Aston Martin has committed to continuing its 25-year bloodline of V12-engined flagships with a technical masterpiece and a true leader in its class. A showcase for exceptional in-house engineering ability it is a defiant defender of emotional engagement, promising visceral performance for those who understand the direct route to a heart-pounding drive.

With 835PS and an extraordinary 1000Nm of torque the new V12 engine is unmatched. The result of a complete re-design, targeting optimisation and improvement, the new engine refines every stage of the internal combustion process to achieve unprecedented performance and efficiency.

Hardware highlights of the new V12 engine include a strengthened cylinder block and conrods, redesigned cylinder heads incorporating reprofiled camshafts, plus new intake and exhaust ports. Repositioned spark plugs and new higher flowrate fuel injectors deliver optimised combustion for class leading performance and efficiency gains. In addition, new higher speed, reduced inertia turbochargers deliver increased performance and throttle response.

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Roberto Fedeli said: “The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess. With 835PS and 1000Nm of torque this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”

The new V12 engine, which will feature across Aston Martin’s most exclusive and limited availability models, is a bold statement of luxurious sporting intent and, as such, it will be handcrafted, year by year, in strictly limited numbers.

It will make its first appearance in a new flagship model; sitting at the heart of a true dynamic disruptor that debuts later in 2024 when further technical details will be shared. All will be vanquished.

This expansion underscores Nissan’s commitment to offering versatile options for various lifestyles. With a range catering to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking self-expression, the X-TRAIL series provides choices suited for both adventure-driven excursions and social outings. The N-TREK model particularly appeals to those desiring a blend of versatility and style, making it a compelling choice for adventurous families across the Middle East.

The special edition Nissan X-TRAIL N-TREK, flaunts its outdoor-inspired character with a distinct sense of robustness. At the front, a striking dark finish“V-motion grille” surrounds the central grille and is complemented by blacked out exterior mirror sand roof rails, which all come together to command attention and ensure a standout presence on the road.

Its tough body, blacked-out appearance, and gunmetal colored bumper protectors underscore its robust nature, inviting drivers to venture fearlessly through unexplored roads and action-packed adventures. Moreover, boasting unique 18-inch alloy wheels, the N-TREK exudes confidence with every turn, offering both style and performance in equal measure. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its dynamic handling and stability on various terrains.

Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President, President KSA, Middle East – Nissan, INFINITI, said: “Our discerning customers in the Middle East seek vehicles that not only offer exceptional performance but also resonate with their individuality and adventurous spirit. The latest generation of the X-TRAIL has catered to this demand since its launch last year, adeptly balancing performance and innovation with practicality and customization options. The X-TRAIL N-TREK builds on the capabilities of the original model, while also reaffirming our dedication to continually defy the ordinary and elevate the model’s design aesthetic to new heights.”

Inside, the X-TRAIL N-TREK impresses with its water-resistant upholstery, striking a perfect balance between comfort and durability. This feature ensures that families can embark on adventures with utmost confidence and ease, regardless of the weather and without concern for the interior.

Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering an impressive 181hp and 244Nm of torque, this SUV ensures smooth acceleration and confident overtaking maneuvers. Enhanced by advanced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and paddle-shift controls, drivers can experience heightened flexibility with the option for manual engagement.

The X-TRAIL N-TREK is equipped with advanced technological features that elevate the driving experience, including an Intelligent 4×4 system with direct coupling, which provides faster reaction times for seamless power transfer between axles to ensure optimal stability and traction across various driving conditions. The twist-dial Drive Mode Selector offers five distinct driving modes, including Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco, and Sports, catering to diverse driving preferences.

The X-TRAIL’s innovative technologies also extend to safety – with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system, and a suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features for enhanced safety and convenience. The Nissan X-TRAIL N-TREK comes in three colours, Two-tone Boulder Gray Pearl with Super Black Roof, Two-tone Pearl White with Super Black Roof, and Champagne Silver Metallic with Super Black Roof, all of which are now available at Nissan’s partner network across the region.

The Red Dot:‘Best of the Best’ award, presented only to the most pioneering designs, further validates the success of the Kia design team in creating the EV9, the brand’s first flagship electric SUV.

