FT News Briefing Europe’s battery darling runs out of juice
8 snips
Sep 20, 2024 The S&P 500 hits a record high, but Europe's leading hope in EV batteries, Northvolt, faces dire challenges that could impact the automotive industry. The Bank of England decides to maintain interest rates at 5%, causing ripples in economic discussions. Meanwhile, frequent flyers express growing frustration with airline loyalty programs, as redeeming points becomes increasingly difficult in a post-COVID world. Emotional ties to these programs are strong, yet customers aren't happy with recent changes, raising concerns about their future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Europe's Battery Hope Struggles
- Northvolt, a Swedish battery company, faces production challenges and financial strain.
- This situation jeopardizes Europe's ambition to reduce reliance on Asian battery suppliers.
Airline Loyalty Programs Face Scrutiny
- Airlines are tightening frequent flyer program rules, making it harder to earn status and perks.
- This has led to customer frustration and regulatory scrutiny regarding potential bait-and-switch tactics.