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Spring Bird Welcomes Thomas Hoskins as New Director of Operations

Spring Bird

Spring Bird, a leading provider of innovative transit solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Hoskins as its new Director of Operations. With more than two decades of experience in transit operations, fleet management, and manufacturing process improvement, Thomas will play a critical role in optimizing Spring Bird’s operational strategy and driving continued growth. Thomas brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having served eight years as Director of Operations at Complete Coach Works, where he led fleet modernization efforts and oversaw large-scale production improvements. His career also includes 13 years as an Operations Manager at Motor Coach Industries, where he gained extensive experience managing complex transit manufacturing and service operations. “Spring Bird is growing rapidly, and having an experienced, forward-thinking leader like Thomas at the helm of our operations is part of our long-term growth strategy,” said Elliott Carson, CEO and Founder of Spring Bird. “Tom’s history of driving efficiency and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to provide safe, high-quality transit solutions. We are excited for his leadership and enhance will drive our operational excellence and benefit our customers.” In his new role, Thomas will oversee production processes, fleet operations, and strategic planning, ensuring that Spring Bird continues to meet and exceed industry standards. His leadership will support the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its offerings, enhance efficiency, and deliver reliable, sustainable transit solutions. “I am honored to join Spring Bird at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Thomas Hoskins, Director of Operations. “The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the team to refine processes, improve efficiency, and continue delivering exceptional transit solutions that keep our customers moving.” Spring Bird, founded in 2020, builds upon the Carson family’s decades-long legacy in the transit industry, offering a wide range of heavy-duty transit buses and rehabilitation services. The company services the industry's top operators, providing buses for sale and lease, and specializes in minor repairs, major overhauls, and operational maintenance solutions. With Thomas at the helm of operations, Spring Bird is well-positioned to continue its expansion and commitment to excellence in transit solutions. About Spring Bird Spring Bird is a premier provider of transportation solutions, specializing in the sale, leasing, and service of heavy-duty transit buses and motor coaches. Drawing from the rich Carson family legacy in the transportation industry, Spring Bird offers an inventory of high-quality buses from leading manufacturers and provides customized rehabilitation services, including minor repairs, major overhauls, and technological retrofitting. Dedicated to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Spring Bird addresses the unique needs of cities, transit agencies, and private operators, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Media Contact: For more information, visit https://springbirdbus.com or contact us at press@springbirdbus.com. ### About Spring BirdSpring Bird is a premier provider of transportation solutions specializing in the sale, leasing, and service of heavy-duty transit buses and motor coaches. Drawing from the rich Carson family legacy in the transportation industry, Spring Bird offers an inventory of high-quality buses from leading manufacturers and provides customized rehabilitation services, including minor repairs, major overhauls, and technological retrofitting. Dedicated to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Spring Bird addresses the unique needs of cities, transit agencies, and private operators, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Contact Details Media Contact press@springbirdbus.com Company Website https://springbirdbus.com

March 12, 2025 09:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Select Sector SPDR ETFs: Strategic Investment with Sector-Specific Allocations

