Volvo Cars Sees Q2 Profit Decline but Eyes Recovery with New Electric Model Volvo Cars reported a drop in second-quarter operating profit to 800 million Swedish crowns ($82,76 million), according to a Reuters report, as the automaker prepares to ramp up production of its new EX60 electric SUV. The decline follows a 1.6 billion crown … Read more
Volkswagen is weighing a potential reduction of up to 100,000 jobs worldwide to address a 20% cost disadvantage compared to its rivals, according to an internal memo from CEO Oliver Blume. The automaker, which has already finalized 50,000 job cuts across its group, is currently evaluating further adjustments to its manufacturing network to improve efficiency … Read more
Meta’s Iris Chip: A Strategic Move Toward AI Independence Meta Platforms (META.O) plans to manufacture its custom AI chip, “Iris,” starting in September 2024 as part of a broader effort to boost computing power to 14 gigawatts by 2027, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The chip, part of Meta’s four-generation MTIA project, … Read more
The Dutch military is investing tens of millions of euros in a three-year partnership with drone technology firm Intelic to develop a common software platform. According to the Dutch Defence Ministry and Intelic, the goal is to enable unmanned systems from various manufacturers to operate together. Why is drone software becoming more important than hardware? … Read more
The British government has signaled a potential intervention in the $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance Corp and Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns over media plurality and the regulation of on-demand streaming services. According to a statement from the UK government, Culture Minister Lisa Nandy has set a July 6 deadline for the companies to … Read more
Roche has launched its Axelios gene sequencer, a new platform designed to perform large-scale DNA and RNA analysis, marking the company’s attempt to compete with industry leader Illumina. Roche aims to sell about 100 machines within the first year, targeting academic and research institutions to build a foundation for long-term growth in the $7.3 billion … Read more
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to impose a 100% tariff on goods from any country that implements a digital services tax targeting American companies. The warning comes just one day after European Union nations met a July 4 deadline to reduce tariffs on U.S. goods, a move intended to meet commitments under a … Read more
Merck KGaA has announced an $11.3 billion agreement to acquire U.S.-based Bio-Techne, marking the German pharmaceutical giant’s largest acquisition since 2014. The deal, which offers $73 per share—a 24% premium over the closing price on Wednesday—is designed to bolster Merck’s life sciences division by integrating Bio-Techne’s extensive portfolio of research reagents, proteins, and analytical instruments … Read more
Oil prices for Brent and WTI crude reached their lowest levels since February 27 as Middle Eastern supply returns to the global market. According to Reuters, rising expectations of increased oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz are outweighing record-low U.S. crude stocks, pushing Brent to $72.52 and WTI to $69.32 per barrel. Why are … Read more
Russia is weighing a potential ban on diesel exports and considering fuel imports to address domestic shortages caused by recent strikes on its oil infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that the government is reviewing tax legislation and supply strategies to stabilize the market after Ukrainian drone attacks forced unplanned refinery maintenance and reduced … Read more