The automotive dashboard is evolving into a media hub. By 2029, 203 million connected car drivers will give advertisers access to captive audiences through AI commerce, in-vehicle ads, charging sessions, and rideshare integrations.

Last week, Tesla and Rivian approved two of the most aggressive CEO compensation plans in history—Elon Musk’s potential $1 trillion payout and RJ Scaringe’s $4.6 billion plan. Both hinge on hitting decade-long performance and valuation targets tied to EV production, AI innovation, and market capitalization growth. Why it matters for brands and marketers: This compensation era spotlights the rise of the personality-driven company. Musk and Scaringe are seen not just as CEOs, but as brand assets whose visibility and vision influence valuation. For advertisers, the message is that leadership narratives can serve as marketing multipliers that help drive brand identity and, for better or worse, brand reputation.

Strategic alliances expanded EV capabilities this year, but high prices, limited infrastructure, and possible tax credit cuts could challenge growth.

Rivian secures federal support for a Georgia plant producing affordable EVs, promising jobs and innovation while facing tax policy shifts and industry headwinds.

As connected car technologies go mainstream, opportunities for advertisers are expanding. But success depends on balancing innovation with consumer privacy concerns and security challenges.

Volkswagen aims to attract truck buyers with retro-themed Scout SUVs and pickups designed and built in the US.

The number of US connected car drivers will reach about 175 million in 2027, and the systems they use will become more sophisticated as electric vehicles and embedded car operating systems become more common.

Walmart finds its EV Canoo: The retailer’s fleet of 4,500 EVs could grow into 10,000 as the company looks to achieve zero emissions. Retail and logistics companies could lead the transition to EV deliveries.

The state of public EV charging leaves much to be desired: Why would consumers invest in EVs when there’s a dearth of working public chargers? A study shows reliable charging could be the biggest hurdle to future EV adoption.

The layoff-hiring puzzle: In what seems like a paradox, scores of layoffs coincide with hiring growth. Tech moves away from broad expansion plans while still needing software innovation to stay afloat.

Gigafactories = ‘gigantic money furnaces’: Supply chain disruptions grind Tesla’s new factories to a near halt. Even when things come back online, the mineral shortage will still be a scourge.