Latest news with #Euro7
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Platinum ETFs Outshining Gold & Silver in 1H2025: Here's Why
After being in the doldrums for a long time, platinum has made a solid comeback in recent months, driven by strong industrial demand, supply constraints and clean energy adoption. In fact, platinum is the standout performer among precious metals, outpacing gold and is especially true as abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF PPLT has risen 40% so far this year, while its popular peers — SPDR Gold Shares GLD and iShares Silver Trust SLV — returned less than 30% each. Notably, most of the rise has occurred recently. Over the past month alone, gold rose 7% and silver climbed 13% but platinum skyrocketed 30% (see: all the Precious Metal ETFs here). Platinum is one of the rarest precious metals, primarily used in automotive catalytic converters, chemical processing, electrical components and petroleum refining. About 80% of global production comes from South Africa, followed by Russia and North America. South Africa faces challenges such as aging infrastructure and operational disruptions, leading to reduced platinum market is grappling with a pronounced supply deficit. The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) projects a shortfall of 966 koz, marking the third consecutive annual deficit and reinforcing concerns over tightening market fundamentals. Total platinum supply for 2025 is forecast to decline 4% year over year to 6,999 koz, the lowest level in five years, while demand is expected to decline 4% to 7,965 koz in 2025. A resurgence in platinum jewellery demand in China is expected to drive a 5% increase in global jewellery demand in 2025. High gold prices have prompted consumers and jewelers to turn to platinum as a cost-effective alternative (read: Gold Up 27% YTD: How Long Will the Rally Last?). Automotive demand remains resilient despite market uncertainty, with a modest 2% decline forecast to 3,052 koz for the full year. The slowdown in EV adoption has led to sustained demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles, both of which utilize platinum in catalytic converters. Additionally, stricter emissions regulations, such as Europe's upcoming Euro 7 standards, are expected to increase platinum loadings in demand remains robust, projected at 688 koz, supported by strong bar and coin purchases in China. Above-ground stocks are forecast to decline 31% to 2,160 koz by year-end, providing just three months of demand coverage, a significant signal of tightening also plays a pivotal role in the burgeoning hydrogen economy. It is used in fuel cells and hydrogen electrolyzers—core technologies in the clean energy transition. With governments and corporations ramping up investments in hydrogen infrastructure, demand for platinum in non-automotive industrial applications is soaring. From a valuation perspective, platinum has been historically cheap relative to gold. For much of the past decade, platinum traded at a steep discount to gold, with the gold-to-platinum ratio climbing to 3.5 in May 2025 from the historic range of 1-2. This signals that platinum was significantly undervalued. Since platinum's surge in recent weeks, the ratio has come to 2.7. All three precious metals have been on a surge this year. Gold is trading at record highs, driven by inflation concerns, central bank accumulation and geopolitical stress. The yellow metal continues to enjoy its status as the ultimate safe haven, particularly during periods of geopolitical turmoil and inflation. Silver has climbed to 13-year highs, benefiting from its dual role as both an investment asset and an industrial metal. The rally is supported by booming demand from clean tech and electronics (read: ETFs Riding High on Multi-Year Record Silver Prices). Meanwhile, platinum occupies a unique middle ground — it's a precious metal with powerful industrial utility. The metal is at a four-year high but still well below its all-time high set in 2008, making it appear undervalued in gold and silver appearing 'overbought' to some, platinum is increasingly being viewed as the more attractive entry point. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SPDR Gold Shares (GLD): ETF Research Reports iShares Silver Trust (SLV): ETF Research Reports abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition revealed as final farewell model for Europe
