Tag: PR Newswire

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, the Embassy of the United Roma Tribes was formally established by notarial deed, with its seat in The Hague. The Embassy serves as a platform for cultural, social, economic and humanitarian cooperation within existing legal frameworks.

Four months after the Proclamation of Haarlem, representatives of the Roma have taken a further step in the development of the Sovereign Non-Territorial Roma State. During the first official gathering, the Proclamation of The Hague was signed.

The Embassy is organised as a foundation and focuses on promoting mutual understanding, countering stereotyping, and safeguarding Roma identity as intangible cultural heritage. The gathering took place at the residence of De Rode Olifant in The Hague, where board members and invited guests convened.

“For us, this concerns a symbolic state, always operating within the legal frameworks of the countries in which we live,” says initiator and treasurer Aleksandar Gavrilovic. The Embassy does not pursue political or territorial claims; its focus lies on dialogue and connection. “This includes education, culture, heritage protection and accurate representation.”

These principles are set out in the Proclamation of The Hague, which further defines the role and positioning of the Roma Embassy.

This commitment to positive representation is embodied by Esmeralda Hrustic, representing a new generation. As a young Roma woman and notary-in-training, she was elected chair of the Embassy by the Roma community. “For me, it is important to demonstrate that women and young people can and want to take on this role. With this Embassy, we are taking a step together that has not been taken before. I am proud to be able to contribute.”

From The Hague, work is underway to carefully develop and connect initiatives in other countries, with the Netherlands serving as a stable base for international coordination and cooperation. Gavrilovic adds: “The fact that this is possible here says something about the Netherlands; we feel supported in being able to develop this.”

Secretary Orhan Galjus echoes the positive atmosphere:

“I am truly happy that, at this gathering, there are also various Dutch entrepreneurs and supporters who have confidence in our Roma initiative. This is genuinely a historic moment in which we enter the world in a different way.”

The importance of a Roma Embassy is also underscored by external partners. Adriaan Kamphorst of Royal Joh. Enschedé — known for the production of high-security printed matter such as value documents and banknotes, and for its reputation for integrity and reliability — emphasised the importance of a recognisable and official point of contact for governments.

“We sincerely hope this will become a great success for all Roma tribes, and that they receive the recognition they deserve,” Kamphorst stated.

The coming period will focus on building diplomatic relations for the Roma Embassy, further strengthening partnerships within the Roma ecosystem, and progressing towards the introduction of digital and physical Roma-ship. Through Roma-ship, individuals are given the opportunity to visibly and administratively affirm their cultural affiliation and heritage. In a subsequent proof of concept, attention will be directed towards supporting stateless persons and individuals whose status is incomplete or incorrectly recorded within national administrative systems in countries where Roma live as a diaspora.

First diplomatic step – October 2025

“Roma proclaim Sovereign Non-Territorial Roma State”
https://persportaal.anp.nl/artikel/a4f521b6-33c2-4a03-b8e1-0df72933b904/historisch-moment-roma-roepen-soevereine-non-territoriale-roma-staat-uit

Haarlem Proclamation – October 2025

https://order.perssupport.nl/file/pressrelease/60410c1d-a0dc-4a2b-815e-1f7b6e02062a/a4f521b6-33c2-4a03-b8e1-0df72933b904/ProclamatievanHaarlem.pdf

PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869522/EN_Den_Haag_Proclamatie_3i_Atlas.pdf
PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869521/NL_Den_Haag_Proclamatie_3i_Atlas.pdf
Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2871940/RomaAmbassade_v2_ENG_OTT.mp4
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869520/Roma_Intelligence_and_Administration_Agency_RIAA.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/roma-embassy-in-the-hague-officially-established-for-diplomatic-relations-302673108.html

SOURCE Roma Intelligence & Administration Agency (RIAA)

• Enhancing fan engagement with insights, accessibility, and responsible innovation
• Showcasing Rally, an interactive AI mascot, and MatchFeel, a tactile experience for visually impaired audiences

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) , a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today unveiled its latest innovations for Australian Open (AO) 2026, powered by its generative and agentic AI suite, Infosys Topaz™. Building on an eight-year partnership with Tennis Australia, these advancements aim to redefine fan engagement, empower players and coaches, and push the boundaries of digital accessibility in tennis. Together, Infosys and Tennis Australia seek to broaden access to the sport, elevate both on-ground and digital experiences, and showcase responsible AI innovation at scale.

