TOKYO -- Renault's looming "transformational" tie-up with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles potentially puts Nissan in a tight spot in terms of influence, management and even product planning. Indeed, at its surface, the partnership announced on Monday seems to sideline the Japanese automaker that has been the lynchpin of Renault's global auto alliance for two decades. FCA's proposed 50-50 merger with Renault is especially sensitive because it follows Nissan's repeated rebuffing of Renault's efforts to more closely integrate operations and management. It could marginalize Nissan's position in Renault's world or even make Nissan redundant in an important market like the United States, where FCA is much stronger in the important light truck segment. Finally, the combined Renault-FCA could weaken Nissan's bargaining power, if it ever wants to negotiate for more influence in tie-up or reform its own existing alliance with Renault. The structure of the new company would also seem to dilute Nissan's … [Read more...] about Renault-FCA merger plan unleashes fresh uncertainties on Nissan
Hamilton whinges reminiscent of Fry and Laurie sketch
Some think it is a case of when rather if Lewis Hamilton’s breaks Michael Schumacher’s remaining records. His radio whinges are also on the agenda. Plus the consistency of penalties from the FIA and the Monaco layout also come under scrutiny. Join the discussion over on the PlanetF1 forum here or head to the comments section down below… Pathetic penalties I just can not understand the weak 5 second penalty for Verstappen after that release. Nothing against Verstappen, but that forced Bottas damage and he had to pit again. In the past, even when there was no contact when drivers had an unsafe release, the penalty was huge. It seems pathetic that Giovinazzi got a bigger penalty for what he did than this. This was very unfortunate for Bottas. He looked very solid this weekend and until Red Bull messed up his race, Mercedes were certainly going to get a 1 -2 finish. TheGiantHogweed What do we do about Monaco? Yeah Monaco has its detractors, but… track position is so … [Read more...] about Hamilton whinges reminiscent of Fry and Laurie sketch
Northern Ireland EU election results
Northern Ireland EU election results - counting begins for 3 MEP seats BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Counting is underway in Northern Ireland for the 2019 European Parliament elections. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/eu-elections-2019/northern-ireland-eu-election-results-counting-begins-for-3-mep-seats-38151787.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article38152040.ece/d6033/AUTOCROP/h342/0519JP1EUcount005.jpg Email Counting is underway in Northern Ireland for the 2019 European Parliament elections. A total of 11 candidates are vying for three seats, with the first results expected later today. The electoral office recorded turnout at just over 45%, down more than 6% from the 2014 election. Last time round, the DUP's Dianne Dodds, Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson and the Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson were elected. Ms Anderson and Mrs Dodds are defending their seats, while Mr Nicholson chose not to stand. Check out our Live results page - plus Election Hub for … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland EU election results
Take care on the roads this summer
By Boston Herald editorial staff | May 27, 2019 at 12:22 am They call it “The 100 Deadliest Days.” From Memorial Day to Labor Day, auto traffic is up, and so are accidents. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studies, more than 10 people per day will die this summer in a car crash involving a teen driver. New drivers have a lot going against them: A lack of experience, teen bravado, even enhanced safety features work against them by providing a heightened sense of security. And there’s a new wrinkle for parents to worry about this year: the first summer since the use of recreational marijuana was approved in Massachusetts. Some more disturbing data uncovered by AAA includes: 36 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.; 1 in 10 of all motor vehicle nighttime crash fatalities involved a teen driver; Data show a 22 percent increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen … [Read more...] about Take care on the roads this summer
Remember what Memorial Day is all about
By Boston Herald editorial staff | May 27, 2019 at 12:14 am There will be parades. There will be cookouts. There will be pool parties. There will be tears. It’s Memorial Day, the unofficial kickoff to summer across this vast and amazing nation. Originally known as Decoration Day — the day when the graves of Civil War dead were decorated with flowers, wreaths and flags — the state of New York made Memorial Day a legal holiday in 1873 and many other states quickly followed suit. After World War I, Memorial Day was cemented in America’s psyche as a day to honor those who had died in U.S. wars. There are 136 national cemeteries in 40 states in places like Fort Smith, Ark.; Laurel, Mont.; Milwaukee; Togus, Maine; and Bourne. Today, every one of them, as well as at 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites, will feature striking row upon row upon row of American flags on the gravesites of our fallen. These are sacred places and we encourage you to respectfully visit … [Read more...] about Remember what Memorial Day is all about