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Mobility Unlimited Challenge Winner Receives $1M for Ultra-lightweight Intelligent Wheelchair

LONDON, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The winner of the three-year Mobility Unlimited Challenge has now been announced with Phoenix Instinct from the UK receiving $1 million to further develop their intelligent ultra-light carbon fiber wheelchair, bring it to market, and ultimately, transform millions of lives in the disability community for the greater good.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation, established by Toyota in 2014, launched the $4 million global challenge back in 2017 in partnership with Nesta Challenges, in a bid to drive innovation in the field of assistive technologies for people with lower-limb paralysis in a demonstration of Toyota’s mission of Mobility for All and further vision of producing happiness for all.

The Challenge called for talented engineers, innovators, and designers from around the world to submit their designs for groundbreaking devices, integrated with the latest technologies, to enhance the mobility and independence of end users. Over eighty teams from 28 countries around the world entered.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) led the assessment of the entries and provided mentorship alongside a team of Toyota subject matter experts, and the winner was chosen by a panel of expert judges (see Notes to Editors below for details).

Designed by Phoenix Instinct, the Phoenix i uses intelligent systems to automatically adjust its center of gravity, making the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame extremely stable and easier to maneuver. It uses front-wheel power-assist to reduce painful vibrations and minimize strain on the user. The chair’s intelligent powered braking system automatically detects when the user is going downhill and adjusts to manage the user’s descent.

Andrew Slorance from Phoenix Instinct said: «Winning the Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge is incredible for Phoenix Instinct and for wheelchair users. The wheelchair as we know it has been technologically unchanged for decades. The funding we received through the Challenge allowed us to prove smart technology makes for an easier to use and safer wheelchair with the potential for a suite of new features. With the prize money we can now advance this work and bring the Phoenix I wheelchair to the consumer.

It’s a very exciting time with Toyota moving into the mobility sector, we’re going to see significant advances in mobility devices. At Phoenix Instinct we’re thrilled to be leading the smart wheelchair revolution.»

Sir Philip Craven, member of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation and former President of the International Paralympic Committee shared: «Mobility means freedom. It means liberation from being limited in life. As we believe at Toyota, when we are free to move, we are able to fully participate in society, and I’m excited for each of these devices supported by the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, particularly the winning device, because of how it will allow so many people to better do what they want to do.»

Ryan Klem, Director of Programs for Toyota Mobility Foundation commented: «The entire competition has been an enriching journey for us all, bringing together the efforts of many experts, mentors, advocates, and more to invest in the five finalists to develop their devices and bring them into the lives of people that need them. We are thrilled to announce Phoenix Instinct as the winner of the Mobility Unlimited Challenge. The judges were impressed by the way the device incorporated intelligent systems in its design in a way that represents a true advance for the wheelchair and could see it having a clear route to market. TMF is dedicated to continuing to support these passionate teams, and we hope, through this process, that all the teams are able to find resources to do the same as they have all shown incredible creativity and innovation. We believe this Challenge will result in huge improvements in assistive technology and are extremely proud of what all of the teams have achieved.»

Liz Vossen of Nesta Challenges said: «For too long, the disability community has faced restricted mobility and accessibility. The coronavirus pandemic has forced a change in attitudes towards remote working, showing that it is possible to be present and productive at home. However, the pandemic also highlighted the need for non-disabled people to have a better understanding of the importance of mobility for all. We hope that these devices will improve the mobility of people across the world and contribute to a more inclusive future.»

The four other finalists were:

The Evowalk: Evolution Devices (United States) – a smart wearable simulator that goes right below the knee and uses artificial intelligence to support your muscles at the right time aiding in rehabilitating walking and preventing falls for people with foot drop.
Qolo (Quality of Life with Locomotion): Team Qolo, University of Tsukuba (Japan) – a standing mobility device that integrates exoskeleton and wheelchair functions. It supports the function of standing and sitting with a passive assist mechanism for people with lower limb paralysis.
Quix: IHMC & MYOLYN (United States) – a highly mobile, powered exoskeleton offering fast, stable and agile upright mobility.
Wheem-i: Italdesign (Italy) – a wheel-on semi-autonomous electric device that provides ride sharing for wheelchair users. It is primarily designed for micro mobility and is usable on a variety of surfaces.

