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VinFast's "For A Green Future" exhibition series to showcase its comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in Vietnam

Vingroup

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach - 29 June 2023 - VinFast announced the rollout of the exhibition series "VinFast - For a Green Future" to introduce to the public its entire electric mobility ecosystem, as well as the journey of the first global electric vehicle (EV) maker of Vietnam. From July 7 to September 20, 2023, a series of consecutive events will occur in 11 prominent cities and provinces across Vietnam and will offer visitors various interactive activities, test drives, and unique experiences. "VinFast - For a Green Future" is the largest series of electric mobility exhibitions ever held in Vietnam. The first exhibition will be held at the Viet Xo Friendship Labor Cultural Palace, Hanoi, from July 7 to 9, 2023, before being rolled out in 10 other cities and provinces across Vietnam. The exhibition will be divided into different sections, including product showcase - production simulation - "car anatomy" - test drive, and other auxiliary areas such as food, game, socializing, etc. This will be the first time VinFast displays its comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem, including e-buses, e-scooters, e-bikes, and a complete range of electric cars, covering a wide range of segments, from mini cars to the A-B-C-D-E segments (VF 3, VF 5 Plus, VF e34, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9). In particular, Vietnamese consumers will have the opportunity to be introduced to the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, and e-bike models for the first time. Additionally, VinFast’s journey from the first Vietnamese automotive company to the global smart EV maker will be presented vividly with advanced performance technologies. A part of the factory space with automated production by top-notch robots will simulate the production process of the made-in-Vietnam electric cars. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the detailed internal structure of each VinFast vehicle through its “car anatomy." Utilizing modern demonstration technology, the public can delve deeper into the vehicle structure, components, and smart technologies integrated into VinFast car models. They can also interact with VinFast's Voice Assistant, the latest version that supports natural conversations in Vietnamese. At the exhibition, visitors can also directly experience the operation and smart features of VinFast electric cars and motorbikes at the test-drive ground. There will also be many sideline activities for visitors to engage with VinFast’s experts, participate in games and brand activations, or enjoy the culture and cuisine of North America and Europe - the international markets where VinFast operates. Members of the VinFast Global Community attending the event will receive many attractive privileges. "VinFast - For a Green Future" is a series of special exhibitions celebrating the 30th anniversary of Vingroup. The exhibition provides the public with an overview of the rapid development journey and proud milestones of the Vietnamese automotive company and aims to share with the public VinFast's aspirations and vision of bringing Vietnam to the world stage. *Planned timeline of exhibition series "VinFast - For a Green Future" (The event timing might be adjusted according to the actual situation and will be announced in advance) Contact Details Media Contact v.chidqd1@vingroup.net Company Website https://vinfastauto.com/

June 29, 2023 11:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Summer Road Trip Maintenance Guide