New Innovations for AO 2026

• MatchFeel: Experiencing Tennis Through Touch

MatchFeel is a breakthrough accessibility experience enabling blind and visually impaired fans to follow live tennis through touch. Using real-time ball and match data, MatchFeel converts on-court action into tactile and haptic feedback on a physical court surface. A magnetic ring traces the ball’s movement across engraved court lines, while vibration patterns indicate speed and direction, allowing fans to feel rallies as they unfold, complemented by synced live commentary. At AO 2026, it will run as a pilot innovation for a select user group.

• Rally: The Interactive AI Mascot

At the Infosys Fan Zone, visitors can meet Rally – a humanoid robot powered by generative AI and designed for safe, tennis-first interactions. Rally taps into live AO 2026 scores to engage fans through unique experiences like Serve Me a Fortune, offering playful tennis-themed predictions; Selfie Mode, where fans can capture memorable photos with Rally; and Ask Rally, an interactive chat for match insights and predictions powered by the Infosys Win Predictor. Operating under strict Responsible AI guardrails, Rally ensures tennis-only content, controlled movements, and fully governed systems for a secure and enjoyable fan experience.

• Keys to the Match: AI That Explains the Game

Keys to the Match is an AI-powered feature that gives fans three simple insights per player before every AO match, making it easy to follow key tactics and storylines. It uses rankings, head-to-head stats, win probabilities, and strengths to turn complex data into clear cues like serve dominance, rally strategy, or clutch performance.

Enhancements to Existing AO Technology Experiences

• Gen AI Stadium: An immersive experience allowing fans to design custom virtual tennis courts using speech-to-image generative AI instantaneously and play tennis in VR.
• Infosys Match Centre: Offers a suite of AI-powered experiences, including AI Commentary, which delivers real-time, context-aware narratives.
• AI Shot of the Day: Generates highlight videos to support media coverage, while AI-powered video analytics provides players and coaches with advanced insights to analyze the game.

The Infosys Fan Zone at Melbourne Park remains climate active, with a fully offset carbon footprint and recyclable structures. In addition, Infosys and Tennis Australia will host the Future Leaders Program powered by Infosys Springboard at the Infosys Fan Zone, bringing together Year 9-11 students from metropolitan and regional communities for a day of learning and innovation. Through this program, students will experience how technology powers a global sporting event, build digital skills, and gain exposure to leadership, inclusion, technology, and generative AI experiences at the Australian Open.

Andrew Groth, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific, Infosys, said, “Our partnership with Tennis Australia continues to set a global benchmark for how AI can elevate sport. Sports should be for everyone and at AO 2026, we are bringing together responsible AI and human-centered design to create new ways for people to feel, understand and enjoy tennis. From a tactile court for visually impaired fans to an AI mascot for fans, Infosys Topaz is making the experience more accessible, insightful and immersive. These innovations demonstrate the broader potential of responsible AI to unlock new opportunities, drive stronger outcomes and accelerate digital transformation.”

Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia and Australian Open Tournament Director, said, “Infosys continues to help us elevate the Australian Open through technology that enriches the experience. At AO 2026, new accessibility initiatives and AI capabilities show how digital innovation can make the tournament more inclusive, informed, and engaging. Technology is an amplifier that heightens emotions, stories and gives a sense of connection. We’re excited to welcome innovations that help more people feel part of this great event.”

Follow all the action from the tournament on AusOpen.com and discover more about the partnership at Infosys.com/AusOpen.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 330,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in 63 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit https://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the ‘safe harbor’ under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence (“AI”), generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/5460444/Infosys_Logo.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infosys-and-tennis-australia-bring-ai-first-experiences-and-accessibility-to-australian-open-2026-302673469.html

SOURCE Infosys

Trade association recognises standout residential and light commercial projects that use SIP construction to deliver a superior building envelope

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) announced the winners of the 2026 Building Excellence Awards at its annual meeting in Tempe, Arizona, January 26^th – 28^th. The trade association’s offsite construction award program recognizes outstanding residential and light commercial projects that exhibit the energy efficient performance, design flexibility and resiliency associated with structural insulated panels (SIPs). To meet today’s increasingly tough building and energy codes in all climate zones, a growing number of industry professionals are choosing SIPs to deliver a nearly impermeable building envelope that prioritizes the comfort, health and safety of the homeowner or future building occupant.

