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Sonic Tools USA Introduces Pathway Program to Improve Automotive Technician Recruiting and Retention

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Program features tools and toolset upgrades for automotive repair and service organizations to provide to workers for career growth and development

AUBURN, Ala., Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sonic Tools USA today introduced its Sonic Pathway Program, an affordable method for automotive dealerships and repair and service centers to supply tools directly to its technicians with specialty pricing. From the moment a candidate is hired through to becoming a master technician, the tool costs are covered by the employer, and toolsets are upgraded as the technician rises in rank.

With the Sonic Pathway Program, the employer covers the tool costs for automotive technicians

The Pathway Program starts with a 255-piece basic toolset and S12 XD Toolbox, available for $4,500. As the technician’s skill level grows, the employer can upgrade the set to the more comprehensive intermediate 456-piece toolset, for $1,750, then, the advanced 672-piece toolset for an additional $3,250, to better match the needs and skill level of the technician. The program ensures that technicians don’t initially overbuy tools at the start of their respective careers they won’t need yet, while also empowering them to affordably upgrade at the right time. It also removes one of the largest barriers to entry, the investment in a toolset, for new automotive trade school technician graduates.

“The standard way the automotive service and repair industry recruits and retains qualified automotive technicians is no longer sufficient to keep pace with demand,” said Colby McConnell, president, Sonic Tools USA. “In response, Sonic Tools created the Sonic Pathway Program to reimagine how automotive repair shops and dealers recruit and retain technicians. It starts with managers providing tools to workers that are appropriate for their respective skill levels, versus workers accruing additional debt by purchasing a toolset on their own—a major hurdle to bringing in the talent this industry desperately needs.”

A Win-Win for Business Owners and Technicians 
Sonic Tools can be purchased online and shipped within days, versus waiting for a truck each week, or longer, to provide the tools they need. The direct purchasing model also overcomes lost and non-billable time stemming from tool truck browsing and shopping. Furthermore, when shops purchase tools directly for technicians versus a signing bonus, technicians can exhibit more loyalty while the business itself enjoys additional tax advantages through capital equipment purchases.

“Many shops and dealerships have responded to the technician shortage by providing signing bonuses upon hiring, but this method falls short in building loyalty and truly supporting the technician workforce through their respective careers,” said McConnell. “Instead of a signing bonus, employers can provide a long-term career development support system via Sonic’s Pathway Program, enabling them to reduce turnover and ultimately run faster and more efficient service bays.” 

Built to last a lifetime, Sonic Tools feature a lifetime, hassle-free warranty program. The online warranty process takes only two minutes to complete and new tools are shipped out typically within 48 hours.

For more information about the Sonic Pathway Program, visit https://sonictoolsusa.com/sonic-pathway-program/.

About Sonic Tools
Sonic Tools takes pride in being the industry experts in high-quality hand tools, toolboxes, and premium storage solutions. Sonic is a trusted partner for professionals who demand the best. The company offers a wide range of innovative and durable tools designed for demanding tasks, ensuring precision and efficiency in every project. Sonic Tools is committed to continuous improvement and exceeding customer expectations through superior quality and unbeatable customer experience.

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SOURCE Sonic Tools

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Strategic LiDAR Customer Initiates Production Orders with Sivers Semiconductors

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Shipments will begin in Q4 2026 against rolling production orders as the automotive and industrial sensing programs move into production phase in 2027

KISTA, Sweden, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO: SIVE), a global leader in photonics and wireless technologies, today announced that its strategic LiDAR customer has initiated production orders for its automotive and industrial sensing customers.

Sivers will supply the continuous-wave distributed feedback (CW DFB) lasers and optical amplifiers powering the customer’s LiDAR platforms, positioning the company to support growing demand as production scales.

“We are pleased to see this strategic program advance from design-win to production, with our customer placing first production orders,” said Alex McCann, Managing Director of Sivers Semiconductors’ photonics business. “This key milestone reflects confidence in our technology, our production facility and its reliability to meet the customer’s requirements for volume production. As the program scales, we expect rolling production orders placed to lead times, in line with our customer’s multi-year production forecasts.”