Select Sector SPDR

In the ever-evolving world of financial markets, Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer sector-specific allocations designed to help investors align their portfolios with specific economic areas. By dissecting the expansive S&P 500 into key sectors, Select Sector SPDR ETFs provide a streamlined approach for both individual and institutional investors to craft targeted and strategic investment portfolios. An Era of Focused Investing With the volatility and rapid shifts in today's markets, investors are increasingly seeking ways to refine their strategies and enhance their portfolios. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a practical solution by breaking down the broad landscape of the S&P 500 into accessible segments. This sector-focused strategy not only accommodates varied investment goals but also aligns with specific risk tolerances and market perspectives. Explore the Holdings of Select Sector SPDR ETFs The Select Sector SPDR ETFs cover a wide array of economic sectors, each designed to target specific areas of interest. Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC): Focuses on telecommunications and media, capturing the innovations in digital communication. Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY): Encompasses companies involved in non-essential goods and services, including luxury items and entertainment. Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP): Targets essential consumer goods and services, offering stability amidst market fluctuations. Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE): Covers the dynamic energy sector, from traditional oil and gas to renewable energies. Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF): Includes banking, investment, and insurance industries, essential for economic infrastructure. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV): Dedicated to pharmaceuticals, healthcare equipment, and services, addressing global health challenges. Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI): Focuses on manufacturing, construction, and aerospace sectors. Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB): Encompasses mining, construction materials, and packaging industries. Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE): Targets commercial real estate services and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): Capitalizes on innovation in information technology, semiconductors, and electronics. Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU): Centers on electricity and natural gas sectors, ensuring the flow of essential services. Strategic Investment for a Dynamic Market Select Sector SPDR ETFs not only provide a transparent and straightforward method to navigate sector-specific investments, but also offer a powerful tool for strategic portfolio management. As market conditions continue to evolve, these ETFs enable investors to adapt their strategies, ensuring robust and adaptive portfolios that cater to diverse needs. By offering a detailed lens into specific sectors, Select Sector SPDR ETFs stand as a testament to the power of targeted investment. Through dedicated sector analysis and exposure, investors are equipped to thrive amidst the ebb and flow of market dynamics. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL008271 EXP 5/31/25 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

March 12, 2025 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Bacula Systems Announces Direct Integration with ZFS for Enhanced Backup and Recovery Performance

Bacula Systems

Bacula Systems, a global leader in high-security, high-performance backup and recovery solutions, today announced its latest Use Case: native integration and interoperability with the ZFS file system. This latest enhancement empowers organizations with seamless, high-performance backup and recovery capabilities specifically optimized for ZFS-based infrastructures. The integration of ZFS into Bacula Enterprise enables enterprises and high-performance computing (HPC) environments to take full advantage of ZFS’s advanced storage management features while leveraging Bacula’s robust, scalable, and highly secure backup and disaster recovery capabilities. “Bacula continues to set the standard for reliability, security, and exceptionally high performance in backup and recovery, and our new native ZFS integration further expands our customers’ ability to protect and manage their data in the most efficient way possible. By enabling seamless, high-speed backup and reliable restore operations for ZFS environments, Bacula helps organizations reduce complexity, improve storage efficiency, and maintain strict security and compliance requirements. This is one of a series of important announcements we are making in the high performance file systems space” said Frank Barker, CEO of Bacula Systems. Key Benefits of Bacula’s ZFS Integration: Snapshot-Based Backups: Bacula leverages ZFS snapshots to enable efficient, low-latency backups without impacting system performance. Speed: Bacula’s ZFS capabilities include a fast incremental accelerator for massive file systems and big data volume - all done automatically. Workload Efficiency: Bacula integrates with ZFS's diff feature to quickly backup only necessary/modified files, without needing to scan the entire file system. Advanced Data Protection: Bacula complements its ZFS capabilities with configurable compression, checksum verification, advanced encryption technology, comprehensive ransomware protection, air-gapped architectures, highly flexible immutable storage options and many other highly customizable data protection features for compliance-driven industries. Seamless Scalability: Optimized for large-scale environments, Bacula’s ZFS integration provides ultra-fast backup of snapshot differences of massive datasets. Cost-Efficiency: Organizations can significantly lower their storage costs by leveraging Bacula’s advanced deduplication and compression capabilities in conjunction with Bacula’s efficient data management features. Bacula Systems continues to expand its leadership in providing powerful, customizable, and highly secure backup and recovery solutions tailored for enterprises and HPC environments. The addition of built-in ZFS interoperability underscores Bacula’s commitment to delivering high-performance, flexible, and cost-effective data protection for IT teams managing large and complex workloads. Bacula Systems customers include NASA, Navisite, Texas A&M University, Sky PLC, Warner Bros Discovery, Locaweb and many more. For more information about Bacula’s ZFS integration and enterprise backup solutions, visit www.baculasystems.com. About Bacula Systems: Bacula Enterprise is an exceptionally secure, highly scalable backup and recovery software for large organizations, data centers and MSPs. www.baculasystems.com Contact Details Rob Morrison rob.morrison@baculasystems.com +41 21 641 60 80 rob.morrison@baculasystems.com Company Website https://www.baculasystems.com/

