GAC Showcases Multiple Models at Canton Fair: Systemic Global Expansion as a Response to High‑Level Opening‑Up

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 15 October, the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) kicked off in Guangzhou. Dubbed “China’s No.1 Exhibition” with a 70‑year history, it serves as a vital window for global merchants to understand China, and one of GAC’s stages to connect with the world. For international buyers, GAC serves not only as a sourcing platform but as a trusted channel for experiencing Chinese automotive innovation and building long-term local partnerships. Having made its debut in 2012, GAC has participated in the fair 30 times to date. Together with the Canton Fair, it has witnessed the transformation of Made‑in‑China products into Chinese global brands.

This transformation is reflected in GAC’s global expansion journey through a string of continuously refreshed sales figures. Overseas sales stood at 90,000 units in 2024, hit 130,000 units in 2025, and exceeded 197,000 units in January‑September 2026, representing a year‑on‑year surge of 138.9%. GAC is sprinting full steam ahead toward its annual target of 300,000 overseas units. GAC has accomplished a shift from “product export” to “system‑level global expansion”.

At the GAC booth, XT80, AION i60 and AISTALAND GX7 showcased intelligent driving, three-electric systems and premium cabins. The energy-ecology zone featured DC ultra-fast charging piles, 7 kW smart home chargers, multi-in-one electric drive units and PV-Storage-Charging-Swapping Technology, addressing range anxiety. Opening day drew buyers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and Africa. At the Music & Cuisine Festival, GAC built three immersive spaces blending smart mobility, Cantonese cuisine, camping and sports. The XT80, AION N60, GAC S7 and AISTALAND GT7 served as lifestyle carriers, letting guests enjoy morning tea, global cuisines and intangible cultural heritage.

GAC will advance its ONE GAC 2.0 strategy, deepening localized operations and expanding its systematic global layout. As a tribute to the Canton Fair’s 70th anniversary and a new business card for China’s auto industry, GAC will help drive Chinese intelligent manufacturing onto the global stage.

For further information about GAC, please visit https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

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AGFUND wins international award for excellence in inclusive banking and social impact

 Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal credits the founders of AGFUND’s microfinance banks for laying the foundations of its development impact

BANGKOK, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) won the “Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact” award at the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Awards, organized by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) in cooperation with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG).

AGFUND CEO Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid accepted the award in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, President of AGFUND, said the recognition acknowledges AGFUND’s experience using financial services to empower underserved communities, strengthen livelihoods and promote economic independence.

He credited the founders of AGFUND’s microfinance banks, particularly the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, for establishing institutions centered on empowering people.

He added that the award reflects over two decades of commitment, the dedication of financial inclusion banks and partners, and clients who transformed financing into businesses and family income. He emphasized expanding opportunities and measuring success through lasting improvements in people’s lives.

Prince Abdulaziz stressed that the recognition reflects the value of institutions reaching excluded populations and encourages broader access and economic opportunities for families.

AGFUND’s financial inclusion banking network has served more than 1.3 million clients and disbursed over US$1.37 billion in financing since inception. Women represent 59 per cent of borrowers, demonstrating its contribution to economic empowerment.

Presented by WSBI, established in 1924, together with ESBG, the award recognizes an approach linking financial services, social impact and sustainable development.

Following its first bank in Jordan in 2004, AGFUND expanded across nine countries: Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania and Sierra Leone, focusing on communities underserved by conventional financial institutions.

The network has issued more than 1.5 million loans, opened over 927,000 savings accounts, established 112 branches and employed more than 1,500 people. Its services finance micro and small enterprises and income-generating activities, improving livelihoods and economic independence.

AGFUND plans to strengthen development partnerships, advance digital solutions and innovative financial products, and integrate financing with training, capacity development, market access and risk protection.

It is also exploring geographic expansion, particularly in Africa, through institutional partnerships that adapt successful approaches to local needs and extend sustainable financial inclusion to more communities.

