Blue Bird(US:BLBD) ZACKS·2026-01-12 14:36Industry Overview - The auto industry is undergoing a transformation with electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) reshaping the future of mobility, driven by advances in battery technology and a growing charging network [1] - The adoption of EVs varies by region, with the U.S. facing temporary obstacles due to policy changes, while China leads the transition supported by competitive pricing and government backing [3] - Global EV sales are projected to reach nearly 90 million units by 2040, accounting for 27.5% of total sales in 2026, 43.2% by 2030, and over 83% by 2040 [4] Competitive Landscape - Tesla has historically led the EV market, but competition is intensifying with the emergence of Chinese automakers and new EV-only startups, providing consumers with more choices [2] - The autonomous vehicle market is valued at approximately $1.5 trillion in 2022 and is expected to exceed $13.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 32% from 2023 to 2030 [4] Key Companies - Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD): A leading provider of low- and zero-emission school buses, with over 20,000 buses in operation. The company is expanding its services and is well-positioned to benefit from trends in clean transportation [8][10] - WeRide Inc. (WRD): A leader in autonomous driving with a fleet of over 1,600 AVs, including robotaxis. The company is expanding its operations globally and commercializing various autonomous vehicle solutions [11][14] - Workhorse Group Inc. (WKHS): Focused on electric commercial vehicles, the company has a strong sales pipeline and partnerships with major fleets. It aims to capture growth in the medium-duty truck market [15][17] - Amazon (AMZN): Through its subsidiary Zoox, Amazon is entering the autonomous driving space with robotaxi services in Las Vegas and plans for expansion. Zoox's unique design positions it as a competitor in the robotaxi market [18][20]