AITO Announces 2027 European Market Entry at Paris Motor Show

PARIS, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AITO, the luxury intelligent electric vehicle brand from SERES Group, today showcased the AITO 9, AITO 8, AITO 7 and AITO 6 at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Under the theme “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”, AITO demonstrated how its brand philosophy is brought to life through its products and customer experience. The brand also announced that it will launch in the European market in the autumn of 2027, highlighting its plans for market entry and development across Europe, as it takes another major step in its global development.

Preparing for Europe Through Compliance and Localisation

Ahead of its European launch, AITO is laying the groundwork for market integration, with regulatory compliance and localisation at the heart of its preparations. At the product development level, the brand is building on EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) as its foundation, with the goal of achieving a five-star Euro NCAP rating under the 2026 standards, making safety an integral part of every stage. From meeting European regulatory requirements to pursuing higher standards of safety and quality, AITO aims to establish a strong foundation for its entry into the European market through rigorous safety standards. For AITO, safety is the greatest luxury. The brand is committed to providing customers with greater confidence and peace of mind throughout every journey. 

Alongside regulatory requirements, AITO is undertaking comprehensive localisation tailored to European road conditions, driving preferences and local lifestyles. AITO is also working with partners to adapt its intelligent driver assistance and parking assistance for local road conditions and driving scenarios, while developing a localised service network covering intelligent diagnosis, mobility services, local spare-parts supply and dedicated customer service teams. Together, these efforts are designed to provide European customers with an efficient, reliable and seamless ownership experience.

The Foundations Behind AITO’s Journey

AITO’s global development is supported by an integrated foundation of technology and intelligent manufacturing. The core vehicle technology platform behind AITO’s products is the SERES MF Platform, which integrates key capabilities across powertrains, chassis, intelligent central hub, cabin-ADAS integration and intelligent services. Complementing the SERES MF Platform, SERES Super Factory, powered by “Industrial Brain”, brings ecosystem partners across the value chain together, enabling seamless data connectivity and collaboration across information, logistics and technology flows. These capabilities enable product refinement, consistent quality and an enhanced customer experience as AITO expands into new markets.

Recognitions from the market and the industry further consolidate the foundation for the brand’s global development. In its home market, AITO has established a strong reputation for safety, quality and customer satisfaction, earning the trust of over 1.2 million drivers. To date, AITO vehicles have accumulated 40 billion kilometres of driving, including more than 10.6 billion kilometres with intelligent driver assistance. Globally, in the Brand Finance’s Automobiles 100 2026 ranking, AITO is the world’s No.1 Chinese luxury automotive brand by brand value, making it to the top 10 luxury automotive brands list as the only Chinese automotive brand. From customer satisfaction to global recognition, these milestones demonstrate AITO’s track record in the luxury electric vehicle market.

Bringing New Luxury Beyond Borders

Built on the philosophy of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”, AITO is bringing its approach to intelligent, user-focused automotive experiences to markets around the world. “For AITO, New Luxury is where traditional luxury meets technological luxury,” said Clifford Kang, Board Member and Vice President of SERES Group. “We pair exceptional performance, refined comfort and craftsmanship with cutting-edge intelligence across both our vehicles and services to create a more elevated luxury experience. It is about putting technology to work for people. As we expand globally, we look forward to bringing this philosophy to customers worldwide.”

About AITO

Founded in December 2021, AITO is a high-end intelligent electric vehicle brand under SERES Group. Its name stands for “Adding Intelligence to Auto” and embodies the concept of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”. By combining “Traditional Luxury” and “Technological Luxury”, AITO creates a “New Luxury” experience in the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry.

With outstanding intelligent features and refined luxury quality, it has become the top-selling Chinese luxury car brand in China in 2025. The AITOlineup surpassed one million cumulative deliveries in just 46 months, setting a new delivery speed record for Chinese luxury new energy vehicle brands.

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oneworld Unlocks Enhanced Multi-carrier Digital Check-in Experience Across its Global Network

LISBON, Portugal, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — oneworld ® is taking the next step toward simplifying the online travel experience across its global network for customers travelling on multi-carrier journeys. Now available on all carriers across the alliance, the technology offers a simplified check-in process in which customers can scan their passport, receive boarding passes, and save their boarding pass directly to their digital wallet. This enhancement will apply to flights operated by oneworld carriers in their itinerary, irrespective of the first operating carrier.

The new check-in enhancement is powered by oneworld’s proprietary technology, which enables different members’ systems to communicate via a shared digital platform.

“Customers expect a consistent, easy-to-use experience with their preferred airline’s check-in tools and they should expect the same when flying on their alliance partners,” said OleOrver, CEO of the oneworld Alliance. “Our members are committed to providing a simplified experience that puts the management of customer journeys at their fingertips and oneworld is prioritising providing this layered technology across every member airline.”

