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CES 2026: Cars Vanish as Tech Takes Over
10 Jan
Summary
- Car presence at CES dramatically declined, signaling industry shifts.
- US auto sales are falling, while global EV sales show strong growth.
- Key automakers are cutting plug-in hybrid production in the US.
The automotive sector's presence at CES 2026 was significantly diminished, marking a departure from its former prominence as a major auto show. While tech innovations like Nvidia's autonomous driving AI and BMW's enhanced personal assistant were featured, actual vehicle displays were scarce. This shift suggests a reevaluation of CES's importance by carmakers.
This reduced presence reflects the current struggles of the US auto industry, characterized by falling sales and a cooling market for electric vehicles. In contrast, global electric vehicle sales experienced a notable increase of over 20 percent last year, with Chinese manufacturers like BYD surpassing Tesla in sales.
Compounding these challenges, major US automakers like Jeep and Chrysler have announced the discontinuation of plug-in hybrid production. This move, alongside potential shifts in policy favoring combustion engines, indicates a strategic pivot away from technologies often showcased at tech-centric events like CES, particularly for the American market.
