Latest news with #Holley
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Identifying the bugs in SA's long-promised infrastructure boom
Some, such as regulatory reform, are easily fixed. Now comes the hard part. SA's rail network needs about R300 billion invested in trains and track infrastructure to boost freight volumes from the current 160 million tons (Mt) to 250 Mt, according to James Holley, CEO of private rail operator Traxtion. The last time state logistics operator Transnet came close to this volume was in 2018, when it shipped 226 Mt. Eskom needs about R350 billion over 10 years to expand its transmission network and transformer capacity. On the logistics front, the good news is that the needed regulatory reform is well underway, with the separation of the rail infrastructure from Transnet itself being placed under an independent manager. This will allow private operators like Traxtion to compete for business on key corridors. Any discussion of reviving the SA economy must start with electricity and logistics – two chokepoints that have robbed SA of upwards of 10% in GDP. The recovery of even part of this will make a huge difference to job creation and business investment. Holley outlines some of the difficulties facing private entrants: a train set completing eight train trips in a month instead of six means a 33% jump in revenue. 'This cannot be achieved without high-quality track, signalling, and scheduling infrastructure. The national network is in poor condition, and with the fiscal constraints the country faces, the Private Sector Participation projects are our only route to efficiency,' he says. ALSO READ: How private sector can help with SA's infrastructure Private investors in rail infrastructure will want to earn a decent return from access fees charged to train operators. If volumes are low, access fees will have to increase and rail will become unaffordable. Government lacks the budget to fix either Eskom or Transnet, so private sector funding will be key. Anyone ploughing money into rail wants policy and regulatory certainty. If not, the cost of capital goes up, hence access agreements and concession terms must be designed to reduce risk for investors and lenders. There's progress too in reforming SA's electricity market, with Eskom being split into generation, transmission and distribution entities, while the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill is intended to establish a competitive energy market under the management of an independent system operator. The latest national budget allocated R1 trillion to infrastructure over the next three years, with more than a third of this going to transport, R132.5 billion to water and more than R50 billion each for human settlements and municipal upgrades. However, government has a storied history of promising big infrastructure spending and then failing to deliver. The National Development Plan in 2012 promised to plough 10% of GDP annually into infrastructure but actual spend was 3% to 4%. Under former President Jacob Zuma, we had the infamous delays and cost overruns at Medupi and Kusile power stations which contributed to load shedding, while enriching politically connected elites. ALSO READ: Three budgets later, infrastructure investment amount still the same New study highlights bottlenecks A new study from the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) takes a broader look at how to accelerate infrastructure development in Africa and shows that SA is not alone in its disappointing performance. The complexity of negotiating projects across borders adds costs, delays and frustration to projects. A case in point is the Grand Inga Hydropower Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It was intended to create the world's largest hydropower scheme, by phasing up to 40 000 megawatts to feed power to Africa and potentially Europe. There's no doubt about the project's technical feasibility, but what has strangled it is 'political instability, corruption, lack of credibility and an inability to secure the massive funding,' says the PIC. As a result, key funders have withdrawn from the project. Then there's the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, connecting five West African countries with a six-lane highway. The original start date of January 2024 was missed due to the complexity of coordinating five countries and securing the massive $15.6 billion funding required. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) is finally operating at 95% completion, after a decade of failed negotiations with Sudan and Egypt over water flow rights on the Nile. It has been generating power since February 2022, with cheap power being sold to bitcoin miners to generate extra revenue in off-peak times. The Lobito Atlantic Railway will connect mines in Zambia and DRC to the Angolan port of Lobito. It involves the rehabilitation and expansion of an existing corridor, with a new rail spur targeted for completion in 2026. Financing negotiations took more than two years, with the DRC section adding substantially to the overall cost. There are fears of funding cuts under the new administration of US President Donald Trump, adding more uncertainty to the project. ALSO READ: Treasury confirms R27bn World Bank loan to fix infrastructure Urgent African infrastructure 'Accelerating infrastructure development in Africa is not only necessary, it is urgent,' says the PIC. 