YourUpdateTV

Road trips are a great way to get out there and explore this summer. And while it’s certainly fun to make unexpected pit stops at roadside attractions along the way, the last thing you want to do is make an unexpected stop because of a problem with your vehicle. Recently, ASE Certified Mechanic, Audra Fordin, partnered with Chevron to discuss some simple tips to help save you time, inconvenience, and money this summer. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: Before hitting the road, remember to polish your headlights. Headlights used to be made out of glass, but nowadays they are made from plastic which can be easily oxidized from the sun, causing a haze to form over the light that can reduce your visibility. If you see cataracts starting to form on your headlights, give them a quick polish. You can find easy headlight restoration kits available at your local auto store or online. Also make sure to check your tires. If you see any bulges, tears or cracks, replace them immediately to avoid a potential blow out. Most tires typically last 3 to 5 years so if yours are in that span or older (you can check the manufacturer’s date on the side of the tire), it’s time to replace them. And of course, check your oil. If you know you’re due for an oil change, have it changed. If you’re unsure, you can always check your oil dipstick – if the oil doesn’t reach about the “add” line or is dark and not golden in color, it’s time to replace it before you leave. Audra recommends Havoline® LIFELONG Full Synthetic Motor Oil, which delivers outstanding performance at any stage in a vehicle’s life, whether you’re driving something new or something with over 75,000 miles on it. It also comes in Havoline’s recyclable Smart Change packaging, reducing plastic waste by 70% compared to traditional quart bottles. In addition, Havoline ® PRO-RSTM Renewable Full Synthetic Motor Oil, is a top-tier, renewable full synthetic motor oil that includes 25% sustainably sourced plant-based oils. It’s the best performing full synthetic oil in the Havoline portfolio and offers superior fuel economy retention to help save on fuel costs. One other great – and easy - fuel saving tip is to use Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner. It’s a fuel additive that will deep clean and protect your entire fuel system, optimize engine performance, and maximize fuel economy to save more with every pour. All you have to do is just pour it into your gas tank once a season before you hit the road and you’re ready to go! Visit www.havoline.com or www.techronclean.com for more information and be sure to check out www.Walmart.com and select Walmart stores for Havoline and Techron products. About Audra Fordin Audra Fordin is an ASE Certified mechanic and fourth generation shop owner at Great Bear Auto in Flushing, New York. As a small business owner, PTA mom and girl scout troop leader, Audra knows how to juggle family life, run a fully staffed, successful auto repair shop and is determined to teach women across the country how to do their own automotive maintenance, which is why she’s also the founder of Women Auto Know and Drivers Auto Know, engaging and hands on workshops where drivers of all skill levels learn how to “pop open the hood and do it themselves.” Audra has made appearances on Ryan and Kelly, Rachel Ray, the Today Show, Inside Edition, and CNN, among several local news appearances, to share car care tips with millions of viewers. She also is the host of Motorweek’s Your Drive and serves on several automotive advisory boards. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 28, 2023 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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American Businesses Want Secure Borders and a Modernized Immigration System to Help Address Worker Shortages

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/cyDh_POE9fg There might as well be a giant “Help Wanted!” sign over the United States. The economy has bounced back from the pandemic lows, but companies have been struggling to meet their workforce needs to keep up with the surge in demand for everything from household products to cars. At the same time, the crisis level situation on our southern border is not abating, as the U.S. Border Patrol has seen 133,000 more border crossings through April of this fiscal year than during the same period of time in last year’s record-shattering totals. The U.S. currently has approximately 10.1 million job openings, while there are 6 million people unemployed and looking for work. The worker shortfall has also emerged as a key factor driving persistent inflation and higher interest rates. Securing our borders and modernizing our immigration system can help us confront these challenges. Many people wonder given the seriousness of these issues and the polarization in Congress if any real progress can be achieved on border security and immigration reform? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce believes not only that it can be done, but that it must be done. The immigration challenges we face today didn’t arrive at our doorstep overnight; they’ve been around for decades and have only grown in size and severity due to many years of congressional inaction. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is leading the LIBERTY Campaign (Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform This Year) with over 430 national, state, and local business associations. The campaign launched with a letter calling upon Congress to address the crisis at our border and the critical workforce shortage before the year’s end. Many experts believe that expanding legal immigration to the U.S. would help spawn economic output by driving much needed labor force growth at a time when America’s population growth is stagnating. A nationwide media tour was conducted on June 20 th featuring Neil Bradley from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discussing why Congress cannot afford to wait any longer to secure our borders and modernize our broken immigration system. Topics that Neil Bradley from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce discussed included: How serious our border and legal immigration problems are. What the consequences will be if Congress foregoes fixing the problems on our borders and within our legal immigration system. How a modern, pro-growth immigration system will help address the chronic workforce issues plaguing many American employers today and other economic problems we’re suffering from. Why the Chamber launched the LIBERTY Campaign with over 430 other associations. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 26, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. Unveils Significant Business Progress and Future Plans in Latest Investor Update