At its core, the Challenge was developed to highlight the importance of collaboration with end-users and create inventions with the disability community in mind. It supports the UN’s Sustainable Development goals, specifically Goal #10 of reducing inequalities in supporting devices that help people with paralysis better access society for economic, social, educational and other opportunities. Key specifications for choosing the winning invention included devices that will integrate seamlessly into people’s lives and environments while being comfortable and easy to use, enabling greater independence and increased participation in daily life. The judging criteria was based on innovation, insight and impact, functionality and usability, quality and safety, and market potential and affordability.

Around the world, millions of people are living with lower-limb paralysis (the most common causes being strokes, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis). While there are no statistics on paralysis worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates there are 250,000-500,000 new cases of spinal cord injury globally every year.

Mobility Unlimited Challenge Judging Panel:

Professor Linamara Battistella, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine doctor at the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Winfried Beigel, Director of Research and Development for Otto Bock Mobility Solutions (Germany)
Dr. Mary Ellen Buning, President-elect for the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (United States)
Dr. Kay Kim, President of NT Robot Co (South Korea)
Dr. Eric Krotkov, Chief Science Officer at Toyota Research Institute (United States)
Eric LeGrand, disability rights advocate (United States)
Sophie Morgan, television presenter and disability advocate (United Kingdom)
Ruth Peachment, Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialist at the National Spinal Injuries Centre (United Kingdom)
Matthew Reeve, Director of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (United States)
Dr. Yoshiyuki Sankai, President of robotics company Cyberdyne (Japan)
Dr. Lloyd Walker, professional rehabilitation engineer at Tech4Life (Australia)

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, governments, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.

Learn more at www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org.

About Nesta Challenges
Across the world, there are many people and communities that are overlooked and underserved, facing ever more complex challenges. Nesta Challenges tackles some of these problems by harnessing and fostering innovation, fresh thinking and technology to achieve positive impact.

From health to conservation, finance to agriculture, assistive technology to education, we connect people, businesses and experts to drive fresh thinking and deliver systemic change.

Nesta Challenges uses prizes to stimulate innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face, including:

The Longitude Prize, created to tackle growing levels of antimicrobial resistance and reduce the use of antibiotics.
The Inclusive Technology Prize, a challenge prize to encourage innovations that gives disabled people equal access to life’s opportunities.
The UNDP’s Renewable Energy Challenge Prize, to find a renewable energy solution capable of providing off-grid power to cover the needs of war-returnee families in rural Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Dynamic Demand Challenge Prize, created to reduce carbon emissions by shifting energy demand to off peak times or through excess renewable generation.

To find out more visit https://www.nesta.org.uk/project/nesta-challenges/

About HERL
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) has been at the forefront of assistive technology research for 25 years. A collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh, the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and the UPMC Health System, HERL is dedicated to wheelchair and mobility research, specifically by improving the mobility and function of Veterans and all people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation on local, national, and international levels. Using state-of-the-art laboratories and research instruments, HERL also studies robotics in assistive technology, athletics in rehabilitation, assistive living spaces, wheelchair transfer efficiency, clinician training, and force and vibration on wheelchair users.

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SOURCE Toyota Mobility Foundation

NoiseAware Offers Peace-of-Mind to Short-Term Rental Owners This Holiday Season

DALLAS, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — NoiseAware, the leader in modern noise monitoring, advises short-term rental owners to be prepared for potential large gatherings in their properties for holiday celebrations.

Quarantine fatigue has brought upon more large gatherings in short-term rentals. NoiseAware observed a near doubling of noise events in the summer of 2020 versus 2019, many surrounding holiday gatherings. This year, the company finds that 1/11 rental reservations have produced enough…

Short-term rental gatherings are forecasted to be commonplace for Christmas as they were for Thanksgiving, but the more concerning event will be New Year’s Eve.

«Traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations will be limited this year due to the capacity restrictions and closure of many bars, clubs, and restaurants,» said Andrew Schulz, NoiseAware CEO. «However, as seen with other holiday gatherings in 2020, many celebrations will be held in private homes and short-term rental properties and early detection is key to preventing a potential disturbance and protecting the character of the community.»

Fortunately, most noise-related disturbances are short-lived. According to data from NoiseAware users, the average disturbance lasts 24 minutes with intervention from the property owner, and the vast majority (75%) of NoiseAware customers mitigate disturbances in less than 15 minutes.

«Most of our noise notifications are seemingly harmless jubilance on the first night of vacation, but we feel secure knowing our NoiseAware devices will help us mitigate any disturbances that may arise in our properties,» said Andreas King-Geovanis, Managing Partner at Sextant Stays. «With NoiseAware, we are now equipped to be considerate neighbors and ensure that our rental properties do not disturb the community.»

