Latest news with #Mirage
ArabGT
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Mitsubishi Bows Out of the Chinese Market
In a move that feels less like strategy and more like surrender, Mitsubishi has officially withdrawn from the Chinese market. It's a stunning admission of defeat in the world's most competitive and influential automotive arena—a place where success can elevate a brand globally, and failure can end it. For Mitsubishi, China was once the land of promise. A place to regain lost ground and reassert relevance. But after years of dwindling sales and fading presence, that dream has come to an end. The company's factory, built through a joint venture with GAC Motor, is shutting down. The hopes it once had are now just part of a long list of what could've been. China is no longer just a huge market—it's the heartbeat of the industry. With over 25 million cars sold each year, it's where the future is written. Mitsubishi's numbers? Fewer than 4,000 vehicles sold in Q1 of 2023. That's not a foothold—that's a freefall. So, What Went Wrong? Quite a few things, but three stand out: The EV Revolution Passed Them By : While local giants like BYD and newcomers like Xpeng stormed the market with affordable and innovative electric cars, Mitsubishi was stuck in neutral. Design That Didn't Speak to Today's Buyer : Their models looked and felt outdated next to the tech-packed, design-forward offerings from Chinese brands. A Strategy That Never Took Root: The partnership with GAC lacked chemistry, and Mitsubishi failed to craft a message or product lineup that truly connected with Chinese consumers. What About the U.S.? Things aren't as dire, but they're not encouraging either. Mitsubishi is phasing out the Mirage—its most budget-friendly model—and raising prices in the face of rising tariffs. It's betting on a new roadmap called 'Momentum 2030,' which includes an upcoming EV co-developed with Nissan. But we're talking 2026 at the earliest, and details are still vague. Europe's Hope Rides on Renault In Europe, Mitsubishi is leaning heavily on its Renault alliance, bringing back models like the ASX and Colt—but not really. These are Renaults in disguise, and while that might fill the lineup, it doesn't do much for brand identity. Real momentum may come in 2025 or 2026 with the debut of a new electric crossover, but that too remains a question mark. Is There Still a Way Forward? Mitsubishi isn't dead—not yet. It still has loyal buyers in Southeast Asia and Latin America. But survival now depends on more than just holding on. It needs: A full-throttle move into electric and hybrid technology—no more delay. Cars that are bold, fresh, and unmistakably Mitsubishi. Real synergy with Nissan and Renault—shared vision, not just shared parts. The exit from China might look like a closing chapter, but it could also be a wake-up call. The world isn't waiting. Neither should Mitsubishi.
Times
12 hours ago
- Times
Giora Epstein obituary: Israeli Air Force's ace fighter pilot
Guiding his Mirage fighter jet a mere 50ft above sand dunes near the Egyptian city of El-Arish, Giora Epstein stalked his target at a speed of more than 800mph, raised the trigger cover, flicked the cannon switch and fired. His volley struck the Soviet-made Sukhoi Su-7 and the tail of the plane exploded, while the front flipped over and smashed into the ground. No pilot, Epstein concluded, could have ejected in time. He returned to his base in Israel knowing he had achieved his first kill. Many were to follow. After this success in his French-built plane during Operation Moked (Focus), a surprise attack on Egyptian air force facilities in 1967 in what came to be known as the Six-Day War, Epstein downed another 15 Egyptian jets and a helicopter. His career tally of 17 kills made him ace of aces in the Israeli air force and top globally in the supersonic jet fighter era. 'I remember each one,' he wrote in his 2020 autobiography, Hawkeye. 'Every detail, every pressing of the trigger or firing of the missile. I vividly recall the pursuit, the aerial manoeuvres, the moment when I saw the plane ahead of me crash and burn on the ground.' He reached ace status with his fifth kill in 1970 during the War of Attrition and was promoted to head the departments of photography and long-range airstrikes. Egypt and Syria suddenly attacked Israel on October 6, 1973, while Epstein was at air force headquarters. He turned on the national warning siren system that announced the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War to the country but had no interest in remaining in the command and control bunker. Returning to the cockpit, he claimed 12 kills in the space of a week. Flying a Nesher fighter plane, he was lured into an ambush and outnumbered 20 to one by Egyptian MiGs but shot down four of them during a nine-minute dogfight that left him exhausted and shaking from exposure to extreme G-forces. Physical and mental advantages, he later mused, helped to make him a remarkable pilot. A calm personality kept him clear-headed under pressure, his tolerance for pain was unusually high, his small stature helped him to withstand G-forces and his eyesight was exceptional. 