Website – https://agfund.org/

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Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as its First Brand Ambassador; Launches ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ Campaign

• India’s World Cup-winning captain fronts a nationwide campaign urging families to choose a rooftop solar partner they can count on for the next 30 years

• Freyr’s “Rishta Pakka” ad film features brand ambassador Rohit Sharma

National, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freyr Energy, India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, announced Rohit Sharma, India’s World Cup-winning captain, as its first-ever brand ambassador. The association launches with ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’, a nationwide campaign built on a simple idea: rooftop solar is a 30-year decision, and it deserves a company that delivers year after year. The campaign also features an ad film, “Rishta Pakka,” with Rohit Sharma as the protagonist, talking about solar, subsidies, and its benefits through a humour-led narrative.

The partnership brings together two records of consistency and benchmark-setting. Rohit Sharma has spent nearly two decades delivering at the highest level of international cricket, setting standards others now measure themselves against. Freyr Energy has done the same on India’s rooftops for more than a decade, designing, financing, installing and servicing 24,000+ solar systems across 40+ cities, and introducing industry firsts such as its Freyr Energy App, self-cleaning solar systems and solar experience centres. The launch comes at a turning point for the category, with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana bringing millions of Indian families to rooftop solar for the first time. Eligible households can access government subsidy support of up to ₹78,000, while financing options at low and competitive interest rates can further reduce the upfront financial burden of making the switch. A solar system is meant to perform for decades, long after installation day, so the real risk for a family is not whether to go solar, but whom to trust with it. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to answer that question.

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder & Managing Director, Freyr Energy, said, “Our aim has always been to raise the bar for what Indian homeowners can expect from rooftop solar, not just on installation day but across the 30-year life of their system. Rohit has spent his career doing exactly that in cricket, which made him the natural choice as our first brand ambassador.”

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder & Director, Freyr Energy, said, “When a family puts solar on its roof, they are trusting a company for the next 30 years. That company has to show up every time and stand behind the family’s decision long after the system is switched on. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ says that in five words, and no one says it better than Rohit.”

Speaking about the association, Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, said, “Protecting the environment has been close to my heart for years. Rooftop solar gives families a chance to do their bit for the planet, and it’s important to have a partner you can trust for the journey. That’s what drew me to Freyr Energy. I’m happy to be part of their campaign, encouraging more families to embrace solar and choose a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Rajan Mahalingam, Marketing Head, Freyr Energy, said, “‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to make Freyr the first name families think of when they consider rooftop solar. Rohit’s reputation for consistency and trust mirrors what we promise every customer, and that gives the campaign an authenticity audiences will connect with. We look forward to taking this message to millions of homes across India.”

The ad film “Rishta Pakka” is live across Freyr Energy’s YouTube channel on: https://youtu.be/SW_0c1FSaQU   

About Freyr Energy

Founded in 2014 by Saurabh Marda and Radhika Choudary, Freyr Energy is India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 24,000+ installations for homes and businesses across 40+ cities. The company brings system design, installation, financing assistance and technology-enabled customer support under one roof to make the switch to rooftop solar simple and dependable.

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A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger now available from Histria Books

Oct 17: Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger that brings together three Regency romances, Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season. This collection is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.

Christmas has a way of upsetting even the best-laid plans, and that is part of the fun in Barbara Metzger’s Regency romances. Across Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season, mistletoe, holiday enchantment, and unexpected turns of fate make room for love and laughter. Snowy manor houses and glittering balls set the scene, while Metzger’s wit keeps the festivities lively.

At a time when holiday reading can feel crowded with familiar promises, these three books offer something more companionable: a chance to spend the season with a writer who knows that affection is often funniest when people are trying hard to behave. Together, they make a welcome gift for longtime Metzger readers and an inviting introduction for newcomers.

Barbara Metzger is the award-winning author of more than three dozen Regency romances and a dozen novellas. Her acclaimed novels, set primarily in Regency-era England, have earned numerous honors, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Madcap Award for humor in romance writing, and two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards. A former editor, proofreader, greeting-card verse writer, and artist, Metzger also paints, gardens, volunteers at her local library, and enjoys beachcombing on Long Island.

