The Sasol Group, which deals in coal-to-liquids products and chemical products, demonstrated high operational results in the final quarter of the fiscal year, which ended on June 30. The company emphasized that its Natref refinery continues to play a key role in ensuring the fuel base and energy security of South Africa.
Thanks to strong production figures, especially at the Secunda Operations (SO) site, and a more favorable macroeconomic backdrop, the group benefited in the last quarter. SO achieved its highest annual production volume in five years, exceeding market forecasts. This success was driven by a successful desilting project, which kept average metrics below the market range of 12–14%, as well as increased natural gas availability and stable operation of SO during the reporting period.
The group stated that it focused on controllable factors, giving top priority to safety, operational efficiency, cost control, and capital discipline. Furthermore, the company utilized its integrated value chains across different regions, ensuring reliable supplies of energy and chemical products amid the conflict in the Middle East (ME).
Operations at the ORYX GTL refinery in Qatar remained suspended due to previous gas supply disruptions, and resumption depends on stabilizing regional conditions. Liquid fuel sales volume for 2026 was higher than the previous year, and higher refining profitability positively impacted profits, although this was partially offset by losses from crude oil procurement hedging.
Nevertheless, sales volume in the current quarter suffered due to increased fuel price volatility and increased fuel imports into the South African market, leading to higher inventory levels. Revenues from chemical products in Africa increased due to price hikes, but this was partially offset by reduced sales volumes of basic chemicals due to planned shutdowns, while overall volumes were at the upper end of market forecasts.
In the International Chemicals (IC) sector, strategic review initiatives progressed during the quarter. In America, the business benefited from significantly higher market prices and stable production activity. In Eurasia, revenue grew due to more effective cost pass-through management to maintain margins, although sales volumes were lower than in the previous quarter due to force majeure on certain products caused by raw material constraints stemming from the Middle East conflict.
As a result, adjusted EBITDA in the IC sector is expected to exceed the market forecast range of $375–$450 million. In response to the global shortage of paraffin and LAB (Linear Alkyl Benzene), Sasol initiated the restart of its paraffin production unit in Augusta, Italy, which had previously been shut down. This restart is expected in the first half of the 2027 fiscal year.
The phased implementation of a modern ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system continued, with the launch in Germany starting in July 2026. Sasol also developed its renewable energy program, adding 330 MW during the quarter, increasing the renewable energy operational capacity to over 500 MW out of a total of 1.2 GW. As part of the Advanced Materials chemical growth strategy, Sasol made a targeted decision to invest €60 million in Brunsbüttel, Germany, to expand specialized zeolite production capabilities and support future demand in high-value end markets.
Sasol and Topsoe agreed to prepare for the decommissioning of the Zaffra joint venture while continuing cooperation in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology. Zaffra, based in Amsterdam, was established in 2023 between Sasol and the Danish technology provider Topsoe to develop SAF. The group's financial results for 2026 are expected to meet forecasts, except for net working capital, which increased by year-end due to higher prices driven by the Middle East conflict and the accumulation of fuel reserves. These fuel reserves will ensure supplies in the first quarter of 2027 during the Natref shutdown, reducing the need for fuel imports.
Group directors noted that the operating environment is likely to remain unstable in the future, owing to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and changing market dynamics.
Ford announced its 57th recall for the year 2026, covering 288,314 units of the Explorer SUV model, manufactured between 2016 and 2019. As detailed in a report submitted to the U.S. traffic agency, the defect lies in the longitudinal roof racks, which may detach or loosen from the vehicle.
This issue specifically affects models with satin, chrome, and painted finishes. When the part detaches, the driver may notice signs such as increased aerodynamic noises, whistling, rattling, and a perceptible gap between the bar and the roofline. The manufacturer confirmed awareness of an accident incident related to the detachment of this part.
It is important to note that a portion of the recalled vehicles had already received previous repairs. The NHTSA pointed out that, on certain occasions, technicians failed to replace damaged retaining clips or used inadequate amounts of epoxy adhesive in incorrect locations, in addition to being performed under improper curing conditions. The definitive repair at dealerships requires inspecting the parts, replacing broken clips, and securing them using four push-pin type plastic clamps.
