Latest news with #Blume
Time Out Dubai
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
8 affordable luxury experiences in Dubai
Living your best life in Dubai needn't cost much. If you're after a taste of the high life without blowing your budget, you're in luck as the city is full of ways to feel fancy for less. Whether it's private breakfasts or picture-perfect padel courts, we've found the best ways to add a little bougie to your week – all for under Dhs100. Here are eight affordable luxury experiences to help you dial up the glam on a budget. Have a private waterside breakfast (Credit: Supplied) For a fancy breakfast in a private setting, head to The Pods in JBR where you'll dine in your own booth. Treat yourself to a lovely morning spread starting from only Dhs49. Dhs49. Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-noon. The Pods, Bluewaters Island, (04 453 8994). Check out a Dior-themed restaurant Set in a Dior-themed train carriage, Blume in Dubai Mall offers a little slice of Parisian elegance. For just Dhs90, you'll be treated to a fancy Turkish feast if you head here for breakfast. Need lunch plans? This costs less than Dhs100 too. Open daily, 10am-2am. Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, (04 495 6888). Pamper yourself with a luxurious mani Due for a mani? You can get Dhs50 off on your first session of pampering, whether that's a lash extension or a mani-pedi, at the luxurious Sisters Beauty Lounge. A classic mani will cost only Dhs70 with the offer. From Dhs70. Mon-Wed 9am-11pm, Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 9am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, (800 7478377). Play padel at a picture-perfect court Padel Edition serves up one of the most stylish (and photogenic) courts in the city, and for just Dhs80 per person during off-peak hours, you can smash your fitness goals while looking good doing it. After your game, cool down with an ice bath or take a time out in the infrared sauna at the on-site recovery studio. Later, swing by the mini café for a post-matcha latte and a well-earned breather. And of course, don't forget to snap some lovely shots for the gram. Dhs80 (per person, off-peak hours). Open Mon-Fri 7am-5pm. Al Quoz, (04 348 7481). Sip complimentary grape at an oyster bar Credit: The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill JBR Ladies, drop this in your group chat. The MAINE Oyster Bar has a midweek treat where you can enjoy complimentary grape on Wednesdays from 8pm. This low-key seafood bar brings a nice New England charm and is perfect for catching up with friends after work. Free. Sun-Tue noon-1am, Wed-Sat noon-2am. The DoubleTree by Hilton, JBR. (04 457 6719) Check out Skyview Lounge to experience Burj Al Arab (Credit: Canva) If ticking off Dubai icons is still on your list, settle into Burj Al Arab's Skyview Lounge for a drink. There are plenty of grape and mixed drinks under Dhs100, plus access to one of the most jaw-dropping views in the city. Open daily, 1pm-11.30pm. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, (800 323232). Explore galaxies at AYA Universe (Credit: AYA Universe) This part digital art gallery, part playground is a cool spot to check out. Tour through 12 immersive space-themed zones and enjoy swimming in a giant galaxy ball pit, run through rain or lie down to look up at the stars. An absolutely surreal space, aesthetic and sure to make your insta followers green with envy. Dhs135 (general admission). Dhs99 (discounted rate for UAE residents). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Wafi City, Oud Metha, (04 542 0300). Tuck into French fare in a greenhouse setting Where to go for the best indoor summer picnics (Credit: Supplied) Okay, this is Dhs5 over budget – but it's definitely worth it. If strolling through a summer market in Paris seems like the perfect way to spend your afternoon, head to Eugène Eugène at Mall of the Emirates. The Dhs105 business lunch lets you choose between dishes like the roasted prawns with ratatouille and oregano, grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables, or steak frites with a shallot sauce, plus a dessert to round things off. Dhs105 (per person). Mon-Fri noon-4pm. Eugène Eugène, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, (04 379 8963). Looking for things to do in Dubai? The best night swim spots in Dubai to bookmark this summer From fully redeemable deals to live DJs 36 brilliant Wednesday ladies' night deals in Dubai Free drinks this way 6 free places to catch the sunset in Dubai Views on point
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Porsche says its business model "no longer works'
