Oslo, Norway | AFP | Sales of new electric cars in Norway hit a record high last year, sector experts said Friday, reaching 42.4 percent of all nearly-registered cars in 2019, mostly thanks to strong demand for Tesla’s Model 3. Norway, a major oil producer that has pioneered electric mobility, …
Read More »Tractor protest sparks ‘biggest’ Dutch traffic jam
The Hague, Netherlands | AFP | Thousands of Dutch farmers drove their tractors on Tuesday to a huge protest against government climate policies, causing the country’ biggest ever traffic jams, officials said. The farmers travelled from all over the country to The Hague for the four-wheeled demonstration, saying they had …
Read More »Gabon’s sole train a lifeline for its people and economy
Franceville, Gabon | AFP | The sky turns from indigo to ebony as the tropical night falls, and the train patiently thrusts through the jungle towards its destination, still hundreds of kilometres (miles) away. The trek has the hallmarks of one of the world’s Great Forgotten Train Journeys — a …
Read More »Blame game as wheels come off India’s auto sector
New Delhi, India | AFP | When India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman claimed that a preference by millennials for ride-hailing apps was contributing to a painful slump in car sales, it sparked an online backlash from furious youngsters. They started a campaign using ironic hashtags such as #BoycottMillennials and #SayItLikeNirmalaTai …
Read More »Scores arrested in S.Africa looting, attacks on foreigners
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | South African police on Monday arrested dozens of people following widespread looting and protests in the transport industry linked to a wave of anti-foreigner sentiment. At least 70 people have been arrested since hundreds of people marched through Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) …
Read More »Lack of transport hindering agriculture extension works in island districts
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The absence of sufficient transport means for agriculture extension workers in Kalangala and Buvuma districts is hampering the promotion of good agricultural practices in several outlying islands. The Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Ministry, has purchased 72 double cabin vehicles and 1200 motorcycles …
Read More »Uber shifts into reverse in disappointing Wall Street debut
New York, United States | AFP | Uber shares skidded Friday in a disappointing Wall Street debut following a massive public offering from the global ride-hailing giant. After pricing at $45 for the initial public offering (IPO) — translating to a market value of $82 billion — Uber shares began …
Read More »Uber launches electric bikes, scooters in Paris
Paris, France | AFP | US ride-hailing group Uber said Wednesday that it would start deploying electric bikes and scooters for rent on Paris streets as soon as this week, joining a crowded market which city officials have vowed to rein in. Initially 500 of its Jump bikes and 500 …
Read More »Forget flying carpets, flying taxis are coming your way
Austin, United States | AFP | We’ve all dreamed while stuck in traffic jams of being able to just lift off and fly over the gridlock. According to experts gathered this week at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, that is likely to happen sooner than later, with …
Read More »Somalia port boss killed, car bomb leaves 9 dead in Shabaab attacks
Mogadishu, Somalia | AFP | Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militants on Monday shot dead the Maltese manager of a port, while detonating a car bomb in the capital which killed nine people and wounded several others. In a deadly day for the restive nation, a gunman shot Maltese national Paul Anthony Formosa, …
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