Auto Parts 4Less Group Inc

Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. (OTCQB: FLES ) (“Company”, “FLES”), the operator of AutoParts4Less.com, a specialized automotive parts marketplace, is pleased to provide an investor update. Dear Investors, I hope this message finds you well. We are excited to share our accomplishments over the past eight months, the challenges we've faced, and our plans for the future. Company Performance Overview We have made significant strides in expanding our product range. We now boast over 5.3 million products in our catalog. This is an incredible milestone, a result of our continued efforts to attract the largest and best sellers worldwide to our marketplace. Product Search and User Experience Recently, we launched Elastic Search, a significant improvement to our top-down funnel search on the platform. This enables our customers to easily find what they're looking for by simply typing it in. This project took a bit longer than expected, but we're pleased to see it live and running. We'll continue to improve this functionality in the coming months and years. Our landing page also underwent minor updates to enhance the buyer and seller experience on our site, a constant endeavor to ensure customer satisfaction. Business-To-Business Program The other major project in the works is our B2B program, which we believe is the future of our company. It will benefit sellers and buyers alike. For instance, small businesses, tire centers, and install centers across America will have the chance to register and apply to buy as a wholesale buyer, gaining access to significant savings. This feature, set to go live in the first or second week of July, is a feature we believe will revolutionize the ecosystem in which we operate. Financial and Operational Efficiency We are heavily focused on cost reduction and the economics of marketplaces, which are proven to be cost-effective business models. While we are eager to grow, we understand that growth can be costly, and we are striving to balance our growth goals with financial efficiency. This is all with a view to achieving profitability as quickly as possible. Capital Market Challenges As most investors are aware, our goal was to list on the NASDAQ. However, due to unforeseen circumstances in the capital markets, we were unsuccessful and had to withdraw our S-1 registration statement. This has put us in a challenging position in terms of raising capital. Future Funding Prospects We're actively exploring various funding options to overcome our financial challenges. Details are premature at this stage, but rest assured, we're committed to securing a robust financial future for our company and stakeholders. Updates will be shared as we make progress. Company Leadership On the leadership front, I have taken over all responsibilities for our subsidiaries and parent company after the retirement of Tim Armes, our former board chairman. I am excited and enthusiastic to lead our company forward and continue to grow our presence in the auto parts industry. Financial Reporting We acknowledge that our filings have been late and are making every effort to bring them up to date. The reality is that audits are expensive, and our limited access to capital made it difficult to initiate them on time. However, we've already invested a substantial amount in an audit, with the goal of completing it by the end of July. In conclusion, we remain dedicated to overcoming the current challenges and moving forward with our strategic plans. We're excited for what's to come and sincerely appreciate your support and patience during these times. We will keep you informed about any new developments and remain committed to ensuring our company thrives in the long run. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our vision. Christopher Davenport CEO Auto Parts 4Less Group Inc About Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. (the “Company”) entered the online auto parts business in 2015, selling lift kits and other aftermarket accessories for Jeeps, Trucks, and SUVs on eBay and Amazon. In early 2020, the company began developing AutoParts4Less.com as a multi-seller enterprise-level marketplace dedicated to consolidating the $500 billion annual aftermarket automotive parts industry, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs, on a single platform. AutoParts4Less.com officially launched with around 2 million parts from over 25 parts sellers in November 2022. For more information about Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc., please visit AutoParts4LessGroup.com Forward-Looking Statements This information also contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words “could”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “continue”, “predict”, “potential”, “possible,” “project” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Industry data provided herein is of no predictive value regarding the future sale of the Company’s products. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company’s future financial results, revenues, or stock price. For more information, contact: Email: investorrelations@ap4less.com Contact Details Auto Parts 4Less Group investorrelations@ap4less.com Company Website https://www.the4lessgroup.com/

June 26, 2023 12:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Gram Car Carriers sees company-wide increase in Asian exports, dividend yields and payouts

Gram Car Carriers

Gram Car Carriers CEO Georg Whist joins Natalie Stoberman from the Proactive studios to share how the company has been able to increase its dividend yield in addition to dividend payouts to shareholders. GCC is the world's third-largest tonnage provider within the Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTCs) segment with 19 vessels, across the Distribution, Mid-size and Panamax segments. The company serves as a trusted provider of high-quality vessels and logistics solutions ensuring safe, efficient and punctual shipment of vehicles for a network of clients comprising of major global and regional PCTC operators. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 347-449-0879 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

June 22, 2023 02:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Huntersville, NC Has Grand Opening for Brand New Location

