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SEAT Will Launch Six Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Models and Develop a New Platform in Spain for Electric Vehicles

SEAT presented its electric strategy today which, until the beginning of 2021, will include six electric and plug-in hybrid models. The electric version of the Mii and el-Born will be the brand’s first two fully electric models, while the new generation Leon and the Tarraco will feature a plug-in hybrid version. Furthermore, the CUPRA Leon and the CUPRA Formentor will also have a plug-in hybrid variant. SEAT President Luca de Meo also announced today at the company’s annual media conference that the CUPRA Formentor, the new CUV that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, will be built at the Martorell factory.
For the first time in the history of the company, SEAT will develop a new vehicle platform in collaboration with the Volkswagen brand, a smaller version of the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB) on which multiple vehicles of the size of around four metres in length by different brands, SEAT among them, will be made. The goal of the new platform is to develop affordable electric vehicles, with an entry level price below 20,000 euros. More than 300 highly skilled engineers will be participating in this project in Spain.
During the presentation of the results held at SEAT’s corporate headquarters in Martorell, company CEO Luca de Meostated that “SEAT now has a clearer role in the Volkswagen Group, and thanks to the results obtained, we have earned the new electric vehicle platform.” “For the first time, the SEAT Technical Centre will be developing a platform that may be used by more brands around the globe,” added de Meo.
Volkswagen AG CEO Dr. Herbert Diess attended the presentation and emphasised SEAT’s role within the Volkswagen Group: “SEAT is playing a new role within the Volkswagen Group taking on even more responsibility. This year’s achievements underline SEAT’s potential to make use of growth opportunities and open new markets.” Dr. Diess added that “The small electric platform project is a great step towards an even more affordable electric mobility. SEAT will realize the first electric vehicle that is especially designed for urban journeys.”
The electric offensive reaches further than new models and also encompasses a micromobility strategy which, as announced by the CEO of SEAT during the Mobile World Congress, the company is going to lead for the Volkswagen Group. The recently unveiled Minimó concept car plays a part in this strategy and the electric SEAT eXS kickscooter are two examples of urban micromobility solutions put forward by the company.
2018, the best year in the history of SEAT
In 2018 SEAT obtained the best results in its history. Profit after tax went up to 294 million euros, 4.6% more than the previous year (281). Moreover, operating profit grew by 93.2% to stand at 223 million euros (2017: 116) and turnover amounted to 9.991 billion euros, which is 4.6% higher than the 2017 result (9.552). All amounts set new historic records. In the past five years, SEAT’s turnover has grown by 33%.
In addition, deliveries increased to the highest level in SEAT’s nearly seven decades of existence, and the figure of 517,600 vehicles sold (10.5% more than in 2017), made SEAT the fastest growing brand in Europe last year. Boosted by the Ateca and the Arona, selling models with a greater contribution margin helped the improvement of SEAT’s profit results. In its first year as an independent brand, CUPRA was instrumental in increasing the company’s bottom line after sales went up by 40% to reach 14,400 units.
According to Luca de Meo, “2018 was the best year in the history of SEAT. For the first time we have good products in the relevant and most profitable segments, which has led us to become one of the fastest growing brands in Europein the past three years. The SUV offensive we began in 2016 exceeded our most optimistic expectations and one out of every three cars sold last year entered in this category. SEAT can now look the future straight in the eyes.”
The sound progress of the business enabled SEAT to accelerate its investment programme. In 2018 alone, the company allocated 1,223 million euros, 27.1% more (2017: 962) to investments and R&D expenses, the highest figure in its history. Of this volume, 656 million euros was earmarked exclusively to R&D, which is 41.4% more than the previous year (2017:464).
Vice-president for Finance, IT and Organisation Holger Kintscher pointed out that, “As SEAT stands today, it is a financially sound, sustainable company. We have a thorough cost-efficiency programme and the resources to face the technological transformation of the automotive industry. We need that to stay profitable in the future.”
In 2018, SEAT exported 80% of its production output and consolidated itself as Spain’s largest industrial exporter, with close to 3% of the country’s total export figure. The goal for forthcoming years is to step up the company’s globalisation. In this sense, it is rolling out an ambitious growth strategy in North Africa, where it will lead the Volkswagen Group’s vehicle assembly project in Algeria and aims to increase its presence in the region in the medium term. Latin America is another potential territory for the brand to expand in, and there are plans to begin operations in Chile in the second half of 2019 and strengthen its presence in Colombia. In China, SEAT is a part of the JAC Volkswagen joint venture and preparations are being made for its entry in the world’s largest car market.
