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VIVATECH 2024: PEUGEOT designs the future of driving pleasure with Hypersquare

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PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT aims to reinvent the sustainable mobility of tomorrow by placing pleasure and emotion at the heart of the customer experience

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, May 30, 2024/APO Group/ — 

PEUGEOT (www.PEUGEOT.com), a major player in technological innovation, electrifies VivaTech with its bold concept car INCEPTION, ushering in a new era of electric mobility. On its stand, PEUGEOT presents its vision of the future embodied by the revolutionary Hypersquare steering control– the innovation that redefines the driving experience of tomorrow.

ALLURE: The French public can discover the INCEPTION concept car for the first time.

EMOTION: The Hypersquare steering control radically transforms the driving experience and pleasure.

EXCELLENCE: PEUGEOT is a leader in technological innovation in Europe.

Building on over 200 years of innovation experience, PEUGEOT aims to reinvent the sustainable mobility of tomorrow by placing pleasure and emotion at the heart of the customer experience.

VivaTech 2024, will see PEUGEOT representatives present the brand’s innovation strategy. Sessions will take place four times, daily on the PEUGEOT stand, at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM.

  • Wednesday, May 22: Phil York, Marketing and Communication Director.
  • Thursday, May 23: Jérôme Micheron, Product Director.
  • Friday, May 24: Matthias Hossann, Design Director.

Register for one of the sessions offered via the link: http://apo-opa.co/3VimKy2

PEUGEOT innovation is about technological creativity connected to reality, meeting the real needs of customers and enhancing the joy of driving. At VivaTech 2024, PEUGEOT presents its vision of the car of tomorrow with the INCEPTION concept car and its revolutionary Hypersquare steering control that aims to reinvent the driving experience.

PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT: THE ELECTRIC MOBILITY OF TOMORROW

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT is the expression of PEUGEOT’s optimistic vision for the sustainable mobility of tomorrow. Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, it will be presented to the French public for the first time at VivaTech 2024.

Featuring a new design language that exalts its feline and attractive attitude, its revolutionary interior design, and its promise of unprecedented driving sensations, the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT opens a new era and heralds the future electric vehicles of the brand.

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT reinterprets the brand’s genes, entering a new era of design. It is simpler and purer, with finishes and textures worthy of the digital world. This new design oscillates between sensual lines and athletic curves, more geometric and sharp.

The 100% electric PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT is equipped with 800 V technology. Its 100 kWh battery allows it to travel 800 km on a single charge.

The INCEPTION Concept’s interior showcases an array of new techniques that PEUGEOT will deploy to deliver on the STELLANTIS commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50% by 2030 compared to 2021, becoming fully Carbon Net Zero by 2038:

  • Forged textiles: 100% polyester fabric offcuts from the design centre’s prototyping workshops or suppliers are reused and thermo-compressed under vacuum, with the injection of a binder in the form of a resourced resin. This extremely hard and durable material can be transformed into structural or trim pieces.
  • The fusion of velvet and 3D printing: The upholstery of the seats and floor is made with a very special 100% recycled polyester velvet, which extends onto the floor, printed with 3D patterns to serve as a floor mat.
  • Air Quilting® padding: The comfort of the seats is enhanced by the presence of real adjustable mattresses at the shoulder level. This electro- welded, single-material upholstery, which is easy to recycle, is made from inflatable pockets recovered from conventional seats.

THE ICONIC PEUGEOT i-COCKPIT® REINVENTED WITH HYPERSQUARE

With over 12 million models equipped in the past 12 years, the PEUGEOT i- Cockpit® is emblematic of PEUGEOT’s innovation in customer service and driving pleasure, as evidenced by the spectacular latest generation of the Panoramic i-Cockpit® introduced in the new PEUGEOT E-3008 and E-5008.

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION Concept heralds the next generation of i- Cockpit®, with a completely rethought architecture that replaces the traditional steering wheel and stalks with the Hypersquare steering control, inspired by both digital and video game worlds.

