Latest news with #StephenCollins
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Thousands flock to Dublin's Fairview Park for sold-out Kneecap gig
Back on Irish soil, Kneecap took to the stage at Fairview Park in Dublin on Thursday night. Despite swirling controversy, the West Belfast rappers are at the peak of their musical careers, having played several European festivals this summer and now their sold-out Fairview Park gig. The group is also set to play two 3Arena gigs on December 16 and 17. Kneecap fans Aoibhe Shankly,Hannah Coomerford and Rachel OKeefe pictured arriving to fairview park Dublin. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos. With their politically provocative lyrics and working-class commentary, the group, consisting of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí, has grown in popularity both at home and abroad. Kneecap fans Dylan Keating and Shannon Iveagh pictured arriving to fairview park Dublin. PIcture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos. Their success, however, hasn't come without some controversy, with the cancellation of some gigs following their outspoken support for Palestine. Kneecap had faced some backlash over their comments about Gaza during their Coachella performance earlier this year. Kneecap fans pictured arriving to fairview park Dublin. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Separately, member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court in London to face a terror charge for allegedly displaying a Hizbullah flag at a gig in London last November. Taking to the stage at Fairview Park on Thursday, Mo Chara exclaimed, 'I'm a free man' to a crowd of cheering fans. This week also marked the first anniversary of the group's debut album Fine Art, which was released in June 2024. Read More Seven red giraffes to parade through streets of Cork city this weekend
Extra.ie
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Extra.ie
Met Eireann reveal hottest areas as temperatures to reach 29C this week
Is the famous 'Leaving Cert weather' back after a delay? It looks that way as some parts of Ireland are set to be as hot as 29C this week. Met Éireann said Thursday has been the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching a scorching 27C in Co Roscommon. However, the hot weather is set to continue this week as the national weather forecaster predicts parts of the country will see temperatures of nearly 30C. Delayed Leaving Cert weather? It looks that way as some parts of Ireland are set to be as hot as 29C this week. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Thursday night is set to be 'mild and humid' according to Met Éireann. They said: 'While most areas will remain dry, localised heavy showers may occur with the chance of isolated thunderstorms. 'Temperatures will not fall below 13 to 16 degrees in light to moderate southeast breezes.' Most people, however, will be hoping to have an early start to their weekend, Met Éireann predicting a hot and humid Friday as temperatures are set to reach a sizzling 29C 'over the northern half of the country'. Met Éireann said Thursday has been the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching a scorching 27C in Co Roscommon. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos A spokesperson said: 'Friday will be very warm or hot. Largely dry with long spells of sunshine, however a few showers may break out, with isolated thunderstorms possible. 'Some patchy mist and fog may occur also, mainly in the southwest.' They added: 'Humid with top temperatures of 21 to 28 or 29 degrees, highest values over the northern half of the country, in light to moderate southeast breezes.' However, the hot weather is set to continue this week as the national weather forecaster predicts parts of the country will see temperatures of nearly 30C. Pic: Collins However, things are set to take a turn on Saturday, with the weather becoming 'more unsettled as an Atlantic regime takes hold'. Met Éireann warn that while warm sunshine is still expected, there will also be scattered showers in parts of Ireland, some of which will be heavy and possibly even thundery. Sunday is expected to see the biggest weather change, becoming fresher and breezier with temperatures between 15C and 20C.
