Croatian auto-pioneer and entrepreneur Mate Rimac, known for his luxury supercars, is embarking on a new adventure that channels the spirit of Jules Verne. His latest mission is to revolutionize mobility as a service (MaaS) by launching fleets of stylish, fully autonomous, electric ride-hailing cars. These vehicles will offer the seating space, ambiance, and cargo capacity of a Rolls-Royce or limo within the footprint of a subcompact SUV, all while being competitively priced against existing ride-hailing services. The name for this ambitious project: Verne.
The Verne Robotaxi
Scheduled to debut in 2026, Verne’s autonomous robotaxi is set to transform urban transportation. Named in honor of the French novelist Jules Verne, who famously used travel as a central theme in his stories, this new robotaxi is a compact yet luxurious two-seater. Equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving technology from Mobileye, the Verne robotaxi will not have a steering wheel, emphasizing its fully autonomous capabilities.
Evolution from Project 3 Mobility to Verne
Launched in 2019, this ambitious initiative was initially called Project 3 Mobility. Co-founded by Mate Rimac and Marko Pejković, the project has garnered substantial funding from a Saudi sovereign wealth fund subsidiary, Kia, and the European Commission. Unlike other autonomous vehicles, such as those from Waymo, Cruise, or Motional, which often feature numerous unsightly sensors, the Verne’s sensors are seamlessly integrated into its design. Adriano Mudri, who also designed the Rimac Nevera, has ensured that the Verne remains both elegant and technologically advanced.
A Revolutionary Vision
Verne’s objective extends beyond merely producing another autonomous vehicle. It seeks to revolutionize the ride-hailing industry by merging luxury, practicality, and state-of-the-art technology. Mate Rimac envisions a future where hailing a ride is an experience of comfort and sophistication, underpinned by sustainability and efficiency.
Launch Preparations
Before Verne services commence in any city—starting with Zagreb, Croatia, followed by 11 cities in the UK, Germany, and the Middle East—a “Mothership” facility will be established. This hub will be responsible for the daily inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and charging of each mobility pod. Initially, charging will be done at 100 kW via CCS plugs, with plans to introduce more efficient charging methods in the future
Merging Luxury and Technology
Drawing on Rimac’s expertise in luxury vehicles, the interior of the Verne robotaxi features a massive 43-inch display and a premium 17-speaker sound system for smartphone connectivity. Passengers can control their ride experience through a mobile app, managing everything from temperature to ambient lighting. Despite its luxurious features, Verne’s service is promised to be “affordable for all,” according to Mate Rimac.
Expanding Across Europe
If everything goes according to plan, Verne will launch in Zagreb and rapidly expand across Europe. The company has secured commitments with 11 cities in Europe, the UK, and the Middle East, with ongoing negotiations in over 30 additional cities globally. This expansion is supported by a €200 million financing round from the European Union, part of the EU’s post-COVID stimulus aid to Croatia.
Conclusion
Mate Rimac’s foray into autonomous vehicles with the Verne brand is set to revolutionize urban transportation. By combining luxury, practicality, and advanced technology, Verne aims to offer an unparalleled ride-hailing experience that is both stylish and sustainable. With innovative design and substantial financial backing, Verne is poised to become a key player in the autonomous vehicle market, ushering in a new era of mobility across cities worldwide.
The Museum of Illusions, a Croatian export tourist product and pioneer of the “edutainment” museum concept, has opened its doors to a new location in Brussels, Belgium. Thus, the “capital of Europe” has become the 37th city where the largest chain of private museums in the world is present. This is another success and a step closer to achieving the goal of opening 100 locations globally by the end of 2026.
“We are proud of the fact that the world has recognized the unique concept that has, in just a few years of intensive development, grown into a serious global brand and a leader in the ‘edutainment’ industry. We are also proud of the fact that behind every opened museum stands our expert team, managing projects from our office in Zagreb. In order to ensure further expansion, we have doubled our team in the first six months of 2022 compared to the beginning of the year. We continue to grow and expand the Museum of Illusions, and each new opening and the immense public interest show us that we are heading in the right direction,” said Teo Širola, President of the Museum of Illusions.
