Latest news with #On
Courier-Mail
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ever-stricter speed limits, emissions controls, noise requirements and rising prices make life hard for those who live behind the wheel. Thankfully, there are a few sanctuaries where speed is celebrated, roaring engines are met with enthusiasm and incredible rare cars are everywhere. The best of them might be the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Set against the grand backdrop of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England, it draws more than 200,000 people to celebrate the full spectrum of motoring. From vintage race cars to legendary F1 machines, road cars and outlandish concepts, Goodwood has it all. Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: Bold plan to seduce millionaires As soon as you step through the iconic gates of Goodwood, you're immediately immersed in a breathtaking display of automotive evolution. Leading car manufacturers from around the world showcase cherished historic models alongside modern metal and revolutionary conceptsthat will shape the roads of tomorrow. I stood in awe, absorbing the atmosphere and watching historic cars conquer the iconic hill climb, and thought the event couldn't get any better. However, one moment sealed it in my memory forever. I strapped into the passenger seat of a Bentley Continental GT Speed for a ride up the hill. Bentley's GT Speed launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, and being in the thick of it was nothing short of heart-pounding. We hit over 180 km/h through corners, tyres screeching as the road tightened and twisted beneath us on the charge uphill. It was an unforgettable experience, one countless people dream of having. For me, it stands out as a truly prominent moment I will forever cherish. Adrian Newey driving the Lotus-Cosworth 49B during the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by) A McLaren-TAG MP4/4 driving at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by) MORE: Jet pilot tech to change Aussie cars But it was the slow parade back down the hill that captured my perception and revealed what makes this event truly special. As we crawled back towards the tent where the Bentley would be placed back on display, crowds lined the return route, and people began stepping closer. Phones came out, kids pointed, and some even leaned in for a better look, almost close enough to touch it. No barriers, no aggressively attentive marshals telling people off — just genuine excitement. This is what makes it so unique. Duncan Pittaway driving the FIAT S76 during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by) With unrestricted access, you are free to wander through rows of priceless machinery, talk to drivers and engineers, and soak in the atmosphere. It's a weekend for anyone and everyone. Whether that's claiming a long-sought-after autograph, turning your gaze skywards for an incredible aerial display, or staring in bewildered awe at a multimillion-dollar car as it muscles its way up the Goodwood hill. The sound is also truly unforgettable. You hear everything from the thunderous growl of classic V8 muscle cars to the high-pitched shriek of modern F1 engines to the crowd's cheer of approval. There's even the whizz of hyper-electric performance cars that may not sound as appealing, though their looks more than make up for it. Liam Lawson was also at the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by) Nigel Mansell driving the Williams FW14B Renault at Goodwood. (Photo by) MORE: Why 'dumb ute' incentives don't make sense The event also has a rally stage, an off-road area, a supercar corral, a concours, an auction, and an exhibition for vendors. The enthusiasts who attend the event in their wide variety of classic cars, sports cars, and supercars make the parking lot one of the best car shows you'll ever see. Goodwood is brilliant. If it isn't on your bucket list, I'd highly recommend adding it. Bentley's Bentayga Speed at Goodwood. Picture: Supplied Esteban Ocon doing donuts during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by) Whether you're a lifelong racing nut or just someone who appreciates a beautifully engineered machine, Goodwood has a way of pulling you in. Even if you don't know your GT40 from your GR Yaris, it's hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere. Originally published as What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
KeyBanc: Tariff-related price rises raising concerns about footwear affordability