7NEWS
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
BYD Australia appoints ex-Honda director as new operating chief
Former Honda Australia director and chief operating officer (COO), Stephen Collins, has been appointed COO of BYD's new factory-backed Australian operation. Mr Collins joins BYD Australia as it takes over the local distributorship from EVDirect amid a raft of model launches, including the Atto 2 compact electric SUV and its first seven-seater, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. 'I'm excited to join BYD at such a pivotal time in its journey,' Collins said in a statement. 'The transition to fully factory backed distribution offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of automotive innovation in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: BYD Atto 2 (left); BYD Sealion 8 (right) 'With BYD's global foundation, I'm looking forward to driving long-term growth that results in more Australians experiencing BYD's cutting-edge technology and commitment to redefining value.' BYD launched in Australia in 2022 through importer EVDirect with bold ambitions to become the best-selling carmaker in Australia – planning to end decades of Toyota dominance at the top – by 2030. In the first five months of 2025, BYD has sold twice as many vehicles in Australia as Honda, with 15,199 sales for the Chinese brand against the Japanese carmaker's 6557. Collins spent 11 of his 13+ years at Honda Australia running the company, where he unified the brand's previously separate automotive, motorcycle and power equipment operations into a single business unit. He also oversaw the brand's controversial move to a Tesla -like agency sales model in July 2021, later adopted by Mercedes-Benz. The new distribution model saw automakers own all vehicle stock at dealerships – instead of selling vehicles to dealers – and introduced fixed customer pricing nationwide, with customers and dealers unable to negotiate on prices. Both Mercedes-Benz and Honda faced legal challenges from dealer groups who were against the transition to the model. While the German brand is still in court with a number of dealers, in December 2024 Honda Australia was ordered to pay $13.6 million to Brighton Automotive, a Victorian dealer, after the Victorian Supreme Court ruled the carmaker broke its contract with the dealer early. Collins left Honda in November 2022 and was succeeded as the director by Carolyn McMahon, who handed the reign to Jay Joseph in February 2025 following Ms McMahon's appointment as Honda New Zealand president. In addition to Honda, Collins has spent time at Nissan Australia – which remains ahead of BYD on the local sales charts for now – and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) during his automotive career. In his new role at BYD, Collins will report to BYD Australia general manager Wing You, with the brand climbing up the sales charts to finish 12th for the month of May 2025. 'Stephen brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in shaping the next steps of BYD Australia's future,' Mr You said in a statement. 'Our team is growing, and we think that's only going to enhance the customer experience for anyone considering a BYD vehicle.'
Perth Now
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
BYD Australia appoints ex-Honda director as new operating chief
Former Honda Australia director and chief operating officer (COO), Stephen Collins, has been appointed COO of BYD's new factory-backed Australian operation. Mr Collins joins BYD Australia as it takes over the local distributorship from EVDirect amid a raft of model launches, including the Atto 2 compact electric SUV and its first seven-seater, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. 'I'm excited to join BYD at such a pivotal time in its journey,' Collins said in a statement. 'The transition to fully factory backed distribution offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of automotive innovation in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: BYD Atto 2 (left); BYD Sealion 8 (right) 'With BYD's global foundation, I'm looking forward to driving long-term growth that results in more Australians experiencing BYD's cutting-edge technology and commitment to redefining value.' BYD launched in Australia in 2022 through importer EVDirect with bold ambitions to become the best-selling carmaker in Australia – planning to end decades of Toyota dominance at the top – by 2030. In the first five months of 2025, BYD has sold twice as many vehicles in Australia as Honda, with 15,199 sales for the Chinese brand against the Japanese carmaker's 6557. Collins spent 11 of his 13+ years at Honda Australia running the company, where he unified the brand's previously separate automotive, motorcycle and power equipment operations into a single business unit. He also oversaw the brand's controversial move to a Tesla-like agency sales model in July 2021, later adopted by Mercedes-Benz. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The new distribution model saw automakers own all vehicle stock at dealerships – instead of selling vehicles to dealers – and introduced fixed customer pricing nationwide, with customers and dealers unable to negotiate on prices. Both Mercedes-Benz and Honda faced legal challenges from dealer groups who were against the transition to the model. While the German brand is still in court with a number of dealers, in December 2024 Honda Australia was ordered to pay $13.6 million to Brighton Automotive, a Victorian dealer, after the Victorian Supreme Court ruled the carmaker broke its contract with the dealer early. Collins left Honda in November 2022 and was succeeded as the director by Carolyn McMahon, who handed the reign to Jay Joseph in February 2025 following Ms McMahon's appointment as Honda New Zealand president. In addition to Honda, Collins has spent time at Nissan Australia – which remains ahead of BYD on the local sales charts for now – and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) during his automotive career. Supplied Credit: CarExpert In his new role at BYD, Collins will report to BYD Australia general manager Wing You, with the brand climbing up the sales charts to finish 12th for the month of May 2025. 'Stephen brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in shaping the next steps of BYD Australia's future,' Mr You said in a statement. 'Our team is growing, and we think that's only going to enhance the customer experience for anyone considering a BYD vehicle.' MORE: Everything BYD
