GENERAL Motors have opened up on their recent struggles – with a focus on their electric vehicles and their lack of profitability.

The car giant has faced a tricky few months, having announced a recall as well as staff layoffs.

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GM have opened up on their recent struggles, which includes their electric vehicles lack of profitability[/caption]

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The car giant has recently had to announce a huge recall and staff layoffs[/caption]

In a letter to shareholders, GM revealed that their EVs are still not profitable but the company is seeing “progress” in the industry.

They wrote: “In the third quarter, we grew US retail market share with above-average pricing, well-managed inventories and below-average incentives.

“In China, sales improved from the second quarter, and dealer inventory fell sharply.

“In addition, we remain on track to reach our 2024 EV production and profitability targets.

“This is a function of our investments in a dedicated EV platform, US battery cell manufacturing and flexible assembly capacity.

“Most of our competitors lack these advantages, and no one can match the depth and breadth of our strategic EV portfolio.”

This comes as the brand recalled around 450,000 trucks and SUVs over braking issues in September, with the specific problem relating to the electronic brake control module software – which may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.

This affected the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023 and 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV models.

Before that, in August, there were layoffs across GM’s software and services sectors, which affected around 600 employees in Warren, Michigan.

At the time, GM said the company “must simplify for speed and excellence, make bold choices, and prioritize the investments that will have the greatest impact” as they build for the future.

This comes as another car making giant is struggling at the moment as they look to sell off a massive test track that it’s owned for 17 years.

Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest maker of cars and the owner of brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, wants to sell a massive facility based in Arizona that’s used for hot weather testing.

The facility features around 70 miles of track, which includes a high-speed oval, various shorter handling tracks, and off-road testing grounds.

Elsewhere, drivers are to be slapped with $100 fines as the number of speeding cameras is doubled on ‘America’s most hated road’.

Reuters

GM revealed to shareholders that their EVs are still not profitable but the company is seeing “progress” in the industry[/caption]

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Chevrolet was one of the brand affected by the recall of around 450,000 vehicles[/caption]

DANCING With The Stars viewers were let horrified by Alan Bersten’s ‘most terrifying’ donkey Disney outfit during last night’s episode.

The remaining celebrities in the competition returned to our screens yesterday for Halloween Nightmares Week.

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DWTS viewers all said the same thing about Alan Bersten last night[/caption]

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Fans were left disturbed by Alan’s costume[/caption]

Rugby union player Ilona Maher and pro dancer Alan performed a jazz routine to Surface Pressure from Encanto.

While Ilona looked stunning in her attire, Alan looked a little scary dressed up as the donkey from the film.

Many viewers rushed to social media to say the same thing.

One wrote on X: “Alan dressed as a donkey is the most terrifying thing I’ve seen on this show #DWTS.”

Another chimed in: “That donkey mask is nightmare fuel like I’m going to see it in my dreams tonight wtf #dwts.”

Meanwhile a third wrote on Ilona’s recent Instagram: “please never let him wear that again it’s horrifying.”

The pair were awarded 25 points for their dance.

Ilona took to Instagram after the show to share a hilarious video of them getting ready back stage.

The sports star was miming to the camera while the make-up artists worked their magic on her partner.

She wrote: “Sorry for the jump scare everyone.”

While some were horrified, others were very impressed with their dance.

One said in the comments section: “Absolutely phenomenal job!!”

Another wrote: “This is the best thing we’ve seen all month.”

“The way he wanted to be a donkey so bad! You deserved that 9! What an amazing night!,” a third added.

It comes after other fans slammed Brooks Nader and Gleb Savcheneko’s “sexy showmance dance” last week.

The pair have set tongues wagging in recent weeks with people questioning if they are an item.

Brooks and Gleb were sent home from the competition last Tuesday, despite their dance getting awarded 8s across the panel.

Their dance was dedicated to Brooks’ younger sisters.

THE gaming industry feels ruthless at the moment, with sky-high expectations that come with every release.

Assassin’s Creed publisher Ubisoft is known for holding lofty expectations, and even admittedly this recently.

Ubisoft

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was critically acclaimed[/caption]

For many developers Star Wars Outlaws would have been seen as a huge success, selling around a million copies.

