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XPENG Accelerates Global Supply Chain Localization with Independent Teams in Europe and ASEAN in 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XPENG is taking a decisive step in its global expansion by establishing dedicated, localized supply chain teams in Europe and ASEAN in 2026. This move deepens the company’s “In Local, For Local” strategy, building on its existing overseas production, R&D, service, and data infrastructure to form a complete operational closed-loop in key international markets.

Following the launch of localized production projects in Europe and Southeast Asia in 2025, the new independent supply chain teams will be tasked with securing and managing regional supplier resources, enhancing operational efficiency, and dramatically improving supply chain responsiveness. The ultimate goal is to establish a deeply rooted local presence that enables local production for global supply, strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of XPENG’s global industrial ecosystem.

Strategic Continuity: Closing the “Localization Loop”

The formation of localized supply chain teams marks the latest step in XPENG’s systematic overseas strategy. The company has already laid a comprehensive foundation with three overseas production projects, a European R&D center, a Middle East parts warehouse, and plans for local data centers. This new initiative completes the “localization loop,” integrating production, R&D, service, data, and now, supply chain management.

The strategy is delivering strong results. In 2025, XPENG’s overseas deliveries soared to 45,008 units, a remarkable 96% year-on-year increase. The brand is now present in 60 countries and regions worldwide.

“We are confident that in the next ten years, half of XPENG’s sales will come from global markets,” said Mr. He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG.

Driving Efficiency, Cutting Costs, and Enhancing Experience

The localized supply chain structure is designed to create tangible benefits:

  • Cost Reduction: By fostering local procurement and supporting production hubs in locations like Malaysia for ASEAN and Austria for Europe, XPENG will significantly lower logistics and transportation costs.
  • Efficiency & Experience: Leveraging experience from its Middle East parts hub, the teams will optimize regional logistics networks. This will shorten delivery times and accelerate after-sales service, directly enhancing customer satisfaction and supporting further global growth.

Strategic Evolution: Global Layout, AI Empowerment, and Advanced Manufacturing

This supply chain expansion is part of a broader strategic upgrade focused on globalization, intelligence, and high-end manufacturing.

Beyond physical localization, XPENG is driving intelligent transformation by deploying AI across the supply chain. Pilot applications in team management and quality monitoring are underway, and the company is sharing low-cost AI inspection solutions and operational expertise with partners, fostering a stronger, collaborative ecosystem.

Furthermore, XPENG is leveraging its mature automotive supply chain to explore new frontiers in advanced manufacturing, including robotics and flying cars. An impressive 80% of partners from XPENG’s automotive supply chain are being utilized in these new ventures. This technology reuse and industrial extension chart a new path for upgrading the automotive supply chain into high-end manufacturing, promising more technologically advanced products for consumers globally.

About XPENG

XPENG is committed to leading the transformation of future mobility through technological exploration, positioning itself as “Explorer of Future Mobility”. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, the company operates R&D centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, and Yangzhou, and has established intelligent manufacturing bases in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou.

XPENG pursues a global strategy for research, development, and sales, with an R&D center in the United States and subsidiaries across multiple European countries. The company adheres to full-stack in-house development of intelligent driver-assistance software and the development of core hardware, delivering an exceptional intelligent driving and riding experience for users.

On August 27, 2020, XPENG officially listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: XPEV), raising funds in an IPO that set a record at the time for the global new energy vehicle industry. On July 7, 2021, the company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 9868), becoming the first Chinese new-energy automaker to achieve dual primary listings in both Hong Kong and New York.

For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

Contacts:

For Media Enquiries: Sarah Cheng, XPENG PR Department

Email: chengc5@xiaopeng.com

ER-VIPE Simulation Game Builds Medical Students’ Soft Skillsfor Real-World Emergency Care

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Advertorial Desk
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BANGKOK, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University‘s Faculty of Medicine has developed ER-VIPE, a virtual emergency-room simulation platform designed to strengthen teamwork, communication, and critical-thinking skills among future healthcare professionals. Supported by the university’s Second Century Fund (C2F) since 2020, the program enables students from five disciplines—medicine, nursing, pharmacy, radiologic technology, and medical technology—to train together through high-pressure emergency scenarios that mirror real clinical challenges.

