Latest news with #Yugo
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Academic friend or foe? Yugo research reveals how students supercharge their studies with AI
Despite academic advantages, substantial fears remain about AI's impact LONDON, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As universities grapple with how to effectively police AI, new Yugo research reveals the extent to which students are using it as a powerful study companion. Across the USA over half of students (57%) are using AI to proof academic work and help with grammar. A third apply the technology to simplify complex information (35%) and inspire ideas (34%). The research, which the first global student housing brand and operator conducted anonymously, involved over 7,000 students across nine countries to explore how they are adapting to the new technology. It revealed that while students feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about what AI means for them, there is a strong determination to conscientiously embrace the technology and maximise its potential. The research revealed that 39% of the USA's students are excited by AI, with over half identifying productivity increases (64%) and an improved work-life balance (58%) as amongst the biggest advantages of AI. Ironically students' enjoyment of the groundbreaking tech is compromised by substantial fears about the impact it might have on their future. While 14% in the USA are drawing on AI to help craft CVs, 79% fear AI-fuelled job losses and 65% worry about an eventual decline in human intelligence. Joe Persechino, Chief Operating Officer at Yugo, said: "Adapting to the powerful presence of this technology in our lives isn't straightforward. It's understandable that universities are concerned about how students are using AI, particularly in relation to coursework and exam preparation. Caution and thoughtful evaluation from both universities and students is entirely appropriate. "However, it's important to highlight the conscientious approach demonstrated by the vast majority of university students. Overwhelmingly, students are using AI responsibly - as a study aid rather than anything untoward. They're applying AI in a variety of constructive ways, such as generating practice exam questions, receiving feedback on their work, and even accessing virtual tutoring support. "We believe we should play an active role in guiding students to use AI ethically, because like it or not, this technology is here to stay." Beyond education – a global view Yugo's research also highlighted students' hopes and fears for wider AI-fuelled societal impacts. Healthcare advancements are seen as a major upside to the new technology. Over half (58%) of respondents say that AI will enable advances in healthcare research and technology, and a quarter (23%) anticipate increased access to broader and more affordable mental health services. The data also shows that 44% are using AI in some form to aid their own wellbeing. However, political and economic threats are cited as genuine concerns across the world. Increased cybersecurity threats and the risk of AI being negatively harnessed for political purposes are feared by 57% and 52% of students respectively. The spread of fake news concerns 51% of students. Notes to editors Research was commissioned by Yugo and conducted amongst 7,274 students from across the UK, USA, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland and Portugal. About Yugo Yugo is the first global student housing brand and operator redefining student living on a global scale and bringing next-level experiences to student life and beyond. We're not just about housing — we're about creating vibrant, sustainable, and supportive spaces where students can thrive. We are for students and powered by students, with a focus on supporting Gen Z and developing our offering for Gen Alpha. Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Yugo
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Academic friend or foe? Yugo research reveals how students supercharge their studies with AI
Despite academic advantages, substantial fears remain about AI's impact LONDON, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As universities grapple with how to effectively police AI, new Yugo research reveals the extent to which students are using it as a powerful study companion. Across the UK just under half of students (43%) are using AI to proof academic work and help with grammar. A third apply the technology to simplify complex information (31%) and inspire ideas (31%). The research, which was conducted anonymously, involved over 7,000 students across nine countries to explore how they are adapting to the new technology. It revealed that while students feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about what AI means for them, there is a strong determination to conscientiously embrace the technology and maximise its potential. Just 2% of students in the UK actively use AI to cheat according to the study by Yugo, which is the first global student housing brand and operator. The research revealed that 44% of the UK's students are excited by AI, with over half identifying productivity increases (54%) and an improved work-life balance (55%) as amongst the biggest advantages of AI. Ironically students' enjoyment of the groundbreaking tech is compromised by substantial fears about the impact it might have on their future. While 21% in the UK are drawing on AI to help craft CVs, 78% fear AI-fuelled job losses and 56% worry about an eventual decline in human intelligence. Joe Persechino, Chief Operating Officer at Yugo, said: "Adapting to the powerful presence of this technology in our lives isn't straightforward. It's understandable that universities are concerned about how students are using AI, particularly in relation to coursework and exam preparation. Caution and thoughtful evaluation from both universities and students is entirely appropriate. "However, it's important to highlight the conscientious approach