The boss of Porsche has told employees the automaker's traditional business model – which previously saw it boast industry-leading profit margins – needs to be scrapped. According to Bloomberg, a memo from Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told employees, "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form". Mr Blume was setting the ground for cost-reduction plans for the German sports car manufacturer, following previous job cuts aimed at reducing costs amid falling sales and revenue. Porsche posted a six per cent global sales decline in the first half (H1) of 2025, selling 146,391 new vehicles compared to 155,945 over the same period last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As a result, the company revised down its profit margins – previously the envy of the automotive industry – to 6.5-8 per cent, around half its 14.1 per cent operating profit in 2024. The overall sales drop came despite record H1 sales in its biggest market, the United States (US), where sales grew 11.2 per cent. China – a previously reliable market for growth – saw the biggest downturn, with a 28 per cent fall in sales in H1 coming after a similar slide there in 2024. "The primary reasons for the decline remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and intense competition in the Chinese market," its H1 sales report said. While other German brands struggled in China in 2024, too, Porsche's pain spread to its home market of Germany in 2025, with a 23 per cent drop in H1 sales. Sales in Australia were down 12.8 per cent over the same period, with every model posting a year-on-year decline apart from its best-selling Macan SUV's 0.3 per cent increase, and Panamera's near doubling of sales. Globally, Macan sales have improved by 15 per cent, according to Porsche, with the Panamera sales up 13 per cent. The German automaker has gone heavy on both hybrid and electric vehicles, introducing the second-generation Macan in 2024 as an EV only, with petrol and hybrid versions to arrive in showrooms as soon as 2027. Porsche says that 60 per cent of Macan buyers globally are opting for the electric version as stocks of petrol versions run out. In the first half of 2025, Porsche has delivered 706 EVs and 181 PHEVs in Australia, accounting for 30 per cent of its total 2965 year-to-date deliveries. Looking at global figures, electrified vehicles – inclusive of EVs and PHEVs – accounted for 36.1 per cent of the brand's sales in H1, led by Macan Electric, the brand's second battery-electric model after the Taycan. In mid-2024, Porsche dropped its previous goal for EVs to make up 80 per cent of its total sales by 2030, with its EV push costing it a reported US$831 (A$1.26 billion) according to Automotive News. The iconic 911 sports car range remains petrol powered but saw the first hybrid version arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2025. MORE: Porsche profits to slump over EV woes MORE: German leader tells carmakers to 'not be afraid' of Chinese competition Content originally sourced from: The boss of Porsche has told employees the automaker's traditional business model – which previously saw it boast industry-leading profit margins – needs to be scrapped. According to Bloomberg, a memo from Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told employees, "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form". Mr Blume was setting the ground for cost-reduction plans for the German sports car manufacturer, following previous job cuts aimed at reducing costs amid falling sales and revenue. Porsche posted a six per cent global sales decline in the first half (H1) of 2025, selling 146,391 new vehicles compared to 155,945 over the same period last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As a result, the company revised down its profit margins – previously the envy of the automotive industry – to 6.5-8 per cent, around half its 14.1 per cent operating profit in 2024. The overall sales drop came despite record H1 sales in its biggest market, the United States (US), where sales grew 11.2 per cent. China – a previously reliable market for growth – saw the biggest downturn, with a 28 per cent fall in sales in H1 coming after a similar slide there in 2024. "The primary reasons for the decline remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and intense competition in the Chinese market," its H1 sales report said. While other German brands struggled in China in 2024, too, Porsche's pain spread to its home market of Germany in 2025, with a 23 per cent drop in H1 sales. Sales in Australia were down 12.8 per cent over the same period, with every model posting a year-on-year decline apart from its best-selling Macan SUV's 0.3 per cent increase, and Panamera's near doubling of sales. Globally, Macan sales have improved by 15 per cent, according to Porsche, with the Panamera sales up 13 per cent. The German automaker has gone heavy on both hybrid and electric vehicles, introducing the second-generation Macan in 2024 as an EV only, with petrol and hybrid versions to arrive in showrooms as soon as 2027. Porsche says that 60 per cent of Macan buyers globally are opting for the electric version as stocks of petrol versions run out. In the first half of 2025, Porsche has delivered 706 EVs and 181 PHEVs in Australia, accounting for 30 per cent of its total 2965 year-to-date deliveries. Looking at global figures, electrified vehicles – inclusive of EVs and PHEVs – accounted for 36.1 per cent of the brand's sales in H1, led by Macan Electric, the brand's second battery-electric model after the Taycan. In mid-2024, Porsche dropped its previous goal for EVs to make up 80 per cent of its total sales by 2030, with its EV push costing it a reported US$831 (A$1.26 billion) according to Automotive