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New Quadrifoglio Super Sport: the special limited series, a tribute to the first victory in the Mille Miglia

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New Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport limited special series, a new chapter in the memorable history of the symbol of noble Italian sportiness that since its inception in 1923

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, May 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Alfa Romeo (www.AlfaRomeo.com) presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport, a special edition limited to 275 units for the Giulia and 175 for the Stelvio, to be marketed globally; The limited special series pays tribute to the brand’s sporting history by celebrating Alfa Romeo’s first victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia. That legendary feat was accomplished by the 6C 1500 Super Sport; For this special series, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile has worked on a bold celebratory reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio logo, now in black for the first time in over 100 years of its history; The interior is devoted to sportiness and the new 3D carbon fiber with a red finish is making its debut. On the front headrests, the red logo stitching and black numbering certify the exclusive limited series; The epitome of technical sophistication and technology: a 2.9-liter V6 engine with 520 hp and mechanical limited-slip differential, for a unique driving experience; Unique and always focused on the driver, the driving dynamics are confirmed as the benchmark in the respective categories, for their perfect weight balance, best-in-class agility and lightness, and extremely direct steering.

Alfa Romeo presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport limited special series, a new chapter in the memorable history of the symbol of noble Italian sportiness that since its inception in 1923 has represented a constant quest for technical excellence applied to competitions and production cars.

Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are a limited edition, in only 275 units for the Giulia and 175 for the Stelvio, to be produced and marketed globally. A total of 450 cars, ambassadors of the iconic sportiness, technical purity, and technology that have always positioned these two cars at the top of their respective segments in terms of handling and power-to-weight ratio, for a unique, direct, and engaging driving experience like a true Alfa Romeo.

A tribute to the 6C 1500 Super Sport and its legendary victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia.

After the RL’s decent placing in the first edition of the “most beautiful race in the world,” in 1928 the 6C 1500 Super Sport (Mille Miglia Speciale) driven by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi dominated the Mille Miglia, run between 31 March and 1 April. After a marathon 1621 km, only 40 of the 82 starters reached the finish line, preceded by the streamlined Zagato spider that finished the race in 19 hours, 14 minutes, and 5 seconds at an average speed of 84.128 km/h. For Alfa Romeo, it was the first in a string of 11 victories in the Mille Miglia, a record that will remain unbroken. But it was also the first major win for the new 6C 1500, the forerunner of a new generation of Alfa Romeos designed by Vittorio Jano.

Alfa Romeo Centro Stile reinterprets the Quadrifoglio.

To make this special limited series completely unique, and to celebrates the unbreakable bond with the world of racing, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile has worked on a reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio, a symbol that has long identified the most extreme performance in the range. For the first time in over 100 years of the Quadrifoglio’s history, the white background of the triangle that has traditionally framed the green four-leaf clover with a sharp contrast gives way to black, a color that gives further boldness and solidity to the iconic coat of arms. Last year, for its centenary, the Quadrifoglio logo was embellished with a golden frame and the dates (1923 -2023) that define a century of passion for sports, performance, and racing.

Features of the Quadrifoglio “Super Sport” special limited series

The Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are the result of a century-old quest for technical excellence applied to competitions and production cars. The 2.9-liter V6 engine delivers 520 hp and is combined with the mechanical limited-slip differential. As a result of specific tuning derived from the Giulia GTA design experience, this important technical solution contributes to the improvement of the car’s behavior and traction, by optimizing torque transfer and increasing stability, agility and cornering speed.

Powerful personality in the strongly sporty exteriors featuring the new Quadrifoglio logo with a black background and widespread use of carbon fiber, visible on the roof (Giulia opt. only), in the “V” on the shield and on the rearview mirrors. Burnished 5-hole sports alloy wheels, 19” for the Giulia and 21” for the Stelvio, with new, super sporty black brake calipers. They are available in the following liveries: three-layer Rosso Etna, metallic Nero Vulcano, and Bianco Alfa (Giulia only). The look features “3+3” headlights, with new adaptive Full-LED matrix lights with anti-glare and adaptable driving beam for optimal lighting in all conditions. All this ensures energy savings, extensive improvement in safety, and reduced eye strain.

The same sporty features can be found in the interior, where the 3D finish in red carbon fiber makes its debut in the dashboard, central tunnel, and door panels. The front headrests are embellished with stitching of the “Super Sport” logo in red and the car’s number in black to distinguish them as part of the exclusive limited series. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon fiber accents.

