalan coast, a bunch of guys who didn't really know how hard it would be to fix a giant sticker to a luxury yacht, and a chase scene at the end, as they raced back to their van, pursued by security guards. But the original idea had been to requisition the boat and sail it all the way back to the UK, up the Thames, and deliver it to His Majesty's Treasury. There was an intake of breath in the book-loving audience, because this was the best idea anyone had ever heard. It had everything – audacity, symmetry, justice, spectacle, the lot. Despite the Guardian's reporting, Mone, of course, wouldn't admit until the end of 2023 that she profited from the government's Covid VIP lane at all. In fact, £28.8m of the profit made by PPE Medpro, much of it on equipment that was never used, was held in a trust of which Mone and her children are beneficiaries. In the ickily self-justifying phrase of her husband, Doug Barrowman, they were 'always going to benefit … her family benefit, my family benefit. That's what you do when you are in a privileged position of making money.' The fates have arguably caught up with Mone since then. As detailed in the BBC's Rise and Fall documentary, which airs tonight, she is on leave from the House of Lords, having been stripped of the Conservative whip, and has had £75m worth of assets frozen, pending investigation by the National Crime Agency. (Mone has denied any wrongdoing.) While these measures are obviously the crunchy bit of comeuppance, and will loom much larger on Mone and Barrowman's minds than a sticker on their yacht ever could, the art-activist event is way more important for us. I don't especially care whether Mone has the Tory whip or not, or whether she sits in the House of Lords. If the state finds against her and claws back some money, fine, but it will most likely only spend it on something dismaying, such as a defence budget. 'Pandemic Profiteer', on the other hand, felt like a collective: 'This is not OK.' It is not OK to make millions out of a national emergency. It's fashionable now to say that Mone was a symptom of the late Tory malaise, not the cause. Led By Donkeys proved that it's possible, if you concentrate hard enough, to think two things at once – both that governments should be competent, and that people, even businesspeople, should be decent. The Led By Donkeys installations are always laced with sadness, sometimes unbearable amounts. Its action for Gaza in 2024, when 11,000 children's outfits were laid along Bournemouth beach – to 'communicate the scale of the killing', James Sadri said at the time – was breathtakingly painful, and has only become more striking with every day since. Yet these acts of resistance don't arrange themselves in an orderly way, so that dodgy PPE pales into insignificance beside a war crime, and Liz Truss's brief disaster as prime minister looks minor next to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Rather, they all create some social protection against despair. Whether it's a misdeed or a tragedy, the fight only starts when you look directly at it. At the end of their talk, Knowles and Stewart got a standing ovation, a timeless and sometimes rote expression of approval, though I've never seen it happen at a spoken word event before. It didn't really feel like the end of a ballet, though; it felt more literal, like everyone, spontaneously, standing up for something. Zoe Williams is a Guardian columnist
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Kiwi Young-Gun Confirmed For 2025 Australian Toyota GR Cup Campaign
Rising New Zealand talent Ben Stewart, 19, from Wellington, NZ, is set to return across the ditch for his second season, officially joining the 2025 Toyota GR Cup grid with Australian team, 99 Motorsport. The highly anticipated five-round championship will see Stewart compete at some of the most iconic circuits in Australia, including Bathurst, the Gold Coast street circuit, and Sandown. With his reputation for adapting to any race car, Stewart's debut in this series promises to bring excitement to an already stacked grid. 'I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel with 99 Motorsport,' Said Stewart. 'We had a strong showing last season, and I've been working hard during the off-season to carry that momentum into 2025.' Stewart was a standout performer in the 2024 Toyota 86 Scholarship Series with 99 Motorsport, taking 2 wins and 6 podiums over the season, where he finished 4th in the championship. His successes followed a two-round cameo with the same team in 2023, which ultimately saw him win the Toyota 86 Scholarship Series shootout for a fully-funded drive at Bathurst that year, in support of the Bathurst 1000. The 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup begins on July 11-13 at the Townsville 500, with rounds at the Ipswich Super 440 (August 8-10), Bathurst 1000 (October 9-12), Gold Coast 500 (October 24-26) and Sandown 500 (November 14-16) making for a five round season.
