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DailyFriday, March 13, 2026
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
Electric Vehicles
- 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
Autonomous Vehicles
- 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
Rental Car Industry
- 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
Airline Industry
- 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
Customer Experience
- 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
Product Launches
- 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
Hospitality Industry
- 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