Future phases of the streamlined check-in process will include the ability to check-in on codeshare itineraries and dynamic, up-to-the-minute, boarding passes.

“oneworld’s digital technology is transforming the way customers navigate multi-carrier journeys by giving them the tools they need to manage flights through a powerful data-driven foundation,” said Guido van Til, speaking from the second oneworld Innovation Summit in Lisbon. “As the first alliance to offer digital check-in across all member airline pairings, this milestone underscores oneworld’s commitment to delivering a premium and more intuitive travel experience for global customers who can use their favourite airline app and arrive at the airport ready to fly.”

Below is an example of an American Airlines customer flying from Kuala Lumpur to Dallas-Fort Worth via Tokyo, first on Malaysia Airlines, connecting to American Airlines:

• The customer completes a single check-in via the American Airlines app, including scanning their passport
• Operating airline-branded boarding passes, which in this case are Malaysia Airlines and American Airlines, are issued for each flight and can be saved to their digital wallet
• The customer can go straight to bag-drop or security, without needing to see a check-in agent at the airport

“Malaysia Airlines is proud to be the first airline to adopt this technology, reinforcing its commitment to make travel simpler and more seamless,” said Bryan Foong, chief executive officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group. “For customers travelling internationally, this enhanced digital check-in capability brings greater convenience and continuity when connecting with oneworld partner airlines, enabling them to manage more of their journey through their preferred digital channel.”

“As a founding member of oneworld, American is proud to work alongside our alliance partners to deliver a simpler and more intuitive travel experience,” said AnmolBhargava, senior vice president – Global Alliances at American Airlines. “By continuing to listen to customers and collaborate closely with our oneworld partners, we will continue advancing solutions that remove friction from travel. This is another step forward in our shared commitment to creating a more convenient travel experience across the oneworld network.”

About oneworld:

oneworld brings together 15 world-class airlines – Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines to nearly 1,000 destinations. oneworld member airlines work together to consistently deliver a superior, consistent travel experience, with special rewards and privileges for its frequent flyers, including earning and redeeming miles and points across the entire alliance network, access to airport lounges, priority check in and boarding and extra baggage allowances and more. Learn more about the oneworld Alliance at oneworld.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 

press@oneworld.com 

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IT’S BACK. THAT’S BIG. The All-Electric smart #2 Makes Its World Premiere at the Paris Motor Show

HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — smart today celebrated the World Premiere of the all-new smart #2 at the Paris Motor Show, marking the return of its iconic two-seater for a new electric era.

Thirty years ago, the smart vehicle was presented as an art object beneath the Louvre Pyramid. Today, smart returns to Paris with the fully realised production smart #2.

Mr. Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart, said: “The smart #2 is more than the return of a familiar silhouette; it is a demonstration of what our teams can achieve in the most demanding urban segment. Its World Premiere in Paris, followed by launches in Europe and China, opens an important new chapter for our global product family.”

Mr. Kang Yi, Global CMO of smart, said: “The smart #2 expresses our core D.N.A. in a very pure way: Designed with Love, No Compromise on Safety, and Amazing Drives. It is small in footprint, but big in personality.”

An Icon for a New Generation

Styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, the smart #2 translates the character of smart’s iconic two-seater into a contemporary new form, guided by its design philosophy of Love, Pure, Unexpected.

Clean proportions, short overhangs and its signature wheels-at-the-corners stance preserve the pure smart silhouette and maximise space. Unexpected details, including logo-inspired lighting and a contemporary interpretation of the iconic floating roof, reinterpret familiar smart cues.

Inside, bench-style seating and S-shaped cockpit make efficient use of the compact cabin, while carefully considered colours, materials and distinctive details bring warmth and individuality.

The Split Tailgate features an upper glass that opens independently in tight spaces, and a lower section that folds down as a loading platform or a 120-kg capacity seat.

smart #2 Couture Edition: Function becomes Fashion

As a surprise highlight, smart also unveiled the exclusive smart #2 Couture Edition, carrying the established “Function becomes Fashion” theme from concept to production.

Limited to 999 units in Europe and 999 units in China, the Couture Edition combines an Atelier White Matte exterior finish with a contrasting Platinum Gold roof, distinctive gold detailing and exclusive 16-inch Lyra rims. A numbered interior badge further underlines its limited-edition character.

Purpose-Built for Urban Mobility

Underpinning the smart #2 is the newly developed Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform, engineered specifically for smart’s ultra-compact all-electric two-seater.

Measuring 2,746 mm in length, the smart #2 maximises usable space within its ultra-compact footprint. The ECA platform brings together intelligent packaging, a floor-mounted high-voltage battery, rear-wheel drive and advanced chassis technology.

