More easily and extensively,Lifting Rack, Escalade IQ #217 / August 11, 2023(Fri) / Confidential |
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In recent times, we have been delighted to welcome a significant number of Korean designers and engineers to Kia Design Center for collaborative efforts. Upon their arrival at the airport, many of them opt to rent vehicles from rental car companies like Hertz.
While rental car companies offer the advantage of immediate availability and ease of operation, there have been discussions about potential drawbacks including limited vehicle options, unexpected subpar customer service, high costs, and additional hidden fees. Given these concerns, several individuals have inquired if there might be alternative solutions. In response, I have taken the opportunity to introduce Turo to some, as it addresses these concerns by offering a wider range of choices, improved customer service, competitive pricing, and transparency in pricing structures.
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Turo offers both app and web access and is available across the United States, Canada, and Europe. It operates on a model similar to Airbnb, where vehicle owners directly rent out their cars. After registering as a member, you can book a vehicle by going through a verification process that involves submitting your driver's license (U.S. or international). Once the owner accepts your reservation, the booking is confirmed.
Additionally, it's worth noting that besides email sign-up, you can link your Google or Facebook accounts. However, when linking with Facebook, it's advisable to use your name in English to avoid higher rejection rates from foreign car owners. You can also add an additional driver, and it's recommended to enter their name in English as well. |
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While various filters are available for search, my primary criteria are (1. Price / 2. Mileage Limit / 3. Car Type). For a family, an SUV might be suitable, while for a romantic getaway or with friends, a convertible or sports car could be a great choice.
Searching near LA Airport for a Ford Mustang (perfect for enjoying California sunshine, hehe), yields an impressive selection of 43 vehicles. You can even specify the model year you desire. Prices start at around $60 per day. Clicking on a car image reveals details like MPG, number of doors, owner ratings, and the number of times the vehicle has been rented out. There's even a kind note mentioning a $19 discount for rentals lasting three days or more.
On the next page, you'll find three insurance options: Basic (from $47), Standard (from $75), and Premium (from $122) for a three-day rental. These seem far more affordable compared to the additional costs often tacked on by rental car companies.
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Turo, which allows cancellations up to one day before the reservation, and offers the opportunity to personally experience a variety of vehicles, has received positive acclaim in frequent-traveling cities across the United States. It seems like a service worth trying for the next time you're in an area that requires air travel. 😊 |
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🤗 Newletter Summary
01. Consumer Trend - Emulating the 'More & Easier' Service Subway + Amazon
02 Design - The Rooprack Lifting Arm for E-bikes Allows Heavy Bicycles. ebikelifter
03 Automotive Weekly A - 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
B - Bentley's Sustainable Leather
C - EV vs ICE Cost Realities |
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Consumer Trend - "Enjoy More" and "User-Friendly" Services Subway Gen Z + Amazon One
According to Deloitte's 2023 Global Automotive Consumer Study, which offers fresh perspectives and sharp insights, individuals using electric charging stations are seeking more than just charging services. The study reveals a desire for additional amenities such as WiFi, mood-enhancing beverages, restroom facilities, and rest areas. In response to this trend, Subway has unveiled the concept of "Subway Oasis," a charging station partnership with EV chargers that includes canopies, picnic tables, WiFi, restrooms, green spaces, and even playgrounds. The plan involves remodeling spaces near their chain stores to offer fast charging and conveniences in the near future.
Furthermore, Amazon is expanding its Amazon One service to cater to consumers seeking seamless payment solutions. Currently available in around 200 Whole Foods stores, including New York and California, this system allows users to pay hassle-free by scanning their palm. Recently, the service was extended to allow purchasing of beer at a major league baseball stadium in Colorado. Amazon aims to roll out the One service to an additional 500 Whole Foods Market stores across the United States this year.
As consumers increasingly seek seamless and hassle-free experiences that fulfill a variety of needs in one place, a diverse range of versatile products and services are emerging. In this landscape, what innovative ideas can we generate to meet these demands smoothly and efficiently? 🍦🍦
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Design Trend - Essential for Heavy Electric Bicycles, The Looprack Lifting Arm
When my child entered middle school, I considered getting an electric bicycle for their commute. However, the thought of lifting the bicycle onto a loop rack or trunk rack every morning was daunting, and I ended up ruling it out.
Electric bicycles with built-in batteries are even heavier, making the task of lifting them onto a loop rack even more challenging. In response to concerns like mine, startup Pender has developed the ebikelifter, catering to consumers who, like me, hesitate to adopt electric bicycles due to these difficulties.
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Featuring a telescoping arm that enables lifting and lowering, this loop rack incorporates user-friendly design. It is initially secured by straps connecting the bottom post to the seat and handlebars. With a simple push towards the loop and a quick lock of the latch, it can be effortlessly mounted. It supports a maximum load of up to 30kg (66lbs) and accommodates two bicycles per vehicle. Furthermore, the lifting arm can be easily removed when not in use. |
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While the price point of $825 may appear daunting, the product's exceptional engineering is likely to offset this cost with its remarkable performance. This user-friendly product has the potential to compensate for the investment through its thoughtful design. It stands to be a valuable asset for drivers seeking to enhance their outdoor activities by utilizing bicycles. |
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Automotive Weekly A - 2024 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Yesterday in New York, Cadillac unveiled the electrified Escalade IQ, positioning it as their electric answer to compete against the 3-row offerings of vehicles like the Rivian R1S and the Mercedes EQS, and, while not strictly comparable, even the EV9 and Volvo EX90.
To compete with the likes of the three-row Rivian R1S, the Mercedes EQS, and while not in the same class, the EV9 and Volvo EX90, Cadillac has introduced the Escalade IQ, an electric variant of their ICE Escalade model, in New York yesterday.
