Audi vs Tesla

Audi begins production of the A2 e-tron; CEO unveils new electric model in Paris; Martin Sander to lead Sales and Marketing

Audi has begun production of the A2 e-tron in Ingolstadt, with development time shortened by 21 months. CEO Gernot Döllner unveiled the A2 e-tron in Paris, emphasizing its efficiency and everyday usability. Additionally, Martin Sander will take over Sales and Marketing at Audi effective October 1, 2026.

Chery hires Audi manager for Germany brand building

Chinese automaker Chery has appointed Chayne Brand, a long-time Audi marketing manager, to the newly created position of Head of Brand Marketing & Communication in Germany. Brand started the role on September 1st. The article is largely paywalled, with the full details restricted. However, the key event is a personnel appointment for brand building, which is relevant to marketing and advertising as it involves leading marketing strategy for a brand in the German market.

• Chery hires Audi marketing manager Chayne Brand for Germany.
• Brand becomes Head of Brand Marketing & Communication.
• Role is newly created and started on September 1, 2026.

Lawmakers Approve AM Radio Mandate for US Automakers

The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to include AM radio in new vehicles at no extra cost. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it has bipartisan support with key sponsors including Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz. Proponents argue AM radio is crucial for emergency alerts, while automakers like Tesla, Rivian, and BMW have been dropping the feature, often citing electromagnetic interference from electric motors. This legislation could impact the automotive and broadcast industries by preserving AM radio's reach. The bill's future hinges on the Senate vote.

• House passed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with bipartisan support.
• Bill directs NHTSA to require AM radio in new vehicles as standard equipment.
• Senators Markey and Cruz co-sponsor Senate version with 60 co-sponsors.

Intel could hit $200 per share in two years, says Melius analyst

Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes has set a buy rating on Intel with a $165 price target, implying about 70% upside from the previous close, but sees the stock reaching as high as $200 per share within two years. Reitzes bases his bullish outlook on potential foundry agreements with Apple, Tesla, and another hyperscaler, and strong server CPU pricing and AI PC mix that could drive product earnings above $4. He also notes a Reuters report that Intel is considering a deal to help SK Hynix manufacture memory chips in the U.S., potentially leasing part of its Ohio facility. Intel shares have gained roughly 300% over the past 12 months, and the stock was up more than 4% on the day. The analyst's view contrasts with consensus, as only 15 of 50 analysts rate it a buy.

• Melius Research has a buy rating on Intel with a $165 price target, implying ~70% upside.
• Analyst Ben Reitzes sees Intel trading as high as $200 per share in the next two years.
• Intel could rally on foundry agreements with Apple, Tesla, and another hyperscaler, per analyst.

Analyst Calls: Nvidia, SpaceX, Tesla, Apple, Chevron, Micron

CNBC rounded up Wednesday's most significant Wall Street analyst calls across major technology, industrial, and consumer companies. Morgan Stanley reiterated Microsoft as overweight, citing an increased dividend and attractive risk/reward. Seaport initiated Cava with a buy rating, highlighting brand awareness and growth potential. BTIG initiated American Bitcoin with a buy, noting its mining operations. Goldman Sachs reiterated Tesla as neutral, lowering Q3 delivery forecasts below consensus. UBS upgraded Union Pacific to buy, predicting strong volume growth. Deutsche Bank upgraded Anheuser-Busch InBev to buy, citing undervaluation on free cash flow yield. Citi reiterated Meta as buy with a positive catalyst watch ahead of Meta Connect. Morgan Stanley also reiterated Apple as overweight, seeing better-than-feared iPhone 18 demand. Bank of America reiterated buy ratings on Nvidia, Marvell, Broadcom, and Micron, maintaining a bullish stance on AI infrastructure semis.

• Morgan Stanley reiterated Microsoft as overweight, citing dividend increase to $0.98 per share.
• Goldman Sachs lowered Tesla's Q3 2026 delivery forecast to 435K from 490K.
• UBS upgraded Union Pacific to buy from neutral.