According to Sawyer Merritt, reporting via Reuters, GM CEO Mary Barra has reiterated that electric vehicles (EVs) remain the ultimate goal for the automotive industry, even as some competitors scale back their EV investments (Source: Reuters, Jan 13, 2026). This continued commitment is driving increased adoption of AI-powered manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and autonomous vehicle technologies within GM's operations. The push towards EVs is accelerating the integration of machine learning for battery optimization and supply chain management, presenting new AI-related business opportunities for suppliers and technology developers focused on smart mobility, AI-driven logistics, and sustainable transportation solutions (Source: Reuters, Jan 13, 2026).

According to Sawyer Merritt, Rivian delivered a strong quarter with adjusted loss per share of $0.65, outperforming analyst expectations of $0.72, and reported revenue of $1.56 billion, exceeding estimates of $1.5 billion. The company has completed the construction of a 1.1 million square foot R2 body shop and general assembly building, alongside a 1.2 million square foot supplier park and logistics center in Normal, Illinois. All manufacturing shops have begun equipment bring-up, and Rivian is commissioning robots in the new body shop, signaling advanced AI-driven automation in vehicle manufacturing. The company plans to start manufacturing validation builds by year-end 2025, highlighting significant opportunities for AI robotics integration and operational efficiency in the EV sector. (Source: Sawyer Merritt on Twitter)