fbpx
Connect with us

Consumer Corner

CES is Back and Thriving!

Published

on

Las Vegas, NV — CES® 2023 after an incredible week of product launches, major company announcements and innovation that will help to solve global challenges. CES shattered expected attendance drawing over 115,000 industry professionals – marking the largest audited global tech event since early 2020. With over 3200 exhibitors, including 1000 startups, CES 2023 showcased the next era of innovation from transportation and mobility to digital health, sustainability, Web3, metaverse and beyond. 

For the first time, CES had a theme focused on Human Security for All. CES partnered with the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art and Science on the Human Security for All (HS4A) global campaign to foster food security, access to health care, personal income, environmental protection, personal safety, community security and political freedom. The products unveiled at CES 2023 tackle global issues such as access to clean water, food security, smart cities infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, personal security and more. CES also featured the latest in accessibility tech, with innovation helping those in the disability community. 

“CES 2023 was the great reconnection and rocked by every measure – from attendance to the keynote stage to press conferences and product debuts on the exhibit floor – showing the entire world that in-person events are BACK!” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “The innovation unveiled this week will drive economic growth and change in meaningful ways to improve our lives and create a better future for the next generation.”


CES 2023 by the Numbers

•    Nearly 2.2 million net square feet of exhibits (70% larger than CES 2022)
•    3200+ exhibitors, including 1000 new exhibitors
•    Over 115,000 attendees (pre-audit figures)
•    Over 40,000 international attendees from more than 140 countries (pre-audit figures)
•    4800 global media from 69 countries (pre-audit figures)
•    60% of Fortune 500 companies represented
 

Top Trends at CES 2023

With over 3200 companies, including Abbott, Amazon, Bosch, BMW, Canon, Delta, Google, Hisense, John Deere, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Stellantis launching products, key trends on the CES show floor included:

•    Human Security for All – With unprecedented global challenges, the HS4A campaign was a central theme at CES 2023 highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation across all industries, and all countries, to improve the human experience.
•    Automotive and Mobility – With some 300 vehicle tech exhibitors, CES 2023 was one of the largest auto shows in the world. Keynotes from BMW, John Deere and Stellantis and products launches from global companies focused on self-driving tech, electric vehicles and personal mobility devices for land, air and sea.  
Exhibitors: Candela Marine Technology, GM, Italdesign Giugiaro, Magna, Mercedes-Benz, MobilEye, Waymo, RYSE and Volvo Penta. 
•    Digital Health – CES 2023 brought more digital health innovations and brands to the global stage, showing how rapidly the market is growing. Innovations included digital therapeutics, mental wellness, women’s health tech and telemedicine. 
Exhibitors: Abbott, LOTTE Healthcare, MedWand Solutions and Omron Healthcare. 
•    Sustainability – Global brands like John Deere, LG, Samsung and Siemens showcased how innovation can conserve energy and increase power generation, create sustainable agricultural systems, power smart cities, and support access to clean water. 
Exhibitors: 3M, Bridger Aerospace, Caterpillar and NexGen Power Systems, Panasonic and Sony. 
•    Web3 and Metaverse – For the first time, CES 2023 had a dedicated Metaverse area on the show floor, highlighting groundbreaking sensory technology building immersive, interactive digital worlds. A Web3 Studio, produced by CoinDesk, was the focal point of the Web3, Metaverse and Blockchain area at CES. 
Exhibitors: Magic Leap, Microsoft, OVR Technology and SK.  
•    Startups – Eureka Park at CES featured 1000 startups from countries, regions and territories, including Japan, Korea, France, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey, Hong Kong, Netherlands, US, and Ukraine. Technology included renewable paper solutions to reduce CO2 emissions; AI technology used to reduce food waste; solar technology to capture both electrical and thermal energy; personal safety apps and more.

While CES 2023 concluded today, on-demand content from the show will be available through February on CES.tech. Visit CES.tech for keynotes, sessions, product announcements and show floor coverage. Download CES b-roll and view the high-res image gallery here

CES returns to Las Vegas, January 9-12, 2024.