ER-VIPE Simulation Game Builds Medical Students’ Soft Skills for Real-World Emergency Care
ER-VIPE Simulation Game Builds Medical Students’ Soft Skills for Real-World Emergency Care

ER-VIPE is integrated into the Interprofessional Collaboration for Patient Safety course held at the Chulalongkorn Healthcare Advanced Multi-Profession Simulation Center. Players assume different professional roles through avatars and work as a team to triage and treat diverse cases under strict time limits. Although game-based, the training emphasizes serious skill-building: leadership, clear communication, mutual support, and situational awareness, based on TeamSTEPPS—an internationally recognized framework for improving patient-safety outcomes.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Khuansiri Narajeenron, the creator of ER-VIPE, stresses that strong clinical skills alone are not enough. “If we don’t communicate or see the bigger picture, medical errors will occur,” she said, noting that collaborative thinking remains a global challenge in healthcare. Research from the program shows improved teamwork, reduced stress, better communication, and increased resilience among students who train with ER-VIPE.

The platform was developed through interdisciplinary collaboration, including Architecture, Engineering, and Communication Arts, to accurately map emergency-room workflows. ER-VIPE currently features three patented scenes: a COVID-era respiratory-failure case, cardiac ischemia requiring resuscitation, and a crowded ER scenario emphasizing patient flow, prioritization, and cross-disciplinary coordination. National-level gamers, pre-clinical students, and even administrators have been able to use the system after a brief orientation.

The training has expanded beyond undergraduates to include first-year medical residents, graduate students, and multidisciplinary hospital staff. The program has demonstrated significant benefits, including shifts from “silo thinking” to system-based thinking and measurable reductions in treatment errors. Interest has also grown among rural-doctor training programs, highlighting ER-VIPE’s potential to support nationwide healthcare development.

A fourth scene—focused on accidents in older adults, including ethical considerations and AI-based soft-skill assessment—is now underway with support from the Chulalongkorn Innovation Fund. Expected to be completed this year, it will be the world’s first simulation of its kind.

Ultimately, ER-VIPE aims to cultivate healthcare teams who communicate better, think together, and deliver safer, more effective care.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/276022/

Media Contact:
Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th 

Huawei Releases Top 10 Trends of Smart PV & ESS 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei Digital Power held the Top 10 Trends of Smart PV & ESS Launch 2026, themed “All-Scenario Grid-Forming, Unleashing AI, and Forging Excellence: Advance Renewables as Main Energy Sources.” Eric Zhong, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Smart PV & ESS Product Line, Huawei Digital Power, unveiled the trends along with the accompanying white paper, providing insights and practical paths for accelerating PV, wind, and energy storage systems (ESS) as main energy sources of renewable power systems while promoting high-quality industry development.

Huawei released the Top 10 Trends of Smart PV & ESS
Huawei released the Top 10 Trends of Smart PV & ESS

Zhong noted that the industry is now entering a phase of deeper value creation, shifting from single-point innovations to integrated advances. Drawing on its expertise in PV and energy storage, Huawei released the top 10 trends.

Trend 1: PV+wind+ESS Synergy Will Enable Renewables to Become Predictable, Controllable, Stable Power Sources

Future utility-scale PV+wind+ESS plants must have five core characteristics: two pillars (stable and controllable power generation and costs) and three elements (independent operation with 100% renewables, full-link intelligent collaboration, and high safety and quality throughout the lifecycle).

Trend 2: Grid-forming ESS Will Become a Key Support for Ensuring Power Grid Stability and Balance

Grid-forming ESSs are becoming ubiquitous. They smooth out fluctuations in renewable power generation, enhance power supply stability, participate in energy markets, and provide ancillary services such as frequency regulation and peak shaving.

Trend 3: Generation-grid-load-storage Synergy Will Drive Regional Autonomy and Global Coordination of Power Supply

The AI-powered intelligent dispatch technology makes possible the in-depth collaboration and efficient coordination among power generation, grid, load, and ESS.

Trend 4: In the Residential PV+ESS Scenario, Transition AI-enabled to AI-native, Delivering the Optimal Energy Experience

In residential PV+ESS scenarios, products are evolving from AI-enabled to AI-native. AI is fully embedded in the design, experience, and O&M phases, moving beyond a basic strategy of maximum self-consumption to a proactive strategy of optimal energy experience.

