China pitches closer ties to Germany in strategic industries to ease rare earth strains

China pitches closer ties to Germany in strategic industries to ease rare earth strains

Summary

  • China’s premier met German chancellor on G20 sidelines
  • World’s second- and third-largest economies seek closer ties
  • Li Qiang proposed closer collaboration in strategic industries
  • US President Trump’s tariffs squeezing both economies

BEIJING, (Reuters) – China pitched stronger ties in its highest‑level talks with Germany’s new government as Beijing’s top European trade partner seeks to smooth tensions over rare-earth curbs that have choked German production lines and prompted calls for de-risking. Continue reading “China pitches closer ties to Germany in strategic industries to ease rare earth strains”

Ford reaffirms annual EBIT guidance after latest aluminum supplier fire

Ford reaffirms annual EBIT guidance after latest aluminum supplier fire

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor on Friday stood by its annual EBIT guidance of $6 billion to $6.5 billion for this year following another fire this week at aluminum supplier Novelis’ New York plant.

Ford’s stock rose about 4% during Friday’s session, extending gains after the automaker reaffirmed the outlook it had already revised because of production disruptions from a devastating blaze at the supplier’s plant in September. Continue reading “Ford reaffirms annual EBIT guidance after latest aluminum supplier fire”

How the Nexperia chip crisis upended auto supply chains – again

How the Nexperia chip crisis upended auto supply chains – again

Summary

  • China’s dominance of supply chains extends to mundane components, impacting global production
  • Automakers failed to learn from past supply chain disruptions, experts say
  • Dutch government reversed control of Nexperia, signaling potential breakthrough

DONGGUAN, China, (Reuters) – A factory next to a weed-ridden lot in China’s industrial south has become a global choke point for automotive chips, upending a sector that just a few years ago swore it wouldn’t be caught again by supply-chain disruptions. Continue reading “How the Nexperia chip crisis upended auto supply chains – again”

Mahindra aims for 8-fold increase in auto sector revenue during FY20-30 period

Mahindra aims for 8-fold increase in auto sector revenue during FY20-30 period

Source : PTI | Mahindra Group is aiming for an eight-fold growth in consolidated revenue of its auto sector by FY30, betting big on SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

The group’s auto sector had clocked a consolidated revenue of ₹90,825 crore in FY25, growing 3.2 times from FY20, it said in its investor presentation. Continue reading “Mahindra aims for 8-fold increase in auto sector revenue during FY20-30 period”

Domestic passenger vehicle volumes to grow by 5% this fiscal: Tata Motors PV CEO

Domestic passenger vehicle volumes to grow by 5% this fiscal: Tata Motors PV CEO

Source : PTI | Domestic passenger vehicle volumes are likely to grow by around 5 per cent this fiscal, with double-digit growth anticipated in the second half as pent-up demand remains robust even after the festive season, according to Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD and CEO Shailesh Chandra.

The April-September period this fiscal witnessed a 1.6 per cent year-on-year decline, and it was only the festive period that passenger vehicle sales rebounded in the domestic market. Continue reading “Domestic passenger vehicle volumes to grow by 5% this fiscal: Tata Motors PV CEO”

Foxconn to spend up to $3 billion a year on AI, chair sees China EV shakeout

Foxconn to spend up to $3 billion a year on AI, chair sees China EV shakeout

Summary

  • Foxconn to invest $2-3 billion annually in AI over the next 3-5 years -Liu
  • China’s EV market faces fierce competition, consolidation expected soon -Liu
  • Foxconn talking with Japan about AI, EV investments -Liu

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Foxconn will invest $2 billion to $3 billion a year in AI, the head of the world’s largest contract electronics maker told Reuters.

