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.

Snacks maker Mars said it plans to invest an additional $2 billion in US manufacturing through next year to build new facilities and upgrade existing ones in wake of the Trump administration’s tariffs. Tariffs are leading some businesses to boost their US footprint, and we may see more investment announcements. But a key consideration is whether these expansion announcements will represent substantive, job-creating initiatives, or if they are largely symbolic moves designed to support the US government’s current messaging around American manufacturing.

Automakers face an increasingly difficult environment as President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the removal of EV tax credits reshape supply chains and production strategy. Like the broader US economy, auto sales have been resilient thus far, as tariffs and other government policies motivate consumers to buy now. Automakers and dealers are capitalizing on the moment with incentives like employee pricing, but the short-term surge is unlikely to last.

AI is upending every aspect of marketing, from neuro-contextual ads that read emotions to autonomous shopping agents that make purchasing decisions. As tech giants consolidate control of the sector, six pivotal trends are reshaping advertising, search, and commerce.

Ford expects tariffs to take a $1.5 billion bite out of profits: That’s in spite of its sizable US manufacturing base, which bodes ill for its globalized competitors.

A nearly $1 trillion loss in a day signals market panic. Apple leads the fall, with ripple effects threatening AI growth, ad revenue, and cloud service pricing.

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

Automakers slash jobs as EV struggles mount: Ford, GM, and Stellantis face competition from Chinese rivals and slow EV demand, driving steep layoffs and threatening their bottom lines.

Voice assistant adoption continues to grow, but the pace has slowed. Gen Z and seniors are key growth drivers, while smartphones and smart speakers remain central to the ecosystem as innovation and fresh competition shake up the sector.