Trend 5: High Frequency and Density Will Drive an Increase in PV+ESS Device Power Density

The power density of PV inverters and PCSs is expected to increase by more than 40% in the next few years. This will greatly improve the quality and efficiency of PV+ESS systems.

Trend 6: High Voltage and Reliability Will Drive LCOE Reduction

Better voltage resilience in key components and insulation materials is accelerating the shift toward high-voltage architectures. Meanwhile, safety measures are moving from reactive response to proactive prevention.

Trend 7: Battery ≠ ESS, System-level Battery Management Is Essential to Safe and Stable Operation

Digital technologies are used to accurately and reliably manage batteries from cells to systems. This is essential for higher discharge capacity, enhanced safety, longer service life, and simplified O&M of ESSs, which has become a basic requirement for a high-quality ESS.

Trend 8: A Mature Grid-forming Technology System Will Accelerate the Construction of a Renewable Energy System

The grid-forming ESS is evolving from a “passive follower” to an “active architect” of the power grid. Grid-forming technologies move beyond single-function roles toward systematic, deeply integrated applications.

Trend 9: AI Agents Will Enable Renewable Power Plant Automation

AI agents will be integrated into renewable energy plants at an ever-increasing pace. Cloud-edge-device synergy will help achieve power plant automation.

Trend 10: Safety Quantification Will Drive Safety Capability Improvement Across the Energy Storage Industry

ESS safety is shifting from sample-based checks to comprehensive, system-level assessments across the entire lifecycle. By defining measurable safety indicators and continuously enhancing capabilities to meet rated requirements, the industry can finally resolve long-standing issues.

Thai Authorities Seize 169 Kilograms of Ivory Smuggled Across Mekong from Laos

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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2 suspects were arrested by Thai authorities when they were smuggling160 kilograms of ivory. (Picture by Matichon Online)

Thai authorities have intercepted and seized more than 160 kilograms of ivory smuggled across the Mekong River from the Lao side, arresting two suspects in Bueng Kan Province.

According to local media reports from Bueng Kan Province, the seizure took place on the evening of 11 January in Ban Kou Mak Phang, Tha Dok Kham subdistrict, Bueng Khong Long district.

Military officers said they received intelligence around 7:00 pm that a group was attempting to smuggle goods across the border to evade customs controls. Security forces, including police and local administrators, were deployed to monitor the riverbank.

During the operation, officers spotted a long-tail boat crossing from the Lao side of the Mekong and docking near a pre-arranged meeting point, where around 10 people were waiting to receive the cargo. When authorities moved in to inspect the boat, it quickly fled back toward Laos, while individuals on the Thai riverbank scattered.

Officers detained two suspects, aged 21 and 18, both local residents. A subsequent search of the area uncovered nine abandoned blue plastic bags containing 55 ivory tusks weighing a combined 169 kilograms.

During questioning, the suspects told authorities they had been hired to carry the bags from the boat to shore for 200 baht (around USD 5.70) per bag, claiming they believed the contents were bamboo.

Thai officials have charged the suspects with possession of protected wildlife products without a permit, illegal import or export of animal remains without inspection, and smuggling prohibited goods. Both men have been handed over to investigators, while authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the cross-border trafficking operation.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over wildlife trafficking along the Mekong River, a known route for illegal cross-border trade.

HTX Launches SunPump Ecosystem Trading Competition Round 2, Offering a 10,000 USDT Prize Pool

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Advertorial Desk
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PANAMA CITY, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading global crypto exchange, has officially launched Round 2 of the SunPump Ecosystem Trading Competition. This event invites users to engage in both spot and futures trading for a chance to share a 10,000 USDT prize pool. The competition is designed to boost activity across key SunPump ecosystem tokens while providing traders with additional incentives and diversified market opportunities.

Round 2 runs from 10:00 (UTC) on January 5 to 10:00 (UTC) on January 18, 2026. During the period, users can participate by visiting the official event pages and trading designated SunPump ecosystem tokens in either the spot or futures markets. Eligible participants will be ranked based on their trading volume and rewarded accordingly.