As announced in March 2026, the program represents a significant long-term opportunity, with estimated cumulative revenue potential of USD 53 million to USD 138 million over the customer’s product lifecycle. The opportunity comes amid strong growth in automotive LiDAR, with Yole Group projecting the global market to expand from USD 861 million in 2024 to USD 3.8 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 28 percent. Beyond automotive applications, LiDAR is gaining traction in industrial markets, including robotics and autonomous machinery.

For more information, please visit https://www.sivers-semiconductors.com/. 

About Sivers Semiconductors

We are Critical Enablers of a Greener Data Economy with Energy Efficient Photonics & Wireless Solutions. Our differentiated high-precision laser and RF beamformer technologies help our customers in key markets such as AI Data Centers, SATCOM, Defense, and Telecom solve essential performance challenges while enabling a much greener footprint. Visit us at: www.sivers-semiconductors.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected orders, the timing and scale of the customer’s production ramp, deliveries, market development and revenue potential. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the customer’s production plans, end-market demand and Sivers’ manufacturing capacity, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Sivers undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Media Contact
Tyler Weiland 
Shelton Group
+1-972-571-7834
tweiland@sheltongroup.com

Company Contact
Heine Thorsgaard
CFO 
ir@sivers-semiconductors.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sivers-semiconductors/r/strategic-lidar-customer-initiates-production-orders-with-sivers-semiconductors,c4411825

 

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SOURCE Sivers Semiconductors

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Segway Powersports Returns to EICMA for Fifth Year with Model Year 2027 Lineup and New Off-Road Innovations

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MILAN, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Powersports is heading back to EICMA for fifth appearance, with new off-road innovations that reflect its “Fear No Place” philosophy. On November 3, the brand will unveil its Model Year 2027 (MY2027) lineup at a product launch in Milan. From upgraded ATVs to the debut of its new flagship two-row UTV and next-generation of iFUN system connected technology, the preview promises exciting developments in design, performance and the riding experience.

Segway Powersports will occupy approximately 880 square meters at EICMA 2026, setting the stage for its upcoming product launch:

Location: Hall 14, Booth I06Launch Date & Time: November 3 at 3:30 p.m. (Milan local time)

For Segway Powersports, off-road riding has always been about more than reaching a destination. It’s about taking on unfamiliar terrain with confidence and discovering new possibilities along the way. As Segway’s professional-grade, high-performance powersports line for global markets, the brand is built around the qualities riders depend on when conditions get tough: strong performance, reliable durability and confident handling.

Expertise, the pursuit of excellence and a spirit of exploration are at the heart of Segway Powersports. Together, these values shape the brand’s “Fear No Place” philosophy and its drive to push riding capabilities further. EICMA offers another opportunity to bring that philosophy into sharper focus and strengthen the brand’s identity in the global powersports market.

Beyond performance, Segway Powersports is forging a distinct visual identity anchored by Rider Red——its signature color-paired with the dedicated Segway Powersports logo. Consistently applied across vehicle designs and brand materials, the color creates a bold, instantly recognizable brand presence.

At this year’s EICMA, the MY2027 lineup will take center stage. Fresh designs, stronger performance and a more engaging riding experience are the key upgrades to look forward to.  Meanwhile, the new flagship two-row UTV will make its Milan debut with an all-weather cabin comfort concept.

Smart connectivity will be another highlight. The next-generation connect system iFUN will make interactions between riders and their vehicles smarter and more intuitive.

With the upcoming launch, Segway Powersports aims to offer a more complete off-road lineup for a wider range of terrains and riding needs. From trail adventures and outings with companions to practical tasks, the expanded range gives riders more ways to make the most of every journey.

The Segway Powersports booth will also feature a special highlight: a race-prepared vehicle that claimed second place in the SSV class at the 2026 European Bajas Championship. Visitors can get a closer look at the race vehicle and a taste of competitive off-road racing.

Media, dealers, partners and consumers are invited to follow the Segway Powersports product launch on November 3 at 3:30 p.m. (Milan local time) in Hall 14, Booth I06 and discover what’s next for Segway Powersports.

About Segway Powersports

Segway Powersports is Segway’s professional-grade, high-performance powersports line for global markets. Guided by expertise, the pursuit of excellence and a spirit of exploration, the brand develops off-road vehicles that combine powerful performance, strong torque, reliable durability and responsive handling. Built for diverse and demanding terrain, its vehicles give riders the confidence to take on new challenges, reflecting the brand’s “Fear No Place” philosophy.

