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Significant Decline In Cyprus Road Fatalities: A Positive Trend For The EU

In 2023, the island recorded 34 road deaths, an 8.1% decrease from 2022, where 37 fatalities occurred.

This decrease is among the sharpest improvements in road safety within the European Union.

Across the European Union, 20,380 traffic-related deaths were recorded in 2023, marking a 1.3% year-on-year reduction. While the overall decline is marginal, these statistics highlight a positive trend.

Cyprus stands out with a road fatality rate of 36 per million inhabitants, significantly lower than the EU average of 46 per million.

Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Malta have also shown exemplary road safety records, while Bulgaria and Romania face higher challenges.

The steepest drop in EU road deaths occurred in 2020, aligned with the global pandemic lockdowns. Yet, Cyprus didn’t mirror this trend, recording 48 road deaths in 2020.

Nonetheless, since then, Cyprus has consistently improved, with road fatalities dropping from 45 in 2021 to 34 in 2023.

With sustained efforts in road safety education and infrastructure, Cyprus is poised to continue this positive trend.

Volkswagen Faces A 37% Drop In Quarterly Profit Amidst Tariff Pressures

The automotive world is abuzz as Volkswagen, the German powerhouse, reports a significant slump in its first-quarter profits, battling the ongoing U.S. tariffs impacting the global car industry.

Volkswagen’s operating profit fell to 2.9 billion euros ($3.3 billion), down 37% compared to last year. However, the company saw a slight increase in sales revenue, up 2.8% to 77.6 billion euros, bolstered by robust vehicle sales in non-Chinese markets. Revenue growth highlights the positive turn, but challenges persist as the company previously warned of operating profit impacts due to special effects.

Strategic Adjustments in a Volatile Market

Arno Antlitz, Volkswagen’s CFO and COO, emphasized a strategic focus on cost competitiveness alongside its extensive product lineup. The aim is to thrive even amidst the rapidly changing global landscape.

Key Q1 Highlights

  • Vehicle sales hit 2.1 million, marking a 0.9% year-on-year increase.
  • Western Europe reported a 29% surge in vehicle orders.
  • Net cash flow improved to -0.8 billion euros.

Looking forward, Volkswagen warns of challenging conditions due to political and trade uncertainties. Despite this, there’s an air of optimism as the industry adapts to new constraints.

Global Tariff Uncertainty Looms

The volatile landscape continues, with recent U.S. tariff alterations unsettling auto manufacturers. President Trump’s recent executive order aims to reduce cumulative tariffs, potentially easing some pressures. However, additional tariffs on auto parts pose ongoing challenges, adding layers of complexity to global supply chains.

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