Best-in-class driving dynamics, the result of surprising lightness, given the use of ultra-light materials such as aluminum for the engine and carbon fiber for the transmission shaft, bonnet, spoiler and side skirts. In the Giulia, the aerodynamics remain active with the carbon-fiber front splitter: when activated, it controls the quality of air flow under the vehicle, to increase stability and performance. Last but not least, the Akrapovič exhaust system for its unmistakable sound.

From exclusive aesthetics to technology and on-board connectivity that, by definition, are there to ensure the typical Alfa Romeo driving experience. Instrument panel featuring the historical “telescopic” design, including the fully digital 12.3” TFT screen, to access all the car’s data and the settings for the autonomous driving technologies. In the Quadrifoglio, on top of the three layouts available across the Alfa Romeo line-up – Evolved Relax and Heritage, the exclusive “Race” configuration is also offered.

The “Race” layout brings together on the central screen all the essential information every driver wants to keep under control: tachometer, speedometer and shiftlight for manual driving. The layout can be customized by placing additional information in the sidebars, including snapshots of performance. 

Both the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are equipped with a smooth and intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI), to put all the car’s features at your fingertips. The infotainment system also provides content, functionality and the “Alfa Connect Services” platform, consisting of a wide range of practical services for safety and comfort.

6C 1500 Super Sport

The day after winning the World Championship in the Tipo P2, Vittorio Jano responded to the need for a new road car with a medium displacement and brilliant performance with the 6C 1500, the chassis of which was previewed at the 1925 Paris Motor Show under the initials NR (“Nicola Romeo”). However, the new car – equipped with a 1487-cc inline 6-cylinder engine that delivered 44 hp – would have to wait until 1927 to go into production.

It was an immediate success, on the market and in races; versions with continuous evolutions and increases in power came thick and fast, including the top-of-the-range Super Sport with a supercharger and “fixed head” that ran at 84 hp for a top speed of 155 km/h.

In 1928, Alfa Romeo entered six cars in the second run of the Mille Miglia. The drivers were Bruno Presenti, Attilio Marinoni, Giovan Battista Guidotti and, most of all, Giuseppe Campari, who shared with Giulio Ramponi the cockpit of a 6C 1500 bearing the initials MMS (“Mille Miglia Speciale”), souped up by Jano with work on its weight balance. In the first part of the race, it left the threat of the three official Bugattis driven by Gastone Brilli-Peri, Pietro Bordino and Tazio Nuvolari in its wake. At the Rome checkpoint, the Campari/Ramponi duo had taken the lead, a position they maintained at the finish line in Brescia, ending the race in first place overall with an average speed of 84.128 km/h. Between 1927 and 1929, on top of its successes in racing, the various versions of the 6C 1500 also gave Alfa Romeo outstanding commercial results: as many as 1064 units were sold, a perfectly respectable figure for the time. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alfa Romeo.

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CBL Group Expands Global Footprint with Entry into Kenya

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CBL in Kenya

Colombo, Sri Lanka – CBL Group, Sri Lanka’s leading food conglomerate, has entered the Kenyan market by establishing a distribution hub as part of its strategic move to strengthen exports and establish a foothold in East Africa. This expansion aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy to extend its global reach and cater to new consumer segments.

“We are in the midst of a global expansion drive, focusing on taking our confectionery business to international markets. We see significant potential for growth in emerging markets, and these are the regions where we can drive innovation forward. With a strong presence in over 65 countries, we are committed to further expanding our export business in the coming years. Our entry into Kenya marks a significant milestone in strengthening our global presence, leveraging strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. As a Sri Lankan company, we remain dedicated to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic growth by taking our brands to the world and reinforcing our position as a global player in the food industry,” said Shea Wickramasinghe, Group Managing Director of CBL Group.

Global logistics firm, Expolanka Freight Limited (EFL), which operates a highly efficient supply chain network in Kenya, will oversee the seamless distribution of Munchee and Ritzbury products, ensuring availability in supermarkets, local retail outlets, and wholesale markets. EFL is also take the products across East Africa with the launching of Kenya.

“We are thrilled to partner with CBL Group to introduce their range to Kenya. Our expertise in logistics will ensure that consumers across the country have access to these high-quality snacks,” said Mr. Wasantha Ranasinghe, Director of Expolanka Freight East Africa.

The newly established distribution hub in Nairobi will facilitate the availability of CBL’s flagship brands, Munchee and Ritzbury, across Kenya. With a robust route-to-market strategy, CBL aims to ensure that consumers in Kenya and the wider East African region have access to its diverse portfolio of high-quality biscuits and premium chocolates.

