CINCINNATI, OH & MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - With sights set on upping the convenience for shoppers across the retailer's footprint, Kroger and Nuro have recently expanded their partnership in an effort to revamp the customer experience through the use of Nuro's third-generation autonomous delivery vehicles.

"Our expanded collaboration with Nuro supports Kroger's commitment to provide fresh food at a great value—all without asking our customers to compromise," said Yael Cosset, Kroger's Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. "The role of autonomous vehicles in our seamless ecosystem continues to increase, contributing to meeting our customers in the context of their day without compromising on the quality or value, while contributing to our long-term growth and sustainability goals."

The companies first pulled back the curtain on the dynamic alliance in 2018, when Kroger announced a key partnership to deliver fresh groceries with the use of all-electric, autonomous vehicles.

With the help of Nuro's new third-generation vehicles, the retailer will grow its digital offerings in Houston, Texas, and offer customer-focused convenience through leading-edge e-commerce solutions.

"We are excited to expand our collaboration with Nuro here in Houston, one of the largest cities in the United States," said Laura Gump, President, Houston Kroger division. "Our associates, customers, and city embrace innovation, and we are thrilled to be able to soon provide this enterprising grocery delivery service to even more shoppers across the region."

The expanded collaboration is a key part of Kroger's seamless ecosystem, as noted in a press release, as the grocer is committed to simplifying the grocery experience for its customers without compromising on freshness or value and supporting shoppers who want to shop online, in-store, or a combination of both.

"We are thrilled to expand our long-standing strategic partnership with Kroger and further our shared vision for the future of goods delivery," said Dave Ferguson, Nuro Co-Founder and President of Nuro. "We look forward to leveraging our third-generation, and most advanced, autonomous vehicle to date to continue to build on the success of this program."

The all-electric, autonomous vehicles also support Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan and aligns with the grocer's commitment to reduce its corporate greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts.

As retailers eye new strategies to bolster their grocery delivery capabilities, AndNowUKnow will be here to report.

Kroger Nuro