Latest News from Channel 4
France 24
18 minutes ago
- Automotive
- France 24
As Tesla stalls across Europe, sales rise in Norway
Norwegians have flocked back to the US brand as it offered zero-interest loans and a new Model Y, the best-selling car in the country for three months running. Norway is the country with the highest proportion of election vehicles (EV), making up 93.9 percent of new car registrations in May, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). EVs made up 92.7 percent of new car registrations in the first five months of the year. Tesla regained the title of leading car brand in the Scandinavian country in May, tripling its sales and accounting for 18.2 percent of new cars sold. For the first five months of the year, Tesla sales increased by 8.3 percent -- lower than the overall new car market which grew by 30.6 percent. Over that period, Tesla had a market share of 12.9 percent, second to German auto giant Volkswagen. Tesla sales fell by half in the European Union in April, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). The company's EU market share dropped to 1.1 percent amid growing competition from Chinese rivals and consumers protesting Musk's politics and ties to US President Donald Trump. "Looking at Tesla sales in Norway in May and for the year so far, we stand out from the rest of Europe, where sales of this brand have seen a noticeable decline," OFV director Oyvind Solberg Thorsen said in a statement. Jonathan Parr, an analyst at used-car dealer Rebil, told broadcaster TV2 that "ultimately, it's the price that Norwegian motorists care about most." "Norwegians don't like Musk but feel no shame owning a Tesla," Parr explained. In recent months, Norwegian media have nonetheless reported several stories of Tesla owners deciding to part ways with their cars or refrain from buying another Tesla. Norway, the largest oil producer in Western Europe, has adopted a goal that this year all new cars should be zero-emission vehicles.
News24
27 minutes ago
- General
- News24
Cradock Four inquest: Brutal murders were ‘calculated and premeditated', court told
Four anti-apartheid activists - Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto and Sicelo Mhlauli - were abducted and brutally murdered by apartheid security forces in June 1985. The families of the victims still seek justice 40 years later despite two previous inquests identifying security forces as responsible for the killings of the Cradock Four. The current inquest at the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha will continue until 12 June, including site visits to the Goniwe family home, Cradock Four Monument, and the scene of abduction. The murder of the Cradock Four by the apartheid regime's security forces was calculated and premeditated, the inquest into the deaths of the anti-apartheid activists heard on the first day of its reopening on Monday. The inquest is being held at the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha. Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto and Sicelo Mhlauli, popularly known as the Cradock Four, were abducted and viciously murdered by the South African security police in June 1985. This was after they were detained at a roadblock near Gqeberha. The first inquest was opened in 1987 and concluded in February 1989 with no prosecution. A second inquest in 1994 was presided by Judge Neville Zietsman who found security forces responsible for the murders and established that a case of suspicion had been made out against police officers and members of South African Defence Force (SADF). Despite the findings, no action was taken against them. On behalf of the families of the victims, Howard Varney from law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, said it was unfortunate that 40 years later, the families were still waiting for justice. Varney said the victims were murdered as part of apartheid regime's ruthless campaign against those mobilising resistance against the oppression. He added: These were four young men who had so much to offer South Africa. They were visionaries and leaders. They were deeply loved and treasured by their families, friends and comrades. 'We intend to demonstrate that the deaths of the Cradock Four were brought about by a way of a calculated and premeditated decision by the apartheid regime. It was meticulously planned by the security branch in an official operation.' Varney added that the Eastern Cape, Cradock in particular, was an epicentre of the fight back against apartheid. 'We believe that the role of the state security council in authorising or approving the elimination of the Cradock Four should be closely investigated by this inquest,' Varney added. Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, SC, who represents some Goniwe family members and the Cradock community, said there was a possibility the 'full truth' could be told in the third inquest. 'There is also a possibility of closure from a perspective of psychological trauma,' he added. The inquest, which is expected to continue until 12 June, will include an inspection in loco at the Goniwe family home in Nxuba (formerly Cradock), the Cradock Four Monument and the Olifantskop Pass - the scene of the abduction of the four, about 89km from Gqeberha. Families of the victims, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi attended the proceedings on Monday. Judge Nomathamsanqa Beshe said the purpose of an inquest was to establish whether the death of anyone who died of something other natural causes has been brought about by any act involving or amounting to an offence on the part of any person or persons. 'In the previously held inquests, the presiding officers concluded or held that the deaths of the Cradock Four were brought about by an unknown person or persons. I will be required to make a finding as to whether the deaths were brought about by an act or omission prima facie involving or amounting to an offence on the part of any person or persons.'
News24
27 minutes ago
- General
- News24
Runner dies after being struck by a tree
A woman died after being hit by a tree during the Slave Route Challenge this weekend. The 13th annual challenge took place on Sunday in Cape Town. Brewer, one of the organisers, said they are supporting the family in every way possible while also cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. A woman runner has tragically died after a tree unexpectedly fell in the Company's Garden area during the 13th annual Slave Route Challenge on Sunday in Cape Town. The incident happened while the woman was participating in the popular road race with 8 000 runners. The race aims to promote health, fitness, community participation and heritage awareness. Slave Route Challenge organiser Zarina Meyer Brewer said: 'It's a celebration of diversity and unity while also honouring the city's complex history, particularly the legacy of slavery in Cape Town'. According to Brewer, the incident happened during the 10- kilometre race along Government Avenue in the Company's Garden area, a historic public precinct in the heart of Cape Town. A tree unexpectedly fell on the route, striking the participant. Brewer added that despite the swift response of emergency services and transferring the victim to the hospital, the runner sadly passed away. The Company's Garden and its surrounding public spaces fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town, which is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the area. Regarding the possibility of compensating the family of the deceased, Brewer said they are focusing on supporting the family in every way possible while also cooperating fully with relevant authorities. Any compensation discussions are private and sensitive and will be handled respectfully through the proper channels. Although 8000 people took part in the event across all race categories, Brewer said the completion numbers are still being consolidated, even though many registered participants completed their respective distances. According to Brewer, the Slave Route Challenge is more than a sports event; it is a cultural and commemorative annual road running and walking event that includes multiple distances, typically a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km run/big walk and a 5km fun run/walk to make it accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages. In this year's challenge, runners ran through landmarks that tied to the city's history of slavery and resilience, from the Slave Tree, District Six, Bo-Kaap, to Pentz Street, fondly dubbed 'Koesister Hill' in the Bo Kaap.
News24
27 minutes ago
- Business
- News24
SA's aviation plan ‘shortsighted' for lacking focus on biofuel production
Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now
France 24
30 minutes ago
- Science
- France 24
French mathematician Michel Broué on giving free online lectures to Gaza students
A well-known French mathematician who has given a free lecture to students in Gaza online has spoken of his delight at being part of a new programme aiming to ensure that education for Gazans continues. While media coverage of Gaza often features attacks on hospitals and schools, the organisation Academic Solidarity with Palestine says that at least 12 universities and colleges have also been destroyed, along with nearly 100 university professors killed. Michel Broué is now one of a series of high-profile academics – including Nobel Prize winners – who are giving their time in a bid to ensure education in the enclave does not die. He spoke to us in Perspective.