Father Christmas, 200 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-854-0; Greetings of the Season, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-853-3; An Enchanted Christmas, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-855-7 by Barbara Metzger are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. These titles are also available as ebooks. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

Star Health Brings ‘Bishram Grih’ and Face Scan Health Assessments to Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur

First-of-its-kind initiative by Star Health offers pandal hoppers in Kolkata and Durgapur a comfortable space to rest and refresh, along with an instant indicative health report covering approximately 17 parameters

KOLKATA, India, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, today announced the introduction of ‘Bishram Grih’ at select Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur. The first-of-its-kind initiative by Star Health offers pandal hoppers a comfortable lounge-style space to “Rest, Relax & Rejuvenate” during their Puja journey. Each Bishram Grih will also feature a technology-led Face Scan health assessment, enabling visitors to gain quick insights into select health indicators.

Pandal hopping during Durga Puja can be tiring, particularly for those visiting multiple locations in a day. At each Bishram Grih, visitors can take a break, sit comfortably and enjoy refreshments such as tea and water before continuing their Puja journey.

A key feature of the Bishram Grih is Star Health’s Face Scan health assessment kiosk. Through a simple and contactless facial scan, visitors can receive an instant indicative health report covering approximately 17 health parameters. The assessment provides insights into select vital signs and indicators related to stress, recovery and heart rate variability, including heart rate, respiratory rate, stress index and HRV metrics, among others.

Star Health will set up two Bishram Grihs in Kolkata and one in Durgapur. The initiative will be active from 16 October to 20 October 2026 at the following Puja pandals:

• Bag bazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav Exhibition, Kolkata
• 22 Palli Sarodotsab, Northern Park, Kolkata
• Marconi Dakshina Pally, Durgapur

Operating hours: 11AM onwards

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Himanshu Walia, Whole-time Director & CMO, Star Health Insurance, said, “”Durga Puja is a festival close to every Bengali’s heart, and pandal hopping is an integral part of the celebrations. With thousands of people spending long hours visiting pandals, we wanted to create a space where they could pause, rest and recharge before continuing their Puja journey. Bishram Grih brings this thought to life by offering visitors a comfortable lounge-style space with refreshments at select pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur.

By integrating a quick and contactless Face Scan health assessment into the experience, we are also encouraging visitors to become more aware of select health indicators in a simple and accessible manner. Through Bishram Grih, we hope to combine festive convenience with preventive health awareness and make wellbeing a meaningful part of the Durga Puja experience.”

Star Health also encourages pandal hoppers in Kolkata and Durgapur, particularly senior citizens and families with young children, to take precautions during the festivities. These include staying hydrated, taking regular breaks between pandal visits, wearing comfortable footwear and seeking medical advice in case of any discomfort.

Commenting on the regional initiative, Mr. Atin Roy, Business Head – West Bengal, Star Health Insurance, said, “West Bengal comes alive during Durga Puja, with families and visitors spending long hours exploring pandals across the region. Bishram Grih responds to a practical need by offering pandal hoppers a comfortable space to pause, refresh and regain energy. Visitors can also access a complimentary, contactless Face Scan health assessment that provides an instant indicative report covering approximately 17 health parameters. By setting up these facilities at prominent pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur, we aim to make comfort and health awareness a meaningful part of the festive experience.”

By bringing together physical comfort and preventive health awareness, Bishram Grih seeks to make wellbeing a meaningful part of the Durga Puja experience. Through such technology-led initiatives, Star Health is exploring ways to complement health insurance protection with solutions that encourage people to remain more engaged with their overall wellbeing.

About Star Health and Allied Insurance: 

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first standalone health insurance company. Star Health provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor-made products to cater to needs such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac illnesses, as well as specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1 crore claims.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8 lakh agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 15,000+ network hospitals and 18,500+ employees.

Talk to Star: helping policyholders plan care with confidence: Star Health offers guided support through 7200 222 333 for eligible policyholders seeking Home Healthcare or planned hospitalisation assistance. Customers can call the number and press 1 for Home Healthcare or press 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand coverage, network hospital options, the cashless process, required documents and care pathways before admission or home-based treatment. Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual OPD consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

For more information visit www.starhealth.in

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Paris Court Ruling on Discontinued Feature Will Have Minimal Impact on Angelalign Customers

Angelalign Has Already Replaced Torque Ridges with Upgraded “Pressure Points” in Europe

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Angelalign Technology Inc. (6699.HK) (“Angel”) http://www.angelaligner.com, a company driven by innovation in orthodontic clear aligner technology, said today that a ruling by the Paris Local Division of the Unified Patent Court concerning its Torque Ridges feature does not affect the availability of its offering in Europe, which already incorporates the next generation of torque-control technology. 

