Who says green has to mean dull? November 11, 2013 The powerful and attractive new Porsche Panamera is a vast improvement on first generation hybrids PORSCHE has been selling its hybrid Panamera since 2011 but this is its first plug-in car. Its predecessor, like other first generation hybrids, had an absurdly limited electric-only range of just two miles, which meant its hybrid components only served [...]
UK’s biggest 350 firms showing a return to growth November 11, 2013 THE UK’s biggest 350 companies are mirroring the British economy’s nascent return to growth after companies on the index saw a steady rise in annual sales, fresh research out today shows. According to the latest year-end numbers from FTSE 350 firms that reported in the three months to September 2013, overall revenues are up 1.3 [...]
BMW electrifies driving in the city November 4, 2013 The German manufacturer’s first electric car is both a revelation and a bargain LOTS of companies claim their products are revolutionary. But when BMW says its new i3 electric car is ground-breaking, it means it. Usually, electric cars are bought by eco-conscious people on environmental grounds. Such cars are often compromised in terms of space and [...]
The A3 compact saloon vs the hatch October 28, 2013 Audi is taking a punt on this new-ish segment. We find it has bags of character, if not the “oomph” factor IF THERE’S a niche to be filled in the car market, Audi is often the first there. And so it is with the new compact Audi A3 Saloon, the 47th model in Audi’s line [...]
BHP bullish on commodity demand October 24, 2013 BHP Billiton told shareholders yesterday it expects global commodity demand to grow by up to 75 per cent over the next 15 years, remaining bullish on the Chinese market despite recent concerns of a slowdown in growth. At its AGM, BHP also said it would stick to a “wait and see” approach in its expansion [...]
BHP Billiton’s shares surge on raised iron ore output guidance October 22, 2013 FTSE 100-listed BHP Billiton’s share price surged over four per cent yesterday, after the mining giant posted a strong quarterly operational update and lifted its full-year iron ore production guidance. Four major projects started production during the quarter, including the expansion of the Jimblebar iron ore mine, which commenced six months ahead of schedule. The [...]
London Report: FTSE at highest close since May on good results October 22, 2013 THE FTSE 100 scaled five-month highs yesterday, supported by expectations the US Federal Reserve will not trim stimulus any time soon and by a crop of strong updates from the likes of Reckitt Benckiser. A disappointing US jobs report suggested that momentum in the world’s top economy had already started to slow in September. With [...]
BHP Billiton ups guidance on strong iron performance October 22, 2013 The world's largest miner BHP Billiton has announced 11 per cent production growth in the third quarter ending 30 September, raising its 2014 financial year guidance to 212m tonnes for Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO). Iron ore production rose by 23 per cent in the quarter to September to 49m tonnes. (Release) BHP Billiton chief executive officer, [...]
BHP exits Indian assets following regulatory delay October 21, 2013 FTSE 100-listed miner BHP Billiton yesterday said it has pulled out of some of its oil and gas interests in India, following a portfolio review and due to an inability to carry out exploration operations there. The Anglo-Australian firm did not clarify its decision to withdraw from nine oil and gas exploration blocks, but local [...]
Tough Australian job market sparks Page warning October 14, 2013 RECRUITER Michael Page yesterday said third-quarter profits in its Australia and New Zealand business fell by 20 per cent, hit by a slowdown in the region’s mining sector. The FTSE 250-listed firm also announced that its finance chief would be leaving after just 18 months in the role. No reason was given for the surprise [...]