Latest news with #Irvine
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
KIA AMERICA POSTS EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR SALES GROWTH
• 79,007 units sold in May, a 5-percent increase compared to previous year • Best-ever May performances for Telluride, Sportage, Carnival, and K4 • 2026 EV9 Nightfall Edition and EV9 GT-Line with two-tone roof now available in showrooms IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America delivered 79,007 total units in May – up 5-percent over the same period last year – and extended the fast-growing brand's streak of consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth to eight. Retail sales at Kia dealerships increased by 8-percent over May 2024 and are up 15-percent year-to-date, reinforcing the company's continuous growth trajectory in the marketplace. The Carnival MPV, which introduced a new hybrid model last year, saw a significant sales increase of 68-percent year-over-year. Additionally, popular SUV models such as Telluride (+12-percent) and Sportage (+10-percent), along with the sporty K4 sedan (+4-percent), all achieved their highest-ever May sales. "As the second half of the year approaches, Kia's market competitiveness continues to strengthen with eight consecutive months of sales growth. Kia's diverse powertrain lineup, including ICE, hybrids, and EVs, coupled with the strong and sustained customer interest in the brand's Telluride, Sportage, Carnival MPV, and K4 models have been some of the key drivers of the company's continued sales growth," said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. "And we anticipate this growth trajectory will continue with the 2026 EV9 Nightfall Edition and EV9 GT-Line with two-tone roof now available in showrooms nationwide. With new design elements – including a new two-tone roof, as well as enhancements in driving range and performance – the upgraded EV9 Nightfall Edition and the EV9 GT-Line with two-tone roof are set to better meet the expectations of customers looking for a three-row, all-electric SUV." In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America announced several initiatives, including: Kia America announced through its "Accelerate the Good" Dealer Match program, the company and its nationwide network of retailers raised a total of $4.6 million for non-profit organizations in 2024, including donations totaling more than $1.5 million each to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® and No Kid Hungry®. Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to provide critical support for a wide variety of causes across the United States. The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid has been recognized in list of Best Hybrids for the Money, taking the win in the Compact SUV category. This latest accolade marks the second consecutive year the Sportage Hybrid has been recognized. The Kia K4 sedan has been named a 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award winner. The annual Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition evaluates new or heavily redesigned vehicle interiors and user-experience technology, with scoring based on a variety of metrics including design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, fit-and-finish, connectivity and infotainment, displays and controls, as well as advanced driver assist systems and value. For the 2025 awards, 34 vehicles were OF MAY MAY YTD Model 2025 2024 2025 2024 EV9 37 2187 4,016 7766 EV6 801 2,660 5,190 8,770 K4/Forte 13,870 13,132 63,970 59,115 K5 6,957 1,950 28,951 9,036 Soul 5,043 5,740 21,389 23,900 Niro 2,354 4,215 9,820 14,721 Seltos 5,254 6,460 20,677 26,915 Sportage 17,063 15,512 74,536 66,537 Sorento 9,093 8,826 43,888 39,738 Telluride 11,560 10,315 52,267 44,842 Carnival 6,975 4,151 27,952 17,277 Total 79,007 75,156 352,656 320,531 Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at * Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kia America Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander: Blood of My Blood stars tease Claire Fraser's parents' 'tragic' romance
Outlander: Blood of My Blood stars Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine have teased what's to come for their doomed romance Warning - this article contains major spoilers for Outlander: Blood of My Blood The newest additions to the Outlander cast have provided insight into the tragic love story of Claire Fraser's (portrayed by Caitriona Balfe) parents in the forthcoming prequel series. Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine are set to bring Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp to life in the highly anticipated Blood of My Blood, which explores their romance amidst the turmoil of World War I. This narrative unfolds in tandem with the 18th-century Scottish union of Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater). During a panel discussion marking World Outlander Day, where they were joined by established cast members including Jamie Fraser star Sam Heughan, Corfield and Irvine dropped hints about the heart-wrenching plot twists awaiting viewers. Balfe posed a question to her new on-screen family, inquiring, "I have a question, why did you leave me?", reports the Scottish Daily Express. Irvine revealed that after Claire's birth, the couple embarks on a "romantic trip" to Scotland. In a lighthearted