Europe's carmakers walk tightrope between low cost and high spec
Carmakers are betting on style and recycling in the battle for Europe's burgeoning small car market, adding hi-tech safety and entertainment features while often using older vehicle underpinnings as a way to keep prices down.
Oct 02, 2014 12:11 PM EDT
Volkswagen's Seat says nearing profitability
Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) Spanish division Seat is nearing profitability as new models boost sales and core European markets grow, Seat boss Juergen Stackmann said.
BMW, Mercedes standardize cars to help buyers and boost margins
Premium carmakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW are aiming to sell more standardized cars and services to boost profit margins and simplify the complex list of options for buyers -- while also given them the choice of a bespoke car if they want.
Daimler cuts car market forecast as Europe wobbles
German luxury automaker Daimler (DAIGn.DE) has cut its growth forecast for the global car market, blaming cooler demand in emerging markets and a plunge in Russian sales which has put a fledgling European industry recovery in jeopardy.
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Don Quijote leads Japan tourism push to rake in sales
While Japanese retailers struggle to cope with the burden of a sales tax hike, discount store operator Don Quijote Holdings aims to extend its 25-year run of rising profits by taking a different approach: turning Japan into a tourist mecca.
Oct 01, 2014 11:36 AM EDT
At least 10 killed in shelling of school and mini-van in Ukraine
At least 10 people were killed on Wednesday when shells hit a school playground and a public transit mini-van in a nearby street in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, underscoring the fragility of a ceasefire between separatists and government forces.
Oct 01, 2014 11:31 AM EDT
Special Report: In foreign hands, British automakers overtake France
When Britain lost its last native car company 20 years ago, it was lamented across the political spectrum as a national catastrophe.
Oct 01, 2014 11:21 AM EDT
Turkey vows to fight Islamic State, coalition strikes near border
Turkey signalled it may send troops into Syria or Iraq and let allies use Turkish bases to fight Islamic State, as coalition jets launched air strikes on Wednesday on insurgents besieging a town on its southern border with Syria.
Oct 01, 2014 11:15 AM EDT
Defiant Hong Kong protesters demand leader steps down
Thousands of pro-democracy protesters thronged the streets of Hong Kong on Wednesday, some of them jeering National Day celebrations, and students threatened to ramp up demonstrations if the city's pro-Beijing leader did not step down.
Oct 01, 2014 11:11 AM EDT
U.S. strikes help Iraq Kurds, army advances against Islamic State
Iraqi Kurdish forces captured a strategic border crossing and several villages from Islamic State fighters in northern Iraq on Tuesday, scoring gains as the militants were pounded by heavy U.S.-led air strikes and the Iraqi army advanced from the south.
Sep 30, 2014 11:08 AM EDT
EU says Ireland tax deal with Apple was state aid
The European Union has accused Ireland of giving Apple Inc. state aid by letting the iPhone maker shelter profits worth tens of billions of dollars from tax, in return for maintaining jobs.
Sep 30, 2014 11:04 AM EDT
Special Report: Islamic State uses grain to tighten grip in Iraq
For Salah Paulis, it came down to a choice between his faith and his crop. For Salah Paulis, it came down to a choice between his faith and his crop. A wheat farmer from outside Mosul, Paulis and his family fled the militant group Islamic State early last month.
Sep 30, 2014 10:59 AM EDT
Global stocks fall, bonds rise on Hong Kong unrest
Global equity markets fell on Monday as civil unrest in Hong Kong weighed on investor sentiment, while Treasury prices rose as further signs of the relative strength of the U.S. economy raised the prospect of higher interest rates.
Sep 29, 2014 12:06 PM EDT
Costs, politics erode chances for a Tokyo casino by 2020
Plans to open Japan's first casino in Tokyo before the 2020 Olympics are becoming increasingly unlikely, with developers facing skyrocketing building costs and a city government that no longer considers casino development an economic priority.
Sep 29, 2014 11:49 AM EDT
Full plates fight prejudice in Hungary restaurant
Waitress Maria Kecskemeti says working with people is a daily challenge, requiring much skill and empathy.
Sep 29, 2014 11:41 AM EDT
Obama says misread Islamic State; Qaeda warns of attacks on West
President Barack Obama has acknowledged that U.S. intelligence underestimated the rise of Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria, where the head of an al Qaeda branch warned militants will attack the West in retaliation for U.S.-led air strikes.
Sep 29, 2014 11:14 AM EDT