Honda is officially drawing the curtain on the Civic Type R in Europe with the introduction of the Ultimate Edition, a limited-run swansong for the much-loved hot hatch. As the brand prepares to bow out of the segment due to looming Euro 7 emissions norms, only 40 units of this commemorative model will be produced. Designed as both a celebration and a send-off, the Ultimate Edition marks the end of an era for the Civic Type R in the European market. Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition: Design With exclusivity in mind, the Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition gets subtle yet striking visual enhancements. The car comes solely in the iconic Championship White paint scheme, now complemented by bold red graphic accents on the bonnet and side doors. To set it apart from the standard FL5 version, the Ultimate Edition also features a black-painted roof, carbonfibre rear wing, and unique 'Ultimate Edition' badging. Also check these Cars Find more Cars Honda Elevate 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 11.91 Lakhs Compare View Offers Honda Amaze 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 8.10 Lakhs Compare View Offers Honda City 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 11.82 Lakhs Compare View Offers Honda City Hybrid 1498 cc 1498 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 20.85 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Honda Elevate EV ₹ 18 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Honda WR-V 2026 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 8 - 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Also Read : Honda Cars India offers discounts up to ₹76,100 in May. Check details While the basic silhouette is unchanged—with its low-sitting posture, massive hood scoop, and bodywork that's all business—the visual updates make the car look even more intent, track-focused. Smoked-out LED headlights give way to a black mesh grille and the obligatory triple exhaust system to further underscore the Civic Type R's motorsports-inspired heritage. The Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition comes solely in the iconic Championship White paint scheme Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition: Features Step inside, and the Ultimate Edition embraces the same race-bred ethos. Honda has introduced a fresh carbonfibre finish across the door sills and center console, paired with red floor mats and a Type R logo projector that lights up the ground upon entry. Subtle but thoughtful upgrades include ambient lighting around the cabin, extending to the cupholders, footwells, door panels, and under-seat areas, enhancing the premium sporty feel. Owners will also receive a special presentation box that includes a numbered plaque denoting the car's unique position out of the 40 units, a carbonfibre key ring, and a custom car cover—a collectible package to match the exclusivity of the vehicle. Also Read : Honda Cars India sees May sales slowdown, eyes recovery with improved market conditions The rest of the interior remains unchanged. Expect red suede-effect sports seats, a Type R-specific steering wheel, and a silver gear lever with red accents. Tech and convenience features include a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and an 8-speaker sound system. Powering the Ultimate Edition is the same 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged petrol engine, which outputs 329hp and 420Nm of torque Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition: Specifications Under the bonnet, Honda has not meddled with the mechanicals. Powering the Ultimate Edition is the same 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged petrol engine, which outputs 329hp and 420Nm of torque, channelled to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. This powertrain takes a 0-100kph run in a mere 5.4 seconds, and a maximum speed of 275kph. Significantly, the configuration achieved the FL5 Civic Type R's reputation as the quickest front-wheel-drive production vehicle to lap Germany's iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, with a time of 7 minutes and 44.881 seconds. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
Auto Blog
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tired of Brake Dust? Brembo's Greentell System Could Be Your Solution
As Europe clamps down on brake emissions, Brembo's Greentell rotors offer a high-tech solution that could reshape the future of friction brakes. Brake dust isn't just ugly — it's harmful If you've ever seen silver wheels turned gray from brake dust, you've witnessed a small part of a much larger problem. That dust doesn't just settle on wheels; it enters the air and, eventually, our lungs. It's why the European Union is targeting brake particulate emissions under its upcoming Euro 7 standards, set to take effect next year. These rules cap brake particle emissions at 7 milligrams per kilometer, dropping to 3 mg/km by 2035. Even EVs, which rely more on regenerative braking, aren't entirely off the hook. Greentell is Brembo's answer to Euro 7 Italian brake giant Brembo believes it has a solution: a new line of rotors called Greentell, combining 'green' and 'intelligent' in one slightly awkward but descriptive name. The real innovation lies in how they're made. Greentell rotors are treated with a proprietary coating applied through Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), an