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Tesla Unveils Updated Model Y In North America And Europe

After its initial rollout in China earlier this year, Tesla’s revamped Model Y is now making its way to North America and Europe. This latest iteration of the popular electric vehicle (EV) brings some significant updates and a noticeable price bump.

What’s New With The Model Y?

The updated Model Y is packed with enhancements, starting with a longer driving range and all-wheel drive. The starting price for the new model in the US is $59,990, a 25% increase from the previous version, which retailed at $47,990. One of the standout features is the inclusion of Tesla’s autonomous driving software, previously available as an $8,000 option.

Aesthetically, the Model Y now comes with redesigned front and rear lights, alongside a fresh interior that includes an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers. Tesla has also upgraded the audio system with additional speakers and fine-tuned the suspension to deliver a smoother ride. Deliveries for the new Model Y are slated to begin in March, with Tesla offering four versions of the vehicle in the US, the highest-priced of which is the newly released variant.

The Bigger Picture

Since its debut in 2020, the Model Y quickly rose to become Tesla’s top-selling car, even claiming the title of the best-selling car globally in 2023. However, last year saw a slight dip in its sales due to increasing competition in markets like China and a slowdown in demand for EVs in general.

Tesla’s European Push Amid Industry Challenges

Tesla’s European launch comes at a pivotal time for the region’s auto industry. The European Commission is working on a subsidy program designed to stimulate demand for electric vehicles, though details are still in the planning stages. With competition heating up, this new version of the Model Y could help Tesla maintain its stronghold in the fast-evolving European EV market.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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