Category: 3. Business

  • Theory and Practice of Monetary Policy Implementation

    Theory and Practice of Monetary Policy Implementation

    Introduction

    Good morning. It’s wonderful to be with you here in Frankfurt. In our interconnected global economy, it’s important to have opportunities like this to learn from the perspectives and experiences of others, whether we are academics, market participants, or practitioners of central banking.

    The theme of my talk is the theory and practice of monetary policy implementation. Central banks differ in their objectives, strategies, and approaches to monetary policy implementation—all of which influence how they supply reserves, manage balance sheets, and control short-term interest rates.

    But like Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas, central banks also share similarities. These were spotlighted in the ways they responded to the global financial crisis and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many central banks expanded their balance sheets through various quantitative easing programs funded in large part by increases in central bank reserves.

    These experiences fundamentally changed the ways many central banks approach the provision of reserves while maintaining control of short-term interest rates. As a result, central banks have reviewed, and in some cases modified, their strategies for supplying reserves and controlling interest rates in ways that reflect the unique features of their jurisdictions. Although their approaches differ in specifics, they share common elements that reflect the fundamental factors that shape the supply and demand for reserves.1

    Today I will talk about the monetary policy implementation frameworks that central banks use to manage the supply and demand for reserves, emphasizing the common features and mechanisms of these approaches. I’ll also discuss in more detail the Federal Reserve’s ample reserves framework.

    Before I go any further, I must give the standard Fed disclaimer that the views I express today are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) or others in the Federal Reserve System.

    Framing the Frameworks

    Monetary policy implementation frameworks are critically important to the conduct of monetary policy. They encapsulate the mechanisms and tools used to steer operational targets in line with the desired policy stance and provide liquidity to the financial sector.2

    In supplying reserves to the banking system, central banks have multiple goals that frequently involve trade-offs.3 First and foremost, they target a level of the policy interest rate and aim to minimize the variability of the policy rate around that target. In addition, they have objectives related to supporting financial stability and the smooth functioning of financial markets. For example, central banks may see advantages or disadvantages to interbank lending in money markets, as well as costs and benefits related to central bank lending into markets.

    The core of any operational framework is the central bank’s supply of reserves, which ranges from a low level, or “scarce,” to “ample” and “abundant.” The “price” of reserves is the spread between the market interest rate and the rate earned for holding reserves at the central bank. When reserves are scarce, the slope of the demand curve for reserves is steep, as illustrated in Figure 1. A small change in the quantity of reserves results in a meaningful change in the spread. When reserves are ample, the slope of the demand curve flattens but still slopes downward, so that small changes in the quantity of reserves have modest effects on the spread. And when reserves are abundant, the demand curve is essentially flat.

    A central bank has two sets of tools it can use to supply reserves. These are illustrated in Figure 2. First, it chooses an ex ante aggregate level of reserves to supply to the banking system, labeled “X” in the figure. Second, it may make available a lending facility to the banking system that offers loans to financial institutions at an interest rate determined by the central bank. This is labeled “L” in the figure. If the ex ante supply of reserves is sufficiently low, the additional demand at rate L will be met by the lending facility. Note that both tools are a means to supply reserves: In the first, the supply is set in advance, while with the latter, it adjusts endogenously to market conditions.

    Central banks deploy various combinations of tools depending on the institutional and market structures in their jurisdictions as well as preferences over the trade-offs involved in their use.4 These choices represent different points among the set of options for using the two tools. Despite differences in tactics, each of the approaches can achieve the goals of strong interest rate control and smooth market functioning. It is worth emphasizing that the two tools can be mutually reinforcing in achieving desired outcomes. For example, lending facilities limit upward movements in interest rates on days of high demand, thereby reducing the ex ante supply of reserves needed to control short-term rates.5

    The European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the Reserve Bank of Australia have chosen to operate with a relatively small amount of ex ante reserves supply and provide additional reserves as demanded at a rate near the policy target rate. Counterparties can then draw upon as much or as little as they choose based on their needs, subject to their ability to provide eligible collateral.6 In this way, even with a smaller ex ante supply of reserves, tight interest rate control is maintained amid significant movements in the demand for reserves. In the case of the Bank of England, its weekly Short-Term Repo facility sees regular sizable use. In October of this year, it averaged around £85 billion.7

    Federal Reserve: Ample Reserves and Tools

    Like that of other central banks, the Fed’s operational framework has evolved over time, reflecting its experience with large balance sheets since the global financial crisis.8 In January 2019, when the decline in the Fed’s asset holdings implied that the quantity of reserves would soon fall below an “abundant” level, the FOMC formally adopted an ample reserves strategy.9

    The FOMC has defined this framework as one in which “control over the level of the federal funds rate and other short-term interest rates is exercised primarily through the setting of the Federal Reserve’s administered rates, and in which active management of the supply of reserves is not required.”10 Accordingly, the ex ante supply of reserves is chosen to be sufficiently large to meet the demand for reserves on most days.

