Latest news with #AUDI
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We take a spin in the new KGM Actyon and highlight AUDI's new entry-level model to its e-tron range
The Actyon has strong kerb appeal and features Korean-flag inspired daytime running lights, upright tail lights, black roof rails and privacy glass. In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John takes a spin in the new KGM Actyon, a smart-looking SUV from Korea, and highlights how AUDI is releasing a new entry-level model to its e-tron range. The stylish five-door Actyon is the first offering from KGM, the company that recently acquired SsangYong, and it is hoping that the newcomer will be a sales success. Featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine and available in just one smart trim, the Actyon is an eye-catching coupe-SUV from the Korean company and it combines good looks, advanced technology and practicality for just under £37,000. The Actyon has strong kerb appeal and features Korean-flag inspired daytime running lights, upright tail lights, black roof rails, privacy glass, and handsome 20-inch alloy wheels and lots more. The interior is also impressive and boasts eight-way power-adjustable seats in a mix of Nappa leather and suede and are both heated and ventilated. There is a nice hexagonal leather steering wheel which offers bags of adjustment and features heating and controls. A pair of 12.3-inch screens sit behind a curved glass panel with the left screen handling all the on-board tech, including the navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and ambient lighting. Behind the steering wheel the other screen displays all the essential driving information and there is also a favourites button on the wheel which allows the driver to customise frequently used features for quick access. This means you don't constantly have to fiddle with touchscreen menus. There is stacks of space inside for five to travel in comfort with lots of head, shoulder and legroom. A powered tailgate opens to reveal a substantial 668 litre boot which can be boosted to 1568 litres with the rear seats folded down. A hands-free kick sensor lets you open the boot by waving your foot under the rear bumper and there are lots of additional storage spaces inside the large cabin. The only engine available is a 1.5-litre petrol unit which produces 161bhp and 280Nm of torque and is matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It is good for 0 to 62mph in 10.8 seconds and has a top speed of 119mph. That performance will be good enough for most buyers but it is quite thirsty with a WLTP-tested combined fuel efficiency of 33.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km resulting in higher day-to-day running costs. The automatic transmission makes for smooth and quiet progress and there are three drive modes called Normal, Sport and Winter to choose from. Sport does sharpen things significantly and you can also play with steering wheel-mounted paddles for extra engagement. In town, light steering and a 360-degree camera proved to be a bonus and the suspension dealt well with rough surfaces and potholes. It cruised well at motorway speeds and provided good grip on country roads. It has all the latest safety features and driver aids and comes with eight airbags and a suite of smart safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Assist, plus Safety Exit Warning. For the more adventurous, the Actyon can tow up to 1,500kg (braked) or 750kg (unbraked) and can also wade through water up to 300mm deep and boasts impressive approach and departure angles of 17.6 and 21.4 degrees, respectively. According to KGM the name 'Actyon' combines 'Act Young' and 'Act On,' and invites customers to live life fully. With smart styling, lots of tech and decent driving dynamics this newcomer is also very practical at a very competitive price. It is competing in a very crowded market and its fuel efficiency does let it down but you still might be tempted after a test drive. In other motoring developments, German giant AUDI has added an entry-level GT variant to its e-tron range with prices starting from £88,555, with the new seven model range topping out at £149,925. The e-tron GT quattro can call on up to 584ps while also covering up to 384 miles when its battery is fully charged. The new entry level Grand Tourer is available to order in the UK from this month and deliveries are due to begin in August. The Audi e-tron GT quattro rounds off the existing GT family, which comprises the S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance. It has a system output of 503ps (584pswith Launch Control). Thanks to a gross battery capacity of 105kW and a range of up to 384 miles, it can fulfil the Grand Tourer role but is equally at home in city traffic. The newcomer also features a charging capacity of up to 320kW. This means that only short charging stops are needed, as around 177 miles of range can be regained in 10 minutes. From a practicality perspective boot space is 405 litres and there is also a front compartment with a volume of 77 litres. Like the other GT models, the new version is produced at the Audi Sport plant in Neckarsulm. In the UK it is available as the e-tron GT quattro or the e-tron GT quattro Vorsprung, which adds features such as all-wheel steering, a head-up display, Fine Nappa Leather upholstery and Bang & Olufsen audio to the equipment list. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ship capsize: Panel set up to guide clean-up operations
