Latest news with #132
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Fiat debuts 4×4 concept as coolest iteration of new Panda yet
Fiat has very cleverly rekindled its off-road heritage with the unveiling of the Grande Panda 4×4 concept, which represents one of the coolest modern interpretations of the beloved Panda 4×4 from the 1980s. It is still a concept, but a production model could very well arrive in the near future. Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! First things first, this iteration of the production model is still merely a conceptual imagining of what Fiat would do should it want to instil nostalgia with some of its buyers. Interestingly enough, Fiat's footprint in South Africa dates back decades, with local production of models like the Fiat 128, 131 and 132 at the Rosslyn plant until the early 1980s, but the first-generation Panda (1980–2003) was never offered here. The second-generation Panda (2003–2012) saw limited presence, but it was the third generation that resonated best with and delivered some of Fiat's best sales results in the SUV segment. While not exclusively a 4×4, its off-road capabilities were commendable from the slender and petite model. The new Fiat Grande Panda is coming to South Africa By 2020, Fiat had ceased importing new Panda models, and now in 2024, the Italian automaker has continued to evolve the Panda line-up, with the introduction of the Grande Panda, which now features hybrid and electric options. The latest Grande Panda is now earmarked for local introduction, which means should it arrive and this concept go into production, it could make its way onto South African roads too. Related: Coming to SA in 2025 – Fiat – CAR Magazine The Grande Panda 4×4 concept pays homage to its predecessor with a boxy silhouette, steel wheels, and utilitarian design elements. The extremities feature chunky plastic body cladding, raised suspension, and underbody protection. The concept features a roof rack equipped with a spare wheel and auxiliary lights and the front bumper showcases four-point LED lights, complementing the pixelated headlight design, while a 'Panda' cutout adorns the side cladding. Built on Stellantis' Smart Car platform, the Grande Panda is currently available in mild-hybrid and fully electric configurations. The 4×4 concept introduces a rear electric motor, suggesting the feasibility of an all-wheel-drive system. While specific powertrain details remain undisclosed, the addition of a rear motor would logically enhance traction and off-road capability. Related: Grander Panda – Fiat's Funky Hatch Gets Electrified Fiat CEO Olivier Francois has acknowledged the brand's commitment to exploring a 4×4 variant of the Grande Panda, stating: 'We're trying to find the solution and a way. The question is whether it should be an ICE 4×4 or an EV 4×4. We're looking at solutions and how and when — but we get the point and would like to do something like it soon.' While no official production timeline has been announced, the concept's debut signals Fiat's interest in reintroducing a 4×4 model that aligns with modern sustainability goals. Related: Toyota Celebrates 40 Years at Le Mans With Throwback Liveries As said earlier, the Grande Panda is earmarked for South Africa since Fiat aims for it to be a global vehicle, with production planned across three continents. The Italian automaker has emphasised affordability, with the hybrid version starting under £19 000 (R450 000) and the electric variant priced below £25 000 (R600 000). Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Fiat Debuts 4×4 Concept as Coolest Iteration of New Panda Yet appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala MLA booked for threatening forest officers and forcibly releasing person from custody
Kottayam: Police booked Konni MLA K U Jenish Kumar of CPM for threatening and forcibly releasing a person from forest department's custody on Thursday. Naduvathumoozhy forest range officer, Padom deputy range officer and staff gave statements against the MLA to Koodal police. A high-level forest department team recorded the statement in the Konni forest range office as well. The MLA was booked under IPC Section 132 (for preventing the forest officers from discharging their duties) and 351 (2) (for threatening). The forest officers' association also filed a complaint against Jenish. The MLA forcibly released Tamil Nadu native Raju from the forest station earlier this week. He was taken into custody in connection with the electrocution of a jumbo at Kulathumannu near Konni in Pathanamthitta. The MLA was heard shouting at the forest officers that Naxalites would return and set fire to the forest station. Konni DSP T Rajapa Ravuther was also present at the station. Jenish claimed he intervened as the forest officers were charging cases against innocent people in connection with the jumbo's death. A person was taken into custody without following any legal procedures, he stated. Meanwhile, the forest department said the jumbo died as excessive current was passed through the solar fencing. Meanwhile, Coexistence Collective-Kerala, a group of environmental activists and concerned citizens, demanded immediate action over the incident. They sought an independent high-level inquiry, registration of an FIR and initiation of criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the IPC and Wildlife (Protection) Act. They also called for protection for forest officials, ensuring they are not subjected to political victimisation, and a crackdown on illegal encroachments. Additionally, they requested a formal censure motion or disciplinary proceedings in the assembly against Jenish for gross misconduct. They urged a public