Foxconn Chairman Young Liu also said he expects a shakeout in China’s crowded electric-vehicle market “soon” and that the company is talking with the Japanese government about potential investments in artificial intelligence and EVs. Continue reading “Foxconn to spend up to $3 billion a year on AI, chair sees China EV shakeout”

Ford reaffirms annual EBIT guidance after latest aluminum supplier fire

Ford reaffirms annual EBIT guidance after latest aluminum supplier fire

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Ford Motor on Friday stood by its annual EBIT guidance of $6 billion to $6.5 billion for this year following another fire this week at aluminum supplier Novelis’ New York plant.

Ford’s stock rose about 4% during Friday’s session, extending gains after the automaker reaffirmed the outlook it had already revised because of production disruptions from a devastating blaze at the supplier’s plant in September. Continue reading “Ford reaffirms annual EBIT guidance after latest aluminum supplier fire”

Kia America to recall over 250,000 US vehicles over fuel tank leak

Kia America to recall over 250,000 US vehicles over fuel tank leak

(Reuters) – Kia America is recalling 250,547 K5 vehicles in the U.S. over a damaged fuel tank posing a fire risk, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday.

Affected fuel tanks will be inspected for damage and replaced, with dealers to replace the check valve, NHTSA said. Continue reading “Kia America to recall over 250,000 US vehicles over fuel tank leak”

Waymo to broaden US robotaxi footprint with moves into Minneapolis, Tampa, New Orleans

Waymo to broaden US robotaxi footprint with moves into Minneapolis, Tampa, New Orleans

(Reuters) – Alphabet’s Waymo will expand its robotaxi operations to Minneapolis, Tampa and New Orleans in the coming days, the ride-hailing service provider said on Thursday, as it accelerates the broad rollout of its services in the U.S.

The company said it will begin operations in the new markets with human-driven vehicles, following a phased playbook it has used in its existing public-service cities. Continue reading “Waymo to broaden US robotaxi footprint with moves into Minneapolis, Tampa, New Orleans”

BETA Technologies taps Near Earth to accelerate autonomous aircraft development

BETA Technologies taps Near Earth to accelerate autonomous aircraft development

(Reuters) – Electric aircraft maker BETA Technologies said on Thursday it is partnering with Near Earth Autonomy to develop uncrewed aircraft for the military, with flight testing slated to begin in the first half of 2026.

Development and full demonstration of the autonomous system should take up to a year and could be deployed within 18 to 36 months, BETA CEO Kyle Clark told Reuters. Continue reading “BETA Technologies taps Near Earth to accelerate autonomous aircraft development”

Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over trade secrets

Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over trade secrets

(Reuters) – Electric air-taxi company Joby Aviation has sued rival Archer Aviation in California state court for allegedly stealing its trade secrets, according to a complaint made public on Thursday.

Joby said in the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in state court in Santa Cruz, California, that Archer hired away a Joby employee, George Kivork, who took confidential information to Archer about its business strategies, partnership terms and aircraft specifications. Continue reading “Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over trade secrets”

Foxconn to spend up to $3 billion a year on AI, chair sees China EV shakeout

Foxconn to spend up to $3 billion a year on AI, chair sees China EV shakeout

Summary

  • Foxconn to invest $2-3 billion annually in AI over the next 3-5 years -Liu
  • China’s EV market faces fierce competition, consolidation expected soon -Liu
  • Foxconn talking with Japan about AI, EV investments -Liu

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Foxconn will invest $2 billion to $3 billion a year in AI, the head of the world’s largest contract electronics maker told Reuters.

Foxconn Chairman Young Liu also said he expects a shakeout in China’s crowded electric-vehicle market “soon” and that the company is talking with the Japanese government about potential investments in artificial intelligence and EVs. Continue reading “Foxconn to spend up to $3 billion a year on AI, chair sees China EV shakeout”

Magna to produce China’s GAC electric vehicles in Europe

Magna to produce China’s GAC electric vehicles in Europe

DETROIT, (Reuters) – China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will build its electric AION V model at a Magna facility in Austria, the two companies said on Thursday, a strategy that should help GAC avoid the EU’s tariffs on China-made EVs.