Homepage]]>
The condition for purchase is that within 5 years of the sale of the land, the investor must build a hotel or return the land to the ownership of Posdarje with a 50% refund of the money.
You can find detailed purchasing instructions at the following link in Word document.
The deadline for submitting bids is April 11, 2024 (Monday) at 12:00 PM, by which time offers must be received at the Posdarje Municipality regardless of the delivery method.
photo by Morski.hr
]]>During the previous auction, interested parties for purchasing business shares in Uljanik Brodogradnja 1856 d.o.o. included: Slovenian company Eko Bor, Rijeka-based Adria Mont, Romanian GSP Offshore, and Italian company Micoperi from Ravenna. The Italian company submitted a non-binding offer without specifying a price, while the Romanians stated they want to assess the company’s condition before making an offer. The offer amount from Slovenian company Eko Bor was not disclosed. The only concrete offer this time came from Adria Mont d.o.o.
This entire process unfolds amidst very tense circumstances, as Uljanik Brodogradnja 1856 faces the threat of bankruptcy. In such a scenario, the sale of shares would not be possible.
]]>Croatia’s top exporter, KONČAR Group, has laid out an ambitious Business Plan for 2024, approved by the Supervisory Board on December 14, 2023. It aims to surpass €960 million in total revenues, with projected project backlogs hitting €1.4 billion by year-end and €1.6 billion the following year.
Intensive investments in decarbonization, renewable energy, and electric mobility, particularly in the EU, have spurred demand for electrical equipment. Leveraging its strong global reputation, KONČAR aims to secure new contracts worth €1.2 billion in 2024, pushing the backlog to €1.6 billion by the end of 2024.
Mr. Gordan Kolak, President of KONČAR Management Board, emphasizes a forward-looking approach, with a focus on revenue growth, especially from exports, and investments in production capacity, equipment, and new products. Additionally, continued investment in employee development is highlighted as crucial for achieving their goals.
KONČAR Group has been producing electrical equipment and systems since its establishment in 1921. Over the years, they have diversified their product portfolio to encompass a wide range of offerings tailored to different sectors.
Their products include:
- Transformers: KONČAR manufactures various types of transformers used in power transmission and distribution networks, including power transformers, distribution transformers, and special-purpose transformers.
- Generators: They produce synchronous generators used in power plants, including hydroelectric, thermal, and renewable energy facilities.
- Electric Motors: KONČAR manufactures electric motors for industrial applications, such as pumps, fans, compressors, and other machinery, as well as traction motors for railway vehicles.
- Switchgear and Control Systems: They design and manufacture switchgear, control panels, protection relays, and automation systems used in power distribution and industrial applications.
- Rail Vehicles and Railway Infrastructure: KONČAR produces various components and systems for electrified rail systems, including traction systems, pantographs, signaling systems, and other railway infrastructure equipment.
- Renewable Energy Systems: They offer solutions for renewable energy generation, including wind turbine components, solar inverters, and grid integration systems.
KONČAR’s products are known for their reliability, efficiency, and innovation, and they serve customers both domestically and internationally across various industries, contributing to the advancement of electrical engineering and sustainable energy solutions.
]]>Key Details:
- Project Name: Reconstruction of Poljana Čička Bridge and Construction of a New Replacement Bridge
- Location: Poljana Čička Bridge, on the public road marked as L311630-001
- Estimated Value: 1,000,000,00 euros
- Deadline for Submission: 05.07.2023 at 10:00 AM
Procurement Documents: Detailed specifications, terms, and conditions, as well as the procurement documents, can be obtained from the following link:
https://eojn.nn.hr/SPIN/application/ipn/DocumentManagement/DokumentPodaciFrm.aspx?id=7708815
It is necessary to register in order to access and download the procurement documentation. Please follow the registration process provided on the linked page.
]]>Estimated Value: 44,754.13 EUR Deadline for Submission: 05.07.2023 at 12:00 PM
For all the detailed information regarding this procurement, please visit the following link. Kindly note that registration is required to access the procurement documentation.
https://eojn.nn.hr/SPIN/application/ipn/DocumentManagement/DokumentPodaciFrm.aspx?id=7708480
]]>- Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT): The buyer is responsible for paying the RETT, which is currently set at 3% of the property’s assessed value. This tax is paid to the Tax Administration within 30 days of signing the purchase agreement.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): In certain cases, VAT may be applicable instead of RETT. For newly built properties or properties that have undergone substantial renovation, VAT of 25% is usually levied on the purchase price. However, VAT does not apply to the purchase of existing properties or properties designated for residential purposes.
