Mobility Monitor

AI/Automation

• Metrigy launched a quarterly benchmark tracking 1,000 U.S. consumers showing that trust in AI is the lowest-scoring area with only 16.5% strongly trusting AI to handle service needs. NoJitter

• ServiceNow's CX Shift report surveyed over 34,000 people globally and found that customers expect more self-service but still value human connection and emotional engagement. NoJitter

• Automation Anywhere released data showing that AI agents are materially changing the economics of enterprise IT support based on analysis of millions of service requests. Yahoo Finance

• NeuBird AI launched Falcon autonomous production operations agent with $19.3M funding, claiming 92% confidence scores and ability to predict failures 72 hours in advance. The system reduces incident response time and can save enterprises over 200 engineering hours monthly. VentureBeat

• MassMutual achieved 30% developer productivity gains and reduced IT help desk resolution times from 11 minutes to one minute using AI, while Mass General Brigham shut down ungoverned AI pilots to focus on strategic platform-based implementations. VentureBeat

• Gartner finds companies cannot offset rising customer service tech costs with staff cuts, as automation cannot replace human agents without risking operational disruption and worse customer experience. CX Dive

• Analysis of 170 AI job listings reveals Marriott's technical specifications are more detailed than some OTAs, suggesting traditional hospitality players are competing seriously in AI development. Skift

• Chinese OTAs are deploying AI services globally to transform consumer interactions and deliver high degrees of itinerary control to users. PhocusWire

• AI is pulling travel brands deeper into commerce media as it compresses the path to purchase, with brands expanding commerce media to capture high-intent demand. PhocusWire

Customer Experience

• T-Mobile shifted its approach to behavioral data by marrying it with survey data, cutting survey length from 10 minutes to two minutes while improving insights. CX Dive

• Shake Shack will overhaul its technology with focus on AI and loyalty, including a new rewards system, modernized point-of-sale platform, and AI-backed operational analytics. CX Dive

• Hyatt is linking executive pay directly to direct channel share and lifestyle hotels performance, revealing its biggest strategic priorities through compensation structure. Skift

• Payments infrastructure has become a make-or-break factor in travel, with better financial infrastructure leading to improved customer experiences, more efficient operations, and increased profitability. Skift

Autonomous Vehicles

• Robotaxi companies including Waymo and Tesla are refusing to disclose how often remote operators intervene to help their self-driving cars, according to Sen. Ed Markey's investigation. The Verge

• NHTSA closed its investigation into Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" feature after documenting 159 incidents involving only minor property damage, with zero injuries or fatalities. Tesla issued six over-the-air software updates addressing the issues. Electrek

• Waymo's autonomous vehicle testing in New York City ended after permits from the city DOT and New York State DMV expired on March 31. EV Blog

• A Lucid-Uber-Nuro robotaxi testing vehicle was spotted in Houston, though testing expansion remains unconfirmed. EV Blog

Electric Vehicles

• Used EV sales in the U.S. surged in Q1 2026 as gas prices rose, while new EV registrations slumped following expiration of the federal tax credit. Ars Technica

• Rising oil prices and energy crisis are driving BYD EV orders to "another level" overseas, with the company expecting surge in international sales. Electrek

• Rivian R2 EPA certification reveals 217 kW DC charging capability, up to 335 miles range, and inclusion of heat pump. Electrek

• Hyundai is offering $8,750 discount on all IONIQ 5 trims after Q1 sales jumped. Electrek

• Kia launched its most affordable EV, the EV2, in Europe at lower prices than expected, with first customer deliveries starting next month. Electrek

• Toyota's updated electric SUV has become a surprise hit, ranking among top-selling EVs in Japan, U.S., and several European markets. Electrek

• Nissan scrapped plans for an off-road EV and will now launch the SUV with gas- and hybrid-powered variants instead. Electrek

• Tesla's Texas factory workforce reportedly shrunk 22% in 2025, falling from 21,191 to 16,506 workers as company grappled with second straight year of declining sales. TechCrunch

• Lucid blamed Q1 sales dip on seat supplier issue, which also prompted recall of over 4,000 Gravity SUVs. Company says issue is resolved and maintains 2026 guidance. TechCrunch

• Tesla registrations quadrupled year-over-year in Germany to 9,252 units and rose 20% in UK to 8,599 units in March. EV Blog

• Michigan unlocked remaining $51M in NEVI program funds to fix EV charging gaps across the state. Electrek

• Everged launched program to replace broken and outdated EV chargers for free, addressing persistent industry problem of unreliable charging infrastructure. Electrek

• Xiaomi hired Tesla's Senior Manager of Delivery Operations for Central Europe as its new Head of Delivery & Logistics Europe ahead of 2027 market entry. Electrek

Rental Car Industry

• DriveItAway transitioned to OTCID trading and expanded to 40 U.S. markets, advancing toward goals of accessing longer-term capital markets and deploying national platform. Auto Rental News

Airline Industry

• New EU travel rules (EES) fully launch this week with April 10 deadline, though questions remain about airport readiness for modernized border crossing systems. Skift

• American Airlines risks falling behind rivals in aircraft arms race after avoiding big widebody bets, which may become competitive liability. Skift

• Air India confirmed CEO exit, marking third airline CEO departure in a month. Company keeping CEO Wilson until successor found. Skift

Travel Industry

• UAE is preparing tourism sector support package including fee deferrals and ministerial operations room as Iran war hammers demand. Skift

• Airbnb is eyeing flights business as Alexa integration and policy changes reshape travel landscape. Skift

• Booking has more at risk from Iran war than Expedia due to larger presence in Asia and Middle East, plus European customer base facing harder inflation impact. Skift

Retail/Product Launches

• Michaels partnered with Jonathan Adler on collection including craft kits, home decor, and entertaining essentials, available online and in-store. Retail Dive

• Andie launched limited-edition Target swimwear collection with 49 styles, available through Target's website and in stores. Retail Dive

• Bed Bath & Beyond is preparing for Elfa expansion after recent acquisition, viewing the modular storage brand as key growth engine. Retail Dive

• Radio Flyer launched new compact cargo e-bike designed to make family riding easier and less intimidating. Electrek

Supply Chain/Logistics

• Hasbro opened Georgia distribution hub to cut costs and speed deliveries, shrinking logistics network while adding resilience and efficiencies. Retail Dive

• Retailers increasingly rely on First Sale valuation method for tariff mitigation, but renewed Congressional scrutiny claims it harms U.S. production. Retail Dive

• Gap expressed confidence about inventory levels and tariff mitigation efforts, maintaining focus on stringent and disciplined inventory practices. Retail Dive

• Orange EV electric terminal tractors deployed by GLS Canada, making it one of first major parcel carriers in country to use heavy-duty electric yard hostlers. Electrek