Fri March 13, 2026 | Mobility Monitor

AI/Automation

CarCloud.com launches AI-agent platform enabling rental operators to convert website visitors into bookings 24/7 through intelligent, real-time interactions with reservation systems Auto Rental News
Marriott expands AI tools to keep travelers in direct booking channels while navigating geopolitical volatility and Middle East travel dip Skift
Lowe's Mylow AI assistant handles about a million questions monthly, with customer inquiries ranging across different expertise levels and needs Retail Dive
Airbnb develops destination recommendation model using transformer-based architecture to predict user travel intent, deployed in autosuggest and abandoned search emails Airbnb Tech
Palantir demos show military use of AI chatbots like Anthropic's Claude to analyze intelligence and generate war plans Wired
Google's SVP discusses how AI is changing the company's advertising business, not ruling out ads in Gemini Wired

Rivian R2 launches with Performance model at $57,990 with 330 miles range arriving spring 2026; base $45,000 RWD version delayed until late 2027 The Drive, Electrek, TechCrunch
Lucid unveils Cosmos and Earth midsize SUVs starting under $50,000, targeting 100,000 annual production by 2028 and positive cash flow by decade's end Electrek, EV Blog
Volkswagen reveals ID.3 Neo with major updates and new software for ID.4 and other EVs Electrek
Chevrolet Bolt returns for 2027 model year, GM commits to keeping starting price below $30,000 The Drive
Honda cancels Zero Series SUV, Saloon, and Acura RSX EVs citing "extremely challenging earnings situation" and $2.5 billion net loss The Verge
Sony "has no information" on Afeela project fate after Honda's EV pullback The Drive
Toyota discounts new EVs with $7,000 off and 0% financing as 2026 models arrive at dealerships Electrek
Global EV sales hit 1.1 million units in February 2026, with Europe surging while US market slides Electrek
Tesla AI6 chip delayed approximately 6 months as Samsung 2nm production slips, pushing mass production to late 2027 Electrek
Trump administration sues California over "illegal" EV mandate under federal law The Drive, EV Blog
Tesla becomes electricity utility in UK through new Tesla Energy Ventures division approved by Ofgem TechCrunch
BYD considers Canadian factory but rejects joint venture model demanded by Ottawa, insisting on full ownership EV Blog

Lucid reveals Lunar, a two-seat robotaxi concept claiming 40% lower operating costs and 5.5-6.0 miles per kWh efficiency Electrek, TechCrunch
Lucid announces autonomy subscription with $69-$199 monthly tiers starting 2027, entering recurring revenue race with Tesla and Rivian EV Blog
Rivian R2 Launch Edition includes lifetime ADAS access EV Blog

LAX opens 6.4-million-square-foot rental car facility consolidating 12 rental companies under one roof Auto Rental News
Uber for Business highlights automotive dealers shifting from traditional shuttle service to on-demand transportation Uber for Business LinkedIn

Canadian travel demand slumps, reshaping airline routes; Hilton sees upside if US rebuilds inbound travel strategy Skift
European travelers swap planes for trains, though climate isn't the primary driver - journey quality proves more effective pitch Skift
Joby and Archer set to deploy electric air taxis under pilot program testing eVTOL operations in US markets Phocuswire

Stitch Fix's Stylist Connect feature boosts client retention, contributing to long-term active client growth goals by fiscal year 2027 CX Dive
Dollar General introduces new store format and pilots subscription program to enhance customer experience and drive discretionary spending CX Dive
Petco to relaunch loyalty program targeting "passionate explorers" as key to returning to growth CX Dive

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott opens first flagship outside Texas in Nashville featuring cocktail bar and hat customization Retail Dive
Taiga unveils 120 kW electric snowmobiles with CCS fast charging to 80% in 20 minutes and 3 kW onboard power system Electrek
Can Am launches Outlander Electric 2026, the first full-size electric ATV on the market Electrek

Airbnb CSO discusses hotels, AI, nature travel and next era of travel at ITB Berlin Phocuswire
Minor Hotels launching Wolseley luxury platform in New York, then Dubai, testing whether restaurant brand can expand broader Skift