【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. track /træk/ (v.) – to monitor something
Example: The new device helps the athlete track his calorie intake.
2. on the move /ɒn
ðə muv/ (idiom) – to move from one place to another
Example: It is hard to find him because he is always on the move.
3. courier /ˈkɜriər,
ˈkʊər-/ (n.) – a company that offers package or mail delivery
Example: I sent the painting to a customer abroad through a courier.
4. vow /vaʊ/ (v.) – to make a serious promise
Example: The company vowed to produce the safest cars in the next five years.
5. single-use /ˈsɪŋgəl
yus/ (adj.) – can be used only once
Example: Tons of single-use plastic products pile up in many landfills around the world.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Volvo has created a new delivery system that brings shopping items straight to customers’ cars.
During the product presentation at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last February, Volvo claimed that this “roam” system can deliver goods anytime, anywhere.
This system goes with a single-use digital key that delivery companies can temporarily use to locate a car, open it, and lock it again. The company will inform the owner through his or her tablet or smartphone when the items will be delivered. Once the owner approves the delivery, he or she can track when the car is opened. The digital key ceases to exist after the transaction.
This innovation, Volvo says, can solve delivery problems for people who are always on the move. The technology also fits those who shop online and need to receive deliveries away from their home or office.
Courier companies may also benefit from this technology as it can reduce the number of failed deliveries. Failed deliveries cost these companies around one billion euros ($1.37 billion) for redeliveries every year.
During the trial period, 86% of the 100 participants agreed that the “roam delivery” saved them more time. With this technology, the company is certain that future Volvo cars will no longer be just for transportation.
Volvo is still negotiating with different partners for this technology, so no launch date has been scheduled yet. The company also plans to produce the first self-driving car in Sweden in 2017 and vowed that no one will be harmed on the road while driving Volvo cars starting 2020.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think Volvo’s “roam delivery” is a good idea? Why or why not?
· Would you be interested to use this technology? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· If you could reinvent the car, what kind of functions would you add?
· What can you predict about the future of cars?