Getting Around

A flagship partnership will see buyers in the US be able to purchase Hyundai cars via Amazon as of 2024. With online research already a key part of people’s car purchase journeys, this partnership speaks to an anticipated shift in digital-first shopping for big-ticket items.

Though many Australians own more than one car, the cost of living is challenging people to rethink their household spend. A new campaign from Uber Carshare is tapping into the appetite for multiple cars within one household, while also acknowledging rising costs and offering a flexible alternative.

A survey has found that half of Americans plan to spend money on travel this holiday season. The holidays are gearing up to be a busy time for getaways, meaning people will be looking to brands and services for support with more seamless processes – especially after the disruption of 2022.

Navigation app Waze has integrated AI into its offering to tackle the increasing number of fatalities and casualties on the road. By reviewing the history of crashes on specific roads and flagging other potential dangers, the AI feature aims to keep drivers safe and focused while behind the wheel.

To promote rider safety, micro-mobility company Lime has teamed up with hair salon Edwards and Co. to launch a helmet hair studio. The campaign effectively addresses behavioural barriers to helmet use and could also resonate with riders who lack helmet options for their hair types.

Google Maps is set to debut a feature that will let busy Indian urbanites book metro tickets directly via the app saving them time and making commuting less of a pain. As expectations around convenience and immediacy grow ever higher, people are looking to brands to help tackle these pain points.

BMW has launched a campaign celebrating the wonder of IRL celebrations as the world becomes increasingly digitized. Centering around virtual influencer Lil Miquela, the ad brings together the virtual and the real to drive home the continued importance of immersing yourself in reality.

Hyundai has released a campaign to bolster its connection with the Hispanic community by appealing to a central cultural value of family. The bilingual ad effectively and authentically uses a brand reputation of reliability while recognizing the desire for greater Hispanic representation.

A report by StreetLight Data highlights a notable post-pandemic surge in cycling across major American cities. Micro-mobility is here to stay thanks to people’s desire for sustainable commutes, but improving safety for all is crucial to creating truly bike-friendly cities.

Indonesia has introduced a speed railway named ‘Whoosh,’ which offers eco-friendly and fast travel options. More people are considering their carbon footprint when assessing how and where to travel. Still, convenience is often paramount, and a high-speed rail can provide both solutions.

A campaign from Alaska Airlines is directly targeting Delta customers, who expressed anger over announced changes to the Delta SkyMiles loyalty program. The move from Alaska works to not only promote its own program and give financial benefit but also helps ensure consumers feel heard and valued.

Despite a desire to explore the world, many people with disabilities face obstacles that prevent them from going on getaways. Ximuwu Lodge in South Africa removes these barriers with an accessible safari where wheelchair usage is built in, offering inspiration for other holiday providers.

In honor of global 'Car-Free Day,' carsharing platform Zipcar has released a survey revealing the extent of the desire to cut ties to a personal vehicle in America. Urbanites in major cities are looking to ditch their cars to cut costs, among other environmental and lifestyle factors.

Belmond Orient Express has showcased its allyship with an exclusive travel experience that celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community. With identity purchasing at an all-time high, brands are launching authentic community-led initiatives to resonate with audiences across sectors.

ChargeScape – a joint venture between several international auto manufacturers – has been announced to begin operations in 2024, helping to make EV charging more accessible. Those hesitant about EV adoption are demanding projects to improve national infrastructure and quell range anxiety.

In a world-first, K9 Jets is launching a dog-friendly private jet service from Dubai to London. It speaks to how experiential luxury is no longer solely reserved for humans, and there’s an opportunity to meet HNWIs’ desire for all-inclusive wellness and leisure experiences for their furkids.

Electronic bicycles are increasing in popularity, but worries about the impact of lithium batteries on the environment are causing hesitancy. Pi-POP has a solution with a lithium-free e-bike that's topped up while pedalling, appealing to European's desire for eco-solutions.

Mercedes-Benz has released a luxury Mahjong set aimed at Chinese HNWIs, tapping demands for Guochao aesthetics. With people placing an increasing emphasis on cultural heritage, brands are jumping at the chance to provide authentic and culturally aware products to help build their reputation.

