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Ripple’s recent wave of high-profile acquisitions signals growing strength and ambition in bridging traditional finance with crypto.

Yet concerns persist that Ripple’s reliance on XRP-linked financing exposes weaknesses in the company’s long-term financial sustainability and its ecosystem’s real utility.

Ripple’s recent acquisitions, including Hidden Road and GTreasury, underline its accelerated push into traditional finance and its effort to expand financial infrastructure into corporate markets.

However, Ripple’s growing footprint in traditional finance has reignited long-standing concerns about XRP’s utility and relevance. These newly acquired services primarily target institutional clients that rely on conventional financial instruments, leaving XRP with little to no role in their core operations.

This disconnect has become a focal point of growing scrutiny among analysts and investors, who question whether Ripple’s business expansion truly supports the long-term value of its token.

Despite recent acquisitions, Ripple’s financial reality still heavily depends on XRP sales and tokenomics. The company continues to hold and release large volumes of XRP.

These periodic sales, managed through an escrow system, have long served as a key source of liquidity and operational funding for the firm.

Yet this reliance on selling XRP contrasts with the company’s long-promoted vision of the token as a functional bridge currency rather than a financial asset.

For years, the narrative has been that XRP would become the bridge currency, settlement fuel, and utility token within XRPL and Ripple’s infrastructure. But new data introduces a structural disconnect.

An effective example is Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin.

As of the beginning of October, RLUSD has reached a market cap of nearly $789 million. Yet, BeInCrypto reported earlier that around 88% of RLUSD’s supply is on Ethereum, not XRPL.

Many XRP holders expected RLUSD adoption to increase demand for the token. Transactions on the XRP Ledger require small XRP fees that are burned. However, most RLUSD activity happens outside the Ledger altogether, limiting its impact on the token’s overall utility.

This situation has created a strategic tension for Ripple, which is expanding beyond XRP’s original purpose. Once expected to benefit from this growth, the token plays only a limited role in new operations.

So far, this shift has not led to greater XRP usage or burns, raising doubts about its real-world utility.

The debate over XRP’s relevance has now expanded to include how Ripple manages and influences the circulation of its token.

Ripple’s intervention in XRP’s market has added another layer to the debate over the token’s utility.

The company recently revealed plans to raise $1 billion worth of XRP to establish a digital asset treasury, one of the largest fundraising efforts centered on a single cryptocurrency.

Supporters view the plan as a sign of confidence in XRP’s long-term prospects and an attempt to bring market stability.

However, critics argue that a company raising capital to buy its own token risks blurring the line between financial strategy and price support.

Some analysts warn that such large-scale interventions could reinforce the perception that Ripple’s success still depends on XRP speculation, rather than genuine on-chain or institutional utility.

Ultimately, the initiative highlights the same structural challenge facing Ripple’s ecosystem. While the company swiftly expands into traditional finance, XRP’s practical role within that growth remains limited.

Read original story Ripple Grows Beyond Crypto—But Can XRP Keep Up? by Camila Grigera Naón at beincrypto.com

SHANGHAI, Oct. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Track Test Drive: From October 15 to 16, the EXEED International User Summit launched its track test drive in Shanghai. A total of 124 guests from 24 countries attended. The event featured on-track experiences and static displays, allowing participants to witness EXEED’s industry-leading “firsts” and “onlys” in person.

BEV Highlights: As a premium global NEV brand, EXLANTIX showcased its BEV lineup with outstanding performance. The models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3 seconds, delivering supercar-level power. They also feature a turning radius of just 5.65 meters — the smallest in their class.

Hybrid Highlights: In hybrid technology, EXEED combines the industry’s first REEV Golden Extended-Range system with the world’s exclusive Quad-Motor AWD PHEV. During the event, four upcoming global hybrid models also made appearances.

From October 15 to 16, the EXEED International User Summit launched its track test drive in Shanghai. A total of 124 guests from 24 countries attended. Through immersive on-track experiences and static displays, EXEED presented its latest achievements in electrification, hybrid technology, intelligence, and design. The event allowed guests to experience multiple industry “firsts” and “onlys” in person.