The GAC vehicle will be produced at Magna’s facility in Graz, Austria, which can make gasoline-powered, hybrid and electric vehicles on shared lines. Continue reading “Magna to produce China’s GAC electric vehicles in Europe”

Mahindra aims for 8-fold increase in auto sector revenue by FY30

Mahindra aims for 8-fold increase in auto sector revenue by FY30

Source : PTI | Mahindra Group is aiming for an eight-fold growth in consolidated revenue of its auto sector by FY30, betting big on SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

The group’s auto sector had clocked a consolidated revenue of ₹90,825 crore in FY25, growing 3.2 times from FY20, it said in its investor presentation. Continue reading “Mahindra aims for 8-fold increase in auto sector revenue by FY30”

Maruti Suzuki Parts and Accessories Distributor network expands to 1,500 touchpoints

Maruti Suzuki Parts and Accessories Distributor network expands to 1,500 touchpoints

The Parts and Accessories Distributor network is spread across ~760 cities nationwide

New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) announced the inauguration of its 1,500th* Parts and Accessories distributor touchpoint in the country in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The facility was inaugurated by Maruti Suzuki officials Mr. S. D. Chhabra, Executive Officer and Mr. Kohsuke Hattori, Executive Vice President – Parts, Accessories and Logistics. Continue reading “Maruti Suzuki Parts and Accessories Distributor network expands to 1,500 touchpoints”

Road accidents in Maharashtra be declared public health crisis

Road accidents in Maharashtra be declared public health crisis

Source : PTI | Against the backdrop of the rising road accident fatalities in Maharashtra and vulnerability of children, experts have called for declaring road crashes a public health crisis  and bringing stakeholders together to brainstorm preventive measures and awareness.

Maharashtra recorded 36,084 road accidents and 15,335 fatalities in 2024, averaging 99 crashes and 43 deaths per day, according to official data cited by organisers of a workshop. Continue reading “Road accidents in Maharashtra be declared public health crisis”

Forget Musk’s latest pay package, his last one could wipe out years of Tesla profits

Forget Musk’s latest pay package, his last one could wipe out years of Tesla profits

Summary

  • Attention turns to Delaware Supreme Court’s decision on Musk pay
  • Potential $26 billion profit hit if Tesla loses appeal
  • Musk’s pay package could pressure Tesla’s profits over next decade

(Reuters) – Tesla’s (TSLA.O), gaudy $1 trillion executive-compensation package for CEO Elon Musk has obscured a more pressing concern: Musk’s 2018 pay package — still tied up in court — could eat up years’ worth of the electric vehicle maker’s future profits. Continue reading “Forget Musk’s latest pay package, his last one could wipe out years of Tesla profits”

Kia America to recall over 250,000 US vehicles over fuel tank leak
Archer partners with Saudi entities to develop and test air taxi operations

Archer partners with Saudi entities to develop and test air taxi operations

(Reuters) – Archer Aviation said on Wednesday it has signed a deal with The Helicopter Company and luxury developer Red Sea Global, both owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, to develop, test and potentially deploy electric aircraft in the Kingdom.

Western air taxi makers have been stepping up efforts to expand beyond their home markets, with the Middle East emerging as a key target thanks to its fast-growing tourism sector, supportive regulators and willingness to invest early in next-generation transport technologies. Continue reading “Archer partners with Saudi entities to develop and test air taxi operations”

Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum

Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will take part in a discussion on advances in artificial intelligence and technology at a U.S.-Saudi Arabia investment forum in Washington on Wednesday, according to a document seen by Reuters.

“This conversation will explore the emerging forces shaping the next wave of technological progress, highlighting the architectures, models, and investments powering a more intelligent and interconnected future,” the document said. Continue reading “Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum”

Ford to recall nearly 230,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure, NHTSA says

Ford to recall nearly 230,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure, NHTSA says

(Reuters) – Ford is recalling 229,609 Bronco vehicles in the U.S. due to a failure in the instrument panel display, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday.