demonstrated by the vast majority of university students. Overwhelmingly, students are using AI responsibly - as a study aid rather than anything untoward. They're applying AI in a variety of constructive ways, such as generating practice exam questions, receiving feedback on their work, and even accessing virtual tutoring support. "We believe we should play an active role in guiding students to use AI ethically, because like it or not, this technology is here to stay." Beyond education – a global view Yugo's research also highlighted students' hopes and fears for wider AI-fuelled societal impacts. Healthcare advancements are seen as a major upside to the new technology. Over half (58%) of respondents say that AI will enable advances in healthcare research and technology, and a quarter (23%) anticipate increased access to broader and more affordable mental health services. The data also shows that 44% are using AI in some form to aid their own wellbeing. However, political and economic threats are cited as genuine concerns across the world. Increased cybersecurity threats and the risk of AI being negatively harnessed for political purposes are feared by 57% and 52% of students respectively. The spread of fake news concerns 51% of students. Notes to editors Research was commissioned by Yugo and conducted amongst 7,274 students from across the UK, USA, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland and Portugal. About Yugo Yugo is the first global student housing brand and operator redefining student living on a global scale and bringing next-level experiences to student life and beyond. We're not just about housing — we're about creating vibrant, sustainable, and supportive spaces where students can thrive. We are for students and powered by students, with a focus on supporting Gen Z and developing our offering for Gen Alpha. Photo - - View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
The Yugo, one of the worst cars ever, is attempting a comeback
The Yugo, one of the worst cars ever, is attempting a comeback Show Caption Hide Caption Cargo ship carrying electric vehicles catches fire, crew abandons ship Crew members of the Morning Midas, which was transporting thousands of vehicles, were forced to abandon ship after a fire broke out onboard. Electric cars have come a long way, but they're still fundamentally more expensive than equivalent gas-fed vehicles, which themselves have gotten pretty pricey lately. The answer is, of course, more affordable gas models and EVs — and some are finally here or on their way, including the 300-mile-plus, $35,000-ish Chevrolet Equinox EV, even cheaper and still great gas Chevy Trax, Ford's Maverick, and the forthcoming new-generation Nissan Leaf. Even Tesla's promising something cheaper, sometime. But what if someone were to go, like, really, really cheap? We're talking cheap to buy and cheap as a sort of lifestyle, a low-buck aura that cuts through modern cars' and EVs' expensive stigmas — we're talking, of course, about a potential small hatchback inspired by one of the worst cheap cars ever made: a new Yugo. Only this time, it won't be produced by an Eastern European former arms manufacturer or (so far) based in any way on an existing Fiat design. Word began spreading earlier this year that a professor, Dr. Aleksandar Bjelic, had taken over the Yugo name — and was working on resurrecting the infamous hatchback for modern times. The first concept has now debuted at the 2025 Car Design Event in Europe, and we're getting our first peek at Serbian designer Darko Marčeta's work. Color us surprised that the new Yugo, as it's being referred to, hews closely to the original's severely boxy, traditional hatchback shape. It goes beyond even today's boxiest vehicle on sale, Hyundai's Ioniq 5, itself inspired by (better) 1980s hatchbacks, even adopting a forward cant to its nose like that of the 1981 Yugo. Autos designed to offend: These are the 10 dumbest cars of all time Other classic Yugo details are present, as well, from the way the hood line kicks up above the headlights before leveling out until the base of the windshield, to what we can only describe as feigned panel misalignment. Look closely at the way the door cuts into the rocker panel elements on the scale model's bodyside, or how the flat-seeming front bumper abruptly is cut along each front corner's vertical boundary — it's sort of a mess. You see, the original Yugo was notoriously poorly built, to such a degree that matching that "charm" would take actual effort with today's manufacturing improvements. Maybe the designer intentionally set a bunch of body cut lines in conflict with one another to give a slightly schlubby appearance in line with the frumpy original. Or maybe we're getting too conspiratorial over a 1:5-scale model that isn't even a full-size concept car. In case you missed it: Remembering the Volkswagen Beetle and when we said bye-bye for the last time As fans of small hatchbacks and historical oddities, we're genuinely intrigued by this new Yugo. It would compete with other mini hatches in Europe, as we suspect it's not coming here, but never say never. A larger, apparently working prototype, is promised later this year. Yugo — the new one — is apparently seeking larger automakers to partner with, likely for sharing running gear and other components. We mentioned already that the new Yugo could be an EV, but apparently the backers are hoping to make the hatch a multi-powertrain vehicle, one offering gas engines — including maybe a turbo option — as well as an all-electric variant. We don't want to get too nostalgic, here, but it bears noting that a certain Italian brand once associated with the original Yugo has just such a multi-powertrain, small car that it'd surely love to get more scale from: the Fiat 500e. A new-age Yugo based on the Fiat 500e, which soon is being adapted to support gas powertrains? That'd be too easy.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I own the ‘worst car in history' that's comically cheap from 80s but I LOVE it – I can't wait for its dramatic comeback
