Highly Integrated Cooling Entity combines key refrigerant thermal management functions into a compact moduleSupports next-generation EV thermal management through enhanced energy efficiency and optimized Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performanceMarks ninth Automotive News PACE Award finalist recognition for Hanon Systems, demonstrating the company’s global technology leadership in automotive thermal management innovation

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hanon Systems, a leading global automotive thermal management solutions provider and a member of Hankook & Company Group, has been selected as a 2026 Automotive News PACE Award finalist.

The Highly Integrated Cooling Entity is a thermal management solution that integrates key refrigerant system components, including an electric compressor, electronic expansion valve, combined water-cooled condenser and internal heat exchanger, and chiller into a single, compact, high-performance module. By replacing conventional refrigerant system architectures, it significantly reduces system complexity, enhances vehicle assembly efficiency and optimizes space.

Compact and lightweight at 16kg, the module delivers rapid and precise control of refrigerant flow and temperature, ensuring optimal thermal management performance under demanding conditions such as fast charging and high-performance driving. The result is improved EV energy efficiency and extended driving range, while a dedicated sound cover further enhances NVH performance. The technology has already been commercialized, with its first production vehicle application in the BMW iX3.

This latest recognition marks Hanon Systems’ ninth selection as an Automotive News PACE Award finalist, demonstrating the company’s global technology leadership in automotive thermal management innovation. Hanon Systems received its first PACE Award in 2007 for its wavy blade fan and serrated shroud technology, followed by a second award in 2013 for its metal seal fitting technology. The company was also recognized as a finalist in 2016 for its UV-LED Photocatalyst technology and received its third PACE Award in 2025 for the next generation of this technology, the VR-LED Photocatalyst for air disinfection.

Soo Il Lee, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hanon Systems, stated, “The Highly Integrated Cooling Entity supports next-generation EV thermal management, reflecting our expertise in system integration and innovation.” He added, “Being recognized once again as an Automotive News PACE Awards finalist is a testament to Hanon Systems’ commitment to innovation. We will continue to advance next-generation solutions and set new global standards in thermal management.”

Entering its 31st year, the Automotive News PACE Awards recognize and honor the automotive industry’s most innovative technologies that combine engineering excellence with successful commercialization. This year, 32 innovations were selected as finalists. Following a detailed evaluation by a panel of expert judges, the final winners will be announced at the PACE Award ceremony in Detroit, Michigan this November.

About Hanon Systems

Hanon Systems, founded in 1986, is a global leader in thermal management solutions. In January 2025, it became a subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group. Its offering includes a wide range of solutions in the areas of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, powertrain cooling, compressor, fluid transport, and electronics and fluid pressure. The company currently operates 50 manufacturing sites and three regional innovation centers and employs more than 20,000 people across 21 countries. To learn more, visit hanonsystems.com.

Follow Hanon Systems:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanonsystems
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6bSZ7NMg7LPhXDyTOMwebQ/feed

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SOURCE Hanon Systems

New-generation Samsung Galaxy Z series foldable smartphones and AI-powered smartwatches are helping Australians balance portability, productivity and wellness.

SYDNEY, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Australia says demand is growing for devices that combine portability with premium performance, as Australians increasingly seek technology that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles. First announced at Unpacked in London on 22 July, 2026, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8 smartphones and Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 [1] smartwatches have been designed to empower Australians to live life their way, delivering a balance of productivity, entertainment, convenience and wellness.

With only two days left of the pre-order period remaining, the latest Galaxy Z series is on track to achieve its most successful pre-order result to date, driven by an overwhelmingly positive response to the brand new Galaxy Z Fold8.  Australians can continue to pre-order the new Galaxy devices until 11:59PM AEST Thursday, 13 August, giving consumers the opportunity to secure technology designed to adapt to their individual lifestyles before general availability.

Amongst those who said they would buy a Foldable from Samsung, 65% said they would do so because they felt Samsung is a trusted brand [2]. After pioneering the foldable smartphones category almost a decade ago and leading the foldables category through eight generations of innovation, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z series represents its most complete foldable lineup yet, giving Australians a choice of devices tailored to different lifestyles and priorities.

According to Samsung research, 84% of Australians say size, portability and the ability to fit inside a pocket, purse or wallet are among the most important factors when choosing a smartphone[3]. As Australian consumers increasingly look for devices that are easier to carry without compromising capability, foldable phones are reshaping expectations around smartphone design.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a first-of-its-kind passport-sized form factor to the Australian market, designed to transform the way users consume content. With smartphone entertainment and content consumption continuing to grow, the unique design enables a seamless transition between portrait and landscape experiences, creating a more immersive way to stream, browse, game and connect.

For Australians seeking flagship-level performance, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings together advanced hardware and Galaxy AI[4] in a foldable design optimised for productivity, highlighting how the next generation of foldable smartphones can help users work, create and multitask more efficiently. Featuring a long-lasting battery[5], ultra-fast charging as well as a 200 megapixel main camera[6], the same resolution as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra released earlier this year, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has been designed to support increasingly mobile work and personal lifestyles.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung’s thinnest and lightest Flip device yet at just 180g[7] and 6.1 mm (unfolded), delivers convenience and flexibility for Australians prioritising pocketability without sacrificing performance when choosing their next smartphone.

Nathan Rigger, Head of Product, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “We know smartphone users aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we’ve built our best and most complete foldable lineup to date. The Galaxy Z series brings together breakthrough design, powerful performance and personalised AI experiences, empowering Australians to find the foldable that best meets their needs.”

