Categories
Cars

Ford plans to cut Focus production from August Car News

Ford Focus production volumes could be reduced as the US auto giant plans to drastically cut production at its plant in Germany.

The Saarlouis plant, which currently produces the standard Focus and the hot Ford Focus ST, will see its production reduced after August 29, reported Automotive News Europe (ANE).

The long-term future of the factory, which opened in 1970, is also uncertain, said ANE, with a decision on the direction of the plant expected to be announced by the end of June.

Last year Ford closed all of its factories in India after 27 years. The previous year it closed its engine factory in Bridgend, Wales, with 1,700 ongoing jobs.

Ford Saarlouis works council chairman Markus Thal told the publication that the talked-about production cut increased fears of major layoffs in Germany. Some 6190 workers are currently involved in the production of Focus in Saarlouis.

These concerns have been heightened after Ford opted to invest £1.59billion in its Cologne plant, where it is currently building the Fiesta, instead of that in Saarlouis, as part of an electrification drive. large in Europe.

Ford told Autocar that no official announcement has yet been made regarding the future of the plant.

The closures would be another blow to the Focus, which has lost its long-standing position on Europe’s best-selling car list as Ford diverts sourcing of rare components to more popular models, such as the Ford crossover Puma, in light of the ongoing supply chain crisis.

In April, only 5,000 Focus models were sold, compared to 10,000 the previous year, according to figures from Jato Dynamics. The similarly sized but taller Puma, on the other hand, is one of from the continent best-selling cars, selling nearly 13,000 models in the same month this year.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 15:46:48

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Business

Rishi Sunak defends cost-of-living subsidies for second homeowners and wealthy retirees Business News

Rishi Sunak has warned he cannot fully protect struggling households from huge bill hikes and defended his £21billion bailout package which handed out hundreds of millions of pounds to second homeowners and the wealthy retirees.

The Chancellor also denied coming under pressure from Boris Johnson to unveil aid for those affected by a cost-of-living crisis to distract from Sue Gray’s report into the party and rule-breaking at Downing Street.

Mr Sunak was grilled by the Treasury Select Committee on Wednesday, just hours before the Prime Minister faces a confidence vote that could end his term.

He was asked about the fairness of the new cost-of-living supports after research showed wealthy retirees were among those who would see the biggest benefits.

Labour’s Siobhan McDonaugh asked how it could be fair for people with multiple properties to receive multiple £400 rebates.

Mr Sunak said this was an inevitable consequence of the fact that some of the aid offered was universal rather than targeted.

A number of campaign groups had urged him to ensure all aid is targeted to those most in need, to get the best value for money and reduce the likelihood of more food inflation.

The Chancellor also told MPs the Prime Minister failed to ask him to make the spending announcement a day after a damning report by senior officials into several anti-lockdown parties at Number 10 emerged.

He said the timing of the financial support announcement last month was because the Treasury had to wait until it had enough data on expected increases in energy prices this fall. .

The Chancellor said: “The way the price cap works, there’s an observation window from February to August, until you’ve finished you don’t know what that will be – although it there were estimates, there were no actual data.

“We couldn’t do that for the spring statement because the observation window had barely opened for the price cap, so everything could have the potential to be very mispriced.

“I’ve always said I want to strike the right balance between reassuring people and waiting for enough information to make sure it’s sized correctly.”

Mr Sunak had for weeks pushed back against suggestions from the opposition benches and economists that he should step in immediately to offer help with rising bills.

The Chancellor said last month it would be “stupid” to announce support this summer, before changing her mind.

The timing of the change of heart sparked speculation it was motivated by a desire to divert public attention from anger over the series of booze-inducing events in Downing Street during the lockdown.

On Monday, Mr Sunak also told the Treasury Committee that he could not fully protect people from steep rises in the cost of essential goods.

Consumers face a further £800 rise in the cost of heating and powering an average home when Ofgem’s price cap is revised in October, taking bills to around £2,800 a year.

High energy costs have helped push inflation to 9%, its highest level in 40 years, and further increases are expected later in the year.

Mr Sunak stressed that the support measures introduced last month are “temporary” and ignored suggestions that he left the door open for further measures.

He told the committee: “When asked about other measures, I always give the same answer – I wouldn’t read anything more or less into it.

“It’s that over the past two years, I’ve always tried to be responsive to the economic situation as I see it and as it affects the country.

“The structure of what we’ve put in place is by definition temporary and it’s a neat, well-constructed package.”

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Source: www.independent.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 16:59:20

Categories
UK News

Sky Glass reveals 2022 living room trends, from smart speakers to open-plan living UK News

Sky Glass has revealed the 2022 trends everyone wants in their living room, from smart speakers to open space.

