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Luxury Focus: Bentley Bets On High-End Buyers Amid Revenue Challenges

Bentley, the prestigious British automaker under Volkswagen’s umbrella, has announced a significant drop in annual revenue, recording its lowest figures since 2020 due to a challenging global market in 2024. The company’s operating profit fell 37% to $407 million from the previous year’s $589 million, and total revenue dipped 10%, reaching $2.9 billion compared to $3.2 billion in 2023.

Emphasizing Luxury Over Quantity

Despite these challenges, Bentley remains optimistic, shifting its focus to ‘value over volume.’ This strategy has led to a 10% increase in revenue per car, fueled by demand from high-end customers seeking bespoke features. A stunning example is Bentley’s bespoke ‘Black Rose’ Batur, featuring custom black rose paint, matching interiors, and luxurious details like 210 grams of 18-karat rose gold.

Market Conditions And Strategic Response

China, a key market for Bentley, presents ongoing challenges, while potential U.S. tariffs could impact pricing strategies. Nevertheless, Bentley hasn’t seen a drop in orders despite economic uncertainties and market fluctuations.

A Drive Toward Electrification

Looking to the future, Bentley is committed to electrification with plans to introduce its first electric vehicle by 2026. The company aims to expand its electric and hybrid offerings, targeting an all-electric lineup by 2035, aligning with global sustainable trends.

WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Supervised Accounts For Users Under 13

Enhanced Security And Messaging Control

WhatsApp has introduced a new type of account designed for users under the age of 13, allowing parents to supervise messaging activity. The accounts are limited to messaging and voice calls and do not include advertising features, reflecting growing demand from families for safer communication tools for younger users.

Streamlined Verification And Parental Oversight

Creating a supervised account requires a parent or guardian to complete a dual-device verification process using a QR code. This procedure links the child’s device with the parent’s account, allowing guardians to monitor certain activities. Once the connection is established, parents can receive notifications when their child adds, blocks or reports contacts. The system is designed to provide oversight while still allowing children to communicate with approved contacts.

Restricted Features With Full Encryption

Several WhatsApp functions are restricted within supervised accounts. Access to Meta AI, Channels and Status updates is disabled, and disappearing messages are not available in individual chats. Despite these limitations, conversations remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private between participants.

Controlled Interactions And Transition Options

Additional safety tools help pre-teens manage interactions with unfamiliar contacts. Context cards provide details about messages received from unknown users, including shared groups and the country where the account originated. Users also have the option to silence incoming calls from numbers that are not saved in their contacts.

Chat requests and invitations to join group conversations require a six-digit parental PIN before they can be accepted. As children grow older, WhatsApp will inform them about the option to convert their supervised profile into a standard account. Parents can postpone this transition for up to 12 months if they wish to maintain supervision for a longer period.

A Broader Commitment To Digital Safety

WhatsApp’s initiative builds on Meta’s longstanding efforts to enhance the safety of young users across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. With over 3 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is reinforcing its commitment to a secure digital environment. This move also coincides with regulatory trends in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., where steps are being taken to restrict social media access for younger users.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

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