The Hypersquare creates a new natural gesture, simpler and more intuitive. With either a simple click or touch of the fingertips, without removing their hands from the steering control, the driver can manage all the vehicle’s parameters. The Hypersquare is brought to live thanks to steer-by-wire technology making driving more instinctive and simpler.

The Hypersquare steering control is combined with a flexible display that broadcasts driving or infotainment information around 360 degrees. This HALO CLUSTER, with its circular screen, provides information to the driver and passengers as they approach the car. This external communication reinforces the concept of sharing and a new vision for the automobile.

The Hypersquare with digital electric controls consists of a screen featuring circular cells at each of its four corners, which have multiple functions:

  • The entirely natural and universal grip of the steering control.
  • The comfort of fingertip driving.
  • The activation of vehicle controls by simple thumb impulses.The driver discovers a gesture similar to that of daily smartphone use. This intuitive aspect leads to a higher level of safety.

The centre of the Hypersquare consists of a tablet like screen dedicated to displaying control information. The various functionalities (air conditioning, radio volume, driving aids, etc.) are displayed on the two side parts to facilitate access to the chosen command. This command is located inside the circular cells and is accessible by moving only the thumb without releasing the steering

control. For even greater driving comfort, the surround of the Hypersquare is made using 3D printing, while at the centre, the digital glass screen gives a high-tech and upscale appearance.

PEUGEOT Hypersquare and the next generation of i-Cockpit®, set to revolutionise the emotion and pleasure of driving, is set to be featured in the brand’s upcoming vehicles, by 2026.

DATA AND CONNECTED SERVICES WITH MOBILISIGHTS

At its stand at VivaTech 2024, PEUGEOT welcomes Mobilisights. The Stellantis Business Unit, specialising in Data as a Service (DaaS), provides access to telemetry data from connected PEUGEOT vehicles and other brands of the group.

The data collected by Mobilisights enables the personalisation of the driver’s experience through innovative services and applications from a third- party partner ecosystem, with the aim of improving the daily life of drivers, always and only with their consent.

For instance, Mobilisights data can be used to develop intuitive applications for electric vehicle owners that simplify charging, allow precise tracking of its cost, while enhancing the user experience.

“REMOTE DRIVING” WITH VAY

PEUGEOT also welcomes its partner, the scale-up Vay to its stand at VivaTech 2024, where PEUGEOT is exploring the potential applications of “remote driving.”

“Remote driving” refers to the remote control and operation of a vehicle. This technology allows for the efficient management of multiple vehicles with just one driver located remotely, using cellular connectivity and sensors such as cameras integrated into the vehicles.

At VivaTech 2024, PEUGEOT presents a “telestation” at its stand that enables Vay’s highly qualified and certified “teledrivers” to drive remotely by operating the steering, braking, and acceleration of the vehicle. The telestation provides a real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings, ensuring a fully immersive and responsive control.

This technology enables increased efficiency of delivery operations, ‘click- a-button, get-a- car’ services for carsharing and car rental, and enables private cars owners to have their vehicle moved remotely when and where needed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Peugeot.

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Africa Launches the First Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion

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400 decision-makers gathered in Cotonou to accelerate access to insurance and contribute to doubling insurance penetration by 2040

DAKAR, Senegal, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Faced with a major paradox representing nearly 19% of the world’s population while accounting for less than 1% of global insurance premiums African insurance stakeholders are mobilizing.

 

From July 6 to 8, 2026, the Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF) will organize the General Assembly on Insurance for All at the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou, Benin, a major pan-African gathering dedicated to inclusive insurance.

The event will bring together nearly 400 African decision-makers from governments, regulatory and supervisory authorities, insurance and reinsurance companies, financial institutions, development banks, technical and financial partners, as well as professional organizations from across the continent.

The ambition is clear: to foster a shared vision and concrete commitments aimed at accelerating access to insurance for African populations while strengthening the sector’s contribution to the continent’s economic and social development priorities.