News. The iconic 911 sports car range remains petrol powered but saw the first hybrid version arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2025. MORE: Porsche profits to slump over EV woes MORE: German leader tells carmakers to 'not be afraid' of Chinese competition Content originally sourced from: The boss of Porsche has told employees the automaker's traditional business model – which previously saw it boast industry-leading profit margins – needs to be scrapped. According to Bloomberg, a memo from Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told employees, "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form". Mr Blume was setting the ground for cost-reduction plans for the German sports car manufacturer, following previous job cuts aimed at reducing costs amid falling sales and revenue. Porsche posted a six per cent global sales decline in the first half (H1) of 2025, selling 146,391 new vehicles compared to 155,945 over the same period last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As a result, the company revised down its profit margins – previously the envy of the automotive industry – to 6.5-8 per cent, around half its 14.1 per cent operating profit in 2024. The overall sales drop came despite record H1 sales in its biggest market, the United States (US), where sales grew 11.2 per cent. China – a previously reliable market for growth – saw the biggest downturn, with a 28 per cent fall in sales in H1 coming after a similar slide there in 2024. "The primary reasons for the decline remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and intense competition in the Chinese market," its H1 sales report said. While other German brands struggled in China in 2024, too, Porsche's pain spread to its home market of Germany in 2025, with a 23 per cent drop in H1 sales. Sales in Australia were down 12.8 per cent over the same period, with every model posting a year-on-year decline apart from its best-selling Macan SUV's 0.3 per cent increase, and Panamera's near doubling of sales. Globally, Macan sales have improved by 15 per cent, according to Porsche, with the Panamera sales up 13 per cent. The German automaker has gone heavy on both hybrid and electric vehicles, introducing the second-generation Macan in 2024 as an EV only, with petrol and hybrid versions to arrive in showrooms as soon as 2027. Porsche says that 60 per cent of Macan buyers globally are opting for the electric version as stocks of petrol versions run out. In the first half of 2025, Porsche has delivered 706 EVs and 181 PHEVs in Australia, accounting for 30 per cent of its total 2965 year-to-date deliveries. Looking at global figures, electrified vehicles – inclusive of EVs and PHEVs – accounted for 36.1 per cent of the brand's sales in H1, led by Macan Electric, the brand's second battery-electric model after the Taycan. In mid-2024, Porsche dropped its previous goal for EVs to make up 80 per cent of its total sales by 2030, with its EV push costing it a reported US$831 (A$1.26 billion) according to Automotive News. The iconic 911 sports car range remains petrol powered but saw the first hybrid version arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2025. MORE: Porsche profits to slump over EV woes MORE: German leader tells carmakers to 'not be afraid' of Chinese competition Content originally sourced from: The boss of Porsche has told employees the automaker's traditional business model – which previously saw it boast industry-leading profit margins – needs to be scrapped. According to Bloomberg, a memo from Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told employees, "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form". Mr Blume was setting the ground for cost-reduction plans for the German sports car manufacturer, following previous job cuts aimed at reducing costs amid falling sales and revenue. Porsche posted a six per cent global sales decline in the first half (H1) of 2025, selling 146,391 new vehicles compared to 155,945 over the same period last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. As a result, the company revised down its profit margins – previously the envy of the automotive industry – to 6.5-8 per cent, around half its 14.1 per cent operating profit in 2024. The overall sales drop came despite record H1 sales in its biggest market, the United States (US), where sales grew 11.2 per cent. China – a previously reliable market for growth – saw the biggest downturn, with a 28 per cent fall in sales in H1 coming after a similar slide there in 2024. "The primary reasons for the decline remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and intense competition in the Chinese market," its H1 sales report said. While other German brands struggled in China in 2024, too, Porsche's pain spread to its home market of Germany in 2025, with a 23 per cent drop in H1 sales. Sales in Australia were down 12.8 per cent over the same period, with every model posting a year-on-year decline apart from its best-selling Macan SUV's 0.3 per cent increase, and Panamera's near doubling of sales. Globally, Macan sales have improved by 15 per cent, according to Porsche, with the Panamera sales up 13 per cent. The German automaker has