“Kenya’s dynamic, youth-driven market and the growing demand for high-quality snacks make it an ideal location for Munchee and Ritzbury. Our entry into Kenya is not just about expanding our market presence but also about understanding and catering to the evolving needs of Kenyan consumers with a product portfolio that aligns with their preferences and lifestyles,” said Kamal Geeganage, CEO of CBL Foods International, a subsidiary of CBL Group.

CBL

Founded in 1968 to combat malnutrition in Sri Lanka, CBL Group has grown into a globally recognised food conglomerate with a strong commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. By establishing a dedicated distribution hub in Kenya, CBL is not only enhancing its footprint in Africa but also reinforcing its mission to make high-quality, innovative food products accessible to diverse markets.

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Global TikTok advertising revenue is set to top $30bn this year but uncertainty remains in the US

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ByteDance

Almost $12bn is at stake should a US ban go ahead
The US remains TikTok’s largest market. Instagram to benefit the most from a US ban
TikTok ad revenue is growing faster outside the US
TikTok users worldwide spend 35 hours each month with the app
TikTok is having a previously unseen impact on Amazon sales

WARC Media’s Platform Insights: TikTok

5 March 2025 – TikTok, the ByteDance-owned video sharing platform, is increasingly seen as able to drive full-funnel outcomes – from discovery through search to purchase. However, concern over TikTok’s possible ban in the US is creating uncertainty among advertisers and creators.

Alex Brownsell, Head of Content, WARC Media, and author of the report, says: “On 18 January, US TikTok users were unable to access the video-sharing app for more than 12 hours due to regulation banning the app on the basis of national security concerns. A 75-day deadline extension to 5 April by President Donald Trump does little to dispel the uncertainty around TikTok as an ongoing staple in many brands’ marketing plans.

“In this report, we explore the potential impact of a US ban on TikTok’s advertising revenue, and examine the platform’s role in consumer behaviour and campaign effectiveness.”

Providing evidence-based insights on the challenges and opportunities TikTok has to offer, WARC Media’s latest Platform Insights report offers an overview of the key data points that advertisers need to know about the platform spanning investment, consumption and performance.

Investment: Global TikTok ad revenue forecast to reach $32.4bn. Nearly $12bn in US spend at stake if TikTok is banned

In 2025, assuming a US ban is not implemented, ad spend with TikTok should reach $32.4bn, a rise of 24.5% year-on-year. TikTok’s ad business is set to grow faster than either Facebook (+9.3%) and Instagram (+19.0%) this year, giving the video-sharing app an 11% share of the global social media market.

According to WARC’s Marketer’s Toolkit survey carried out late last year, global marketers were more likely to increase investment with TikTok in 2025 than with any other digital platform. Agency respondents (81%) were even more bullish than their client counterparts (74%).

The US remains TikTok’s largest market, but over the last five years its share of the platform’s total ad revenue has diminished, dropping from 43.3% in 2022 to 34.0% by 2026, according to WARC Media forecast. Ad revenue is growing faster outside of the US, potentially mitigating the impact of any ban in the US.

If a ban in the US is avoided, TikTok is forecast to earn $11.8bn in US ad revenue this year (up 21.0%, outpacing overall US social media ad investment, which is set to grow 10.6%), rising to $13.4bn in 2026. Instagram stands to benefit most from a TikTok ban, WARC Media estimates, with spend also going to YouTube and Snapchat.

Consumption: Globally, TikTok users spend 35 hours with the app each month

TikTok’s ad reach is currently reported to be 1.59bn. It is the fifth most-used mobile app globally, and the second most popular app for women aged 16-24. The US remains TikTok’s largest market, with 136m active adult accounts, equivalent to two in five Americans.

Total monthly usage on TikTok by far exceeds that of any other platform, with the average user spending more than 35 hours on the app each month in 2024 – more than double the average usage by Instagram users. Consumption levels are even greater in the US, with users spending an average of almost 44 hours per month on TikTok or almost one and a half hours per day.

Established platforms with short-form video features like Instagram’s Reels and YouTube’s Shorts are likely to win more traction from any ban in the US and friction in Canada.

More than half (57%) of global TikTok users utilise the platform’s search function to follow or find information about products and brands, according to We Are Social. Advertisers so far are “intrigued” but cautious over concerns such as effectiveness and safety.

