Bringoz Industry Weekly 1/7

nline holiday spending hit a new record. Nuro partners with Foretellix to enhance autonomous last-mile delivery. Automakers report record-high sales for 2023. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Online spending rose 4.9% year over year, setting a record for eCommerce during the holiday season, as shoppers pounced on record-high discounts and leaned on buy now, pay later to cover more of their purchases, according to Adobe Analytics. Sales totaled $222.1 billion on retailers’ websites and apps from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, according to Adobe. Cyber Week accounted for $38 billion of online holiday sales, or nearly one in five dollars spent during November and December. Read more.

Autonomous vehicle firm Nuro has teamed with Foretellix, a provider of safety-driven verification and validation driving solutions. The collaboration is designed to speed the large-scale deployment of autonomous vehicles for last-mile delivery. The partnership will see the companies use Foretellix’s verification and validation platform to come up with a library of scenarios for urban settings to test Nuro’s automated driving system. Read more.

Eight automakers, including General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi, reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year U.S. sales. According to Cox Automotive, higher deliveries, supply chain improvements and stronger dealer incentives fueled the jump in new vehicle sales. U.S. auto sales reached an estimated 15.5 million units in 2023, an 11.6% jump from 13.9 million vehicles sold in 2022. Read more.

As technology evolves, customer preferences change, and sustainability becomes more important, rental fleet managers face the constant challenge of adopting new technologies and strategies to increase efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and maintain a competitive edge. Here’s a look at some key trends that are shaping the future of the automotive rental industry. Read more.

Whether it’s transferring vehicles between different branches or delivering vehicles directly to customers, having the right car at the right place and the right time is crucial to success in the car rental industry. Here’s a deeper look at how fleet managers can streamline vehicle transfers and delivery operations, optimize their resources, and enhance vehicle management. Read more.

As we approach the new year, several trends are transforming the supply chain landscape driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and the lessons learned from recent global disruptions. These trends are set to redefine how goods are moved, stored, and delivered. Here’s a look at some significant supply chain trends for 2024 that businesses and consumers alike should be aware of. Read more.

As we venture into 2024, the retail industry continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape. New technologies, changing consumer habits, and economic uncertainty are all driving the need for retailers to adapt and innovate. Here’s a look at five trends that will continue to reshape the retail landscape this year. Read more.