Contact: media@powersports.segway.com 

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ShaMaran Announces Investment in Iraq and Contemplated Bond Issuance

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HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd. (“ShaMaran” or the “Company”) (Euronext Growth Oslo: SNM) (Nasdaq First North Stockholm: SNM) announces the expansion of the Company’s strategic collaboration with HKN Energy (“HKN”) into Federal Iraq. Building on their joint ventures across the Atrush and Sarsang oil fields in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, HKN and ShaMaran are extending their cooperation into Federal Iraq through the Hamrin oil development and production contract (“DPC”). PDF Version 

As part of this expansion, ShaMaran will have a 25% shareholding in HKN Hamrin Ltd. (the “Hamrin JV”), the joint venture company holding 100% of the Hamrin DPC. HKN, as the operator of the field, will leverage its operational expertise and established relationship with ShaMaran to advance a major long-term development program.

The Hamrin field is a large discovered and producing oil field previously operated by North Oil Company, an Iraqi state-owned oil company. HKN and ShaMaran will further develop the field with the aim of increasing production above the current 20 Mbopd to maximize recovery over the 25-year term of the DPC. The operator’s and management’s current estimate of remaining gross reserves and resources is in the range of 500 million to one billion barrels. The initial phase of development will target lifting field production to approximately 60 Mbopd by 2028. Further phases of development could target more than doubling those initial production levels, with currently estimated capex for later phases in the range of $2-3 per incremental barrel.

Garrett Soden, Chief Executive Officer of ShaMaran, commented, “The Hamrin investment is a natural extension of our cooperation with HKN, the operator of our two existing assets in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Hamrin field in Federal Iraq is complementary to our existing Kurdistan production and reserves profile, and we expect material synergies from having the same team operate all three assets. Together with HKN, we are committed to increasing Hamrin production to create significant value for Iraq and our shareholders.”

The Hamrin JV farm-in consideration comprises a $35 million carry by ShaMaran of HKN’s share of initial costs in the Hamrin co-venture, with a further $15 million payable out of future cash flow once ShaMaran has recovered its initial investment and carry in full.

Financing – Contemplated Bond Issuance

Elvis Pellumbi, Chief Financial Officer of ShaMaran, commented, “On the back of the attractive Hamrin investment, we are looking to raise a new bond to better reflect the improved credit profile of our expanded asset portfolio, fund Hamrin growth capex and reduce interest costs. We see increased near-term cash flow from our existing assets due to the tri-party export agreement coupled with an enhanced long-term outlook from the addition of future Hamrin cash flows.”

ShaMaran has mandated Pareto Securities AS to be sole bookrunner and manager for a contemplated bond of up to $200 million in order to refinance its existing 2029 bond (ISIN NO0011057622) that has approximately $144 million currently outstanding. The proceeds from the new bond will be used to fund ShaMaran’s share of the Hamrin investment and for general corporate purposes. The Company will host fixed income investor meetings, and a bond issuance may follow subject to market conditions and acceptable terms. It is the Company’s intention to exercise the applicable call option in the existing bond upon successful issuance of the contemplated new bond.

ShaMaran to combine with Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. (“Gulf Keystone”)

ShaMaran and Gulf Keystone today announced that they have signed a merger agreement and a combination agreement to combine their businesses and create a platform for growth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Federal Iraq (the “Transaction”). A copy of the press release can be found at www.shamaranpetroleum.com.

About ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd.

ShaMaran is an independent oil and gas company with non-operated stakes in three fields in Iraq. The Company indirectly holds a 50% working interest in the Atrush Block and an 18% working interest in the Sarsang Block, both in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Company will also hold a 25% interest in the Hamrin JV, which holds the Hamrin DPC in Federal Iraq. The Company is listed in Oslo on Euronext Growth and in Stockholm on Nasdaq First North (ticker “SNM”). ShaMaran is part of the Lundin Group of Companies.

Elvis Pellumbi, CFO, +41 22 560 8600, info@shamaranpetroleum.com, www.shamaranpetroleum.com

This information is information that ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd. is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact person set out above, at 8:00 CET on October 20, 2026.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The Company’s certified advisor on Nasdaq First North Growth Market is FNCA Sweden AB.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “will”, “expected”, “planned” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of certain future events. Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements.

 

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