Welcome back to JS Mobility, your go-to source for all things related to the future of transportation. We’re excited to kick off 2026 with a bang after a short holiday break. A lot has happened since we last connected, so let’s dive right in.
This year started off with a bang at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. U.S. automakers were noticeably absent from the event, leaving the spotlight open for autonomous vehicle tech companies like Zoox, Tensor Auto, Tier IV, and Waymo (formerly known as Zeekr RT). Chinese automakers such as Geely and GWM also made a strong presence, alongside software and automotive chip companies. The show was buzzing with the concept of “physical AI,” which brings artificial intelligence into the real world through sensors, cameras, and motorized controls, enabling machines like humanoid robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles to interact with and make decisions in their physical environment.
Hyundai stole the show with its showcase of robotics, including the Atlas humanoid robot from its subsidiary Boston Dynamics and innovations from Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB. The excitement around humanoids and physical AI was palpable, showcasing the industry’s shift towards embracing robotics in various forms.
One of the highlights of CES was Nvidia’s launch of Alpamayo, open AI models that empower autonomous vehicles to think like humans. Additionally, Uber unveiled its new robotaxi developed in collaboration with Lucid and Nuro, and Mobileye made headlines by acquiring humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for a whopping $900 million.
A Little Bird
President Trump’s recent comments about welcoming Chinese automakers into the U.S. market stirred controversy within the industry. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a key lobbying group, expressed concerns about the implications of allowing Chinese automakers to establish a foothold in the U.S. market. Existing regulations, such as the rule issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2025, restrict the import and sale of certain connected vehicles and related hardware and software linked to China or Russia.
Avery Ash, CEO of SAFE, warned about the potential risks of allowing Chinese automakers to operate in the U.S., citing security and economic concerns. While Canada plans to reduce import taxes on Chinese EVs, the U.S. remains cautious about opening its doors to Chinese automakers.
Deals!
In recent deal news, budget carrier Allegiant announced its acquisition of rival Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 billion in cash and stock. Dealerware, a software services provider for automotive OEMs and retailers, was acquired by a group of investors led by Wavecrest Growth Partners and Radian Capital. Flix, a long-distance bus and train provider, acquired a majority stake in European airport transfer-platform Flibco, signaling further consolidation in the transportation industry.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of mobility and transportation. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights!
JetZero, a Long Beach, California startup focused on developing a midsized triangular aircraft with fuel-saving features, recently closed a Series B funding round raising $175 million. The round was led by B Capital, as reported by Bloomberg. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the investment will undoubtedly fuel JetZero’s efforts to advance its innovative aircraft design.
In other aviation news, Joby Aviation, a company specializing in electric air taxis, has announced its acquisition of a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio. This strategic move is aimed at supporting Joby Aviation’s plans to ramp up production to four aircraft per month by 2027. The expansion of their manufacturing footprint signifies the company’s commitment to scaling up its operations and bringing its electric air taxis to market.
Luminar, a leading player in the lidar technology space, recently struck a deal to sell its lidar business to Quantum Computing Inc. for a reported $22 million. This transaction comes at a time when Luminar’s valuation has seen a significant decline from its peak of $11 billion in 2021. The sale of its lidar business marks a strategic shift for Luminar as it refocuses its efforts on other areas of growth and innovation.
On the regulatory front, the Federal Trade Commission has issued an order prohibiting General Motors and its OnStar telematics service from sharing certain consumer data with consumer reporting agencies. This move underscores the importance of data privacy and security in the automotive industry, as companies grapple with increasing scrutiny over their data practices.
In the autonomous vehicle space, Motional, a company majority-owned by Hyundai, has announced a reboot with a new AI-first approach. Despite facing challenges in the past year, Motional is forging ahead with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence and technology-driven solutions. The company’s pivot reflects the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles and the need for innovative strategies to stay competitive in the market.
Meanwhile, New York governor Kathy Hochul is set to introduce legislation that would legalize robotaxis in the state, with the exception of New York City. Details of the proposal are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to expand the state’s existing AV pilot program to allow for the deployment of commercial autonomous passenger vehicles. This move signals New York’s commitment to embracing new transportation technologies and paving the way for the future of mobility.
In the realm of electric vehicles, Tesla has announced a shift in its pricing strategy for Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software. The company will now offer access to this feature through a monthly subscription model, moving away from the previous one-time fee option. This change reflects Tesla’s ongoing efforts to make its advanced driver-assistance features more accessible to customers.
Lastly, Wing, an on-demand drone delivery company, is expanding its partnership with Walmart to bring its services to an additional 150 stores. This collaboration highlights the growing synergy between drone technology and retail logistics, as companies seek innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of the market.
Overall, these developments in the aerospace, automotive, and technology industries underscore the rapid pace of innovation and the shifting dynamics of the transportation sector. As companies navigate regulatory challenges, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences, the stage is set for a new era of mobility and connectivity. There are many ways to approach writing a detailed article, but one effective method is to start with a clear introduction that sets the stage for the topic at hand. In this case, let’s say we are writing an article about the benefits of exercise for mental health.
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. From work deadlines to family obligations, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. However, one of the most important forms of self-care is exercise. Not only does physical activity have numerous benefits for our physical health, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental well-being.
Body:
Exercise has been shown to have a profound impact on mental health. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins, which are often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and can even improve our overall mood. In addition, exercise has been linked to increased self-esteem and confidence, as well as improved cognitive function.
Furthermore, regular exercise can help to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in regular physical activity are less likely to experience symptoms of these disorders, and may even see a reduction in their severity. Exercise can serve as a natural and effective way to manage stress and boost mental resilience.
Additionally, exercise provides a sense of routine and structure to our daily lives, which can be especially beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues. By setting aside dedicated time for physical activity, we create a sense of purpose and accomplishment that can help to improve our overall well-being.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the benefits of exercise for mental health are undeniable. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and cognitive function, physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental well-being. By incorporating regular exercise into our daily routines, we can take proactive steps towards improving our mental health and overall quality of life. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, consider lacing up your sneakers and going for a walk or hitting the gym – your mind will thank you for it.