The Building Excellence Awards gives SIP builders, designers and manufacturers an opportunity to showcase projects completed the year prior. To be eligible for an award, SIPs must be used on at least 50 percent of the building envelope, determined by square footage of the exterior walls and roof. This year, the Building Excellence Award judges evaluated each project for its creative use of SIP construction, its overall design and structural engineering innovation, its energy efficiency (quantified by its HERS® Index score and other data), and its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The 2026 Building Excellence Award winners are as follows:

Affordable Housing
Winner: Affordable Senior SIP Apartments in Las Vegas, NV
Runner Up: Affordable SIP Duplex in Gypsum, CO

Agricultural
Winner: SIP Barn in Yamhill, OR
Runner Up: SIP Gathering Barn in Blair, NE

Commercial Over 10K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT
Runner Up: SIP Restaurant and Arcade in Queen Creek, AZ

Commercial Under 10K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Rest Area Roof in Frisco, CO
Runner Up: SIP Car Barn in Romulus, NY

Multifamily
Winner: Duplex SIP House in Ridgeway, CO

Renovations
Winner: SIP Building Transformation in Apple Valley, MN
Runner Up: Revamped SIP Synagogue in Sag Harbor, NY

Homes Over 3K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Rustic House in Rapid City, SD
Runner Up: SIP Desert House in Phoenix, AZ
HP Winner: Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY
HP Runner Up: SIP Hangar and Lodge in Condon, MT

Homes Under 3K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Studio & Office in Lewiston, ID
Runner Up: SIP Custom House in Florence, MT
HP Winner: Energy-Efficient SIP Lake Cabin in Mercer, WI
HP Runner Up: High Performance SIP Family Cabin in Biwabik. MN

Homes Under 900 Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP ADU Cottage in Antioch, CA

Overall Residential Winner
Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY 

Overall Commercial Winner
SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT

To discover more SIP structures, visit the SIP Project Library, which includes more than 800 projects compiled from more than two decades of past Building Excellence Award entries.

SIPA is the leading source for structural insulated panel news, training materials and free resources for the construction industry. Visit our Builders or Design Professional pages to prepare for a building legacy of the highest standard.

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a 501c6 non-profit association founded in 1990 dedicated to increasing the use and acceptance of structural insulated panels (SIPs) for sustainable building. We provide an industry forum for promotion, communication, education, quality assurance, and technical and marketing research. SIPs are a high-performance, panelized building system that offers superior thermal performance, air tightness, and durability for energy-efficient, healthy, resilient homes and commercial buildings.

Innovative builders and design professionals seeking to reduce energy use and minimize the carbon footprint of their buildings utilize SIPs as a cost-effective solution for exterior wall and roof systems that also cuts down on framing time, significantly reduces construction waste, and ensures greater jobsite quality control through off-site fabrication. SIPs are an enabling technology to meet the Architecture 2030 Challenge for net-zero, carbon neutral buildings today. Learn more at www.sips.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/structural-insulated-panel-association-sipa-names-the-2026-annual-building-excellence-award-winners-302673252.html

SOURCE Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA)

Trade association recognises standout residential and light commercial projects that use SIP construction to deliver a superior building envelope

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) announced the winners of the 2026 Building Excellence Awards at its annual meeting in Tempe, Arizona, January 26^th – 28^th. The trade association’s offsite construction award program recognizes outstanding residential and light commercial projects that exhibit the energy efficient performance, design flexibility and resiliency associated with structural insulated panels (SIPs). To meet today’s increasingly tough building and energy codes in all climate zones, a growing number of industry professionals are choosing SIPs to deliver a nearly impermeable building envelope that prioritizes the comfort, health and safety of the homeowner or future building occupant.