jibe, he quipped, "You were a f****** nightmare when you were a child, right? We needed a break." Continuing in a humorous tone, he fumbled through an explanation, "We leave you... we go off on a holiday... good point." In response, Balfe teased, "Claire has abandonment issues and I want them sorted right now!" Irvine followed up by explaining, "We love Claire but after everything our characters had been through, we wanted to go on a holiday just us." Newly released clips from the series have confirmed that a significant portion of the drama will unfold on the WWI battlefields, suggesting that Julia and Henry will be in dire need of respite post-conflict. However, viewers should brace themselves as the peace is unlikely to last. Early on in the original series, it's revealed that Claire has scant knowledge about her parents due to their untimely demise in a car accident when she was merely five years old. Should Blood of My Blood extend over several seasons, it's plausible that the series finale might climax with this heartbreaking incident, resulting in Julia and Henry's daughter being brought up by her uncle. Yet, given the recurrent theme of time travel in Outlander, could there be a possibility of a supernatural twist enabling them to survive in a different era? Fans are eagerly awaiting further revelations. In the meantime, the main series still has one more season left to conclude Claire and Jamie's extraordinary love journey through the ages.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Mary Campbell Joins Alliant Insurance Services' Northwest Benefits Team
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 2, 2025-- Mary Campbell has joined Alliant Insurance Services as Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Campbell brings nearly three decades of experience designing and deploying alternative funding strategies for large, multi-state employers. 'Mary is a strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver long-term value and creative solutions for her clients,' said Kevin Overbey, President, Alliant Employee Benefits. 'She brings both deep technical knowledge and a collaborative approach that builds trust and drives results.' Campbell joins Alliant with a multifaceted background spanning strategy development and implementation, federal and state compliance, and keeps current on innovative solutions for her clients. She is highly regarded for her ability to balance enterprise-wide strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving. Prior to joining Alliant, Campbell served as a benefits consultant with a national insurance brokerage and employee benefits firm. A recognized thought leader in the industry, she has authored numerous articles and is a frequent speaker at industry events. Campbell earned her bachelor's degree in communication from Portland State University. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services marks a century of success as the nation's leading specialty broker. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of risk solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is complex, and Alliant meets this complexity head-on with creativity and agility. Alliant has changed the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, giving them complete access to our resources and expertise—regardless of where the resource is located—to capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations and their people. Alliant is recognized as a leading destination for top-tier brokerage talent in the U.S., attracting brokers and specialists across a diverse spectrum of disciplines who are eager to advance their careers. With the advantage of being majority employee-owned, professionals choose Alliant for autonomy, unparalleled resources, and a unique equity ownership opportunity. As a testament to our commitment to excellence, Alliant maintains an impressive 99% producer retention rate and has earned Forbes' prestigious title of one of America's Best Large Employers. Visit us at View source version on CONTACT: Nick Kopinga First Vice President Corporate Marketing and Communications (949) 260-5004 [email protected] KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSULTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INSURANCE FINANCE SOURCE: Alliant Insurance Services Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/02/2025 08:05 AM/DISC: 06/02/2025 08:03 AM
ITV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
Correct offences prosecuted in Winston Irvine case, Northern Ireland prosecutors insists
The correct offences were prosecuted in the case of a leading loyalist who was jailed for firearms offences, Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has Irvine was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with half to be served in jail, at Belfast Crown Court last month following an incident where firearms and ammunition were found in the boot of his avoided a statutory five-year sentence on several of the charges he faced after Judge Gordon Kerr KC ruled that there were 'exceptional circumstances' in his case, namely Irvine's 'work for peace and his charity work in the community'.The PPS has previously said it is considering whether there is any legal basis to appeal the the length of Irvine's sentence and the fact that he and his co-accused Robin Workman were not prosecuted for