“With the EV9, we created an EV with a bold and authentic SUV character that pushes the boundaries, not only of design, but also of usability, connectivity and environmental responsibility. Receiving the Red Dot: ‘Best of the Best’ design award is immensely gratifying, not just for the Kia design team, but also for all our global colleagues, and represents our continuous push to bring innovative and inspiring solutions,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. 

“The accolade is recognition of the inspiring power of Kia’s design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, that has guided us at every stage of the EV9’s development. Reinforcing Kia’s strong design identity, ‘Opposites United’ continuously inspires us to create products that are relevant and meaningful, and positively impact our customers’ lives.”

The EV9 represents the essence of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, presenting a harmonious combination of futuristic design, highly advanced technology, and sustainable values. Harnessing the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole, ‘Opposites United’ provides Kia’s designers with a framework through which to fuse a unique combination of sleek, sculptural shapes and assured, assertive geometry, delivering a strikingly contemporary yet graceful aesthetic.

The exterior radiates confidence, clarity, and serenity through its upright stance, defined lines, and smooth surfaces. Signature features such as the Digital Tiger Face, Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, and vertical headlamps further accentuate the design and imbue the vehicle with a visionary and futuristic appeal.

The EV9 also represents Kia’s strategic commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility. When it was launched in 2023, the flagship SUV was the first model to embrace the brand’s three-step Design Sustainability Strategy, initiated to gradually phase out the use of animal-sourced leather, apply ten ‘must-have’ sustainable items to all new Kia models, and commit to ongoing research into the development of natural and bio-based materials.

The Red Dot Design Award is one of the most highly sought-after seals of design quality. Each year, a jury of international experts examines the submissions for design quality and degree of innovation. This year, the jury acknowledged the creative influence of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, highlighting the EV9’s successful exterior design, contemporary character, and strong classic lines.

The Red Dot Award ceremony will take place on June 24, 2024, in the Aalto Theatre in Essen, Germany. The presentation of the Red Dot Design: ‘Best of the Best’ will represent Kia’s 29th success at the globally acclaimed awards ceremony since 2009. This latest success follows the 2024 iF Design Awards, where the EV9 received a coveted ‘Gold’ award. Since its launch in 2023, the Kia EV9’s design values and customer appeal have been critically acclaimed on numerous occasions. Earlier this year, the flagship SUV achieved double success at the World Car Awards 2024 as the overall winner (‘World Car of the Year’) and the best electric vehicle (‘World Electric Vehicle’). Other awards include: ‘Women’s World Car of the Year 2024,’ ‘German Luxury Car of the Year 2024,’ ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2023’ (Family Cars category), TopGear.com Awards ‘Family Car of the Year 2023’ as well as the titles ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’ and ‘North American Utility Vehicle of the Year 2024.’

There’s more to come from The Amazing World of Gumball! Cartoon Network Game On! is also getting ready for an all-new Gumball Tower Defence game, heading to the metaverse soon. Elmore is under siege and players must step in to save the day. Get your game face on and gear up to defend Elmore! as our favourite Gumball characters are on hand to help defend the town. The new game features four different towers to build, each with three special upgrade options. With ten levels to conquer, players are in for an epic showdown with plenty of Gumball XP and coins to win along the way.

Monika Oomen, VP Brand, Comms and Digital Content Strategy, Warner Bros Discovery, EMEA, Kids, says: “We are permanently reviewing GameOn! through the audience lens, using performance data to inform our next immersive experience.

Combining highly popular game mechanics with a beloved IP and offering it on Roblox is a win-win for our audience and brand. Our strategy is inclusive of young people, seamlessly reaching kids where they love to be and delivering entertainment in the multiverse, creating a halo effect that drives brand affinity”.

Cartoon Network Game On! is an immersive experience on the popular gaming platform Roblox that transports kids to a realm beyond reality. It allows players to engage in games where they can explore the virtual world of the hit Cartoon Network series Craig of the Creek, Teen Titans Go! We Bare Bears, Ben 10, and The Amazing World of Gumball. 