However, following its launch Ubisoft decided to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows due to the “learnings” from Outlaws.

This shows that even games that most people would consider successful, can be seen as a failure by Ubisoft.

According to a report by French journalist Gautoz, the Ubisoft team that developed Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was dissolved a few months after the game’s launch.

The Lost Crown is a metroidvania, which goes back to the roots of the Prince of Persia series, namely exploration.

However, metroidvanias are a more niche genre of gaming and people seem to prefer 3D action-adventure games.

No sales statistics have been released for the game, but it received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Gautoz alleges that the game didn’t meet sales expectations and that the team was disbanded shortly after launch.

The team apparently pitched a sequel to Ubisoft, which was rejected, and two expansions, only one of which was approved.

Gautoz also claims that the team was very happy while working on The Lost Crown, and that those burnt out from working on Beyond Good and Evil 2 moved over to the project.

While Gautoz doesn’t claim that anyone was fired in the dissolution, if true, the team would have been moved onto other projects.

The lost art of gaming

This recent news unfortunately shows a darker side to gaming that is becoming more and more apparent in recent years.

Hi-Fi Rush also achieved critical acclaim and good sales, and Microsoft still decided to close down the studio Tango Gameworks.

It seems critical acclaim isn’t enough anymore, and developers are no longer rewarded for their hard work.

If the industry continues to give developers unattainable targets and measuring success solely on sales, then in a few years there likely won’t be any high-quality games in development.

Companies need to start measuring a game’s success by the quality of the product, and look at other aspects of the business for why that didn’t convert into sales.

Poor marketing, high prices, and annoying microtransactions can all lead to lack of sales, rather than the game not being up to par.

If you want to read more about recent releases, check out our Sonic x Shadow Generations review.

FORMULA ONE could be set to make a return to an old stomping ground after almost THREE DECADES absent.

It comes after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali hinted that the introduction of 21-year-old Franco Colapinto could trigger the return of a race in his homeland, Argentina.

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Franco Colapinto’s rise in F1 has seen a spike in interest from Argentina[/caption]

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Stefano Domenicali hinted at the possibility at a recent event[/caption]

AP:Associated Press

Michael Schumacher won the last Argentina Grand Prix in 1998[/caption]

AP:Associated Press

Schumacher, right, celebrated a double podium with Ferraro’s Eddie Irvine, left[/caption]

Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams during September’s Italian Grand Prix.

And since then he has defied the odds by scoring points in two of the next three races – Azerbaijan (P8), Singapore (P11), United States (P10).

This dramatic entrance to the sport has led to calls for him to be handed one of the two remaining seats for the 2025 F1 season.

And it has also led to a sharp rise in interest in F1 from his nation, while the motorsport also penned a commercial deal with Argentine digital service provider Globant.

Not only has interest grown since Colapinto’s introduction to the sport, but there is now a desire to bring F1 back to the country.

Speaking at an event celebrating the Globant deal, Domenicali said: “I was there the last time that everyone was in Buenos Aires to race, it is a sign of not being a great age, but that’s life.

“I really hope that all this, all you are doing for your country and also what Franco is doing.

“It is great for your country and hopefully it will give your country, once again.

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“Hopefully sooner rather than later the possibility for South America to host not only Mexico – in Central America – Sao Paulo in Brazil… why not?

“We are a worldwide championship but as always in life, in whatever marriage, you need to be two – so we are ready to see if someone is ready but let’s wait and look forward in case.”

The last F1 race in the country was held in Buenos Aires at the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez in 1998.

Globant CEO Martin Migoya added: “All the stars are kind of getting aligned, right? Because we closed the partnership with Formula 1 and then Franco got upgraded into Formula 1 and for us that is extremely important.

“Those things happening with a lot of effort, with a lot of humbleness, with a lot of work and that at some point yields beautiful results.

“I think our partnership here, together with our support of Williams and Franco, is extremely important for our country, for our region and I think it will be beautiful to see how the things move forward.”

 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year

Michael Schumacher won the race in the country ahead of Mika Hakkinen and Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine in second and third respectively.

Local F1 icon and hero Juan Manuel Fangio, a four-time world champion, won a record four races in the country.