March 05, 2025 07:11 AM Eastern Standard Time

NAFA Announces Return of OEM Panel at 2025 Institute & Expo

NAFA Fleet Management Association

The highly anticipated OEM Panel Discussion returns to NAFA’s 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E), set for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 9:15-10:00 a.m. This panel will feature leaders from four of the industry’s top automakers, who will discuss their fleet strategies, priorities and challenges for 2025 and beyond. "At I&E 2025, we’re excited to bring together experts from some of the leading automotive companies in the world to provide invaluable insights into the future of fleet management," said Bill Schankel, CAE, NAFA CEO. "This panel is a must-attend for fleet professionals eager to learn about the latest trends in vehicle availability, connected technologies and electrification, along with the latest vehicle models and options for fleets. It’s a chance to hear directly from OEMs about how they’re shaping the future of fleets." The panel will include the following experts: Gabriel Slack, Sales Enablement Manager - Fleet Management Companies, GM Envolve Eric Swanson, Vice President, Commercial Sales, East Region, Stellantis Greg Wood, Commercial & Government Sales General Manager, Ford Pro Jerry Zielinski, Senior Manager of Fleet & Commercial Sales, Nissan The panel will be moderated by Chris Brown, Associate Publisher of Bobit. Panelists will discuss a variety of topics including fleet strategy, advancements in electrification, and the evolving role of technology in fleet operations. The session will offer attendees valuable takeaways to help them navigate the future of fleet management. The OEM panel discussion is just one of the many sessions at I&E 2025, which will feature over 40 educational sessions covering a wide range of topics, including fleet operations, sustainability, emerging technologies and the latest vehicle models. I&E attendees will enjoy access to all educational sessions, the industry’s largest Expo Hall, and numerous networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders. Interested attendees can register here. Media registration is complimentary for credentialed journalists. Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space early to ensure prime placement in the Exhibit Hall. For more information about reserving an exhibit booth, please visit NAFA’s website. Sponsorship opportunities can be secured here. This year’s current sponsors include Fleetio, Holman, Legend, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motors, Motive, RAM, Reindeer Logistics, Samsara, US Bank Voyager and Wheels. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

March 04, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Tickets On Sale Today For 2025 Monterey Motorsports Festival During Car Week