Thiruvananthapuram : Following the chemical spill and plastic pellet wash-up caused by the maritime mishap involving cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, state govt convened a high-level expert panel with international participation and deployed trained volunteers to lead coastal clean-up efforts. Acting on chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's directives, a multidisciplinary expert consultation, involving internationally renowned marine and environmental specialists, was held. Among those present were Murali Thummarukudy, an authority in disaster management and environmental response, Olof Linden, former professor at World Maritime University, petroleum chemical analysis expert Babu Pillai, environmental economist Shanthakumar and coastal clean-up expert Mike Coving. Senior state officials, including chief secretary, principal secretaries of disaster management and environment, chairman of Kerala state pollution control board and district collectors from affected areas, participated. Govt had been closely monitoring the situation since the vessel capsized. After initial emergency actions, the expert meeting marked a strategic shift toward long-term damage mitigation and community protection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nuevo Audi A6 Sportback e-tron AUDI Ver oferta Undo As a key public safety measure, fishing activity has been banned in a 20-nautical-mile radius from the site of the sunken ship. Local self-govts and coastal fishing communities were issued specific advisories on what to do if they encountered debris such as damaged containers or unidentified materials onshore. Simultaneously, pollution control board mobilised rapid response teams to deal with possible oil spills. Equipment, including oil booms, was pre-positioned at river mouths and estuaries to contain any contamination. With the presence of plastic pellets—also known as nurdles—posing significant ecological risks, state deployed volunteer squads to systematically clear beaches. Guided by drone surveys, volunteers were stationed every 100m along the affected coastlines. Their efforts were closely coordinated by police, fire and rescue services and pollution control board. Strict instructions were issued to supervisors to ensure that volunteers followed all safety guidelines and avoided hazardous contact. "This is not just a clean-up drive. It is a coordinated, scientifically informed emergency response prioritising public safety, environmental protection and the welfare of the fisheries sector," said a senior official. State's current response is aimed at averting long-term ecological fallout, protecting livelihoods and establishing a blueprint for managing such complex maritime disasters in future.
Saudi Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Arab European Cities Dialogue concludes in Riyadh with strengthened urban partnerships and sustainable development recommendations
The first edition of the Arab European Cities Dialogue concluded in Riyadh on Sunday after three days of discussions under the theme 'Bridging Cities, Building Futures.' The forum was organized by the Riyadh Municipality in collaboration with the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), PLATFORMA, and VNG International. The conclusion of the event marked the culmination of a busy agenda featuring plenary sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions that addressed key challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development. The forum brought together high-level participation from mayors and city leaders from across the Arab world and Europe, along with representatives from international organizations, development funds, and municipal alliances. The sessions covered various cross-cutting themes, including cross-border cooperation in the session titled 'Beyond Borders: Transforming Cities through Global Cooperation,' climate action in 'Towards Resilience: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Arab and European Cities,' and future urban planning in 'Digital Transformation in Urban Governance: Insights from European and Arab Cities.' The forum also examined how local actions can align with global goals through the session 'From Data to Impact: How Voluntary Local Reviews & SDG Localization Drive Development in Cities.' A dedicated session titled 'Perspectives on Riyadh's Urban Leap – CEOs Talk' highlighted Riyadh's development journey as a regional model of integrated planning and ambitious growth. In the 'City Leadership Forum,' chaired by Mayor of Riyadh and Chairman of AUDI Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, city leaders discussed the forum's governance and future prospects. It was agreed to institutionalize the forum as a biennial platform for cross-border urban collaboration. Madrid was announced as the host city for the second edition in 2027. Future editions will focus on topics such as economic growth, urban identity, digital transformation, quality of life, culture and innovation, sustainable cities, and risk management. The 'City Networking' session, on the other hand, emphasized enhancing cooperation among Arab and European city leaders through knowledge exchange, building strategic alliances to promote sustainable urban development, and fostering networking among delegates to ensure the forum's long-term institutional impact. The forum also showcased several impactful initiatives, notably the 'Urban Financing Forum', where eight cities presented development projects totaling over SR6.2 billion, directly engaging with 4 international development funds. This initiative aims to foster cross-border investments and connect municipal projects with development capital. On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf held bilateral meetings with several European city officials, including mayors of Madrid, Amman, Damascus, and Turin, to strengthen international cooperation in urban planning, digital transformation, sustainability, and quality of life.