    One important tool the FOMC has established to ensure interest rate control is the overnight reverse repo facility (ON RRP), which, alongside the interest paid on reserve balances (IORB), helps set a floor for the federal funds rate. Through the ON RRP, eligible counterparties “lend” to the Federal Reserve at the rate set by the FOMC, currently at the bottom of the target range for the federal funds rate. Usage of the ON RRP adjusts automatically to market conditions, rising and falling with supply and demand, which is particularly important in a dynamic market.

    The ON RRP has proven to be a very effective and flexible tool to support interest rate control to the downside. When Federal Reserve asset holdings push reserves above ample, the ON RRP relaxes the tight relationship between balance sheet size and reserves and acts as a safety valve in supporting smooth transmission of monetary policy to markets. As the size of the balance sheet falls, market rates rise above the rate offered at the ON RRP and, as a result, usage of the ON RRP declines to very low levels. This dynamic is seen in Figure 3, which shows average monthly usage of the ON RRP from 2016 through October of this year. The ON RRP was used extensively when it was economically sensible for the Fed’s counterparties to do so. By contrast, it has very limited usage when repo rates are well above the ON RRP rate, as is the case today.

    In 2021, the Federal Reserve introduced the Standing Repo Facility (SRF), which nicely complements the ON RRP by providing interest rate control to the upside.11 The SRF rate is set at the top of the FOMC’s target range for the federal funds rate. This combination of an ample supply of reserves and an SRF rate at the top of the target range reduces the day-to-day reliance on the facility except during periods of significant upward pressure on rates resulting from strong liquidity demand or market stress.

    By ensuring that adequate liquidity will be available in a wide variety of circumstances, the SRF plays a critical role in capping temporary upward pressure on rates and assures markets of effective interest rate control and smooth market functioning. It is best thought of as a way of making sure that the overall market has adequate liquidity consistent with the FOMC’s desired level of interest rates. In that regard, it differs from other lending facilities—such as the discount window—that aim to provide individual banks with liquidity when the need arises.

    The SRF has been effective as reserves have moved from abundant toward ample. Over the past two months, SRF usage has risen from essentially zero to having greater frequency and higher volume of take-up, especially on days of temporary repo market pressures, as shown in Figure 4. Like the ON RRP facility, the SRF’s effectiveness relies on market participants availing themselves of the SRF based on market conditions, free of worries about stigma or other impediments. I fully expect that the SRF will continue to be actively used in this way and contain upward pressures on money market rates.

    Federal Reserve: The Way Forward

    At the onset of the pandemic, the Fed, along with central banks around the world, responded quickly to restore market functioning,12 causing reserves to rise well above ample, as they did in many jurisdictions.

    In June of 2022, the Fed began the process of reducing the size of its balance sheet to transition toward an ample level of reserves.13 The FOMC said it intended to stop balance sheet runoff when it deemed reserves were somewhat above ample, and then allow reserves to decline further as other liabilities, such as currency, grow.

    The process has worked according to plan. The Fed’s securities holdings have shrunk from a peak of about $8-1/2 trillion in 2022 to $6-1/4 trillion today. At its meeting last week, the FOMC decided it would conclude the reduction of its aggregate securities holdings on December 1.14 This decision was based on clear market-based signs that we had met the test of reserves being somewhat above ample.15 In particular, repo rates have increased relative to administered rates and have exhibited more volatility on certain days. Accordingly, we have been seeing more frequent use of the SRF. And the effective federal funds rate has increased somewhat relative to the IORB after years of that spread being at a stable level. These developments were expected as the supply of reserves closed in on ample.16

    Looking forward, the next step in our balance sheet strategy will be to assess when the level of reserves has reached ample. It will then be time to begin the process of gradual purchases of assets that will maintain an ample level of reserves as the Fed’s other liabilities grow and underlying demand for reserves increases over time. Such reserve management purchases will represent the natural next stage of the implementation of the FOMC’s ample reserves strategy and in no way represent a change in the underlying stance of monetary policy.