With recent activations celebrating the Powerpuff Girls 25th anniversary, incorporating Scooby-Doo for Scoobtober, collaborating with Viareggio Carnival in Italy, celebrating the premiere of the movie WONKA and an in-game integration of Bakugan in Poland – there has been lots for kids to be excited about. The immersive experience also recently launched a Hero Inside Cinema available in France, Austria, and Switzerland. This unique cinema is entirely themed around Hero Inside, providing viewers with a glimpse into the essence of the show before they experience the premiere of the 1^stepisode. Recognised for continuing to bring kids together through online play whilst bringing shows to life in an unprecedented way Cartoon Network Game On! was nominated for a 2024 Kidscreen Award for Best Game App (Branded) and won a Broadcast Digital Awards for Best Digital Support for a Strand, Channel or Genre. Constantly working to develop new and exciting experiences for kids with real added value on a platform that they love, a year after launching, Cartoon Network Game On! has received over 33.2 million visits so far.

Student travel company Rustic Pathways investigated which of the world’s top ten most visited cities are the best value for a one-night stay per person. They did this by examining the median cost of a room in a mid-range hotel, the average price of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a budget restaurant, the average spend on alcoholic beverages, the average spend on local transport, and the average spend on tips and handouts. A total cost was then calculated, and each city was ranked from the cheapest to the most expensive. 

1. Berlin – total cost: $266 

The capital of Germany has been named as having the best value for a one-night break out of the world’s most popular cities, with a one-night break costing a total of $266 per person.  

The median cost for one night in a mid-range double-occupancy room is $138, which is the cheapest price compared to the other cities. The cost of meals at a budget restaurant is $56, which is the most expensive on the list. Average local transport costs for a day in Berlin will cost you $19.

2. Madrid – total cost: $298 

The Spanish capital is the second most affordable popular city, with a one-night trip costing a total of $298 per person.  

The median cost for one night in a mid-range double-occupancy room is $167, which is the third-cheapest price in the ranking. The cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a budget restaurant is $37, and the average cost of local transport for a day is $20.

3. Tokyo – total cost: $338 

The capital of Japan is the third most affordable of the world’s most visited cities, with the cost of a one-night stay per person totaling $338.  

The median cost for a double-occupancy room in a mid-range hotel is $155, the second most affordable price on this list. The cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a budget restaurant is $38. Local transport for a day will cost an average of $18, the second cheapest price compared to the other cities.

4. Barcelona – total cost: $340 

The popular Spanish city has been named the fourth-best value city, with a one-night break costing a total of $340 per person.  

The median cost for one night in a mid-range double-occupancy room is $208. The cost of a day’s meals at a budget restaurant is $35. Average local transport costs for a day in Barcelona will cost you $21.  

5. Amsterdam – total cost: $374 

The Netherlands’ capital concludes the top five of the most affordable popular cities, with a one-night trip costing a total of $374 per person.  

The median cost for one night in a mid-range double-occupancy room is $221. The cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a budget restaurant is $47, and the average cost of local transport for a day is $21.

6. Rome – total cost: $383 

The capital of Italy is the sixth cheapest most visited city, with a one-night trip costing a total of $383 per person. The city has the third most expensive food, with three meals from a budget restaurant costing $51.

7. London – total cost: $461 

London, the capital of the UK, is the seventh cheapest city,  with the cost of a one-night stay totaling $461 per person. London has the third cheapest alcohol, with a person spending an average of $27 on alcohol during a one-night trip.

8. Dubai – total cost: $465 

The eighth most affordable popular city is Dubai, with a one-night break costing a total of $465 per person. The UAE city has the second most expensive mid-range double occupancy rooms, with a one-night stay costing $340 on average.

9. Paris – total cost: $557 

The French capital takes the penultimate place in the ranking, with a one-night stay costing a total of $557 per person. Paris has the second most expensive entertainment, with an average person spending $84 per day.

10.  New York – total cost: $687 

NYC rounds out the top ten, with a one-night break costing a total of $687 per person. The Big Apple has the most expensive mid-range double occupancy rooms, with a one-night stay costing $350, and the most expensive entertainment, with an average daily spend per person of $180.

