Beijing Auto Show Opens: 1,500 Global Partners Join GWM in a Commitment to the Future, Strengthening Its Global Footprint

Media Outreach
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Beijing Auto Show Opens: 1,500 Global Partners Join GWM in a Commitment to the Future, Strengthening Its Global Footprint
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Auto China 2026 officially opened in Beijing. Under the theme of “Commitment & Integrity,” GWM unveiled its comprehensive global localization strategy for the first time. Backed by a compelling product lineup and cutting-edge technology, the GWM booth quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the show.

Left — GWM ONE Platform; Center — GWM CEO Mu Feng Delivers Keynote Speechat Auto China 2026; Right — High-Performance V8

In his speech, GWM CEO Mu Feng emphasized that commitment and integrity are essential to accelerating high-quality growth. Guided by the GWM ONE (Guiyuan) philosophy, GWM continues to focus on real user needs, building solid product strength, technological excellence, and global brand value.

“Trust built on commitment and integrity is the strongest foundation in business,” Mu said. From a global perspective, he reaffirmed GWM’s commitment to deepening its roots in international markets, constructing a complete business ecosystem, and advancing what he called “ecosystem-based globalization.” Based on respect, long-term dedication, and genuine local cultivation, the company aims to forge lasting bonds of trust with users worldwide.

A Robust Portfolio Defining Elevated Product Excellence

At Auto China 2026, GWM showcased a comprehensive portfolio spanning six major lineups. From family SUVs to premium off-road vehicles, from urban commuting to long-distance motorcycle touring, the offerings are thoughtfully engineered to meet the diverse demands of today’s mainstream global consumers.

The WEY V9X is the first flagship model built on the GWM ONE S Platform. With its spacious six-seat layout, native AI agent, and Super Hi4 hybrid architecture, the V9X was developed not just for China, but as a global model for users worldwide.

The all-new TANK 700 made a strong impression with dual-flagship powertrain options: 3.0 Hi4-T and 2.0 Hi4-Z, making it the first body-on-frame model to integrate a VLA large model. The GWM P300 Hi4-T adopts the Hi4-T hardcore off-road super hybrid architecture, equipped with the Coffee OS 3 smart cockpit and high-power external discharge, delivering intelligence, reliability, and all-scenario adaptability. The P500 Hi4-T offers higher performance and greater luxury, ushering pickups into a new 4.0 era of “all-scenario, intelligent, and new energy.”

For key markets such as Australia and Thailand, where off-road culture is deeply rooted, these two models powerfully demonstrate GWM’s localized product expertise.

Designed for young users seeking individuality and a lifestyle-oriented mobility experience, the GWM ORA 5 Sport has already generated strong interest in Europe and Southeast Asia. During the auto show, overseas media also took part in in-depth test drives, allowing the product itself to prove GWM’s technological claims.

The entire SOUO Motorcycles lineup stole the spotlight with the world’s only 2,000 cc horizontally opposed eight-cylinder engine, redefining the premium long-distance motorcycle touring experience. Within GWM’s brand matrix, SOUO is the clearest expression of the brand’s “confidence in driving culture.”

Multidimensional Breakthroughs Highlight GWM’s Competitive Edge

Behind every compelling vehicle lies deep technological strength. The GWM technology zone drew large crowds eager to explore the company’s latest R&D advancements firsthand.

High-Performance V8: At the auto show, GWM introduced a new high-performance powertrain architecture headlined by an all-new in-house high-performance V8 engine — a major step forward in GWM’s powertrain capabilities. The company also showcased a world-class lightweight solution featuring extensive carbon fiber, as well as a newly adopted mid-engine layout designed to deliver exceptional handling performance.

GWM ONE Platform: In intelligent technology, GWM has built a formidable competitive moat across data, algorithms, and computing power. Its VLA assisted-driving large model and other intelligent technologies have received wide acclaim. The GWM ONE Platform supports five powertrain variants: PHEV, HEV, BEV, FCEV, and ICE. It enables one platform to support multiple powertrains, product categories, body styles, and global markets. Built on native AI, the platform integrates dual VLA large models and creates a native full-stack intelligent agent. It also uses AI to redefine safety logic, deeply fusing active and passive safety systems and reinforcing GWM’s commitment to safety.