Brazil‘s Emerson Fittipaldi and Great Britain’s Damon Hill are the only other drivers with more than one win in the nation with two each.

A race had been scheduled for 1999, but the race was cancelled with organisers struggling for funds.

Talks had taken place regarding its return in 2012, but an expected deal fell apart after ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: “We are open to racing in Argentina when I can deal with serious people.”

Madrid will be a new F1 track in the 2025 season.

Other proposals for a new host country have seen South Africa – who last hosted a race in 1993 – heavily suggested.

A 2024 slot was originally in mind, but this was abandoned.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the most recent introduction to the race calendar, having made its debut last season.

COSTCO fans have admitted they are genuinely upset after a snack found in Chinese warehouses isn’t available at the chain’s American food courts.

Members have been left baffled at why the wholesaler doesn’t offer buckets of fried chicken to its customers.

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Costco shoppers are stunned that a fast food snack is sold at warehouses in China[/caption]

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Buckets of fried chicken cannot be bought at US stores[/caption]

A member shared a picture on Reddit taken at a Costco food court in Hangzhou, China – around 109 miles from Shanghai – that showed the fried item on the menu.

Shoppers could also pick up classics such as hot dogs, pizza, and burgers.

But the picture of the fried chicken bucket caused a stir online.

It has left American members feeling slightly left out.

“Genuinely upset. How dare another country have a more unhealthy food menu than us,” one shopper said.

“There was a time when this country stood for something and was #1.”

Another claimed that a bucket of fried chicken would help compensate for how busy warehouses can get.

Shoppers have lobbied Costco to add buckets of fried chicken to its menus but have been unsuccessful so far.

One even speculated that buckets could be sold next to the chain’s famous rotisserie chicken.

“Seems like low-hanging fruit to be able to grab an 8-piece bucket of fried chicken,” they posted on X.

Costco hasn’t revealed why buckets of chicken are not sold in the chain’s US food courts.

But it has been touted that bosses are worried about the fast-food clashing with the deli rotisserie chicken, according to Tasting Table.

Fried chicken used to be offered to Costco shoppers in Canada, but the item has been discontinued.

A petition was even created lobbying execs to bring back a type of chicken wings.

“As a member based warehouse, Costco needs to listen to its members on what they value the most,” the petition said.

More than 1,000 people signed the petition.

American members have also been left jealous after realizing Canadian Costco outlets serve poutine.

Poutine is a dish made up of French fries and cheese curd and is topped with lashings of gravy.

One of the popular snacks at Costco food courts in the US is the hot dog and soda combo deal.

The fast-food item costs just $1.50, but there were fears that its price would increase.

Shoppers were worried the price would jump because of the impact of inflation.

But, those concerns were alleviated by Costco CFO Gary Millerchip.

In May, he confirmed the $1.50 price was safe.

Although the price of the hot dog has remained constant, the cost of a membership has increased.

The price hike came into force in September, and it was the first rise in seven years.

Americans wanting to join the wholesaler must fork out $65 for a standard membership. The price has increased by $5.

A NEW ‘Halloween Comet’ may be visible in daylit skies for one to two hours this week as it makes its closest approach of Earth.

As the once-in-a-lifetime Comet C/2023 A3 fades away, another space rock is preparing to take centre stage.

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C/2024 S1 will make its closest approach to Earth on 23 and 24 October[/caption]

Comets are rarely bright enough to be seen in daylight, but models suggest this hunk of celestial debris will be as bright as Venus is at night.

It’s visibility is not completely assured, however.

Experts have warned that the comet may disintegrate as it passes the Sun, before it has the chance to be visible to Earth-dwellers.

The sun-grazer comet, dubbed C/2024 S1 (Atlas), is expected to be an “all or nothing event”, according to astronomer Dr. Qicheng Zhang at Flagstaff, Arizona’s Lowell Observatory.

Astronomy tracker Sky Live slates the comet’s brightest periods to be from 7:15am BST (6:41am EDT).

Given its current brightness, C/2024 S1 is only visible with the help of binoculars with a 80mm aperture or a small telescope.

But it is expected to brighten over the coming days, when it will eventually be visible to the naked eye for one to two hours in the morning.

C/2024 S1 will make its closest approach to Earth on 23 and 24 October.