    Determining when we are at ample reserves is an inexact science. I am closely monitoring a variety of market indicators related to the fed funds market, repo market, and payments to help assess the state of reserve demand conditions. Based on recent sustained repo market pressures and other growing signs of reserves moving from abundant to ample, I expect that it will not be long before we reach ample reserves.

    Conclusion

    The FOMC’s implementation framework combines an ample supply of reserves with facilities to maintain strong interest rate control and flexibility regarding changes in the size of its balance sheet. This operational framework has proven to be highly effective—and it continues to work as designed.

    Other central banks use different approaches that operate equally well. We all face common goals and issues. Like the delicious delicacies particular to individual countries, the similarities outweigh the differences.

    Figures

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  • Icons of Latin America: Porsche celebrates heritage with bespoke 911 GT3 ‘Ocelot’

    Icons of Latin America: Porsche celebrates heritage with bespoke 911 GT3 ‘Ocelot’

    Porsche Latin America, headquartered in Miami, celebrated a remarkable milestone in 2025: 25 years of connecting and supporting the independent network of Porsche importers and the passionate Porsche community across Latin America. To mark this significant anniversary, the company is launching an initiative that pays tribute to the region’s rich heritage and automotive excellence: Icons of Latin America.

    “Icons of Latin America”: A Tribute to regional heritage

    These notable occasions will be commemorated through bespoke Sonderwunsch projects, locally configured as heartfelt tributes to the beauty, identity and spirit of this diverse region. Each vehicle will be meticulously personalised by Sonderwunsch experts, drawing inspiration from the distinctive culture, flora, fauna and traditions of the various countries where Porsche Latin America is present. These automotive masterpieces will celebrate Latin American heritage for generations to come.





    Inspired by Colombia’s Amazon rainforest and affectionately nicknamed “The Ocelot”, this one-of-a-kind 2025 911 GT3 Touring is finished in exclusive Paint to Sample Forest Green Metallic. As the inaugural Sonderwunsch project, it connects the country’s distinctiveness with Porsche passion in a truly exclusive and emotive manner.

    This project also commemorates the fact that in 2025, Autoelite – Porsche’s official importer in Colombia – celebrates 30 years of representing the brand in the South American nation.

    The exterior: Forest Green Metallic and Centenaire Silver

    The Colombian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Its vast green canopy breathes life into the continent, providing shelter to countless species of plants, birds and mammals. It is both a national treasure and a global symbol of natural wonder.

    911 GT3 ‘Ocelot', Icons of Latin America, 2025, Porsche AG





    The 911 GT3 Touring reflects this abundance through its Paint to Sample (2B4) Forest Green Metallic exterior. The deep hue, shimmering in various shades of green under sunlight, evokes the rainforest’s endless layers of foliage, shadow and light, interwoven in a rhythm of life. It is a colour that appears alive, shifting from mystery to brilliance depending on how it catches the eye.

    911 GT3 ‘Ocelot', Icons of Latin America, 2025, Porsche AG





    Various accents on the vehicle’s exterior in Centenaire Silver offer a striking contrast. These are more than mere stylistic details: they echo the chrome trim of the earliest Porsche 911 models from the 1960s, linking this modern GT car even more closely to its brand heritage. From the rear light pagoda frame and the painted gurney flap on the rear spoiler, to the door handles, exterior mirror housings, rear intake grille surround and the “Porsche” logo on the rear – every Centenaire Silver detail evokes the purity of Porsche’s original design language. Even the 20/21-inch forged aluminium wheels are painted in Forest Green Metallic with fine Centenaire Silver lines on the face, balancing strength with elegance.

    The interior: Cohiba Brown leather and Pepita fabric

    Step inside, and the inspiration shifts from the rainforest as a whole to one of its most captivating inhabitants: the ocelot. This small wild cat, found throughout Colombia, is revered for its beauty. Its golden-brown coat, patterned with black rosettes, features an intricate design that elegantly provides camouflage. For centuries, the ocelot has fascinated people, appearing in folklore and art. Today, it remains a symbol of Colombia’s natural diversity and resilience.