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Automechanika Riyadh explores the Middle East's transformation into a global automotive hub - Middle East Business News and Information
Captured by Lights In Motion Senior stakeholders gathered at the Automechanika Academy conference to outline the positioning of the Middle East as a globally connected automotive ecosystem The session emphasised the importance of localising EV infrastructure, expanding automotive manufacturing zones, and aligning standards to attract global investment in the region's mobility industry. The seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh features over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and 19,000 industry professionals. Riyadh, KSA: As the automotive aftermarket across the Middle East experiences rapid growth and change, senior stakeholders convened at the Automechanika Riyadh 2025, Saudi Arabia's leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket, to outline a strategy for establishing the region as a global hub for the automotive industry. Supported by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as a significant player in global automotive manufacturing. Major projects such as Lucid Motors' plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and the launch of Ceer are aimed at localising the Kingdom's automotive value chain. In addition, the broader MENA region is contributing to this transformation, with Morocco raising its ambition is to achieve an annual production of one million cars by 2025, and the UAE becoming a crucial hub for aftermarket services and re-exports. During his keynote address at the Automechanika Academy conference Dr. Faisal Al-Kadi, CEO, Al-Kadi Commerce & Industry, highlighted partnerships as a key driver to business success in the Kingdom: 'In Saudi Arabia, you have to be within the fabric of the industry. The country has a vibrant local industry. It has fantastic companies that are very active in the industry across all stages. I think partnerships – both local and international – are the way forward.' This was followed by a panel discussion, 'Building the Middle East's Automotive Hub' , featuring key voices from industry, logistics, manufacturing, and policy. The panellists discussed the transformation of the aftermarket, focusing on topics such as localisation, supply chain and cluster development, and the need for harmonised certification processes. These themes are vital to enhancing trust and competitiveness in locally manufactured and remanufactured automotive parts. Ben Stewart, Supply Chain Director, Lucid MENA, said: 'One of the things we need to do is create the environment for the suppliers. We are working very hard with government bodies as well as private companies, other OEMs and other industries to create a supply chain that's sustainable.' Key trends discussed during the panel emphasised the necessity of standardised certification frameworks to facilitate regional aftermarket growth, and the government's role in enabling the growth. 'We hope to create a real deep localisation. This is our goal, and we have support from the government policy which can support the upstream and downstream localisation,' added Aftab Ahmed, Chief Advisor, National Industrial Development Center. The Automechanika Academy serves as the show's knowledge exchange hub, bringing together regional and global experts to address the future of the automotive aftermarket. Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, licensee of Automechanika Riyadh directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said: 'The Automechanika Academy has once again delivered powerful conversations that address real-world challenges. Covering topics from industrial localisation to digital innovation, these discussions reflect our commitment to giving the aftermarket sector the tools needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected and competitive global market.' Automechanika Riyadh 2025 will feature over 450 exhibitors from more than 34 countries and an expected 19,000 visitors. The seventh edition of the event will also feature 39 exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, representing nearly 10% of the total exhibitors and highlighting the market growth within the country. Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added: ' The increasing participation of Saudi companies reflects the Kingdom's expanding role in the regional automotive supply chain. To accommodate this demand, we have expanded the exhibition by 70% compared to last year, adding two new halls and offering an even stronger platform for local and international companies to connect, collaborate, and grow.' The product areas showcased at Automechanika Riyadh include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Tires & Batteries, Oils & Lubricants, Accessories & Customising, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, and Car Wash & Care. About Automechanika Riyadh: Automechanika Riyadh, licensed by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, will take place from 28 April – 30 April 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the 7th edition of Automechanika in Saudi Arabia, which is the leading exhibition dedicated to the automotive aftermarket industry in the Kingdom. The dedicated exhibition is one of 14 instalments of Automechanika – the most successful and largest automotive aftermarket exhibition brand in the world. About 1st Arabia: 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences is a leading exhibition & conference organiser in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, 1st Arabia has regional offices in Jordan and is set to expand its operations in more countries regionally. 1st Arabia organises top international trade exhibitions and conferences that provide unparalleled networking and business opportunities for companies looking to excel and grow within the Kingdom. Apart from conducting quality and high profile B2B trade fairs, country specific shows, corporate events, conferences, events management and festivals, 1st Arabia also provides a complete marketing tool and exhibition solutions to their valued clients. 1st Arabia is the only MICE organisation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who is a member of the International Organizations like IAEE, ICCA, MPI PCMA, SISO and, UFI.
