News Headlines - 30 October 2019

▽Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot Owner PSA in Talks to Combine - WSJ

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Peugeot maker PSA Group of France said they were in merger talks, discussions that could lead to the creation of a roughly $46 billion trans-Atlantic auto giant that would rank as the world’s fourth largest by volume.
The talks come as the world’s largest auto makers try to restructure their businesses as cost pressures mount and the global car market slows down after a period of heady growth.

▽Honda, Hitachi to Form $17 Billion Car-Parts Maker in Merger - Bloomberg

Honda Motor Co. and Hitachi Ltd. agreed to merge four of their car parts businesses to create a components supplier with almost $17 billion in sales, joining a wave of partnerships sweeping the global auto industry.
Honda, Japan’s second-biggest carmaker, and Hitachi, one of the country’s biggest industrial conglomerates, said Wednesday they will combine Hitachi Automotive Systems and Honda affiliates Keihin Corp., Showa Corp. and Nissin Kogyo Co. Following a tender offer and an interim consolidation, Hitachi will own two-thirds of the new entity, with Honda owning the rest, the companies said.

▽Chile won't host APEC and COP25 summits, after weeks of street protests - CNN

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced Wednesday that his country, which has been paralyzed by protests over the last two weeks, will no longer host two major international summits.
Clashes at demonstrations in the capital of Santiago have left at least 20 people dead and led to the resignation of eight key ministers from Pinera's cabinet.
The President has now canceled the hosting of the economic APEC forum and COP25 environmental summit, which were both due to take place later this year.

▽Lebanon's Hariri steps down after nearly two weeks of nationwide protests - CNN

Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced Tuesday he was resigning, succumbing to the demands of protesters who have staged nationwide demonstrations for nearly two weeks... On October 17, the government proposed imposing a tax on Whatsapp calls, along with other austerity measures, sparking protests that paralyzed the country.
Lebanon has been under lockdown since the protests began. Banks and schools have been closed for 12 days, while protesters blocked major routes throughout the tiny eastern Mediterranean nation.

▽Portuguese doctor suspended after baby born without a face - BBC News

A Portuguese obstetrician has been suspended after a baby was born without a nose, eyes or part of his skull.
The parents of baby Rodrigo had not been aware of their son's severe physical abnormalities until he was born earlier this month.
Medical council officials have voted to suspend Dr Artur Carvalho over allegations of negligence.