'The average range of vision for a fighter pilot is eight to twelve miles,' he wrote. 'I could spot fighter jets that were as much as 24 miles away.' Giora Epstein was born in 1938, to Polish parents, Hillel and Chaya, who met at a Zionist camp. He later added the Hebrew word Even, meaning 'stone', to his surname. His father was a docker and construction worker while his mother looked after children on the kibbutz where the family lived: Negba, a Jewish settlement founded in the south of what was then Mandatory Palestine. He was evacuated at the start of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War only hours before the Egyptian military attacked the kibbutz after Israel's declaration of independence. When he returned two years later, he had developed a fascination with aircraft and was a voracious reader, especially of American Wild West stories and books about RAF pilots. 'I knew by heart all the tales of the battles of Douglas Bader,' he said. He would later meet the Second World War ace. When informed of Epstein's combat record, Bader was said to be 'quite impressed'. Drafted into the Israeli military at 17, Epstein volunteered for the pilot course but was made to train as an aircraft mechanic after medical tests indicated a heart condition. Still, he negotiated his way into a paratroop unit and discovered a love of free-falling. He made hundreds of jumps, twice breaking a leg in hard landings. In 1962 he competed for Israel's skydiving team in the World Sport Parachuting Championships in the United States and recalled the folk musician Pete Seeger giving a concert for the competitors. 'I knew all of his songs by heart and at the end of the evening, I taught him to sing Hava Nagila,' he said. The persistent Epstein was finally cleared for pilot school in 1963 after more medical tests and graduated top of his class. Two missions did end in failure: attempts to assassinate Yasser Arafat. In 1968 a pair of suspicious Mercedes cars, one black, one blue, were spotted on a road in Jordan and Epstein was ordered to fire at the blue vehicle. 'When I landed, I was told, 'Idiot, Yasser Arafat was in the other Mercedes!' ' In 1972, Epstein strafed a building in Lebanon where the Palestinian political leader was believed to be holding a meeting, but he survived. Unwilling to accept a desk job as he approached his forties — he protested that he 'didn't want to fly Parker pens' — Epstein joined the Israeli commercial airline El Al in 1977. He flew Boeing aircraft until the mandatory retirement age of 65, remaining an air force reservist until his 59th birthday. He flew Israelis and Iranian Jews out of Tehran in 1979 on a chaotic rescue mission during the Iranian Revolution. In 1967 Epstein married Sara, an operations secretary in his squadron. She survives him along with two daughters, Adi and Dana, and a son, Guy. All worked in the air force: Guy as an officer in an anti-aircraft missile unit and Adi and Dana as operations officers. In his seventies, Epstein was diagnosed with heart failure and fitted with a mechanical pump. He was honoured by the Israel Defence Forces in 2018 with a special promotion to brigadier general. Though he appreciated the attention, his reserved nature meant that he did not ostentatiously celebrate his triumphs in the manner of his fellow pilots. 'With me, there were no buzz flights [low-altitude passes over the airfield] or whoops of victory after each kill,' he said. 'But I let nothing stop me on my way to victory.' Giora Epstein, ace fighter pilot, was born on May 20, 1938. He died on July 19, 2025, aged 87
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
All aboard! See Cape Town aboard South Africa's largest private yacht