-- Tariff-driven price increases are beginning to weigh on consumer sentiment around footwear, according to KeyBanc Capital Markets' second-quarter survey. While overall spending intentions improved, concerns over affordability are growing, particularly among younger and higher-income consumers, according to the bank. '80% of survey respondents noted that they have observed price increases due to tariffs,' KeyBanc wrote. Yet, 'only 19% reported they will keep their spending the same regardless of higher prices,' suggesting price sensitivity is likely to influence future purchase behavior. Footwear purchase intent is expected to remain strong heading into the back-to-school season, with 78% of respondents planning to buy new shoes within the next three months. Encouragingly, KeyBanc noted that 40% said they intend to increase their overall footwear spending, up 10 percentage points from the first quarter. Nike (NYSE:NKE) remained the most purchased and favorite brand, while On, HOKA, and Crocs (NASDAQ:CROX) ranked among the top six trending brands. KeyBanc added that premium brands appear better positioned in the current environment. 'We see continued resilience of the higher income cohort affecting ONON positively,' KeyBanc noted, adding that On has seen 'no demand elasticity from price increases' and continues with '$10+ increases across franchises.' Still, signs of a value-oriented shift are emerging. '81% of respondents indicated looking for some level of value-oriented products due to tariffs,' the report said, hinting at a possible trade down if affordability remains an issue. The running category showed mixed results, but KeyBanc remains upbeat about innovation-led brands. 'Winners in the category will be those that continue to innovate and bring newness to product pipelines,' analysts wrote, as the market grows increasingly competitive. Related articles KeyBanc: Tariff-related price rises raising concerns about footwear affordability Clients buying into summer rally, bracing for later pullback, says BofA's Hartnett After soaring 149%, this stock is back in our AI's favor - & already +25% in July
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore runners, rejoice: On opens store at Jewel as Asia revenues soar
[SINGAPORE] Any runner in Singapore will tell you this: Scoring a pair of On shoes in recent months has been a minor sport in itself. The Swiss sportswear brand, known for its cloud-like soles and slick minimalist designs, has become a breakout hit across running clubs and TikTok feeds. Social media traction has exploded, thanks to performance-forward models such as the Cloudmonster and fashion-friendly lines like the Cloudnova. Yet, walk into a shoe store such as RL2 by Running Lab or JD Sports – and you are likely to hear the sales assistant say: 'Sold out already.' Well, runners need not fret any more. On's flagship store in Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport is a gateway into the South-east Asian market. PHOTO: ON On has opened its first South-east Asia flagship store at Jewel Changi Airport – a two-storey, 9,300 square foot store that offers the full suite of On gear: from high-performance footwear and warm-weather training apparel to its lifestyle silhouettes and even a kids' collection. For the 15-year-old brand, the Singapore flagship is 'a strategic response to rising demand' and a way to deepen the brand's long-term presence in the region, said On CEO Martin Hoffman. It was created in partnership with Gill Capital, the Singapore-based regional operator for several international brands such as COS, H&M and Hershey's. The launch comes at a time of record-breaking growth for the Zurich-headquartered On. In 2024, On's revenue in Asia-Pacific grew 84 per cent to 260 million Swiss francs. In Q1 2025, it surged another 130 per cent year-on-year to 120.6 million Swiss francs (S$193.8 million), making Apac the company's highest-growth region by year-on-year performance. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up On CEO Martin Hoffman says Asia-Pacific is a primary focus, thanks to a stunning sales surge. PHOTO: ON Globally, On generated 2.32 billion Swiss francs in revenue in 2024, up 29 per cent from the previous year. Net profit more than tripled to 242 million Swiss francs. Hoffmann expects that a 'significant portion of our future growth will be driven by markets outside our more established regions', adding: 'Asia-Pacific is a primary focus – and we're just at the beginning of our journey here.' Inspired by Singapore's coastal running routes, the Singapore store's facade and interior mimic the movement of light bouncing off the sea and skyline, as seen through the eyes of a runner. Curved walls, kinetic lighting and greenery-inspired textures evoke motion and airiness. The flagship is split into two levels: Level one features hero products such as the Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner, as well as the Zendaya x On Zone Dreamers training collection. Level two houses casual models such as the Cloudtilt, performance tennis gear co-designed with Roger Federer, and a compact kids collection which signals On's family-friendly direction. The On store design is inspired by Singapore's coastal running routes. PHOTO: ON Beyond Singapore, On already operates a test store in Jakarta and is preparing to launch in Bangkok. Markets including Malaysia and the Philippines are under active consideration. 'Our strategy isn't about planting flags on a map,' Hoffmann told The Business Times. 