Source: CES

Automotive

Refining its Adventure Ready Heritage: Introducing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner

Get ready for the ultimate off-road adventure with the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. It combines heritage, capability, and advanced features.

Published

on


For over four decades, the Toyota 4Runner has held a special place in the hearts of North American off-road enthusiasts. Its legendary status as a capable and rugged off-roader is undeniable. Now, with the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, Toyota has raised the bar even higher, combining the vehicle’s iconic heritage with bold new looks, advanced technology, premium materials, and enhanced safety features. Let’s dive into the exciting details of this sixth-generation model and discover why it’s set to captivate adventure lovers yet again.

Built for the Toughest Terrains:
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is built on Toyota’s tough TNGA-F global truck platform, which it shares with other iconic models like Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. This platform boasts a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, multi-link coil rear, and double-wishbone front suspension, providing unbeatable durability and enhanced ride comfort. With its powerful i-FORCE MAX powertrain, the new 4Runner can tow up to an impressive 6,000 pounds.

@stmblog

Unleash your adventurous side with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner! 🚀 #Toyota4Runner #AdventureReady https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/autom

♬ original sound – STMDailyNews
2025 Toyota 4Runner Refines Adventure Ready Heritage

Evolving Legacy with a Bold New Look:
The design of the all-new 4Runner was spearheaded by the Michigan-based CALTY design team, who drew inspiration from the vehicle’s rich heritage and its association with the Baja desert racing scene. The result is a dynamic and athletic appearance, paying homage to the first and second generations of 4Runners. Design elements such as the legacy “wrap over” quarter glass and the iconic roll-down rear window have been brought back, adding a touch of nostalgia. Inside the cabin, the emphasis was on creating a functional and sophisticated space, with second-row tumble seats enhancing versatility and maximizing cargo floor usage.

Unleashing the Power:
The 2025 4Runner offers two powerful and efficient powertrain options. The i-FORCE engine, a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, delivers an impressive 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, available on select models, combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor, creating a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque – the most powerful powertrain ever offered on a 4Runner.

Unparalleled Off-Road Capability:
The 4Runner has always been synonymous with off-road capability, and the 2025 model takes it to new heights. The introduction of the Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism enhances suspension articulation, allowing the vehicle to flex while maintaining excellent traction. With up to 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure angles, the 4Runner is prepared to conquer any trail. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system assists the driver by providing a view of potential hazards displayed on the center screen, further enhancing off-road safety.

An Array of Options:
Toyota expanded the grade offering for the 2025 4Runner to provide customers with more choices than ever before. Nine grades are available, including the new Trailhunter grade, designed specifically for overlanding enthusiasts who seek a turnkey solution for their adventures. The Trailhunter comes equipped with additional off-road enhancements, such as ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) shocks and a co-designed ARB Roof Rack.

Advanced Technology for a Connected Experience:
The 2025 4Runner features Toyota’s latest technology, including an 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard ensures that all 4Runner models are equipped with advanced safety features. Additional available features like Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Road Sign Assist provide peace of mind on and off the road.

Setting a Cleaner Path:
The 2025 4Runner embraces Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future, featuring a hybrid powertrain option. As part of the Beyond Zero Vision, Toyota is expanding its electrified vehicle lineup. The 4Runner, along with other Toyota models, including the Land Cruiser and Tacoma, contributes to the company’s aim of offering customers diverse options to reduce their carbon footprint.


The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a testament to Toyota’s dedication to refining an already iconic and adventure-ready vehicle. With its bold new design, enhanced capability, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability, the 4Runner continues to be a top choice for those seeking thrilling off-road experiences. Prepare to embark on bigger and bolder adventures with the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner.