“The Galaxy Z Fold8 represents a new chapter for foldables, and it is the first of its kind in Australia. With more Australians claiming size and portability as an important smartphone purchase driver, we are excited to introduce a new foldable standard, a device that reimagines smartphone design and redefines content consumption.”

Beyond smartphones, Australians are increasingly turning to wearable technology and smartwatch health tracking to help manage their health and wellbeing. With 85% of Australians regularly or occasionally participating in some type of exercise[8], the company has expanded its wearable portfolio with two distinct smartwatch experiences.

Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “As Australians become more focused on proactive health management, demand is growing for smartwatches that deliver meaningful health insights, not just data. Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 combine AI-powered health tracking, fitness monitoring and personalised wellness guidance to help Australians better understand their body and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing.”

“From everyday wellness to extreme adventures, we’ve designed our latest Galaxy Watches to meet Australians wherever they are on their health journey, while delivering the comfort, performance and reliability they expect from a premium smartwatch.”

The Galaxy Watch9 is designed as an everyday wellness companion, combining enhanced comfort, powerful performance, and AI-powered health insights to help Australians better understand their daily wellbeing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Samsung’s most powerful smartwatch yet, has been built for adventurers and performance-focused users, offering specialised sports tracking, Samsung’s brightest display[9] and largest battery[10] in a Galaxy Watch.

Powered by Samsung Health[11] and Galaxy AI[12], both devices provide proactive health monitoring and personalised insights, helping Australians take a more holistic approach to wellness. Together, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offer Australians a choice between an everyday wellness companion and a performance-focused fitness smartwatch designed for more demanding adventures.

Findings are based on research conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia from 7-11 July 2026 among a nationally representative sample of 1,017 Australians. Additional findings are based on research conducted by Kantar Singapore on behalf of Samsung Electronics with 326 Australians between 15 and 19 July 2026.

For more information, visit www.samsung.com/au/smartphones/ and www.samsung.com/au/watches/ or join the conversation at @samsungau using #FoldOrFlip.

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About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

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SOURCE Samsung Electronics Australia

Anchanto’s global study surveyed 408 qualified commerce decision-makers from brands and retailers generating more than USD 100 million annually across North America, Europe, MEA, and APAC.The Omnichannel Execution Gap reflects the divide between perceived performance and operational reality, with disconnected systems, limited visibility, and manual coordination preventing consistent execution across channels, inventory, fulfillment, and delivery.While 86% are satisfied with their omnichannel performance, only 12% describe their operations as optimized, 6% have end-to-end visibility, and 55% still report high levels of manual effort.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Anchanto today released The State of Omnichannel Commerce 2026/2027, a new global study conducted with Demand Metric examining how enterprise brands and retailers are managing the growing complexity of modern commerce.

The study identifies a clear divide between how organizations perceive their omnichannel performance and their ability to execute consistently across channels, systems, inventory, fulfillment, and markets.

The report calls this the Omnichannel Execution Gap.

Disconnected systems, fragmented workflows, limited visibility, and continued reliance on manual coordination remain barriers to consistent execution.

“Brands and retailers have made significant progress in expanding across channels, marketplaces, and fulfillment models. But expansion alone does not create omnichannel maturity,” said Vaibhav Dabhade, Founder and CEO of Anchanto. “The next competitive advantage will come from connected execution: bringing systems, inventory, workflows, fulfillment networks, and local market requirements together into one coordinated commerce operating model.”

AI leads the agenda, but connected operations remain the foundation

AI and data capabilities lead the commerce transformation agenda, selected by 53% of respondents, ahead of cost reduction and efficiency at 46%. The most valuable use cases are focused on practical commerce decisions, including promotion and pricing effectiveness, marketplace performance visibility, and inventory and fulfillment prediction.

However, AI’s value depends on the quality and connectivity of the operating foundation beneath it. Disconnected systems, fragmented data, and manual workflows limit organizations’ ability to apply AI consistently across the commerce operation.

“The research shows that omnichannel maturity cannot be measured by channel presence or confidence alone,” said John Follett, Co-Founder & Head of Research at Demand Metric. “Many organizations have built extensive commerce ecosystems, but the systems, workflows, and data behind them are not yet fully coordinated. Closing that gap will require leaders to evaluate operational reality more closely and build the connected foundation needed to support automation, AI, and continued growth.”

The report concludes that the next phase of commerce will not be defined by the number of channels an organization operates, but by how effectively it coordinates them. Organizations able to connect channels, systems, inventory, fulfillment, data, and local requirements will be better positioned to improve efficiency, protect margins, and scale customer experiences.

Download The State of Omnichannel Commerce: https://anchanto.com/state-of-omnichannel-commerce-2026/

About Anchanto

Anchanto is a global SaaS company providing Brands, Retailers, and Logistics Service Providers with enterprise-grade omnichannel commerce and supply chain technology. Headquartered in Singapore, Anchanto operates across 12 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, with integrations to more than 200 marketplaces, webstores, carriers, and enterprise systems. 

About Demand Metric

Demand Metric is a global research and advisory firm that helps organizations empower their people with the expertise, insights, and resources they need to unlock customer value and achieve sustainable growth. Through strategic partnerships with the AMA, ANA, and AIPMM, Demand Metric’s resources have become the industry standard for business professionals.

Media Contact:

Charles Py
Chief Marketing Officer – Anchanto
marketing@anchanto.com 

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SOURCE Anchanto