The Advertiser
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BYD Australia appoints ex-Honda director as new operating chief
Former Honda Australia director and chief operating officer (COO), Stephen Collins, has been appointed COO of BYD's new factory-backed Australian operation. Mr Collins joins BYD Australia as it takes over the local distributorship from EVDirect amid a raft of model launches, including the Atto 2 compact electric SUV and its first seven-seater, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. "I'm excited to join BYD at such a pivotal time in its journey," Collins said in a statement. "The transition to fully factory backed distribution offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of automotive innovation in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: BYD Atto 2 (left); BYD Sealion 8 (right) "With BYD's global foundation, I'm looking forward to driving long-term growth that results in more Australians experiencing BYD's cutting-edge technology and commitment to redefining value." BYD launched in Australia in 2022 through importer EVDirect with bold ambitions to become the best-selling carmaker in Australia – planning to end decades of Toyota dominance at the top – by 2030. In the first five months of 2025, BYD has sold twice as many vehicles in Australia as Honda, with 15,199 sales for the Chinese brand against the Japanese carmaker's 6557. Collins spent 11 of his 13+ years at Honda Australia running the company, where he unified the brand's previously separate automotive, motorcycle and power equipment operations into a single business unit. He also oversaw the brand's controversial move to a Tesla-like agency sales model in July 2021, later adopted by Mercedes-Benz. The new distribution model saw automakers own all vehicle stock at dealerships – instead of selling vehicles to dealers – and introduced fixed customer pricing nationwide, with customers and dealers unable to negotiate on prices. Both Mercedes-Benz and Honda faced legal challenges from dealer groups who were against the transition to the model. While the German brand is still in court with a number of dealers, in December 2024 Honda Australia was ordered to pay $13.6 million to Brighton Automotive, a Victorian dealer, after the Victorian Supreme Court ruled the carmaker broke its contract with the dealer early. Collins left Honda in November 2022 and was succeeded as the director by Carolyn McMahon, who handed the reign to Jay Joseph in February 2025 following Ms McMahon's appointment as Honda New Zealand president. In addition to Honda, Collins has spent time at Nissan Australia – which remains ahead of BYD on the local sales charts for now – and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) during his automotive career. In his new role at BYD, Collins will report to BYD Australia general manager Wing You, with the brand climbing up the sales charts to finish 12th for the month of May 2025. "Stephen brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in shaping the next steps of BYD Australia's future," Mr You said in a statement. "Our team is growing, and we think that's only going to enhance the customer experience for anyone considering a BYD vehicle." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Former Honda Australia director and chief operating officer (COO), Stephen Collins, has been appointed COO of BYD's new factory-backed Australian operation. Mr Collins joins BYD Australia as it takes over the local distributorship from EVDirect amid a raft of model launches, including the Atto 2 compact electric SUV and its first seven-seater, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. "I'm excited to join BYD at such a pivotal time in its journey," Collins said in a statement. "The transition to fully factory backed distribution offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of automotive innovation in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: BYD Atto 2 (left); BYD Sealion 8 (right) "With BYD's global foundation, I'm looking forward to driving long-term growth that results in more Australians experiencing BYD's cutting-edge technology and commitment to redefining value." BYD launched in Australia in 2022 through importer EVDirect with bold ambitions to become the best-selling carmaker in Australia – planning to end decades of Toyota dominance at the top – by 2030. In the first five months of 2025, BYD has sold twice as many vehicles in Australia as Honda, with 15,199 sales for the Chinese brand against the Japanese carmaker's 6557. Collins spent 11 of his 13+ years at Honda Australia running the company, where he unified the brand's previously separate automotive, motorcycle and power equipment operations into a single business unit. He also oversaw the brand's controversial move to a Tesla-like agency sales model in July 2021, later adopted by Mercedes-Benz. The new distribution model saw automakers own all vehicle stock at dealerships – instead of selling vehicles to dealers – and introduced fixed customer pricing nationwide, with customers and dealers unable to negotiate on prices. Both Mercedes-Benz and Honda faced legal challenges from dealer groups who were against the transition to the model. While the German brand is still in court with a number of dealers, in December 2024 Honda Australia was ordered to pay $13.6 million to Brighton Automotive, a Victorian dealer, after the Victorian Supreme Court ruled the carmaker broke its contract with the dealer early. Collins left Honda in November 2022 and was succeeded as the director by Carolyn McMahon, who handed the reign to Jay Joseph in February 2025 following Ms McMahon's appointment as Honda New Zealand president. In addition to Honda, Collins has spent time at Nissan Australia – which remains ahead of BYD on the local sales charts for now – and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) during his automotive career. In his new role at BYD, Collins will report to BYD Australia general manager Wing You, with the brand climbing up the sales charts to finish 12th for the month of May 2025. "Stephen brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in shaping the next steps of BYD Australia's future," Mr You said in a statement. "Our team is growing, and we think that's only going to enhance the customer experience for anyone considering a BYD vehicle." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Former Honda Australia director and chief operating officer (COO), Stephen Collins, has been appointed COO of BYD's new factory-backed Australian operation. Mr Collins joins BYD Australia as it takes over the local distributorship from EVDirect amid a raft of model launches, including the Atto 2 compact electric SUV and its first seven-seater, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. "I'm excited to join BYD at such a pivotal time in its journey," Collins said in a statement. "The transition to fully factory backed distribution offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of automotive innovation in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: BYD Atto 2 (left); BYD Sealion 8 (right) "With BYD's global foundation, I'm looking forward to driving long-term growth that results in more Australians experiencing BYD's cutting-edge technology and commitment to redefining value." BYD launched in Australia in 2022 through importer EVDirect with bold ambitions to become the best-selling carmaker in Australia – planning to end decades of Toyota dominance at the top – by 2030. In the first five months of 2025, BYD has sold twice as many vehicles in Australia as Honda, with 15,199 sales for the Chinese brand against the Japanese carmaker's 6557. Collins spent 11 of his 13+ years at Honda Australia running the company, where he unified the brand's previously separate automotive, motorcycle and power equipment operations into a single business unit. He also oversaw the brand's controversial move to a Tesla-like agency sales model in July 2021, later adopted by Mercedes-Benz. The new distribution model saw automakers own all vehicle stock at dealerships – instead of selling vehicles to dealers – and introduced fixed customer pricing nationwide, with customers and dealers unable to negotiate on prices. Both Mercedes-Benz and Honda faced legal challenges from dealer groups who were against the transition to the model. While the German brand is still in court with a number of dealers, in December 2024 Honda Australia was ordered to pay $13.6 million to Brighton Automotive, a Victorian dealer, after the Victorian Supreme Court ruled the carmaker broke its contract with the dealer early. Collins left Honda in November 2022 and was succeeded as the director by Carolyn McMahon, who handed the reign to Jay Joseph in February 2025 following Ms McMahon's appointment as Honda New Zealand president. In addition to Honda, Collins has spent time at Nissan Australia – which remains ahead of BYD on the local sales charts for now – and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) during his automotive career. In his new role at BYD, Collins will report to BYD Australia general manager Wing You, with the brand climbing up the sales charts to finish 12th for the month of May 2025. "Stephen brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in shaping the next steps of BYD Australia's future," Mr You said in a statement. "Our team is growing, and we think that's only going to enhance the customer experience for anyone considering a BYD vehicle." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Former Honda Australia director and chief operating officer (COO), Stephen Collins, has been appointed COO of BYD's new factory-backed Australian operation. Mr Collins joins BYD Australia as it takes over the local distributorship from EVDirect amid a raft of model launches, including the Atto 2 compact electric SUV and its first seven-seater, the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. "I'm excited to join BYD at such a pivotal time in its journey," Collins said in a statement. "The transition to fully factory backed distribution offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of automotive innovation in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: BYD Atto 2 (left); BYD Sealion 8 (right) "With BYD's global foundation, I'm looking forward to driving long-term growth that results in more Australians experiencing BYD's cutting-edge technology and commitment to redefining value." BYD launched in Australia in 2022 through importer EVDirect with bold ambitions to become the best-selling carmaker in Australia – planning to end decades of Toyota dominance at the top – by 2030. In the first five months of 2025, BYD has sold twice as many vehicles in Australia as Honda, with 15,199 sales for the Chinese brand against the Japanese carmaker's 6557. Collins spent 11 of his 13+ years at Honda Australia running the company, where he unified the brand's previously separate automotive, motorcycle and power equipment operations into a single business unit. He also oversaw the brand's controversial move to a Tesla-like agency sales model in July 2021, later adopted by Mercedes-Benz. The new distribution model saw automakers own all vehicle stock at dealerships – instead of selling vehicles to dealers – and introduced fixed customer pricing nationwide, with customers and dealers unable to negotiate on prices. Both Mercedes-Benz and Honda faced legal challenges from dealer groups who were against the transition to the model. While the German brand is still in court with a number of dealers, in December 2024 Honda Australia was ordered to pay $13.6 million to Brighton Automotive, a Victorian dealer, after the Victorian Supreme Court ruled the carmaker broke its contract with the dealer early. Collins left Honda in November 2022 and was succeeded as the director by Carolyn McMahon, who handed the reign to Jay Joseph in February 2025 following Ms McMahon's appointment as Honda New Zealand president. In addition to Honda, Collins has spent time at Nissan Australia – which remains ahead of BYD on the local sales charts for now – and the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) during his automotive career. In his new role at BYD, Collins will report to BYD Australia general manager Wing You, with the brand climbing up the sales charts to finish 12th for the month of May 2025. "Stephen brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in shaping the next steps of BYD Australia's future," Mr You said in a statement. "Our team is growing, and we think that's only going to enhance the customer experience for anyone considering a BYD vehicle." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from:
