Amazon’s Strategic Push into Autonomous Trucking and AI Expansion

Amazon is channeling its cloud computing prowess into a promising new frontier. The company's Amazon Web Services (AWS) division has been named the preferred cloud partner for Aumovio, a specialist in autonomous driving technology. This collaboration is aimed at deploying self-driving trucks commercially by 2027. Concurrently, Amazon used the CES 2026 stage to unveil a broader vision for its AI ecosystem, introducing new partnerships and a web-based interface for its Alexa+ assistant.

At the consumer electronics showcase, Amazon detailed significant expansions for its AI assistant business. The launch of "Alexa.com" provides a web-accessible version of Alexa+, functioning independently of Echo hardware. Following a testing period, the service will carry a monthly fee of $20, though it will be included for Prime subscribers.

The integration strategy is widening, with BMW, Samsung, and Bosch all announcing partnerships to embed Alexa+ deeply into vehicles and home appliances. In response to these developments, Bank of America analyst Justin Post reaffirmed his "Buy" rating on Amazon shares, setting a price target of $303. Market observers view this aggressive AI push as essential for Amazon to remain competitive against rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini.

Cloud Power Fuels Next-Generation Trucking

The alliance with Aumovio—a spin-off from automotive supplier Continental—grants Amazon direct entry into the autonomous commercial vehicle sector. AWS infrastructure will be leveraged to support the development, training, and validation of Level-4 autonomous systems. A critical focus will be on simulating edge-case driving scenarios, a vital step for obtaining regulatory approval and scaling the technology effectively.

The core objective is to utilize this technology to bring autonomous trucks into commercial operation. The market reacted positively to the news: Amazon's stock advanced over 3%, while shares of Aurora, the company's technology partner in this venture, surged more than 8%. This agreement demonstrates Amazon's growing ability to convert its substantial investments in AI infrastructure into high-value business-to-business contracts.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Amazon?

Legal and Regulatory Headwinds Emerge

Despite strategic advances, Amazon faces mounting legal challenges. On January 5, a U.S. court granted class-action status to a lawsuit against the retail giant. Consumers allege the company permitted price gouging on essential goods during the pandemic. Judge Robert Lasnik ruled the complaint had sufficient merit to proceed, citing a lack of viable alternatives for shoppers at the time.

Furthermore, a new AI tool named "Shop Direct" is attracting criticism. The software automates purchases on third-party online stores without requiring explicit merchant consent. This backlash could lead to regulatory scrutiny before the service exits its pilot phase.

Analyst Consensus Stays Bullish Amid Risks

Legal uncertainties have done little to dampen analyst optimism. Of 74 market experts surveyed, a striking 96% recommend purchasing the stock. The average price target stands at approximately $295, with Evercore ISI seeing potential for the shares to reach $335. Trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of around 33, analysts consider the equity fairly valued, given its expected profit growth and dominant cloud market position.

Amazon shares closed at $241.45 on January 6, establishing a new 52-week high. Investors are currently assigning greater weight to the revenue potential from the autonomous trucking deal than to ongoing litigation. A key theme for the year ahead will be Amazon's continued ability to translate its AI investments into measurable revenue streams—the AWS pact with Aumovio serves as an initial indicator of this capability.