Minuteman Press International Inc

Neha Katrodia is the owner of the brand new Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise located at 9606 Sherrill Estates Rd., Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078. After opening their doors in March of 2023, Minuteman Press in Huntersville held their official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 2, 2023. The event was hosted by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and was attended by Huntersville Commissioner Dan Boone. Neha shares, “The Huntersville community has been very welcoming and interested in learning more about our business. I'm so thankful to everyone who came to support us during the grand opening and showed interest in growing together.” She continues, “Owning my own business means taking on my father's path to becoming an entrepreneur. Most importantly, I feel a sense of personal fulfillment and I look forward to seeing this new venture grow and succeed while helping other local businesses with all of their printing and promotional needs.” Joining Neha in the business are two key staff members: Denis Vargas, graphic designer/production; as well as Neha’s husband Mehul Katrodia, marketing agent. While Denis provides clients with custom creative designs and a sharp eye for details, Mehul manages the marketing side including Google and social media accounts. Neha, meanwhile, has already jumped into several networking groups to become active in the community, including the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce as well as the Huntersville BNI group. She says, “I feel it’s important to get out there and engage with clients in person and also market our business online. Once clients come to us, we enjoy working with them to bring their visions to life and delivery high quality products and service. Our staff is ready and willing to welcome clients to Minuteman Press in Huntersville with open arms.” Prior to buying the business, Neha always had wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and become her own boss. She explains, “I have a healthcare and medical billing background; however, I grew up in the business environment. My father has been a businessman from my early childhood years and has owned various businesses from then to now. I also helped him run some of them due to the language barrier he had at times.” Neha further shares why she chose to own a Minuteman Press franchise, stating: “The continuous local support that Minuteman Press offers is amazing; The B2B hours of operation allow me to balance my business and personal lives; Minuteman Press allows me to follow my passion for creating something so unique with every project or job.” She adds, “The training program was extremely informative and allowed me to feel confident in front of clients. Now, the local support to lean on here in my region has been so helpful with advice and guidance on unique projects. We also use the Minuteman Press FLEX software made available to us as a key marketing tool for growth.” Following the successful grand opening, Neha is excited for the future of her new business. She concludes, “At Minuteman Press, we love working with other local businesses and organizations. I look forward to supporting them with our personalized products and services as we are all in this together.” Minuteman Press in Huntersville is located at 9606 Sherrill Estates Rd., Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078. For more information, call 704-594-8699 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/nc/huntersville/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

June 20, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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DfT Minister Visits Prologis UK’s Flagship Site to See How Mobilityways Technology can Decarbonise Workers’ Commutes