The regulator said the instrument panel’s software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Continue reading “Ford to recall nearly 230,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure, NHTSA says”

Court orders independent probe into First Brands fraud allegations

Court orders independent probe into First Brands fraud allegations

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – A U.S. bankruptcy judge on Wednesday ordered an independent investigation into auto parts maker First Brands, allocating a $7 million budget to probe allegations of fraud involving the company’s use of third-party financing for customer invoices.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston, who is overseeing the bankruptcy, did not decide who would conduct the investigation, instead directing the U.S. Department of Justice’s bankruptcy watchdog to make an appointment. Continue reading “Court orders independent probe into First Brands fraud allegations”

1,400 buses flagged off in just eight months: Delhi CM

1,400 buses flagged off in just eight months: Delhi CM

Source : PTI | Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off 40 electric buses and accused the previous AAP government of not working to address the pollution issue in the national capital.

She inaugurated the newly redeveloped state-of-the-art DTC bus terminal at Azadpur.

She said every transformation visible in Delhi today is the result of the people’s trust and mandate. Continue reading “1,400 buses flagged off in just eight months: Delhi CM”

MG Windsor Becomes the Fastest-Selling EV to Cross 50,000 Units

MG Windsor Becomes the Fastest-Selling EV to Cross 50,000 Units

By WAF Think Tank

In a landmark moment for India’s fast-accelerating electric mobility journey, MG Motor’s Windsor has shattered records to become the fastest-selling electric vehicle to cross 50,000 units. What began as a bold experiment in accessible, future-ready mobility has now turned into a full-blown success story—one that is reshaping how Indian consumers perceive and adopt EVs.

A Milestone That Signals Mainstream EV Adoption

Surpassing the 50,000-unit sales mark isn’t just a number. It’s a strong signal that the Indian EV market has reached a tipping point. The MG Windsor, with its mix of thoughtful design, advanced tech, and dependable real-world range, has clearly struck the right chord with families, first-time EV buyers, and urban commuters alike. Continue reading “MG Windsor Becomes the Fastest-Selling EV to Cross 50,000 Units”

Exclusive: Nissan to cut more output at Kyushu plant on chip supply troubles

Exclusive: Nissan to cut more output at Kyushu plant on chip supply troubles

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Japan’s Nissan will cut production by another 1,400 vehicles at its Kyushu plant next week, as the fallout from chip supply disruptions linked to Chinese-owned Nexperia continues to affect its domestic operations, a person familiar with the matter said.

The move follows a 900-vehicle reduction in output last week. Cuts this time will include the Serena minivan, as well as the Rogue SUV, known locally as the X-Trail, said the person, who declined to be named because the information is not public. Continue reading “Exclusive: Nissan to cut more output at Kyushu plant on chip supply troubles”

Auto sector grapples with Nexperia disruption amid hopes for Dutch-China talks

Auto sector grapples with Nexperia disruption amid hopes for Dutch-China talks

Summary

  • Bosch impacted at three sites, affecting thousands of workers
  • China-Netherlands dispute over Nexperia hits chip supply
  • Dutch officials in Beijing for talks

BERLIN, (Reuters) – German automotive suppliers are still struggling with a global chip supply shortage triggered by a trade dispute over manufacturer Nexperia, with thousands of workers facing production disruptions at Bosch, the company said on Tuesday.