After test-driving several EXEED models including the ES, ET, E01 PHEV, and VX PHEV, top Qatari auto influencer Mohammad Nehad Ahmad Alomari-Zrdifd from Horsepower commented: All of these cars deliver a great driving experience, each with its own strengths. For instance, the ES has a futuristic design, the ET handles turns very well. But what they all share is impressive acceleration and excellent handling!

BEV Highlights: ES BEV and ET BEV, High-Performance Electric Models

As one of the key models on the track, the ES BEV demonstrates exceptional aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.205Cd and delivers an impressive 8,000 N·m of wheel-end torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds. Equipped with the IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC adaptive damping system, the ES BEV continuously adjusts ride height and damping stiffness according to road conditions and driving modes. This intelligent coordination effectively minimizes body roll during high-speed cornering, enhancing handling precision and overall stability.

The ET BEV also delivered impressive performance, with an electric motor producing a peak output of 353 kW. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, unleashing strong power from the very first moment on the track. Its chassis features class-leading IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC adaptive damping, capable of completing dynamic adjustments within 1 second. Paired with an advanced double-wishbone structure, the ET BEV maintains a stable body posture even under aggressive track driving. Notably, its 5.65-meter turning radius—the smallest in its class—ensures agile handling during slalom tests and adds practical convenience for everyday driving.

Norwegian top 3 auto KOL Falch Krister Riis also shared his feedback after testing the ES and ET: Both cars offer great handling. The ES accelerates quickly, while the ET is very comfortable to drive — and its charging speed is amazing!

Hybrid Highlights: ET REEV and RX PHEV Lead the Way, Balancing Performance and Efficiency Across the Hybrid Range

In the hybrid lineup, the ET REEV and RX PHEV served as the key models for the track test. The VX PHEV and E01 PHEV also made appearances, showcasing the breadth of EXEED’s hybrid offerings. The ET REEV features the industry-first Golden Extended-Range technology, equipped with a high-efficiency engine achieving 44.5% thermal efficiency. One liter of fuel can generate 3.7 kWh of electricity, the highest in its class. It also comes with front and rear electric motors, delivering a total system output of 345 kW. The AWD system provides robust power, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds. Even in a discharged state, the vehicle can reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. On the track, the ET REEV’s electric-motor-driven system ensures rapid throttle response during straight-line acceleration, delivering a driving feel on par with that of pure electric vehicles.

The RX PHEV is equipped with the world’s exclusive Quad-Motor AWD PHEV system. It delivers a combined output of 395 kW and 650 N·m of torque, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. This demonstrates the performance advantages of its four-motor hybrid system. On the track, the vehicle’s hybrid “Sport Mode” coordinates power delivery, providing strong acceleration during straight-line runs. Additionally, with a combined range exceeding 1,300 km, the RX PHEV eliminates range anxiety for everyday driving.

Intelligent Technology: ET and ES Feature VPD + RPA for an Enhanced Parking Experience

Beyond performance, EXEED also showcased its advancements in intelligent technology during the track event. Both the ET and ES models are equipped with VPD (Valet Parking Drive) and RPA (Remote Parking Assistance), offering a new level of convenience and safety for parking.

As the only model in its segment equipped with VPD, the system features two modules: Remote Valet Parking and Remote Smart Summon. Once the vehicle enters a designated area, the driver can activate Remote Valet Parking and leave. The system autonomously searches for a parking space, parks the car, and then automatically locks, closes the windows, and powers down. For the next use, drivers can activate Remote Smart Summon via the mobile app. The system will then bring the vehicle out of the parking spot and drive it to the designated pick-up point.

The RPA addresses the common problem of parking in tight spaces where exiting the vehicle is difficult. The driver selects a suitable parking space, engages the P gear, and applies the handbrake. Using Bluetooth or the key fob, the system is activated with a single command, and the vehicle parks itself automatically. For tight spaces where getting back in is difficult, the vehicle can also be remotely controlled to exit the spot with ease.

Premium Highlights: E02 and MX Presented, Showcasing New Technology Premium

In the static display area, the all-new E02 and MX drew significant attention. Their striking design language captivated media and KOLs, who stopped to admire and photograph the vehicles. The E02 features a distinctive “Cloud Waterfall” grille, conveying strength and presence. Its side profile highlights the “Wind-Flow Horizon” beltline. This line stretches from the headlights to the rear and runs parallel to the roofline, creating an elegant and cohesive silhouette. At the rear, the “Sunset Glow” through-tail lamps feature a clean, sculpted design. When illuminated at night, they showcase the fusion of Eastern aesthetics and modern technology.