NoiseAware wireless sensors monitor decibel levels inside short-term rentals with the privacy of the guest of the utmost importance. The device will send notifications to the property owner or manager if levels of increased and sustained noise-causing events occur. Ninety-five percent of disturbances are resolved remotely with communication between the property owner or manager and guest.

NoiseAware sensors are available to purchase at https://noiseaware.io/. The company recently announced a partnership for exclusive pricing for Vrbo^® property owners and managers.

About NoiseAware
Founded in 2015, NoiseAware is the leading property monitoring service that increases profits by decreasing problems. NoiseAware uses innovative smart sensors with noise detection technology to notify guests and managers stopping parties and problems before they start. Properties remain rental ready, avoiding unexpected costs and customers’ reputations among communities and cities stay strong. To learn more, visit www.noiseaware.io.

Media Contact:
Madison Perry
972.951.5961
261639@email4pr.com

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SOURCE NoiseAware

Marriott International Announces COVID-19 Testing Availability And Optional Health Protocols For Groups In Expansion Of Connect With Confidence Initiative

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As part of ongoing steps to help instill confidence and provide exceptional experiences and solutions for meeting professionals and attendees, Marriott International has identified health protocol options, including COVID-19 testing, which meeting professionals may select for group meetings at certain Marriott branded hotels in the United States beginning in January 2021. These optional health protocols build upon initiatives…

Meeting professionals may select optional health protocols for meetings and events at Gaylord Hotels and Resorts in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado as soon as January 2021. In the weeks that follow, the health protocols are expected to be available for selection at certain other Marriott branded hotels throughout the United States.

Optional health protocols for meeting professionals to consider include:

Self-administered COVID-19 tests taken by the guest prior to travel
COVID-19 testing administered by a third-party testing provider on site at the hotel
Daily and/or pre-arrival health screening questions via a dedicated mobile application
Daily temperature checks to enter the event area

Marriott introduced its Global Cleanliness Council and Commitment to Clean earlier this year. The new health options will supplement existing protocols and features already in place at Marriott hotels in the United States, including guest and associate face covering requirements, social distancing policies, reduced seating capacity for meetings, frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel, mobile technology and hybrid meeting options.

«These new health protocols provide options for meeting professionals as they plan and host meetings, conferences, and events,» said Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization for Marriott International. «Building upon the work of our Global Cleanliness Council, we engaged industry-leading experts and through a thorough review process, identified third party providers capable of offering the health protocols that meeting professionals want and need for future events.»

In August, Marriott announced digital content and best practices to help meeting professionals execute future events. In November, the first in a global series of hybrid virtual and in-person events was held in Virginia, demonstrating how to Connect with Confidence. The event showcased Marriott’s reimagined processes and meetings spaces, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to help meeting professionals in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information and resources related to the enhanced meeting and event offerings, visit www.marriottbonvoyevents.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

GM Defense Begins Build-Out Of North Carolina Facility For Production Of Infantry Squad Vehicle

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, today announced that it has started renovations of an existing GM building to support the production of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad. The facility, located in Concord, North Carolina, will produce ISVs for the U.S. Army as part of a $214.3 million…

Construction at the 75,000-square-foot facility is expected to continue into early spring, and the production line will begin delivering vehicles in April. As GM Defense ramps to full-rate production, the facility will help to manufacture 649 ISVs and will support the production of up to 2,065 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years. The ISV program is the first major award for GM Defense since the subsidiary was re-established by its parent company in 2017.

«We have tremendous momentum behind our ISV win, featuring a first-of-its-kind tactical wheeled vehicle that gives our Soldiers speed, durability and performance to enhance mission success,» said Tim Herrick, interim president of GM Defense. «GM Defense is responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the ISV. This facility will enable us to meet our customer’s timeline for delivery while continuing our journey to bring commercial technologies and transformative mobility solutions to the defense market.»

The ISV is based off the award-winning 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize truck architecture and leverages 90 percent proven commercial-off-the-shelf parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components. The 5,000-pound ISV was uniquely engineered to fulfill military requirements and designed to provide rapid ground mobility. This expeditionary vehicle is light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air transportability. The ISV’s innovative Rollover Protection System (ROPS) will provide agile transportability on any battleground.

