McDonald’s to test simpler plan for custom burgers
McDonald’s to test simpler plan for custom burgers
CHICAGO
McDonald’s has scrapped its “Create Your Taste” customized burger program and will instead test a mix-and-match meat and toppings plan that’s easier to manage. McDonald’s calls the new program, which will be tested nationwide in select markets including its hometown of Chicago, “Signature Crafted Recipes.”
Create Your Taste was a two-year-long test that brought make-your-own burger kiosks to select McDonald’s locations around the country. It was the first time McDonald’s experimented with a custom sandwich in an effort to compete with so-called “better burger” chains such as Five Guys that have grown in popularity. It also was an experiment in new ordering technology for the world’s largest burger chain.
The make-your-own-sandwich ordering kiosks generally received positive customer reviews online. Some customers even tested outlandish combinations and posted videos of their experiences on YouTube.
Facebook tweaks race-based ad targeting policy
NEW YORK
Facebook says it will no longer allow advertisers to use ethnicity as a filter when it comes to targeting or hiding ads offering housing, employment or credit.
The changes come after ProPublica reported that , besides hobbies and interests, advertisers could exclude specific races from seeing their ads. This could be illegal in some circumstances, such as with housing ads.
Although Facebook doesn’t actually ask users their race, the service can make a pretty good guess based on other information users share.
Last week, Facebook said discriminatory ads have “no place” on the site. Rather, it says the filters are designed for reaching “multicultural audiences with more relevant advertising.” Race and ethnicity filters will still be allowed for ads that aren’t about housing, employment or credit.
Toyota to pay up to $3.4 billion to settle US truck lawsuit
WASHINGTON
Toyota will pay up to $3.4 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by U.S. pickup truck and SUV owners whose vehicles lacked adequate rust protection.
Court filings show that the settlement reached on October 31 covers 1.5 million vehicles, dealing a financial blow to the Japanese automaker whose trucks were subject to corrosion that could harm their structural integrity.
The settlement applies to Tacoma trucks made from 2005 to 2010, Sequoias from 2005 to 2008 and Tundras from 2007 to 2008.
The settlement estimates the value of replacing the frame at roughly $15,000 per vehicle. Under the settlement, Toyota will inspect vehicles for 12 years from their initial sales or lease date to decide if the owner is eligible for a replaced frame or reimbursement.
Wire reports