Mobilityways

The Minister of State for Decarbonisation and Technology Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP visited Daventry Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) on Thursday 15 June. The visit, jointly hosted by Prologis UK and Mobilityways, provided the minister with the opportunity to better understand how workers at Prologis RFI DIRFT are using technology to share commuting data, thereby optimising public transport route planning and car sharing possibilities. DIRFT is recognised as the most successful intermodal (rail/road) logistics park in the UK - twelve freight trains a day stop at the site, a number expected to grow as part of Prologis’s quest to reduce the site’s carbon footprint further. As part of its focus on sustainability, Prologis is working with commuter emissions solutions provider Mobilityways across its logistics parks nationwide. Mobilityways provides its car sharing platform Liftshare and is working with six of their sites, including DIRFT, to analyse the commuting habits and sustainable travel options of the staff of its most valued customers. Decarbonisation and Technology Minister Jesse Norman said: “The Department wants to support commuters to make use of lower carbon ways of commuting. It was great to be in Rugby to see the work Mobilityways and Zeelo are doing to help employees at the Daventry Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal make their commutes cleaner, helping companies based at the site reach a wider pool of talent.” David Mellor, Director, Project Management at Prologis UK: “We see the sharing of commute data with our customer at DIRFT as a great way to add value and support their operations. These companies are all major employers seeking to reduce their carbon emissions. Sustainability is at the forefront of our business - we have already reduced the embedded carbon in our UK warehouses by 26 per cent since 2008, and the next logical step is to look at getting our customers’ staff to work more sustainably by offering car sharing arrangements and green transport alternatives.” The Department for Transport is working closely with innovators like Mobilityways, Prologis and key trade bodies to help offer training, advice and technology to remove barriers to decarbonising employee commutes as well as across the transport and logistics sector as whole. The Government’s growing focus on employee commute emissions reduction led to the subject being featured in the Department for Transport’s Commute Zero policy detailed in its Decarbonising Transport Plan which was first published in July 2021 and recently updated. Basil Choudhry, Commercial Director at Mobilityways: “The Decarbonising Transport Plan makes it clear that the commute to the office is the least carbon efficient journey we ever make. It contributes 1.8 billion kg of C02e annually amounting to five per cent of total UK emissions. “Part of the problem is that 90 per cent of us travel to work alone when Mobilityways’s analysis suggests that up to 40 per cent of us could use public transport to get to work. A further 40 per cent could cycle and an estimated 10 million commuting Brits could share a lift into work.” ends The image taken outside The Hub, Centre for Logistics Training & Education at DIRFT Includes, from Left to Right: Sam Hunt – Senior Account Manager - Mobilityways Limited, Dave Mellor – Director of Space Development and Management, UK - Prologis Ali Clabburn – Founder & CEO - Mobilityways Lewis Evans – Customer Success Manager - Royal Mail Ben Bhattal -Business Development Director - Royal Mail Fiona Hamilton – Head of Public Affairs, Royal Mail Rt Hon Jessa Norman, Minister of Decarbonisation & Technology - Department for Transport Liz Allister – Real Estate and Customer Experience Director - Prologis John Slingsby – CFO - Zeelo Steve haddock – Real Estate & Customer Experience Director – Prologis Sandy Bhamra – DIRFT Park Manager - Prologis About Mobilityways: Mobilityways is a climate tech firm on a mission to make zero carbon commuting a reality. It supports employers in meeting their Net Zero goals with its suite of climate tech tools. These tools enable companies to measure, reduce and report their commuter emissions, providing full visibility of commuting challenges and identifying sustainable travel alternatives for employees. Mobilityways already works with over 700 companies. It also operates a highly successful car sharing platform called Liftshare which is now the UK’s leading car share provider. Liftshare has been running for 25 years and was the original name of the group before it was renamed Mobilityways at the start of this year. For further information about Mobilityways, please contact: Jack Goddard, Senior Marketing Executive at Mobilityways. Email: Jack.Goddard@mobilityways.com Contact Details Agility PR Miles Clayton +44 7799 063398 miles@agilitypr.co.uk

June 20, 2023 08:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS / ENEOS OIL HONDA S2000RS HEADED TO 2023 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