About Toyota
For over 65 years, Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been an integral part of North American culture, dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands and our extensive network of over 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has a significant presence in North America, employing over 63,000 people who have played a vital role in designing, engineering, and assembling nearly 47 million cars and trucks. In the near future, Toyota will open its 14th manufacturing plant in North Carolina, which will produce batteries for electric vehicles. As of now, Toyota already offers 27 different options for electrified vehicles, making it the automaker with the most electric vehicles on the road.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Source: Toyota

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/

Want more stories 👋
"Your morning jolt of Inspiring & Interesting Stories!"

Sign up to receive awesome articles directly to your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Continue Reading

Consumer Corner

LITTLEST PET SHOP CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE BOBBLE BY ENCOURAGING FANS ACROSS THE GLOBE TO ‘BOBBLE TO THE BEAT’

Following an Epic NYC Premiere Event, Basic Fun! Invites Fans Around the World to Unleash the Bobble with a Custom Song and Dance Challenge Inspired by the Pets

Published

on

BOCA RATON, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Today, LITTLEST PET SHOP, one of the most well-known collectible toy brands in history, released a call to action to fans around the world to ‘unleash the bobble’. In celebration of the franchise’s long-anticipated return to retail in January – this is sure to be the “Year of the Bobble”! Debuting last week with a pop-up performance at Toys”R”Us at Macy’s Herald Square, Macy’s flagship location in New York City, the Bobble to the Beat social campaign encourages kids and kidults alike to showcase their dancing skills and bobble along with LITTLEST PET SHOP wherever they are, featuring custom choreography alongside an original LITTLEST PET SHOP brand anthem. 

LITTLEST PET SHOP celebrates its’ long-anticipated return to retail with the #BobbleToTheBeat social campaign encouraging kids and kidults alike to bobble along to the custom brand anthem.

To kickstart the craze, TikTok creators @Alexdwong, @GiaNina and @MelissaBecraft, along with the iconic @ToysRUs Geoffrey the Giraffe™ led a flash mob performance of 20+ dancers through Macy’s, and are helping LITTLEST PET SHOP rally fans with dance tutorials, already sparking over 3 million views across Instagram and TikTok. Both the brand anthem and dance challenge, choreographed by acclaimed New York City-based professional director, choreographer, content creator, and producer Michael McCrary, are inspired by the beloved bobblin’ motion of LITTLEST PET SHOP pets, which is featured across figures in the latest Generation 7 of the line. Consumers around the world can join in on the LITTLEST PET SHOP relaunch celebration by gathering their own crew to show off their take on the dance on social media using the hashtag #BobbleToTheBeat.

“It’s essential we relaunched LITTLEST PET SHOP with a creative call to action that would introduce this iconic brand to new audiences on the platforms where they are, and also excite our longtime collectors,” said Katy Katz, Head of Digital Marketing & E-Commerce at Basic Fun! “The ‘Bobble to The Beat’ social campaign perfectly captures the essence of the signature quirky, edgy, and undeniably cute pets that have been loved for decades. Ultimately, we hope to inspire kids of all ages to let down their guard and unleash their own ‘bobble’ with us and LITTLEST PET SHOP!”

With over 1 billion pets sold worldwide since the brand’s initial launch by Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) over 30 years ago, LITTLEST PET SHOP was the original pet collectible with more than 3,000 pets to collect, display, and trade. Returning to retail this January, the LITTLEST PET SHOP line will feature over 120 bobblin’ pets by the end of the year, including new pets, packs, and playsets available in more than 20 countries worldwide. The first series in Generation 7 features a wide range of new characters to collect and cherish, available within LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Surprise Singles, LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Pairs, and LITTLEST PET SHOP Pet Trios assortments, Play Packs and Playsets. Products are available at mass and specialty retailers worldwide, including Macy’s, Toys”R”Us, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Five Below, GameStop and more in the U.S. Learn more at LittlestPetShop.com.