SOURCE SEAT
Blockchain
OKX Proof of Reserves Ranked Highest Quality Among Major Exchanges as 11th Consecutive Monthly Reserves Report is Published
OKX, a leading global Web3 technology company and crypto exchange, has published its industry-best 11th consecutive monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR), showing balances of USD$11.2 billion in primary assets, as its PoR was given the highest quality rating among major exchanges.
OKX’s latest PoR comes days after Castle Island Ventures partner and blockchain and Proof of Reserves expert Nic Carter ranked OKX highest of all major centralized exchanges on its quality of Proof of Reserves. In his ranking, he cited OKX’s credibility, knowledge of leadership, demonstrated commitment to transparency and overall PoR quality as reasons for his positive assessment.
OKX’s PoR covers 22 commonly used digital assets and shows that OKX has maintained a reserve ratio exceeding 100% for 11 consecutive months across all those assets. In addition to BTC, ETH and USDT, the assets included are: USDC, XRP, DOGE, SOL, OKB, APT, DASH, DOT, ELF, EOS, ETC, FIL, LINK, LTC, OKT, PEOPLE, TON, TRX and UNI.
OKX’s current reserve ratios are as follows:
- BTC: 102%
- ETH: 103%
- USDT: 102%
OKX Global Chief Commercial Officer Lennix Lai said: “With our 11th consecutive Proof of Reserves report, we are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to greater transparency and trust within the crypto industry. At OKX, we believe that integrity is the cornerstone of our success, and our PoR stands as a testament to our dedication to safeguarding user assets. As we approach a full calendar year of consecutive PoR releases, we have never been more committed to continuing to raise the bar for transparency in our sector.”
In August, OKX conducted two Twitter surveys to measure the sentiment of the online community with regards to the importance of PoR and transparency. Poll results showed that 84% of respondents say monthly PoR reports are either ‘somewhat important’ or ‘very important‘ and 88% state that transparency is either ‘somewhat important’ or ‘very important’ when choosing which crypto platform to trust.
OKX has seen hundreds of thousands of users engage with its PoR, visit its PoR page and view their self-audits since first launching its PoR page in late 2022. The open-source verification tool allows users to independently verify OKX’s solvency and confirm their assets are backed by OKX reserves while maintaining their privacy.
OKX has published over 210,000 addresses for its PoR program, and will continue to allow the public to view its asset flows.
Users can view the latest PoR report, reserve ratios, and verify OKX’s solvency here.
Blockchain
ACX’s technology to power Indonesia Carbon Exchange
ACX (AirCarbon Exchange), operating its proprietary regulated environmental asset trading platform, is the technology provider for Indonesia’s carbon exchange hosted and operated by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) after a competitive Request for Proposal process.
Launched on 26th September 2023, with its first carbon trades, Indonesia’s official carbon exchange, IDXCarbon, will play a vital role in reducing Indonesia’s carbon emissions and driving Indonesia’s transition to reach net zero emissions by 2060.
“With ACX support, IDXCarbon has reached a key milestone towards achieving net zero emission in 2060 or sooner. We anticipate a thriving and enduring collaboration with ACX that will continue to drive innovation and success, as the Indonesian carbon market develops.” said Iman Rachman, President Director of IDX.
IDXCarbon has been customised by ACX to meet the country’s unique requirements, as well as aligned with Indonesian institutions, including the National Registry System for Climate Change Control (SRN-PPI). This will ensure the exchange is compliant with Indonesia’s standards and procedures, as well as the requirements recently established by the OJK, the country’s financial services authority. ACX provides a complete end-to-end solution that utilises blockchain technology to ensure the transparency and auditability of all trades transacted on the exchange. With that, the exchange will play a central role and promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the Indonesian carbon market.
“We are honoured to be the technology provider for Indonesia’s carbon exchange and to contribute towards the country’s vision of a fair and inclusive carbon ecosystem,” said Thomas McMahon, co-CEO and co-Founder of ACX. “Our end-to-end solution will enable the exchange to provide comprehensive services. This will make it easier for companies to access and participate in the carbon market, ultimately driving down Indonesia’s carbon emissions and contributing to global sustainability efforts.”
Hum Wei Mei, Head of APAC and Global Head of Environmental Products, said: “Indonesia has a critical role to play in international climate action while IDXCarbon is at the heart of ensuring that Indonesia’s carbon market progresses as envisioned. As the technology provider to IDXCarbon, ACX is committed to working closely with IDX to implement a highly customised, iconic and state-of-the-art carbon exchange which will act as critical supporting infrastructure for Indonesia’s long-term plans & interests in emissions trading, carbon markets & climate action.”
With a global footprint covering Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North and South America, ACX has demonstrated itself to be a leading technology provider with a proven track record of designing and implementing carbon trading system worldwide, leveraging the company’s expertise and experience to ensure a robust and reliable platform for trading environmental assets.
