BIZ

China overtakes Japan as world’s top car exporter

Published

12 months ago

May 19, 2023

editor

China says it has become the world’s biggest exporter of cars after overtaking Japan in the first three months of the year.

Official figures released in the last week show China exported 1.07 million vehicles in the period, up 58% compared to the first quarter of 2022.

At the same time Japan’s vehicle exports stood at 954,185, after edging up 6% from a year earlier.

China’s exports were boosted by demand for electric cars and sales to Russia.

Last year, China overtook Germany to become the world’s second largest car exporter.

According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China exported 3.2 million vehicles in 2022, compared to Germany’s 2.6 million vehicle exports.

The shift away from fossil fuels has helped fuel the rise of China’s motor industry.

First quarter exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which includes electric cars, rose by more than 90%, compared to a year earlier.

Tesla’s China arm, SAIC – the owner of the MG brand – and BYD, which is backed by veteran US investor Warren Buffett, are among China’s top exporters of NEVs.

Elon Musk’s electric carmaker has a huge manufacturing plant in Shanghai which exports to regions including Japan and Europe.

Tesla’s ‘Gigafactory’ is currently capable of producing 1.25 million vehicles a year, and the company is planning to further increase capacity.

Last month, it started making Model Y sport utility vehicles for export to Canada.

China has also seen exports to Russia surge since the start of the Ukraine war, as Western countries imposed trade sanctions on Moscow.

Last, year, Chinese carmakers – including Geely, Chery and Great Wall – saw their market share in Russia jump after rivals including Volkswagen and Toyota quit the country following the invasion of Ukraine.

(BBC News)

BIZ

CPC slashes fuel prices

Published

20 hours ago

April 30, 2024

editor

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has reduced fuel prices with effect from midnight today (April 30).

Accordingly,

– Petrol (92) has been reduced by Rs.3/- to Rs. 368/– Petrol (95) has been reduced by Rs. 20/- to Rs. 420/-
– Lanka Auto Diesel has been reduced by Rs. 30/- to Rs. 333/-
– Lanka Super Diesel 4 Star Euro 4 has been reduced by Rs. 9/- to Rs. 377/-

– Lanka Kerosene has been reduced by Rs. 30/- to Rs. 215/-

BIZ

Supreme Global Holdings enters bidding to acquire SriLankan shares

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2024

editor

Supreme Global Holdings, a conglomerate owned by R.M. Manivannan, has entered the bidding process to acquire shares of the national carrier – SriLankan Airlines.

According to a media release by the company issued in this regard, the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, which concluded last week (Apr 27), saw the participation of Supreme Global, under Sherisha Technologies Private Limited.

Sherisha Technologies Private Limited, formerly known as SunEdison Energy India Private Limited.

Last week it was reported that six (06) Request for Qualification (RfQ) were received from potential investors for the acquisition of shares in SriLankan Airlines Limited.

Sherisha Technologies Private Limited was among the six entities.

Supreme Global Holdings is also known for having formed a robust consortium including MBS Investments, the investment arm of the Private Office of Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani of Qatar.

Apart from its recent bidding for SriLankan Airlines, Supreme Global Holdings previously assisted Sri Lanka during the energy crisis faced in 2022, by extending over USD 1.5 billion in credit to Sri Lanka, along with innovative payment solutions such as accepting Sri Lankan rupees for oil payments.

BIZ

Oriflame exiting Sri Lanka due to economic challenges

Published

3 days ago

April 28, 2024

editor

Oriflame, a global beauty company, has announced its decision to withdraw from the Sri Lankan market effective 15 May 2024, citing a range of economic challenges that have made its operations unsustainable.

In a statement released, Oriflame expressed deep regret over its departure from Sri Lanka, a market it has been a part of since 1997. Despite years of dedication and resilience in the face of various challenges, the company cited a confluence of factors that have rendered its operations untenable.

“Unfortunately, despite our efforts, the macroeconomic environment, characterised by a series of financial crises, the global impact of COVID-19, stringent import restrictions, fluctuating exchange rates, increased operational costs and regulatory changes has significantly hindered our operations. These factors have made it unsustainable for us to continue our business in the foreseeable future,” it added.

Oriflame expressed gratitude to its brand partners, leaders, staff and stakeholders for their unwavering support, dedication and contributions over the years. Special acknowledgment was given to top leaders who have played integral roles in the company’s growth and success, being part of the top 15 council over the years.

This decision was not reached lightly. We have always been committed to nurturing the Oriflame dreams in Sri Lanka. However, the combination of these economic and operational challenges means that the outlook for our business in Sri Lanka does not align with our expectations for long-term profitability and growth,” the statement read.

The company concluded by expressing gratitude for the partnership with its stakeholders and extended best wishes for their future endeavours.

(www.ft.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by www.ft.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)