Global Scans · Consumer · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Technology will become the new sales assistant, always on, always friendly, always delivering. Consumers will co-create and create products to their exact needs. Brands will have to focus on seizing mobile moments on apps that already have consumer's attention. Instantly explore below how lifestyles, buying behaviors and attitudes are changing and where you fall short in the battle to win consumers hearts and minds.

• [New] A mobile driver's licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all government services will have to offer a digital alternative alongside paper or card credentials by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital government. GOV.UK
• [New] Nintendo will hold Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, where consumers can go hands-on with Nintendo Switch 2 in cities around the world. Nintendo Co., Ltd.
• [New] Maruti Suzuki said on Friday it will install fast charging points in India's top 100 cities, one every 5 km to 10 km, and consider launching a battery rental service as it seeks to address infrastructure and cost challenges deterring consumers from buying electric cars. TimesLIVE
• [New] For businesses aiming to enhance their service offerings, introducing a mobile option could significantly boost customer satisfaction in the coming year. AM-online
• [New] The Indian market's potential for electric vehicles is immense, driven by increasing government initiatives to promote eco-friendly transportation and rising awareness among consumers about the benefits of electric mobility. The Pinnacle Gazette
• [New] Total telecom and pay-TV service revenue in Qatar will increase at a CAGR of 1.6% over the forecast period 2024-2029, with growth in mobile data, fixed broadband, pay-TV service revenues. Research and Markets
• [New] Experts predict that businesses failing to transition to quantum-safe methods within the next 5-7 years risk falling behind technologically - and losing consumer trust as a result. Blogger
• [New] Data Privacy and Ethical Media UseRising Awareness of Data SecurityAs worries about data breaches rise, consumers expect brands to prioritize their privacy and manage data ethically. Blogger
• [New] Consumer prices rose in December by less than forecast, a welcome stepdown that helped arrest a deep selloff in bond markets and reinvigorate bets that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates sooner than previously thought. financialpost
• [New] Total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in Thailand will grow at a CAGR of 2.8%, during 2024-2029, driven by revenue growth in mobile data, fixed broadband and pay-TV segments. Research and Markets
• [New] If global demand for LNG increases and Mexico's need for piped gas grows, U.S. consumers could face rising gas prices if domestic production fails to keep up. American Security Project
• [New] Total telecom service revenue in the Niger is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1%, during 2024-2029 primarily supported by growth in mobile data, mobile voice, and fixed broadband service segments. Research and Markets
• [New] In 2025, Uber is expected to benefit from continued recovery in urban mobility, the growth of its food delivery business, and strong demand for its freight solutions. investing.com
• [New] Educating consumers on the role of insider threats and human errors may not be in the best interest of companies, as it would degrade consumer confidence further and open businesses up to potential lawsuits. Security Boulevard
• [New] Without prioritising innovation, boosting R&D investment, and fostering public-private partnerships, Europe could remain a consumer rather than a producer of transformative technologies, leaving it vulnerable to economic and strategic risks. The European Business Review
• [New] Optimistic Scenario: A global oil oversupply and spare production capacity could limit price increases to $ 5-10 per barrel, which would be manageable for U.S. consumers and beneficial for American shale producers. Iran news update
• [New] With the incoming Trump administration signaling its intent to limit California's ability to regulate mobile sources, air districts will likely be incentivized to find creative ways to indirectly regulate mobile sources within their districts. National Law Review
• [New] The PRC's growing presence within the global auto sector, particularly via operations in third-party countries, is expected to expand the number of potential nexus points between PRC connected vehicle suppliers and U.S. automakers and consumers, further undermining U.S. national security. Federal Register
• [New] PRC investments in Mexico's auto sector risk creating additional potential nexus points between PRC connected vehicle suppliers and U.S. automakers and consumers. Federal Register
• [New] Corporations have long marketed AI to consumers and investors as a technology that will transform the world for the better. Orange County Register
• [New] As many as 45,000 retail locations could close in the next five years, driven by e-commerce growth and changing consumer preferences especially in apparel, consumer electronics and home furnishings. LightBox
• The filing fees for the lowest two thresholds will not increase in 2025 due to relatively small change in U.S. gross national product and the consumer price index, but transactions $555.5 million will be subject to higher filing fees. JD Supra
• The adoption of effective recycling strategies at European level will help to reduce the environmental impact of battery production and dependence on Chinese suppliers, and create a sustainable future for electric mobility. Battery Tech Association

Last updated: 23 January 2025