Blockchain
Nex News Network Launches World’s First Blockchain-Integrated Web3 and Metaverse News Platform
Nex News Network, the pioneering media organization, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking platform, revolutionizing the way news and media are consumed. This year marks a momentous milestone as Nex News Network becomes the world’s first-ever blockchain integrated, Web3, and Metaverse news and media platform. With a fusion of cutting-edge technology and visionary media strategies, Nex News Network is set to redefine the media landscape.
A New Era in Media Industry: Nex News Network’s Unique Offering
Nex News Network has embarked on an extraordinary journey to bring the future of media to the present. As a trailblazer in the industry, the platform integrates blockchain technology, Web3, and Metaverse, delivering an unparalleled experience to users. This year, Nex News Network establishes itself as the vanguard in news and media, providing a platform that seamlessly connects diverse sources of information, making them accessible from anywhere, on any device.
Innovative Media Revolution
Nex News Network introduces a unique animation concept that transforms the traditional news and media industry. With this innovation, the animation seamlessly integrates with media and news content, sparking a revolutionary shift in how information is consumed. This innovation not only redefines the media industry but also catalyzes a new era of interaction, engagement, and understanding.
Empowering Users and Advertisers
Nex News Network brings a new dimension to user experience by creating an integrated platform that caters to a diverse range of interests and categories. Users can explore validated blockchain content, industry news, directories, event information, technology updates, and more. For advertisers, Nex News Network offers direct access to their target audience, bypassing intermediaries and providing real-time performance data for smarter decision-making.
With its focus on blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse, Nex News Network embraces the future of digital content. The Metaverse, an advanced digital realm, complements the platform, creating immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Nex News Network pioneers the way for this interconnected digital world, offering users a new dimension of engagement and exploration.
A Call to the Future
Nex News Network is poised to reshape the media industry by introducing blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse technology. Through its visionary leadership, dedication to user experience, and commitment to innovation, Nex News Network is laying the foundation for a new era in news and media consumption. As the world’s first blockchain-integrated Web3, and Metaverse news platform, Nex News Network stands ready to redefine the media landscape.
Setting the Stage with NexNews Network – A New Era in Media Consumption and Engagement
NexNews Network pioneers a transformative approach to media consumption, driven by innovation and led by a dedicated team. With a focus on user experience, NexNews Network creates a dynamic space where users can seamlessly access news and media sources from various categories, transcending traditional boundaries.
Visionary Leadership – Founder Aakash Jugraj and the Power of Innovation
Under the visionary leadership of Aakash Jugraj, NexNews Network has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the industry. Backed by the reputable Shivaksh Media Group of Companies, the platform represents a fusion of expertise and innovation that sets a new benchmark for media excellence.
Founder Aakash Jugraj – A Driving Force for Media Innovation
At the helm of NexNews Network is Founder Aakash Jugraj, a visionary entrepreneur with a deep-rooted commitment to revolutionizing the media landscape. His forward-thinking approach has driven the platform’s mission to redefine publication creation, distribution, and consumption using Web3, Blockchain & Metaverse technologies.of Companies.
Aakash Jugraj, the driving force behind NexNews Network, envisions a media ecosystem that champions transparency, authenticity, and user-centric experiences. His vision aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Shivaksh Media Group of Companies, creating a formidable alliance for media innovation.
Continuous Industry Evolution: NexNews Network’s Transformative Role
NexNews Network signifies a departure from traditional media models, offering a continuous industry experience that transcends conventional boundaries. The platform’s transformative capabilities make it a pioneering force in providing a new-age media ecosystem that empowers users with unparalleled access and engagement.
Technology at the Forefront: Nex News Network’s Secure and Transparent Platform
Technologically adept, NexNews Network harnesses the power of blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse to ensure the highest level of security, authenticity, and transparency. This technological synergy enables users to engage with news and media content with utmost confidence.
Personalized User Experience – NexNews Network’s Tailored Approach
Through NexNews Network, users will enjoy a distinctly personalized experience. The platform’s integration of blockchain technology ensures that users can consume news and media content that aligns precisely with their interests, fostering deeper engagement and resonance.
Empowering Advertisers: Nex News Network Effective Advertising Platform
Advertisers will benefit from NexNews Network’s innovative approach by accessing a tailored platform that enables direct engagement with their target audience. The blockchain integration ensures a transparent and effective advertising experience, enabling advertisers to refine their strategies based on real-time performance data.
Elections
NexNews Network is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming election season. With its unique blend of blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse, the platform will facilitate informed decision-making by providing accurate and transparent information to voters.
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