The discussions will culminate in the adoption of the Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion and a 2026–2030 Strategic Action Plan, designed to structure collective action around an ambitious objective: contributing to the doubling of insurance penetration across the FANAF region by 2040.

An Economic, Social and Development Imperative

Within the CIMA zone, insurance penetration remains below 1% of GDP, compared to more than 6% globally.

As a result, millions of households, farmers, entrepreneurs, SMEs and informal sector actors remain deprived of essential protection mechanisms against health, climate, economic and social risks.

For FANAF, this reality now constitutes a major development challenge.

Africa cannot build sustainable growth without strengthening protection mechanisms for its populations, businesses and investments

“Africa cannot build sustainable growth without strengthening protection mechanisms for its populations, businesses and investments. The Cotonou General Assembly must mark the starting point of a new continental ambition for African insurance and its role in the continent’s economic transformation,” said Mamadou Koné, President of FANAF.

Beyond Insurance: A Driver of Continental Transformation

For FANAF, insurance is no longer merely a risk coverage mechanism. It is also a strategic lever for economic resilience, savings mobilization, investment security, SME financing, support for climate transitions and the strengthening of financial inclusion.

Through this General Assembly, FANAF seeks to reposition insurance as a key stakeholder in Africa’s economic, social and financial transformation.

A Pact to Accelerate Action

The conclusions of the General Assembly will lead to the adoption of the Pan-African Pact for Insurance Inclusion, a reference framework intended to mobilize governments, regulators, market players, financial institutions and development partners around shared objectives.

The Pact will be accompanied by a 2026–2030 Strategic Action Plan defining priority intervention areas, coordination mechanisms and monitoring arrangements for the commitments undertaken.

A broad mobilization of public, private and financial partners will support its implementation in order to translate commitments into tangible results for African populations and economies.

Cotonou 2026: Building a Shared Vision

Beyond the insurance sector, the General Assembly aims to create an unprecedented platform for dialogue between governments, regulators, investors, financial institutions, technical partners and market actors in order to identify the levers needed to accelerate insurance inclusion across the continent.

Holding this event in Benin reflects the country’s broader economic and financial transformation momentum and illustrates the collective determination of African stakeholders to develop solutions tailored to the continent’s realities.

Through this initiative, FANAF intends to make Cotonou 2026 a defining moment for the future of African insurance and the starting point of a lasting continental mobilization in favor of insurance inclusion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération des Sociétés d’Assurances de Droit National Africaines (FANAF).

 

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Flat6Labs and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Launch StartAlgeria, a Capacity-Building Program Designed to Empower the Organizations Progressing Algeria’s Startup Ecosystem

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StartAlgeria comes at a key moment for Algeria’s entrepreneurship landscape, shifting the focus toward improving how the ESOs operate by providing them with international best practices

ALGIERS, Algeria, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Flat6Labs (www.Flat6Labs.com) and IFC in collaboration with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises are launching StartAlgeria, a capacity-building program that puts Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) at the forefront of Algeria’s ecosystem future. The program is designed to equip Algerian ESOs reinforcing pre-seed and seed-stage startups with the expertise, frameworks, and networks needed to contribute to a stronger, more competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem in Algeria and expand into global markets.

 

StartAlgeria comes at a key moment for Algeria’s entrepreneurship landscape, shifting the focus toward improving how the ESOs operate by providing them with international best practices adapted to each organization’s needs, a community-driven approach that focuses on peer learning, and facilitating connections with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

Algeria’s entrepreneurial community is among the most dynamic and vibrant in the region, and the potential is not just real, it is ready to scale

StartAlgeria will pilot a first cohort focusing on incubators in the capital, Algiers. Following a call for application, the selected ESOs will go through a structured program comprising workshops and masterclasses covering key areas such as startup selection, program design and delivery, and investment readiness. In addition to the core program, participating ESOs will benefit from 6months of post-program mentorship, focusing on areas such as fundraising strategy, partnership development, financial sustainability, and program improvement. This sustained engagement’s goal is to provide a lasting impact in how Algerian ESOs operate and what they’re able to offer the startups they champion.