The GM Defense production facility is located near North Carolina-based Hendrick Motorsports, which brings its extensive experience developing race cars in high-load, high-risk environments, to support defense applications. Hendrick Motorsports is responsible for providing the chrome-moly steel exoskeleton of the vehicle frame, including the ISV ROPS system.

GM Defense also has a teaming agreement with Ricardo Defense, which will lead the Integrated Product Support for the ISV, including technical manual development, new equipment training, provisioning, total package fielding and field service support.

GM Defense is driving the future of military mobility by leveraging the best-in-class capabilities of General Motors for unmatched innovation, proven performance and breakthrough life-cycle economics. The ISV will bring world class manufacturing efficiencies, ease of maintenance and a well-established global supply chain to the U.S. Army.

Stay tuned for future updates on www.GMDefenseLLC.com.

GM Defense LLC delivers integrated vehicles, power & propulsion, and mobility & autonomy solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

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SOURCE General Motors Co.

Choice Hotels Re-Enlists With Operation Homefront For Third-Straight Year To Support Military Families

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, is once again joining forces with Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit whose mission is to create strong, stable and secure military families. Building on the company’s ongoing support since the partnership began in 2018, Choice Hotels expects to raise over $100,000 and will donate 500 room nights to assist military families by year-end. As part of this year’s donation efforts, the company is holding a «Season of Giving» holiday drive, where members of its award-winning loyalty program, Choice Privileges, can redeem their points to help servicemembers, and Choice will make a matching donation up to $50,000.

«It’s no secret that this has been a challenging year for many around the world, but especially so for service members and their families. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we supported Operation Homefront families by donating Choice Privileges points towards hotel rooms to help those displaced — an effort that was amplified by our incredibly generous loyalty members,» said Patrick Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. «We’re doubling down now on the opportunity for Choice Privileges members to redeem their points to benefit this worthy cause by committing to match their efforts with our own $50,000 donation, which will help reunite service members with their loved ones.»

The partnership between Choice Hotels and Operation Homefront allows the leading nonprofit to continue supporting the critical financial needs of military families, including rent payments, car and home repairs, food, utility bills, grocery assistance and more. Since the beginning of the partnership, over 28 million Choice Privileges points have been donated to Operation Homefront – nearly 3,000 room nights.

– In 2018, Choice pledged 2,000 room nights to help veterans and active duty service members connect with their families and friends throughout the year.

– Last year, Choice and Operation Homefront launched the «Choice Salutes» campaign for Veterans Day weekend, where a portion of proceeds from hotel reservations were donated to military families. Residents of Operation Homefront’s Transitional Housing Village in Gaithersburg, Maryland were surprised with a trip to visit their families for the holidays.

– Since the beginning of the partnership, more than 600 bicycles have been donated to Operation Homefront as part of an annual company holiday tradition, where Choice Hotels employees collect and assemble bicycles for Operation Homefront families.

To further express its appreciation for those who serve, Choice Hotels offers military benefits and features under the Choice Privileges program, including:

– Upgraded Membership: Immediately upon registration, active duty or reserve military members and retired military, National Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel will earn Lifetime Gold Elite status, which entitles members to 10% extra points on every stay and an Elite Welcome Gift upon check-in at Choice-branded hotels.

– 2,500 Choice Privileges Points: As an extra thank you, new and existing Choice Privileges members will earn 2,500 points on their next stay after completing the military registration form.

Operation Homefront has fulfilled nearly 44,000 requests for assistance since 2011, providing military families with more than $28 million in critical financial support.

«Many families across America are struggling to make ends meet and sadly, our military families have been especially hard hit and the need for our highly-valued programs is more important now than ever. As we face a surge in requests for assistance, we are thrilled to have Choice Hotels, and their Choice Privileges members, join us as we work to help this very deserving group of fellow citizens overcome their financial hardships,» said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and chief executive officer, Operation Homefront. «We need to be there for them in their time of need for all they have done, and continue to do, for all of us in our nation’s time of need.»

Choice Hotels has a long history of enhancing the diversity of its ownership base through a one-of-a-kind emerging markets development team, which helps underrepresented individuals, including veterans, enter the rewarding business of hotel franchising. As a result of Choice Hotels’ commitment to creating a bright future for veterans, the company was recently named by Forbes as a Best Employer for Veterans. To learn more about Choice Hotels and Operation Homefront, visit ChoiceHotels.com/OperationHomefront.

About Choice Hotels^®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 7,100 hotels, representing nearly 600,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as of September 30, 2020, the Choice^® family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges^® loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.

About Operation Homefront

Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, over 90 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.