Monterey Motorsports Festival

With an increasing number of enthusiasts heading to Monterey, CA in mid-August for the world famous Car Week, there’s been a distinct lack of affordable, accessible, organized events for gearheads. One notable exception is Monterey Motorsports Festival, which is gearing up for its third annual celebration of all things motorized. Taking place on Saturday August 16, 2025 at the 22-acre Monterey County Fairgrounds – located just 3 miles from Cannery Row – Monterey Motorsports Festival is priced to be accessible to everyone. Early Bird tickets are available today from montereymotorsportsfestival.com at just $89. This special offer is available for a limited time, so don’t delay and buy today! The 2025 Monterey Motorsports Festival offers a cornucopia of machines and activities for the entire family. And children under 12 enter free! Keeping with its philosophy of One Culture. All Cars, visitors will be able to view and enjoy highly curated displays featuring the best from the following categories: Hypercars & Supercars American Muscle Lowriders Race Cars Overland & 4-Wheelers JDM European EV Motorcycle Heavy Machinery While exotic sports cars are the trademark of Car Week, Monterey Motorsports Festival celebrates all genres and brands. So, visitors will be able to marvel at the fastest and most expensive hypercars while also viewing a wide array of vehicles that make the car hobby so enjoyable. In addition to the mainstream car segments, visitors can see a variety of two-wheeled transport and some of the latest heavy plant machinery for contrast and entertainment. MORE THAN MOTORING Running from 2PM-10PM on Saturday August 16, the Monterey Motorsports Festival will ensure your eyes, stomach and ears are satisfied by everything from a wide selection of catering options to themed cocktails. And for the kids, there’s the Family Fun Zone to check out and burn off some energy. As darkness falls, the famous stage where Jimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar will again reverberate with musical energy as The Outlaw Mariachi ( @theoutlawmariachi ) take the stage with their own brand of Mariachi-style rock, followed by the evening’s headliners Don’t Stop Believing ( @DSBband ), rated as the best Journey cover band in the world. TICKET OPTIONS When ordering the Early Bird tickets available today from montereymotorsportsfestival.com priced at just $89, visitors can choose to elevate their experience by adding the Vino & Vibes options as well as VIP Access. Both can be selected to ensure nothing is missed during the event. Vino & Vibes will provide access to the event’s wine garden with a selection of fine wines, while the VIP area will provide a place to relax, eat, drink and hang out with friends. Both elevated options are available in limited numbers and may sell-out quickly. *Please note: Monterey Motorsports Festival is a private, ticketed event. Tickets will remain available while supplies last. EDITOR’S NOTE A video from Monterey Motorsports Festival 2024 is available to view and share here: youtube.com/watch?v=d3Gm9xiqHbU Media wishing to attend the show can request passes using the Media Contact below. ABOUT MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL The Monterey Motorsports Festival is the premier Saturday event during car week. It offers an elevated and curated experience, which is affordable for attendees, families, and automotive enthusiasts. This is the only event open to the general public on Saturday night, showcasing automotive unveilings, classic cars, supercars, hypercars, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, live entertainment, curated food and more. montereymotorsportsfestival.com Contact Details The ID Agency Greg Emmerson greg@theidagency.com

February 25, 2025 06:07 AM Pacific Standard Time

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NAVEX One: The Trusted Partner for NIS2 Risk Alignment

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, is pleased to offer the first GRC solution to holistically address NIS2 across training, policies and assessment – all on one platform, NAVEX One. NAVEX continues to provide risk and compliance professionals with the tools they need to align with the latest cybersecurity regulations. As organizations face increasing regulatory demands, NAVEX One integrates policy management, training and risk assessment resources to ensure seamless compliance with the European Union’s Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2). The NIS2 Directive raises the bar for cybersecurity and reporting standards across industries, including banking, healthcare, manufacturing and energy. Organizations must not only comply with these heightened regulations but also ensure their cybersecurity frameworks are strong enough to withstand evolving threats. “NIS2 is a critical milestone in cybersecurity regulation, and organizations need a partner that helps them do more than just check the compliance box,” said A.G. Lambert, chief product officer at NAVEX. “NAVEX One empowers compliance and risk professionals to build a sustainable and proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring their programs are compliant and resilient against emerging threats.” NAVEX One serves as an essential tool in the journey toward risk and compliance maturity, helping organizations: Conduct proactive risk assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities Centralize and streamline policy management to meet regulatory expectations Strengthen cybersecurity posture with comprehensive security awareness training Stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity requirements through continuous program improvement and board-ready reporting Extend training, policies and cyber risk practices to align third parties with its cyber risk standards “Organizations today require more than just static risk and compliance checklists—they need dynamic, integrated solutions that evolve with regulatory changes and emerging risks,” said Kyle Martin, vice president of risk solutions at NAVEX. “NAVEX One’s content and capabilities give businesses the confidence to proactively address NIS2 requirements while reinforcing their broader risk management strategies.” By integrating these capabilities within a single platform, NAVEX One simplifies compliance, reduces risk exposure, and supports organizations in building future-proof compliance programs. Click here, for more information on NAVEX One and the NIS2 Directive. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