    911 GT3 ‘Ocelot', Interior, Icons of Latin America, 2025, Porsche AG





    The interior of this unique GT3 Touring translates the essence of the ocelot into Sonderwunsch craftsmanship. Most of the cabin is finished in Cohiba Brown leather, a rich shade echoing the animal’s coat, paired with Crema and Truffle Brown cross-stitching throughout. The Sports Seats combine Cohiba Brown with Pepita fabric seat centres in a palette of Truffle Brown, Black and Cream White — reminiscent of the ocelot’s spotted pattern and a nod to Porsche’s classic heritage.

    The tribute is most clearly expressed in the headrests, which are embossed with the cunning and instantly recognisable silhouette of the ocelot. This design was directly inspired by Colombian traffic signs that alert drivers to wildlife crossings. On rural roads, where the rainforest meets the tarmac, these signs remind travellers of the delicate balance between humanity and nature. In this GT3 Touring, that same silhouette becomes a symbol of coexistence, respect, and admiration.

    911 GT3 ‘Ocelot', Interior, Icons of Latin America, 2025, Porsche AG





    Sonderwunsch meets Latin American identity

    Individualisation continues in every detail. An exclusive badge on both B-pillars, finished in Centenaire Silver, combines the Porsche Latin America logo with the script “Iconos de Latinoamérica” – a discreet yet powerful signature of the project’s identity. Illuminated door sill guards bear not only the GT3 logotype, but also inscriptions marking both anniversaries: “30 Años de Autoelite” on the driver’s side, and “25 Años de Porsche Latin America” on the passenger’s side – a subtle reminder of the project’s celebratory purpose. Most interior components, such as the Sport Chrono clock housing, upper and lower dashboard, air vent frames and slats, are all upholstered in fine Cohiba Brown leather, stitched in Truffle Brown.

    911 GT3 ‘Ocelot', Icons of Latin America, 2025, Porsche AG





    The unique steering wheel, upholstered in Cohiba Brown leather, features a Truffle Brown 12 o’clock marker, reflecting precision and attention to detail. The Race-Tex headlining in Truffle Brown envelops the cabin in warmth, while the floor mats, seat belts, and interior panels have all been carefully tailored in matching tones.

    911 GT3 ‘Ocelot', Icons of Latin America, 2025, Porsche AG





    Even the front luggage compartment is trimmed in Cohiba Brown and Truffle Brown leather, with Pepita fabric inserts echoing the seat design. Wherever the eye falls, there is a story of Sonderwunsch craftsmanship and Porsche passion.

    About the Sonderwunsch Program

    Porsche is reinterpreting the legendary Sonderwunsch (special wishes) programme of the late 1970s, enabling personalised one-offs – co-created by the customer and professionally realised by Porsche. The offering for new vehicles includes the installation of tailor-made special request options directly in the production run. A highlight that customers can access when ordering a car is Paint to Sample Plus: Porsche creates and develops an individual exterior colour based on the customer’s personal wishes.

    Retrofitting of vehicles is also possible. Customers can completely redesign the interior and exterior of their car or create highly individualised one-offs with the support of Porsche’s own development and design team. For older vehicles, this programme always includes restoration, which can also be commissioned separately.

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  • Geely Auto’s game-changing Geely EX2 arrives to redefine the city car standard

    Geely Auto’s game-changing Geely EX2 arrives to redefine the city car standard

    SAO PAULO, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Geely Auto, a world-leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, is expanding its electric line-up in the global market with the launch of the Geely EX2, its best-selling electric hatchback. The compact city car was launched in Brazil on 6th November, where it was unveiled alongside the brand’s ambitious plan to lead the global B-segment market towards a more refined future.

    Built on GEA architecture, the Geely EX2 boasts a sleek design, advanced technology, safety features, and impressive performance, setting a new standard for urban electric mobility. It measures 4,135 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,580 mm in height, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase that strikes the perfect balance between agile handling and class-leading cabin space.

    The Geely EX2 establishes a safety benchmark for city cars. It features a comprehensive safety protection system centered on battery safety, comprising the Geely Battery Safety System, an optimized high-strength structure, and a real-time temperature monitoring system. In terms of structural safety, the Geely EX2 features reinforced cabin structures, including a cage body and a #-shaped rear subframe, as well as a tri-directional energy-absorbing structure to enhance structural integrity in various conditions.