statement reaffirming the govt's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting forest staff and ensuring justice for wildlife lost due to illegal activities. Kerala Council of Churches came out against the forest officers, citing past incidents and asking them to realise that they are not masters but servants of the public. Its general secretary, Prakash P Thomas, said the forest department was taking innocent people into custody in the name of Wildlife Protection Act . Even the MLA of the ruling front is forced to take a stand against the forest officials, he said. Kottayam: Police booked Konni MLA K U Jenish Kumar of CPM for threatening and forcibly releasing a person from forest department's custody on Thursday. Naduvathumoozhy forest range officer, Padom deputy range officer and staff gave statements against the MLA to Koodal police. A high-level forest department team recorded the statement in the Konni forest range office as well. The MLA was booked under IPC Section 132 (for preventing the forest officers from discharging their duties) and 351 (2) (for threatening). The forest officers' association also filed a complaint against Jenish. The MLA forcibly released Tamil Nadu native Raju from the forest station earlier this week. He was taken into custody in connection with the electrocution of a jumbo at Kulathumannu near Konni in Pathanamthitta. The MLA was heard shouting at the forest officers that Naxalites would return and set fire to the forest station. Konni DSP T Rajapa Ravuther was also present at the station. Jenish claimed he intervened as the forest officers were charging cases against innocent people in connection with the jumbo's death. A person was taken into custody without following any legal procedures, he stated. Meanwhile, the forest department said the jumbo died as excessive current was passed through the solar fencing. Meanwhile, Coexistence Collective-Kerala, a group of environmental activists and concerned citizens, demanded immediate action over the incident. They sought an independent high-level inquiry, registration of an FIR and initiation of criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the IPC and Wildlife (Protection) Act. They also called for protection for forest officials, ensuring they are not subjected to political victimisation, and a crackdown on illegal encroachments. Additionally, they requested a formal censure motion or disciplinary proceedings in the assembly against Jenish for gross misconduct. They urged a public statement reaffirming the govt's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting forest staff and ensuring justice for wildlife lost due to illegal activities. Kerala Council of Churches came out against the forest officers, citing past incidents and asking them to realise that they are not masters but servants of the public. Its general secretary, Prakash P Thomas, said the forest department was taking innocent people into custody in the name of Wildlife Protection Act. Even the MLA of the ruling front is forced to take a stand against the forest officials, he said.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Andrew Tate heads to Romania to meet legal obligations
Online influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have left the United States for Romania on a private flight to fulfil legal obligations related to a criminal investigation against them, they said. The brothers are under investigation in Romania on accusations of forming an organised criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering. They have denied all wrongdoing. "Spending $US185,000 ($A294,132) on a private jet across the Atlantic to sign one single piece of paper in Romania," Tate posted on social media platform X. "Innocent men don't run. They clear their name in court." Spending 185,000 dollars on a private jet across the Atlantic to sign one single piece of paper in men don't run. THEY CLEAR THEIR NAME IN COURT 😉 — Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) March 21, 2025 As part of preventative judicial control measures pending the investigation, the Tates are required to regularly check in with police. Their next check-in is due on March 24. Their return from Florida comes three weeks after Romanian prosecutors lifted a travel ban against them. A US source familiar with the matter acknowledged that Washington had pressed Bucharest to give the brothers, who have dual US and British citizenship, their passports and allow them to travel. Andrew Tate's media team said they would arrive at their home near the Romanian capital Bucharest late at night local time. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said on March 4 his office had opened a criminal investigation against the brothers, a move welcomed by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which represents one of Tate's alleged victims, a Florida resident. Tate said on X at the time that the brothers had returned to Miami to see family and been insulted by the opening of the investigation. "We have no criminal record and expected a hero's welcome after being unfairly abused abroad," he posted. On Thursday, UltraViolet, a national women-led gender-justice organisation put up "Unwanted" posters across Miami, demanding that the Tates be extradited. An initial criminal case against Tate and his brother failed in December when a Bucharest court decided not to start the trial and sent the files back to prosecutors, citing flaws in the indictment. A British arrest warrant has also been issued for the Tates and they will be extradited after Romanian trial proceedings are completed. The allegations in Britain - denied by them - relate to sexual aggression between 2012 and 2015.