The days of three-room suites, drinks trolleys and inspirational wall quotes are over, say the experts behind Sky’s new streaming TV.

Instead, we opt for corner sofas, durable furniture and smart technology for a modern touch to our living rooms.

A survey of 2,000 adults commissioned by Sky Glass revealed what the average living room looks like today.

Times series: 3D rendering of old living room trends. Credit: Sky Glass3D rendering of old living room trends. Credit: Sky Glass

From the research, our top 20 living room trends for 2022 were pulled, which include everything from real wood floors, wood-burning stoves, statement rugs, plus little luxuries like candles and potted plants. .

Interior design guru Sophie Robinson said: “Our living rooms are the heart of the home, and new research from Sky Glass shows they have to work harder than ever on a multifunctional level.

“However, you don’t need to undertake a complete makeover to update your living room – small changes such as new accessories, sleek technology and organized storage can make a big difference.”

Our priorities are changing and we are rapidly moving away from “comfortable” style living rooms to more open and versatile spaces where we can work from home, train and spend time with family.

READ MORE: Sky reveals six documentaries from The Essex Murders to The Royal Mob – How to watch

READ MORE: Sky reveals new content coming to its channels and NOW in June 2022

To help visualize the evolution of the salons and the emerging trends, Sky Glass has created a 3D rendering to show the transformation.

When it comes to redecorating, we make smaller but more affordable changes rather than remodeling entire rooms at once.

Most adults are also more likely to look to the homes of family and friends before going to stores and watching home decor TV shows.

You won’t be surprised to learn that social media also has a huge role to play, with half of respondents admitting they find inner inspiration on platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

More than two-thirds (68%) also see technology as a priority in their living space, with 42% saying a perfect TV set-up is essential for them.

According to the research, almost half of Britons (46%) have four or more tech products in their living rooms, and it looks like smart tech is on the rise.

Times Series: Sky Glass. Credit: SkySky glass. Credit: Sky

Ms Robinson continued: “One of the areas, as a designer, that I find difficult to master is the television. Everyone wants one, the bigger the better, and they can quickly dominate the space.

“Sky Glass is a great way to incorporate technology into your interior style – with just one wire it means less clutter and the choice of colors means you can incorporate it into your living room design, whatever whatever your taste.”

10% of respondents said they were looking to integrate more smart technologies such as smart speakers, TVs as well as lighting into their home.

Anthony Davies, Group Design Director at Sky, commented: “We don’t think people should have to compromise on style when it comes to their technology. When we created Sky Glass, our goal was to combine beautiful design with cutting-edge technology and incredible entertainment.”

Mr Davies added: “The result is a stylish TV that can fit seamlessly into any living room design, acting as a customizable piece of furniture, clutter-free and also carbon neutral, reflecting what many people are looking for in their living room. technology today.

Top 20 living room trends

  1. Smart speakers (63%)
  2. Sustainable furniture (61%)
  3. Real wood parquet (60%)
  4. TV on the wall (60%)
  5. Open concept living room (57%)
  6. Luxury candles (57%)
  7. Throws (53%)
  8. Potted plants (52%)
  9. Log Burner (51%)
  10. Blinds (51%)
  11. Table lamps (50%)
  12. Hearth (50%)
  13. Family photo frames (48%)
  14. Trendy rugs (48%)
  15. Corner sofas (47%)
  16. Wall prints (46%)
  17. Large mirror on the wall (45%)
  18. Floating shelves (43%)
  19. Curtains (43%)
  20. Shutters (42%)

How to get Sky Glass

Sky Glass has everything you need built in, it’s the only TV with Sky inside, meaning there’s no need to pay for a screen, soundbar and box separately.

Key features include:

  • The only TV with Sky and all your favorite apps inside
  • Buy your TV like you buy your mobile phone with flexible payments
  • State-of-the-art design available in five colors and three sizes
  • Ultra HD and Quantum Dot technology producing over a billion colors
  • 360° Dolby Atmos® sound with…

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 14:21:00

Categories
Cars

Mercedes-Benz B-Class PHEV discontinued in range reduction Car News

The majority of Mercedes-Benz B-Class variants were dropped before the launch of a facelifted model later that year.

The German brand now only offers the B200 and B200d, it confirmed to Autocar, with a 163hp 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 148hp 2.0-litre diesel engine respectively.

This means that the Gasoline B180 and The B250e plug-in hybrids have been eliminated, along with the B180d and B220d diesels.

Mercedes has also reduced the trim levels to four, leaving just eight variants of the compact MPV available to order. Previously, buyers could choose from 26. Prices now start from £31,800.