Spiro's battery swap scheme in Kenya encourages green travel for electric motorcycles without any range anxiety. As populations urbanise and citizens urge climate action, brands can accelerate adoption through convenient services that lean into desires to adopt eco-conscious behaviours.

French EV owners are experiencing dissatisfaction as they reassess the value of their purchase amid the cost of living crisis and rising electricity prices. As a result, people are looking to make more informed choices to achieve longer-term value when making significant purchase decisions.

Chinese automaker Nio is releasing its own branded smartphone with the aim of enhancing app integration in its electric vehicles (EVs). As EV owners prioritise connectivity more, companies boost their internal software and hardware capacities to pivot away from third-party integration.

Waymo and Cruise will operate robotaxis in San Francisco. The milestone has been welcomed by those excited by progress in the AV industry. However, many Americans still have concerns about the accuracy and safety of self-driving vehicles, which is likely to generate tensions around the rollout.

The Indian government is ramping up efforts to meet the demand for urban public transport and sustainable mass transit solutions with an investment in 10,000 electric buses. However, with the market for personal EVs booming, it could be a challenge to decongest roads and prioritise public transport.

In Brazil, the community group Massa Crítica successfully encouraged cycling, lobbied for safer roads for cyclists, and painted informal bike lanes in the coastal city of Fortaleza. Across the world, people are directly affecting the structure and planning of the places they live.

Airlines are slashing rewards programs, making it harder to earn elite status, and cutting benefits to create exclusivity. As the cost of living crisis makes travel harder, it remains to be seen whether consumers will remain loyal to airlines as their hard-won status becomes less valuable.

The La Dolce Vita trains by Orient Express aim to promote sustainable and experiential travel as tourism re-ignites across Italy. The luxurious train experience is part of a series of projects launched by Italy’s railway operator to address issues of over-tourism and climate change in the country.

Car ownership is an increasingly expensive endeavor with high-interest rates and fewer finance options for prospective buyers. Despite this, American drivers are slashing their entertainment budgets to keep their wheels – adding to the list of things people are prepared to make sacrifices to keep.

Brazilians face multiple obstacles when switching to EVs, contributing to the higher-than-average emissions produced by the transport sector in Latin America. In response, Stellantis has announced plans to roll out flex-hybrid cars in Brazil that run on biofuels and electricity.

Usage of Bird electric scooters increased significantly during San Diego’s Pride and Comic-Con weekends, pointing to a need for convenient mobility at large events. However, safety concerns persist, and micro-mobility brands will have to increase measures to keep all parties safe as adoption grows.

easyJet has launched a campaign that takes famous artworks on their own journey – breaking them free from their frames and plinths to embark on new adventures. Using fun as a tool, the campaign encapsulates the emotion of travel and aims to show customers the joy of getting out there.

Many people with Down syndrome face obstacles when trying to obtain a driver's license, despite their desire for independence. To tackle this, Localiza launched its Autoescola Xtraordinária campaign which empowers Brazilians with Down syndrome to get their licences and get on the road.

Volkswagen used AI to bring a famous singer 'back to life' to celebrate its 70th anniversary in Brazil. While the campaign went viral, it also raised some ethical questions and suffered a substantial backlash – highlighting that AI isn't being entirely welcomed with open arms by many.

Through a crowdfunding initiative by the cooperative Sailcoop, thousands of passengers can travel to surrounding French islands like Corsica with dramatically lower carbon emissions. Public policies and collective efforts have led to profound eco-conscious lifestyle changes in France.

Fiat’s Topolino EV is being positioned as a scooter alternative for budget-conscious urbanites who prefer four wheels to two. This automotive option seems directly geared towards young people who are looking for eco-friendly ways of getting around without the price tag attached to conventional EVs.

Aston Martin has announced that it will lean on Lucid’s advanced battery technologies to power its inaugural line of ultra-luxury battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Increasingly eco-minded HNWIs are now looking for brands that can deliver on both sustainability and high-performance innovations.

Focusing on the emergent robo-taxi industry, Amazon is piloting Zoox in Las Vegas – however, many Americans aren’t ready to fully trust driverless cars. Brands can overcome the barrier of trust in part by helping people to bridge their intention-action gaps regarding sustainable trip alternatives.