Leaders
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Arab Urban Development Institute Signs Strategic MOUs at AECD 2025
Under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the Institute signed two significant memoranda of understanding during the Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD 2025) in Riyadh. The agreements were signed with Metropolis, the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas, and Fira de Barcelona, organizer of the Smart City Expo World Congress. These partnerships aim to strengthen collaboration in urban governance, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge between cities. AECD 2025 brought together representatives from over 100 Arab and European cities, as well as international organizations, municipal federations, and urban development institutions. The event reflects Riyadh's growing role as a regional center for global urban dialogue. These new partnerships reinforce AUDI's commitment to fostering international cooperation, advancing sustainable urban development, and supporting effective policymaking across Arab cities. Related Topics : Trump in Saudi Arabia: Underscoring Historic Ties and Riyadh's Strategic Centrality HUMAIN: Saudi Crown Prince Unveils New Global AI Powerhouse Saudi Football Pro League: Week 31 Schedule, Live Results & Scorers Jusoor Exhibition in Pristina Showcases Saudi Culture, Islamic Values Short link : Post Views: 106
Leaders
11-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Riyadh Hosts Inaugural Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum
Saudi Arabia is hosting the inaugural edition of the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD 2025) in its capital city, Riyadh, from May 11-13, 2025. Under the theme 'Bridging Cities, Building Futures,' the first edition of the forum brings together representatives of more than 120 Arab and European cities and municipalities, as well as over 50 international organizations and development funds, to strengthen cooperation and enhance communications to advance urban communities and boost economic and cultural exchange. Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum The Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum is organized by the Riyadh Municipality, in collaboration with the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the platform of the Association of European Municipalities and Regions (PLATFORMA), and the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. In Riyadh, City Partnerships for a Better Future Hosted by @Amanatalriyadh and supported by @Arab_Urban, Riyadh proudly welcomes the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum . Date: May 11–13, 2025🗓️ — Arab European Cities Dialogue Riyadh 2025 (@Arabecd) April 16, 2025 The AECD 2025 is a regional and global platform that aims to bolster cooperation, foster connections, and build relations among the representatives of Arab and European cities and municipalities, including mayors, presidents, secretaries, and governors. The forum also brings together key stakeholders in international development, such as international urban organizations, municipal unions, and donor institutions. Spanning over a period of 10 years, the AECD will alternate between Arab and European cities each two years to strengthen ties, encourage city diplomacy, and promote more sustainable and inclusive urban development. AECD 2025 Objectives The Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum centers around four key objectives. These include enhancing communication through discussions that highlight good practices and common challenges; and building partnerships through meetings that enable cities to network and explore avenues for future cooperation. It also focuses on enhancing financing opportunities by discussing the governance of the AECD; and framework formulation by gathering cities and funding agencies to gain expert insights on project proposals. KAFD Metro Station Furthermore, the AECD 2025 aims to drive measurable impact on the local and global scales by balancing ambitious global vision with practical regional implementation. To this end, it focuses on four key areas: cities cooperation; livable cities and climate change; technology and digital transformation; and municipal financial sustainability. Strengthening City Bonds On the occasion of hosting the AECD 2025, the Mayor of Riyadh Region, President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, highlighted the deep-rooted relations between Arab and European cities, which shaped their civilizations, economies, and urban landscapes. 'The Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD 2025) was conceived to strengthen the bonds between city leaders, communities, and institutions through constructive dialogue – a dialogue that embraces diverse values and cultures while facilitating the exchange of insights on pressing urban, economic, social, and environmental challenges,' Prince Faisal bin Ayyaf said. Riyadh The Mayor of Riyadh pointed to the significance of the AECD 2025. 'This event provides a premier platform for fostering and sustaining city partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which prioritizes meaningful cooperation at national, regional, and global levels while promoting the exchange of best practices in local urban development,' he said. Riyadh: A City in Transformation The selection of Riyadh as a host city for the inaugural edition of the AECD 2025 underscores its elevated status in the regional and international landscape, as well as its vital role as a dynamic hub for dialogue and collaboration. Sports Boulevard Riyadh has established its position as a hub for major urban, cultural and entertainment projects which aim to enhance the quality of life of its residents. These include more than 20 large scale projects, such as King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, Sports Boulevard, Green Riyadh Project, and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The capital city of Saudi Arabia has also emerged as a host for key global events, such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. This adds to Riyadh's weight as a key hub for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address pressing urban challenges. The remarkable transformation journey of Riyadh cements its pivotal role in providing opportunities and tackling challenges on the regional and global stages. Short link : Post Views: 15
