Posts by theo.foukkare@bigpond.com

The companies plan to install 30,000 chargers. Seven of the world’s largest automakers—BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group and Stellantis NV—have joined forces to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in North America by “making EV charging more convenient, accessible and reliable,” they announced in a press release on Wednesday. The collaboration aims to create a network of reliable, high-powered charging stations in North America scheduled to open by mid-2024. The development will include a high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 chargers. “GM’s commitment to an all-electric future is focused not only on delivering EVs our customers love but investing in charging and working across the industry to make it more accessible. The better experience people have, the faster EV adoption will grow,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. According to Axios, “The unusual effort by industry giants is also seen as a bid to quell Tesla’s growing influence over…

7-Eleven, Inc. is bringing brand fans, car fanatics and gaming enthusiasts together for a first-of-its-kind interactive challenge on the world-famous online video game, Fortnite.* After years of cultivating a relationship with the car community on Instagram, 7-Eleven is taking car meet ups to the next level by inviting fans to meet up virtually for the ultimate scavenger hunt across three Fortnite maps. Using clues that will be revealed on 7-Eleven’s social channels, players can find 7-Eleven® branded cars across a series of custom Fortnite islands to unlock a special 7-Eleven map and virtual car meet up. Here’s how to play: Players who share their photo from the designated spot to Instagram and X will have the chance to win epic prizes like a custom gaming chair, immortalized gamertag statue to live on the island, $500 in credits for use on 7NOW® Delivery, and weekly fuel discounts at 7-Eleven or Speedway® branded fuel locations.**…

7-Eleven Australia is taking the next steps in evolving its digital solutions to provide customers with convenient shopping and loyalty options, partnering with Grabango to develop My 7-Eleven App Pay and Go 2.0 which is expected to launch in 10 stores by the end of 2024. The Grabango technology uses AI to enable customers the choice to skip the register, without the need to even scan purchases using their device. 7-Eleven Australia General Manager -Technology and Strategy, Stephen Eyears said “7-Eleven’s current My 7-Eleven App Pay and Go feature lets consumers scan their items, or fill their vehicle at the pump, and complete their transaction on their phone without the need to queue at the register. “The enhancement the team is working with Grabango to develop will make it even more convenient for our customers who choose to pay with the Pay and Go feature as they won’t need to scan…

Authorities say they have dismantled a large-scale illicit tobacco syndicate operating in south-east Queensland, seizing nearly 3 million illegal cigarettes and 380 kilograms of the drug. Key points: In a series of pre-dawn raids on the Gold Coast and in northern NSW earlier this week, the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce – made up of Australian Border Force (ABF), federal and state police – combed industrial storage sheds and rural safe houses allegedly used to stockpile the drug known as ‘chop chop’. They also seized $1.5 million in cash and more than $5 million worth of illegal nicotine vapes allegedly being peddled by the suspected criminal network. 7.30 was invited to observe the joint taskforce as they closed in on the illicit tobacco trade in the state’s south-east, where alleged members of the syndicate were woken in the early hours of the morning to sniffer dogs and authorities at a rural address in Maudsland on…

The restaurant landscape is in constant flux, as consumer preferences and market trends shift. To remain competitive and resilient, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) must keep pace with the most important factors driving change in their industry. Marigold’s 2023 Consumer Trends Index provides valuable insights into the factors shaping customer behaviour and purchase patterns, enabling QSRs to make informed decisions and strategise effectively. Through an extensive survey of over 6,000 people worldwide, Marigold collected essential information, delving into what customers value and deem acceptable or irrelevant when engaging with their favourite brands. Interestingly, the restaurant industry is exceptionally well-positioned to weather economic turbulence, such as a recession when compared to other sectors. This resilience can be attributed to the myriad opportunities for creating emotional connections with consumers that are inherent in the world of dining. Harnessing the power of these connections, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the latest consumer trends,…