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Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Houston Boston Partners Expands AutoShop Answers Leadership, Appoints Award Winning Cinematographer Joshua Spires as Creative Director & General Managing Partner of AutoShop Media
Fortune 500 Level Infrastructure Driving Innovation, Storytelling, AI Integration, and Growth Across the Nation's Largest and Most Advanced Independent Automotive Service Platform HOUSTON, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Boston Partners (HBP), the nation's largest platform of world class, independently owned automotive service centers, today announced the appointment of award winning cinematographer Joshua Spires as Creative Director and General Managing Partner of AutoShop Media, the cinematic media division of the AutoShop Answers family of businesses. This strategic leadership move enhances HBP's Fortune 500 level infrastructure, delivering fully integrated solutions to independent automotive companies nationwide from elite recruiting and advanced technical training to cinematic media production and AI powered business coaching. Award Winning Storyteller with Global Credentials A Houston and Boston native, Spires brings 18 years of international cinematography excellence and a BA in Film from the University of North Texas. His award winning portfolio spans feature films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and premium real estate productions, earning global recognition for both cinematography and photography. An FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot, Spires adds breathtaking aerial perspectives to his work. Before joining AutoShop Media, he served as a Professor of Cinematography at Houston Christian University, mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers. 'Josh is an extraordinary talent and an even better leader,' said Todd Hayes, Co-Founder of Houston Boston Partners and AutoShop Answers. 'His creative mastery will set a new benchmark for how automotive businesses engage customers, recruit talent, and tell their story.' AutoShop Media: Raising the Standard in Automotive Marketing AutoShop Media delivers full service, industry specific media solutions to help independent auto repair and service shops dominate competitive markets. Services include cinematic shop tours, high impact recruitment videos, brand defining social media content, targeted advertising campaigns, and custom visual storytelling that drives measurable growth. Under Spires leadership, the division will produce bold, unforgettable media designed to elevate customer engagement, brand loyalty, and market share. AutoShop Answers: Fortune 500 Execution for Independent Operators HBP operates with Fortune 500 grade business systems, giving independent operators the infrastructure typically reserved for national chains. The AutoShop Answers ecosystem includes: 'Our mission is simple,' Hayes added. 'Deliver Fortune 500 execution to the auto hospitality industry. By providing every essential operational tool from AI integration to recruitment to cinematic brand storytelling we empower our partner shops to deliver world class Auto Hospitality™ to every customer, every time.' About Houston Boston Partners Houston Boston Partners is the nation's largest platform of world-class, independently owned automotive service centers, generating more than $100 million in annual revenue while setting new benchmarks for profitability, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction in the automotive service industry. About AutoShop Answers AutoShop Answers is a nationwide automotive platform providing advanced training, recruiting, media, AI integration, and business solutions to the industry's top performing service centers. Its mission is to help automotive businesses thrive through innovation, strategy, and the infrastructure necessary for sustained long term success. For More Information, Contact: Todd Westerlund [email protected] (925) 980-8012 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Autoshop Answers
TimesLIVE
11-08-2025
- TimesLIVE
How Samsung washing machines make every drop of detergent count
Laundry has always been about detergent and water. But what if the secret to cleaner clothes wasn't just about what you use — but how you use it? With the OMO Wash Days campaign, Samsung is shining a spotlight on the hidden power of its intelligent washing machines, showing how features like EcoBubble, AI Wash, and Auto Dispense are transforming the humble laundry cycle into a smarter, more sustainable routine. Rethinking detergent performance Too often, detergent is not optimally used, leading to ineffective cleaning, and sometimes, clothing fabric damage. Samsung's technology reimagines how detergent works by maximising its potential through engineering precision and smart automation. EcoBubble: Cool water cleaning that works Samsung's EcoBubble technology pre-mixes detergent with air and water to create a soapy foam before the wash even begins. These bubbles penetrate fabrics faster and more evenly, activating the cleaning agents at lower temperatures. Why it matters: Enables effective soil removal in cool water, thus reducing energy usage. Prevents shrinkage and colour fading in delicate items. Ensures detergent is fully activated and absorbed. AI Wash: Intelligent cycles that think for you AI Wash uses four smart sensors to detect load weight, fabric type, soil levels, and water clarity, then automatically adjusts water, detergent, and cycle duration in real time. User benefits: Convenience and intelligent cycles that think for you. Washes tailored to the exact condition of each load. Takes care of your clothes and washes them thoroughly and gently. This is laundry care that adapts to your lifestyle — and to every sock, shirt, or school uniform you throw in the drum. Auto Dispense: fill once, many washes Measuring cups are a thing of the past. Samsung's Auto Dispense feature holds detergent and softener in dedicated compartments, then automatically dispenses the perfect amount for each load. Why it works: Helps to eliminate detergent waste. Reduces the chance of detergent residue on clothing. Can run for multiple loads without needing a refill — ideal for busy homes. SmartThings AI Energy mode You can monitor and reduce your energy usage with AI Energy mode, which lets you easily check the power consumption and estimates your electricity bill. For certain cycles, it reduces energy use by over 19% with the same performance, by reducing the use of a heater and increasing the cycle time. Flex Auto Dispense System Get great washing results with less effort, thanks to the Flex Auto Dispense System. It automatically dispenses the optimal amount of detergent and softener for each load, based on the cycle and load size. The system is compatible with a variety of detergents and softeners and can store enough for up to 25 loads — or up to 47 loads when using detergent only in the Flex Dispense7 compartment. The OMO Wash Days campaign aligns with Samsung's broader commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and intelligent living. Together with trusted, low-suds eco-detergents like OMO, Samsung's washing machines make detergent work smarter to reduce waste and simplify daily life. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or you don't want to continue wasting water and detergent, Samsung's smart laundry innovations ensure that every drop of detergent delivers maximum impact — with less effort, less waste, and better results.