What is The Mirage? The Mirage is a 76-foot luxury yacht, the brainchild of Mark Werhley and Tara Sharbonda. Designed specifically to handle Cape Town's famously unpredictable weather, it stands as South Africa's largest and safest private yacht. Or, as Tara perfectly put it, "The boat was built for Cape Town." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mirage Catamaran South Africa (@miragecatamaran) With two sleek, modern levels and uninterrupted 360-degree ocean views, The Mirage blends style and serenity. It's the kind of place where stress seems to evaporate, and you're left with nothing but the sound of waves and the rhythm of the city's soul. If you've ever dreamed of having your "I'm flying, Jack!" moment from Titanic, the Mirage's front netting offers the perfect spot to channel it. That said, I'll admit, when it came time to try it myself, fear got the better of me. Gourmet bites and expertly crafted cocktails The feeling of luxury sets in before you've even stepped aboard. As you make your way to the yacht, you're greeted by warm smiles, a chilled hand towel, and a perfectly balanced mimosa – setting the tone for what's to come. Once on board, guests can indulge in a range of dining options, whether it's fresh pizza, beautifully prepared sushi, or just about any cocktail you can imagine, thanks to the onboard mixologists who take their craft seriously. Chef Steve and his talented team at No Fixed Address Food Concept ensure an endless stream of exquisite canapés. Just when I thought I couldn't eat another thing and politely declined, Chef Steve would give me a look – a knowing glance that said, " you're about to miss out on greatness". And every time, he was right. From cauliflower poke bowls to melt-in-your-mouth beef tartare, everything was fresher than the ocean breeze swirling around us. View this post on Instagram A post shared by No Fixed Address Food Concept (@nofixedaddress17) Let's talk cruises and pricing All charters set sail from the V&A Waterfront, cruising along Cape Town's stunning coastline toward Mouille Point before looping back. The Mirage offers two main experiences: The day sails last an hour, while sunset sails extend to an hour and 30 minutes – perfect for soaking in golden skies and, if you're lucky, spotting a curious whale along the way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@ Tickets for daily cruises range from R400 to R600 per person, excluding food and drinks. Among the day sails, The Mirage stands out as one of the more accessible ways to experience Cape Town from a fresh, luxurious perspective – offering premium comfort without the full private charter price tag. If you're after a truly elevated experience, the private charters are in a league of their own. Think full-day exclusivity, inflatable slides, private pool, onboard DJs, and a completely personalised itinerary. These bespoke experiences start from R35,000 for the day.
West Australian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
STM Loves: Corteo by Cirque du Soleil, Good Day Sunshine, Saben, Kmart and Si Paradiso
Demand for this production has seen it add 25 shows to its Australian tour, which starts in Perth next month. The performance, which has attracted 12 million spectators in 30 countries since its 2005 debut in Montreal, involves 53 artists, eight musicians and six comedians, as well as more than 175 costumes. Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is based on a joyous funeral procession imagined by a clown and features a central stage, with the two halves of the audience facing each other. It will be at RAC Arena on selected dates from August 8-17, before heading to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. See . Kick off summer right by dancing the night away to some of Australia's favourite acts at this Margaret River music festival. This year taking over Gloucester Park in the heart of Margs, the stacked line-up includes Boy & Bear, Meg Mac, The Teskey Brothers and The Beautiful Girls. Tickets and more details available at . Following a successful collaboration with popular activewear brand Nagnata on its Australian Fashion Week runway, this New Zealand based accessory brand is launching its first drop — and we're liking what we see. Called Mirage, the collection focuses on craftsmanship and design for leather bags and accessories that capture the quiet luxury feel in its range of different silhouettes. Perfect for everyday use to statement weekend wear. View the full collection at . Kmart have released their new August Living range featuring kitsch, contemporary pieces that don't break the bank. Bold colours and playful shapes are a fun way to spruce up your bedroom or living area this winter. We particularly love the colourful crockery and have our eyes on the $19 Nico portable rechargeable lamp when it comes back in stock. Shop in-store or online at . Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre will soon host an exhibition by British artist David Shrigley, one of the UK's most recognisable contemporary artists, that invites visitors to swap their own tennis ball with one of the 10,000 pristine balls lining 1km of the gallery's shelving. The interactive installation, part of Fremantle Festival: 10 Nights in Port, runs between August 4 and September 7, with a free ball hunt for kids taking place on August 9. For more information visit . In foodie news: former Noma chef, Ben Ing, joins the team at Si Paradiso in a creative development role. The popular Italian venue also invites Larissa Goncalves into its head chef role, with the duo rolling out their creative new menu this week.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Fighter jets: Flying towards scary parity with Pakistan
