Partnerships
Pony.ai and Toyota Partner to Build Self-Driving Cars and Services
The vehicle brand has partnered with a Chinese start-up to design and implement driverless technology. “The two companies say they’ll collaborate on a pilot program in September on public Beijing and Shanghai roads to ‘accelerate the development and deployment’ of autonomous vehicles, using Lexus RX vehicles and Pony.ai’s driving system.”
Customer Experience
Yelp Now Offers Personalized Results Based on Your Diet and Lifestyle
The app best-known for its reviewing platform is enabling personalized search results to engage users. “Users can set up profiles with their dietary restrictions, lifestyle interests, and accessibility preferences, and places that meet those requirements will be elevated in the app. The function marks the first time that Yelp has offered personalization options, as the company has been expanding its focus beyond food.”
American Airlines Is Calling Travelers to Apologize for Travel Disruptions
Faced with complications, American Airlines has taken to calling travelers to apologize for inconveniences large and small. “American’s customer service team is reaching out to travelers who have faced multiple disruptions, even if they’re ‘minor inconveniences that they wouldn’t necessarily call us about.’ The airline has given out compensation, generally American’s Aadvantage frequent flyer miles.”
Hudson’s Bay Selling Lord & Taylor to Fashion Subscription Service
Subscription service Le Tote has purchased Lord & Taylor from Hudson’s Bay. Le Tote “will operate Lord & Taylor’s 38 stores and expects to offer jobs to ‘the vast majority’ of associates at the chain, Hudson’s Bay said, adding that it will continue to pay rent on the stores. Also, its real-estate joint venture will still own Lord & Taylor properties.”
Leadership
McDonald’s to Start New Worker Training Program
The company “will roll out training materials, developed in partnership with sexual violence prevention organization RAINN, for all its US stores in October. The training will include computer-based and in-person lessons on issues such as discrimination and retaliation prevention, how to diffuse violent situations with customers and how to report a harassment complaint.”