Two Trading Tracks Covering Spot and Futures Markets

Spot Trading Competition

Event Page: https://www.htx.com/en-us/assetactivity/web/tradinggame?activityId=571

Reward Pool: 5,000 USDT

Eligible Tokens: TRX, SUN, BTT, JST, STEEM, WIN, NFT, SUNDOG, and SUNCAT.

To further incentivize participation, margin trading volumes for the designated tokens will be calculated at three times their actual volume when determining leaderboard rankings, increasing users’ chances of earning rewards.

Futures Trading Competition

Event Page: https://www.htx.com/en-us/mars/web/activity-center?callId=176760066398921

Eligible Contracts: USDT-margined perpetual contracts for TRX, SUN, BTT, JST, STEEM, WIN, and SUNDOG.

Participants can earn rewards through two categories:

  • First-time futures traders on HTX who complete an eligible trade can receive instant rewards in $HTX tokens out of an 1,000 USDT prize pool.
  • Active traders with sufficient cumulative trading volume will compete on the leaderboard to share a 5,000 USDT futures prize pool, with top-ranked users receiving higher allocations.

Strengthening the Link Between HTX and the SunPump Ecosystem

The launch of SunPump Ecosystem Trading Competition underscores HTX’s continued commitment to supporting high-potential blockchain ecosystems and expanding diversified trading scenarios for users. By integrating spot and futures markets around SunPump-related assets, HTX aims to enhance liquidity, encourage broader ecosystem participation, and provide users with more dynamic ways to engage with emerging on-chain narratives.

Looking ahead, HTX will continue to deepen its collaboration with the SunPump ecosystem and introduce more interactive trading events, reinforcing its role as a global Web3 gateway that connects users with innovative projects and meaningful market opportunities.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

 

Swiss-Belhotel International Strengthens Africa Portfolio with the Launch of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani, Nairobi

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Advertorial Desk
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NAIROBI, KENYA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2026 – Swiss-Belhotel International, has signed a management agreement for The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani, Nairobi, with Albushra Real Estate Limited, marking the global debut of its newest brand concept and underscoring the group’s strategic expansion across Africa. The latest signing builds on the group’s established presence in East Africa, where Swiss-Belhotel International operates multiple properties.

Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International and Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited
Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International and Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited

Scheduled to open within the next 12 months, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, is strategically located in Kilimani, one of Nairobi’s most dynamic and sought-after districts. It features 155 well-appointed guest rooms, complemented by an extensive range of lifestyle and business facilities, including two food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, a rooftop swimming pool, a dedicated ladies’ sauna, and expansive ballroom and meeting facilities.

Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited, said: “The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel represents a bold and future-focused development for Nairobi. Our vision was to create a modern hospitality and lifestyle destination that reflects the energy of the city while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s traveller. Partnering with Swiss-Belhotel International, with its global expertise and strong operational standards, ensures that this project will set a new benchmark in the market.”

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “The launch of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel marks a significant milestone for our group as we introduce a new brand to our global portfolio. Africa continues to be a key focus market for Swiss-Belhotel International, and Nairobi, in particular, offers tremendous potential. This signing reflects our confidence in the city’s long-term growth and our commitment to delivering brands that are relevant, contemporary, and market-driven.”

Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, SVP – Operations & Development, EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel has been carefully conceptualised to resonate with the next generation of travellers – those seeking authenticity, smart design, and social connectivity without compromising on comfort or service quality. This signing not only strengthens our footprint in Kenya but also underscores our broader expansion strategy across Africa and emerging markets.”

Hashtag: #swissbelhotel #swissbelhotelinternational #thegamabyswiss-belhotel #hotelkenya #hotelnairobi #kenya #nairobi




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

NX Group Establishes NX East Asia as Regional Headquarters Company to Pursue Global Growth Originating from East Asia

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Advertorial Desk
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TOKYO, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. has established a new regional headquarters company — Nippon Express East Asia Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “NX East Asia”) — effective January 1, 2026, with the aim of expanding business and strengthening governance in the East Asian region.

Logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqm0cxpYamnvMUra1AGXMuGlX932Z353/view?usp=drive_link 

Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kOMWAKD59GqGjoultcS9TssfhLGTYm4f/view?usp=drive_link 

East Asia is an important region at the core of global supply chains, where market expansion and industrial clustering are advancing. As the regional headquarters for East Asia, NX East Asia will coordinate the NX Group companies in the region in accordance with the management policy for the East Asia region. The NX Group companies will drive their growth strategies and accelerate sustainable growth, starting from East Asia and extending across APAC and around the globe.

Objectives in establishing the new regional headquarters company

1. Improving integrated regional management

The Group will accelerate optimal allocation of management resources and organizational restructuring to build momentum behind its growth strategy for the East Asia region and to achieve growth in the Asia-Pacific region and globally from East Asia.

2. Reinforcing the governance framework in support of the regional growth strategy

The Group will bolster the regional management structure through collaboration between the regional headquarters company and individual operating companies while ensuring appropriate delegations of authority to speed up managerial decision-making and improving execution oversight of the decisions made.

3. Enhancing management systems

The Group will boost business expansion by overhauling its management systems — including those for managing progress and portfolios — and by introducing KPIs and mechanisms that encourage customer-centric regional optimization.

Operating with a global five-pole structure featuring regional headquarters in Japan, the Americas, Europe, East Asia, and South Asia/Oceania, the NX Group will strengthen governance through these regional headquarters and pursue agile management responsive to market changes with the aim of attaining further growth as a global logistics company.

Profile of the new regional headquarters company

Company name: Nippon Express East Asia Co., Ltd.

Location: Shanghai, China

About the NX Group: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbvBL6C8THZNrR5LREgGeafNkEdaAmV-/view?usp=drive_link 

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/ 

NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ 

Rhenus Group awarded EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing in the top 1% globally

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Rhenus has earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, ranking in the top 1% worldwide for sustainability.
  • The award highlights the Rhenus Group’s excellence in Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
  • Platinum status reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to ESG principles, transparent reporting, and sustainable supply chains.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2026 – Rhenus, a leading global logistics solutions provider, has been awarded the EcoVadis, the prestigious EcoVadis Platinum Medal in the latest assessment by EcoVadis, the globally recognized and independent provider of sustainability ratings. This places Rhenus among the top 1% of all companies evaluated worldwide in the past 12 months. The rating reflects outstanding performance across the categories of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement – underscoring our commitment to responsible logistics and continuous improvement.

Achieving Platinum status marks a significant milestone for Rhenus and reflects the progress the company is making toward stronger sustainability performance in the logistics sector. This distinction demonstrates how far we’ve progressed in embedding ESG principles into our operations and governance.

The upgrade from previous medal levels to Platinum (a score of 91 out of 100) was driven by comprehensive improvements across all four EcoVadis themes for Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics (Compliance & Information Security), and Sustainable Procurement. These advances were especially enabled by the development of Rhenus Group’s first Sustainability Report, which consolidated group-wide policies, evidence, and performance reporting in line with GRI standards.

“Platinum is a signal to our customers and partners that we’re going further,” said Dr. Joana Baetz, Board Member for HR, Sustainability & Compliance. “Our vision is to be a key enabler in our customers’ decarbonization strategies. That means pairing rigorous governance and transparent reporting with practical solutions that work in real operations – across our entire Group portfolio and diverse global market environments. We will keep raising the bar by aligning with leading sustainability standards and validating our progress through trusted organizations like EcoVadis.”

Building on momentum: Why Platinum matters to customers and partners

As supply chains face increasing ESG scrutiny and regulatory requirements, EcoVadis ratings have become a widely adopted standard for supplier due diligence, risk management, and Scope 3 engagement. The Platinum Medal strengthens the Rhenus Group’s credibility as a strategic logistics partner by providing customers with independent validation of our sustainability management system.

This recognition marks an inflection point for Rhenus. The company will continue investing in decarbonization, responsible procurement, data quality, and transparent reporting; partnering with suppliers to deliver measurable sustainability impact across complex, multi-modal supply chains.

Hashtag: #Rhenus

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is a global sustainability intelligence platform used by over 150,000 companies across 185+ countries and 250+ industries to assess ESG performance. Its ratings methodology is based on international CSR standards such as ISO 26000, the Global Reporting Initiative and the United Nations Global Compact. Medal eligibility is based on percentile ranks at publication and minimum theme thresholds.

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