The Escalade IQ boasts three key figures that deserve attention: a $130,000 price tag, a range of 450 miles, and a robust 200 kWh battery pack.
Built upon the Ultium platform, the Escalade IQ shares resemblances, particularly in its interior, not only with its internal combustion engine counterpart, the ICE Escalade, but also with its electric siblings, the Lyriq and Celestiq. Gratefully, it has steered clear of the moniker "Escaladiq," and its appearance distinctly diverges from the familiar ICE Escalade, gravitating towards a more dynamic design. This design shift could be attributed to a focus on aerodynamics and efficiency, which has resulted in a sleeker and more athletic aesthetic.
Noteworthy improvements in aerodynamic efficiency (15%) are attained through optimized 24" wheels, a streamlined underbody, lower suction openings, and flat side windows. All these elements combine to enhance the EV's allure.
Derived from the Lyriq's influence, the black crystal shield grille and the lighting sequence contribute to the Escalade IQ's road presence, complemented by subtle detailing beside the vertical headlights. The transition from front to rear amalgamates elements from the current Escalade and the Lyriq, culminating in a trim and sophisticated design.
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Boasting an impressive 12 cubic feet of capacity, the Lyriq is said to lack the trunk space that, in comparison to its size, might appear a bit snug. Adjacent to the trunk, there's a 400-volt outlet, which could prove handy for supplying electricity to your home or other locations when connected to the vehicle. While the interior showcases luxurious finishes, the trunk is covered with a simple carpeting, which may not be ideal for storing beverages or food items. |
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As an option, the intriguing feature of automatic door closure upon approach and a tap on the brake before, or after exiting the vehicle, adds to the allure. The standout feature that sets it apart from its ICE counterpart is the pillar-to-pillar screen, underscoring the vehicle's tech-centric design approach. The massive 55-inch screen that encompasses the instrument cluster, infotainment, and passenger display is cleverly adjusted to prevent the passenger-side content from being visible to the driver, except during parking. Notably, the continuous 55" single-screen layout, without dividing multiple screens, lends a clean and polished aesthetic from a fit and finish perspective. (Regrettably, smartphone integration isn't supported, confining its use to in-car content only – a sentiment of disappointment resonates among consumers in this aspect.)
Due to the sloping roofline, the third row appears to sacrifice some headroom, which is a departure from the ICE model.
With a starting price of $130,000, there doesn't seem to be an abundance of vehicles poised to compete with the Escalade's size. While European brands like Land Rover, Range Rover, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley are likely to soon throw their hat into the luxury EV SUV ring, there might not be a contender that captures the unique American sensibilities.
The evolution of hardware upgrades like suspension, combined with changes in powertrain and increased driving range that the Escalade has fine-tuned over the years, raises questions about how these advancements will impact future sales. It's a waiting game until next summer, when it's set to be produced in Detroit, to truly gauge the effects.
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Automotive Weekly B - Bentley's new sustainable leather
Bentley is introducing a fresh approach to leather production, focusing on a more sustainable tanning process. They will be unveiling a new leather option at this month's Monterey Car Week, using olive oil-based tanning agents that do not produce harmful metals or mineral byproducts, and consuming less water compared to traditional methods. While still utilizing leather, this new offering challenges the trend among manufacturers to avoid animal-derived materials altogether. Bentley is committed to discovering ongoing sustainable elements in their production processes. |
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Automotive Weekly C - EV vs ICE Cost Realities
Some Americans believe that electric vehicle (EV) charging costs more than filling up with gasoline. The Washington Post utilized the insights of the Sink Tank Energy Innovation to mathematically calculate the "actual fueling cost" for a comparative analysis. To ensure accuracy, factors such as varying prices, tolls, rebates, battery efficiency, and other variables were taken into account for each state and charging station, resulting in the finding that EVs are more cost-effective than gasoline vehicles across all 50 states.
For an annual mileage of 14,000 miles, the study found that sedan EV drivers could save $700 per year compared to their gasoline sedan counterparts, while EV pickup truck drivers could save $1,000 annually compared to gasoline pickup truck drivers. The analysis was based on typical daily driving scenarios, excluding special cases, though it's worth noting that in some cases, EVs could be more expensive for long-distance travel, especially on less EV-dense routes like the one between Detroit and Miami.
One crucial unaccounted factor is the societal cost due to carbon emissions. When aggregating the costs incurred by global warming, such as heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and crop failures, using a gallon of gasoline adds 20 pounds of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which could be seen as an additional 50 cents of climate damage per gallon. Factoring in externalities like congestion, accidents, and air pollution, the estimated external cost per gallon could be as high as $3, adding an even more substantial cost that is unparalleled in comparison to electric vehicles.
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Upon reading an article about how millennials don't buy or even know how to operate a can opener, it wasn't until I saw my high school daughter effortlessly using an open-touch can product that I truly realized that my generation is fading away.
The driving force behind consumer trends, millennials who detest inconvenience, are having an impact that extends beyond just can openers. Even Kraft Cheese, primarily producing individually wrapped slices, faces a challenge when it comes to opening the transparent film covering. In fact, the company has earned the top spot for consumer complaints due to the difficulty in opening their packaging. (There are even videos showing frustrated consumers struggling with it.)
However, Kraft explains that the packaging issue isn't due to being hard to open, but rather the perception that processed cheese slices are not as natural and wholesome as they'd like, which is why they've decided to incorporate the phrase "Made with Real Dairy" on the package. This aims to resonate with health-conscious young buyers who have a desire for healthier food options and don't connect with the artificial taste of processed cheese.
While it remains uncertain how much the new packaging will impact sales, as a mother of middle and high school children, I have a hunch that if the package opening method remains unchanged, there won't be significant changes.
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Kia Design Center America
Written by Jenna Chwee
Email: jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92606
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