All posts tagged: Competition

In the UK, EVs are cheaper than petrol cars, thanks to Chinese competition

In the UK, EVs are cheaper than petrol cars, thanks to Chinese competition

Published by skeptic

It’s long been cheaper to own an electric car, due to lower fueling costs. But the upfront cost is now lower, according to UK’s largest auto-buying website Autotrader, and reported by The Guardian. And a large part of it is because of the availability of low-cost Chinese EVs, which are unavailable or subject to tariffs in many other countries. Data from the UK’s largest auto-buying website Autotrader now says that the average EV costs £785 ($1,063) less than the average petrol-powered car, meaning that EVs result in both long-term savings from cheaper fuel and upfront savings from a lower purchase price (and, of course, the societal savings of less pollution). The Guardian says the average new petrol car listed on Autotrader is £43,405, while the average electric car is £42,620, including discounts and taxes. Automakers have put high discounts on EVs lately in an attempt to meet decarbonization targets or face high penalties for polluting too much. Another reason for the difference is an electric car grant implemented in the UK last year, giving buyers …

New merger rules are no free ride for European champions, says Teresa Ribera – POLITICO

New merger rules are no free ride for European champions, says Teresa Ribera – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Ribera, who as executive vice president ranks second to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, enforces antitrust policy across the 27-nation bloc. Her comments contrast with her boss’ calls to nurture European business “champions” that can hold their own against China’s world-beating exporters and U.S. tech titans. The Spanish commissioner said that the industrial restructuring of sectors like telecoms was impeded by the fragmentation of national markets, and not the bloc’s merger rules. “It needs to be proven that there are benefits we will be enjoying in the time to come. And not just: I want to be big,” she said. Ribera also issued a pointed warning to member countries tempted to use the guidelines’ new resilience and security exceptions to pick domestic winners. “We also invite national competition authorities and national governments to make a very self-restrained understanding of what this could mean,” she said. Her remarks follow Italy’s intervention in Milan-based UniCredit’s bid for local rival Banco BPM, and the conditions set by the Spanish government on BBVA’s attempts to acquire Sabadell. Both …

Former von der Leyen aide’s new role reflects EU competition policy shift – POLITICO

Former von der Leyen aide’s new role reflects EU competition policy shift – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Speaking with POLITICO, Whelan denied that his role was to build a bridge between von der Leyen and the competition department. “I don’t think the president and the EVP are in need of bridges,” he said. Ribera — who as the top socialist in the Commission is a foil to Christian Democrat von der Leyen — also framed the department’s future mandate through a philosophical lens, calling for enforcement grounded in fairness and protecting the vulnerable.  “In these uncertain times, our responsibility is more important than ever: to enforce rules firmly, to remain free from any distorting pressures, to act with integrity,” Ribera wrote. European Commission Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera arriving at the European Pulse Forum in Barcelona on April 10. | David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Images Bridge builder or not, competition bubble insiders say Whelan has the bureaucratic and political chops to both manage that relationship and execute on the new competition agenda. “Highly intelligent, politically savvy, pragmatic, open-minded, and a strong believer in vigorous enforcement,” is …

Figure skating-Japan’s Kagiyama to take break from competition in 2026-27 season

Figure skating-Japan’s Kagiyama to take break from competition in 2026-27 season

Published by Sam Flores

April 13 : Olympic individual and team silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan said on Monday that he will take a break from competitive figure skating during the 2026-27 season, citing a desire to rediscover the joy of the sport and explore new challenges. The 22-year-old is a four-times Olympic silver medallist, having finished second in both the individual and team events at the 2022 and 2026 Winter Games. Kagiyama concluded his season at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships, rallying from sixth place after the short programme to finish second with a score of 306.67. He delivered an elegant, flawless free skate to Christopher Tin’s “Turandot Finale” to claim silver behind American sensation Ilia Malinin. “Past few seasons have brought many frustrations and difficult moments, but I’m glad I was able to finish the season on a positive note,” Kagiyama wrote on Instagram. “It felt long, yet short, yet long again – a season full of ups and downs… “For the 2026-27 season, I’ve decided to take a break from competing. I want to …

Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena wins bodybuilding competition

Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena wins bodybuilding competition

Published by Sam Flores

Watch out, Arnold Schwarzenegger — there’s a new champ in the family. Joseph Baena, the youngest son of the “Terminator” star, made his amateur debut at the National Physique Committee Natural Colorado State Championships last month and swept the competition, winning first place in three categories: Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavyweight, Men’s Classic Physique True Novice and Men’s Classic Physique Novice. Then, last week, he won big in Corona at the International Natural Bodybuilding Assn. Iron Gladiator competition, where he came in first in the Classic Physique division and scored his pro card, which paves the way for him to compete in the natural equivalent of his dad’s famous competition, the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Assn. Natural Olympia. “Moments I’ll never forget!” Baena posted on social media. “What an incredible experience these last 3 months have been. My first prep and my first body building shows. I’ve learned more about myself, training and dieting in these few months than I have since I started lifting weights. Stepping on stage has always been a scary feat for me …

‘Darwinian’ battle looms for the West’s arms industry, top NATO commander warns – POLITICO

‘Darwinian’ battle looms for the West’s arms industry, top NATO commander warns – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Last month, American defense tech firm Anduril signed a 10-year contract with the U.S. Army for hardware, software and infrastructure that could be worth up to $20 billion. In Germany, the government locked in a multibillion-euro drone deal with German companies Stark and Helsing — which were founded in 2024 and 2021, respectively. As Europe and the U.S. rush to counter the threat from Russia and the war in the Middle East, the competition from newer firms poses yet another test for military contractors already scrambling to scale up production, says Vandier, who is in charge of innovation and preparing NATO for the future of warfare. “On one side, the legacy companies say they are going to change. On the other, the startup world brings fierce energy and venture capital money, with young people who aren’t afraid to fail because they know they can always try again,” he told POLITICO. “It is a clash of two worlds.” That clash was on full display last month when Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger dismissed Ukraine’s drone industry as …

How Viktor Orbán laid traps to stop his successor from running Hungary – POLITICO

How Viktor Orbán laid traps to stop his successor from running Hungary – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

The constitutional court is a prime example of how Orbán can make life difficult for Magyar, as Fidesz has appointed all of its 15 justices, including a former Fidesz defense minister. The Curia, Hungary’s supreme court, is headed by András Varga, who was appointed by the Fidesz-controlled parliament. Any laws a Magyar government attempts to pass could fall foul of the top courts. “Because of the partiality of the Supreme Court or at least its president, and the constitutional court, this will be a very difficult battle for Tisza,” said Adrienn Laczó, a former judge who resigned in November 2024 in protest over the lack of judicial independence. Additionally, Orbán’s lawmakers in December strengthened the veto power of President Sulyok, who was appointed in 2024 for a five-year term. Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok (center) inspects a military honour guard during a flag-hoisting ceremony in front of the parliament in Budapest, on March 15, 2026. | Attila Kisbenedek/AFP via Getty Images “Orbán has been worst-scenario planning in case he’s defeated,” said Kim Lane Scheppele, a constitutional …

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena wins first bodybuilding competition

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena wins first bodybuilding competition

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, Joseph Baena, has followed in his dad’s footsteps in becoming a bodybuilding champion. Baena, 28, took home the gold in multiple categories at the NPC Natural Colorado State Championships Saturday and celebrated the achievement on Instagram. His win included first place in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavy Weight Class, Men’s Classic Physique True Novice and Men’s Classic Physique True Novice. He won second place in the Men’s Classic Physique Open Class C. “Mission Accomplished!” he wrote in the caption of the post, which featured photos of him on stage showing off his tanned, muscular physique and medal. Days before the event, which marked Baena’s first bodybuilding competition, he shared photos of himself training with his dad. In the Instagram pictures, Baena …