The updated version of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer rival is set to launch later this year, with spy photos showing a slightly redesigned front bumper and grille, similar to the updated Mercedes A-Class. up to date.

An updated interior, including a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system, is also expected.

Mercedes told Autocar that an engine range for the facelifted B-Class has yet to be confirmed, although it is still planned with petrol, diesel and PHEV variants.

It’s expected to be the latest iteration of the B-Class, which arrived two generations ago in 2005, as Mercedes bosses plan to turn the company into a pure luxury brand by launching more models at high margin and eliminating entry-level cars.

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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 12:02:20

Categories
Brighton

Piers Morgan 150-1 to become the next Prime Minister Brighton News

PIERS Morgan is 150-1 to become the next Prime Minister.

Tory MPs have officially triggered a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

At least 54 MPs, including Worthing MP Tim Loughton and Bognor MP Nick Gibb, have tabled letters asking the Prime Minister to resign.

The vote, by secret ballot, will take place in Westminster on Monday evening – with a total of 180 MPs needed to oust the Prime Minister.

According to the bookmakers, Piers Morgan is on the list of potential replacements.

The Newick-born TV presenter is 150-1 to succeed Mr Johnson with Bet365 and 250-1 with Paddy Power.

The former Good Morning Britain host took to social media to respond to the news.

“I’m currently 150-1 with Bet365 and 250-1 with Paddy Power to be the next UK Prime Minister,” he said.

“Might have a punt at that.”

Following the confirmation of the confidence vote, Downing Street said Boris Johnson “welcomes the opportunity to put his views across to MPs”.

A spokeswoman for No 10 said the vote was ‘a chance to end months of speculation and allow the government to draw a line and move on’.

Some backbench Tories have expressed fears that the ‘Partygate’ scandal, which saw Mr Johnson fined for breaching Covid restrictions, has irreparably damaged his reputation with the public, threatening the party’s chances in the next general election.

The Prime Minister also faced a public backlash during Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with some sections of the crowd booing him as he arrived at a service of thanksgiving for the Queen on Friday.

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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 10:11:12

Categories
Brighton

Air rifle fired in communal gardens in Worthing – armed police respond Brighton News

ARMED Police responded after an air rifle was fired into a communal garden.

Emergency services responded to the incident on Bulkington Avenue in Worthing around 2.30pm on Sunday June 5.

Police received a report that someone fired an air rifle at a property.

Officers including firearms and dog units were called to the scene.

“Some of the occupants of the property have admitted they were responsible for firing air rifles in the communal gardens,” a police spokesman said.

“An air rifle has been seized from the property and strong advice has been given.”

The Argus: air rifle fired in Bulkington Avenue Communal Gardens, Worthing Air rifle fired in Bulkington Avenue Communal Gardens, Worthing

No arrests were made by police and no one was hurt or injured in the incident, police said.

Photographs taken at the scene show a number of police officers and vehicles.

A firearms unit and a canine unit were also pictured at the scene.

The Argus: air rifle fired in Bulkington Avenue Communal Gardens, WorthingAir rifle fired in Bulkington Avenue Communal Gardens, Worthing

A street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was due to take place on Sunday afternoon in nearby South Farm Road.

The road was to be closed from the north side of Pavilion Road to the north side of Henty Road.

Pavilion Road and Westcourt Road were to remain open.

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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 11:38:56

Categories
Bath City

Households will receive a cost of living increase of £650 – which is eligible for payment Bath City News

As many continue to struggle with soaring costs, people across the UK are set to get a welcome boost in the coming weeks to help them manage their finances. Among several measures unveiled last month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said some households would be in line to receive £650.

Millions of people are set to receive the money which will be split into two payments – split equally at £325. The money will be distributed to people who receive means-tested benefits such as tax credits and universal credit.

Mr Sunak’s announcement came as he faced pressure to help ease the cost of living crisis across the country, as people faced energy bills of up to £2,800 later this year, reports the Mirror. In addition to this, food prices and gasoline costs have also seen sharp increases.

Read more: Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says PM must go for ‘good of the country’

Below is a summary of what you need to know about the payouts and how you are eligible to receive them.

When will payments be made?

The first lump sum of £325 will appear in people’s bank accounts from July. The second payment should be made in the fall.

The only slight difference will be for those claiming tax credits, with their first payment due later in the fall. This will be followed by a second payment in winter.

Is there a deadline for getting payment?

Anyone entitled to the payment had to receive one of the eligible benefits by May 25. However, no deadline has yet been set for the second payment, meaning some people who missed the first threshold could still receive £325 later in the year. . There is no need to request payment as they will be issued automatically if you are eligible.