The record of this problem dates back to 2020, when Ford identified the fault and began offering repairs under extended warranty. The official recall was only formalized in April 2021. In March 2026, the NHTSA's defect investigation sector notified the manufacturer about 46 owner complaints, including those whose vehicles had already been repaired.
This event is part of a series of worrying occurrences. In 2025, Ford accounted for approximately 152 recalls, representing the highest number recorded for a single manufacturer in one year, affecting nearly 13 million automobiles. In 2026 alone, according to NHTSA data, more than 50 campaigns were exceeded, reaching 11.2 million affected units. The company justifies this high volume by stating that it reflects a more rigorous approach to identifying and correcting faults before they evolve into more serious problems.
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 has been put on sale on Mercado Livre, available for R$ 699, with the option to pay in up to 10 interest-free installments. This smartwatch, originally priced at R$ 1,499, belongs to the new collection launched by the Chinese manufacturer in 2026 and offers various features for health and sports activity tracking, in addition to having a lightweight design.
This Huawei smartwatch features a modern and lightweight construction, weighing only 27 grams. Its 1.82-inch HD AMOLED screen reaches a maximum brightness of 2,500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The device casing is made of aluminum alloy, a material known for its good durability.
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 supports over 100 physical exercise modes and includes the Mini Workout feature. This feature assists in daily life by continuously monitoring ten body points and suggesting simple movements if it detects that the user has remained motionless for a long period.
Regarding health, the system is equipped with sensors capable of measuring heart rate, blood oxygen level (SpO2), and monitoring sleep, identifying its different phases and the duration of each. Additionally, the integrated technology aids in preventing possible heart problems, contributing to the control of the user's well-being.
With a 471 mAh battery, the watch promises autonomy of up to ten days, eliminating the need for daily recharging. Another highlight is the integrated dual-band GPS (L1+L5), which allows for more precise outdoor tracking, complemented by Bluetooth 6.0 for stable connections with Android and iPhone devices.
To ensure safety in aquatic and sports activities, the device has an IP6X dust certification and 5 ATM water resistance. Interested parties can take advantage of the offer to purchase the Huawei Watch Fit 5 with a 53% discount, for the price of R$ 699, in up to 10 interest-free installments on Mercado Livre.
Volkswagen announced a recall program affecting 150,290 vehicles sold in the Brazilian market. The recall is due to a fault detected in the parking brake lever.
The models included in this recall are Polo, Polo Track, Tera, Nivus, T-Cross, and Virtus. Owners must take their cars to the manufacturer's dealerships for an inspection. If the problem is confirmed, the part will be replaced at no cost to the consumer.
The campaign covers vehicles manufactured between May and October 2025, encompassing some of the company's best sellers in the national territory.
As detailed by Volkswagen, the fault lies in the parking brake lever, which is the component responsible for locking the car when parked. Although the driver can engage the handbrake and have the impression that the system is correctly locked, the internal lock mechanism may fail.
This failure creates the risk of the vehicle moving unintentionally, especially when stopped on inclines or sloped surfaces. The manufacturer warns that such unexpected movement can result in accidents, causing material damage and injuries to occupants and third parties.
The affected compact models use the traditional cable-operated parking brake system, unlike electronic brakes. For this reason, its operation depends entirely on the mechanical integrity of the lever. The repair consists of checking the assembly and, if the defect is found, completely replacing the part.
The large volume of involved cars is linked to the MQB-A0 modular architecture, shared by the six participating models. Since these vehicles use common components and suppliers, the manufacturing defect was specifically located in the mechanical parking brake lever, a standardized part used across this line of compacts.
The list of vehicles covered by the recall includes:
The inspection and subsequent replacement of the parking brake lever will be offered free of charge to owners, in compliance with Brazilian legislation. Volkswagen estimates that the procedure will take about two hours.
Service is already available at all authorized brand dealerships, but prior scheduling is necessary to optimize workflow in the workshops. Vehicle owners can confirm if their car is under recall using the chassis number and schedule the service through the official Volkswagen website or by calling the service center at 0800 019 8866.
Volkswagen also emphasizes that owners who do not complete the recall will be prevented from renewing the vehicle's annual licensing. This restriction is part of the Brazilian traffic system and aims to ensure that any safety flaws pointed out by manufacturers are properly corrected.
