Kicking off 2026, Tu and Lei return from CES in Las Vegas with firsthand insights into how the global auto industryâs center of gravity continues to shift toward China, AI, autonomy, and robotics.
This episode unpacks why CES is no longer about cars, but about who controls the software, silicon, sensors, and robots that will define the next decade of mobility. From Geely and Great Wallâs growing U.S. ambitions, to Hyundaiâs robot-only keynote, to Fordâs quiet but meaningful autonomy reset, the hosts connect dots that most headlines missed.
Tu and Lei also break down the Geely âcoming to the U.S.â scoop, Rivian-style AI days spreading to legacy OEMs, and why Western automakers are increasingly borrowing from Chinaâs playbookâfrom ADAS and silicon strategy to embodied AI and robotics.
The episode closes with a deep dive into autonomyâs three tracks (L2++, consumer L3/L4, and robotaxis), the growing importance of LiDAR scale, and why Donut Labsâ solid-state battery and in-wheel motor reveal could become a true industry disruptorâif it scales.
Fast, candid, and packed with on-the-ground context, this episode explains why CES 2026 marked a turning pointâand why the race is no longer just EVs vs ICE, but ecosystems vs incumbents.
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