Angel already has discontinued Torque Ridges in Europe and has replaced it with an upgraded feature called Pressure Points. Pressure Points, which launched in the European market in September, was designed to improve torque control and reflects Angel’s continued commitment to innovation focused on solving orthodontists’ clinical challenges. Angel customers in Spain, the UK and outside of Europe, including the Americas and Asia, are not affected by this ruling. Angel is constantly developing new solutions to continue to serve its customers well.

The court today ruled that the Torque Ridges feature infringes a patent held by Align Technology Inc. (ALGN) for repositioning a patient’s teeth according to an orthodontic treatment plan. Angel respectfully disagrees with the decision and is reviewing it closely while it evaluates its options. Angel will comply with the court’s ruling, including the return of any products. Because Torque Ridges is no longer offered in Europe, orthodontists using Angel products and services can continue treating their patients with access to Pressure Points and Angel’s ongoing clinical and technical support.

“Our priority is to ensure that orthodontists can continue delivering excellent care to their patients,” said Xavier Cherbavaz, General Manager and Vice President, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Angelalign Technology Inc. “Torque Ridges has already been retired in Europe and replaced with Pressure Points, an approach intended to support controlled force application and tooth contact. We remain focused on giving orthodontists innovative clinical solutions and a dependable customer experience.”

“Angel takes intellectual property rights seriously and is careful not to infringe on valid patents,” added Richard Hirschland, Angel’s Chief Commercial Officer and SVP. “We are reviewing the court’s reasoning carefully and will consider all available options. Angel will continue to innovate and improve its products to benefit its providers and their patients despite litigation by a competitor. Continuous innovation means anticipating challenges and preparing solutions to protect the customer experience. Our transition to Pressure Points reflects that commitment. We are determined to continue developing innovative solutions so that orthodontists can rely on Angel over the long term.”

To learn more, visit angelaligner.com/eu and www.angelaligner.com.

About Angelalign Technology Inc.

Founded in 2003 and publicly listed since 2021, Angelalign Technology Inc. provides clear aligner solutions to clinically focused professionals and patients in over 60 countries. Having surpassed two million cumulative cases and with about a US$2 billion market capitalization, the company focuses on clinical innovation and professional support to help experts achieve extraordinary outcomes. Its established global operations and continued investment in innovation support its long-term commitment to orthodontists and their patients. Learn more at angelaligner.com.

Media Contact:

Sue Kolb

Angelalign Technology Inc.

sue.kolb@angelaligner.com

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CLASSIC FUSION TRIBUTO: A GOLDEN RETURN TO THE 1980 ORIGIN

MILAN, Italy, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forty-six years later, Hublot pays tribute to the watch that built Hublot with the Classic Fusion Tributo in yellow or white gold. This is not merely a reinterpretation, but a return to the origin crafted with all the expertise the Manufacture has acquired and integrated since its creation in 1980. Gold and rubber, black and contrast: the same defining codes of the original watch are now elevated through 46 years of watchmaking expertise in movements, finishing, materials, and construction. What began as an idea – the roots of the Art of Fusion – has become achieved full horological depth. This is Hublot’s origin, rebuilt with the Manufacture’s present mastery, where the connection to its founder remains a rare privilege.

