A BOFFIN who helped design breathalysers has himself been banned for drink-driving.

Dr Richard Lacey, 70, mounted a roundabout in his car after drinking wine and beer with lunch.

Times Newspapers Ltd

Dr Richard Lacey (pictured in 1989) helped design breathalysers[/caption]

Lacey, who is now retired from his company Tilekiln Tech Consultants Ltd, failed a roadside breath test.

And he told the court: “I’m retired.

“I designed breathalysers and used to work with the police.

“I had a couple of glasses of wine with lunch and a few pints of beer.”

The court heard Lacey’s breath was measured at 41 ­micrograms — exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

He pleaded guilty to a single charge of drink driving.

Lacey, who represented himself, said: “I’ve really got nothing to say.

“I misjudged how much I’d drunk.”

Breathalysers were developed in the 1970s — and Lacey became the latest caught after police were called to the collision on the A479 near Talgarth, Powys.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told Llandrindod Wells magistrates the driver was described as “wobbly” when police arrived at the scene.

Mr Maddocks said Lacey had no previous convictions.

Lacey, of Kington, Herefordshire, was disqualified from driving for 13 months — but can reduce this ban by 13 weeks by completing a drink-drive awareness course.

He was also fined £600 and told to pay a £240 surcharge and £85 costs.

PA:Press Association

Breathalysers were developed in the 1970s[/caption]

A HEN caught playing chicken with traffic on busy country roads has been given a custom hi-vis jacket.

Rescue bird Billie Jean likes to wander near her home at The Railway Inn.

SWNS

Rescue bird Billie Jean likes to wander near her pub home[/caption]

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Locals decided to give the chicken a hi-vis jacket[/caption]

But landlady Sharron Brimble said their adventurous egg-layer, who is well-known with regulars, has started to “wander a little bit further afield than the pub garden”.

The bird has been seen living on a wing and a prayer dodging traffic.

So Sharron has now decided to give her a bright jacket to wear outside the pub in Cam, Gloucestershire, so drivers can avoid her.

The mini hi-vis jacket even has room for Billie Jean’s wings and a reflective strip so she can be seen on her adventures.

Sharron said: “We’ve had a few comments online on Facebook saying that they were worried about Billie Jean crossing the road.

“So we decided to get her a hi-vis jacket.

“She’s a real character and likes to be on her own — she doesn’t like to be around any other chickens.”

Sharron added: “Billie Jean likes to be fed, particularly cheese crackers when she sometimes comes inside the pub. We hope that this high-vis keeps her safe.”

Pub-goers have shared their delight at the chicken getting a hi-vis.

One local said: “Billie Jean regularly enacted the age-old joke ‘Why did the chicken cross the road’. She’s our chicken superstar.”

Another posted: “Well done to all the staff and regulars of The Railway Inn for taking in Billie Jean — and for fitting her out in her very smart new hi-vis vest to keep her safe.”

One joked: “I  like the red hard hat as well.”

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Billie Jean lives at The Railway pub in Gloucestershire[/caption]

SWNS

The popular hen can now be seen by drivers as she wanders the pub grounds[/caption]

CHRISTMAS has come early for fans of Katy Perry after she surprised everyone with a deluxe version of her album 143 – with four new songs.

That’s on top of tomorrow’s ITV concert spectacular Katy Perry: Night Of A Lifetime, from which these pictures are taken.

Matt Crossick

Katy Perry surprised fans with a deluxe version of her album 143 – with four new songs[/caption]

Matt Crossick

Katy sings hits such as California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Dark Horse and Firework on the ITV concert spectacular[/caption]

Matt Crossick

The newly extended version of her album is called 1432 and features tracks I Woke Up, Has A Heart, No Tears For New Year’s and OK[/caption]

She wore a corset and angel wings as one of three outfits in the special, where she sings hits such as California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Dark Horse and Firework.

Katy also shares her love for Percy Pigs and Colin the Caterpillar sweets, so I expect she will be getting a nice delivery of treats from M&S when she is back in the UK for her tour next year.