The car could be set for a comeback despite its reputation UGLY TRUCKLING I own the 'worst car in history' that's comically cheap from 80s but I LOVE it – I can't wait for its dramatic comeback Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN OWNER of a ridiculously cheap car from the 1980s considered to be the 'worst in history' says he actually loves it. The Yugo 45 was a small car that was built in the former Yugoslavia and picked up the unfortunate moniker over the years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Despite its faults Allan Smyes loves his Yugo 45 Credit: Allan Smyes 8 Allan hopes the car will make a successful comeback when the car gets relaunched Credit: Allan Smyes 8 Allan says the interior is like a Caramac bar Credit: Allan Smyes Allan Smyes, 50, picked up his model five years ago and is now hoping the vehicle will make a dramatic comeback as Yugo Automobile is set for a relaunch before the end of the decade. Allan, who lives just outside York, is the proud owner of a 1988 Zastava Yugo 45. The model was first available in 1981 and cost around £3,000 at the time. It's cheap price meant it undercut it main rivals like the Austin Mini Metro, Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Nova. It was known for its low quality construction, safety concerns and reliability issues, making it the cheapest car between 1981 and 1991. However, this affordability still did not enable the Yugo to become a successful or popular car for the long run. In the initial years it was available in the UK, Zastava sold around 3,000 models every year, going on to sell tens of thousands, largely due to the low cost. Around 794,428 Yugos in total were produced, but only a fraction of these were sold in Britain. By 2018, just 19 remained on the road, according to official registrations data. The car might not be such a rare sight on British roads for too much longer. Mike Brewer Predicts a £10,000 Future for the Audi TT The return of the vehicle comes as part of a project by Serbian university professor, Dr Alekasandar Bjelić, who hopes to bring the car back to the market for 2027. Dr Bjelić is linked to the automotive industry in Germany, and unveiled his 1:5-scale vision for what the Yugo could look like soon. This new design for the Yugo was debuted at the Car Design Event 2025 in Munich. It included stylish compact car features such as slim LED lights on the front and rear, along with large alloy wheels. A fully working prototype of the new Yugo is expected to be shown at the Belgrade Expo in 2027. On top of that, Bjelić said it would be initially sold as an "affordable" two-door model, adding that there is potential for "different body versions" to follow. Affordability of the new Yugo is hoped to be facilitated by introducing the vehicle a petrol engine, and choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Yugo Automobile did add: "electrified versions are possible." 8 DVLA records show just seven remain on the road today Credit: Facebook / Carole Nash Inside Classics 8 Despite it's bad reputation it could be relaunched before the end of the decade Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 8 The Zastava Yugo 45 has been branded the 'worst car in history' Credit: Getty With this project, Yugo are teasing a "fun-to-drive car" that "meets all relevant safety standards," hinting it will use a shared platform borrowed from a "cooperation partner". Allan told This is Money: 'It would be great if the name does return - I think it's a brilliant idea. 'Look at what Renault has done recently with the 5. Even when they've turned it electric it's been a huge success. 'The new Yugo could do the same. It looks really quirky and will be totally different to the cars on the market at the moment.' Despite the car being branded as the 'worst car in history' Allan still believes the car can be a success. He said that if the vehicle manages to keep the same characteristics of the original then drivers will appreciate it as a cheap form of motoring, but added that will depend on just how well built it is. Allan added that the car manages to attract lots of attention whenever he goes out in it, which he admitted isn't that often. He added that while you don't see them on the roads anymore, everyone still remembers them and wants to tell him about friends or family who owned one. Asked if the original Yugo warranted the dreadful reputation it had gained, he said that in the 1980s he probably would have agreed with that assessment but now that he was the owner of one he could appreciate it for what it is. He said that the car offered a no frills, basic form of transport and that people expected too much from them. Despite saying it was clunky and poorly built he said he still loved his model. The interior décor of Allan's car is caramel with him saying it looked like a Caramac bar, adding it's 'glorious but in an awful way'. BADLY MADE The Yugo was notoriously badly made with the bodykit simply riveted onto the bottom of the bumper, meaning that it flaps around if its picking up speed. Not that it can go fast. Allan said it can reach 70mph at a push but it only has a four-speed gearbox. Although he added while it's comfortable doing 60mph it's best not to go much faster and warned you wouldn't want to hit anything. UK imports of the car stopped in 1991 due to the start of the Yugoslav civil war, with dealers at the time offloading models for just £2,795, around £8,600 today. By then it had become renowned for being rudimentary, poorly engineered and ugly. Just how bad the car was, was outlined in the book "The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History' by Jason Vuic. He wrote: 'Six months after its American introduction in 1985, the Yugo had become a punch line; within a year, it was a staple of late-night comedy.' Allan, who works in the motor trade buying and selling cars, is also a keen collector, preferring motors with a bit of a difference. Among his collection is a Skoda Estelle, a couple of Metros, two Rover 75s, a Talbot Alpine, a Peugeot 106, a Vauxhall Cavalier and a Citroen BX. In total, he said he had about 25 cars to his name but the Yugo remained one of his favourites. Thanks to its basic design, if anything goes wrong he can fix it himself and so far, it has been reliable. 8 The Zastava Yugo is making a comeback with an 80s-inspired supermini Credit: Instagram