Power comes from a rear-mounted 60 kW electric motor delivering 130 Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

For Europe, the smart #2 features a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, with a target combined WLTP range of 290 km. Supporting 65 kW DC fast charging, the smart #2 can charge from 10% to 80% state of charge within 20 minutes, while AC charging at up to 11 kW supports convenient everyday charging.

A curb-to-curb turning circle of just 6.95 metres makes navigating tight city streets and narrow parking spaces effortless.

The smart #2 features a five-link rear suspension, a first in its class, supporting confident and composed driving both in cities and on highways.

Central to the smart #2, the Tridion Cell Evo creates a robust protective structure around the passenger cabin without compromising the vehicle’s compact dimensions. The vehicle also comes equipped with driver-assistance technologies including smart Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go and Highway Assist.

The smart #2 Begins Its Global Market Rollout

Following its World Premiere in Paris, early ordering for the smart #2 will begin in Europe and China, bringing smart’s iconic two-seater to two of the brand’s key markets.

For Europe, the smart #2 will initially be offered in three core trim lines — Pure, Pure+ and Premium — alongside the limited Couture Edition.

For China, the smart #2 will be unveiled in Premium and Couture Edition variants.

Market-specific line-ups, pricing, specifications, equipment and availability will be communicated locally.

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HR Path accelerates its Artificial Intelligence strategy with the acquisition of SnapAI

PARIS, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HR Path, a global leader in HR consulting and HRIS solutions, announces the acquisition of SnapAI, a start-up specialising in Artificial Intelligence and regulatory compliance. This acquisition strengthens HR Path’s expertise in a strategic field for the future of Human Resources and accelerates the development of its AI-based offerings and solutions.

Operating in 34 countries with nearly 2,900 employees, HR Path supports companies in transforming their HR function through its three service lines: Advise, Implement and Outsource. Since its creation in 2001, the Group has placed technological innovation at the heart of its development and supports clients in evolving their organisations, processes and HR technologies.

AI: a major opportunity to transform Human Resources

HR Path sees Artificial Intelligence as a major opportunity to transform professions, enhance the employee experience and create new sources of value for companies.

This vision is based on a strong ethos: AI should reduce repetitive tasks, augment teams’ capabilities and free up more time for high-value activities. It also gives employees the opportunity to develop new skills and focus on more rewarding assignments.

To accelerate this momentum, HR Path has created a Task Force dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, bringing together expertise from across the Group to explore AI use cases and opportunities.

HR Path has also recently launched a dedicated AI offering to support clients in their transformation. It includes assessing AI maturity and HR data, identifying and prioritising use cases, transforming HR processes, driving adoption and skills development, and defining roadmaps to generate and measure the value created.

HR Path’s ambition is to make AI a common theme across its entire portfolio: in Advise, to support organisations in defining their AI strategy and transformation; in Implement, to activate and integrate new AI capabilities within HR solutions; and in Outsource, to automate selected activities and continuously improve HR operations.

SnapAI: a new milestone in HR Path’s AI ambition

The acquisition of SnapAI is fully aligned with this strategy. It enables HR Path to strengthen its expertise and accelerate its ability to turn rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence into practical solutions that create value for its clients. AI applications in recruitment, assessment and employee management are among the systems classified as high-risk under the European AI Act. SnapAI’s expertise in governance and compliance enables HR Path to support clients in deploying AI in a way that is both ambitious and controlled.

Contact:

Fabienne LATOUR

Fabienne.latour@hr-path.com

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Rayagada Division Landslide Disrupts Rail Services in Odisha; Several Trains Cancelled Till October 21

Koraput, Oct. 12 (UDN): Train services in Odisha’s Rayagada railway division have been disrupted following a landslide between MVG and CTS stations, prompting the East Coast Railway (ECoR) to cancel several trains and modify the routes of others.

 Representational Image 

According to a railway bulletin, the changes will affect multiple express and passenger services connecting Visakhapatnam, Kirandul, Jagdalpur, Rourkela, Howrah and Bhubaneswar. Passengers travelling on the affected routes have been advised to check the latest service updates before leaving for their journey.

Four Express Trains Cancelled

The following trains have been cancelled for the specified dates:

18515 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Express: October 13 to 20.

18516 Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Express: October 13 to 20.

18107 Rourkela–Jagdalpur Express: October 13 to 20.

18108 Jagdalpur–Rourkela Express: October 14 to 21.

Other Trains to Run on Restricted Routes

Several other services will operate with changes to their originating or terminating stations.

18005 Howrah–Jagdalpur Express: Will terminate at Koraput from October 13 to 20.

18006 Jagdalpur–Howrah Express: Will originate from Koraput from October 15 to 22.

18447 Bhubaneswar–Jagdalpur Express: Will terminate at Koraput from October 13 to 20.

18448 Jagdalpur–Bhubaneswar Express: Will originate from Koraput from October 14 to 21.

58501 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger: Will terminate at Koraput from October 13 to 20, subject to a separate October 13 adjustment.

58502 Kirandul–Visakhapatnam Passenger: Will originate from Koraput from October 13 to 20, subject to a separate October 13 adjustment.

The affected services will not operate between Koraput and Jagdalpur during the respective periods.

Additional Traffic Block on KK Line

Separately, railway authorities have given in-principle approval for an eight-hour traffic block at DPC Yard on the KK line in the Rayagada division on October 13. The block is linked to the proposed launch of a Limited Height Subway (LHS).

Due to this arrangement, Train Nos. 58501 and 58502, scheduled to operate on October 13, will instead terminate and originate at Araku, respectively, rather than Koraput, as previously notified.

Passengers Advised to Check Updates

Railway authorities have urged passengers to verify train schedules and operational changes before travelling. Updates will be available through station notice boards, public announcement systems, media reports, bulk SMS alerts and official railway websites and apps.

Passengers using the Koraput–Jagdalpur route should pay particular attention to the revised arrangements to avoid inconvenience during the disruption.

SPJIMR #2 in India and #15 globally in Financial Times’ teaching cases rankings

Recognition highlights the role of teaching cases in translating management scholarship into practice; SPJIMR advances the conversation on research impact through TASIC 2027

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How can business schools demonstrate that research matters beyond academia? In his recent article, ‘Business school research with impact, ranked’, Andrew Jack, Financial Times (FT) Global Education Editor, examines the challenge of assessing how academic work influences business practice and public policy. Among the approaches explored is the reach of teaching cases, which bring research and real-world business dilemmas into the classroom, shaping how future leaders think and make decisions.

The question is also explored by SPJIMR through a paper by Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, ‘Making Management Research Matter: A Dean’s Reflection on Translation, Diffusion, Crossover, and ROI‘. It examines how management scholarship can move beyond publication to inform practice and create meaningful impact.

In this context, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) has ranked second in India and 15th globally in the FT 2026 rankings of the world’s most popular teaching cases. SPJIMR features alongside leading global institutions, including Harvard Business School, Western University’s Ivey Business School, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, INSEAD and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, among others. 

Commenting on the recognition, Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said, “The question for management education is not simply how much research we produce, but whether it addresses problems that matter and influences practice. The global reach of our teaching cases, many rooted in Indian contexts, reflects how scholarship can shape how people think and make decisions. Through TASIC 2027, we hope to advance the wider conversation on research impact. The multi-track conference includes a unique session on teaching cases, recognising those with the potential to challenge assumptions and change how students think. This is part of a broader effort to explore how engaged management scholarship can inform industry, influence practice and address consequential real-world challenges.”

The FT’s second annual assessment recognises a form of academic contribution that extends beyond conventional research publication citation metrics: the development of learning materials used by educators and students in business school classrooms worldwide. The analysis draws on data provided by five leading teaching case publishers and distributors: CEIBS, Harvard Business Impact, IESE Publishing, Ivey Publishing and The Case Centre, which publish their own cases or distribute those of others. It also considers authorship by faculty at schools featured in recent FT rankings.

While no single measure can fully capture the influence of research on business and policy, the reach of teaching cases offers one indication of how academic ideas enter management education and potentially inform decisions beyond the classroom.

The recognition builds on SPJIMR’s sustained focus on connecting scholarly rigour with real-world relevance. This focus on research impact will continue through TASIC 3.0, The Asia-Pacific Scholarly Impact Conference, scheduled for 25–27 February 2027 at SPJIMR, Mumbai. Grounded in the principles of engaged management scholarship and impact pathways, the conference will bring researchers and practitioners together to explore how they can co-create knowledge, translate academic insights into action and address consequential challenges in industry and policy.

Congratulations to SPJIMR faculty on this recognition and their continued contribution to management learning worldwide.

For more news and updates from SPJIMR, visit our Newsroom.

About SPJIMR

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) is one of India’s leading postgraduate management institutes. It is recognised in the Financial Times Masters in Management 2026 ranking as the #26 business school globally and #2 in India and in the Financial Times Global MBA 2026 ranking as the #74 business school globally for its PGPM programme. SPJIMR is also consistently ranked among India’s top business schools by leading publications, including Business Today, Fortune India, India Today, and MBAUniverse. It has also been recognised by the Positive Impact Rating as one of the world’s top five business schools for societal impact. Known for its innovative and socially conscious approach to management education, research, and community engagement, SPJIMR seeks to influence managerial practice and enable value-based growth for students, alumni, organisations, and society. The institute holds the international Triple Crown of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, placing it among a select group of business schools worldwide to hold all three accreditations.

Visit SPJIMR.org for more information. 

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