gone heavy on both hybrid and electric vehicles, introducing the second-generation Macan in 2024 as an EV only, with petrol and hybrid versions to arrive in showrooms as soon as 2027. Porsche says that 60 per cent of Macan buyers globally are opting for the electric version as stocks of petrol versions run out. In the first half of 2025, Porsche has delivered 706 EVs and 181 PHEVs in Australia, accounting for 30 per cent of its total 2965 year-to-date deliveries. Looking at global figures, electrified vehicles – inclusive of EVs and PHEVs – accounted for 36.1 per cent of the brand's sales in H1, led by Macan Electric, the brand's second battery-electric model after the Taycan. In mid-2024, Porsche dropped its previous goal for EVs to make up 80 per cent of its total sales by 2030, with its EV push costing it a reported US$831 (A$1.26 billion) according to Automotive News. The iconic 911 sports car range remains petrol powered but saw the first hybrid version arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2025. MORE: Porsche profits to slump over EV woes MORE: German leader tells carmakers to 'not be afraid' of Chinese competition Content originally sourced from:
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Porsche Admits Trouble Ahead: 'Our Business Model No Longer Works'
Porsche, the brand that once thrived on profit margins as crisp as the handling of a 911 on a damp B-road, has delivered a brutal wake-up call to its own workforce. In an internal communication first reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by Reuters, CEO Oliver Blume told employees that the company's traditional business model is no longer sustainable in the current climate. 'Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form,' Blume said. This sobering admission sets the tone for a forthcoming round of cost-cutting talks, with Porsche now preparing for a serious overhaul of its production structure, spending priorities, and long-term strategy. Labor negotiations are expected to begin later this year — and if the last round of restructuring is anything to go by, the fallout could be substantial. 0:06 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More Source: Porsche North America Up, China Down To the casual observer, this warning might seem surprising. After all, Porsche's North American division just posted its best-ever half-year sales figures. Deliveries rose 11.4% year-over-year, with 38,696 vehicles shifted in just six months. CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Timo Resch, credited the growth to customer enthusiasm and the strength of the dealer network. But the bigger picture is far less rosy. Globally, Porsche is still down 8% on sales in Q1, and much of that downturn is being driven by a stunning 42% sales drop in China. The world's largest car market, once a reliable growth engine for the German automaker, has become a liability amid rising protectionism, weak consumer confidence, and a fiercely competitive EV sector. Tariffs, Taycans, and a Tense Transition Layered atop the China crisis is the ongoing problem of profitability. Porsche has already slashed its full-year profit outlook, now forecasting margins between 6.5% and 8% — well below its historical average of 12–15%. The company is feeling the squeeze from multiple sides: rising U.S. tariffs, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and the capital costs of an underperforming EV transition. Sales of the all-electric Taycan — once positioned as Porsche's halo EV — have stumbled dramatically. And while the newly launched Macan EV has been well-received in North America, the global appetite for high-priced electric performance cars is proving more volatile than expected. Blume hasn't minced words about the road ahead. Porsche is expected to move away from its prior goal of 80% electric vehicle sales by 2030, and more investment will be reallocated to hybrid and combustion powertrains. It's a dramatic pivot for a brand that only a year ago appeared all-in on electrification. What Happens Next? Porsche's warning comes at a pivotal moment not just for the company, but for the industry at large. With global demand for EVs cooling and trade politics turning up the heat, even luxury stalwarts aren't immune to the turbulence. Porsche's leadership says further announcements about structural changes will follow later this year. What's clear is that Stuttgart's favorite export is entering a period of reinvention. The badge might still carry weight, but in an industry where costs are rising, EV dreams are stumbling, and global trade is a geopolitical minefield — even Porsche has to rethink how it stays in the black. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic supercar brand ‘bracing for more cost cutting' weeks after halting all sales of EVs in the UK