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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Technology’s Role in the New Normal of Air Travel

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Imagine experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world without ever leaving your living room or volunteering your seat on an overbooked flight in exchange for a future travel voucher, and being booked on the next flight out, before you even leave for the airport. These are just a couple of examples of the technology breakthroughs that are supporting the new normal and advancing the future of air travel.

Many of these new technologies were…

Many of these new technologies were developed based purely on need because nothing says «necessity is the mother of invention» like a worldwide pandemic. And maybe more impressive is the accelerated rate in which new technologies are being developed. As airlines continue to improve the air quality on board their planes, new tech innovations and processes are looking to improve, or minimize, how people are interacting at the airport itself. Recent studies have shown that planes aren’t really the risk any longer; however, the physical process of going through the airport to your seat can be.

ExpertFlyer discovered a few interesting technology solutions it believes will change the future of air travel and how we navigate through airports long after vaccines are in play and air travel returns to some form of routine. Several inventors and gatekeepers of these technologies shared their innovative ideas with ExpertFlyer, including D.J. Smith, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at The Glimpse Group, a developer of virtual reality technology that is currently focused on helping destination marketing organizations develop immersive travel experiences using VR technology. While seeing the world from the comfort of your living room isn’t too far off, Smith admits work still needs to be done before it’s ready for primetime.

«To begin, there is a limited supply of VR headsets currently available, but we hope the recent introduction of the new Oculus Quest 2 headset (Facebook) will help lagging inventories,» D.J. Smith explained. «In addition, most of the VR travel content right now is viewed on a desktop or with cardboard goggles, which doesn’t really offer a robust experience, but great things are on the horizon, including the ability to recreate real work environments which would allow employees to visit workspaces virtually,» he added.

You can hear the entire podcast with D.J. Smith at ExpertFlyer’s blog.

The Convenience of Getting Bumped
You packed your bags an fought your way to the departure gate only to find the flight has been oversold and the airline is looking for volunteers. If only you knew the day before you might be in a better position to volunteer. Well, thanks to Oversell Protection by Volantio, its now possible. Azim Barodawala, co-founder and CEO of Volantio, explains how it works. «Volantio’s Yana platform alerts passengers 24-hours in advance of departure when the software detects an imbalance of paid seats vs. seating capacity.» From there, Barodawala says Yana automatically solicits and prioritizes volunteers willing to rebook, and proprietary software called Green Leaf chooses the optimal compensation amounts and specific flight alternatives. «If an airline can largely resolve this common issue while customers are still at home, it’s a big win all around,» Barodawala added.

Don’t Touch That!
The coronavirus has certainly changed the mindset of air travelers, including their need to avoid as many contact points as possible. In fact, a recent passenger survey from the International Air Transport Association revealed that 67% of travelers are worried about the check-in process and collecting their baggage at the airport.

Luggage shipping services are changing the way people travel by allowing them to ship their bags in advance of a trip instead of bringing them to the airport. By avoiding the check-in process, standing in airport aisles to place bags in overhead bins, and eliminating the need to stand at baggage claim, the traditional airport experience has completely changed. LugLess offers a calculator to see how much the price of shipping your bags would be so travelers can compare it with the fee airlines typically charge for a similar bag.

Keeping it Clean
The paper and soap dispensers are both empty in the airport bathroom but before you can utter even one expletive under your breath, a cleaning team arrives with new supplies. How did they know? Is big brother watching? Well. Sort of. As a result of the coronavirus and the mandate to wash your hands at every opportunity, GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific introduced KOLO Hygiene to help large facilities, like airports, manage, monitor, and measure heightened cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting practices.

The KOLO system uses wireless technology and cutting-edge sensors and sensing technology to allow for real-time communication between connected restroom fixtures and facility managers. The system lets custodial staff know if something in the restroom needs attention, helping to ensure restrooms are clean, in working order, and fully stocked with toilet paper, paper towels, and soap.

«GP PRO has been a tremendous partner to us over the past few years, working tirelessly to help Hartsfield–Jackson achieve a number of critical goals related to improving the passenger experience,» said Dr. Kofi Smith, president and CEO of Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company (AATC), which provides facility management solutions for ATL.

Buy Now, Pay Later
Another technology application designed to take the financial sting out of airline ticket purchases are «buy now, pay later» solutions. «Consumers, particularly those whose finances or employment have been impacted by COVID, are keen on flexible payment options for travel,» says Kelly Campbell, Uplift, Inc. «Airline revenue managers and marketers are using payment marketing and promotional financing offers to drive targeted leisure travel demand.