A simple glance is all it takes. You see the watch from which it was born, and you feel the craftsmanship and innovation that have shaped it into what it is today. In 1980, Carlo Crocco shook up the watchmaking industry with a single fusion: gold and rubber. Under the MDM Genève name, Mr Crocco unveiled at Basel Fair a watch called Hublot, now known as the original Hublot. It marked a radical break: luxury stripped to its essentials, beginning with a bold material contrast that had never been seen before. Like a porthole, twelve screws secured a bezel reduced to its purest function. A plain dial with almost no embellishment. Minimal, graphic, immediate, unmistakably different. That watch did not follow the conventions of Swiss watchmaking; it challenged and broke its rules. Forty-six years later, the Classic Fusion Tributo brings that foundational design into the present. It connects the watch that started it all with the Hublot of today, uniting the full evolution of the Manufacture’s expertise. It is both a tribute to its origins and an expression of everything Hublot has become. What began as a disruptive idea has become one of the most recognizable design languages in watchmaking.

CLASSIC FUSION TRIBUTO

In terms of design aesthetics, the Classic Fusion Tributo stays true to the 1980 original: a gold case, a black rubber strap and the immediate black-and-gold tension that has defined Hublot from day one.

The case evolves from 36 to 38 mm without compromising proportion, while the twelve slightly domed bezel screws, tactile to the touch, retain their original function, marking time on a dial stripped of indices, with the date positioned at 3 o’clock exactly as intended in the original design language. A screwed crown ensures 100 meters of water resistance, reinforcing its functional integrity. The black lined rubber strap pairs with exposed lugs, revealing the construction’s architecture, while the absence of the One Click system is a deliberate choice that preserves the watch’s DNA. Every detail is deliberate.

Internally, everything changes. What was originally a quartz watch in 1980 became a Manufacture automatic movement. A self-winding architecture delivers approximately 50-hour power reserve thanks to an optimization of the gear train. Built around an open-worked oscillating weight shaped as the iconic Hublot “H”, visible through the sapphire case back, it reflects exactly what Hublot has become: sharper, deeper, more technical, without losing the original idea.

TWO ATTITUDES. ONE ORIGIN.

Both versions (in yellow or white gold) share the same DNA, same architecture, same technical base, and execution. However, their attitudes differ. The yellow gold Classic Fusion Tributo stays closest to the first Hublot ever made. It echoes the original gold-on-rubber contrast with a black lacquered dial, finished with a subtle charcoal effect. Inside, the oscillating mass in yellow gold reinforces full material continuity. At 6 o’clock, the gold MDM pad-printing is featured on the dial – a direct link to Carlo Crocco and the original MDM Genève signature seen on the very first Hublot. This signature also extends beyond watchmaking, celebrating a cause close to Mr Crocco. MDM also refers to the Main Dans la Main Foundation, founded in 1998, reflecting his long-standing philanthropic commitment.

The white gold version adopts a different stance: more formal, more ceremonial, drawing from the elegance of Italian tailoring. The polished black onyx dial and black screws add depth and intensity, evoking the refined rhythm of sartorial detailing. Inside, the black tungsten oscillating mass sharpens its identity, reinforcing a disciplined, highly sophisticated expression of the design.

From its gold construction to its Hublot Manufacture movement, the Classic Fusion Tributo carries forward a design born in 1980, proof that a bold fusion of materials can endure. That same endurance defines Hublot’s confidence in its watchmaking. Conceived, developed and assembled in Nyon, it reflects the precision, reliability and mastery of the Manufacture. Built to last and backed by a 5+5 warranty extending coverage up to ten years, it embodies a single conviction: at Hublot, design, craftsmanship and trust are built to stand the test of time.

“When I created MDM Genève, it was a deeply personal endeavor – hands-on, heart-involved, driven by a singular idea: gold and rubber. Entrusting it to others, even good and talented hands, was never easy for me. Yet, returning to Nyon, visiting the Manufacture, and discovering the latest creations, I see profound continuity and mastery. I see what those hands have collectively built. Witnessing Hublot’s evolution, I realize it was the best decision I ever made. It fills me with immense pride and deep gratitude. Today, seeing the very first design and the origins of the Art of Fusion brought back to life is deeply emotional,“ said Carlo Crocco, Founder of Hublot in 1980.

“To respect Hublot is to honor its origins, not by freezing it in time, but by keeping it in motion. The Classic Fusion Tributo perfectly embodies this philosophy, creating a direct link between 1980 and the present. Carlo Crocco’s vision remains – sharp, disruptive and vibrant. Now, this vision is realized with the full extent of our manufacturing expertise. It reflects minimalism by design, precisely as he envisioned it, and horological depth, as Hublot brings it to life today,” stated Julien Tornare, Hublot CEO.