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I own the ‘worst car in history' that's comically cheap from 80s but I LOVE it – I can't wait for its dramatic comeback
AN OWNER of a ridiculously cheap car from the 1980s considered to be the 'worst in history' says he actually loves it. The Yugo 45 was a small car that was built in the former Yugoslavia and picked up the unfortunate moniker over the years. 8 8 8 Allan Smyes, 50, picked up his model five years ago and is now hoping the vehicle will make a dramatic comeback as Yugo Automobile is set for a relaunch before the end of the decade. Allan, who lives just outside York, is the proud owner of a 1988 Zastava Yugo 45. The model was first available in 1981 and cost around £3,000 at the time. It's cheap price meant it undercut it main rivals like the Austin Mini Metro, Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Nova. It was known for its low quality construction, safety concerns and reliability issues, making it the cheapest car between 1981 and 1991. However, this affordability still did not enable the Yugo to become a successful or popular car for the long run. In the initial years it was available in the UK, Zastava sold around 3,000 models every year, going on to sell tens of thousands, largely due to the low cost. Around 794,428 Yugos in total were produced, but only a fraction of these were sold in Britain. By 2018, just 19 remained on the road, according to official registrations data. The car might not be such a rare sight on British roads for too much longer. The return of the vehicle comes as part of a project by Serbian university professor, Dr Alekasandar Bjelić, who hopes to bring the car back to the market for 2027. Dr Bjelić is linked to the automotive industry in Germany, and unveiled his 1:5-scale vision for what the Yugo could look like soon. This new design for the Yugo was debuted at the Car Design Event 2025 in Munich. It included stylish compact car features such as slim LED lights on the front and rear, along with large alloy wheels. A fully working prototype of the new Yugo is expected to be shown at the Belgrade Expo in 2027. On top of that, Bjelić said it would be initially sold as an "affordable" two-door model, adding that there is potential for "different body versions" to follow. Affordability of the new Yugo is hoped to be facilitated by introducing the vehicle a petrol engine, and choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Yugo Automobile did add: "electrified versions are possible." 8 8 8 With this project, Yugo are teasing a "fun-to-drive car" that "meets all relevant safety standards," hinting it will use a shared platform borrowed from a "cooperation partner". Allan told This is Money: 'It would be great if the name does return - I think it's a brilliant idea. 'Look at what Renault has done recently with the 5. Even when they've turned it electric it's been a huge success. 'The new Yugo could do the same. It looks really quirky and will be totally different to the cars on the market at the moment.' Despite the car being branded as the 'worst car in history' Allan still believes the car can be a success. He said that if the vehicle manages to keep the same characteristics of the original then drivers will appreciate it as a cheap form of motoring, but added that will depend on just how well built it is. Allan added that the car manages to attract lots of attention whenever he goes out in it, which he admitted isn't that often. He added that while you don't see them on the roads anymore, everyone still remembers them and wants to tell him about friends or family who owned one. Asked if the original Yugo warranted the dreadful reputation it had gained, he said that in the 1980s he probably would have agreed with that assessment but now that he was the owner of one he could appreciate it for what it is. He said that the car offered a no frills, basic form of transport and that people expected too much from them. Despite saying it was clunky and poorly built he said he still loved his model. The interior décor of Allan's car is caramel with him saying it looked like a Caramac bar, adding it's 'glorious but in an awful way'. BADLY MADE The Yugo was notoriously badly made with the bodykit simply riveted onto the bottom of the bumper, meaning that it flaps around if its picking up speed. Not that it can go fast. Allan said it can reach 70mph at a push but it only has a four-speed gearbox. Although he added while it's comfortable doing 60mph it's best not to go much faster and warned you wouldn't want to hit anything. UK imports of the car stopped in 1991 due to the start of the Yugoslav civil war, with dealers at the time offloading models for just £2,795, around £8,600 today. By then it had become renowned for being rudimentary, poorly engineered and ugly. Just how bad the car was, was outlined in the book "The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History' by Jason Vuic. He wrote: 'Six months after its American introduction in 1985, the Yugo had become a punch line; within a year, it was a staple of late-night comedy.' Allan, who works in the motor trade buying and selling cars, is also a keen collector, preferring motors with a bit of a difference. Among his collection is a Skoda Estelle, a couple of Metros, two Rover 75s, a Talbot Alpine, a Peugeot 106, a Vauxhall Cavalier and a Citroen BX. In total, he said he had about 25 cars to his name but the Yugo remained one of his favourites. Thanks to its basic design, if anything goes wrong he can fix it himself and so far, it has been reliable. 8 8