The Building Excellence Awards gives SIP builders, designers and manufacturers an opportunity to showcase projects completed the year prior. To be eligible for an award, SIPs must be used on at least 50 percent of the building envelope, determined by square footage of the exterior walls and roof. This year, the Building Excellence Award judges evaluated each project for its creative use of SIP construction, its overall design and structural engineering innovation, its energy efficiency (quantified by its HERS® Index score and other data), and its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The 2026 Building Excellence Award winners are as follows:

Affordable Housing
Winner: Affordable Senior SIP Apartments in Las Vegas, NV
Runner Up: Affordable SIP Duplex in Gypsum, CO

Agricultural
Winner: SIP Barn in Yamhill, OR
Runner Up: SIP Gathering Barn in Blair, NE

Commercial Over 10K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT
Runner Up: SIP Restaurant and Arcade in Queen Creek, AZ

Commercial Under 10K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Rest Area Roof in Frisco, CO
Runner Up: SIP Car Barn in Romulus, NY

Multifamily
Winner: Duplex SIP House in Ridgeway, CO

Renovations
Winner: SIP Building Transformation in Apple Valley, MN
Runner Up: Revamped SIP Synagogue in Sag Harbor, NY

Homes Over 3K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Rustic House in Rapid City, SD
Runner Up: SIP Desert House in Phoenix, AZ
HP Winner: Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY
HP Runner Up: SIP Hangar and Lodge in Condon, MT

Homes Under 3K Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP Studio & Office in Lewiston, ID
Runner Up: SIP Custom House in Florence, MT
HP Winner: Energy-Efficient SIP Lake Cabin in Mercer, WI
HP Runner Up: High Performance SIP Family Cabin in Biwabik. MN

Homes Under 900 Sq. Ft.
Winner: SIP ADU Cottage in Antioch, CA

Overall Residential Winner
Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY 

Overall Commercial Winner
SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT

To discover more SIP structures, visit the SIP Project Library, which includes more than 800 projects compiled from more than two decades of past Building Excellence Award entries.

SIPA is the leading source for structural insulated panel news, training materials and free resources for the construction industry. Visit our Builders or Design Professional pages to prepare for a building legacy of the highest standard.

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a 501c6 non-profit association founded in 1990 dedicated to increasing the use and acceptance of structural insulated panels (SIPs) for sustainable building. We provide an industry forum for promotion, communication, education, quality assurance, and technical and marketing research. SIPs are a high-performance, panelized building system that offers superior thermal performance, air tightness, and durability for energy-efficient, healthy, resilient homes and commercial buildings.

Innovative builders and design professionals seeking to reduce energy use and minimize the carbon footprint of their buildings utilize SIPs as a cost-effective solution for exterior wall and roof systems that also cuts down on framing time, significantly reduces construction waste, and ensures greater jobsite quality control through off-site fabrication. SIPs are an enabling technology to meet the Architecture 2030 Challenge for net-zero, carbon neutral buildings today. Learn more at www.sips.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/structural-insulated-panel-association-sipa-names-the-2026-annual-building-excellence-award-winners-302673252.html

SOURCE Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA)

UK CAR AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURING (data for December and FY 2025)

Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8pskgvu0pspx9u6ueezx7/ADFoByA30j35QgD6fuNPlXE?rlkey=4yq5xdkri6rdzppkgh1eqlmte&st=o1ruv9dj&dl=0 

• Vehicle production down -15.5% in 2025 as 764,715 cars and commercial vehicles leave factories.
• Car output falls -8.0% while CV volumes decline -62.3% as industry restructures amid cyber incident and tariff uncertainties.
• December car growth signals optimism for 2026, driven by new EV models entering production, with opportunity to produce one million vehicles by 2027 if conditions are right.
• Sector calls for government to deliver Industrial and Trade Strategies, to improve manufacturing competitiveness and unlock growth potential.

LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UK vehicle production fell -15.5% in 2025, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Factories turned out a total of 764,715 units – 717,371 cars and 47,344 commercial vehicles, with output falling by -8.0% and -62.3% respectively.¹ Volumes were constrained by a number of factors, including a cyber incident stopping production at Britain’s biggest automotive employer; new tariffs on trade across the Atlantic; the consolidation of two CV plants into one; and ongoing restructuring as plants shift to a decarbonised future.

December saw van, truck, bus and coach volumes decline for a ninth consecutive month, falling -67.7% to 2,281 units, but car production showed signs of recovery, rising 17.7% to 53,003 units and ending four months of decline. Over the year, car production for the UK market fell by -8.2% to 161,545 units while exports declined -7.9% to 555,826 units, accounting for 77.5% of output.