'We grow thoughtfully, with the right partners and the right community. Whether it's direct to consumer or strategic local partnerships, it's about offering premium experiences with precision.' Currently, On has a presence in 80 countries. Hoffman added that while demand is high, supply will remain intentionally limited. 'We never discount. We don't chase volume. Even if we see that there is a strong momentum, we will always work through a protected supply. And we will not flood the market.' The store will also host the On Run Clun Singapore for running enthusiasts. PHOTO: ON The Jewel store will also serve as home base for the On Run Club Singapore, hosting weekly group runs, form clinics, injury prevention workshops and athlete meet-ups. 'Movement is a universal language,' said Hoffmann. 'And Singapore – with its vibrant fitness culture – is the perfect place to speak it.' One catch: On's sustainability programme Cyclon – a recyclable, subscription-based running shoe – is not yet available here due to logistical limitations of serving a small market like Singapore. Such a programme requires 'scale and infrastructure', Hoffmann noted. For now at least, the Singapore runners who have been chasing restocks for months can finally slip into the Clouds.
Courier-Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Bentley's EXP 15 concept previews luxury brand's electric future
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Bentley's drive for the future is as bold as its vehicles. A daring new concept car, the EXP 15, paves the road ahead for a brand that has juggled tech and tradition for decades. Though Bentley originally planned to release its first EV in 2025, we are still waiting to see what form that car will take. Like many brands, Bentley has pushed back its electrification plan to make sure it delivers something customers are ready for. Bentley's EXP 15 concept. Picture: Supplied Bentley factory in Crewe. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: Jet pilot tech tested for drivers The company is now focusing on a new goal of offering a complete line-up of electric vehicles by 2035. A key detail in the company's strategy is to ensure that the Bentley Dream Factory in Crewe is fully operational for EV production by the time they start rolling out their first EV product. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY Bentley has recently opened a new paint shop and an 'Excellence Centre for Quality and Launch', marking a significant milestone in transforming the 85-year-old site for a new era of electrification. Bentley says the new facilities aim to set a new benchmark in next-generation, digital, flexible, and high-value manufacturing operations. it is now shifting its focus to constructing a new logistics centre, with the completion timeline aimed for later this year. We still don't know much about the new full-electric vehicle being launched in 2026, except that it is a luxury urban SUV. Bentley's factory in Crewe. Picture: Supplied The brand prides itself on attention to detail. Picture: Supplied Bentley recently revealed the EXP 15 concept electric vehicle, which gives us the best idea yet of what the brand's first EV might look like. The EXP 15 draws design inspiration from the marque's renowned 'Blue Train' Speed Six of 1930 and features an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain that will ultimately replace its iconic V8 and W12 engines. Bentley's EXP 15 concept points to an electric future. Picture: Supplied The EXP 15 concept has bold styling. Picture: Supplied MORE: Luxury vans to shock Australia With its radical three-door layout and emphasis on tactile controls, the EXP 15 offers an exciting preview of Bentley's commitment to performance and luxury in an electric era. Bentley's design director Robin Page said the car is an opportunity to explore new approaches. 'It's clear the SUVs are a growing segment, and we understand the GT market (through four generations of Continental GT), but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing,' he said. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box design, and others again something more elevated. 'The EXP 15 falls somewhere in between, with raised ride height and a sloped fastback-style roof line, but many familiar elements from Bentley's two-door and four-door models.' At the front, slim vertical LED lights frame a bold new take on Bentley's iconic upright grille. Bentley has chosen to retain the upright grille as a way to maintain one of its most iconic design elements. Although electric vehicles do not require a grille for cooling, Page noted that the grille would evolve into a form of 'digital art.' EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) Behind it, it retains Bentley's signature 'endless' bonnet line, but rather than hiding a combustion engine, it conceals two luggage compartments beneath piano-hinged covers inspired by the 1930 Bentley Gurney Nutting coupe. The top of the bonnet also debuts Bentley's new logo. At the back of the car, the pillars beside the rear window taper inward, giving it a sleek 'boattail' shape that enhances the wide rear wheel arches. The tailgate features two high-mounted spoilers that connect seamlessly to slim, C-shaped tail-lights. These lights frame a new design element known as the 'Prestigious Shield,' which showcases the Bentley badge. Inside, the EXP 15 features a radical three-door, three-seat layout, which takes inspiration from the one-off 'Blue Train' Speed Six. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: The best car of the 21st century There's a single door on the driver's side in true coupe style, while the passenger side gets a two-door saloon set up. How does this configuration make logical sense? Well, according to the brand, it does. Here's why. Bentleys are traditionally bought by people who like to drive themselves and occasionally be driven. The least important seat in the car is the front passenger's, so it's been replaced with a luxury pet bed or additional luggage storage space. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) The dashboard is shaped like the Bentley wings and includes physical tactile switches, as customers are increasingly tired of digital buttons and prefer the responsiveness of physical controls. Bentley has not released specific technical details about the EXP 15's powertrain, but the confirmed all-wheel-drive electric system, likely featuring two motors, suggests that Bentley's future EVs will uphold their legacy of both performance and luxury. Although the EXP 15 is just a concept and won't be arriving at any dealerships in Australia, we can expect to see features from this innovative design integrated into the luxury brand's first electric vehicle. Originally published as How Bentley is preparing for the electrified era
Scoop
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NZ On Air Announces New Touring Support For Local Musicians
NZ On Air, with support from the NZ Music Commission, is proud to announce a new initiative to aid Aotearoa's music scene: the New Music Project Touring fund. This pilot fund is designed to help local artists take their music on the road, connecting with audiences across the motu through live performances to promote their album or EP release. The New Music Project Touring initiative will provide between $10,000 and $50,000 per successful application, depending on the scale of the tour, to support a headline national tour for an NZ On Air New Music Project-funded album or EP. A total of $500,000 will be available in this first pilot round. 'Live performance is a vital part of how audiences connect with music,' says NZ On Air Head of Music, Teresa Patterson. 'This initiative recognises the importance of touring to promote a new body of work, as well as building fanbases and audiences. We're excited to help more audiences across Aotearoa experience the incredible music being made right here.' The funding is open to artists who have received NZ On Air New Music Project (NMP) funding and have not yet released their project or announced a tour. It will cover a range of touring costs including transport, accommodation, marketing, production, venue hire and session musician fees. 'NMP funding supports the creation, release and promotion of new music and this initiative will support the live promotion of that music. We have been told by the music community that the cost of touring has become prohibitive, as it's a major financial undertaking with a lot of risk. This funding will help bridge the gap between recording and releasing music and reaching audiences.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Applications can be submitted by artists, managers, artist representatives, booking agents or tour promoters – with the requirement that funding must benefit the artist directly. The New Music Project Touring fund is led by NZ On Air and supported by the NZ Music Commission, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Aotearoa's music ecosystem. 'Live performance is an incredibly important part of building an audience for artists, so it is great that NZ On Air has committed these funds to help artists promote their recordings. This pilot programme will really help to maximise the promotion and grow audiences across Aotearoa for New Music Project recipients,' says Cath Andersen, Chief Executive of the NZ Music Commission. Artist manager Pippa Ryan-Kidd says that being able to add more ways for the industry to build visibility for new music releases is a great initiative. "In Aotearoa, our musicians are privileged to have opportunity to access funding through our various music industry bodies. This funding can allow for creation, promotion and the overall visibility of our music in Aotearoa today. This visibility is vitally important in today's market where global platforms dominate. We are incredibly grateful for these opportunities, and the New Music Project Programme is an important goal for many artists.'