Between 24 October (Thursday) and 28 October (Monday) is when the comet will begin to dramatically brighten and become visible to the naked eye, according to StarWalk.

Discovered in late September by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii, the comet will best viewed from Europe, Africa, South America and the East Coast of the US.

Some astronomers note that the comet is already showing signs of breaking up.

The brightness of the comet has begun to fluctuate, suggesting it may well become ‘headless’ by Halloween.

A ‘headless’ comet is when the primary core of the space rock falls apart.

If Atlas does indeed keep its head, it could get brighter throughout the week and be visible to the naked eye until 2 November.

Amateur astronomers can use binoculars or telescopes to catch the comet right up to 19 December – if it doesn’t disintegrate before then.

THIS bike brain teaser will leave you scratching your head as you try to find the bell hidden amongst the bicycles.

Everyone can see the several coloured bikes in the colourful teaser, but only those with a high IQ can spot the hidden bell in 11 seconds.

Aventon Bikes

Can you spot the hidden bell?[/caption]

The bold optical illusion shows several bikes on a bright orange background, with different coloured frames and wheels.

The distracting bright colours and the different angles the bikes are at make it difficult to find the hidden bell.

The different objects littering the background, such as bike helmets and water bottles, make it even harder to spot the correct object.

It may look tough, but the key is to focus on the correct shape you are looking for, so you can ignore the other shapes quicker.

Get on your bike because the clock is ticking!

This optical illusion tests more than just your speed – it also tests your IQ level and your attention to detail.

People who are able to solve the puzzle quickly possess good observational skills and high cognitive speed.

It tests your ability to process a high volume of visual information and the ability to concentrate under high amounts of pressure. 

Psychologists at The University of Glasgow found that staring at an optical illusion can improve eye sight by allowing you to see small print.

Escape London says puzzles can also give your mind a great workout and may “boost your brain’s activity” which “reduces the risk of dementia.” 

Have you solved it? Don’t worry, if you’re still struggling we’ve included the solution to the brainteaser down below.

While you’re still here, why not scroll and try out some other brain teasers?

Try figuring out what’s wrong with this image of smiling women as you count their legs in 11 seconds.

Or you might want to prove you have a 20/20 vision as you search for a strawberry in this carnival scene.

Lastly, puzzle fanatics have been left scratching their heads trying to find the lost feather in just 12 seconds.

Keep your brain engaged and have a go at our three other illusions below.

Aventon Bikes

The hidden bell is highlighted[/caption]

BILLIE Eilish became the latest singing superstar to suffer a nasty fall live on stage last night when she took a tumble in New York.

The Birds of a Feather singer, 22, was making her way down stairs inside Madison Square Garden when she lost her footing and crashed to the floor.

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Billie showed off her bruise after the gig[/caption]

Fortunately, Billie’s blushes were spared somewhat due to the fact the staircase was partially obscured from the audience and the lighting was low.

After the gig, Billie was in good spirits and shared her nasty leg bruise on social media.

Fans were quick to wish her well.

One wrote on X: “Ow that looks so painful.”

Another posted: “Thats bad! Gws billie.”

A third said: “Sending you all the healing vibes, Billie. Take care of yourself.”

Billie’s accident comes just days after singer Olivia Rodrigo, 21, plummeted through a trapdoor at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

The Good 4 U hitmaker had been performing in front of a 14,000-strong crowd when disaster struck.

While running across the stage with her microphone, Olivia suddenly fell through the hatch, which appeared to have been left open by mistake after an earlier part of the show.

The shocking moment was captured on video and shared across social media.

Her adoring fans’ horror was audible when Olivia briefly disappeared from sight.

However, she quickly managed to grab onto the edge of the stage and pull herself back up.

Unharmed from the blunder, Olivia reassured the audience with humour, saying: “Oh my God! That was fun, I’m OK! Sometimes there is just a hole in the stage, OK… where was I?”

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The singer got a lot of sympathy from fans[/caption]

TikTok/sweetcreatureco

Olivia Rodrigo had a nasty stage fall in Australia last week too[/caption]

Sam Milby is a proud Kapamilya forever.

Melai Cantiveros will forever be a Kapamilya despite the challenges the network faced.