Europe received the majority (56.7%) of vehicles exported, followed by the US (15.0%) and China (6.3%). Exports to each were down, by -3.3%, -18.3% and -12.5% respectively – with shipments to the US impacted by tariff uncertainty earlier in 2025. Turkey and Japan rounded off the UK’s top five global export markets, followed by Canada, Australia, South Korea, Switzerland and UAE.

Production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) cars rose by 8.3% to a combined 298,813 units – a record 41.7% share of output. With the start of next generation volume electric car production in Sunderland, and the planned launch of seven new EV models across the UK, output is expected to grow in 2026.

The latest independent production outlook expects overall UK car production to return to growth with output set to rise by more than 10% to some 790,000 units in 2026. Overall light vehicle production is anticipated to reach 824,000 units – with the potential to reach one million units by 2027 provided new model launches stay on track and the right conditions are set.²

Significant public and private investment has already been committed to the UK’s EV transition –with government’s £4 billion DRIVE35 programme launched as part of its Modern Industrial Strategy. Achieving the Strategy’s ambition of UK automotive production reaching over 1.3 million per year by 2035 now depends on the delivery of the commitments set out in the Strategy.

These include measures to drive down the UK’s stubbornly high cost of energy, ensuring the whole sector is eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, support for the UK supply chain, and the creation of a strong and sustainable domestic market. Given that manufacturers – and therefore suppliers – build close to where they sell, the importance of a healthy new vehicle market cannot be overstated.

A forward-looking trade agenda that deepens existing relationships and builds new ones is also fundamental to what is an export-led industry. Europe remains the UK’s biggest automotive export market and the biggest source of imported vehicles and components, so tariff-free trade and market access must be assured, despite a looming change to Rules of Origin requirements agreed under the Brexit deal and increasingly protectionist ‘Made in Europe’ proposals coming from the European Commission.

Furthermore, given the crucial role of US exports – especially to small volume, high value manufacturers – further uncertainty in cross-Atlantic trade has to be avoided while the benefits arising from new deals with South Korea and India must be realised. Above all, the UK must continue to promote the sector’s expertise and capability vigorously to a global audience.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing. Structural changes, new trade barriers, and a cyber attack that stopped production at one of the UK’s most important manufacturers combined to constrain output, but the outlook for 2026 is one of recovery. The launch of a raft of new, increasingly electric, models and an improving economic outlook in key markets augur well. The key to long term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment; reduced energy costs; the avoidance of new trade barriers; and a healthy, sustainable domestic market. Government has set out how it will back the sector with its Industrial and Trade strategies, and 2026 must be a year of delivery.”

Notes to editors
1 – ‘Commercial vehicle’ covers vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches.
2 – Based on independent production outlook produced by AutoAnalysis in November – cars and light vans only.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870650/SMMT.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smmt—tough-year-for-uk-automotive-output-but-industrial-strategy-now-key-to-recovery-302671622.html

SOURCE Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT)

UK CAR AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURING (data for December and FY 2025)

Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8pskgvu0pspx9u6ueezx7/ADFoByA30j35QgD6fuNPlXE?rlkey=4yq5xdkri6rdzppkgh1eqlmte&st=o1ruv9dj&dl=0 

• Vehicle production down -15.5% in 2025 as 764,715 cars and commercial vehicles leave factories.
• Car output falls -8.0% while CV volumes decline -62.3% as industry restructures amid cyber incident and tariff uncertainties.
• December car growth signals optimism for 2026, driven by new EV models entering production, with opportunity to produce one million vehicles by 2027 if conditions are right.
• Sector calls for government to deliver Industrial and Trade Strategies, to improve manufacturing competitiveness and unlock growth potential.

LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UK vehicle production fell -15.5% in 2025, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Factories turned out a total of 764,715 units – 717,371 cars and 47,344 commercial vehicles, with output falling by -8.0% and -62.3% respectively.¹ Volumes were constrained by a number of factors, including a cyber incident stopping production at Britain’s biggest automotive employer; new tariffs on trade across the Atlantic; the consolidation of two CV plants into one; and ongoing restructuring as plants shift to a decarbonised future.

December saw van, truck, bus and coach volumes decline for a ninth consecutive month, falling -67.7% to 2,281 units, but car production showed signs of recovery, rising 17.7% to 53,003 units and ending four months of decline. Over the year, car production for the UK market fell by -8.2% to 161,545 units while exports declined -7.9% to 555,826 units, accounting for 77.5% of output.