Shayne Fitz-Coy, CEO of Rustic Pathways, commented on the findings:  

“With the cost of living having risen dramatically over recent years for many countries, many will still want a holiday abroad, but will be looking to spend less than they usually would. A short-haul city break is a great option for potential holidaymakers who want to visit new places but spend a bit less.

“This study provides a clear insight into the cities that people want to visit, with Europe dominating, and which of these cities are not going to break the bank.

“If someone is looking for a break with plenty of sightseeing, then Dubai is a good option for them, with many of the country’s most popular tourist hotspots being free to the public, such as The Dubai Fountain and Marina Beach. Or if a tourist doesn’t want to overspend on food, then Barcelona is a great option, with the average visitor spending only $35 on food across a one-night break.”

Unveiled only weeks after MG’s newCyberster model journeyed across the Middle East, the EXE181 concept car is further evidence of the brand’s desire to embrace the future of electric mobility. Similar to the Cyberster electric sportscar, which made its debut as a concept in 2021, the EXE181 represents a leap forward into a new era of automotive innovation and excellence.

Developed by the brand’s UK Design Centre, the EXE181 concept car pays tribute to the legendary EX181, a vehicle that set a world speed record for its category in 1957 that still stands to this day. This historic achievement by Sir Stirling Moss endures as testament to MG’s engineering prowess and commitment to excellence. The EXE181 takes clear inspiration from the EX181’s design, featuring aerodynamic shapes to reduce drag and enhance efficiency. Its sleek and sophisticated exterior showcases MG’s brand design passion for sports, innovative spirit, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

The concept car is equipped with a new high-performance three-electric system, including a centrally mounted semi-solid-state battery and high-speed electric motor, representing MG’s tireless pursuit of cutting-edge technology. Engineered to defy limits, the EXE181 aims for a top speed of 415 km/h. With a drag coefficient of 0.181, it also prioritises efficiency, meeting key demands of the new energy era.

The interior of the EXE181 reflects its purposeful design, with a lightweight and compact structure designed for straight-line speed. The front cockpit opens entirely forward, and the seats pay homage to the original British TARTAN design, combining tradition with modernity. Furthermore, the EXE181 features a unique UI design inspired by aircraft cockpits, incorporating a streamlined steering wheel display and Head-Up Display (HUD) to enhance the driving experience and focus. Tom Lee, Managing Director of MG Motor Middle East, said: “The unveiling of the EXE181 concept is yet another clear demonstration of the eye-catching progress that the MG brand is making both globally and regionally. This concept car embodies MG’s core values of innovation and design excellence, showcasing our commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of automotive technology.”

Annecy highlights will include an on-stage presentation, Next on Netflix Animation: From Twilight of the Gods to Wallace & Gromit, spotlighting world-class filmmakers and sneak peeks of highly anticipated films and series. Plus the world premiere of the family adventure based on the iconic Japanese character, Ultraman: Rising, from director Shannon Tindle and ​​co-director John Aoshima. A full rundown of Netflix’s Annecy activity includes:

• Next on  Netflix Animation: From Twilight of the Gods to Wallace & Gromit, taking place on Weds 12 June will feature the award-winning Aardman team, directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, offering a sneak peek at the highly anticipated untitled Wallace & Gromit film, and fan-favorite director, Zack Snyder, and executive producer, Deborah Snyder along with Xilam Animation Director Slimane Aniss unveiling clips from the adult animated series, Twilight of the Gods. Audiences will also be treated to material from The Twits and Skydance Animation’s Spellbound.
• Ultraman: Rising, will have its world premiere on Weds 12 June.
• Work-in-progress sessions exploring the various stages of production will feature award-winning writer Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a  Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday), animation veteran and director Simon Otto (Love, Death & Robots, How to Train Your Dragon), Nicole Hearon (producer) and Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn (production designer) discussing That Christmas on Tues 11 June.
• On Thurs 13 June, Making Of Sessions will go behind the scenes of the final creative processes of Ultraman: Rising, with, Shannon Tindle (director), John Aoshima (co-director), Sunmin Inn (art director), Hayden Jones (VFX supervisor), Scot Stafford (composer)and Big Mouth as Nick Kroll (co-creator, EP, voice cast), Andrew Goldberg (co-creator, EP), Jennifer Flackett (co-creator, EP) and Mark Levin (co-creator, EP) celebrate the final series of this comedic hit. Arcane’ssession will be on Weds 12 June and will feature Showrunner Christian Linke (Riot), Scriptwriter Amanda Overton (Riot), Senior Concept Artist Arnaud Baudry (Riot), Director Bart Maunoury (Fortiche), and Producer Christine Ponzevera (Fortiche).
• A Wallace & Gromit Exhibition featuring some of the puppets from Aardman’s new film will take center stage and celebrate these beloved stop-motion characters.
• In addition, Blue Eye Samurai and Pokemon Concierge will be in official competition.