As a tribute to Carlo Crocco’s vision and values, CHF 100,000 will be donated to his Main Dans la Main (MDM) Foundation. This initiative reflects the brand’s desire to contribute to a cause that remains deeply important to its founder. Founded in 1998 by Carlo Crocco, the MDM Foundation supports humanitarian and educational projects aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and communities in need.

The Classic Fusion Tributo in yellow or white gold is available at selected Hublot points of sale and online at hublot.com.

HUBLOT 

In 1980 and for the first time, a watch dared to put a gold case on a rubber strap, turning the luxury watch world upside down in the process. Named for the porthole-shaped bezel with its exposed screws, Hublot was born and with it, the Art of Fusion.

In 2005 the brand took this exercise in creative thinking to a new level with the Big Bang and its iconic design, size and layered construction case. That same year, Hublot received the Best Design award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Since then, spurred by this revolutionary mindset, the Big Bang has never stopped reinventing itself. The twenty-first century has its first watch Icon.

The concept of fusion is omnipresent, the guiding principle for every collection. Big Bang timepieces reshape the geometries of time; Classic Fusion balances boldness and restraint, while the Exceptional Timepieces overwrite expectations to create unprecedented horological objects. With its disruptive approach of challenging convention, Hublot’s DNA is transcribed in the Unico, Meca-10 and tourbillon in-house calibers, to add another tier of meaning to the Art of Fusion.

Since 2026, Hublot’s commitment to technical excellence has been backed by an evolved warranty structure for eligible timepieces purchased from January 1, 2026 onwards, featuring a 5-year basic warranty and the possibility of an additional 5-year extension for eligible timepieces through the Hublotista program, provided the basic warranty is still active at the time of registration. This would extend the coverage up to ten years.

Alchemy is ingrained into Hublot and not just at La Manufacture. Magic can take place on a football pitch, producing partnerships with major events (UEFA Champions League and UEFA Euro^™). Sometimes it happens at a concert, a basketball match, an artistic performance or at a unique gastronomic experience with Hublot’s family of starred Chefs. And so, the Hublot Vibes come to life, through shared moments of exaltation amongst the Hublotistas, its very own community of proud Hublot owners. The Art of Fusion goes beyond the tangible. It is a way of being, the Hublot way of life.

HUBLOT: www.hublot.com – Email: press@hublot.com – Presslounge platform: presslounge.hublot.com/connection/

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Vale Base Metals completes transaction to establish new ownership of Thompson Mine Complex

Transaction marks new chapter for Thompson, backed by US$200 million (approximately CAD$280 million) in new investment

VBM retains 18.9% minority interest and multi-year offtake agreement, with Exiro Nickel taking over as operator of Thompson

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vale Base Metals (“VBM”, or the “Company”), today announced the completion of its transaction to establish Exiro Nickel Company (“Exiro Nickel”) as the new owner and operator of the Thompson Mine Complex in Manitoba, Canada.

Exiro Minerals Corp. (“Exiro”), Orion Resource Partners LP (“Orion”) and Canada Growth Fund Inc. (“CGF”) collectively hold an 81.1% interest in Exiro Nickel, while VBM, through its subsidiary Vale Canada Limited, retains an 18.9% minority interest. All customary regulatory and government authorizations have been received to complete the transaction.

The transaction includes a commitment to invest up to US$200 million (approximately CAD$280 million) in Thompson, providing dedicated capital and focus to support the long-term future of the operation. VBM has also entered into a multi-year offtake agreement for nickel concentrate produced at the Thompson mill.

With the completion of the transaction, Exiro Nickel assumes day-to-day operational responsibility for the Thompson Mine Complex bringing a deep focus and commitment to operate Thompson safely, responsibly and sustainably, invest in its long-term future, while honouring existing agreements with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities.