- Notary Fees: Notary fees in Croatia are based on the property’s value and the complexity of the transaction. They typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the property’s value.
- Property Ownership Registration Fee: This fee covers the registration of the property in the land registry. It amounts to approximately 0.01% of the property’s value.
- Legal and Administrative Fees: Engaging the services of a lawyer or a real estate agent may involve additional fees, which vary depending on the scope of their assistance.
It’s important to note that these taxes and fees are subject to change, and it’s recommended to consult with a local legal professional or a real estate expert to get accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific property you intend to purchase. Additionally, foreign buyers may have certain restrictions or requirements to fulfill, so it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations and procedures when purchasing real estate in Croatia.
Brač Airport, also known as Bol Airport or Brac Airport, is a small international airport located on the island of Brač in Croatia. The airport is situated near the town of Bol, on the southern coast of the island. Here are some key details about Brač Airport:
- Location and Accessibility: Brač Airport is located approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from the town of Bol. It is situated on the southeastern part of the island and is surrounded by beautiful Adriatic Sea views. The airport is accessible by road, and there are transportation options available, such as taxis and shuttle services, to reach nearby towns and resorts.
- Size and Capacity: Brač Airport is a relatively small airport compared to major international airports. It has one terminal building and a single runway, which is 1,760 meters (5,774 feet) long. The airport has the capacity to handle smaller aircraft and limited passenger traffic.
- Airlines and Destinations: Several airlines operate seasonal flights to and from Brač Airport, connecting the island to various European destinations. Some of the airlines that have offered services to Brač Airport in the past include Croatia Airlines, Eurowings, and Trade Air. It is important to note that the availability of flights and destinations may vary depending on the season.
- Facilities: Although Brač Airport is small, it provides essential facilities for passengers. These include check-in counters, baggage handling services, a small waiting area, and a café/restaurant. The airport also offers car rental services for visitors who wish to explore the island.
- Tourism and Surroundings: Brač Island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns. The island attracts tourists who seek a quieter and more relaxed experience compared to the bustling tourist destinations on the mainland. Popular attractions on Brač Island include the famous Zlatni Rat beach in Bol, the town of Supetar, and the Vidova Gora mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Brač is also known for its tennis courts and sports competitions. The island offers several tennis facilities where both locals and visitors can enjoy the sport. These tennis courts provide opportunities for recreational play, training, and organized tournaments. Additionally, Brač has been a host to various sports events and competitions, including tennis tournaments, attracting participants and spectators from different parts of Croatia and beyond. The island’s pleasant climate and beautiful surroundings make it an appealing destination for sports enthusiasts.
More about bidding at http://www.cerp.hr/natjecaji/javni-poziv-za-kupnju-dionica-i-udjela-trgovackih-drustava-u-vlasnistvu-republike-hrvatske-hrvatskog-zavoda-za-mirovinsko-osiguranje-i-cerp-a-provedbom-postupka-javnog-nadmetanja-1790/1790
We would like to attract and invite professionals and researchers from the field of economics and other relevant fields, who are aware of practical and theoretical problems of modern economy, to participate and give their contribution in solving these problems with active participation through presentations, working papers and panels and to provide maximum opportunity for presentation to young researchers.
The Conference will take place both onsite and online. Participants can decide for themselves the way to participate in the conference.
Dubrovnik is a popular destination for conferences and business events. With its stunning coastal location, rich history, and well-equipped conference facilities, Dubrovnik offers a unique and inspiring setting for professional gatherings. The city’s modern conference venues and hotels are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities to cater to the needs of both small and large-scale events. Additionally, Dubrovnik’s charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a picturesque backdrop for networking, team-building activities, and social events. Conference participants can also take advantage of the city’s excellent transport links, diverse accommodation options, and a wide range of restaurants, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees.