Latest news with #Audi
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Audi announces Olympian Neeraj Chopra as new brand ambassador
Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in javelin throw Check Offers Audi India has announced double-Olympic medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra as its new brand ambassador. The sports icon steps into the new role in what would be his first association with an automaker. Chopra was present at the launch of the Audi RS Q8 earlier this year, signalling his association with the German luxury carmaker. Audi says the partnership celebrates the shared values between the athlete and the brand - world-class performance, explosive speed and iconic stature. Neeraj Chopra is the new Audi India brand ambassador Neeraj captivated the Indian masses with his fantastic performance in the Tokyo Olympics. The athlete brought home a gold medal, the first in javelin throw. He followed it up with top spots at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, and would later win Silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chopra is an ardent petrolhead himself, and likes both cars and bikes. He also owns a Harley-Davidson, apart from a number of other luxury offerings. Neeraj Chopra with Audi India Head Balbir Singh Dhillon at the Audi RS Q8 launch earlier this year Speaking about bringing Neeraj Chopra on board, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head - Audi India, said, 'At Audi, we stand for those who push boundaries - those who are not just defined by performance, but by the relentless pursuit of excellence. Neeraj Chopra is the embodiment of that spirit. Determined and iconic, his journey from ambition to achievement mirrors Audi's progressive DNA. His focus, speed, and unmatched performance make him a natural extension of our brand - a symbol of what it means to lead, not follow." Speaking about his association with Audi, Neeraj Chopra said, 'I've always admired Audi - not just for the cars, but for what the brand stands for. As an athlete, these values resonate deeply with me. Whether it's on the field or in life, the pursuit of excellence never stops. I'm excited to join the Audi family and represent a brand that inspires forward motion in everything it does." Previously, former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli was associated with Audi India. Both Kohli and Chopra have a strong following among the young fans and are known for their fantastic performances on the field. Audi says it remains committed to aligning with individuals who champion innovation, resilience, and evolution. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 31 May 2025, 11:22 AM IST
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
Volkswagen flags ‘massive' US investments and says tariff talks constructive
German carmakers, including Volkswagen, were in talks with Washington over a possible import tariff deal. (EPA Images pic) BERLIN : Volkswagen wants to make more big investments in the US, CEO Oliver Blume said in an interview with a German newspaper today, adding that tariff talks with the US government were 'fair' and 'constructive'. Several foreign companies have announced US investments in response to President Donald Trump's import tariffs, but German carmakers have been more cautious about committing more resources to what is their biggest export market. Volkswagen's Audi brand, which has no production in the US, is planning to produce some models there, although the brand has said that the plan pre-dates the Trump administration. 'So far, we have had absolutely fair, constructive discussions,' Blume told Sueddeutsche Zeitung. 'I was in Washington myself and we have been in regular dialogue ever since,' he said. Blume, who also leads Porsche AG as CEO, said Volkswagen's main contact in Washington was US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, adding he had agreed to keep any details of the discussions confidential. Sources told Reuters earlier this week that German carmakers including Volkswagen were in talks with Washington over a possible import tariff deal, seeking to use their US investments and exports as leverage to soften any blow. Trump's trade war has cost companies more than US$34 billion in lost sales and higher costs, according to a Reuters analysis of corporate disclosures, with companies pursuing various strategies to cope. Most of the tariffs were blocked by a US trade court this week, but a federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated them to consider the Trump administration's appeal against the trade court's ruling. The 25% tariff imposed on auto imports earlier this year has not been affected by the rulings. Uncertainty worse than tariffs In a recent survey by Germany's Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA), nearly three quarters of participants said uncertainty over US trade policy had a strong impact on companies' competitiveness, while just 43% said the same for the 10% tariffs slapped on goods from most US trading partners. 'The uncertainty surrounding the US tariffs is causing more problems in our sector than the tariffs themselves,' Andrew Adair, VDMA's trade policy adviser for North America, told Reuters. 'Uncertainty causes customers to delay purchasing decisions—including American companies that are motivated to purchase machinery to ramp up their local production,' Adair said. Asked what Blume was offering in the talks, which aim to reduce the 25% autos levy, he said, 'The Volkswagen Group wants to invest further in the US. We have a growth strategy'. Blume said the Volkswagen Group already employed over 20,000 people directly and over 55,000 people indirectly in the US, and highlighted a US$5.8 billion investment in US company Rivian. 'We would build on this with further, massive investments,' Blume said. Such investments should be factored into any decisions regarding tariffs, added Blume, who said he hoped Brussels and Washington would reach a broad deal for all industries. Blume declined to say when a deal with Washington could be struck, when asked about BMW CEO Oliver Zipse's assessment that tariffs would likely fall from July. 'Of course, I also want it to happen quickly. But it depends on many factors and I can't promise anything,' he said.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
WATCH: 'Textbook' decoy convoy brought Kinahan boss to court after extradition
The Defence Forces and Gardaí concocted a decoy plan to get Kinahan mobster Sean McGovern safely to court, it has emerged. The Irish Mirror has confirmed that military officers at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, south County Dublin worked with senior Gardaí to send two convoys out at the same time – but the cavalcade the media filmed was a dummy one. Sources tell us the real convoy carrying McGovern, 39, to the Special Criminal Court left at the same time as the dummy one – but from another gate. 'It was a textbook military tactic,' a source tells us. More than a dozen media and members of the public were camped outside the main gate of the Air Corps HQ when the fake convoy – consisting of an Audi saloon, a Skoda SUV, a Hyundai SUV, a Volkswagen Golf and a Volkswagen Tiguan – left at approximately 6:51pm to make the 21kms journey to the CCJ in central Dublin, where the Special Criminal Court is located. But, unbeknownst to the observers, McGovern was not in any of the cars. Instead, he was being driven out of one of the other five gates in the sprawling airbase – in a convoy made up of a black Audi Saloon, a black BMW SUV and a black Audi estate. No civilians witnessed the convoy that was actually carrying McGovern leaving the base. The convoy – including members of the heavily-armed Emergency Response Unit – arrived at the CCJ at 7.11pm. Sources have confirmed the Defence Forces and Gardaí worked together to launch the diversion operation. Sources said it was aimed at minimising the security risk to Gardaí involved in the convoy. We also understand that the gate through which the real convoy left Baldonnel was only opened for 30 seconds – just enough for the cars to leave. A Defence Forces spokesman and a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána declined to comment. McGovern later appeared in court on five charges. He is charged with one murder and four gangland offences. He is charged with the murder of Christoper, aka Noel, Kirwan at St Ronan's Drive in Clondalkin in west Dublin on December 22, 2016. Mr Kirwan, 62, was shot dead in the driveway of his home. He was targeted by the Kinahan cartel after he was spotted with Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch at the funeral of his brother Eddie Hutch in Dublin in February 2016. Mr McGovern is also charged with four gangland offences. It is alleged that between October 20, 2016 and December 22, 2016, he directed the activities of the criminal gang that murdered Mr Kirwan. It is also alleged that between the same dates he facilitated the crime gang's murder of Mr Kirwan. He faces a further two charges in relation to a murder attempt on James 'Maggo' Gately, 36, a leading figure in the Hutch organised crime gang. It is alleged that between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017, he directed a criminal organisation in relation to the monitoring of activity of Mr Gately. It is further alleged that between the same dates, he facilitated a conspiracy to murder Mr Gately. He was remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison. His next court appearance is June 5 via video link from the prison.
Time Out
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Luxury brand Coach opens new NYC-inspired bar in Singapore serving customisable martinis from $12
Luxury brands continue to make their mark on Singapore's F&B scene – we've seen the likes of the Audemars Piguet Café, Louis Vuitton's chocolate store, and Audi's collab with Burnt Ends Bakery. Now, American fashion house Coach joins the mix with the opening of The Coach Bar, its newest lifestyle concept nestled inside the Coach Play Singapore Shophouse along Keong Saik Road. Replacing the former Coach Café, this stylish space draws inspiration from the brand's New York roots. The interiors are bold yet inviting, featuring rich red wallpaper and warm lighting that create a cosy, date-night-worthy ambience. One of the standout design features include a wall lined with vintage cassette tapes spanning genres from soul and funk to hip-hop and jazz. But even if you're not there for the vibes, the food and drinks are reason enough to visit. The menu takes classic American bar fare and gives it a refined twist – think shrimp cocktail ($22), caviar by the bump ($12) served on potato chips, and pastrami poppers ($16). Heftier options include the grilled cheese sandwich ($23) and the wagyu-loaded silver service hot dog ($30). For dessert, the bar's signature sundae ($15) balances rich soft-serve with Sicilian olive oil and sea salt. As for drinks, the Proper Martini Service ($12) offers a fun experience where you can customise your cocktail table-side with garnish choices like pickled onions and blue cheese-stuffed olives. You'll also find signature cocktails like the Grey Goose espresso martini ($25) and tabby disco tea ($22), the latter served with a Coach-branded citrus ice cube for a luxe finishing touch. The Coach Bar is located at 5 Keong Saik Road and is open from Thursday to Monday, 4pm to 12am.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Houston crime: Suspect sought after deadly shooting, carjacking on Southwest Freeway
The Brief A search is underway for a suspect involved in a deadly shooting and carjacking in Houston. Officials said it all started in the 11700 block of Southwest Freeway following a minor crash. HOUSTON - Houston police are searching for a suspect following a deadly shooting and carjacking on the Southwest Freeway on Thursday evening. What we know Houston police said they were called out to the 11700 block of Southwest Freeway in reference to two different incidents. The first was a minor crash between a Prius and a Dodge Charger. Officials said after the crash, the driver of the Charger took off on foot and ran down the service road toward south Wilcrest. At some point, officials said, the driver confronted someone in a Hyundai, fired several shots at the Hyundai, striking the driver. The driver then drove under the freeway, around to the Shell station across the freeway, and struck a pole there. Authorities stated a 911 call about a male was reported. The driver was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead with apparent gunshot wounds. Officials said, the suspect, who was unable to carjack the first vehicle, approached a second vehicle, a gray Audi, and was able to carjack that male. Police said the male got out of the car and is safe. Houston police stated they are attempting to locate the Audi. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male. If you have any information about this incident or where the gray Audi is, you're asked to contact the Houston Police Department or Houston Crime Stoppers. What we don't know Authorities did not provide any information as far as a license plate for the gray Audi. The victim involved in the attempted carjacking has not been identified. It's unclear why the driver of the Dodge Charger took off on foot. The Source Information provided by the Houston Police Department.