China and the Netherlands have been locked in a battle for control of Nexperia, although there are hopes of some easing in the stand-off with the Dutch government sending a senior delegation to Beijing this week to try to find a compromise. Continue reading “Auto sector grapples with Nexperia disruption amid hopes for Dutch-China talks”

Detroit Three CEOs, Tesla VP asked to testify at US Senate hearing

Detroit Three CEOs, Tesla VP asked to testify at US Senate hearing

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The CEOs of the Detroit Three automakers and a senior Tesla executive have been invited to appear at a Jan. 14 Senate hearing on the impact of auto regulations and vehicle prices, Reuters has learned.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Jim Farley, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy have been asked to appear at the previously unreported Senate Commerce Committee hearing that will review the impact of vehicle emissions and electric vehicle regulations on auto prices. Continue reading “Detroit Three CEOs, Tesla VP asked to testify at US Senate hearing”

Amazon’s Zoox opens free robotaxi rides for early users in parts of San Francisco

Amazon’s Zoox opens free robotaxi rides for early users in parts of San Francisco

(Reuters) – Amazon’s self-driving unit Zoox started offering free rides to some early users in parts of San Francisco, it said on Tuesday, as it steps up expansion amid rising competition in the autonomous ride-hailing sector.

Tesla’s launch of its robotaxi service this year and accelerated expansion by Alphabet’s Waymo have renewed focus on commercializing autonomous vehicles, even as high investments, tight regulations and federal investigations have forced many to shut down. Continue reading “Amazon’s Zoox opens free robotaxi rides for early users in parts of San Francisco”

Tesla gets permit for ride-hailing service in Arizona

Tesla gets permit for ride-hailing service in Arizona

(Reuters) – Tesla has received a permit to operate a ride-hailing service in Arizona, a state regulator said on Tuesday, in a step toward the electric vehicle maker’s plans of running a self-driving robotaxi service.

Tesla this year launched a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a safety monitor in the front passenger seat, followed by a ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area with human drivers using a version of its Full Self-Driving software. Continue reading “Tesla gets permit for ride-hailing service in Arizona”

Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum

Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will take part in a discussion on advances in artificial intelligence at a U.S.-Saudi Arabia investment forum in Washington on Wednesday, according to a document seen by Reuters.

“This conversation will explore the emerging forces shaping the next wave of technological progress, highlighting the architectures, models, and investments powering a more intelligent and interconnected future,” the document said. Continue reading “Elon Musk, Jensen Huang to talk AI at US-Saudi investment forum”

Japan counts cost of China’s travel boycott as tensions flare

Japan counts cost of China’s travel boycott as tensions flare

Summary

  • Japan PM sparked diplomatic crisis with Taiwan comments
  • China urged citizens not to travel to Japan
  • Boycott could cost Tokyo $14 bln annually, estimate shows
  • Rift deepens as Tokyo resists Beijing’s demand for retraction

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Within days of China urging its citizens not to travel to Japan due to a diplomatic dispute, Tokyo-based tour operator East Japan International Travel Service had lost 80% of its bookings for the remainder of the year.

The small firm, which specialises in group tours largely for Chinese clients, is at the sharp end of a backlash that threatens to deal a sizeable blow to Japan’s economy, the world’s fourth largest. Continue reading “Japan counts cost of China’s travel boycott as tensions flare”

Haryana presents intensified action plan for pollution control

Haryana presents intensified action plan for pollution control

Source : PTI | Showcasing significant progress in its fight against air pollution, the Haryana government on Tuesday highlighted major achievements and new initiatives during a review meeting held by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forests & Wildlife, Sudhir Rajpal apprised the Ministry of the state’s strengthened measures across NCR-linked districts at the meeting chaired by Tanmay Kumar, Secretary at MoEF&CC. Continue reading “Haryana presents intensified action plan for pollution control”

AkzoNobel and Axalta to Combine in All-Stock Merger of Equals, Creating a Premier Global Coatings Company

AkzoNobel and Axalta to Combine in All-Stock Merger of Equals, Creating a Premier Global Coatings Company