    Before its launch in China, the compact city car made its overseas debut at the 2024 Automechanika Frankfurt, Germany, along with plans to go global. Operating under the name Xingyuan, it was the best-selling model in the Chinese market from January to September 2025, and the second-best-selling BEV model worldwide in August 2025. In September 2025, the model set a new milestone by becoming the fastest to exceed 400,000 units in sales in the Chinese market.

    The launch of the Geely EX2 in Brazil further solidifies Geely’s focus on the country’s market. The Geely EX5, Geely Auto’s first model in Brazil, was launched in August 2025 and has quickly become the best seller in its segment. In accordance with the agreement between Renault and Geely Holding, Renault do Brasil will manufacture Geely Auto-branded zero and low-emission vehicles at the Ayrton Senna plant.

    As the latest addition to Geely Auto’s electrified lineup, the Geely EX2 is scheduled to launch in markets across five continents within one year. By entering major European markets, it is set to amplify Geely Auto’s presence on the continent. In the SEA region, it will soon be available in Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries.

    SOURCE Geely Auto

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  • Weak US demand hits BA owner IAG’s profits in key summer period

    Weak US demand hits BA owner IAG’s profits in key summer period

    Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free

    Weak demand for economy class seats on transatlantic flights hit profits at British Airways owner IAG during the key summer holiday months. 

    For the July to September period, the airline’s pre-tax profits fell 2.1 per cent, compared with last year, to €1.87bn, while revenues were flat at €9.3bn. Last year the group posted record results on both measures.

    Passenger revenue per available seat, a key industry metric, on the group’s north Atlantic routes fell 7 per cent. 

    The transatlantic market, which has been dented by increased wariness about travelling to the US, is IAG’s most lucrative route. During the three months it expanded capacity in BA, Iberia and Aer Lingus flights to the region.

    IAG stressed that overall demand for global travel remained “strong”. 

    Group chief executive Luis Gallego said: “As expected the north Atlantic market saw some softness [in the US] and unit prices across our airlines were lower in the European market.”

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  • Oil headed for second weekly loss amid lingering supply concerns – Reuters

    1. Oil headed for second weekly loss amid lingering supply concerns  Reuters
    2. USA Crude Oil Stocks Rise More Than 5MM Barrels WoW  Rigzone
    3. Commodity wrap: oil edges up on supply fears; gold reclaims $4,000/oz mark on soft dollar  TradingView
    4. Oil Prices Rise as Glut Concerns Dwindle: Implications for Investors and Businesses in Oman  omanet.om
    5. Crude Oil is setting up for a further recovery [Video]  FXStreet

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  • Daimler Truck posts 40% drop in quarterly profit, but keeps annual forecasts

    Daimler Truck posts 40% drop in quarterly profit, but keeps annual forecasts

    Nov 7 (Reuters) – Daimler Truck (DTGGe.DE), opens new tab reported a bigger-than-expected 40% drop in third-quarter operating profit on Friday, but stuck to its annual forecasts on the back of a positive momentum in Europe and a recovery in North America.

    Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) came in at 716 million euros ($835.00 million) for the quarter, missing the 729 million euros expected in a company-compiled consensus.

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    Incoming orders of 93,923 units were at the previous year’s level, backed by a positive momentum in Europe and a recovery in North America from very low levels in the second quarter, the company said in a statement.

    European truck manufacturers were facing declining demand in North America due to weaker freight activity and market uncertainty caused by import tariffs.

    Daimler Truck’s Trucks North America segment saw a 64% drop in operating profit to 257 million euros, but beat consensus expectations of 240 million euros.

    However, its Mercedes-Benz Trucks business achieved adjusted EBIT of 319 million euros, missing consensus expectations of 329 million.

    ($1 = 0.8575 euros)

    Reporting by Amir Orusov and Simon Ferdinand Eibach; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu

    Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

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  • Renault Group successfully issues Samurai bonds for a nominal amount of ¥95.2 billion

    Renault Group successfully issues Samurai bonds for a nominal amount of ¥95.2 billion

    This transaction marks Renault Group’s return into Japan’s capital markets since 2022, underlying the high confidence of Japanese investors in Renault Group’s strategy and its ability to pursue and accelerate its transformation.

    This issuance allows Renault Group to benefit from attractive market conditions and will be used for general corporate purposes including the refinancing of some of its upcoming maturities.

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  • Maersk and Unilever Launch First Electric Van to Decarbonize Logistics in Saudi Arabia |Maersk

    Maersk and Unilever Launch First Electric Van to Decarbonize Logistics in Saudi Arabia |Maersk

    Jeddah: On the road to zero emissions, global logistics leader A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and consumer goods giant Unilever are joining forces to launch their first electric van in Saudi Arabia. This pioneering initiative is an important milestone in decarbonising logistics operations in the Kingdom, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually and increase renewable energy usage to 50%.

    This launch is the beginning of a broader transformation. Both companies aim to scale electric mobility across Saudi operations and explore additional innovations, including solar-powered warehousing and intermodal transport solutions.

    Driving Decarbonisation in Jeddah

    The electric van will exclusively serve the BinDawood Group, one of Unilever’s key retail partners, operating within a 50 km radius and covering up to 3,500 km per month. This deployment follows Unilever and Maersk’s successful consolidation of warehouses into a single fulfilment centre at Maersk’s Logistics Park in Jeddah, already delivering a 5% emissions reduction. This reduction is enabled by the Park’s strong sustainability infrastructure, including a 64,000 sqm rooftop solar plant and an advanced cooling system using natural refrigerant (Ammonia) and seawater instead of potable water. 


    This is the first van deployment in our Saudi fleet, and it represents our commitment to reducing logistics-related emissions wherever feasible. This is another building block of our emission reduction plans in partnership with Maersk. The electric van, combined with solar energy charging infrastructure, means we practically reduce emissions by 100% compared to a conventional truck. We’re proud to introduce this innovation in Saudi Arabia, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and joining global efforts. By improving efficiency and cutting emissions, we strengthen sustainability while delivering greater value to our customers.

    Ahmed, Kadous

    Head of Customer Operations, Unilever Middle East, Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh




    Partnership for Sustainable Value

    The initiative showcases the strength of the Maersk-Unilever partnership, with both companies working collaboratively on infrastructure readiness, operational planning, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful implementation.


    As electric vehicle technology advances and charging infrastructure expands across Saudi Arabia, we’re seeing more opportunities to deploy emission-free trucks in place of diesel units. We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking customers like Unilever, who are committed to decarbonising logistics solutions that deliver value throughout their supply chain.

    Ahmed El Esseily

    Managing Director at Maersk Saudi Arabia


    Maersk currently offers low-emission trucking solutions in more than 14 countries globally, including China, India, the USA, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and several European countries. The company is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 across the entire supply chain through new technologies, alternative energy solutions, and close partnerships with customers and vendors. As part of Unilever’s commitment to achieving net zero across the value chain by 2039, the company is implementing measures designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their logistics network by up to 50% by 2030. A key pillar of this strategy is the transition to electric vehicles, reinforcing Maersk and Unilever’s dedication to building a more sustainable future.

    About Maersk

    A.P. Moller – Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and reduced GHG emissions fuels*.

    *Maersk defines “reduced GHG emissions fuels” as fuels with at least 65% reductions in GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to fossil of 94 g CO2e/MJ.

    About Unilever

    Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024.
    For more information about Unilever and our brands, please visit www.unilever.com.


    For further information, please contact:

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  • Electric vehicles set to pay London Congestion Charge

    Electric vehicles set to pay London Congestion Charge

    Tom EdwardsLondon transport and environment correspondent

    BBC A sign shows a red circle with a large white C in itBBC

    The congestion charge in central London is due to increase to £18 a day

    Proposed changes to make electric vehicles pay the congestion charge would cause minicab fares to rise and stop people switching away from diesel and petrol, drivers say.

    The plan is for owners of electric vehicles (EVs) to pay to drive in the capital’s congestion charging zone from next year.

    London’s congestion charge is due to increase by 20% to £18 a day from 2 January.

    Electric cars and vans had been exempt from paying the fee under a Cleaner Vehicle Discount but that will be scrapped from 2026. Transport for London (TfL) says the changes are necessary to reduce congestion due to the rising number of EVs.

    A man is sitting behind the wheel of a car

    From January, the drivers of EVs will have to pay the congestion for the first time

    Opponents say the move will reduce the take-up of cleaner EVs and increase minicab fares and stall the move away from petrol and diesel vehicles.

    TfL says the congestion charge will increase from £15 to £18 a day from 2 January “to make sure it remains effective”.

    Electric vehicles will also have to pay for the first time. There will be a 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay.

    Electric cars will get a 25% discount if registered for Auto Pay, and will have to pay £13.50 a day.

    From March 2027, for new applicants only, the 90% residents’ discount will also only be available only for EVs.

    A man is sitting in his car looking to the passenger

    Minicab driver Kola Olalekan says the changes will cause Uber fares to rise

    Kola Olalekan has driven an electric minicab in central London for six years. He says having to pay £13.50 a day will put other drivers off getting EVs.

    He says it could also cause the fares to rise on ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt as there will be fewer drivers.

    “There’s going to be a drop,” he says.

    “And when there’s a drop of the number of drivers available in central London, that will affect the fare that riders are going to be paying.

    “There’s going to be a surge. This job is based on surge pricing. So absolutely fares are going to go up, there will be fewer Ubers and no-one will want an EV.”

    A sign shows no entry for drivers going left and a congestion charge for those going right

    London’s congestion charging zone has been in place since 2003

    Edmund King, from the AA, says its research shows the majority of drivers are not quite ready to go electric – and taking away the incentive of being exempt from the congestion charge “may backfire on London and backfire on the environment”.

    “Getting rid of the discount, there is no doubt it will put off many drivers,” he says.

    “And when we look at congestion in central London, let’s be frank the speed of traffic has been the speed of a horse and cart for years so to be honest a few more electric vehicles isn’t going to make much difference.

    “We do feel this is a negative step. Getting rid of the exemption is coming far too early.”

    TfL had previously proposed to scrap the electric vehicle exemption entirely.

    It says without changes to the congestion charging scheme, about 2,200 more vehicles will use the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year, leading to increased congestion and undermining the current scheme.

    In 2030 the discounts to electric vehicles will be reduced further.

    From 4 March 2030 it will be reduced to 25% for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay.

    The electric cars reduction will be reduced to a 12.5% discount.

    A formal announcement on the proposed changes to the congestion charge is due in the next few weeks.

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  • NTT DATA’s award-winning training initiative is driving AI literacy and skills development for all employees worldwide

    NTT DATA’s award-winning training initiative is driving AI literacy and skills development for all employees worldwide

    November 7, 2025

    NTT DATA Group Corporation

    TOKYO – November 7, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, today announced it is rapidly advancing AI literacy and practical skills development within the company’s global workforce across more than 70 countries. At the core of this effort is NTT DATA’s GenAI Academy, which delivers a unified, multi-tiered approach to AI learning and professional development for employees. The initiative underscores NTT DATA’s commitment to equipping its entire workforce with the AI capabilities needed to drive responsible innovation, efficiency and growth for the business and for clients.

    NTT DATA’s GenAI Academy was announced a year ago this month and has established a global standard for developing multiple levels of AI expertise. Self-paced learning, hands-on labs and applied use cases help employees translate expanded AI competency into measurable business value. Training also covers mandatory compliance with the company’s AI governance framework as well as security and risk-management policies. In addition to foundational AI training, the academy also provides mandatory advanced levels that include role-specific training tailored for specific job functions.

    Last month, NTT DATA’s GenAI Academy earned a Learning and Development Gold Award in the Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards. NTT DATA also collaborates with technology leaders and partners including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft and OpenAI to extend additional learning opportunities to employees.

    “AI competency is an essential new layer in business literacy, and our goal is to equip every team member with practical AI skills and responsible tools” said Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO, NTT DATA Group. “Our GenAI Academy also helps ensure compliance with NTT DATA’s internal governance framework and policies for AI.”

    “AI skills and tools represent a new form of critical infrastructure, so we’re making the necessary investments to help our people move boldly and responsibly into the digital future,” said Abhijit Dubey, President and Chief Executive Officer, NTT DATA, Inc. “By ensuring AI literacy and expertise, we are empowering team members to fully leverage our comprehensive offerings for clients, including NTT DATA’s Smart AI Agent™ Ecosystem and our partnerships with world-leading technology providers and world-class startups.”

    In parallel with universal skills development, NTT DATA is deploying GenAI and agentic capabilities that integrate industry-leading AI tools with in-house solutions built on secure and compliant infrastructure. These capabilities are empowering employees to create innovative use cases within a safeguarded environment aligned with company policy and client transparency standards.

    About NTT DATA

    NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world’s leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 70 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D. Visit us at nttdata.com

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