February 18, 2025 12:50 PM Eastern Standard Time

Flash Appoints Chris Donus CEO

Flash

Flash, the leader in parking and mobility technology, today announced that Chris Donus, currently the President of Flash, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Donus joined Flash as CFO in 2023 and became President in June 2024. Dan Sharplin, who has served as Flash CEO since 2019, will continue as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. "It’s the perfect moment for Chris to step into the CEO role and lead Flash in its next phase of growth," said Dan Sharplin, Executive Chairman, Flash. "Chris is a proven leader, and as those who’ve worked with him will attest, has the ability to drive execution at speed and at scale that promises to take Flash to new heights." Sharplin will shift focus to strategy and Board leadership, actively supporting Chris Donus and the executive team and steering strategic projects and partnerships. He will continue advancing Flash’s industry leadership and driving its vision for the digital transformation of the industry to a modern marketplace that delivers seamless experiences to drivers and increased value and transparency for owners and operators. Donus will assume responsibility for strategic execution and continue leading the expansion of Flash’s emerging digital demand network, EV charging and parking platforms, and its regionalized branch organization. Donus joined Flash as a seasoned mobility and technology leader in finance and operations. Prior to Flash, he served as COO and CFO at Wheel Health, VP and Business Unit leader of Express Drive at Lyft, and served in President, COO and CFO roles at Silvercar. "I thank Dan Sharplin and the Board of Directors for their support and confidence as well as the incredible opportunity to lead the world class team we've assembled at Flash," said Donus. "I couldn't be more excited for the possibilities that lay ahead – for Flash and for the industry – as we continue the journey to make the transformation of parking a reality." An innovator in parking management technology since 2011, Flash has achieved unprecedented scale encompassing over 16,000 parking assets, 1 billion annual transactions, and 450 million driver touchpoints in the apps consumers use everyday. Flash is leading the industry transformation to a connected mobility ecosystem that delivers a seamless parking experience for drivers and unlocks profitability and asset yield for operators and owners. About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations — connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress from driving. The solution has arrived. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more. Contact Details Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.flashparking.com/

February 13, 2025 08:15 AM Central Standard Time

A Fully-Charged EV Battery In Minutes: U Power And SAIC Motor-CP Team Up To Make It A Reality In Thailand