ENEOS USA

Always excited to test its products at the highest level, ENEOS Motor Oil will again join brand ambassadors Dai Yoshihara and Evasive Motorsports at the annual Race To The Clouds. The legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) takes the team to the 14,115ft summit, tackling 156 challenging turns over the 12.42-mile course. Previous attempts saw the team claim the 2020 Unlimited Class win with its 900hp ENEOS Racing / Evasive Motorsports Toyota 86. It then set the fastest time for an EV in 2022 with the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak. Constantly seeking new challenges, the team is returning to Colorado this year with the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS. It’s the racing sibling of the team’s recently announced Honda S2000R resto-mod and is based on a 2004 S2000. It was selected because the company has extensive experience racing and tuning the sports car, becoming very familiar with its attributes and strengths. As part of the team's development program, the S2000RS was campaigned in Time Attack races during the 2022 season, where it showed impressive potential. Among its key attributes are nimble handling, thanks to the combination of a lightweight chassis, premium suspension components and high-speed downforce. The Honda also has a healthy power to weight ratio, thanks to its heavily modified Honda F20 four-cylinder motor developing 650hp in a vehicle weighing 2400 lb. POWER To catapult the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS up Pikes Peak, the F20 engine capacity has been increased from 2.0 to 2.4 liters with a 12.5:1 high-compression Toda Racing bore and stroke kit utilizing 87.5mm pistons, I-beam chrome moly fully floating connecting rods, and a 99mm dynamically balanced crankshaft. To help the enlarged engine breathe at altitude, it has a big-valve Toda cylinder head with sports camshafts, Bosch throttle body and RZCrew billet intake manifold ingesting pressurized air from the HKS GT6290 ball-bearing turbocharger. Just like all its previous Pikes Peak attempts, Evasive Motorsports is again using ENEOS Racing 0W-50 synthetic lubricants, which provide superior performance at higher temperatures while protecting critical engine components. And although the previous Tesla Model 3 racer didn’t require engine oil, the car did help to develop the new line of advanced ENEOS EV Fluids that contributed to lower friction and superior cooling. With the engine developing 650hp, the team wanted to evolve the two-seat sports car’s handling by widening the track and improving the aerodynamic downforce. These goals were achieved with a Voltex Circuit Version 3 aero body kit from Japan, which was supplemented by a high-downforce front splitter and rear wing. A carbon fiber Mugen hardtop was also installed to smooth the airflow over the cockpit. In addition to the aero properties, the body modifications improved engine cooling and allowed the team to widen the Honda’s footprint, squeezing 280/650 R18 Yokohama A005 racing slicks under the wider fenders on 18x11” Titan 7 T-P5 forged racing wheels. The team also spent months dialing-in the handling with KW suspension, StopTech brakes and a new Bosch ABS system. A major addition for 2023 is the OS Giken OS-7 sequential transmission with Hollinger pneumatic shifter kit. It provides paddle shifts, allowing Dai to keep his hands on the wheel in the 156 turns. An IP 8.8 differential kit with OS Giken limited-slip internals helps to maximize cornering traction. “We’re extremely optimistic about our chances this year,” said Mike Chang, CEO at Evasive Motorsports. “With years of experience working on the S2000 chassis and the intensive development we put into both our S2000R project and now the S2000RS for Pikes Peak, we’ve set our sights on the Open Class. We’d love to be the first Japanese tuner car to finish under 10min because it’s never been done before. Of course, there are so many things that can go wrong under the pressure of competition, but we feel the 2023 race presents another opportunity to bring home the silverware!” DAI YOSHIHARA Best known for his highly successful Formula DRIFT career, during which he claimed the 2011 PRO Championship title, the Japanese driver is remarkably adaptable behind the wheel. Currently participating in the TC America racing series in a Honda Civic Type R, Dai also has extensive experience in Time Attack, GT racing, driver training and more. The 101st running of the PPIHC will mark Dai’s fifth Race To The Clouds. His first was in 2019 at the wheel of the ENEOS Racing / Evasive Motorsports Toyota 86. A differential problem