Europe received the majority (56.7%) of vehicles exported, followed by the US (15.0%) and China (6.3%). Exports to each were down, by -3.3%, -18.3% and -12.5% respectively – with shipments to the US impacted by tariff uncertainty earlier in 2025. Turkey and Japan rounded off the UK’s top five global export markets, followed by Canada, Australia, South Korea, Switzerland and UAE.

Production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) cars rose by 8.3% to a combined 298,813 units – a record 41.7% share of output. With the start of next generation volume electric car production in Sunderland, and the planned launch of seven new EV models across the UK, output is expected to grow in 2026.

The latest independent production outlook expects overall UK car production to return to growth with output set to rise by more than 10% to some 790,000 units in 2026. Overall light vehicle production is anticipated to reach 824,000 units – with the potential to reach one million units by 2027 provided new model launches stay on track and the right conditions are set.²

Significant public and private investment has already been committed to the UK’s EV transition –with government’s £4 billion DRIVE35 programme launched as part of its Modern Industrial Strategy. Achieving the Strategy’s ambition of UK automotive production reaching over 1.3 million per year by 2035 now depends on the delivery of the commitments set out in the Strategy.

These include measures to drive down the UK’s stubbornly high cost of energy, ensuring the whole sector is eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, support for the UK supply chain, and the creation of a strong and sustainable domestic market. Given that manufacturers – and therefore suppliers – build close to where they sell, the importance of a healthy new vehicle market cannot be overstated.

A forward-looking trade agenda that deepens existing relationships and builds new ones is also fundamental to what is an export-led industry. Europe remains the UK’s biggest automotive export market and the biggest source of imported vehicles and components, so tariff-free trade and market access must be assured, despite a looming change to Rules of Origin requirements agreed under the Brexit deal and increasingly protectionist ‘Made in Europe’ proposals coming from the European Commission.

Furthermore, given the crucial role of US exports – especially to small volume, high value manufacturers – further uncertainty in cross-Atlantic trade has to be avoided while the benefits arising from new deals with South Korea and India must be realised. Above all, the UK must continue to promote the sector’s expertise and capability vigorously to a global audience.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing. Structural changes, new trade barriers, and a cyber attack that stopped production at one of the UK’s most important manufacturers combined to constrain output, but the outlook for 2026 is one of recovery. The launch of a raft of new, increasingly electric, models and an improving economic outlook in key markets augur well. The key to long term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment; reduced energy costs; the avoidance of new trade barriers; and a healthy, sustainable domestic market. Government has set out how it will back the sector with its Industrial and Trade strategies, and 2026 must be a year of delivery.”

Notes to editors
1 – ‘Commercial vehicle’ covers vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches.
2 – Based on independent production outlook produced by AutoAnalysis in November – cars and light vans only.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870650/SMMT.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smmt—tough-year-for-uk-automotive-output-but-industrial-strategy-now-key-to-recovery-302671622.html

SOURCE Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT)

BASTROP, Texas, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Low Cost Pet Vax is announcing an affordable pet vaccination clinic event in Bastrop on Sunday, February 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at Hay Elotes, located at 900 State Hwy 95 #103, Bastrop, TX 78602.

The clinic will offer rabies vaccinations for $10. No appointment is required; services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Pet Owners Need to Know:

• Rabies Vaccinations are available at only $10.00
• No added exam fees or hidden charges
• Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is necessary.
• Staff is fluent in both Spanish and English to assist clients.

In addition to rabies vaccinations, Low Cost Pet Vax will provide puppy and kitten vaccinations, dog and cat vaccination packages, microchipping, flea and tick preventative, heartworm testing, and heartworm preventative. The clinic is designed to improve access to essential preventative veterinary care for pet owners in the Bastrop area at an affordable price.

Bilingual clinic staff will be available to educate pet owners in both English and Spanish.

Low Cost Pet Vax focuses on providing affordable, preventative veterinary services to help promote animal health and public safety.

Providing low-cost preventative care is vital to maintaining the health of individual pets and promoting community-wide animal wellness by controlling the spread of preventable diseases. Low Cost Pet Vax encourages all area pet owners to take advantage of this opportunity to keep their dogs and cats current on their vaccinations and preventative treatments.

For more information, community members may visit https://www.lowcostpetvaccinations.net/.