The MX features a “Starwing” light strip that runs parallel from the headlights to the taillights. Its minimalist yet profound design creates a dreamlike effect, as if the entire vehicle is surrounded by starlight. The light strip houses 472 LEDs, stretching a total length of 3,499.3 mm, to deliver a dazzling starry visual experience. The MX is paired with five-spoke star-pattern wheels, crafted with a hollow multi-layer structure. The interplay of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional starburst effect, enhancing the vehicle’s refined, tech-premium appeal.

The track test drive in Shanghai offered more than 120 guests an immersive experience. It showcased EXEED’s achievements and capabilities across performance, intelligent technology, and design in the new energy sector. Looking ahead, EXEED plans to introduce its new energy vehicles to high-regulation markets such as Norway and Denmark, providing local customers with more premium mobility solutions.

Contact: Ting Li, lixueting@mychery.com

The Co-op has quietly told staff to boost promotion of vapes in an effort to win back customers and sales after a devastating cyber-attack.

The ethical retailer is making vapes more prominent in stores via new​ displays and additional advertising, according to an internal document seen by the Guardian. It is also stocking a bigger range of vapes and nicotine pouches.

The action plan is to tackle a big sales drop after the April hack that resulted in gaps on its shelves.

Called Powering Up: Focus Sprint: Cigs, Tobacco and Vape, the document says: “Sales haven’t recovered compared to pre-cyber.” In a section headed “Why we need to focus on this category?”, it says there are “£1m missing sales per week” and 100,000 fewer transactions.

It states: “We know at least 40% of this is customers forming a new habit, shopping elsewhere as they wouldn’t go without their cigarettes, tobacco or vapes. This means we’ve also lost sales from what would’ve been in their basket.”

The Co-op’s approach to selling vape products in its more than 2,000 grocery stores complies with UK legislation and government guidelines but staff have raised concerns about whether it is contrary to its standing as an “ethical” retailer.

On its website, the Co-op spells out that it puts “principles before profit”. It says: “As well as having clear financial and operational objectives and employing 54,000 people, we’re a recognised leader for our social goals and community-led programmes.”

The activity comes at a time of mounting concern about youth vaping after evidence showing that the numbers of under-18s trying or using vapes has soared in recent years. The brightly coloured packaging and flavours such as bubblegum or candy floss are a significant part of their appeal.

England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has raised concerns about the marketing of vapes, saying: “If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”

A source told the Guardian that staff had not been told explicitly to sell more vapes but whereas before their presence in store was low-key, there were now ads strategically placed in high-traffic areas and eye-catching display units.

“Before [the hack] even if I didn’t always enjoy work I respected the Co-op,” the source said. “They present the lovely idea of ethical shopping – you might pay a bit more but they are doing things right. This strategy goes against everything we’ve done until now.”

They said the Co-op was known for its ethical business model and that set it apart from other companies. “This recent decision to exploit a known health problem and make a profit goes against the values the Co-op was built on and stands for.”

The government’s tobacco and vapes bill, which is making its way through parliament, will outlaw vape advertising and sponsorship. It will also restrict the flavours, packaging and display of vapes and other nicotine products.

A Co-op spokesperson said: “As a member-owned organisation, our longstanding commitment to ethical values and responsible retailing remains steadfast and at the heart of how we do business.

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“The sophisticated cyber-attack we experienced means we are now even more focused on powering up all aspects of our stores to serve the needs of shoppers.”

They added: “It is important to be clear that the sale of vape products in our stores is fully compliant with all UK legislation and government guidelines, in their recognised role as a successful route to smoking cessation.”

Co-op managers are trying to repair its finances after the cyber incident, which forced it to shut down parts of its IT systems. In a recent business update, the retailer said the fallout pushed it into the red in the first six months of its financial year.

The cyber-attack led to gaps on shelves in its grocery stores, while its more than 800 funeral parlours were forced to return to operating some services via paper-based systems because of having no access to digital services.

The upheaval wiped more than £200m off sales, and the group anticipates the final bill will result in a £120m hit to full-year profits.

The document seen by the Guardian relates to what is a store-wide “Power Up” programme covering all product categories.