'The continent's current economic trajectory, rapid population growth, and persistent gaps in access and service quality all point to the same conclusion: without a step change in the pace and scale of infrastructure delivery, Africa risks falling further behind in its pursuit of inclusive growth and structural transformation.' According to the African Development Bank, the continent requires investment of $130 billion to $170 billion a year to bridge this infrastructure gap. Energy systems remain underpowered, transport networks fragmented, water infrastructure insufficient, and digital connectivity far from universal. 'The persistence of corruption, poor inter-agency coordination, and a lack of project-ready pipelines continues to stall delivery,' adds the PIC. There's no shortage of excellent models to benchmark against, such as the Cities Development Initiative for Asia, which assists cities in preparing infrastructure projects by making sure they are bankable and ready to fire. ALSO READ: Public-private partnership: key to infrastructure transformation Rwanda created the Rwanda Development Board by merging multiple government agencies into a single point of contact for investors. South Africa formed the National Treasury Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Unit to provide guidance on standardising contracts, training for public officials, building expertise in financial structuring and risk allocation to ensure infrastructure projects are bankable and effectively managed. The PIC urges policymakers to streamline regulations to facilitate private investment, with clear rules for domestic institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies, a strong local currency bond market, and unambiguous legal frameworks for public-private partnerships and blended finance. Much of what it advocates is relatively inexpensive to fix. The risk of not addressing these bugs is more years of foiled infrastructure promises and continuing economic atrophy. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Holley Performance Brands to Release Second Quarter 2025 Results on August 6, 2025
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Holley Performance Brands (NYSE: HLLY), a leader in automotive aftermarket performance solutions, today announced the date for the release of its second quarter 2025 financial results. Second Quarter 2025 Results Holley will host a conference call and live webcast on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 8:30 am (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's second quarter 2025 financial results. The Company's earnings release and presentation for the second quarter 2025 will be issued before the market opens on Wednesday, August, 6, 2025, and will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at Hosting the call will be Holley Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Stevenson, and Chief Financial Officer, Jesse Weaver. Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time Dial-In #: United States: 1-877-407-4019 (Toll Free) United States: 1-201-689-8337 (Toll) Access Code: 13754498 Expand Alternatively, the conference call will be webcast at: Event URL: For those unable to participate, a telephone replay recording will be available until Wednesday, August 13, 2025. To access the replay, please call 877-660-6853 (Toll Free) or 201-612-7415 (Toll) and enter confirmation code 13754498. A web-based archive of the conference call will also be available at the Company's website. About Holley Performance Brands Holley Performance Brands (NYSE: HLLY) leads in the design, manufacturing and marketing of high-performance products for automotive enthusiasts. The company owns and manages a portfolio of iconic brands, catering to a diverse community of enthusiasts passionate about the customization and performance of their vehicles. Holley Performance Brands distinguishes itself through a strategic focus on four consumer vertical groupings, including Domestic Muscle, Modern Truck & Off-Road, Euro & Import, and Safety & Racing, ensuring a wide-ranging impact across the automotive aftermarket industry. Renowned for its innovative approach and strategic acquisitions, Holley Performance Brands is committed to enhancing the enthusiast experience and driving growth through innovation. For more information on Holley Performance Brands and its dedication to automotive excellence, visit
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1967 Shelby GT500 Heads to Auction in Striking Candy Apple Red
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A rare and well-documented 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is set to cross the block this August, presenting collectors with a chance to own one of the most iconic American muscle cars of the era. Finished in factory-correct Candy Apple Red with white Le Mans stripes, this GT500 is one of only 53 produced in that color for the model year. Originally sold new through Tasca Ford—one of the most storied high-performance dealers in Shelby history—the car carries significant provenance and is listed in the official Shelby Registry. Under the hood lies a date-code-correct Q-code 428 cubic-inch 8V V8 engine, backed by an automatic transmission. The setup includes correct casting Holley carburetors—2804 in the front and 2805 in the rear—paired with an intake manifold marked C7ZX-8425-A. The vehicle is also equipped with the factory Extra Cooling Package, a feature intended to boost performance during aggressive driving or track use. Among the period options are power front disc brakes, power steering, a tachometer with trip odometer, and the Interior Décor Group. The black interior features the sought-after fold-down rear seat and courtesy light group. It rides on Shelby alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear white-letter tires, completing the authentic late-1960s performance look. Supporting documents include a Deluxe Marti Report and original build sheets, adding valuable verification to its specifications. Though a previous title lists an odometer discrepancy per the NMVTIS report, the vehicle's strong documentation and desirable configuration continue to enhance its appeal. This 1967 GT500 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of Shelby American's golden era—built for performance, documented for posterity, and finished in a head-turning factory color combination that will stand out in any serious collection.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