“Completing this transaction marks an important new chapter for Thompson and for the people who have built its proud mining history,” said Shaun Usmar, Chief Executive Officer of VBM. “Thompson has a significant nickel endowment and an exceptional workforce, many of whom are the second or even third generation in their families to work at the operation. We believe dedicated ownership, focused investment and strong leadership give the operation the best opportunity to realize its full potential as a resilient, district-scale asset in Manitoba.”

Usmar added: “I want to recognize and congratulate our new partners, Exiro, Orion Resource Partners and Canada Growth Fund, on the completion of this transaction. VBM is proud to remain a shareholder and excited to work with our partners to realize Thompson’s immense long-term potential. We continue to believe in the strategic value of Canadian nickel and our retained interest and offtake agreement allow us to maintain that connection in Manitoba. I would also like to thank our Thompson employees for their professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout this process, as well as the community, Indigenous and government partners and all stakeholders who have worked with us over the more than six decades that Thompson has been in operation.”

The transaction is consistent with VBM’s strategy to actively manage its portfolio and enable dedicated ownership and investment for Thompson. The completion of the transaction concludes the strategic review of the Thompson operations launched by VBM in January 2025.

The Thompson Mine Complex includes two underground operating mines, an adjacent mill and significant exploration opportunities across the 135-kilometre-long Thompson Nickel Belt. The region has a rich mining history stretching back more than 60 years and remains an important source of employment and economic activity in northern Manitoba.

About Vale Base Metals  

Vale Base Metals (VBM) is a leading global supplier of critical minerals, including copper concentrate, high-purity nickel and responsibly sourced cobalt. VBM’s vertically integrated nickel and polymetallic operations, projects, and refineries are located in Canada (Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Manitoba), Brazil, the UK, Japan and Indonesia. The Company’s assets in Brazil include the world-class Salobo Copper Complex along with an attractive pipeline of high-return copper projects in the prolific Carajás region. VBM is 90% owned by Vale S.A. and 10% by Manara Minerals Investment Company.

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CFMOTO Showcases Global Strategy and Innovation Capabilities at CFMOTO EXPERIENCE 2026

HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFMOTO, a leading company in the global powersports industry, welcomed international journalists from more than 29 countries and regions to its headquarters in China for CFMOTO EXPERIENCE 2026. Under the theme “LIVE THE TECH • RIDE THE FUTURE“, the event gave journalists insight into the R&D, design, production and motorsport operations driving its global growth.

Rooted in China and operating in more than 100 countries and regions, CFMOTO continues to expand its global presence through investment in technology, advanced manufacturing and motorsport. Serving riders worldwide through more than 9,000 dealers, its portfolio spans motorcycles, off-road vehicles and electric mobility solutions across markets and riding cultures.

“We hope this visit gives you the opportunity to experience CFMOTO firsthand—to meet our people, explore our facilities and gain a deeper understanding of the company behind the brand,” said Minjie Lai, Chairman and CEO of CFMOTO, as he welcomed the delegation to China.

“Our vision is clear: to become a premium global powersports brand,” said Ferdinand Klauser, Chief Brand Officer of CFMOTO. “For CFMOTO, being global isn’t just about where we sell, it’s about how we operate. That’s why we offer a fuller, deeper view of our capabilities and our commitment.”

The company operates five production facilities across China, Mexico and Thailand, including CFMOTO NexFactory in Jiaxing, unveiled during the event as an integrated manufacturing hub for two-wheeled vehicles destined for global markets. The manufacturing network is complemented by five flagship R&D centers and four design hubs globally.

Media toured CFMOTO’s R&D and design facilities, gaining insight into vehicle development, simulation, testing, software engineering, connected technologies and design. For the first time, international media visited the CFMOTO Industrial Design Institute (CFID), where they learned how the company coordinates design resources across China, Europe and North America. CFMOTO also previewed its “Form Follows the Wind” design philosophy through the 550CL-C and GOES 700 CONCEPT, and showcased the V4 SR-RR prototype, which has achieved a top speed of 315.82 km/h.

Motorsport remains central to CFMOTO’s technology and brand strategy. In October 2026, CFMOTO Aspar Team rider Máximo Quiles won the Moto3 World Championship, and the 675SR-R has been selected as the official race bike for the 2027 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.

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