Stellantis Unveils Strategic Plan, Targets Positive Cash Flow by 2027 Stellantis announced on Thursday a new five-year strategic plan led by CEO Antonio Filosa, which includes a 60 billion euro ($69.7 billion) investment aimed at transforming the company’s operations and financial performance. The plan, unveiled during the automaker’s first investor day at its North American headquarters near Detroit, outlines a roadmap to achieve positive free cash flow by 2027 and annual cost savings of 6 billion euros by 2028. The initiative reflects Stellantis’ efforts to navigate a rapidly evolving industry marked by shifting consumer preferences, supply chain challenges, and intense competition from both traditional automakers and emerging electric vehicle startups. The 60 billion euro investment will be allocated across two primary areas: 36 billion euros to strengthen its automotive brand portfolio and 24 billion euros to develop global vehicle platforms and new technologies. A significant portion of the brand investment, 60% of the total, is earmarked for North America, where Stellantis aims to introduce over 60 new vehicles and refresh 50 existing models. These include a mix of all-electric vehicles, hybrids, and traditional internal combustion engines. The company also plans to expand its electric vehicle offerings, with 29 battery-electric models, 15 plug-in hybrids, and 24 hybrid variants expected to be part of its future lineup. The financial targets underpinning the plan are equally ambitious. Stellantis projects that its industrial free cash flow, which was a loss of 4.5 billion euros in the previous year, will turn positive by 2028, reaching 3 billion euros, and further grow to 6 billion euros by 2030.#north_america #stellantis #antonio_filosa #jeep #ram_trucks
North America Set for Spectacular Aurora Borealis Display A dazzling spectacle of green, purple, and pink auroras is set to illuminate the night skies across North America on Saturday and Sunday nights, offering stargazers a rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. The phenomenon, caused by high-energy particles from space colliding with Earth’s atmospheric gases near the magnetic poles, will be most visible in the northern United States and much of Canada, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While the best views will occur where the aurora is directly overhead, observers as far as 1,000 kilometers away may still catch glimpses of the light show. The aurora’s intensity will peak on Saturday night, as a geomagnetic storm driven by solar activity reaches its strongest point. NOAA predicts this will provide the optimal window for viewing the display, which is typically most visible during the late evening or early morning hours. The aurora will not be visible during daylight, making the best times to observe it just after sunset or just before sunrise. NASA explains that the aurora borealis is a result of space weather, where charged particles from the sun interact with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions excite atmospheric atoms, causing them to emit light in vibrant hues. While auroras are most commonly seen near the poles, the current event will bring the phenomenon to regions farther south, offering a unique experience for those in North America. For many, the aurora represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness space weather firsthand. NOAA notes that for people living outside polar regions, traveling to Arctic areas is often the only way to see the lights.#north_america #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #noaa #aurora_borealis #solar_activity
7-Eleven to Close Over 600 Stores in 2026, Including Potential Arizona Closures 7-Eleven, the global convenience store chain, has announced plans to close 645 gas stations and convenience stores across North America in 2026, marking the most significant round of store closures in its history. This decision follows a trend of gradual closures over the past few years, with the company shuttering 444 stores in 2024 and approximately 500 stores in 2025. The closures are attributed to declining performance in specific regions and a long-term decline in cigarette sales, which once constituted a major revenue stream for the company. The strategic shift comes as 7-Eleven aims to reposition its North American operations by emphasizing fresh food offerings and expanding delivery services. These changes were outlined during a second-quarter earnings call in 2024, where the company highlighted its focus on adapting to evolving consumer preferences and market demands. The closures are part of a broader effort to streamline operations and prioritize locations with higher profitability potential. While the company has not disclosed a specific list of stores slated for closure, the decision to target underperforming locations suggests that areas with low foot traffic or declining sales are likely to be affected. This approach aligns with the company’s efforts to optimize its store network and allocate resources more effectively. Arizona, which currently hosts around 140 7-Eleven stores, remains a potential area of impact. Most of these locations are concentrated in Phoenix and Tucson, but the company’s focus on low-traffic areas implies that closures could occur in less densely populated regions. However, without an official list of affected stores, it is difficult to determine the exact number of closures in Arizona.#arizona #tucson #7eleven #north_america #phoenix