Notes to Editors

FILM:

ULTRAMAN: RISING

Launch date: June 14, 2024

With Tokyo under siege from rising monster attacks, baseball star Ken Sato reluctantly returns home to take on the mantle of Ultraman. But the titanic superhero meets his match when he reluctantly adopts a 35-foot-tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju. Sato must rise above his ego to balance work and parenthood while protecting the baby from forces bent on exploiting her for their own dark plans. In partnership with Netflix, Tsuburaya Productions, and Industrial Light & Magic, Ultraman: Rising is written by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, directed by Shannon Tindle, and co-directed by John Aoshima.

Director: Shannon Tindle

Co-director: ​​John Aoshima

Written by: Shannon Tindle, Marc Haimes

Produced by: Tom Knott, Lisa M. Poole

Cast: Christopher Sean (You, Hawaii Five-O), Gedde Watanabe (Sixteen Candles), Tamlyn Tomita (Avatar: The Last Airbender) Keone Young (Men in Black 3, Star Wars Rebels), Julia Harriman (Camp Rock)

SPELLBOUND

Launch date: 2024

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) with original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, Spellbound boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess. Spellbound is written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda and produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.

Directed by: Vicky Jenson

Written by: Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda

Produced by: John  Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Anderson for  Skydance Animation

Composed by: Alan Menken

Cast: Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess

THAT CHRISTMAS

Launch date: 2024

Synopsis: Based on the charming trilogy of children’s books by beloved multi award-winning writer/director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday), That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys! This heartwarming comedy from Locksmith Animation marks Curtis’ first foray into animation, serving as the film’s writer and executive producer, and also the feature directorial debut of renowned animation veteran Simon Otto (Love, Death & Robots, How to Train Your Dragon films). Nicole P. Hearon (Moana, Frozen) and Adam Tandy (The Thick of It, Detectorists) are producers

Directors: Simon Otto

Writers: Richard Curtis & Peter Souter

Produced by: Nicole P. Hearon p.g.a, Adam Tandy p.g.a

ExecutiveProducers: Mary Coleman, Natalie Fischer, Julie Lockhart, Elisabeth Murdoch, Bonnie Arnold, Lara Breay, Sarah Smith, Rebecca Cobb, Richard Curtis, Colin Hopkins

Composer: John Powell

Cast: Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, LollyAdefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Rosie Cavaliero, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, Andy Nyman, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, Freddie Spry, Ava Talbot, with Bill Nighy and Rhys Darby.

UNTITLED WALLACE & GROMIT FILM

Launch date: Coming Soon. The film will premiere exclusively on Netflix around the world except in the UK, where it will debut on the BBC before also coming to Netflix.

Synopsis:  Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependant on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own…As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces – or Wallace may never be able to invent again! 

Creator of Wallace & Gromit: Nick Park

Director: Nick Park & Merlin Crossingham

Story: Nick Park

Screenplay: Mark Burton

Producer: Richard Beek

THE TWITS

Launch date: Coming 2025

Synopsis: Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people in the world who also happen to own and operate the most disgusting, most dangerous, most idiotic amusement park in the world, Twitlandia. But when the Twits rise to power in their town, two brave orphans and a family of magical animals are forced to become as tricky as the Twits in order to save the city. A hysterically funny, wild ride of a film (chock-full of the Twits’ beloved tricks–from the Wormy Spaghetti to the Dreaded Shrinks), The Twits is also a story for our times, about the never-ending battle between cruelty and empathy.