GWM Hi4 has evolved into a comprehensive powertrain family tailored to different driving scenarios and user needs. The new-generation Hi4 technology continues to deliver “the performance of four-wheel drive with the energy consumption of two-wheel drive,” making advanced all-wheel-drive capability more accessible than ever. Hi4-Z is designed for general off-road scenarios, while Hi4-T is for hardcore off-road demands, each bringing distinctive strengths and further consolidating GWM’s leadership in off-road mobility.

GWM also presented its forward-looking diesel hybrid technology for demanding off-road and towing scenarios. The new powertrain is expected to cut urban fuel consumption by 15% while boosting acceleration performance by 40%.

Ecosystem-Based Globalization Builds Stronger Global Brand

At Auto China 2026, the GWM booth attracted large numbers of overseas visitors, media journalists, dealers, and investors, becoming a key platform connecting GWM with global users. The invitation of 1,500 media and dealers reflects GWM’s growing global appeal. According to some overseas media reports, Chinese automakers are reshaping industry norms through shorter R&D cycles, innovative concepts, and well-coordinated supply chains.

Amid rising complexities and tariff barriers, GWM is shifting its global strategy from simple product exports toward comprehensive local ecosystem development — an approach increasingly recognized across the industry. The future of global competition will no longer be about exporting products, but about the coordinated global expansion of technology standard-setting, supply chains, and brand value as an entire ecosystem.

At Auto China 2026, GWM showcased core technologies including the super V8, Hi4 Hybrid, and ADAS — technologies that will help the company participate in setting global industry standards and building a lasting brand moat.

Reliable products remain GWM’s promise to users. Accessible technology is its contribution to the industry. Ecosystem-based globalization is its commitment to local communities. GWM is taking root and growing in every aspect of its global operations — from technical architecture and product definition to manufacturing, after-sales service, compliance, and cultural integration. While the industry remains focused on overseas sales growth, GWM has already elevated “deep localization” as a new benchmark for global success, building a shared future with users through genuine, long-term commitment.

Hashtag: #GWM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Panado Launches Strawberry 5Ml Sachets For Easy Paediatric Care And On-The-Go Dosing

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Panado Launches Strawberry 5Ml Sachets For Easy Paediatric Care And On-The-Go Dosing

Panado has introduced new Strawberry 5ml sachets designed to simplify paediatric medication for parents and caregivers, offering a portable, single-dose solution for children’s pain and fever management. The innovation is aimed at improving convenience, accuracy, and accessibility in everyday child healthcare.

The compact sachets are designed for mobility, making them easy to carry in handbags, nappy bags, school backpacks, or vehicle compartments. Each sachet contains a pre-measured 5ml dose of Panado Strawberry Syrup, helping to reduce the challenges of measuring liquid medicine, prevent spillage, and support stress-free administration. The formulation is suitable for infants from three months and older and contains paracetamol, a widely used active ingredient with a long-established clinical safety profile.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/online-events-shift-in-2026-as-webinars-move-from-scale-to-interactive-experiences/

Brandspur Brand News Desk reports that the launch reflects a growing shift in consumer demand for healthcare products that prioritise convenience without compromising trust and effectiveness, particularly among young families managing busy lifestyles.

To further support safe usage, caregivers are encouraged to use Panado’s online dosage calculator, which provides guidance based on a child’s age and weight. This ensures accurate dosing and promotes responsible medication practices, especially in home and travel settings where precision may be more difficult to maintain.

The new sachets expand Panado’s existing paediatric portfolio, which already includes Strawberry Syrup, improved-taste Peppermint Syrup, and Infant Drops. The Infant Drops range previously earned recognition as a Product of the Year 2025 in the Child Health category, reinforcing the brand’s continued presence in trusted children’s healthcare solutions.

With this latest introduction, Panado strengthens its position in the paediatric care market by responding to modern parenting needs where portability, ease of use, and reliability are increasingly essential. The product rollout aligns with broader industry trends focusing on practical healthcare solutions that integrate seamlessly into everyday family routines.

Online Events Shift In 2026 As Webinars Move From Scale To Interactive Experiences

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Online Events Shift In 2026 As Webinars Move From Scale To Interactive Experiences

The structure of online events is undergoing a major transformation in 2026, as traditional webinar formats lose relevance and organisers increasingly focus on interactive, experience-driven digital engagement.

Industry observers note that early virtual events were largely shaped by necessity during the COVID-19 era, but the format has since become outdated due to audience fatigue and the growing demand for more engaging and personalised digital interactions.

