SEMA 2026: CARKU showcases LiFePO4 and sodium-ion jump starters as it strengthens North American aftermarket partnerships. November 5, 2026 LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - As a returning exhibitor at SEMA 2026, CARKU introduces its latest multi-function jump starters and 12V/24V heavy-duty jump starters at SEMA 2026 (Nov. 3-6, Booth South Upper #36064). CARKU LiFePO4 and sodium-ion jump starters at SEMA 2026 Backed by two automated manufacturing bases in China and Indonesia, CARKU provides OEM/ODM jump starter solutions supported by LiFePO4 and sodium-ion battery technologies, proprietary safety systems, and integrated battery pack development. As the 2026 SEMA Show brings together innovators across the truck, off-road, and automotive aftermarket sectors, CARKU is highlighting how its jump starter solutions meet diverse vehicle needs, from roadside assistance to extreme-weather performance. JS-588: An Upgraded Solution for Roadside Use Inheriting the award-winning pedigree of the SEMA Global Media Award-winning JS-506, the CARKU JS-588 advances multi-function emergency rescue through substantial power and hardware upgrades: * All-in-One Jump Starter: Combines jump starting, high-pressure tire inflation, real-time digital pressure monitoring, and multi-mode LED lighting into a flagship solution. * 3000A Peak Current: Upgraded from 1800A to a massive 3000A peak current, effortlessly jumping large-displacement gas (up to 8.0L) and heavy diesel engines (up to 6.0L) even with completely dead batteries. * Portable Power for Road Trips & Outdoor Adventures: The JS-588 combines a 74Wh battery with 45W USB-C PD output to charge electronics. Its upgraded USB-C1 input (up to 9V/2A), compact 1.4kg design, integrated carry lanyard, and digital displays make it a versatile power solution for on-the-go use and emergencies. JS-617N: Sodium-Ion Power for Extreme-Cold Heavy-Duty Starting * Built for Truck & Off-Road Applications: Designed for diesel pickups, commercial trucks, and fleet operations, the JS-617N delivers 12V/24V starting support for demanding vehicle applications. * On Display at SEMA 2026: CARKU's 12V/24V sodium-ion jump starter, engineered for temperatures as low as -40°F, attracts interest from local distributors. At SEMA 2026, CARKU features the JS-588 and JS-617N in the SEMA New Products Showcase. Both models are ready for mass production, supported by CARKU's growing online and offline sales channels. Building on partnerships with global brands including Shell, Costco, Michelin, and Bosch, CARKU is meeting with North American distributors and industry partners to develop new aftermarket business opportunities in 2027. About CARKU CARKU provides OEM/ODM solutions spanning jump starters, starting batteries, and power stations - backed by 852 global patents and compliant with international standards including CE, FCC, RoHS, and UL. For more information, visit the global website (https://www.car-ku.com/) and follow CARKU on Facebook. CARKU team showcases automotive jump starters and discusses OEM/ODM opportunities with visitors at SEMA Show 2026

Michelin Tyre Company South Africa Bursary Programme 2027: funding for university students. 0 4 minutes read Michelin Tyre Company South Africa, in partnership with Africa Transformation Services, is inviting applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme. Funding is available for eligible South African students studying Engineering, Marketing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance and Sales. Michelin Tyre Company South Africa Bursary Programme 2027. Michelin Tyre Company South Africa, in partnership with Africa Transformation Services (ATS), is inviting applications from academically eligible young people for its 2027 Bursary Programme. The initiative aims to support students pursuing tertiary education while promoting youth participation in key professional and business fields. The bursary programme is designed to help eligible students access financial assistance for their studies and develop the skills needed to contribute to the country's workforce. Through this initiative, Michelin and ATS seek to attract and develop young talent in areas that are important to business, industry and economic transformation. The programme focuses on students studying towards qualifications in Engineering, Marketing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance and Sales. Fields of study. The 2027 bursary programme is open to students pursuing studies in the following fields: * Engineering * Marketing * Supply Chain Management * Human Resources * Finance * Sales These fields offer opportunities for students to develop professional skills in technical, commercial and corporate disciplines. Applicants should ensure that their current qualifications fall within one of the listed areas before submitting an application. What does the Michelin bursary cover? Successful applicants may receive financial assistance towards several costs associated with tertiary education. According to the bursary advertisement, the programme covers: * Tuition fees: Financial support towards university tuition costs. * Registration fees: Assistance with the cost of registering for an academic year. * Textbooks: Support for the purchase of prescribed academic books and learning materials. This assistance is intended to reduce some of the financial pressures associated with tertiary studies and help students focus on their academic progress. Minimum requirements. To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the bursary advertisement. Candidates must: * Be South African citizens. * Belong to the designated groups identified in the programme advertisement. * Be currently enrolled in tertiary studies. * Have successfully passed all courses or subjects for the current academic year. * Have achieved an overall academic mark above 70% for the current academic year. The academic performance requirement is particularly important. Applicants must demonstrate consistent academic progress and meet the stated achievement threshold to be considered. Students who have not passed all their courses or who have achieved a mark of 70% or below may not meet the advertised academic requirement. Required application documents. Applicants must prepare the required supporting documents before submitting their applications. The advertisement specifies the following: * Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current CV accompanied by a one-page motivation letter explaining why the applicant should be considered for the bursary. * Certified identity document: A certified copy of the applicant's South African identity document. * Latest academic record: A certified copy of the applicant's most recent academic record showing academic performance. Candidates should ensure that their documents are clear, complete and up to date. The academic record should provide evidence that the applicant has passed all courses or subjects for the current academic year and achieved the required average. How to apply for the Michelin Bursary Programme 2027. Interested and qualifying students can apply by submitting their application documents to Africa Transformation Services. Applications should be emailed to: Applicants must attach their CV, one-page motivation letter, certified copy of their identity document and certified latest academic record. Before sending the application, candidates should check that all required documents have been included and that their academic results demonstrate compliance with the programme's requirements. The advertisement does not specify an application closing date. Interested students are encouraged to contact the bursary administrator or submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity. Why apply for the Michelin bursary? The Michelin Tyre Company South Africa Bursary Programme offers eligible students an opportunity to receive financial support while continuing their tertiary education. By covering tuition, registration fees and textbooks, the initiative can help reduce some of the costs associated with obtaining a qualification. The programme also supports the development of young talent in fields such as Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Supply Chain and Sales. These disciplines are relevant to a wide range of professional and business environments. For students who meet the academic and citizenship requirements, the bursary represents an opportunity to secure financial assistance for the 2027 academic year. Final thoughts. The Michelin Tyre Company South Africa Bursary Programme 2027, offered in partnership with Africa Transformation Services, is aimed at academically performing South African tertiary students from designated groups. Eligible students studying Engineering, Marketing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance or Sales are encouraged to prepare the required documents and submit their applications to [email protected]. Applicants should ensure that they meet the minimum academic requirement of passing all courses for the current academic year with an overall mark above 70% before applying. Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly. Follow its channels and never miss an update.

Discover the latest MICHELIN Guide: new restaurant selections from Czechia - will Prague see more stars? November 2, 2026 4 minutes read Czechia: A Destination for World-Class Gastronomy The recommendations found in the MICHELIN Guide reflect the hard work of talented restaurants and chefs who continually elevate the culinary scene in Czechia. The first nationwide selection highlighted the country's diverse dining options, demonstrating that high-quality cuisine is present throughout the region. "The past year has proven that the nationwide MICHELIN Guide has significant influence well beyond our borders. It has allowed Czechia to make a noteworthy entry onto the global culinary stage, solidifying its reputation among places known for world-class gastronomy. We are capitalizing on this potential by promoting Czech cuisine and its restaurants through various campaigns. Our teams in international offices are dedicated to raising visibility for them. We invite foreign journalists and influencers for familiarization trips, illustrating that exceptional dining extends beyond just Prague. In fact, high-quality regional restaurants draw affluent travelers, eager to discover good food and explore hidden gems they might not have visited otherwise," shares Tereza Hofmanová, Director of the Czech Tourist Authority - CzechTourism. She adds: "The impact of this culinary tourism extends beyond restaurants. Guests come for dinner, often stay overnight, and engage with local attractions and businesses. Gastronomy thus plays a vital role in boosting tourism across the region. The MICHELIN Guide exemplifies the effective collaboration between the Czech Tourist Authority, its partners, and ongoing tourism support. Without these concerted efforts, we wouldn't have such a comprehensive nationwide guide. Its benefits are already becoming apparent, which motivates us to continue our efforts and pursue further projects that attract visitors, assist restaurants, and benefit entire regions." At the European level, a major partner in this project is the METRO AG group, which collaborates with the MICHELIN Guide in several countries. In Czechia, this partnership is represented by makro ČR, which has been an advocate for the advancement of local gastronomy, including initiatives for young talent such as MakroGEN and the České pole project, aimed at reintroducing Czech local produce into the culinary world. "Czech gastronomy today demonstrates that it can compete with Europe's finest. This success is not the result of one night or one award; it's due to the relentless efforts of restaurateurs, chefs, and their teams every day. The MICHELIN Guide shines a light on the best, while imparting a crucial message to the entire industry: it's worthwhile to focus on quality ingredients, genuine craftsmanship, a distinct style, and the courage to create something exceptional. These are exactly the types of entrepreneurs we aim to support at makro, whether they're awarded by Michelin or are simply dedicated to fostering a culture of high-quality gastronomy in their community," emphasizes CEO of makro ČR Jiří Nehasil. The release of the updated selection will culminate in the MICHELIN Guide (MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Plaques Presentation Event), scheduled for December 14, 2026, at Pragovka in Prague. The Culinary Allure of Tourism Travelers worldwide seek out fantastic cuisine, and Czechia is no exception. The country boasts a varied culinary landscape that merges traditional Czech flavors with influences from neighboring nations and global trends. Restaurants inspire guests to explore new cities and regions, which leads to overnight stays and additional spending on accommodations, transportation, cultural experiences, sightseeing, and local goods. Collaborative promotion aids businesses outside Prague in reaching potential guests from far-off markets that would be challenging to engage independently. The CzechTourism agency conducted surveys of restaurants regarding the impact of the inaugural nationwide selection, evaluating results immediately after the publication and again around six months later. The findings represent approximately half of the surveyed establishments, indicating positive effects on foot traffic, reservations, and guest interest. Most establishments noted a foot traffic increase of 10 to 15 percent, with some experiencing over 30 percent. Representatives of the La Villa Restaurant in Zlín noted that previously, guests were mostly from within a 40-kilometer radius. Now, people travel from as far away as 300 kilometers, including visitors from Slovakia, some of whom even secure local accommodations for their stay. The U Matěje restaurant in Prague experienced a significant shift in its customer demographics post-Bib Gourmand award, with foreign visitors now representing about one-fifth of its clientele, a notable increase from before. Likewise, the Strakonice restaurant Sůl a Řepa reported a 30 percent increase in revenue and heightened interest from guests from Austria, Germany, and other regions of Czechia. During the period from December 11 to 31, 2025, 152 media stories emerged, reaching more than 15.3 million people. Within less than three weeks, this first nationwide selection greatly heightened awareness of Czechia and its culinary offerings. Collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide The three-year partnership between Czechia and the MICHELIN Guide kicked off in 2025. Through this collaboration, inspectors compile an annual digital edition highlighting the top domestic restaurants, and the MICHELIN Guide manages and refreshes the Czech section of the website https://guide.michelin.com/cz/en. The partnership also encompasses the creation of articles, paid social media campaigns, and apromotional video showcasing Czech gastronomy. The total value of this three-year collaboration amounts to 1,361,250 euros. CzechTourism is spearheading the implementation of this initiative, having negotiated the partnership with the MICHELIN Guide, and is responsible for promoting the guide within Czechia and abroad. This collaboration has positioned Czechia alongside esteemed culinary destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and Slovenia, where the MICHELIN Guide promotes culinary tourism. The MICHELIN Guide: A Benchmark for Quality, Passion, and Integrity Anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants based on stringent international standards. They award MICHELIN stars - one, two, or three - along with the prestigious Bib Gourmand award to establishments offering top-notch food at reasonable prices. Each year, the MICHELIN Guide updates its recommended dining options, helping diners discover quality cuisine across the nation. The First Czech MICHELIN Guide At a Glance Last year, 79 restaurants were highlighted in the first-ever nationwide edition of the MICHELIN Guide Czechia. Among them, more than thirty received awards, including: Two MICHELIN Stars - 1 restaurant One MICHELIN Star - 8 restaurants Bib Gourmand - 18 restaurants MICHELIN Green Star - 4 restaurants This selection included establishments from across the country, emphasizing the rising quality of Czech gastronomy even outside of the capital. November 2, 2026 4 minutes read