UK weather: Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for most of England - with temperatures forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F) this weekend. Only the North East and North West are exempt from the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) latest warning, which comes into force at 12pm on Wednesday and expires at 6pm on Sunday. The alert indicates that people with pre-existing health conditions, and those aged over 65, could be at higher risk. Check the weather forecast where you are Forecasters say the East of England is likely to see the highest temperatures, which wouldn't be far off the June record of 35.6C (90F) set in 1976. According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday. Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with "tropical nights" a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory. Those who aren't a fan of the heat will be pleased to know that high pressure is expected to move away early next week - meaning temperatures should fall. "However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK," Mr Holley added. The forecast means we are likely to see the hottest day of the year so far - eclipsing the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk. In a delicious twist, ice cream makers have said "it's their Christmas time", with some making fresh supplies around the clock. But the London Fire Brigade has warned that the hot weather, which follows one of the driest springs on record, also "greatly increases" the risk of wildfires that can spread rapidly. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures exceed a certain level for three days in a row - and thresholds vary from 25C to 28C (77F to 82F) across the UK. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New puppy boosts morale, lowers stress among Birmingport first responders
BIRMINGPORT, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingport Fire Department said cardiac arrest is the number one killer of firefighters. Firefighters said stress on the mind and body is a big contributor to deadly cardiac events. To help lower this stress among first responders, the Birmingport Fire Department has brought a new member on board. 'It's hard to imagine him not being around, and it's only been a few months that I've had him,' Birmingport Fire Chief Wade Holley said. Epi, short for Epinephrin, is a 6-month-old Boston Terrier who has already brought lots of smiles to Birmingport's firefighters. Holley adopted Epi, and he's quickly become the emotional support dog of the fire station. 'He's really become a tool for stress relief in the department,' Holley said. 'You have a bad call, you're having a bad day, all you have to do is come to the station and sit down on the recliner, and Epi's going to curl up next to you and lick you to death, and that just makes your day go better.' Birmingport firefighters said their days have gotten better with Epi around. 'Morale has changed dramatically over the last couple of months,' said Birmingport firefighter Ryan Ross. 'This is a small area, small community, but our department seems to be growing and progressing in a positive direction.' 'We've actually had an increase of volunteers coming and hanging out at the station not because of me,' Holley said. 'It's because of Epi. They want to come hang out with Epi and when we get a call, we have more people here at the station to respond immediately.' Brighton City Councilman Jerome McMullin charged with releasing video of double homicide during active investigation Epi might not be the stereotypical fire house dog. But despite being small, he helps in a big way. 'More than 100 years ago, Dalmatians were used in the fire service to keep away animals in the bay when they used horses to pull some of the carriages and things like that,' Ross said. 'This is our Dalmatian. This is our firehouse dog.' Epi's helping more than just the firefighters. Over the weekend, some kayakers capsized in Valley Creek in west Jefferson County. While the families waited at the department's fire station for their loved ones, Epi was there to comfort the children. 'When they came into the station, that family seemed pretty down, especially with the kids,' Ross said. 'They were kind of confused about what's going on and scared. It's a new environment. It's something new, and of course the dog was here. Bring Epi in, and it's just like that. You can definitely tell how the children seemed to react. They seemed to chill out little bit. They weren't so anxious.' Because Epi was present for most of the basic emergency medical technician classes this spring, the Birmingport Fire Department considers him an honorary EMT. 'They know when you're sick. They know when you're scared. They know when you're anxious,' Ross said. 'They want to sit in your lap. They're a huge comfort. They can definitely lower your blood pressure and stress. For me, coming by and seeing Epi cheer others up that may be down or have something going on, that makes me feel good.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