The Affordable Cruiser That Still Feels Premium Cruiser motorcycles have always lived somewhere between practicality and personality. They are not usually the fastest bikes in the showroom, and they are rarely the lightest either. What they offer is a mood: low-slung style, easy-going torque, and the sort of relaxed riding position that makes a short commute feel like a small escape. The catch is that the price of that feeling in the US market has crept steadily upward. So once you start looking at cruisers with real presence, decent hardware, and a polished finish, the sticker price can climb surprisingly fast. There are some exceptions, though, and one of them is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Part of the problem with retro cruisers is simple economics. A bike that feels premium needs more than a pretty fuel tank and a low seat. It requires a capable frame, a refined engine, decent brakes, and enough visual mass to avoid looking flimsy. All that costs money. In the U.S., many of the most desirable cruisers sit well above the $10,000 mark once you factor in destination charges and higher trims. Even some “entry” cruisers feel expensive once they are spec’d the way most riders actually want them. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is an exception. It skips the usual compromise by offering the visual gravity of a bigger cruiser and a twin-cylinder engine that feels a class above the usual budget single. Royal Enfield’s current U.S. site lists the 2026 Super Meteor 650 at an MSRP of $7,899, regardless of the variant or color. That number matters because it places the bike right in the narrow gap between truly affordable cruisers and the noticeably pricier middleweights that dominate wish lists. The Celestial trim is the one that most clearly leans into the “premium” idea.#north_america #royal_enfield #super_meteor_650 #celestial_trim #royal_enfield_usa
United Rentals expands use of customer AI tools as companies continue to embrace growing technology Stamford-based equipment rental company United Rentals has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered digital assistant designed to help customers identify equipment for construction and industrial projects. The tool, called Equipment Agent, allows users to describe project needs in plain language and receive recommendations for equipment rentals. The system can also compare equipment types and provide specifications such as capacity, reach, terrain limits, and required accessories. The company said the assistant connects users to product pages on its website where equipment can be reserved. In late December, United Rentals also announced the launch of a Manual Assist AI web application to deliver diagnostics and immediate access to equipment manufacturer manuals to its service teams. The moves come as more companies integrate AI tools directly into their products and services. Earlier this month, Norwalk-based financial data and analytics firm FactSet created a chief AI officer position to oversee the expansion of artificial intelligence across its software platform and client offerings. United Rentals said the Equipment Agent draws on customer inquiries and internal equipment expertise. The company operates more than 1,600 rental locations in North America and serves construction, industrial, and municipal customers. The expansion of AI tools reflects a broader trend in industries adopting technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience. The company emphasized that the AI tools are part of its strategy to meet evolving customer demands and streamline operations.#north_america #united_rentals #equipment_agent #manual_assist #factset
Dhurandhar 2: 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' Advance Bookings Target USD 3 Million Opening Weekend in USA The film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge,' starring Ranveer Singh, is on track to achieve a USD 3 million opening weekend at the North American box office, according to advance sales data. The sequel to the 2025 hit 'Dhurandhar' is set to debut with strong early performance, with advance collections already reaching USD 975,000 for its North America premiere. Reports indicate that the film’s opening day advance sales, including premiere shows, have hit USD 1.45 million, while the estimated first weekend total stands at USD 2.8 million. Regional breakdowns show Texas leading the advance sales with USD 162,198, followed by California at USD 145,686 and New Jersey at USD 68,868. The Hindi language release alone has generated USD 874,000 in advance bookings. Meanwhile, the film’s domestic premieres in India have already recorded Rs 19.01 crore in advance sales, with blocked seats pushing the total to an estimated Rs 24.2 crore. The movie’s wide release strategy includes Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam dubbed versions, expanding its reach beyond the original Hindi market. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Yami Gautam. Premiere shows are scheduled for March 18, with the global release following on March 19. The film’s success builds on the original 'Dhurandhar,' which grossed Rs 28 crore in its Hindi release. With its sequel aiming to surpass previous records, the advance sales figures suggest strong audience anticipation. The North American debut marks a significant milestone for the franchise, highlighting its growing international appeal.#aditya_dhar #ranveer_singh #dhurandhar_the_revenge #north_america #march_19