ended his aspirations, but he returned to claim the Unlimited Class win the following year. In 2021, the team switched to the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak. The electric power delivery and handling balance demanded a new driving style, and while electrical gremlins scuppered his 2021 ambitions, the team’s efforts were rewarded last year with the fastest climb set by an EV, helped by a wet track. “We’ve had mixed fortunes at Pikes Peak but I feel we have a real chance for a good result this year,” Dai told us. “We’re competing against a lot of fast cars in the Open Class with a 2004 Honda four-cylinder, but I feel really comfortable in the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS. It’s faster than our previous cars and the handling is excellent. The stock S2000 is one of the best handling Japanese sports cars and Evasive has enhanced it with top components, so we’re hoping for a sub-10min time this year – ideally close to 9:50. However, you never know what the weather will do, so it's always a lottery. We’re taking Yokohama slicks and rain tires to ensure we’re prepared, as long as it doesn’t snow!” The 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on June 25. The Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS will also participate in the Pikes Peak Fan Fest, which takes place in downtown Colorado Springs on June 23 from 5-9PM. The team will be meeting fans and handing out swag. SPECIFICATIONS EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS / ENEOS OIL HONDA S2000RS Engine: F20 four-cylinder, bored and stroked to 2.4-liters with 12.5:1 high-compression Toda Racing bore and stroke kit utilizing 87.5mm pistons, I-beam chrome moly, fully floating connecting rods and bearings, 99mm dynamically balanced crankshaft, big-valve Toda cylinder head with uprated springs, Beryllium seats and Toda camshafts, HKS GT6290 ball-bearing turbocharger, MoTeC M150 engine management, Origin Fab exhaust manifold, EVS Tuning side-exit exhaust, Bosch throttle body, RZCrew billet intake manifold, ENEOS Racing 0W-50 high-performance synthetic motor oil Transmission: OS Giken OS-7 sequential unit, Hollinger pneumatic shifter kit, IP 8.8 differential kit with OS Giken limited-slip diff internals Chassis: KW three-way dampers, Wisefab spherical arms, subframe reinforcement, AST air jack system Brakes: StopTech six-piston front calipers and 14” rotors, four-piston rear calipers and 12.9” rotors, CSG brake pads, Bosch Motorsports ABS Wheels & Tires: 18x11” Titan 7 T-P5 forged racing wheels, 280/650 R18 Yokohama A005 racing slicks Exterior: Voltex Circuit Version 3 aero body kit with high-downforce front splitter and rear wing, Mugen carbon fiber hardtop Interior: MoTeC C127 dashboard display and Power Distribution Module, Bride seats, Sparco harnesses EDITOR’S NOTE High-resolution images of the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS are available here for editorial use: dropbox.com/sh/3cr2984oqdud16k/AADrgq2qfqpxaTe21dfmIF0-a?dl=0 ABOUT EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS Established in 2002 and based in Southern California, Evasive Motorsports has been dedicated to the best quality performance parts at very competitive prices. With years of experience in the aftermarket automotive industry, our staff is knowledgeable about the products we sell. We also aim to provide the best customer service possible. Evasive focuses on vehicle balance, not solely on horsepower, as reflected by the wide variety of brands and specific areas of functionality offered on the website. Evasive Motorsports also offers race preparation, wheel alignment, corner balancing, suspension installation and tuning, and general maintenance. The company has track-tested an extensive range of parts, so don’t hesitate to call if you’re looking for recommendations. For more information visit evasivemotorsports.com ABOUT ENEOS MOTOR OIL Established in 1888 and headquartered in Tokyo, ENEOS is Japan’s largest oil company, with manufacturing and sales facilities throughout the world. With a unique position in its home market, ENEOS has worked with Asia’s automakers and leading race teams for decades, creating advanced lubricants with their vehicle engineers to provide optimum fuel economy with maximum power and long-term protection. ENEOS also recently announced a new line of products for future electric vehicle applications, helping to ensure the newest EV technology is operating as efficiently as possible. For more information, please visit eneos.us Contact Details The ID Agency Greg Emmerson greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.eneos.us

