Flying Cars, Pilot Shortage, E-Scooters: Recent Transportation News Trends

A look at the transportation news from PR Newswire in July and August that you might have missed.

By Logan Tierno | Published Sept. 10, 2023

You could say that the auto/transport industry is advancing with flying colors. Passengers are taking over the skies while pilots are few and far between. Personal transportation is continuously on the rise, with different types of previously analog vehicles becoming electrified all the time. Even the batteries of which they are comprised are shifting from lithium-based to hydrogen-based for more durability.

Read on to uncover how the industry has connected with its consumers this past July and August.

In this post, we examine the trends that transpired out of the more than 1,900 transportation-related press releases that were distributed during this time period.

Some of the Most Popular Auto/Transport Releases:

These were the top auto/transport news releases of July and August.

• Can-Am Transforms The Rider Experience And Performance With The All New 2024 Maverick R
  
• Garmin signs purchase agreement to acquire JL Audio, a highly regarded audio solutions manufacturer
• Subaru Announces Pricing On 2024 Forester
• Canoo Announces Introduction Of Its Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle 190

Auto/Transport News Trends

We noticed an uptick in four transportation topics, which we expand upon below.

Flying Cars

Consumers have been anticipating the arrival of flying cars to the market since The Jetsons adorned living rooms. After years of competitor concepts, Alef has brought the idea to fruition with the release of the first flying car approved by the FAA.

Here is where flying cars began to lift off during July and August:

• Alef reports pre-orders of $750M worth of flying cars
  
• Samson Sky Announces Record-Breaking Sales for Switchblade Flying Car
• Impact Venture Capital Portfolio Company, Alef, Reports Pre-Orders of $750M Worth of Flying Cars

Pilot Shortage

At the dawn of the pandemic, the U.S. government imposed restrictions on flying and social distancing by severely restricting the number of flight routes, which in turn led to pilot resignations and retirements.

But now that we are in an endemic, airport attendance and travel demand have substantially increased, creating pressure on the airline workforce.

Take a look at how airlines have been trying to recruit for their openings over the past two months:

• Business jet simulators - the changing face of pilot training
  
• Boeing Announces Scholarships for Pilot Training
• Cirrus Aircraft Launches New Private Pilot Training Program
• Boeing Forecasts Demand for 2.3 Million New Commercial Pilots, Technicians and Cabin Crew in Next 20 Years
• NJASAP to host informational picket on Sunday, Aug. 27 coinciding with the FedEx Tour Championship in Atlanta

By the numbers: There were more than 400 press releases distributed within the air freight and airlines/aviation subcategories in July and August.

E-Scooters

We’ve been seeing a plethora of scooters becoming electrified since the beginning of July, continuing the industry’s trend of improving personal transportation vehicles.

Here are some of the e-scooters that we’ve noticed popping up over the wire:

• Segway-Ninebot Goes Green with Electric KickScooters and More Sustainable Practices
• Isinwheel's GT2 Off-Road E-Scooter Reigns Supreme in Europe: Now Blazing a Trail in the US Market
• Ausom Unveils Leopard, a High-End Off-Road Electric Scooter
• GOTRAX Launches New GX1 & GX2 High Performance Electric Scooter

By the numbers: In July and August, PR Newswire distributed dozens of press releases about scooters.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Sustainability and alternative energy sources in the transportation industry are no longer pigeonholed to electric vehicles containing lithium-ion batteries. Consumers continue to show concern over the instability of lithium-ion batteries, so companies are looking to implement hydrogen fuel cells for better durability, longer lifespan, lighter weight, and higher storage capacity.

Here are some of the companies who have made the switch to hydrogen power during July and August:

• Hyzon Motors Inc. Announces Milestone In Production Of 200kw Single-Stack Fuel Cell System
• Nikola And Bayotech Partner To Advance Zero-Emission Hydrogen Delivery
• ADNOC to Launch First High-Speed Hydrogen Refueling Station in the Middle East
• Canadian Pacific Kansas City places order for 3.6MW of Ballard fuel cells for expansion of Hydrogen Locomotive Program
• Hyzon Motors Successfully Completes First Customer Demo Of Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck

By the numbers: Nearly 200 press releases mentioned “fuel cell” during July and August.

Conclusion

Flying cars may see slow growth due to their high price, but they will eventually become more affordable as they increase in popularity and operational familiarity. Given the enthusiasm with which airlines and aircraft manufacturers are offering training programs, the pilot shortage hopefully will not be much of a concern in the long-term. More electric vehicles used for personal transportation will continue to appear on the market. Lastly, we'll likely see different types of batteries being used in electric vehicles as the industry focuses on net-zero emissions. Lithium is no longer king, as so far this year aluminum and hydrogen have been contenders to replace it.

Stay tuned for our next auto/transport news trends roundup!

About the Author

Logan Tierno is a Customer Content Specialist for PR Newswire, Industry Ambassador, and contributor to Beyond Bylines. She sits at the forefront of press release distribution and works with clients on increasing engagement and providing editorial support. You can find her off-duty doing yoga, engaging in some sort of artistic endeavor, or relaxing with her family.