Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Bad Hofgastein, Austria, will waive dog taxes for owners who can demonstrate their pets have passed a behavioral and obedience test, a move approved by the local municipality on February 19, 2026. The initiative, spearheaded by ÖVP council member Jasmin Fleißner, aims to encourage responsible dog ownership and training within the Pongau region.

The tax exemption will apply in the calendar year following successful completion of a recognized obedience and temperament examination. According to a notice published by the municipality, proof of the exam must be issued directly to the dog owner applying for the exemption. The move was supported by a majority vote within the Bad Hofgastein Gemeindevertretung (municipal council), according to reports in the Salzburger Nachrichten.

Fleißner, who has been surrounded by dogs since childhood and is frequently seen with her two Golden Retrievers in the area, has previously advocated for the interests of dog owners. The new policy positions Bad Hofgastein as a particularly dog-friendly community, according to local media.

The municipality’s website details the process for dog registration, which is required for all residents with a primary residence in Bad Hofgastein. Registered dogs receive a tag for identification purposes. While the new tax exemption applies specifically to those passing the behavioral and obedience test, all dogs must still be registered with the Gemeinde (municipality).

The Bund der Steuerzahler (Federation of Taxpayers) maintains a database of municipal dog tax rates across Germany and Austria, but specific rates for Bad Hofgastein were not immediately available in the database as of February 19, 2026.

Casablanca, Morocco – Jetour, the SUV-focused marque of Chinese automaker Chery Automobile, officially launched its first showroom in Morocco on February 18, 2026, located on Boulevard Bahmad in Casablanca. The opening marks a significant step in the brand’s expansion into the North African market, with plans for further showrooms in Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, and Fès.

The showroom, spanning 850 square meters, is designed to meet international standards set by Chery Group and reflects the premium positioning sought by Smeia, the Moroccan distributor and a subsidiary of Groupe Safari. Smeia intends to establish Jetour within a structured, customer-focused environment, according to a company statement.

Alongside the showroom launch, Jetour introduced two models to the Moroccan market: the T2 SUV and the Dashing SUV. The T2, previously available in a hybrid rechargeable version, is now offered with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 254 horsepower, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). This gasoline version is priced at 399,900 Moroccan Dirham (approximately $37,700 USD).

The Dashing SUV, described as a sporty model, features a distinctive “shark nose” front design with a large grille and two-tiered headlights. Inside, the vehicle boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, and a head-up display. The Dashing is available with either a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 147 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, or a 1.6-liter gasoline engine generating 197 horsepower, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Dashing’s starting price is 249,900 Moroccan Dirham (approximately $23,500 USD).

Jetour is offering a comprehensive warranty on its vehicles in Morocco, covering seven years or 200,000 kilometers, with an additional ten-year/1,000,000-kilometer warranty specifically for the engine. Established in 2018, Jetour focuses exclusively on SUV production and is part of Chery Holding Group, according to company information.

The launch of the T2 with a gasoline engine option expands the model’s appeal to a broader range of customers, although the introduction of the Dashing aims to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic. Smeia’s strategy focuses on building a strong brand presence through a network of showrooms and a commitment to customer service.