  • Creates a global coatings leader with $17 billion in revenue and an enterprise value of $25 billion
  • Significant value creation with approximately $600 million in cost synergies supporting strategic and capital allocation priorities
  • Combines highly complementary portfolios across end markets, driving stronger revenue growth, enhanced profitability and increased value for customers
  • Expands geographic reach, brings together world-class technology and innovation platforms and offers a full spectrum of solutions to deliver exceptional value to customers
  • Highly attractive financial profile featuring strong EBITDA margins and robust cash flow generation
  • One‑tier Board to be led by current Axalta Chair Rakesh Sachdev as Chair; AkzoNobel CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume to serve as CEO of the combined company
  • Combined company to transition to a single NYSE listing; dual headquarters in Amsterdam and Philadelphia and domiciled in the Netherlands
  • Companies to host joint investor conference call November 18 at 8:30 a.m. EST / 2:30 p.m. CET

AMSTERDAM and PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akzo Nobel N.V. (AKZA; AKZOY) (“AkzoNobel”) and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:AXTA) (“Axalta”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals, creating a premier global coatings company with an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion. Continue reading “AkzoNobel and Axalta to Combine in All-Stock Merger of Equals, Creating a Premier Global Coatings Company”

Databricks in talks to raise capital at above $130 billion valuation, The Information reports

Databricks in talks to raise capital at above $130 billion valuation, The Information reports

(Reuters) – Data analytics firm Databricks is in talks to raise funds at a valuation of more than $130 billion, about 30% higher than its last financing round two months ago, The Information reported on Monday, citing two people familiar with the discussion.

The company declined to comment on the report.

Databricks has not signed a term sheet with any investment firms, the report added. Continue reading “Databricks in talks to raise capital at above $130 billion valuation, The Information reports”

Ford to sell used vehicles on Amazon, joining Hyundai

Ford to sell used vehicles on Amazon, joining Hyundai

DETROIT, (Reuters) – Amazon shoppers can browse and buy Ford Motor vehicles on the e-commerce platform starting on Monday, joining Hyundai in adding online options for customers who want to avoid dealership lots.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker and the tech company said customers will be able to shop a participating dealer’s inventory of used vehicles directly through Amazon. Continue reading “Ford to sell used vehicles on Amazon, joining Hyundai”

Tesla wins bid to undo race bias class action by Black factory workers

Tesla wins bid to undo race bias class action by Black factory workers

Summary

  • California judge says lawsuit can’t proceed as a class action
  • Another judge had certified a class of 6,000 workers
  • Multiple cases claim Black workers faced harassment

(Reuters) – A California state judge has ruled that more than 6,000 Black workers at Tesla’s flagship assembly plant cannot sue over alleged racial harassment as a class, reversing an earlier ruling in a major victory for CEO Elon Musk’s electric vehicle maker.

California Superior Court Judge Peter Borkon ruled on Friday that the 2017 lawsuit could not move forward as a class action because many of the 200 workers chosen at random to testify ahead of a trial scheduled for 2026 were unwilling to do so. Continue reading “Tesla wins bid to undo race bias class action by Black factory workers”

BYD aims to double European sales network by end-2026, executive says

BYD aims to double European sales network by end-2026, executive says

FRANKFURT, (Reuters) – China’s biggest automaker BYD is planning to double it sales network in Europe by the end of next year, a senior executive said on Monday, as part of an aggressive push into the continent’s market.

“By the end of 2025, we will be present with 1,000 points of sale in Europe, and next year we’re going to double (that),” Maria Grazia Davino, regional managing director for Europe at BYD, said at an event in Frankfurt. Continue reading “BYD aims to double European sales network by end-2026, executive says”

Chinese EV maker XPeng forecasts weak fourth quarter revenue amid fierce competition

Chinese EV maker XPeng forecasts weak fourth quarter revenue amid fierce competition

(Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng forecast fourth-quarter revenue below estimates on Monday, as a prolonged price war and intensifying competition in the world’s largest auto market threaten to slow its growth.

The company’s U.S.-listed shares , which have more than doubled this year, fell nearly 8% in early morning trading. Continue reading “Chinese EV maker XPeng forecasts weak fourth quarter revenue amid fierce competition”