Audi Rethinks Its 2026 Gas Engine Farewell As EV Sales Stall
The news came straight from CEO Gernot Döllner at Audi's annual general meeting. Back in 2021, the company announced it would launch its final new combustion model in 2026, with the bigger plan to stop selling gas-powered cars entirely by 2033 in most markets. But this week, Döllner made it clear — those dates are no longer set in stone.
'We will manage the production of our last combustion engine vehicles depending on the various developments in the world markets,' he said, signaling a more cautious approach.
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Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Acclaimed British musician Paul Weller sues accountants that cut ties over his pro-Palestine views
LONDON: British musician Paul Weller is suing his former accounting firm after it reportedly ended their business ties over his pro-Palestinian comments. Harris and Trotter had a professional relationship with Weller spanning more than three decades, The Independent reported on Wednesday. The acclaimed musician and former frontman of The Jam filed a discrimination claim over the accounting firm's decision. It followed public statements by Weller that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. He was told in March that Harris and Trotter would no longer work with him or his companies, his lawyers said in a pre-action letter. A partner at the firm sent a WhatsApp message to Weller saying: 'It's well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide. 'Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.' In ending its relationship with Weller, the firm illegally discriminated against his protected philosophical beliefs, his lawyers said. Weller has publicly supported moves to recognize Palestine as a state. 'I've always spoken out against injustice, whether it's apartheid, ethnic cleansing or genocide. What's happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe,' he said. 'I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. 'That must be called out. Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship — it's complicity.' According to his lawyers, Weller will donate any received financial damages toward humanitarian campaigns in Gaza. 'I'm taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people,' he said. The firm Hodge Jones and Allen is representing Weller. One of its lawyers, Cormac McDonough, said the case 'reflects a wider pattern of attempts to silence artists and public figures who speak out in support of Palestinian rights. 'Within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalise those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
15 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Bankrupt Jewelry Retailer Claire's to Sell Its North America Business
Fashion jewelry retailer Claire's said on Wednesday it would sell its North America business to private equity firm Ames Watson for an undisclosed amount, as the company aims to cut losses while navigating ongoing US bankruptcy proceedings. The retailer operating more than 2,300 stores across 17 countries in North America and Europe, disclosed $690 million in debt in US bankruptcy court filings in Delaware earlier this month, marking its second bankruptcy protection filing since 2018. "The sale of these stores and Claire's IP to Ames Watson will significantly benefit the Company's efforts to create value through its Restructuring Proceedings," the company, which sells necklaces, bracelets and accessories, including headphones and soft toys, said. The sale requires approval from the US and Canadian courts. Ames Watson is a permanent capital holding company generating more than $2 billion in revenue, according to its website. It acquires, transforms, and partners with middle-market companies to build long-term value. Claire's has suffered in recent years from increased competition, high rent costs, and new tariffs on imports from supplier nations such as China, Thailand and Vietnam. The company said liquidation will continue for its other North American stores that are not being sold. "We are glad to reach this definitive agreement to sell a portion of our North America operations to Ames Watson and maximize the value of our company for all our stakeholders," CEO Chris Cramer said. Ames Watson co-founder Lawrence Berger said that the firm was "committed to investing in its (Claire's) future by preserving a significant retail footprint across North America."
Al Arabiya
15 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Airbus UK workers to strike for 10 days over pay dispute
Thousands of Airbus workers in Britain will go on strike for 10 days starting next month in a dispute over pay, threatening to disrupt production of aircraft wings, trade union Unite said on Wednesday. Unite, which represents more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers at Airbus, said 90 percent of members voting in a ballot backed industrial action. Unless the European planemaker presents an improved offer, strikes will take place on September 2–3, 10–11, and from September 15 on other dates to be announced. The union warned the walkouts could disrupt wing production for Airbus's commercial and military aircraft programs and cause delivery delays. Airbus, however, said it was 'not currently concerned about the impact on year-end deliveries.' The company said it had made a 'competitive and fair' offer for 2025 following pay increases totaling more than 20 percent over the last three years, as well as a £2,644 ($3,569) bonus in April. 'Our priority remains to find a resolution together with the trade union that ensures the long-term competitiveness and success of Airbus in the UK,' said Sue Partridge, Airbus UK's country manager for commercial aircraft. Unite said workers need a pay deal that reflects rising inflation and living costs. British inflation reached 3.8 percent in July, the highest level in 18 months. 'Airbus is generating billions in profit; workers deserve a fair deal,' Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said. 'Our members are simply seeking fairness, not favors.'