Brandspur Digital Media And Events Desk reports that the focus of online learning and corporate events is shifting from mass broadcasting to active participation, where audience engagement, interaction, and community-building are now central to success.

Experts highlight that conventional webinar models dominated by long presentations and minimal audience participation are being replaced by more dynamic formats, including breakout sessions, live discussions, interactive polls, and real-time collaboration tools.

A key driver of this change is the rise of artificial intelligence and on-demand knowledge platforms, which have reduced reliance on static information delivery. With information now easily accessible through digital tools, audiences are demanding more meaningful, human-centred experiences rather than passive content consumption.

The report further indicates that engagement metrics have shifted significantly, with event success now measured by participation quality rather than audience size alone. Organisers are increasingly required to design experiences that encourage interaction, dialogue, and emotional connection.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/immigrants-face-high-pressure-reality-in-canada-as-survival-discipline-becomes-key-to-success/

Another emerging trend is micro-learning, where content is delivered in short, structured formats across mobile-first platforms. This approach is being reinforced by digital certification systems such as badges and micro-credentials, which reward incremental learning and participation.

Africa is identified as a key region driving innovation in this space due to its mobile-first population and strong community-based digital culture. With a large share of users accessing learning content through smartphones, event formats are being adapted for accessibility, low data usage, and social interaction.

Analysts also note that informal digital ecosystems such as messaging groups and peer networks are becoming central to learning and engagement, further reducing reliance on traditional webinar platforms.

Industry experts conclude that the future of online events will depend on the ability of organisers to balance technology with human connection, ensuring that digital experiences remain interactive, inclusive, and relevant to evolving global audience expectations.

Immigrants Face High Pressure Reality In Canada As Survival Discipline Becomes Key To Success

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Immigrants Face High Pressure Reality In Canada As Survival Discipline Becomes Key To Success

Life In Canada Exposes Immigrants To High Pressure System Where Comfort Is Replaced With Survival Discipline

A growing number of immigrants relocating to Canada and other Western countries are increasingly confronting the reality of a highly competitive environment where success is driven less by effort alone and more by discipline, strategy, and adaptability.

Many professionals who move abroad with expectations of improved living conditions often encounter a system that places strong emphasis on personal accountability, financial independence, and continuous performance. Unlike more flexible environments, Western economies such as Canada are structured in ways that reward consistency, skills development, and long-term planning, leaving little room for informal support systems.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/south-africa-approves-4-percent-wage-increase-for-public-servants-amid-economic-pressure/

Brandspur Migration and Lifestyle Desk reports that this experience is becoming a common talking point among African professionals abroad, particularly Nigerians who often describe the transition as mentally and economically demanding due to higher living costs, stricter job markets, and reduced reliance on social networks.

Observers note that while countries like Canada offer structured opportunities, stable institutions, and access to global career pathways, newcomers are often challenged by the absence of familiar informal systems that cushion economic pressure in their home countries.

This adjustment period has led to growing discussions around “survival discipline,” where immigrants must quickly adapt to independent decision-making, financial planning, and continuous skill upgrading to remain competitive.

Experts say the experience is not necessarily negative but reflects a fundamental difference in economic systems, where developed countries prioritise efficiency and productivity over informal flexibility. For many migrants, the transition becomes a test of resilience, forcing them to redefine success beyond effort alone and focus more on strategic growth and long-term sustainability.

South Africa Approves 4 Percent Wage Increase For Public Servants Amid Economic Pressure

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South Africa Approves 4 Percent Wage Increase For Public Servants Amid Economic Pressure

South Africa has approved a 4 percent wage increase for public servants effective from 1 April 2026, in a policy move aimed at cushioning government workers against inflation and rising living costs, even as global economic uncertainty continues to weigh on public finances.

The adjustment covers employees on salary levels 1 to 12 and occupation specific dispensations (OSDs), and is anchored in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2025, which set out a structured multi-year wage framework for the country’s public service.

Brandspur Labour and Economic Policy Desk reports that the increment is part of a “floor mechanism” designed to ensure public servants receive a minimum guaranteed wage adjustment above inflation expectations, which are projected at 3.4 percent for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) explained that the decision reflects efforts to maintain labour stability and protect workers’ purchasing power, with additional adjustments also covering interns, pay progression cycles, and casual and sessional workers across key public service departments.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/stellar-development-foundations-cv-labs-emea-accelerator-debut-as-institutional-participation-accelerates-across-its-network-globally/

While South Africa moves ahead with structured wage increases despite tight fiscal conditions, the development draws a sharp comparison with Nigeria, where public sector wage negotiations have remained more volatile amid inflationary pressure, currency depreciation, and ongoing debates around minimum wage implementation and cost-of-living adjustments.

In Nigeria, rising living costs and foreign exchange instability have continued to erode real incomes, prompting repeated calls from labour unions for stronger wage reviews and broader economic relief measures for workers in both federal and state public services.

Analysts note that South Africa’s ability to implement a predictable wage framework highlights a more stabilised collective bargaining system, while Nigeria continues to grapple with balancing fiscal constraints, inflation management, and labour demands in a more volatile macroeconomic environment.

The contrast underscores wider economic realities across Africa, where governments are increasingly forced to balance public wage obligations with revenue pressures, debt servicing costs, and inflation-driven social demands.

Stellar Development Foundation’s CV Labs’ EMEA Accelerator Debut, As Institutional Participation Accelerates Across Its Network & Globally

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Stellar Development Foundation’s CV Labs’ EMEA Accelerator Debut, As Institutional Participation Accelerates Across Its Network & Globally

Initial $150,000 in XLM funding per startup, on-site component in SA.

San Francisco, California & Zug, Switzerland, April 2026. The Stellar
Development Foundation (SDF), the nonprofit behind Stellar, the
high-performance network for near-instant, low-cost cross-border
payments and asset tokenisation, which consistently holds a top-30
position by market capitalization, has announced the Stellar x CV Labs
Accelerator [1].

The Stellar x CV Labs Accelerator comes as the Stellar network is seeing
measurable growth across both usage and institutional adoption. In 2025,
real-world assets on Stellar grew by 158%, while total value locked
increased by 127%. More than 800 active projects are now building across
payments, savings, lending, and liquidity use cases, and the network has
surpassed 10 million active accounts and more than 21.5 billion total
operations.

Global financial institutions use the Stellar network as essential
infrastructure. Franklin Templeton expanded its tokenized U.S. Treasury
fund, now holding more than $625 million in assets, to European
institutional investors on Stellar last year. PayPal launched its PYUSD
stablecoin on the network, while MoneyGram rolled out a
stablecoin-powered financial app built on Stellar. Companies including
Visa, Mastercard, Wirex, and U.S. Bank have also integrated the Stellar
network into production or pilot systems focused on payments and
settlement.

The Stellar x CV Labs Accelerator program will focus on startups
building across payments infrastructure, tokenized real-world assets,
and decentralized finance applications: areas where institutional
adoption is moving into production deployment. The 12-week program will
support and scale ten early-stage startups building in, or targeting,
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). With a population of more
than 2 billion people and one of the fastest-growing digital regions
globally, EMEA is increasingly viewed by frontier technology drivers as
a strategic growth market. Stellar has strong foundations in the EMEA
region, with partnerships including MoneyGram, integrations with
Yellowcard and Flutterwave, and investments in companies such as
Invoicemate, ChipperCash, Kredete, OkHi and Cedar.

Startups selected for the accelerator will receive hands-on technical
support, tokenomics guidance, go-to-market development, and access to
structured funding pathways. Each team can secure up to $150,000 in XLM
in initial development funding from Stellar Development Foundation.

Participants will also gain exposure to investors and financial
institutions already active within the Stellar ecosystem. The program is
scheduled to begin in August 2026 and will run primarily remotely, with
an on-site component in Cape Town, South Africa. It will conclude with
an in-person Demo Day at the Stellar Meridian conference, taking place
October 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/hyundai-unveils-2027-ioniq-9-awd-performance-calligraphy-black-ink-model/

“_When it comes to using blockchain in real-world financial
applications, the EMEA region is one of the most dynamic globally,_”
said José Fernández da Ponte, President and Chief Growth Officer at
the Stellar Development Foundation. _“Through this accelerator with CV
Labs, we want to support founders in the region building scalable
financial infrastructure that can operate across borders while advancing
our broader mission of improving access to the global financial
system.”_

The accelerator will be run by CV Labs, the ecosystem arm of blockchain
venture capital firm CV VC, which operates innovation hubs across
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Portugal, South Africa, and the
UAE.

“_Our experience is built on a long track record of accelerating
blockchain startups, many of which are now part of our venture portfolio
through CV VC. Our acceleration-as-a-service model has already helped
other leading blockchain ecosystems. With Stellar, we are now bringing
that track record to one of the fastest-growing digital regions in the
world,”_ said Olaf Hannemann, Co-Founder at CV VC.

More broadly, the launch highlights a shift in strategy across major
blockchain networks. Rather than focusing solely on developer adoption
in traditional markets, networks are increasingly investing in regions
where digital payments, tokenization, and cross-border financial
services are already seeing strong real-world demand.

Applications for the program are now open here [2]

Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model

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Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model
  • New Calligraphy Black Ink model: A singularly sleek, sophisticated expression of electric luxury
  • Award-winning three-row EV gains unique Gloss Black and Black Chrome styling touches, plus exclusive black 21-inch wheels
  • Black Ink interior colorway and cabin trim
  • 2027 IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink three-row electric SUV to be assembled at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County, Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga., April, 2026 – Hyundai today unveiled the 2027 IONIQ 9
AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink model, a sophisticated new
expression of the brand’s flagship three-row electric SUV during a media
event near Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America [2] in Savannah, GA.

Designed for customers seeking maximum luxury, exclusive design, and
top‑tier performance, Calligraphy Black Ink elevates the
award‑winning IONIQ 9 SUV with a sleek and sophisticated new look.
This new trim delivers an even more premium and dramatic look for
Hyundai’s flagship EV. Assembled in Bryan County, Georgia, the new IONIQ
9 Calligraphy Black Ink will be available at dealers this summer.

2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink is photographed at
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Ga., on April
20, 2026.

A New Flagship for a New Era
“The 2027 IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink stands as Hyundai’s most
luxurious electric SUV to date, delivering class‑leading performance,
show‑stopping design, and the highest expression of the brand’s design
and technological capability,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice
president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North
America.

About the Meaning of “Calligraphy”
The Calligraphy name reflects Hyundai’s philosophy of crafting vehicles
with the same care, precision, and artistry found in traditional
calligraphic work. Just as calligraphy elevates written characters into
expressive, intentional forms of art, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink
embodies a meticulous approach to design, one where every surface,
stitch, and detail is shaped with purpose. This model’s “Black Ink”
designation further reinforces this idea, symbolizing clarity, strength,
and confidence. Together, the name represents Hyundai’s commitment to
transforming everyday family transportation into something refined,
elegant, and deeply considered.

2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink is photographed at
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Ga., on April
20, 2026.

Exclusive Calligraphy Black Ink Design Enhancements
IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink represents Hyundai’s
strongest push yet into the premium electric SUV segment. Available in
Abyss Black Pearl, the 2027 IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Black Ink
features a curated suite of bespoke blacked-out exterior elements that
combine to impart a sleeker, more refined aesthetic.

Exterior Features

* Black chrome front skid plate and rear garnish
* Gloss black roof rails
* Black window moldings, inner door handles, and black front Hyundai
emblem
* Black 21-inch Turbine Design alloy wheels (exclusive to Black Ink)

The result is a commanding presence that deepens the IONIQ 9’s already
striking silhouette, giving the model a stealthier, more sophisticated
aura.

Interior Features
IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink edition comes outfitted with a black
interior colorway and seating upholstery pattern.

* Black interior aluminum trim
* Black steering wheel

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/ftc-urges-car-dealers-to-rat-out-rivals-consumer-tips-to-avoid-overpaying/

2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink is photographed at
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Ga., on April
20, 2026.

Comfort & Materials

* Standard six-passenger layout with first- and second-row Relaxation
Seats, featuring power recline, and ventilation
* Eco‑suede headliner made from corn-derived sustainable fibers
* Unique aluminum trim with organic, handcrafted patterns
* Heated third row seats

High‑Output Electric Performance
The IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink edition utilizes
Hyundai’s most powerful IONIQ 9 configuration:

* 422-hp (314.6-kW) dual‑motor AWD
* 516 lb.-ft. of torque

Paired with a generous 110.3‑kWh battery, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy
Black Ink’s 800-volt architecture supports 350‑kW ultra‑fast DC
charging, enabling drivers to replenish the pack from 10% to 80% in
about 24 minutes under optimal conditions. A native NACS port ensures
compatible access to the rapidly expanding charging network.

Advanced Technology
Inside, the cabin also emphasizes premium craftsmanship, serene comfort,
and cutting-edge technology:

Technology & Convenience

* 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD)
* 14-speaker Bose premium audio system
* Full Display Rearview Mirror (digital)
* Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2)
* Panoramic roof
* Integrated front and rear dash cam
* Vehicle‑to‑Load (V2L) functionality
* Multiple 100-watt-capable USB‑C ports throughout all three rows

These features position the Calligraphy Black Ink model as one of the
most technologically advanced and comfortable electric SUVs in the
segment.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of
cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor
Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant
operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in
California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the
all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D
facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are
part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing [3] $26 billion in the
U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com
[4].

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter [5] | YouTube [6] | Facebook [7] |
Instagram [8] | LinkedIn [9] | TikTok [10]

Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink ModelHyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink ModelHyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model

FTC Urges Car Dealers To Rat Out Rivals – Consumer Tips To Avoid Overpaying

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FTC Urges Car Dealers To Rat Out Rivals – Consumer Tips To Avoid Overpaying

When shopping for a car, the price you see in advertisements may be far
from the price you’ll pay at the dealership. In a new federal action
push, the Federal Trade Commission is now urging car dealers to report
competitors who use misleading pricing tactics, including hidden fees,
mandatory add-ons, and bait-and-switch advertising. The agency has
already sent warning letters to nearly 100 dealer groups, signaling just
how widespread the issue has become.

For everyday car buyers, this confirms a frustrating reality. The price
advertised online is often not the price you get when you walk into the
showroom. By the time paperwork is presented, costs can climb thousands
of dollars higher due to fees that were never clearly disclosed upfront.
For consumers, the takeaway is simple and urgent. The burden is still on
you to protect yourself. Automotive retail analysts Zach Shefska and Ray
Shefska are available to discuss hot consumers can navigate this
industry-wide scourge, including (but not limited to) topics like

  • How to demand a true out-the-door price upfront before ever stepping into a dealership
  • What to say when a dealer refuses to provide full pricing digitally
  • How to identify hidden fees and mandatory add-ons buried in fine print
  • The most common bait-and-switch tactics and how to spot them early
  • Why you should always get pricing in writing and what qualifies as “real” documentation
  • How to walk away strategically without losing leverage or momentum
  • What fees are legitimate vs negotiable or removable
  • How to use competing dealer quotes to force pricing transparency
  • What to do if the final paperwork doesn’t match the advertised price
  • How to escalate issues or report deceptive practices to regulators if needed
  • Why timing matters and how to avoid pressure tactics once you are physically at the dealership
  • How to avoid emotional decision-making that leads to overpaying
  • The role of AI and pricing tools in verifying whether a deal is fair
  • How to protect yourself from post-negotiation add-ons in the finance
    office

The FTC is now emphasizing that dealers must present true all-in
pricing, including document fees and required charges. But there is a
critical concern. If deceptive pricing is as common as regulators
suggest, asking dealers to police each other may not be enough to fix
the problem.

“Hidden fees, inflated add-ons, and last-minute price changes remain
some of the most common and costly pitfalls in car buying,” notes Ray
Shefska. “Many buyers do not realize they are overpaying until it is
too late. Others feel pressured to move forward after investing time at
the dealership, even when the final price does not match what they
expected.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/orun-and-1xbet-partner-to-support-a-dynamic-creative-africa/

New data reinforces just how significant these gaps can be. “Research
demonstrably shows that pricing for the exact same vehicle can vary by
thousands of dollars depending on the dealership, driven not by the car
itself but by dealer behavior,” adds Zach Shefska. “In many cases,
more than a third of quotes include add-ons that were never requested,
while a large percentage of dealers refuse to provide transparent
pricing digitally at all.”

This is where free online consumer empowerment tools like the Car Dealer
Transparency Index [1] are gaining traction. The platform ranks
thousands of dealerships based on real pricing behavior using verified
out-the-door quotes, giving consumers a clearer picture of which dealers
consistently provide honest, upfront pricing and which do not.

As regulators increase scrutiny, the car buying experience is at a
turning point. But meaningful change may take time. In the meantime,
consumers should approach every advertised price with caution, ask for
full out-the-door pricing before visiting a dealership, and be prepared
to walk away if numbers change.

The bottom line is this. The FTC’s warning is not just for dealers. It
is a wake-up call for car buyers. This is a consumer story about
flailing pricing transparency, uncontrolled costs, and a deeper look at
how one of the largest household purchases is still largely unregulated
at the transaction level.