Performance: advertising on TikTok impacts Amazon sales

Kantar’s latest Media Reactions study found that TikTok has again claimed first place, jointly with Amazon, as consumers’ most preferred advertising platform, and is viewed as the “most fun” and entertaining. However, excessive targeting could be an issue, and TikTok also falls short of the industry average in terms of the trust marketers place in it compared to YouTube, Netflix and Instagram.

One of the key trends outlined by TikTok for 2025 is that creative quality and variety can positively drive performance. To assist, TikTok has built various AI-powered tools such as TikTok Symphony and TikTok One.

Data shows that specific branded content in collaboration with creators drive higher view-through rates, engagement and ad recall.

Investment in upper-funnel campaigns on platforms like TikTok, Meta and YouTube can significantly influence Amazon sales, a new study by Fospha has found. On average, TikTok’s direct-to-consumer only return on ad spend (ROAS) was 2.4x; however, when amazon revenue was factored in, Unified-ROAS, as coined in the study, increased to 4.2x, showing that TikTok is having a previously unseen impact on Amazon sales.

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Libya Launches 2025 Bid Round, Paving the Way for Oil & Gas Revival

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Libya

Libya’s renewed push for oil and gas investment will take center stage at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025, where global stakeholders will explore opportunities in the country’s newly launched bid round, advancing projects and emerging energy partnerships

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 5, 2025/APO Group/ –Libya’s oil and gas sector is set for a new era of growth and investment following the announcement of its first exploration bid round in 17 years. The Libyan government has officially launched the 2025 bid round for oil exploration, a long-anticipated move that marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to revitalize its energy industry. The bid round is expected to attract foreign investors and drive exploration activities across Libya’s resource-rich basins, enabling global energy companies to engage in a market that has remained largely unexplored for nearly two decades.

Momentum is already building across Libya’s energy industry, with several upstream developments demonstrating the country’s renewed focus growth and investment. Last month, Mellitah Oil and Gas Company successfully resumed gas production at Well CC18 in the Bahr Essalam field, reinforcing Libya’s ability to meet both domestic and export demands. This increase in production from existing fields underscores the country’s commitment to stabilizing and expanding its energy supply. Meanwhile, Eni’s offshore drilling campaign in Libya’s Sirte Basin is set to be one of the most closely watched exploration programs in 2025, with four exploration wells in the pipeline. In the Ghadames Basin, bp is advancing a multi-well drilling campaign targeting multiple oil and gas formations, leveraging existing seismic data as well as exploring participation in the 2025 bid round.

With a renewed commitment to growth and development, Libya is not only securing its own energy future but also positioning itself as a key contributor to Africa’s energy revolution

Offshore infrastructure projects are also advancing, including Eni’s Structures A&E Project, which channels gas from two fields to the Mellitah treatment plant. Engineering and construction activities for the Structure A platform are already underway, with offshore drilling set to begin in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, the Sabratha Compression Project is in execution, with startup expected later in the year. Last month, ABL was engaged to support Saipem in overseeing the installation of critical equipment for the Bouri Gas Utilization Project, aimed at enhancing offshore production capacity and advancing the development of Libya’s significant natural gas reserves. Alongside Nigeria, Angola and Namibia, Libya’s renewed focus on exploration and production is positioning it as a vital player in the region’s energy landscape and a key oil and gas hotspot in Africa for 2025.

These developments will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, the continent’s leading energy investment platform. With the bid round now officially confirmed, AEW presents a crucial opportunity for Libya to showcase its projects, attract foreign partners and secure the investments needed to drive long-term growth. As Libya reopens its energy sector to global players, AEW 2025 will be instrumental in facilitating discussions on regulatory stability, infrastructure expansion and strategies for maximizing the country’s resource potential. The event will bring together Libyan stakeholders, international investors, and industry leaders, fostering the partnerships necessary to shape the future of Libya’s energy sector.

“The announcement of the 2025 bid round marks a pivotal moment for Libya – a market on the brink of major transformation – offering global investors a unique opportunity to engage with one of Africa’s most promising energy markets. With a renewed commitment to growth and development, Libya is not only securing its own energy future but also positioning itself as a key contributor to Africa’s energy revolution, a central focus of AEW 2025,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

With production ramping up, offshore infrastructure projects advancing and private sector participation increasing, Libya is making it clear that it is open for business. As Africa’s energy landscape continues to evolve, Libya is set to play a pivotal role in securing the continent’s position as a global energy powerhouse.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber

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