terrorism offences have attracted criticism from some a statement, the PPS said it understood the public interest relating to the sentences but said some of the 'recent commentary on and coverage of this case has contained a number of factual inaccuracies'.It said the charges were brought under the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order PPS statement added: 'Consideration was given to whether additional offences should be prosecuted.'After careful consideration of all the evidence submitted by police, it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute either defendant for any additional offence, including a terrorist offence, such as membership of a proscribed organisation.'To prosecute for such an offence, there needs to be admissible evidence upon which a court could be sure that a defendant is a member, and not merely an associate of members of a proscribed organisation, or a supporter of any such organisation.'Statements in the media in relation to a defendant's alleged position within a proscribed organisation do not constitute admissible evidence.'The PPS is satisfied that the correct offences were prosecuted in this case.' Irvine, 49, of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast and Workman, 54, of Shore Road in Larne, County Antrim, had both previously admitted possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm offences were committed on June 8 2022, when Workman transported a quantity of weapons and ammunition to the Glencairn area of Belfast in his van, which were then put into the boot of Irvine's Volkswagen Tiguan car.A short time later, Irvine's vehicle was stopped by police in Disraeli Street.A long-barrelled firearm, two suspected pistols, several magazines and a large quantity of ammunition were discovered inside a bag in the the judge noted that UVF paraphernalia was found in the homes of both defendants, he did not consider that there was a terrorist link to the weapons that were PPS statement said that while sentencing is a matter for the independent judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions is currently giving consideration to referring the sentences as 'unduly lenient'.The statement added: 'The full sentencing remarks and submissions are being obtained, and the advice of senior counsel sought, to assist in determining whether there is a proper legal basis to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.'A decision to refer must be taken within 28 days of the date on which the sentence was imposed.'The date by which a referral must be made in this case is June 17.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nicola Sturgeon news, interviews and updates on the former first minister
NICOLA Sturgeon is a former first minister of Scotland who served from 2014 to 2023. Sturgeon is Scotland's longest-serving first minister and made history as the first woman in Bute House. During her time in politics, she held a range of positions within the Scottish Government. She was first elected to Holyrood in 1999 and joined the SNP at the age of 16. Born in Irvine in 1970, Sturgeon worked as a solicitor at Drumchapel Law Centre before becoming an MSP, having graduated with a law degree from the University of Glasgow. Read on for all the latest Nicola Sturgeon news, interviews and updates on the former first minister. As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest Nicola Sturgeon news stories. Sturgeon: Law may need to change after Supreme Court ruling Hunter: SNP should look to low tax Singapore for inspiration Nicola Sturgeon: Prime Minister's immigration comments 'dumb politics' Nicola Sturgeon thanked her friends and supporters during an event at Glasgow's King's Theatre on March 22, saying she 'wouldn't have got through' the past two years without their help. The former First Minister's comments came just two days after she was cleared of any wrongdoing in Police Scotland's long-running investigation into SNP finances, known as Operation Branchform. Nicola Sturgeon during a devolution event in Edinburgh (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sturgeon was speaking at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, where she appeared in conversation with acclaimed crime writer Val McDermid. The pair were recieved a standing ovation as they walked on stage to The Who's I'm Free. Nicola Sturgeon announced in an Instagram post her decision to step down as an MSP from Holyrood at the 2026 elections. She said she would not seek re-election next May. Nicola Sturgeon was born on 19 July 1970 in Dreghorn, North Ayrshire, and is 54 years old. She was previously married to Peter Murrell, the SNP's former chief executive. The couple met in 1988 at an SNP youth weekend and married in the summer of 2010. On 13 January, Sturgeon announced their separation, revealing they had 'been separated for some time.' In an Instagram post, she wrote: 'With a heavy heart, I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.' Nicola Sturgeon with Peter Murrell (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) "To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are. "It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will." Sturgeon is the eldest of two siblings. Her younger sister, Gillian, previously worked as an NHS nurse before later becoming a tarot card reader. Gillian has claimed their parents were subjected to 'abuse' following Sturgeon's resignation as First Minister. Sturgeon shares a close friendship with crime writer Val McDermid, who publicly showed her support after the former First Minister was cleared of any wrongdoing in the police investigation into the SNP's finances. Nicola Sturgeon and Val McDermid (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sturgeon was also close to Scottish comedian Janey Godley, who rose to viral fame during the pandemic with her humorous voiceovers of the First Minister's coronavirus briefings. Godley passed away in 2024 at the age of 63, following a long battle with ovarian cancer. Sturgeon shared an emotional tribute to the late comedian in an Instagram post. 