U.S.’s Luminar eyes building factory for lidar sensors in Asia

PALO ALTO, U.S. — Luminar Technologies has begun the production of its high-performance light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors on a commercial basis after five years in the “stealth mode” stage of research and development. The American technology company eyes building a new factory in Asia and will seek to lower the cost of each… Continue reading U.S.’s Luminar eyes building factory for lidar sensors in Asia

Toyota’s next president: Who is Koji Sato?

TOKYO — Wary eyes are on the 53-year-old incoming chief of Toyota Motor introduced on Thursday, as the longtime engineer must now navigate the company through a rough and rapid race against new opponents and manufacturing headwinds in the car industry. Two weeks before the surprise announcement yesterday, Koji Sato had appeared at a motor… Continue reading Toyota’s next president: Who is Koji Sato?

Japan’s industrial robot orders hit new record in 2022

TOKYO — Orders for industrial robots from Japanese manufacturers hit a record 955.8 billion yen ($7.35 billion) in 2022, up 1.6% from the previous year, the Japan Robot Association said Thursday, citing data from association member companies. Strong demand for production line automation due to the global labor shortage and the shift to electric vehicles underpinned the growth in… Continue reading Japan’s industrial robot orders hit new record in 2022

Toyota tasks Lexus chief with transition to era of clean vehicles

TOKYO — Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda’s decision to step back after 14 years brings a generational shift at Japan’s largest company, as the self-described “carmaker” entrusts his younger successor with the task of navigating a fast-changing industry. Unusually, the change was announced Thursday via a news conference broadcast on the automaker’s Toyota Times YouTube channel, featuring… Continue reading Toyota tasks Lexus chief with transition to era of clean vehicles

Toyota tasks Lexus chief with transition to era of clean vehicles

TOKYO — Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda’s decision to step back after 14 years brings a generational shift at Japan’s largest company, as the self-described “carmaker” entrusts his younger successor with the task of navigating a fast-changing industry. Unusually, the change was announced Thursday via a news conference broadcast on the automaker’s Toyota Times YouTube channel, featuring… Continue reading Toyota tasks Lexus chief with transition to era of clean vehicles

Nissan, Renault aim for final negotiations as CEOs talk

TOKYO — Top executives of Nissan Motor and Renault, meeting online Thursday, held further discussions on the possibility of Renault reducing its share in Nissan. The talks are expected to proceed if the two automakers can fill in the gaps on their understanding of the proposal. The regular meeting was held among all three companies… Continue reading Nissan, Renault aim for final negotiations as CEOs talk

Nissan, Renault aim for final negotiations as CEOs talk

TOKYO — Top executives of Nissan Motor and Renault, meeting online Thursday, held further discussions on the possibility of Renault reducing its share in Nissan. The talks are expected to proceed if the two automakers can fill in the gaps on their understanding of the proposal. The regular meeting was held among all three companies… Continue reading Nissan, Renault aim for final negotiations as CEOs talk

Tesla, Mexico in talks on new Gigafactory but no deal yet: state official

MONTERREY, Mexico — Tesla and the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon have yet to reach a deal on building an electric vehicle assembly plant in the area, a state official told Nikkei. “No, we have not” reached an agreement, said Emmanuel Loo, the deputy secretary of economic development for Nuevo Leon, adding that he does… Continue reading Tesla, Mexico in talks on new Gigafactory but no deal yet: state official

Tesla, Mexico in talks on new Gigafactory but no deal yet: state official

MONTERREY, Mexico — Tesla and the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon have yet to reach a deal on building an electric vehicle assembly plant in the area, a state official told Nikkei. “No, we have not” reached an agreement, said Emmanuel Loo, the deputy secretary of economic development for Nuevo Leon, adding that he does… Continue reading Tesla, Mexico in talks on new Gigafactory but no deal yet: state official

Japan chip startup forms EV parts joint venture in India

TOKYO — Japanese semiconductor startup Headspring will form a joint venture by March with India’s Anand Group to develop inexpensive, mass-producible components for electric vehicles in the South Asian country. Under the venture announced by Headspring, the startup will supply proprietary technology to develop powertrains and converters. The partners plan to start mass-producing the components for local and… Continue reading Japan chip startup forms EV parts joint venture in India