Director: Phil Johnston

Co-Directors: Katie Shanahan, Todd Demong

Writers: Phil Johnston (Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph), Meg Favreau

Produced by: Phil Johnston, Maggie Malone, Daisy West

SERIES

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS

Launch date:  Coming This Fall

Synopsis:  The animated series brings Zack Snyder’s daring and spectacular vision of ancient Norse mythology to life, and features the voices of Sylvia Hoeks, Stuart Martin, Pilou Asbaek, John Noble, Paterson Joseph, Rahul Kohli, Jamie Clayton, Kristopher Hivju, Peter Stormare, Jamie Chung, Lauren Cohan, and Corey Stoll, among others.

Created By:  Zack Snyder, Jay Olivia, Eric Carrasco

Executive Producers:  Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, Jay Oliva

Directors:  Zack Snyder (101 & 108); Jay Oliva (102 & 107); Tim Divar/Andrew Tamadl (103 & 105); Dave Hartman/Andrew Tamadl (104 & 106)

Animation Studio: Xilam Animation

Production Company:  Stone Quarry Animation

ARCANE

Launch date: Coming this November

Studio:  Riot Games

Animation: Fortiche Productions

Created by: Christian Linke, Alex Yee

Executive Producers: Christian Linke, Marc Merrill, Brandon Beck

Announced Voices: Hailee Steinfeld (Vi), Ella Purnell (Jinx) and Katie Leung (Caitlyn Kiramman), among others to be announced

BIG MOUTH (S8)

Launch date: Coming 2025

Synopsis: Big Mouth is a half-hour edgy adult animated comedy from real-life best friends Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg about the glorious nightmare that is teenage puberty.

Executive Producers: Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin.

Cast: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jason Mantzoukas, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen, Andrew Rannells, and Jordan Peele.

Developed in collaboration with renowned artist Richard Boyd-Dunlophailing from Australia and New Zealand, the unique wrap – themed around ‘The Path Never Taken’ – underscores the Tasman’s adventurous spirit.

Influenced by the untamed beauty of Australia’s diverse landscapes, the unique graphics visualize a journey of inspiration encountered while driving along the coast and across the outback. The exterior wrap’s eye-catching design draws on Boyd-Dunlop’s adventures, hitching rides in the back of pickup trucks across Australia.

“Our Tasman pickup truck embodies Kia’s commitment to design and innovation, as well as its spirit of adventure. Artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop crafted an exclusive camouflage design, with the support of the Kia design team, that depicts a journey and reflects an essence of adventure that is unique to the Tasman,” commented Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.

The concept of ‘The Path Never Taken’ embodies the adventurous spirit of the Kia Tasman, which will inspire customers to embark on journeys filled with discovery and adventure in a vehicle that prioritizes reliability and performance. Through this theme, the Kia Tasman will lead people towards unknown and beautiful landscapes.

“This design resonates as it evokes my own personal experiences travelling across Australia and the encounters that I had,” said Boyd-Dunlop. “These experiences are influential to my work, and the Tasman enabled me to create a continuation of this, depicting the connection, joy, and sheer sense of adventure that is inherent to Australian culture.”

Known for his unique artistic style and ability to blend various media to create visually bold and powerful collaborations, Boyd-Dunlop captures elements of land and sea with his exclusive design for the Kia Tasman camouflage wrap. The finish combines the fiery hues of the outback with commanding blues that pay homage to Australia’s influential surf culture.

Scheduled to make its debut in 2025, the Tasman marks Kia’s inaugural entry into the C-segment pickup truck arena. The launch strategy will be phased globally, including key markets such as Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition to effortlessly fulfilling the role of a work-orientated pickup, the Tasman is designed to meet customers’ diverse personal needs. Suitable for a demanding 24/7 lifestyle, Kia’s versatile truck will support even the most extreme leisure activities.  Kia has produced a short video showcasing the intricate details and design inspiration behind the Tasman’s camouflage concept in celebration of the pick-up truck’s camouflage design unveiling.