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin Benzinga The world may have no choice but to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with or without the help of government incentives and regulations. The environment demands it, and that is a big reason why sales of EVs are estimated to grow by double-digits on average every year. By 2030, there are expected to be 40 million EVs traversing the roads and bridges around the world. However, to reach mass adoption and replace gas-guzzling, emissions-producing vehicles, some challenges need to be addressed – particularly when it comes to charging infrastructure. Concerns about range, battery life and availability of charging stations loom large in the decision-making process for consumers. Fears of getting stuck or waiting hours to charge up keep many consumers on the sidelines. Studies show consumers are still reluctant to purchase an EV, despite expressing interest in this type of vehicle. The current charging experience makes this reluctance understandable. Charging stations have been reported to experience lots of reliability issues from damaged and broken charging cords to network failures. Many consumers complain of unresponsive screens and slow charging speeds. Charging stations have been slow to roll out which can cause congestions at the available locations. None of this bodes well for a future in which EVs are ubiquitous. Swapping Instead Of Charging U Power Limited (NASDAQ: UCAR), the Chinese EV power solution company, is aiming to change this dynamic with its advanced UOTTA technology. This technology enables consumers and fleet operators to replace dead EV batteries with fully charged ones in under five minutes. That removes the time challenges, and with swapping stations eventually located throughout China, it eliminates the fear of running out of battery life. The company offers customers an entire battery-swapping ecosystem, from building the infrastructure to managing it. Its prowess in the industry was recently on display, entering into yet another partnership to further its technology in the marketplace – this time with SAIC Motor-CP, the Chinese auto manufacturer. U Power signed a cooperation agreement with SAIC Motor-CP to integrate its battery-swapping technology into MG brand vehicles in Thailand. Initially the partnership is focused on the taxi and ride-hailing markets in Thailand, with plans for future expansion. The two companies are combining U Power's UOTTA battery-swapping technology with SAIC Motor-CP's automotive expertise to address charging infrastructure challenges in Thailand's growing EV market. U Power will adapt its technology and develop a network of swapping stations, while SAIC Motor-CP will provide technical expertise and warranty support. Lots Of EVs To Charge It's a big deal for U Power, given the taxi and ride-sharing market in Thailand is big, with more than 300,000 vehicles providing rides to customers. Projections call for 50% of the vehicles to be electric within five years, which creates a potential market of 150,000 vehicles for U Power to serve. The company said that the rate of EVs on the roads supports a network of 500 to 750 battery-swapping stations across major urban centers. Then there’s Thailand’s EV3.5 policy, which was created to encourage EV development. It includes subsidies and the reduction of import and excise taxes on batteries. That policy is expected to boost annual EV adoption growth to between 30% and 40%, reports U Power. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Thailand's commercial transportation sector," said Li Jia, Chairman and CEO of U Power. “ Our battery-swapping technology offers a practical solution to the charging challenges faced by high-utilization vehicles. In addition, this collaboration builds on strong existing relationships between our two companies, notably through Chatchaval Jiaravanon, U Power's second-largest shareholder and member of the Thai CP Group family, whose deep understanding of both organizations has helped facilitate this strategic alignment. We are eager to work together to drive innovation and build the foundation for Thailand's EV future.” Commercial Markets First Given the sheer size of the commercial market it’s not surprising that U Power and SAIC Motor-CP are focused on that area in the deal’s first iteration. It provides consistent revenue streams and faster ROI than the consumer market, reports U Power. To pull it off, U Power said its UOTTA technology has to be adapted for tropical climate conditions, a localized battery management system has to be developed and the charging stations need to be integrated with Thailand’s power grid infrastructure. If it works out, the companies said it could be a model for further expansion as they try to overhaul the charging battery market. “The ability to quickly swap batteries rather than wait for charging will be transformative for the taxi and ride-hailing sectors, where vehicle downtime directly impacts business performance,” added Feng Zhao, President of SAIC-Motor CP. “We are confident this collaboration will accelerate Thailand's transition to sustainable commercial transportation while establishing a model that can be replicated in other markets." Feature photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 12, 2025 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Grand Royal Rent A Car Expands Fleet with Luxury & Exotic Vehicles

Rev Up Marketers

Grand Royal Rent A Car, a premier provider of luxury car rentals, proudly announces the expansion of its fleet with the latest 2025 models of high-end vehicles. The company now offers an unparalleled selection of elite automobiles, catering to clients seeking the ultimate driving experience in Dubai and beyond. The newly added vehicles include: Lamborghini Urus S Porsche 911 GT3 RS Mercedes G63 Cadillac Escalade “At Grand Royal Rent A Car, we continuously strive to provide our customers with the finest driving experiences. With the addition of these exclusive 2025 models, we are reaffirming our commitment to excellence in luxury and exotic car rentals,” said ABDULAZIZ MOHAMMED A ALASHRFI, CEO Grand Royal Rent A Car. With a reputation for superior service and a meticulously curated fleet, Grand Royal Rent A Car offers both short-term and long-term rental options tailored to meet the needs of discerning clients, whether for business, leisure, or special occasions. Whether you're looking for Luxury Car Rental in Dubai, to Rent Cadillac Escalade in Dubai, Rent Lamborghini Huracan in Dubai, Rent Lamborghini Urus in Dubai, or simply rent a Lamborghini in Dubai, Grand Royal Rent A Car provides the perfect vehicle for your needs. For bookings and inquiries, please contact: Our representative Phone: +971 544 500 658 Website: www.grandroyalrentacar.com About Grand Royal Rent A Car Grand Royal Rent A Car is a luxury car rental service in Dubai, offering an exclusive selection of high-end vehicles for clients seeking premium comfort, style, and performance. With a focus on exceptional customer service and a passion for automotive excellence, the company continues to set the standard in the luxury car rental industry. Contact Details Grand Royal Rent A Car ABDULAZIZ MOHAMMED A ALASHRFI +971 54 450 0658 info@grandroyalrentacar.com Company Website https://www.grandroyalrentacar.com/

February 10, 2025 06:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

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