To further the LITTLEST PET SHOP experience, Roblox players can also bobble with the brand on the global immersive platform, which will debut a custom bobble dance emote available in-game starting today! Following the wildly successful collaboration between LITTLEST PET SHOP Master Toy licensee, Basic Fun!, a leading global marketer of toys and consumer products, Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, and Suit Up Games, a Roblox development studio specializing in high-engagement branded experiences for young audiences, the LITTLEST PET SHOP pet-simulation gaming experience has surpassed over 3.5 million plays since launching in December 2023.

Ready to unleash the bobble? Follow the official @LITTLESTPETSHOP social channels, including Instagram and TikTok, to join in on the fun using #BobbleToTheBeat. For more information about the LITTLEST PET SHOP brand and product line, visit LittlestPetShop.com.

ABOUT BASIC FUN! INC.
Basic Fun! is a dynamic global marketer of classic and innovative children’s entertainment products for today’s kids. The company plays in many core toy categories including classic heritage toys, novelty collectibles, building toys, youth electronics, plush, vehicles, dolls and activity/discovery. Basic Fun!’s key brands include: LITTLEST PET SHOP, Care Bears, Cutetitos, POUND PUPPIES, TONKA, K’NEX, LITE-BRITE, Mash’ems, Playhut, Arcade Classics and more! For more information, please visit www.BasicFun.com.

ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.

SOURCE Basic Fun!

Continue Reading

Automotive

Hyundai Santa Fe and Kona Named to Autotrader’s Best New Cars For 2024 List

Hyundai Santa Fe & Kona honored by Autotrader for Best New Cars 2024, setting new standards in style, performance, and practicality.

Published

on

The Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2024 list has recognized the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Kona SUVs for their exceptional qualities, which include stylish designs, impressive performance, advanced safety features, and practicality. These two models stood out among numerous vehicles in the market and were among the 11 cars, trucks, and SUVs to receive this prestigious acknowledgment. This recognition highlights the outstanding features of both models and reaffirms their position as among the best vehicles in the market.

The Autotrader team evaluated various factors in order to curate their Best New Cars list, including interior comfort, safety and cabin technology, attainability, and driving experience. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that the chosen vehicles truly excel in all aspects, making them standout choices for consumers. Both the Santa Fe and Kona have proven to exceed expectations in these areas, securing their spots on this coveted list.

Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, expressed the company’s pride in receiving this recognition. She stated, “At Hyundai, we are dedicated to listening to customers to craft stylish, well-rounded vehicles tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern drivers with a smart array of ICE and electrified powertrains. This recognition by Autotrader reaffirms Hyundai’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations and enriching their automotive journeys.”

The lineup of Best New Cars for 2024 showcases only the most impressive and innovative vehicles available in the market. Autotrader’s expert editors tested and scored each vehicle to ensure that they go above and beyond to resonate with buyers in their respective segments. Attributes such as interior comfort, build quality, technology, and driving experience were carefully considered in the selection process. As many vehicles are either new or redesigned for 2024, only models that are available for purchase within the next nine months were included in the evaluation.

When it comes to the 2024 Kona, Matt Degen, senior editor at Cox Automotive, shared his impression on the vehicle. He praised its futuristic design and mentioned that it felt familiar, approachable, and even fun when experiencing it from the inside. The Kona has revitalized the subcompact SUV segment with its forward-thinking approach and exceptional value.

Hyundai continues to innovate and cater to the ever-evolving needs of modern drivers. With its range of ICE and electrified powertrains, the company ensures that customers have a variety of choices to suit their preferences and requirements. This commitment to versatility and customer satisfaction has solidified Hyundai’s position as a leader in the automotive industry.

In conclusion, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kona SUVs have rightfully earned their spots on Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2024 list. Their outstanding features, performance, and practicality have set them apart from the competition. Whether you’re seeking a spacious and advanced SUV like the Santa Fe or a futuristic and value-packed option like the Kona, Hyundai has proven once again that they deliver exceptional vehicles that enhance the automotive journey for modern drivers.

Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

Source: Hyundai

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/

Continue Reading

Trending