June 20, 2023 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kaya Founders raises US$12 million in first close to support Philippine founders from start-up to scale-up

Kaya Founders

Kaya Founders, a Philippines-based venture capital firm, is today announcing the first close at US$12 million in funding across two new funds to back the next generation of tech-enabled, industry-shaping start-ups across Southeast Asia. The funding round was anchored by the Gokongwei family with participation from institutional investors, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and prominent entrepreneurs. This brings the total committed capital managed by the firm to $16.5 million. Kaya Founders will be particularly focused on nurturing start-ups in its home country, the Philippines, which has been at the centre of attention for startup investing in the wider region. With a growing internet economy, a young and increasingly affluent population, a talented English-speaking population, the Philippines represents a significant opportunity. Amidst the global slowdown in VC investment activity, Southeast Asia has remained a relatively bright spot. The Philippines, in particular, is shaping up to be one of the region’s rising stars, as an emerging middle class, increasing digitization driven by growing internet penetration and smartphone usage, and new consumer and business behaviours spurred by the pandemic sustain opportunities for value creation. Funding closed by Philippine start-ups exceeded a record US$1 billion for two years in a row between 2021 and 2022, in stark contrast to the drop in funding faced by markets such as the US and Europe last year. Furthermore, in terms of dry powder, at least US$4 billion in capital has been closed by local and regional funds over the past two years. This creates an ideal environment for Kaya as an early-stage investor, providing existing and future portfolio companies with ample opportunities to raise follow-on funding. Founded in 2021 by veteran entrepreneurs and angel investors Paulo Campos (former CEO, ZALORA Philippines), Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng (President, Summit Media; Senior Vice President, JG Summit), and Constantin Robertz (CEO, Locad; former CEO, Entrego ), Kaya Founders has established itself as the leading early-stage investor in the Philippines. To date, it has 31 companies in its portfolio, spanning eCommerce, digital health, fintech, B2B SaaS, agritech, proptech, and more. Some of its most notable portfolio companies include eCommerce enabler, Etaily, salary-on-demand start-up, Advance, and MSME point of sale (POS) app, Peddlr. Managing General Partner Paulo Campos commented: “The burgeoning tech scene in the Philippines is reminiscent of previous growth narratives seen in markets such as India in the 2000s and Indonesia over the past decade. The surge in these countries’ technology sectors were propelled by a confluence of factors, including favourable demographics and supportive government policies, but arguably no other factor played a more pivotal role than the critical mass of tech talent. The same is proving to be true for the Philippines, as new breeds of founders begin to emerge. These founder profiles range from homegrown talent such as corporate executives and second generation tech talent from tech giants such as Grab, Lazada and ZALORA looking to strike it out on their own; as well as adopted Filipinos and Filipino returnees educated or trained abroad looking to make the Philippines their stronghold or make a difference in their motherland, respectively.” Over the past two years, Kaya has primarily made its mark operating in the pre-seed stage, which it will continue to do through the upcoming Zero to One Fund. As its name suggests, this pre-seed vehicle will focus on accelerating ventures as early as Day 0, partnering with founders even before they go to market. Grounded in the belief that there remain a multitude of other problems to be solved even as start-ups abound, and the mission to convince more talented individuals to throw their hats into the entrepreneurial ring, the pre-seed fund will follow a two-pronged investment approach: making high conviction bets in existing teams in search of its first institutional backer as well as generating a pipeline of high quality business ideas and scouting strong founder profiles to partner with to bring them to life. The One to Ten Fund, meanwhile, will invest in more mature opportunities ranging from Seed to Series A that show strong signs of product-market fit and a path to profitability. In addition to scouring for the best deals across the region, the larger fund will also back the top-performing companies from the Kaya Zero to One Fund—what is anticipated to be a robust source of dealflow —equipping them with the firepower to scale to new heights. Kaya Founders anticipates their investments to range from $150k to $500k. While both will remain sector-agnostic, new investment themes, in addition to the aforementioned focus sectors, include D2C eCommerce, B2B marketplaces, future of work, climate tech, and generative AI. “The Zero to One and One to Ten funds are the culmination of what each of us have individually been doing for years as some of the most active angel investors in the Philippines, and collectively over the course of the past year through our first joint investment vehicle. The early moment um we have seen with our first fund is what has given us confidence to take our partnership to the next level,” said Paulo Campos. Indeed, Campos, Gokongwei and Robertz are among the most prolific angels in the country, having been some of the earliest backers in now formidable start-ups like the Good Glamm Group, Kumu, Dali, and Edamama. Central to taking the partnership to the next level is further bolstering the leadership team. The first close announcement coincides with the appointment of Ray Alimurung, former CEO of Lazada Philippines and another notable entrepreneur-turned-angel investor, as General Partner of the Zero to One Fund. After a successful local fundraising campaign, the Kaya team will embark on a global roadshow starting this month. The firm seeks to tap foreign pools of LP capital searching for more enticing investment opportunities in emerging markets. About Kaya Founders Kaya Founders is on a mission to invest in the next generation of companies driving digital transformation in commerce and critical services in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Formed through a partnership between leading entrepreneurs and angel investors Paulo Campos III, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Constantin Robertz, and Ray Alimurung, Kaya Founders is the output of their shared vision for a better Philippines and Southeast Asia—one that harnesses the power of technology to solve the most pressing problems of our time, fosters Filipino ingenuity and talent, and promotes entrepreneurship to spur economic prosperity. Kaya partners with founders from the earliest days, often writing their very first cheque and equipping them with the guidance and support they need to refine their ideas and get them off the ground. It sees its mission as threefold. As investors, Kaya is defining a new category of pre-seed, backing aspiring founders when they have little more than a vision and potential, while supporting them through the scale up phase through follow-on investments. By making the entrepreneurial journey less daunting and boosting the odds for success through the financial and operational support that Kaya offers, it hopes to establish entrepreneurship as a viable career path for the most talented individuals driven to make an impact. Lastly, for later-stage downstream investors, Kaya is an engine for dealflow, supplying them with companies ripe for investment. For further information, please visit: https://kayafounders.com/ Contact Details Kaya Founders Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.kayafounders.com/

June 14, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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