Building on its partnership with Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (NYSE: BR), eToro users, including those holding fractional shares, will now be able to participate in Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for stocks listed all over the world by casting a proxy vote. Proxy voting allows shareholders to electronically cast a vote on corporate issues such as mergers, executive pay and environmental, social and governance targets.

In 2022, eToro launched proxy voting for US stocks to empower retail investors to have a say in the companies they invest in, and in 2023, more than 145,000 votes were submitted by eToro users. The stocks which received the most votes by eToro users in 2023 include Apple, Amazon, AMC and GameStop.

According to an eToro’s global survey of 10,000 retail investors across 13 countries, appetite for voting is increasing. Almost one in three (29%) retail investors have voted in an AGM before, up from 26% from the survey published in June. Amongst those who have voted, the most common topic to have voted on is the election or reelection of directors (47%), followed by dividends (45%), share buybacks (34%) and exec pay (30%).

George Naddaf, GCC Regional Manager, said: “eToro users embraced proxy voting last year and we are thrilled to be building out this feature to include all stocks on our platform. Our users invest in companies from all over the world. Now they can have their voice heard with these companies by having a say in big corporate decisions.

“Whilst institutional shareholders have long been able to influence boards, executives and the direction of businesses, retail investors have not always been given the voice that they deserve. However, with the explosion in retailing investing that we’ve seen around the globe and in the UAE in recent years, this is changing. Proxy voting is a critical part of this process, enabling this group of investors to have a real impact in their role as shareholders. The appetite for voting is only increasing amongst retail investors and I am excited to see where this goes in the next few years.”

Demi Derem, General Manager of International Corporate Governance, Digital Transformation and Market Innovation at Broadridge, said: “We are delighted that the voting on US-only stocks has proved so popular with eToro’s users since the launch of their service last year and we are proud to further develop our partnership to support an expanded capability that includes all stocks, globally.

“We are witnessing the evolution of a new generation of retail investors – one that has expectations for more choice, convenience, and simplicity as their appetite to influence a company’s direction grows. At Broadridge, we remain firmly committed to championing shareholder democracy and increased investor engagement, and our collaborative effort to support eToro’s expanded services is a compelling example of this.”

Gili Wolff, Senior Director of Product, Trading & Dealing at eToro, added: “As we continue to build out eToro’s stock offering, proxy voting will be an increasingly important feature for our users, allowing them to exert their rights as shareholders and have a direct influence on the companies they hold in their portfolio.  We are very excited to be rolling this out across our whole stock universe and look forward to seeing eToro clients engage with it.”

1. Create High-Quality Content: Develop content that is valuable, informative, and engaging. Quality content naturally attracts backlinks from other websites.
2. Guest Blogging: Contribute guest posts to reputable websites within your industry. This allows you to include a link back to your site in the author bio or within the content itself.
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4. Resource Page Link Building: Identify resource pages in your industry and reach out to the website owners to suggest your content as a valuable addition. This can lead to high-quality backlinks.
5. Skyscraper Technique: Find popular content within your niche, create something even better, and reach out to websites linking to the original content to suggest they link to yours instead.
6. Utilize Social Media: Share your content on social media platforms to increase its visibility and encourage others to link to it.
7. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers or industry experts to create content together. Influencers can share the content with their audience, potentially resulting in backlinks.
8. Create Infographics: Design visually appealing infographics with interesting data or statistics. Infographics are highly shareable and can attract backlinks from other websites.
9. Monitor Brand Mentions: Use tools to monitor mentions of your brand online. When your brand is mentioned without a link, reach out to the website owner and politely ask for a link to be added.
10. Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with other website owners, bloggers, and influencers within your industry. Building genuine connections can lead to organic link opportunities.

Remember, link building should always focus on providing value to both your audience and the websites you’re reaching out to. Avoid spammy tactics and prioritize building relationships and creating high-quality content.