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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic car brand to REVIVE ‘minimalistic' hatchback loved in the '80s – but with a modern twist
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MOTORISTS can now get their hands on an iconic '80s design - but with a modern twist. The car has been redesigned and modernised, while keeping all of the much-loved original features. 4 Skoda has reimagined its iconic Favorit hatchback, now with an electric engine 4 The front and rear lights use LED running lights and covers hiding the main beams 4 Its minimalist design was inspired by the 1987 original version Bringing it into the future with a new electric model, Skoda has reimagined their popular Favorit hatchback. The updated version is based on the original 1987 version, retaining its retro feel without cliche features. Its electric model was design by Ljudmil Slavov and took around 120 hours of his own time. He said: "I wanted to update the original idea for today, when various SUVs are popular." Ljudmil added: "A higher body structure allows for better battery placement in the floor." With a retro design to base the new model on, Ljudmil wanted to "evolve and elevate" the "already minimalistic" features of the 1987 hatchback. He described this process as "very challenging." "I sketched many versions, searched for the ideal shape of the grille and headlights, tried different perspectives and consulted a lot with colleagues," Ljudmil said. Some of the features are clearly paying homage to the original design. Its interior mirror some of the car's original design features, although we're yet to see photos of the specific design. The seats' headrests are modelled on the open-centred items in the retro model, while brown leather upholstery is used to reference 1980s fashion. Some of the features Skoda drivers have come to recognise in their newer models are missing, with the 'Tech Deck' face being a notable exclusion. Its wheels are inspired by the placeholders used when the wheels aren't a prominent part of the design. The front and rear lights have been modernised with LED running lights and covers hiding the main-beam lamps. Motorists might be surprised by the rear-hinged doors - a departure from the original design. This isn't the first time that Ljudmil has designed a car inspired by the Favorit - in the early 1990s he designed a rally version that achieved success in the World Rally Championship's F2 class. The rally design differed from the new passenger version as it was both lower and wider, with unpainted plastic bumpers. Over the last few years, Skoda has released several cars that were inspired by historic models. In 2021, they released cars inspired by the 1203 van, Voiturette A, Felica Cabriolet, 130RS and Popular Monte Carlo. Ljudmil was also responsible for designing the re-imagined Popular Monte Carlo.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car brand to REVIVE ‘minimalistic' hatchback loved in the '80s – but with a modern twist
MOTORISTS can now get their hands on an iconic '80s design - but with a modern twist. The car has been redesigned and modernised, while keeping all of the much-loved original features. 4 Skoda has reimagined its iconic Favorit hatchback, now with an electric engine 4 The front and rear lights use LED running lights and covers hiding the main beams 4 Its minimalist design was inspired by the 1987 original version Bringing it into the future with a new electric model, Skoda has reimagined their popular Favorit hatchback. The Its Read more Motors Ljudmil added: "A higher body structure allows for better battery placement in the floor." With a retro design to base the new model on, Ljudmil wanted to "evolve and elevate" the "already minimalistic" features of the 1987 hatchback. He described this process as "very challenging." "I sketched many versions, searched for the ideal shape of the grille and headlights, tried different perspectives and consulted a lot with colleagues," Ljudmil said. Most read in Motors Some of the Its interior mirror some of the car's original design features, although we're yet to see photos of the specific design. The seats' headrests are modelled on the open-centred items in the retro model, while brown leather upholstery is used to reference 1980s fashion. Some of the features Skoda drivers have come to recognise in their newer models are missing, with the Its wheels are inspired by the placeholders used when the wheels aren't a prominent part of the design. The front and rear lights Motorists might be surprised by the rear-hinged doors - a departure from the original design. This isn't the first time that Ljudmil has designed a car inspired by the Favorit - in the early 1990s he designed a rally version that achieved success in the World Rally Championship's F2 class. The rally design differed from the new passenger version as it was both lower and wider, with unpainted plastic bumpers. Over the last few years, Skoda has released several cars that were inspired by In 2021, they released cars inspired by the 1203 van, Voiturette A, Felica Cabriolet, 130RS and Popular Monte Carlo. Ljudmil was also responsible for designing the re-imagined Popular Monte Carlo. 4 Skoda has released several cars inspired by older models in recent years Credit: Alamy
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BP Begins Sale of Castrol in $20B Asset Divestment Strategy
BP plc BP, the UK-based energy major, has officially launched the sale of its Castrol lubricants business, marking a significant move in the British energy giant's plan to raise $20 billion by 2027 through asset sales. The divestment aims to streamline BP's portfolio and strengthen its financial footing amid strategic recalibration under CEO Murray Auchincloss. According to sources familiar with the matter, BP has enlisted Goldman Sachs to handle the sale process and has already circulated an information memorandum to potential strategic and private equity bidders. While BP declined to confirm specific details, it noted that its broader divestment program was "progressing," with $1.5 billion in deals already signed. Founded in 1899, Castrol is one of the world's most recognized lubricant brands, with operations spanning over 150 countries. It has also enjoyed a high-profile sponsorship history in motorsports, including partnerships in Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship. BP acquired Castrol in 2000 for approximately £3 billion, integrating it into its downstream business. The lubricants unit is now viewed as a valuable standalone asset. Analysts at Bernstein estimate that the sale could fetch $10-$11 billion, making it one of the largest in BP's current divestment pipeline. The Castrol sale is part of BP's broader restructuring effort, which includes evaluating several other non-core assets. This includes plans to divest the Gelsenkirchen refinery in Germany, retail operations in Austria, and a 50% stake in Lightsource bp — BP's solar energy joint venture. Bidders for the Lightsource stake are expected to be shortlisted in July. BP's asset sales decision followed as activist investor Elliott Management pressured the company for strategic changes and operational efficiencies. The move also reflects CEO Auchincloss' return to traditional hydrocarbons, cutting back on low-carbon investments in favor of boosting returns from oil and gas. Earlier reports indicated that Saudi Aramco had expressed interest in Castrol. While no bidder has been officially named, the commencement of the formal sale process and the hiring of Goldman Sachs signal increasing momentum. BP's divestment program will continue to be closely watched as the company seeks to realign its business mix and respond to investor calls for improved performance and strategic clarity. BP currently carries a Zack Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Investors interested in the energy sector may look at some better-ranked stocks like Subsea 7 S.A. SUBCY, Energy Transfer LP ET and RPC Inc. RES. Subsea 7 presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Energy Transfer and RPC carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Subsea 7helps build underwater oil and gas fields. It is a top player in the Oil and Gas Equipment and Services market, which is expected to grow as oil and gas production moves further offshore. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SUBCY's 2025 EPS is pegged at $1.31. The company has a Value Score of A. Energy Transfer is poised to benefit from long-term fee-based commitments. It is also focused on expanding operations through organic and inorganic initiatives. The firm is looking for solutions to meet growing energy demands from additional demand centers through its pipeline network. Energy Transfer's systematic investments should boost its total fractionation capacity at Mont Belvieu and raise its top line. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ET's 2025 EPS is pegged at $1.44. The company has a Value Score of A. RPC generates strong and stable revenues through a diverse range of oilfield services, including pressure pumping, coiled tubing and rental tools. The company is strongly committed to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividends and share buybacks. RPC's current dividend yield is higher than that of the composite stocks in the industry. Its new Tier IV dual-fuel fleet has boosted profits, with plans to further expand high-efficiency equipment to enhance operational capabilities. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RES' 2025 EPS is pegged at 38 cents. The company has a Value Score of A. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Energy Transfer LP (ET) : Free Stock Analysis Report RPC, Inc. (RES) : Free Stock Analysis Report Subsea 7 SA (SUBCY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research 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
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai Steel deepens ties with European partners at WRC Portugal
Hyundai Steel announced Tuesday that it had hosted a Customers Day event at the World Rally Championship in Portugal to highlight its advanced technologies and strengthen partnerships with key European clients. The event served as a platform for the Hyundai Motor affiliate to share its latest developments in automotive steel production, including progress on its US electric arc furnace project, the integration of electric arc and blast furnace technologies, and the performance of its low-carbon steel solutions. These presentations emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation in response to tightening global regulations. Following the technical briefing, participants visited the WRC service park where they viewed rally cars featuring Hyundai Steel's logo and materials. Clients were particularly interested in the application of the company's steel in major vehicle components. They later attended the rally itself, enjoying the race alongside motorsport fans from around the world. 'It was a valuable opportunity to learn firsthand about Hyundai Steel's advanced automotive steel and carbon-reduction technologies,' said one client representative. 'We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.' Hyundai Steel noted that the event was not only a chance to demonstrate its technological capabilities, but also to deepen trust and engagement with its European partners. "This was a meaningful opportunity to communicate our global competitiveness and reinforce our partnership with key clients," a company spokesperson said. The steelmaker, which has supported Hyundai Motorsport since 2015, plans to broaden its global outreach further. With Genesis set to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2026, Hyundai Steel expects to expand contact with potential customers on the global stage.
Belfast Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Josh McErlean hails job well done at Rally de Portugal: ‘It's been a really nice weekend and we have loved every moment of it'
On his favourite round of the FIA World Rally Championship, McErlean comfortably came out on the right side of a weekend-long battle with team-mate Gregoire Munster in the British squad's second Puma. Remarkably, despite the notoriously rough nature of the competitive route, the 25-year-old reported no major problems with his car, with this boding well for the next round in Sardinia from June 5 to 8. 'Honestly, it has been a really nice weekend and we have loved every moment of it,' reflected McErlean, whose resilience was rewarded with four morale-boosting World Rally Championship points. 'It has been a crazy rally as always; it is so nice to come to the finish clean and with some good times as well. 'It has been a very long and demanding weekend for car and crew, and to finish as the first Puma home is really nice. 'We learned a lot with the car and the tyres, and we will look to bring that forward into the Sardinia test this Wednesday, so we are straight back into it – there is not time for much rest, really. 'We took an approach this weekend that we wouldn't do so much on changing the car set-up. 'The other two guys, Gregoire and Martins Sesks, did a lot, but we largely stayed as we were and it worked out.' Co-driven by Vincent Landais, Ogier completed the four-day gravel classic 8.7 seconds up on Hyundai's Ott Tänak, with double World Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera a further 3.5 seconds back in third. Meanwhile, Kris Meeke's hard luck story at Rally de Portugal continued into a third successive year as suspension failure brought his 100 per cent win record in the Portuguese Championship to an end. Despite an incorrect tyre choice for the opening loop of four stages and picking up a puncture on stage six, Meeke and Stuart Loudon in their Sports & You Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 looked nailed on for victory. However, the harsh nature of the Iberian gravel roads eventually told when the left-rear corner on the Japanese supermini collapsed a few kilometres from the end of Friday's final stage. Although they crawled through 'Sever-Albergaria', they were unable to complete the 62-mile road section back to the city of Porto, meaning they relinquished top spot to Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver Pedro Almeida. 'The Yaris was perfect again, and the proof of that was the lead we managed to create throughout the day, but this wasn't the finish we wanted,' said Meeke, who is back in action at Rali de Castelo Branco on the weekend of June 13 and 14. 'Rallies are just like that, unfortunately. We know that we have an excellent car and an excellent team – and we are going to come back strong in the next round.'