About Low Cost Pet Vax: Low Cost Pet Vax is dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality preventative veterinary care through convenient mobile pet vaccination clinic events, in partnership with local business partners. Its mission is to protect pets with friendly, convenient and affordable care to enable families to enjoy the blessings of pet companionship.

Contact:
Abigail Fausak
Head of Marketing
682-262-0134
abigail@lowcostpetvax.com

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SOURCE Low Cost Pet Vax

REDLANDS, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (SBVWCD) has launched a redesigned website at sbvwcd.org as a public platform that embodies the Board of Directors’ governance priorities centered on disciplined decision-making, public access to information, and stewardship grounded in applied science.

Through its Science of Stewardship approach, SBVWCD applies field science, data analysis, and long-term planning to capture stormwater, recharge groundwater basins, and support regional water reliability. The redesigned website provides clear access to the data, project information, and decision-making framework that supports this work and guides engagement with cities, water agencies, environmental partners, educators, and community members.

“This new online presence draws on the district’s history while presenting its expertise and data in ways that serve our broad range of stakeholders,” said SBVWCD Board President Melody McDonald. “It allows the community to see, understand, and engage with the science and systems that protect local water resources and guide our work.”

The website launch is accompanied by a reimagined brand identity that honors the four classical elements of earth, air, fire, and water. The updated logo illustrates the balance SBVWCD applies every day through employee work, policy development, and field-based decision-making. The elements represent the physical systems the district studies, manages, and protects through practical science and disciplined stewardship.

The modernization of SBVWCD.org and the updated brand identity were governance priorities of the Board of Directors in 2025, reinforcing SBVWCD’s responsibility to provide consistent public access to information and support informed stakeholder engagement.

“This platform delivers direct access to daily flow data, project information, and operational work that define how we carry out our mission,” said SBVWCD General Manager Betsy Miller Vixie. “It reflects a disciplined approach to implementation grounded in rigorous field science, measured outcomes, and daily execution.”

Stakeholders, community members, and regional partners are invited to explore the new website at sbvwcd.org.

About San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District

For more than 100 years, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District has worked at the intersection of infrastructure, environment, and community to support local water reliability while preserving open space and biodiversity. Through science-based stewardship and collaborative partnerships, SBVWCD captures stormwater, recharges groundwater basins, and advances solutions that reflect balanced policy, sound decision-making, and responsible resource management across the San Bernardino Valley region.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/redesigned-website-and-brand-identity-advance-district-commitment-to-science-of-stewardship-302673207.html

SOURCE San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading alternative asset manager focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, government, maritime, environmental and infrastructure sectors, is pleased to announce that an investment affiliate of JFL Equity Investors VI, L.P. has acquired majority stakes in Reclamation Technologies USA, LLC (“RTI”) and Tradewater LLC & Affiliates (“Tradewater,” and together with RTI, the “Company”). The acquisitions of RTI and Tradewater represent foundational investments for a new growth-oriented environmental services platform addressing opportunities in the market for lifecycle management of industrial and refrigerant gases and the mitigation of uncontrolled sources of methane. The platform’s formation reflects JFLCO’s conviction in the structural growth potential of this sector, driven by regulatory complexity and end-market demand for specialized closed loop services. JFLCO is partnering with a talented management team, led by Jeff Laborsky and Katelyn Imrie, to capitalize on the numerous growth vectors available to the platform.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Tradewater specializes in the collection and control of refrigerant and methane gases. The company sources, aggregates, and coordinates the destruction of high global-warming-potential refrigerant gases across the world, eliminating the release of super pollutant gases into the atmosphere. Capabilities also include the locating and plugging of orphaned and leaking oil and gas wells across the United States. Tradewater’s operational integrity and impactful work enable the generation of premium carbon offset credits sold to a diverse group of customers across both the compliance and voluntary carbon credit markets in the United States and abroad.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, RTI is a full-service refrigerant recovery and reclamation provider offering end-to-end services, including on-site gas recovery, reclamation, advanced separation of mixed gases, cylinder exchange programs, and reclaimed and virgin gas sales.

The combination of the two businesses establishes a go-to provider of closed loop services, including collection, processing, reclamation and destruction capabilities for gas waste with multiple actionable organic growth levers, and a commitment to full life-cycle refrigerant management. The combination of the two businesses will also serve as a platform for acquisitive growth and capability enhancement.