'Knowing for the past few weeks that this moment was fast approaching didn't make it any less heartbreaking to hear the news early this morning that Janey had died. 'Janey Godley truly was a force of nature, and one of the funniest people I have ever known.' Nicola Sturgeon served in senior roles within the SNP and Scottish Government. She was first elected as a regional MSP for Glasgow in 1999 and remained in this position until 2007 when she became the MSP for Glasgow Govan. When this seat was abolished, she went on to represent Glasgow Southside in the 2011 election. As well as her work as MSP and First Minister, Sturgeon held several senior positions within both the SNP and the Scottish Government. She served as the cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing from 2007 to 2012, then as the cabinet secretary for infrastructure, capital investment, and cities until 2014. She was the depute leader of the SNP from 2004 to 2014 and deputy First Minister from 2007 to 2014. Nicola Sturgeon served as Scotland's first female First Minister for more than eight years, making her the longest-serving First Minister in the Scotland's history. She started her term on November 20, 2014, after Alex Salmond resigned following the 2014 independence referendum. Despite losing her majority in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, she formed a minority government and secured a second term. In the 2021 election, the SNP fell one seat short of a majority. They later announced the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens, creating a pro-independence majority at Holyrood. Sturgeon led Scotland through significant events, including the Brexit vote in 2016 and the Covid-19 pandemic. She was also in charge when Scotland's gender reform legislation passed, although this was later blocked by the UK Government. She stepped down from her position as first minister in 2023. Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation on February 15, 2023. She stepped down as both Scotland's first minister and SNP leader. She hinted that the "brutality" of modern political life played a significant role in her decision. In her resignation speech, Sturgeon said: "In my head and heart I know my time is now. "Today I am announcing my intention to stand down as first minister and leader of my party." Her departure led to Humza Yousaf taking the helm. Humza Yousaf (Image: Jane Barlow/PA)However, Yousaf later resigned after dismantling the Bute House Agreement. He was succeeded by John Swinney, who had previously served as Sturgeon's deputy for several years. Nicola Sturgeon was arrested in connection with the probe into SNP finances after stepping down as first minister. The former SNP leader was taken into custody and later released without charge. Her ex-husband, Peter Murrell, who was the former SNP chief executive, has been charged with embezzling party funds and was taken into custody for questioning. After her arrest, Sturgeon said she is innocent "beyond doubt" and said she was "just getting on with life as best I can." Nicola Sturgeon has said she remains "as confident as ever" about Scottish independence. Failing to convince Scots to back independence was, she told The Herald, the biggest regret in her 27-year Holyrood career. I asked Nicola Sturgeon what unfinished business she'll look back on in her dotage and wished she'd achieved. — Andrew Learmonth (@andrewlearmonth) March 12, 2025 Nicola Sturgeon: 'I've dedicated my life to trying to make Scotland a better place' Reflecting on Scotland's 10-year journey since the 2014 referendum, Sturgeon — who served as Alex Salmond's deputy during the campaign — wrote in the Daily Record: "Progress can sometimes feel glacial until suddenly it is not. I believe the same will be true of Scotland's journey to independence. I am as confident as ever that we will get there, and sooner than might seem likely right now." Alex Salmond (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sturgeon had previously announced plans for a second referendum on October 19, 2023. However, this required formal consent from the UK Government, leading to a UK Supreme Court hearing on whether Holyrood could legally legislate for a referendum without Westminster's approval. The court concluded that the Scottish Parliament could not hold a referendum without the consent of Westminster. Sturgeon recently revealed the title and release date of her memoirs. She announced on Instagram on March 19 as pre-orders for the book opened. She said her memoirs will be open and candid about her 'mistakes and heartbreaks' as well as her 'triumphs'.