Who is eligible for payouts?

Anyone benefiting from the following means-tested benefits can claim:

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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 11:57:12

Categories
Bedford

Martin Lewis shares key airport tip to save passengers hundreds of pounds Bedford News

Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert has shared a handy tip that could save those traveling on their summer holidays hundreds of pounds a week.

In his Martin Lewis Money Show Live, the economic expert revealed how passengers spend a lot of money on expensive airport parking.

The finance guru explained how to save money by simply reserving a parking space before departure.

Here are the key tips Martin Lewis gave to those who want to save money.

What is his airport parking tip to save money?

Martin Lewis advised booking airport parking well in advance, instead of showing up the same day and having to pay hundreds a week.

He said that pre-booking a place will help you save a lot of money.

Martin said: “Airport parking, book ahead. Even if it’s daytime.

“As an example, we found a case where if you show up at Manchester airport and pay there, it’s £400 for the week.

“If you had pre-booked that morning it was £130.”

He added: “Best of all, if you had booked earlier, there are also comparison sites.”

He then advised travelers to go to comparison sites to check hotel prices and make the most of free cancellations.

What other tips did he share?

During the show, Martin explained to his viewers that the best way to save money abroad is to use a credit or debit card.

But he stressed that you need to choose the right card in order to avoid “paying to pay” while on vacation.

He showed three types of cards that are best for traveling abroad:

All three cards have no exchange fees and there is no interest on spending as long as you pay in full.

Martin said that of the three cards, the Chase debit card is the best to use abroad as it offers 1% cash back on purchases made.

He explained that using cash is always a good way to spend money abroad, bBut he warned that Bureau de Change’s cash rates are often beaten by debit and credit cards.

If you choose to use cash, Martin advises you never to exchange cash at the airport.

He advises always using a travel money comparison site to find the best fare.

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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 12:16:03

Categories
UK News

Mother whose baby arrived prematurely in Mexico must raise £10,000 to bring her child home | United Kingdom | New UK News

But she was amazed when she felt contractions just two days into the holiday. Baby Hugo was born 14 weeks early, weighing less than 2 pounds. He was kept in hospital on a ventilator due to bowel and blood issues.

Now Dawn and her partner David Wright, 30, are desperately trying to raise money to bring him home.

David said: “Hugo is extremely weak. He has already received a blood transfusion because his blood level was falling. He also has problems with his intestines, which they monitor.

“He is in intensive care and we will now be stuck in Mexico while he recovers at full strength so we can get home. It could take three to four months.

“We’re running out of money after all the bills we’ve had to prepay, and now we have to find a place to stay near the hospital so we can be close.

“It’s tough. It’s particularly difficult to get more details about Hugo’s problems because we don’t speak Spanish and their English is also limited.

The couple, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, are staying in a flat next to the hospital in western Mexico.

David, a plasterer and law student, Dawn, thanked everyone who donated to their online Go Fund Me appeal.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 12:22:48

Categories
Yorkshire

Triumph Herald Owned By Dame Thora Hird In Last Of The Summer Wine Goes Up For Sale Yorkshire News

His famous red 1970 Triumph Herald 13/60 is being offered in mint condition for an estimated price of between £16,000 and £18,000.

The car has been fully restored and comes complete with a diecast model of the vehicle, which even bears the same registration, as well as photographs of the car from the series and confirmation that it was used by the BBC.

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Andreas Hicks of H&H Classics auctioneers said: “A famous vehicle presented in truly worth viewing condition surely presents a fantastic opportunity for any discerning collector or enthusiast. Here, in one lovely package, is a double helping of iconic Britishness: both a car and a TV show.”

The red Triumph Herald used by Dame Thora Hird in Last of the Summer Wine

The 13/60 model was launched in October 1967 and was capable of 0-60 mph in 17.7 seconds, with a top speed of 84 mph.

The car is instantly recognizable to fans of the iconic show, which was filmed in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire between 1973 and 2010.

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On the show, the trump belonged to Edie Pedgen, who was played by Dame Thora Hird. Edie was not a natural driver, it took her three tries to pass her test, and when her character was written out of the series after Dame Thora’s death in 2003, her car was too.

The car comes complete with a diecast model of the vehicle.

But it has since been lovingly cared for and restored with “well-finished paint and contrasting black interior.” It even still has the same license plate as when it was used on the show.

The seller rates the condition of the body, engine, paint and interior finish as ‘very good’, with the electrical equipment and transmission as ‘good’.

It will be sold at auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on June 22.

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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-06 12:26:31