File photo of an IAF MiG-21 passing in front of Sukhoi-30 jets before a drill at Kalaikunda airbase in Bengal October onwards, India will have just 29 fighter jet squadrons- Pakistan has 25. That's near-parity, and a scary one, especially because Pakistan's 'iron brother' China has 66 squadrons. A squadron typically has 18-20 fighter jets. In two months' time, India will have 522 fighter jets. Pakistan has 450, and China, 1,200. Air chief A P Singh said India needs to induct at least 40 fighter jets every year. That, currently, looks worse than impossible. Some pundits say that unless India ups its game, more squadrons with old fighter jets, Mirage, Jaguar and other MiG variants, will be phased out, it will have the same number of fighter squadrons as Pakistan in less than 10 years. The proximate cause for this worry is IAF phasing out its last two MiG-21 squadrons. But the bigger reasons have been at play for years. The MMRCA Shock: The 2015 cancellation of the 126-jet Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal made a huge difference. The 36 Rafale jets India acquired through a govt-to-govt deal with France were nowhere near enough given IAF's ageing fighter fleet. India has ordered 26 more Rafales, but for the Navy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo Plans, Plans, Plans…: There are plans to buy 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft. But nothing's moved on this. Made In India? The grand plan was that indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft will maintain India's air superiority over Pakistan. IAF currently has just about two squadrons, 38 fighters, of Tejas Mark-1. Delivery of the improved Tejas Mark-1A jets, 83 of which are supposed to be delivered by HAL, has blown through multiple production deadlines. Not even one is in service. This is in part thanks to massive delays in the delivery of GE's F-404 engines, and partly because of so-far-unsolved issues with integrating Astra air-to-air missiles and fixing certain critical avionics. IAF hopes another 97 Tejas Mark-1A will come through, along with another 108 Tejas Mark-2 variant with the more powerful GE F-414 engine. The engine is to be co-produced in India with 80% transfer of technology. But it's all on paper now. Then, there's the proposed 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. The most that can be said about this is that it's an idea. Engine Failure: The key hurdle in Made in India programme is the inability to produce an indigenous jet engine. The old Kaveri engine development project failed to meet standards. Modern fighter jet engines are complex machines with thousands of parts that must withstand high pressure and temperatures. It requires billions of dollars to develop a fighter jet engine. Essentially, an engine has four parts- compressor, combustion chamber, turbine and nozzle. The hot part of the engine, combustion chamber and turbine blades, is tricky to get right, requiring advanced ceramics. But India's talent depth in material science is shallow. Only a few thousand materials engineers graduate each year. India even struggles to manufacture basic stuff like ceramic-coated electrodes, required in the production of green hydrogen. These are imported. So, forget about fighter jet engines made here, at least in the near future. Are Drones The Solution? Many pundits reckon large military platforms like fighter jets and warships are becoming redundant, given the changing nature of warfare. Ukraine has done amazing things with drones in its war against Russian aggression, taking out Russian warships and fighter jets with UAVs that cost a fraction of the price of a jet. Ukraine will produce 4 million drones this year. India's armed forces have talked about using many more drones. But there are two issues. Any domestic production will have to account for ever-evolving drone tech. And India needs a specialist corps to operate drones or specialist drone subunits. Those who challenge the drones-are-it strategy point out that India's strategic security theatre is very different from Ukraine's, and fighter jets provide a penetrative, offensive capability that drones can't, at least not now. So, the reality that India and Pakistan are almost at parity when it comes to fighter jets is still scary.