additive manufacturing process that uses powdered metals and lasers to 'print' a surface layer onto the brake disc. This dual-layer coating dramatically cuts down on the amount of particulate matter released during braking. Massive dust reduction, minimal trade-offs In controlled WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) tests, Brembo says Greentell rotors reduced particle emissions by 90% compared to uncoated cast-iron rotors. Surface wear was also slashed by 80%, though because the discs themselves are thinner, overall lifespan gains are closer to 20–30%. To make the most of this new disc surface, Brembo also had to develop a new brake pad material, specially designed to work with the smoother coating. Brembo Greentell brakes — Source: Brembo Even wear indicators get a high-tech twist Thanks to the reduced wear rate, traditional disc wear measurements don't quite cut it. Instead, Brembo now etches its logo (or an automaker's logo) onto the disc face. When the logo disappears, it's time to swap the rotors. The idea originates directly from motorsport, where visual wear indicators are already widely used. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. No slots or holes needed 2025 Subaru WRX tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer Don't expect flashy drilled or slotted rotors here, though. Those were originally used to combat 'gassing out,' an issue with older pad materials that's largely been solved by modern materials. Plus, those slots and holes increase abrasive wear, exactly what Greentell aims to avoid. Final thoughts Greentell rotors are primarily aimed at helping European automakers comply with Euro 7 and are expected to appear first on premium and performance vehicles — the kind Brembo typically supplies. The U.S. currently lacks similar brake dust regulations, but if that changes, these high-tech rotors could make their way stateside. For aftermarket buyers, Brembo also offers a similar dust-reducing option called Greenance. Both systems represent the growing realization that cutting vehicle emissions isn't just about what comes out of the tailpipe; it's also about what comes off the wheels. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Motor 1
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Brake Dust Is a Problem. Brembo Has a Solution
Picture the way brake dust turns your shiny silver wheels into a dull, gray mess. Now imagine what it does for your lungs. When we talk about automotive emissions, we're typically not thinking about brakes. The European Commission is, though, and in the Euro 7 standards set to come into effect next year, there are limits on particulate emissions from brakes. According to a 2023 Automotive Engineering article , the limit for Euro 7's introduction is set at 7 mg/kilometer, and in 2035, the limit will reduce to 3 mg/km. Euro 7 will allow electrified vehicles to have higher brake-emission levels, depending on the type of powertrain, operating under the assumption that motor-regenerative braking means less use of the friction brakes. Regardless, there's a real need to cut brake dust. Brembo's approach is called Greentell, a portmanteau of "green" and "intelligent." Maybe not the most elegant name, but a neat piece of technology. "When Euro 7 will be applied in Europe, the legislation will impact all passenger vehicles or most of them," says Fabiano Carminati, Brembo's head of brake-disc development, in an interview with Motor1 . "So this is the reason why we needed to find a solution from a technological point of view that can be useful for huge volumes, not just a few thousand pieces per year." A generic example of Laser Metal Depositon. That solution revolves around Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), a relatively new form of additive manufacturing where powdered metals are heated by a laser and sprayed on a metallic surface. Without getting too in the weeds, think of it as printing metal. Brembo uses LMD to coat the surface of its brake discs with a proprietary—secret—alloy. Carminati tells us Brembo applies this dual-layer coating after the machining process, and before the final finishing. The results, according to Brembo, are fairly astonishing. On the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for braking, Brembo claims a 90-percent reduction in particle emissions from its Greentell system. Carminati also says the LMD process only adds minimal time to the manufacturing process. Brembo also says that the LMD coating reduces disc surface wear by about 80 percent compared to an uncoated cast-iron disc. But Carminatti is quick to stress that this doesn't translate directly into an 80-percent increase in disc life, because Greentell discs are actually thinner than traditional cast-iron units. He says Greentell discs should last about 20 to 30 percent longer than their cast-iron equivalents. The new disc coating also required Brembo to develop a new pad material. 