Installments allow customers to book travel now with little or no money due at booking and then spread the cost over time in affordable monthly payments and is a great way for travelers to manage their expenses over time and still lock in travel early when prices are low. «For example,» explains Campbell, «for a trip that costs $500, a consumer could pay just $45 at booking, which includes a down payment of around $35. Then they make 11 monthly payments of $45. This is based on an example of 15% APR, but many travel brands are offering interest-free installments as well. And the traveler can take their trip before they are finished making their payments.»

Passport to Everywhere
Geared toward re-opening borders, ShareRing’s novel, self-sovereign ID technology can be used for a variety of applications, including e-Visa On Arrival processing, as well as secure «proof of health» verification and contact tracing. ShareRing’s COVID health documentation includes a unique mechanism to prove validity and ownership of the documents without sending the actual images to any server, using ShareRing’s blockchain, COVID contact tracing with provable anonymity.

To see all the cool new technologies that are changing the future of travel, and to listen to the full interview with D.J. Smith from The Glimpse Group, visit ExpertFlyer’s blog.

About ExpertFlyer.com
Each month, ExpertFlyer’s One-on-One blog goes face-to-face with the travel industry’s leading decision makers to discuss and address topics relevant to many of today’s business and frequent travelers.

ExpertFlyer.com was conceived and created by an eclectic team consisting of a veteran elite tier frequent flyer, an airline captain and corporate travel manager, and information technology professionals to deliver a 24/7 real time powerful air travel information service. The company provides its subscribers and corporate travel managers alike with a complete, concise and efficient way to access the ever-changing details of worldwide air travel information. For more information, please visit expertflyer.com.

Stuck in the middle seat again? Download the free Seat Alerts app from ExpertFlyer and get the window or aisle seat without hassle or frustration.

Media Contact

Lou Desiderio, ExpertFlyer, +1 (917) 627-0912, lou@pr-synergy.com

SOURCE ExpertFlyer

World Gambling Market 2020-30 with COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Analysis

DUBLIN, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The «Gambling Global Market Report 2020-30: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery» report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s…

DUBLIN, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The «Gambling Global Market Report 2020-30: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery» report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Asia Pacific was the largest region in the global gambling market, accounting for 38% of the market in 2019. North America was the second largest region accounting for 29% of the global gambling market. Middle East was the smallest region in the global gambling market.

The gambling market has set a new trend of game content through socialization and mobilization. Players use social networks and mobile gadgets to play which helps in cash-less transactions. This has boosted the interaction and communication among people through social games. Also new regulatory acts adopted by many countries paved favorable conditions for the growth of gambling market. For instance, Free To Play format games are a big hit, which draws more people to join online gambling industry.

The gambling services market consists of sales of gambling services and related goods by entities (organizations, sole traders and partnerships) that operate gambling facilities, such as casinos, bingo halls, video gaming terminals, lotteries, and off-track betting. Bingo parlors, coin-operated gambling device concession operators, bookmakers, lottery ticket sales agents, and card rooms are also included in this market. Revenues in this market include the margins made on the amounts gambled but not those amounts themselves.

The global gambling market is expected to decline from $521.6 billion in 2019 to $495.6 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5%. The decline is mainly due to economic slowdown across countries owing to the COVID-19 outbreak and the measures to contain it. The market is then expected to recover and grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2021 and reach $592.5 billion in 2023.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider gambling market, and compares it with other markets.

The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, the impact of the COVID-19 virus and forecasting its recovery.
Market segmentations break down market into sub markets.
The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the impact and recovery trajectory of Covid 19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
Competitive landscape gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
The gambling market section of the report gives context. It compares the gambling market with other segments of the amusements market by size and growth, historic and forecast. It analyses GDP proportion, expenditure per capita, gambling indicators comparison.

Scope

Markets Covered:
1) By Type: Casino; Lotteries; Sports Betting; Others – Gambling
2) By Channel Type: Offline; Online; Virtual Reality(VR)

Companies Mentioned: William Hill; MGM Resorts; Las Vegas Sands; Paddy Power; Betfair Entertainment

Metrics Covered: Number of Enterprises; Number of Employees

Countries: Argentina; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Czech Republic; Denmark; Egypt; Finland; France; Germany; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Japan; Malaysia; Mexico; Netherlands; New Zealand; Nigeria; Norway; Peru; Philippines; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Africa; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Thailand; Turkey; UAE; UK; USA; Venezuela; Vietnam

Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa

Time series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.

Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita, gambling indicators comparison.

Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.

Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/z0jpq0

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View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-gambling-market-2020-30-with-covid-19-impact-and-recovery-analysis-301194998.html

SOURCE Research and Markets

Pre-Owned Vehicles with Less Than 75,000 Miles Available Now at Matador Motors

WOLFFORTH, Tex., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — When searching for a used or pre-owned vehicle, many car buyers opt for vehicles with low mileage. While this is a common strategy, vehicles with this trait can sometimes be difficult to find. At Matador Motors, those looking for a vehicle with low mileage can currently

The vehicle with the lowest mileage at the dealership is a white 2017 Nissan Rogue SV. Armed with all-wheel drive, the model was recently added to the dealership’s inventory. It offers an estimated 25 city miles per gallon (mpg) and 32 highway mpg. The crossover has just 28,197 miles driven on it.

The second vehicle with a mileage of under 75,000 is a gray 2009 Hyundai Accent GS. As a three-door subcompact sedan, the model has been driven for just 56,713 miles. Offering an estimated 35 highway mpg, the model has a black interior with climate control and a Bluetooth® phone system.

Lastly, a black 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited is also an available model with less than 75,000 miles. As a four-door sedan, the front-wheel drive model offers up to a 36-highway mpg rating. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission and has a total of 72,723 miles driven.

Customers interested in purchasing one of the three models mentioned above are invited to contact Matador Motors. Information on each model can be found on the Matador Motors website at https://www.matadormotors.com/. Customers can also either schedule a test drive online or call an associate directly at (806) 833-7300 to plan a time that works best. The dealership can be found at 214 E Highway 62/82 in Wolfforth, TX.

Media Contact

Scott Bratcher, Matador Motors, (806) 438-9133, sbratcher@matadormotors.com

SOURCE Matador Motors

Largest Zero-Emission School Bus Fleet in North America Bolstered by 10 Bus Delivery from Lion Electric

Twin Rivers Unified School District Receives 10 Additional LionC All-Electric School Buses

SACRAMENTO, CA, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – The Lion Electric Company (Lion), an innovative manufacturer of purpose-built all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, is proud to announce today that the company has delivered 10 all-electric LionC school buses to the Twin Rivers Unified School District in Sacramento, California. With these…

Twin Rivers Unified School District Receives 10 Additional LionC All-Electric School Buses

«Twin Rivers is the recognized leader in zero-emission school buses, and the numbers speak for themselves – this delivery represents a deeply impressive accomplishment for the school district and zero-emission transportation as a whole, and demonstrates Twin Rivers’ dedication to the health of the local community,» said Marc Bedard, CEO and Founder of Lion. «This milestone delivery serves as an example that electrification of school transportation is not coming tomorrow, it is here now, meeting and exceeding the needs of operators.»

The 10 LionC buses are part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The buses were funded in large part by cap-and-trade dollars, with additional funding from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and California’s Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program.The buses each have a range of 125 miles and will eliminate on average 230 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. The Sac Metro Air District, California Air Resources Board and Twin Rivers School District have collaborated on funding 63 zero-emission school buses in the region to date, with an additional 90 pending delivery in 2021. To support these buses, over $4.5 million has been funded to support the charging infrastructure.

«The Sac Metro Air District is pleased to partner with Lion and Twin Rivers School District. Together, we are at the cutting edge of school bus electrification, bringing zero-emission technology to protect our children, but also showing that electric vehicles are real, tangible alternatives to toxic diesel combustion engines,» said Alberto Ayala, Sac Metro Air District’s Air Pollution Control Officer. «This is no longer a pilot demonstration. With support from our partners and Twin Rivers School District’s vision, the Sacramento region can lead the way in the fight for clean air and the transition to a zero-carbon transportation future today.»

«Thanks to California Climate Investments and other incentives, as well as manufacturers such as Lion Electric, schoolkids here in Sacramento – and across California – are riding in the cleanest-running school buses on the market,» CARB Deputy Executive Officer Steve Cliff said. «These investments mean cleaner air for our kids, and for communities that need it most.»

A pioneer in zero-emission school buses, Twin Rivers was among the first fleets in the United States to put all-electric buses into service when it received its first buses from Lion in 2016. Lion has worked closely with the district to train staff in vehicle operation and maintenance, both on-site at its transit yard and at Lion’s nearby Sacramento Experience Center where the vehicles are also serviced. The district has since consistently added more electric buses to its fleet and was among the first school districts to receive electric buses from the California Energy Commission’s first School Bus Replacement Program.

