On Monday, BMW streamed video of the world premiere of the company’s first mass-production electric car. The i3 is a funky-looking four-seater that Wired is calling “the most innovative thing to come out of Munich in a decade.”
Saving & Spending
How Two German-Owned Sister Supermarket Brands Became Hot Trendsetters in the U.S.
No matter their small selections and the near absence of brands you’d recognize: Trader Joe’s and Aldi are winning top honors in consumer surveys and proving to be enormously influential in the supermarket business.
Gmail Segregates ‘Promotions’: Why This Won’t Slow Down the E-mail Marketing Machine
Gmail’s new tabs system separates marketing messages into a “Promotions” box, making it easier than ever to ignore e-mail ads. Yet one theory holds that Gmail’s new design could actually make e-mail marketing more effective.
Stream Movies for Free – With a Library Card (But Don’t Cancel Netflix Just Yet)
By the end of the year, patrons of 100 library systems around the U.S. are expected to be able to stream thousands of videos for free. Music albums and ebooks too, with no waitlists to worry about.
Want to Give Your Family the VIP Theme Park Experience? Cough Up Around $2,000 Per Day
Travelers are used to the idea that airline passengers who pony up big bucks get special treatment in first class. As theme park VIP tours spread, more travelers are enjoying behind-the-scenes tours and line-cutting privileges—which wouldn’t be so bad except these perks turn the rest of us into (bitter, jealous) second-class citizens.
The Real Reason Taco Bell Killed Kids Meals
The decision came down to money, not concerns about nutrition or childhood obesity. In fact, after eliminating kids meals, Taco Bell may wind up feeding just as many children as it did in the past—and they’re likely to pay more, while scarfing down even more calories.
Target’s Online Video Campaign to Turn College Kids into Lifelong Paying Customers
Why did Target stream video for four days of hip personalities living in a fake dorm on a set in Los Angeles? Enticing college kids into decorating their dorms with Target merchandise is only part of the answer.
What It Means to Be ‘Wealthy’ in America Today
Correction appended: July 24, 2013, 11:03 p.m. E.T.
The rich don’t really think they’re rich. In a new survey, the vast majority of investors with $1 million in assets don’t consider themselves wealthy. Which brings up the question: What do the terms rich and wealthy really mean?
Cheap Jaguars? Luxury Volkswagens? Automakers Go High and Low to Expand Brand Appeal
It’s a topsy-turvy, muddled time in the auto business, as Volkswagen plans on selling a vehicle priced like a Jaguar—and vice versa.
Birth of Britain’s New Little Prince Prompts Celebratory Spending
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a whole slew of wacky and tacky souvenirs — that is, at least when it comes to the birth of Great Britain’s newest little prince.
Alleged Fake Online Review Spammers Get Taken to Court
Websites that rely on user reviews and ratings often use filters to screen out opinions that are likely to be fraudulent. But the filters can only do so much. This week, Edmunds.com decided to file a lawsuit to get alleged spammers to stop flooding its ratings service with fake reviews of car dealerships.
Craft Beer Wants to Be Less Filling, Taste Great
In the increasingly crowded field of craft beers, new brews are trying to stand out not for hops or bold flavors — but because they’re highly drinkable, tastier versions of Budweiser or Miller.