CNBC
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- CNBC
Tesla Robotaxi scores permit to run ride-hailing service in Texas
Tesla has been granted a permit to run a ride-hailing business in Texas, allowing the electric vehicle maker to compete against companies including Uber and Lyft. Tesla Robotaxi LLC is licensed to operate a "transportation network company" until August 6, 2026, according to a listing on the website of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or TDLR. The permit was issued this week. Elon Musk's EV company has been running a limited ride-hailing service for invited riders in Austin since late June. The select few passengers have mostly been social media influencers and analysts, including many who generate income by posting Tesla fan content on platforms like X and YouTube. The Austin fleet consists of Model Y vehicles equipped with Tesla's latest partially automated driving systems. The company has been operating the cars with a valet, or human safety supervisor in the front passenger seat tasked with intervening if there are issues with the ride. The vehicles are also remotely supervised by employees in an operations center. Musk, who has characterized himself as "pathologically optimistic," said on Tesla's earnings call last month that he believes Tesla could serve half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025 with autonomous ride-hailing services. The Texas permit is the first to enable Tesla to run a "transportation network company." TDLR said Friday that this kind of permit lets Tesla operate a ride-hailing business anywhere in the state, including with "automated motor vehicles," and doesn't require Tesla to keep a human safety driver or valet on board. Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. As CNBC previously reported, Tesla robotaxis were captured on camera disobeying traffic rules in and around Austin after the company started its pilot program. None of the known incidents have been reported as causing injury or serious property damage, though they have drawn federal scrutiny. In one incident, Tesla content creator Joe Tegtmeyer reported that his robotaxi failed to stop for a train crossing signal and lowering gate-arm, requiring a Tesla employee on board to intervene. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has discussed this incident with Tesla, a spokesperson for the regulator told CNBC by email. Texas has historically been more permissive of autonomous vehicle testing and operations on public roads than have other states. A new law signed by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott goes into effect this year that will require AV makers to get approval from the state before starting driverless operations. The new law also gives the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles the authority to revoke permits if AV companies and their cars aren't complying with safety standards. Tesla's AV efforts have faced a number of challenges across the country, including federal probes, product liability lawsuits and recalls following injurious or damaging collisions that occurred while drivers were using the company's Autopilot and FSD (Full Self-Driving) systems. A jury in a federal court in Miami last week determined that Tesla should hold 33% of the liability for a fatal Autopilot-involved collision. And the California DMV has sued Tesla, accusing it of false advertising around its driver assistance systems. Tesla owners manuals say the Autopilot and FSD features in their cars are "hands on" systems that require a driver ready to steer or brake at any time. But Tesla and Musk have shared statements through the years saying that a Tesla can "drive itself." Since 2016, Musk has been promising that Tesla would soon be able to turn all of its existing EVs into fully autonomous vehicles with a simple, over-the-air software update. In 2019, he said the company would put 1 million robotaxis on the road by 2020, a claim that helped him raise $2 billion at the time from institutional investors. Those promises never materialized and, in the robotaxi market, Tesla lags way behind competitors like Alphabet's Waymo in the U.S. and Baidu's Apollo Go in China. Tesla shares are down 18% this year, by far the worst performance among tech's megacaps.