AN ICONIC supercar brand is reportedly bracing for more cost cutting after halting all sales of its electric motors in the UK. The luxury carmaker is seeking ways to offset declining sales in China and the escalating cost of US tariffs. Advertisement 2 Porsche is bracing for more cost cutting measures Credit: Getty 2 The luxury carmaker seeks ways to offset declining sales in China and the escalating cost of US tariffs Credit: Getty Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, has initiated negotiations on another round of cost-cutting measures. Blume had already announced additional savings in March while presenting the firm's 2024 results. An excerpt of a letter sent to the company's leadership said: "In the second half of 2025, employer and employee representatives will negotiate a second structural package to secure the company's long-term performance." Blume wrote: "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form." Advertisement Read more Motors news Details about what the possible savings measures might look like weren't included in the letter. Porsche has been particularly struggling with low sales in China. But the carmaker is also facing difficulties in the US where import duties of 27.5% on motors have been in place since April. The company doesn't have production facilities in the US, importing its cars exclusively from Europe instead. Advertisement Most read in Motors Breaking Exclusive At the beginning of the year, Porsche had announced that it would cut 1,900 of around 40,000 jobs by 2029. This came after 2,000 temporary employees did not have their contracts renewed. Inside Dua Lipa's one-off 184mph Porsche 911 GT3 RS set to raise £100,000s for charity It's a fall from grace from the motor company which, at its 2022 stock market debut, was valued higher than parent company Volkswagen AG. Experts have linked the company's struggles to its overly aggressive and inflexible electrification strategy. Advertisement Porsche has had a goal of being 80 per cent electric worldwide by 2030 But the brand dramatically halted all sales of one of its electric vehicles in the UK in May. The company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car. Several main Porsche dealers were asked to remove a selection of electric Taycan models from sale. Advertisement It followed a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages motor recalls in the UK. The problem related to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. that month too over the risk of the wheels falling off while driving. It issued a notice on three of its most popular models including the iconic Advertisement Owners were urged to "stop driving immediately".
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic supercar brand ‘bracing for more cost cutting' weeks after halting all sales of EVs in the UK
It comes amid the company's recent struggles NEW ROUTE Iconic supercar brand 'bracing for more cost cutting' weeks after halting all sales of EVs in the UK AN ICONIC supercar brand is reportedly bracing for more cost cutting after halting all sales of its electric motors in the UK. The luxury carmaker is seeking ways to offset declining sales in China and the escalating cost of US tariffs. 2 Porsche is bracing for more cost cutting measures Credit: Getty 2 The luxury carmaker seeks ways to offset declining sales in China and the escalating cost of US tariffs Credit: Getty Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, has initiated negotiations on another round of cost-cutting measures. Blume had already announced additional savings in March while presenting the firm's 2024 results. An excerpt of a letter sent to the company's leadership said: "In the second half of 2025, employer and employee representatives will negotiate a second structural package to secure the company's long-term performance." Blume wrote: "Our business model, which has served us well for many decades, no longer works in its current form." Details about what the possible savings measures might look like weren't included in the letter. Porsche has been particularly struggling with low sales in China. But the carmaker is also facing difficulties in the US where import duties of 27.5% on motors have been in place since April. The company doesn't have production facilities in the US, importing its cars exclusively from Europe instead. At the beginning of the year, Porsche had announced that it would cut 1,900 of around 40,000 jobs by 2029. This came after 2,000 temporary employees did not have their contracts renewed. Inside Dua Lipa's one-off 184mph Porsche 911 GT3 RS set to raise £100,000s for charity It's a fall from grace from the motor company which, at its 2022 stock market debut, was valued higher than parent company Volkswagen AG. Experts have linked the company's struggles to its overly aggressive and inflexible electrification strategy. Porsche has had a goal of being 80 per cent electric worldwide by 2030 But the brand dramatically halted all sales of one of its electric vehicles in the UK in May. The company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car. Several main Porsche dealers were asked to remove a selection of electric Taycan models from sale. It followed a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages motor recalls in the UK. The problem related to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. Porsche recalled 1,000 high end luxury cars that month too over the risk of the wheels falling off while driving. It issued a notice on three of its most popular models including the iconic 911. Owners were urged to "stop driving immediately".