“We are thrilled to launch JFLCO’s newest platform by entering this growing and highly fragmented sector – the investments in RTI and Tradewater establish a market leader with unique capabilities, and represent a strong foundation for continued growth. We’re excited to partner with Jeff and Katelyn to build upon the strong foundation that RTI and Tradewater have established,” said Glenn Shor, Managing Partner at JFLCO.

Dave Thomas, Partner at JFLCO added “We are partnering with a proven, highly capable management team with demonstrated ability in establishing and scaling specialized environmental services platforms. Together, we see a compelling opportunity to accelerate growth through disciplined M&A and organic investment, positioning the Company as the acquiror of choice in a highly fragmented market.”

In conjunction with these acquisitions, JFLCO is pleased to announce Jeff Laborsky as Chief Executive Officer and Katelyn Imrie as President of the combined platform. Jeff and Katelyn bring extensive experience in building and leading businesses addressing complex environmental and waste related challenges. At RTI, Rodney Pierce will continue to serve as President, ensuring continuity of leadership and ongoing operational excellence. Tradewater’s Co-Founders Tim Brown and Gabriel Plotkin have also announced the appointment of Kirsten Dueck as CEO of the Tradewater business. Both Tim and Gabe plan to remain engaged with the company and support its next phase of growth. For more information on the appointment of Ms. Dueck, see link here.

“We are excited to partner with J.F. Lehman & Company and our talented teams at RTI and Tradewater to build a leading, differentiated platform in this attractive and growing market. Together, we share a clear strategic vision and a strong alignment around disciplined growth, operational excellence, long-term value creation, and climate impact,” said Mr. Laborsky.

A&O Shearman provided legal counsel to JFLCO. Brown Gibbons Lang & Company served as financial advisor to RTI, and Ice Miller LLP provided legal counsel to RTI and its majority equity holders. Cypress Capital, LLC served as financial advisor to Tradewater and Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP provided legal counsel to Tradewater and its majority shareholders.

About J.F. Lehman & Company, Inc.

Founded in 1992, J.F. Lehman & Company focuses exclusively on investing in the aerospace, defense, government, maritime, environmental and infrastructure industries. The firm has over $8 billion in AUM across its private equity and credit strategies and offices in New York and Washington, D.C.
www.jflco.com

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SOURCE J.F. Lehman & Company

Funds help advance programs that encourage students to pursue STEM-related careers in automotive and manufacturing sectors

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, announced today that the DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF), its philanthropic group, has awarded nearly $1 million in education grants to five North American universities.

The grants are focused on helping students advance their education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and explore career opportunities in engineering, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, and other technical areas. Such grants enhance the company’s wider efforts to support the workforces of today and the future.

“At DENSO, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future of mobility,” said Marty Deschenes, president of DNAF and executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer for DENSO in North America. “By supporting universities across North America, we’re helping students unlock their potential and drive innovation in STEM fields that are critical to our industry’s growth and transformation.”

DNAF also provides disaster relief grants to the American Red Cross and other first responder organizations. Since 2001, DNAF has given more than $21 million in higher education, disaster relief, and community grants.

This year’s grant recipients will utilize funding for equipment investment, student support, student projects, and research in a wide range of fields, including engineering, autonomous mobility, advanced manufacturing, and mechatronics.

Institutions in the United States, Canada and Mexico were invited to submit proposals. The following schools were awarded funding:

• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
• Kettering University
• Michigan Technological University
• University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada)
• University of Michigan

For those interested in advancing their career at an automotive supplier as committed to the future workforce as it is to the future of mobility, visit https://www.denso.com/us-ca/en/careers/locations/.

About DENSO 
Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a $47.9 billion leading mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in around 180 facilities worldwide to provide opportunities for rewarding careers and to produce cutting-edge electrification, powertrain, thermal and mobility electronics products, among others, that change how the world moves. In developing such solutions, the company’s 158,000 global employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents, and preserves the environment. DENSO spent around 8.6 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. For more information about DENSO’s operations worldwide, visit https://www.denso.com/global/en/.   

In North America, DENSO is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 23,000+ team members across nearly 50 sites in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, DENSO in North America generated $12.5 billion in consolidated sales. To learn more about DENSO operations in the region, please visit https://www.denso.com/us-ca/en/. 

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SOURCE DENSO