The newly extended version of her album is called 1432 and features tracks I Woke Up, Has A Heart, No Tears For New Year’s and OK.

The last of those is her new single and it sounds like it was written about tough times with her fiancé Orlando Bloom.

She sings: “Are we gonna make it? Are we gonna fake it? Don’t always wanna face it, so we just get wasted.

“Let’s make a toast to everything we’ve been through, cos I don’t always like you, but I’m always going to love you.”

LIL WAYNE BIG BUCKS BOTHER

CHRIS BROWN, Lil Wayne and Marshmello have been slammed after it was revealed they allegedly misused American taxpayer Covid grants to fund their luxury lifestyles.

They were paid millions from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which was championed by President Donald Trump to help struggling independent venues and artists when the industry shut down in 2020.

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Lil Wayne has also been slammed for allegedly using the grants to fund a luxury lifestyle[/caption]

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DJ Marshmello was given $9.9million and pocketed the lot, at a time when millions of people were struggling to make ends meet[/caption]

Lil Wayne sold the masters for his label Young Money for $100million, he received a $8.9million grant which was spent on hotels and travel to nightclubs.

The shock report from Business Insider also found Chris was given an $10million grant, with $5.1million of that going directly to him and $80,000 of it funding his 33rd birthday party, where he had nude women in body paint and a state-of-the-art dancefloor.

DJ Marshmello was given $9.9million and pocketed the lot, at a time when millions of people were struggling to make ends meet.

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COLDPLAY singer Chris Martin thinks that the group “deserve” to get a certain amount of mocking, despite all their success.

He told Rolling Stone mag: “We’re four white, middle-class men from England. We deserve to take some s**t for what our people have done. As you become the biggest band in the world, you also be- come the least popular band in the world.”

On ignoring their critics, he added: “We are consciously trying to fly the flag for love being an approach to all things.”

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DUA LIPA’s 2025 tour has been named O2 Priority’s best-selling of the year.

The telecoms company revealed it has this year sold 1.54million tickets through its Priority Tickets platform, which allows users to snap up tickets before they go on sale to the wider public.

Ahead of stadium shows in the UK next year, Dua topped the list, followed by Peter Kay for his arena comedy tour and Lana Del Ray for her summer 2025 stadium performances.

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ROBERT WARY OF DOORSTEP FANS

THE CURE’s Robert Smith feels threatened by some fans, saying he can sympathise with Chappell Roan after she asked people not to approach her in public.

On the Sidetracked podcast with Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw, he said: “You want people to feel like they think they’re engaging with you.

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Robert Smith feels threatened by some fans, saying he can sympathise with Chappell Roan after she asked people not to approach her in public[/caption]

“But it is a modern-world phenomenon that there is a sense of entitlement that didn’t used to be there amongst fans when we started out.

“We obviously have experienced quite a lot of obsessive fan behaviour down the years and it can feel quite threatening, honestly.

“If you have people sleeping outside your front door or the like, it can get very weird.

“But when it comes to your front door and people are there and they feel like the cosmos has fated them to you, you’re dealing with people who perhaps aren’t quite, you know, right.”

CHRISTMAS NO1 SHOCKER WHAM! versus, er, SIR STARMER & THE GRANNY HARMERS

THERE is a last-minute entry battling Wham!’s classic Last Christmas for the festive No1 spot – from a band called Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers.

Freezing This Christmas is a parody tune putting the boot into PM Keir Starmer for cutting winter fuel payments, meaning thousands of OAPs in are facing a horrendous few months.

One of our lovely readers, Mike, got in touch to tell me the song had topped the download charts and when I checked last night it was still at No1.

It has now leapt to second favourite with bookies William Hill, with odds of it going to No1 slashed from 20/1 to 12/1 in 24 hours.

The tune was created by writer Chris Middleton, who tweaked the words of MUD’s Lonely This Christmas to make the track.

While the lyrics are brilliant, and give Sir Keir and his OAP-robbing cronies a good kicking, the best part is that money raised is all going to Age UK.

Give it a listen and if you’ve got a spare few quid, please join me in donating at justgiving.com/page/freezing-this-christmas.

Thanks to kind and clever people like Chris, Starmer’s frankly shameful decision to axe these payments will not be forgotten by any of us.

I just hope No10’s boiler breaks in time for the big day.

POLICE are investigating claims a BBC licence fee enforcement officer knocked down a disabled woman with his car before fleeing the scene.

Amanda White, 50, who stopped paying the £169.50 charge in October, says she was left lying injured in the road.

CHRIS NEILL

A BBC licence fee enforcement officer reportedly knocked down disabled Amanda White with his car before fleeing the scene[/caption]

Alamy

Amanda stopped paying her £169.50 BBC charge in October[/caption]

She claimed the enforcement officer turned up at her home with a letter threatening court action if she watched or streamed TV.

Amanda, who uses a mobility scooter and suffers from arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said: “He was very aggressive.

“I refused to accept the letter but he chucked it through my door as I was closing it.

“He then wouldn’t take it back, so I tossed it outside. He had the cheek to push it through my letterbox, so as he got in his car I walked up to his window to give it back to him.

“I had my hand on his vehicle and he just accelerated, pulling me to the ground. He paused for a second up the road, clearly saw I was injured on the floor, and drove off. It’s disgusting.”

Amanda, who lives alone in Chorley, Lancs, says she is still in “agony and shock” after the incident last Friday.

She added: “I’ve hardly slept or eaten. I landed really hard on the road and injured my wrist. I’m still in a lot of pain and can’t stop trembling.”

It comes amid declining numbers of licence fee payers, with growing criticism of BBC tactics.

Last week the BBC apologised for letters threatening to knock on non-payers’ doors on Christmas Day.

Amanda went on: “I can’t afford to keep paying it and I no longer want to watch the BBC, it’s as simple as that.”

Dennis Reed, director of campaign group Silver Voices, said: “Some of these enforcers act as if they are bailiffs, using lawful powers, when they are nothing more than cheap salesmen.

“We have long called for an independent inquiry into the threatening tactics used by TV Licensing.”

Amanda reported the matter to police and the BBC.

Lancashire Police said enquiries are ongoing.

A TV Licensing spokesman said it was also investigating, adding: “We expect the highest standards from those working for us and take any allegations extremely seriously.”

CHRIS NEILL

Amanda uses a mobility scooter and suffers from arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[/caption]

CHRIS NEILL

White, who lives alone, says she is still in ‘agony and shock’ after the incident last Friday[/caption]

DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale shows you how to re-wear your midi dress with minimal effort this festive season.

From work drinks to your festive lunch, styling your look can make all the difference.

WORK DRINKS

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Make this dress ready for Christmas drinks by adding some sparkle[/caption]

TAKE your dress from the desk to the disco by adding extra sparkle to your look.

Slip a sequin top over the frock to create the illusion of a skirt once the working day is done.

Complete the outfit with a pair of statement boots, such as these silver ones , which are sturdy enough for dancing or standing all evening, and a matching silver bag.

• Top, £55; bag, £50, both River Island; boots, £59.99, New Look; earrings, £25.99, Pilgrim

XMAS SHOPPING

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Team the dress with a knitted vest to keep your core warm while shopping[/caption]

STILL need to grab some last-minute Christmas gifts?

Indoor shopping can be warm work, so wear the dress on its own with a knitted vest to keep your core warm in between shops without overheating.

Opt for trainers to handle all the extra steps comfortably, and bring a stylish tote bag for ample space to carry your purchases home.

• Top, £23.99, New Look; trainers, £75, Adidas; bag, £26, ASOS

FESTIVE LUNCH

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Layer a sparkly roll neck under the dress to add a festive touch[/caption]

ANOTHER way to style the dress is by layering something underneath.

This sparkly roll neck adds a festive touch without being over the top.

Instead of a coat, opt for a fur gilet to keep warm.

Burgundy is a major colour trend this season, and searches for faux fur have increased by 88 per cent in the last month.

• Top, £18, Tu at Sainsbury’s; gilet, £79, John Lewis; boots, £65, Next; bag, £69, Fiorelli

WINTER WALK

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Dress it down for a winter walk with a pair of sturdy boots and an oversized coat[/caption]

YOUR midi dress isn’t just for fancy occasions.

Dress it down for a winter walk with a pair of sturdy boots and keep warm with a cosy scarf and an oversized coat.

This burgundy one is bang on trend, being both the colour of the season and featuring a stylish quilted texture.

For extra warmth, don’t forget to add gloves and a hat.

• Coat, £75, Asos; boots, £42.99; scarf, £16.99, both New Look

TWIXMAS

News Group Newspapers Ltd

A bright knit over your dress keeps you warm and adds a pop of colour[/caption]

TWIXMAS, the time between Christmas and New Year, is perfect for cosying up and relaxing.

But if you have a busy schedule with friends and family and want to avoid loungewear, this outfit is ideal.

A bright knit over your dress keeps you warm and adds a pop of colour.

Stay comfortable with a pair of ballet flats, such as this red velvet pair.

• Jumper, £45, Gap; shoes, £24, ASOS; earrings, £4.99, New Look

NEW YEAR’S EVE

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Just add a cute bag and sparkly heels for New Year’s Eve[/caption]

LET your dress take centre stage as you head into the new year.

The Fabulous clothing range, designed for fuller busts, flatters all shapes and sizes.

Featuring a V-neckline, ruched sleeves, and lace detailing, this dress is a standout.

Leopard print has been a major hit this year. Add cute heels and a sparkly bag for extra wow factor.

• Earrings, £4, Primark; heels, £36, River Island; bag, £39.50, M&S; necklace, £39.50, Pilgrim

NESTLE has axed a beloved Christmas chocolate treat, and shoppers are gutted.

Fans of After Eight will no longer be able to savour the mint chocolate in straw form.

Nestle has officially ceased production of After Eight Straws 14 years after they were first introduced.

The discontinuation of the chocolate bars was confirmed when a shopper enquired on X (formerly Twitter).

They asked: “Nestle, I’ve been touring our local supermarkets for After Eight Straws, and I can’t find them…

“Are they discontinued?”

In response to the query on X, Nestle stated: “Unfortunately, After Eight Straws have already been discontinued.”

The sweet treat, first introduced in 2010, combined dark chocolate straws with a smooth mint filling.

Shoppers have long loved the product, and one person has described them as “the best” on social media site X.

Another said: “After Eight straws are up in the clouds.”

A third called them “elite”.

Before they were discontinued, shoppers could purchase the 110g tubs for £2 at Asda and other major supermarkets.

Shoppers can still get their hands on the traditional After Eight chocolate squares for £2.50 at most grocers.

A Nestle spokesperson added: “Every year, we create a range of confectionery for the Christmas season.

“This year, After Eight Straws will not be available, but we will have our range of After Eight confectionery, including classic After Eight, After Eight Winter Fondant bags and the After Eight Mint Collection, which wraps up five delicious peppermint chocolate, available for consumers to enjoy over the festive period.”

After Eight mint chocolates were created by Rowntree Company Limited in 1962.

Production initially took place at Rowntree’s York factory, later moving to Castleford in 1970 and finally to Halifax in 2012.

Nestle acquired Rowntree in 1988.

Over one billion After Eights are produced annually. 

The mints were originally dairy-free dark chocolate.

However, in 2002, Nestlé began adding butterfat to improve resistance to chocolate bloom.

This practice extended to all production facilities by 2009.

OTHER CHOCOLATE AXED

Last week, Nestle confirmed it had ceased production of its Quality Street Collisions sharing bar just a year after their initial launch.

Chocolate maker Cadbury has ditched its Dairy Milk Daim Little Robins this festive season.

The treats were released in 2019 alongside the Dairy Milk orange snowman and Winter Gingerbread bar.

But this week, the manufacturer announced the chocolates have been withdrawn from shops to make way for more flavours.

Cadbury regularly refreshes its product range to introduce new favourites.

It discontinued another Christmas favourite – Dairy Milk Winter Orange Crisp – this year too.

The 360g bar was made of smooth chocolate enhanced with tangy orange crisps, and it became a festive favourite for fans of the chocolatier.

The Dairy Milk Snowman and Festive Friends will also not appear on shelves this Christmas.

Cadbury discontinued another orange-flavoured bar earlier this year – Dairy Milk Orange.

The 180g snack was launched in 2021 following a surge in popularity for chocolate orange products.

This included Cadbury’s orange Twirl in 2019, Buttons and Fingers in 2020, and Tesco‘s chocolate orange bourbons.

WALK into any clothes shop at this time of year and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an explosion in the Strictly dressing room.

You can’t move for sequins or gems . . . and I have had enough.

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There is simply no escape from the smothering avalanche of glitter and sparkles that cascades into stores in November[/caption]

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You don’t need sequins to shimmer this Christmas[/caption]

I know — bah humbug.

But there is simply no escape from the smothering avalanche of glitter and sparkles that cascades into stores in November.

In the same way we’re bombarded by cheesy Christmas music blaring from supermarket speakers, in high street clothing stores it’s row upon row of sequins.

Last week, fashion brand Karen Millen reported that searches for sequins had skyrocketed by more than 5,000 per cent.

Take a stroll down any high street — if you can manage to avoid the crazed customers still on the hunt for their perfect party outfit.

And if you dare to enter, you’ll be met with the retina-burning glare from sequins, itch-inducing tinsel fabric and other jewel-encrusted horrors.

In fact, if you go into any shop that sells clothing, you’ll struggle NOT to exit looking like a festive bauble.

Now, don’t think I’m the Grinch quite yet. I love Christmas.

I think it’s fantastic that everyone makes an effort to get dressed up.

But some don’t always get it right.

It’s not our fault — it’s the shops.

Unlike all other trends that hit the high street, this festive phenomenon doesn’t come from the catwalk.

After all, you don’t see the chic runways of Chanel, Prada or YSL dripping in sequins do you?

OK, they may have a statement crystal-embellished dress, or a bejewelled pair of trousers.

Glitter-free zones

But they’re not sending supermodels out in fringed sequin, are they?

The same goes for most style-savvy celebrities — unless that celebrity is Coleen Nolan (sorry Col, but we know you’re partial to a sequin blazer).

They’re glitter-free zones.

Take Hailey Bieber, one of fashion’s current ‘It’ girls.

She went to an A-list party in LA earlier this month wearing a fabulously festive dark-red velvet blazer dress.

Velvet feels and looks expensive, decadent and luxurious, not to mention Christmassy.

There’s no escape from the avalanche of glitter

Clemmie

Once you’ve waded through the high street’s sparkly offerings, you should be able to find velvet — so snap it up.

This year M&S featured a blue teal velvet tuxedo-style suit in their autumn/winter TV campaign.

It was a sell-out and the co-ord (blazer, £75, and trousers, £45) proved so popular they have re-released it, in black and green.

If velvet makes your teeth itch — and it does for some — then there’s another sumptuous fabric that does the luxury-looking trick, and that’s satin.

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Hailey Bieber looked amazing in a fabulously festive dark-red velvet blazer dress[/caption]

While Victoria and Harper Beckham may favour designer silks, you can get the look for less (and in a washing machine-friendly fabric) with satin.

Whether you opt for Beckhamesque icy shades or go for rich hues like brown or burgundy, satin feels opulent, without the effort.

Deep ruby reds and emerald greens also look festive and chic.

If you’re thinking of ditching the glitz, check out the ultra-flattering ‘Carly’ frock from the Fabulous Fuller Bust clothing range.

And you don’t have to be shopping on a celebrity budget either — just look at the Princess of Wales.

Earlier this month, Kate attended the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, re-wearing a red double-breasted coat by Alexander McQueen.

But she gave it a festive spin by attaching a large bow hair clip to the collar that cost just £20 from Jigsaw.

While we’re on the subject of bargains, although some sequins are cheap, they are still not cost-effective.

You won’t be wearing your party outfit for the rest of 2025 and by the time Christmas comes around again, you’ll likely be after a new spangly creation.

As I said, I’m all for getting glammed up at Christmas, but take this time to look amazing — not like you’ve had a fight with your Christmas tree . . . and lost

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Fabulousclothing.com

 ايام العطلة الاسبوعية في الامارات،  يتم خلالها منح العاملين في مؤسسات وشركات القطاع الحكومي إجازة رسمية من مزاولة الأعمال وأداء وظائفهم، حتى يتمكنوا من الحصول على قدر من الراحة تمكنهم...

ظهرت المقالة ما هي ايام العطلة الاسبوعية في الامارات أولاً على سعودي 24.

رابط وزارة الشؤون الإسلامية والدعوة والإرشاد،  أعلنت وزارة الشؤون الإسلامية عن خدمة الاستعلام عن طلب 1446 المقدم للوزارة وتوضيح الوظائف المتاحة والبدء في استقبال طلبات التوظيف بشرط استيفاء مجموعة من...

ظهرت المقالة رابط وزارة الشؤون الإسلامية والدعوة والإرشاد “الاستعلام عن طلب 1446” أولاً على سعودي 24.

A BELOVED Toyota model is being discontinued in just weeks after drivers were excited to see its recent return to US markets.

The Toyota Venza won’t make it to the next model year after four years for sale as a reborn hybrid SUV, known in other markets as the Harrier.

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Toyota Venza was first released in 2008 (stock image)[/caption]

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Toyota Venza won’t be sold in the new year (stock image)[/caption]

AFP

Toyota is replacing the Venza with the Crown Signia (stock image)[/caption]

Toyota confirmed that Venza would cease production after the 2024 model year to make way for the first-ever 2025 Toyota Crown Signia when it was announced last year.

The Venza started as half-wagon and half-crossover when it was first released in 2008.

After a facelift in 2012, the model was discontinued in 2015 due to competition and dropping sales.

However, a second-generation model was released on the market in 2021.

The auto giant is now replacing the Venza with the Crown Signia to continue offering crossover SUVs in their lineup.

The Venza isn’t the only SUV on its way out.

Drivers have weeks to get their hands on a Ford Edge before it’s discontinued in 2025 after 23 years of production.

The Ford Edge was the 25th best-selling vehicle in America last year, but it didn’t save the trusty model from phasing out as Ford plans to instead expand production of its F-Series Super Duty truck.

The iconic Chevrolet Camaro is also retiring after its final vehicles came off the assembly lines in January.

“While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story,” Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet, said in 2023.

Nissan also announced the Infiniti Q50, the Japanese automaker’s last sedan, won’t be produced after this year.

The luxury sedan going off the production line means the brand only has a few remaining options available for Americans to buy.

“We are transitioning our product portfolio and moving into our electrified era,” Ashli Bobo said in a statement, according to USA Today.

“With this in mind, we’ve made the decision to focus resources toward models in our core luxury segments, continuing on our promise to deliver four new models in the coming years.”

As Nissan faces financial struggles that might lead to a massive merger with Honda, the brand is also axing its GT-R sports car to make way for electric vehicles.

The GT-R, known as the Godzilla among car lovers, has been in production since 2009 and was known for its sleek design and speed.

“Nissan is now hyperfocused on the future and the next era of exciting innovation in performance,” the automaker said in a statement in June.

The automaker also stopped making its Titan truck this summer to allow Nissan’s plant in Mississippi to manufacture EVs.

Production of the Nissan Titan truck ended in the summer of 2024 to allow the automaker to modify its Canton, Mississippi, plant to manufacture electric vehicles. 

“Titan has been an important nameplate for Nissan in North America for 20 years, and we’re grateful to the dealers, customers and thousands of employees who have played pivotal roles throughout TITAN’s lifecycle,” Nissan said in a statement.

Another truck wrapping up at the end of the year is the Ram 1500 TRX, which stopped production last year but had a victory lap by selling 4,000 special editions of the model in 2024.

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The Chevy Camaro will also be discontinued in 2025[/caption]