Yehia Houry, CEO of Flat6Labs, shares “Algeria’s startup ecosystem is demonstrating remarkable potential and a rapidly growing level of maturity, driven by an ambitious new generation of founders, increasing institutional support, and a strong national commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The opportunity today lies in further empowering entrepreneurship support organizations to match this momentum by strengthening their ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups, deliver impactful and results-driven programs, and create stronger connections between entrepreneurs and sources of capital. With the right support structures in place, Algeria is well positioned to become one of the leading innovation hubs in the region.”

“Algeria’s entrepreneurial community is among the most dynamic and vibrant in the region, and the potential is not just real, it is ready to scale. Through StartAlgeria, we are committed to ensuring that the organizations standing behind founders are equipped with the tools, frameworks, and expertise to take them from early ideas to investment-ready ventures. This program is a direct expression of IFC’s long-term confidence in Algeria’s private sector and in the ecosystem’s capacity to produce the next generation of high-impact companies.” underscored Cemile Hacibeyoglu Ceren, WBG Resident Representative in Algeria.

“The launch of StartAlgeria marks an important step in reinforcing Algeria’s startup support ecosystem. By strengthening the capabilities of Entrepreneur Support Organizations, we are investing in the long-term growth, resilience, and international competitiveness of Algerian startups. This initiative reflects our shared ambition to build a dynamic innovation-driven economy and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country,” said H.E Mr. Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises.

This IFC program is implemented in partnership with the Government of the Netherlands.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Flat6Labs.

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Hong Kong unlocks new opportunities with Central Asia

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Led by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, a high-level delegation visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (May 31 – June 5) is already paying dividends, forging fresh opportunities to deepen ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The business delegation comprised over 70 representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises of various sectors.

During the visit, 96 bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements were reached, including a total of 15 co-operation documents at the government level between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively.

“The examples of agreements and co-operation are just so abundant that they range from the service sector to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development,” Mr Lee said. “I think the sky is the limit.”

The multiple outcomes achieved during the trip demonstrate Hong Kong’s role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, as the city actively plays its roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to promote broader and deeper co-operation between the two places and establish a hub-to-hub co-operation model.

“Kazakhstan is an important commercial and logistics hub connecting China and Europe. It is also the place where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed, and is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia. There are broad prospects for further co-operation,” Mr Lee said, adding that a lot of B&R projects are also being pursued in Uzbekistan.

“For example, Uzbekistan sits in the heart of the corridor of Asia and Europe, so logistical development, railway development, and also how we can complement and supplement each other in cargo handling will be an area for a very wide range of co-operation.”

The Chief Executive also encouraged companies in Central Asia to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle.

“Under this unique principle, Hong Kong has its own economic, social, legal, legislative and judicial systems. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China. We have our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. We are, as well, a separate customs territory,” Mr Lee said.

Building on the positive outcomes from the delegation’s mission to Central Asia, Mr Lee welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Kanat Bozumbayev, to Hong Kong (June 10) and they both attended the Alatau City Investment Round Table (June 11).

Speaking at the event, Mr Lee said Hong Kong could contribute to the future success of Kazakhstan’s innovative, high-tech Alatau City in three concrete ways: as a gateway to global capital; a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area; and as a partner in talent and technology.

“We share a development vision with Alatau City and Kazakhstan,” Mr Lee said, “Today, right here, right now, is a golden opportunity to bring our two economies closer together.”

He looked forward to Hong Kong and Kazakhstan achieving complementary advantages and co-ordinated development across different sectors and welcomed enterprises in Kazakhstan to make good use of Hong Kong’s premier financial and innovation and technology platforms, as well as its world-leading professional services, to explore more business opportunities.

 

 

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