«We started down the road of electrification four years ago, and the reception has been unanimously positive. Everyone from the drivers and maintenance staff, to the community, and most importantly students, have welcomed the possibilities of zero-emission buses and the health benefits that come with their adoption,» said Twin Rivers Unified School District Director of Transportation, Timothy Shannon.

All of Lion’s vehicles are purpose-built for electric propulsion from the ground up, and are manufactured at Lion’s North American facility, which has a current capacity to produce 2,500 electric vehicles per year. Over the last decade, Lion has established itself as a leader in the all-electric school bus industry, having delivered over 300 all-electric school buses in North America with over 6 million miles driven since 2016. Lion’s vehicles are distributed and serviced through the company’s network of Experience Centers, including two locations in California along with facilities in New York, Washington, Florida and Arizona.

About Lion Electric

Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. The company creates, designs and manufactures all-electric class 5 to class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and minibuses for the school, paratransit and mass transit segments. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles all its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life.

Transaction with Northern Genesis

On November 30, 2020, Lion announced that it had entered into a business combination agreement and plan of reorganization pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion will merge with Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: NGA), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company focused on a commitment to sustainability and strong alignment with environmental, social and governance principles. Upon completion of the transaction, Lion is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the new ticker symbol «LEV».

Lion Electric, The Bright Move

Thelionelectric.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/largest-zero-emission-school-bus-fleet-in-north-america-bolstered-by-10-bus-delivery-from-lion-electric-301194935.html

SOURCE The Lion Electric Co.

All Traffic Solutions (ATS) Announces November 2020 ATS Gives Back Winners

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Quarryville Borough Police Department, PA, and Little Silver Police Department, NJ have been selected as recipients of SpeedAlert 18 and Shield 12 radar feedback signs through All Traffic Solutions’ ATS Gives Back initiative.

Over the last 20 years, All Traffic Solutions (ATS) found that police departments in smaller communities have a need for All Traffic Solutions signs, but lack the necessary funds and do not qualify for grants. The ATS Gives Back goal is to bridge this gap. Each month the All Traffic Solutions team selects two police departments to receive radar feedback signs free of charge.

Quarryville Borough Police Department is made up of eight sworn officers. Quarryville has experienced multiple near-fatal vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and Amish horse-drawn carriages. Quarryville Borough Police Department plans to use their SpeedAlert 18 to help out-of-state drivers stay alert on a high-traffic, low-speed road.

«Being a small police department with a very limited budget, yet with three major State roads crossing through our little borough, we have a difficult time attempting to control the speeds of many drivers,» said Chief Clark Bearinger of Quarryville Borough Police Department. «Having this radar sign will be a significant advancement in our ability to attempt to slow down traffic in these areas. The fact that the SpeedAlert 18 is so portable will allow us to move it from location to location and will [encourage] those travelers who do care about traffic and pedestrian safety but just lose awareness of their speeds as they enter our Borough to slow down.»

The second November recipient, Little Silver Police Department, created a Traffic Safety Advisory Committee wherein police officers and residents work hand-in-hand to analyze data, problem-solve, deploy resources, and make recommendations to the borough council for all traffic-related concerns. Little Silver Police Department plans to use their All Traffic Solutions Shield 12 radar speed sign in close cooperation with the community Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to help enforce speed limits in school zones, raise speeding awareness, and keep residents safe and informed of driving behaviors within their community.

«Data collection will make our jobs easier as a force multiplier so that we may allocate manpower more effectively,» said Lieutenant Paul Halpin of Little Silver Police Department. «[We] are honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the November 2020 ATS Gives Back Program.»

You can nominate a department and learn more about the ATS Gives Back criteria by visiting the All Traffic Solutions website.

About All Traffic Solutions
All Traffic Solutions (ATS) is a leader in traffic safety and data analytics for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and smart parking applications. We help law enforcement, municipal agencies and commercial organizations use data and cloud-supported devices such as web-enabled radar speed displays, conditional messaging technology, and lidar technology to calm traffic, optimize parking availability, share notifications, and improve traffic safety— while maximizing resources and budget. For more information, visit http://www.alltrafficsolutions.com.

Media Contact

Gisel Zurita, All Traffic Solutions, (866) 366-6602, gzurita@alltrafficsolutions.com

SOURCE All Traffic Solutions