Economic Times
06-08-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Bajaj Auto Q1 Results: Cons profit jumps 14% YoY to Rs 2,210 crore; revenue rises 10%
Automaker Bajaj Auto on Wednesday reported its Q1 results for the financial year 2026, posting a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2,210 crore, up from Rs 1,942 crore in Q1FY25, marking a 14% year-on-year (YoY) increase. ADVERTISEMENT The company also reported a 10% YoY rise in revenue from operations, which stood at Rs 13,133 crore, compared to Rs 11,932 crore in the same period last year. The surge in revenue was driven by strong double-digit growth in exports, premium motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and the Chetak EV. The company reported a strong quarterly profit performance, with EBITDA at approximately Rs 2,500 crore. The EBITDA margin stood at 19.7%, down 50 basis points quarter-on-quarter, primarily due to lower dollar realisations during the the impact was largely offset by an improved product mix and operating leverage, which helped cushion the effects of commodity Auto stated that it maintained a healthy balance sheet and continued its strong track record of free cash flow generation, adding approximately Rs 1,200 crore during the quarter. ADVERTISEMENT Surplus funds stood at Rs 16,726 crore, even after a capital infusion of Rs 300 crore into Bajaj Auto Credit to support the expansion of its loan book, and Rs 1,525 crore into Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, Netherlands, to partially fund the KTM Austria transaction. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
Mint
06-08-2025
- Business
- Mint
Best stock recommendations today: MarketSmith India's top picks for 6 August
Technically, the Nifty 50 continues to find support at its 100-EMA, providing short-term stability. The RSI has been moving sideways and is currently positioned at 40, indicating a lack of momentum. Additionally, the MACD remains in a negative crossover, trading below both its signal line and the zero axis. This combination of indicators suggests a cautious near-term outlook, with momentum still subdued. A strong reversal seems unlikely unless the index decisively breaks through key resistance levels, accompanied by sustained buying pressure. Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India: Bharti Airtel Ltd (current price: ₹1,931.8) Why It's recommended: Strong financial performance, diversified business model, technological advancements, and international expansion Key metrics: P/E: 40.44 | 52-week high: ₹2,045.80 | Volume: ₹996.80 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 50-DMA Risk factors: Regulatory and legal risks, geopolitical and currency risks in international markets, operational and strategic risks Buy: ₹1,912–1,970 Target price: ₹2,090 in two to three months Stop loss: ₹1,850 Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (current price: ₹968) Why it's recommended: Strong government backing and market position, healthy capacity utilization and operating scale, diversified product mix and engineering services Key metrics: P/E: 3,645.33 | 52-week high: ₹1,070 | Volume: ₹134.93 crore Technical analysis: Downward-sloping trendline breakout Risk factors: Regulatory and subsidy risk, feedstock constraints and input cost pressures Buy at: ₹955–970 Target price: ₹1,060 in two to three months Stop loss: ₹925 How Nifty 50 performed on 5 August Indian equity indices gave up part of their previous session's gains to end lower, with the Nifty closing below 24,700, pressured by broad-based sectoral selling, barring Auto stocks. The Nifty 50 declined 73.20 points, or 0.30%, to settle at 24,649.55. After a muted start, markets slipped into the red following recent statements from the US President. The Nifty briefly fell below 24,600 during intraday trade. However, selective buying in Auto stocks helped pare some of the losses. Sector-wise, the Nifty Auto rose 0.4%, emerging as the lone gainer, while Banking, IT, Oil and Gas, FMCG, and Pharma sectors declined around 0.5% each. In today's trade, both benchmark indices declined in three of the last four trading sessions, resuming their downward trend after Monday's brief pause. Technically, the Nifty 50 continues to find support at its 100-EMA, providing short-term stability. The RSI has been moving sideways and is currently positioned at 40, indicating a lack of momentum. Additionally, the MACD remains in a negative crossover, trading below both its signal line and the zero axis. This combination of indicators suggests a cautious near-term outlook, with momentum still subdued. A strong reversal seems unlikely unless the index decisively breaks through key resistance levels, accompanied by sustained buying pressure. According to O'Neil's methodology of market direction, market status has been downgraded to an "Uptrend Under Pressure" as the Nifty breached its "50-DMA" and the "distribution day count" rose to seven. The index continues to exhibit a consolidation pattern, trading firmly above its 100-EMA and oscillating within 24,500-24,800. A decisive breakout above 24,900 could signal renewed bullish momentum, potentially propelling the index toward 25,300. On the downside, immediate support lies in 24,480-24,400, where buying interest may emerge. However, a breach below this range could open the door for a corrective move toward 24,200. Price behaviour around these critical levels will be key in shaping the index's near-term trajectory. How Nifty Bank performed yesterday On Tuesday, the Nifty Bank opened on a weak note and experienced heightened volatility throughout the session. The index remained in negative territory and closed 259 points (-0.47%) lower. It formed a bearish candle on the daily chart, reflecting a lower-high and lower-low price structure. The index opened at 55,545.05 and traded within a narrow range, reaching a high of 55,648.15 and a low of 55,202.85. The persistent weakness suggests continued pressure, and the index's outlook remains bearish in the near term. The momentum indicator, RSI, continues to decline, currently hovering around 36, indicating a weakening underlying strength. In addition, the MACD formed a negative crossover, reinforcing the bearish momentum in the short term. Despite these technical challenges, O'Neil's methodology of market direction classifies Nifty Bank as being in an "Uptrend Under Pressure". This designation reflects a fragile market environment, characterized by growing caution and early signs of institutional selling, signalling potential risks in the near-term outlook. The Nifty Bank closed on a negative note and is gradually approaching its 100-DMA, currently positioned around 54,689, just 1.21% below the current level. This moving average could serve as a key support level, potentially prompting a trend reversal. However, a breach of this support may lead to increased negativity and heightened volatility, signalling further downside risks. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, developed by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website. Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543 Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