'The coupling between the discs and pads is completely different than in a standard cast-iron material,' Carminatti says. Also, because of the relative lack of surface wear, Brembo created a new indication marker for disc life—its logo, etched into the surface. Brembo can replace this with the logo of an automaker, too, but regardless, when the visible logo is gone, it's time to replace your discs. A neat detail, which comes from racing. In the cast-iron brakes you see on GT cars, Brembo debosses its logo into the disc surface as a wear indicator. Carminatti tells Motor1 that, beyond reducing emissions, the overall goal with Greentell wasn't necessarily to improve braking performance, but to provide the same level of stopping power while ensuring consistency in all conditions. LMD provided the best solution without the risk of the coating becoming delaminated from the disc in cold and/or salty conditions. Photo by: Brembo Slotted and drilled rotors have long been associated with high-performance cars, but you won't see a Greentell disc with such cuts or holes. Slotted and drilled rotors were originally designed to prevent 'gassing-out,' a phenomenon where worn-off pad material creates a boundary layer between the pad and rotor surface, significantly reducing braking performance. But they create a more abrasive surface, which increases particle emissions from the disc. Which would negate the entire point of this exercise. Not that you should worry about cooling or stopping power with these plain-surface discs. We've come a long way with material science since drilled and slotted discs first arrived, so gassing out isn't really a concern these days. Holes and slots are mostly present these days for weight savings, cooling, or to get a bit more bite from the pads. Since these brakes are designed to help automakers meet Euro 7 emissions, Brembo says it's mainly targeting the European market, though they could come to the US eventually if an automaker wants them. (We don't have any rules about particle emissions from brakes here, though we do have regulations on certain materials used in braking systems.) And Brembo being Brembo, Greentell is targeted mostly at premium and performance cars, its typical market. For aftermarket customers, Brembo also offers a similar product, Greenance, which targets similar emissions reductions. This is, ultimately, a small piece of a very complex puzzle. Automakers and suppliers all have to be clever in how they meet the aggressive Euro 7 emissions, and it'll take more than just electrifying powertrains. More Engineering Deep Dives Giamaro's Quad-Turbo V-12 Is Insane: 'The King of Engines' How Oil Analysis Reveals Your Engine's Secrets Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? 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NZ Autocar
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Lotus Emira could swap V6 for hotter V8
Lotus is poised to offer a V8 option for its Emira sports car as the company looks to expand the appeal of its sole ICE model. But it is also a response to the fact that the V6 will not pass upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations. CEO Feng Qingfeng told investors on the company's recent earnings call that 'We are currently investigating the feasibility of the V8'. Check out the NZ Autocar review of Lotus Emira V6 First Edition here. At the moment Lotus offers V6 and four-cylinder turbo options for the Emira. Both generate almost 300kW but Feng ruled out boosting the power of the V6. That's because it won't meet upcoming emissions regulations. The Emira is built in Lotus's plant in Hethel and last year hit a sales record of 5272 deliveries. New CEO of Lotus Cars in Europe, Matt Windle, said: 'The US is an incredibly important market for the car. So we're looking at the market demand for the product going forward.' And he added the company is looking at powertrain options, stating it Emira hadn't realised its full potential. AMG could supply Hethel with a V8. Whether or not it would fit into Emira's compact mid-engined frame is unclear. Lotus hasn't had an eight-cylinder offering in its line-up since Esprit V8 in 2004. Meantime, the company has halted shipments of British-built Emira to the US after the new 25 per cent tariff was applied in April. And America accounts for one-fifth of all Lotus sales. Ditto Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon EVs that are built in China. The US recently agreed to lower tariffs on UK-built goods to 10 per cent but Windle has yet to restart trade across the Atlantic. He said 'There's product that's ready to ship but what we don't want to do is jump the gun…' Lotus had intended to replace the ICE-powered Emira with an electric sports car but it is currently assessing the market before giving it the green light. 'Is the market ready for an electric sports car? I don't really know the answer to that yet,' said Windle.