See a full report on a concerning car dealer pricing test here:
www.caredge.com/experiments/rav4-hybrid-2026

ORUN And 1xBET Partner To Support A Dynamic Creative Africa

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ORUN And 1xBET Partner To Support A Dynamic Creative Africa

During the MASA 2026 edition, held from April 11 to 18, 2026, ORUN and 1xBET implemented the We Champion Talent program, an initiative aimed at promoting African talent and advancing the development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April, 2026/ — As part of the Innovation
Village co-organized with MASA at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan
from April 14 to 18, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa [7]) announces the
rollout of its partnership with 1xBET to support a creative Africa that
is structuring itself, professionalizing, and scaling across the
continent.

Designed as a space of convergence between heritage, innovation, and
knowledge transmission, the Innovation Village features scenography
crafted by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses on
creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios,
and a major institutional highlight on April 17. Its narrative platform
is built around three pillars: memory, structure, and transmission. The
initiative aims to position cultural and creative industries as an
economic driver for the continent.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/dubais-medcare-hospital-becomes-the-worlds-first-to-treat-an-adult-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma-patient-outside-the-us/

“The Innovation Village was conceived as an act of construction. By
partnering with organizations such as 1xBET, we aim to demonstrate that
it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative
ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency,” said
Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

This vision aligns with ORUN’s broader ambition to produce, structure,
and internationalize African creative industries through events,
content, and strategic partnerships.

ABOUT ORUN:
Led by the Africa Currency Network (ACN) and a member of the Kigali
International Financial Centre, ORUN is a pan-African organization
dedicated to structuring Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) as
drivers of sustainable development, cultural sovereignty, and soft power
across the continent. As a strategic lever, ORUN works to transform
local economies by promoting African talent and expertise. At the
intersection of creation, design, craftsmanship, and knowledge
transmission, ORUN converts skills, narratives, and talent into
sustainable cultural, economic, and symbolic assets capable of
generating local value while engaging key stakeholders and international
platforms.

Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Becomes The World’s First To Treat An Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient Outside The US

Brand Spur
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Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Becomes The World’s First To Treat An Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient Outside The US

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April, 2026

Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital (MRSH) in Dubai has become the world’s first hospital outside the USA, to offer a newly licensed intrathecal gene therapy – Itvisma, to adult patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This one-time treatment was recently administered to a 22-year-old Egyptian patient, who was diagnosed at 18 months and confined to a wheelchair for most of his life.

Last year, Medcare also became the first healthcare provider globally to administer the newly licensed Itvisma to a four-year-old international SMA patient.

SMA is a rare neuromuscular disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness and loss of mobility, impacting movement, breathing, and swallowing. Until now, advancements in gene therapy for SMA were primarily restricted to children under the age of two. Medcare is now offering treatments for patients older than two years with the newly approved gene therapy.

Commenting on the advanced treatment, Dr. Shanila Laiju, Group CEO of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres, said, “We believe expanding SMA treatment for adults can transform thousands of lives across the Middle East and beyond. The introduction of Itvisma at Medcare builds on our pioneering role in treating older SMA patients, as recognised by Novartis. Globally, SMA affects 1 in 10,000 live births, while DMD impacts 300,000 boys worldwide. To date, Medcare has treated over 190 SMA and 20 DMD patients from the MEA, Asia, and Europe.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/04/29/finbursa-launches-the-mena-regions-first-neutral-mobile-app-for-direct-to-source-private-market-investment-discovery/

A multidisciplinary team at Medcare delivered the therapy, led by its Gene Therapy Unit clinical lead, Dr. Vivek Mundada, adult neurologist Dr. Sagar Kawale, anaesthesia specialists Dr. Neha Shahane and Dr. Ardalan Papari.

Dr. Vivek Mundada said, “For years, curative treatment options were not available for adult SMA patients. The one-time gene therapy, Itvisma, works by delivering a functional copy of the missing SMN1 gene directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, addressing the root cause. This opens new possibilities for many patients who were previously left without hope. Our patient travelled from Egypt to Dubai specifically for this treatment.”

After undergoing the treatment, the patient remarked, “The experience of taking the treatment was very positive and comfortable, with no pain felt around the injection area. I am glad that I don’t have to take multiple injections like I used to before.”

Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Becomes The World’s First To Treat An Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patient Outside The US

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