Kourion Municipality Advances Kokkinokampos Industrial Zone Development

Project Overview

Limassol’s Kourion municipality is set to transform the Kokkinokampos area with the development of a fully organized industrial zone, directly connected to the Limassol–Saittas motorway. This initiative aims to meet the increasing demand for storage and light industrial spaces in the broader Limassol district.

Strategic Location And Approvals Secured

The industrial area is strategically located east of the Third Industrial Zone of Ypsonas, south of the former landfill in Vati, and west of the Ypsonas–Polemidia livestock farming zone. The project, originally detailed by Entrepreneurial Limassol, has received strong backing from local leadership, with Mayor Pantelis Georgiou outlining the forthcoming steps.

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Comprehensive Planning And Regulatory Milestones

The municipality has confirmed that all necessary studies have been completed and requisite approvals from key government departments have been secured. In its formal communication, the local authority urged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to advance the critical expropriation process. The ministry has responded by providing expropriation lists initially compiled in 2022, prompting a review and update by the Department of Lands and Surveys.

Robust Timeline And Future Economic Impact

Mayor Georgiou stated that, once updated expropriation lists are approved, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will initiate further procedures, potentially allowing for tendering the construction phase before the end of 2026. The envisioned industrial zone will primarily accommodate storage facilities to serve the expanding Limassol market while also hosting small manufacturing units and workshops engaged in metal constructions and carpentry activities.

Enhancing Regional Competitiveness

The new development will not only alleviate congestion in existing industrial areas but also strengthen Limassol’s economic footprint by offering modern infrastructure in an area with limited prior development. Its proximity to the recently completed phase of the Limassol–Saittas road further enhances the zone’s appeal, facilitating effortless connectivity to and from the heart of Limassol.

With studies finalized, approvals secured and essential regulatory updates underway, the Kokkinokampos Industrial Zone is poised to become a key hub for storage and light industrial activities, positioning the region for sustainable economic growth.

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Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 29, 2026

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

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Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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