TOKYO — Hot on the heels of Apple’s drive into the realm of electric vehicles, Sony is trying to shift from electronics and services into auto manufacturing. The Japanese company has already started public road tests of its Vision-S EV as it attempts to leverage its smartphone and software prowess into making vehicles. A closer… Continue reading Sony puts its tech to the test with step into self-drive EVs
Author: Nikki News Feed
Subaru cuts output by 10,000 vehicles over chip shortage
TOKYO — Subaru will reduce vehicle production by about 10,000 autos at a Japanese assembly plant as the industry struggles with a shortage of chips. The Yajima plant in Gunma Prefecture, which builds models including the Outback and Forester, will suspend operations starting Saturday. One line will be idled for 13 workdays, and the other… Continue reading Subaru cuts output by 10,000 vehicles over chip shortage
Suzuki to halt auto production at two plants in central Japan
TOKYO — Suzuki Motor will temporarily halt production at two of its three auto plants in Japan due to a shortage of semiconductors, Nikkei has learned, a sign of the growing headache the supply squeeze is causing the industry. The decision comes amid continuing shortages of computer chips, as well as concerns over delays in procuring some parts. The Japanese automaker… Continue reading Suzuki to halt auto production at two plants in central Japan
BYD to start selling in-vehicle batteries to other companies
GUANGZHOU — Major Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD will start selling in-vehicle batteries to other companies as early as the second half of this year, Nikkei has learned. The move comes as BYD seeks to expand the scale of its battery manufacturing business by supplying other companies, instead of simply using the key EV component… Continue reading BYD to start selling in-vehicle batteries to other companies
Hyundai Motor to suspend some South Korea output
SEOUL (Reuters) — South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co said on Tuesday it plans to temporarily suspend production at its Ulsan No.1 plant in South Korea due to chip and component supply issues from April 7-14. “We are closely monitoring the situation to take prompt and necessary measures and optimize production in line with the supply… Continue reading Hyundai Motor to suspend some South Korea output
Philippines explores joining TPP to expand free trade network
MANILA — The Philippines has formally expressed interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, with the goal of building new relationships with countries outside its existing bilateral free trade agreements. Ramon Lopez, secretary of trade and industry, sent a signed letter of intent to New Zealand, the depositary nation of the trade bloc, formally the Comprehensive… Continue reading Philippines explores joining TPP to expand free trade network
Toyota and Nissan plan production cut from Renesas fire
TOKYO — With chipmaker Renesas Electronics not expected to achieve a full recovery from its recent factory fire until mid-July, Japan’s largest automakers have begun bracing for long-term disruptions and potential production cuts. The fire follows other incidents that have sapped global supplies of automotive chips. Nomura Securities estimates disruptions from the Japanese chipmaker alone could dent global auto production… Continue reading Toyota and Nissan plan production cut from Renesas fire
Renesas says full chip recovery after fire could take four months
TOKYO — Japanese chipmaker Renesas Electronics expects a fire-damaged semiconductor plant to take up to four months to fully recover, leaving some of the country’s biggest carmakers concerned over dwindling supplies of key components. “It is expected to take a little more than 100 days before full-capacity production is restored,” Hidetoshi Shibata, Renesas’ president and CEO, told an online briefing with journalists and analysts… Continue reading Renesas says full chip recovery after fire could take four months
Bridgestone to shut Japan bicycle plant in turnaround move
TOKYO — Japanese tire producer Bridgestone will close a domestic bicycle factory under plans announced Monday as part of its larger efforts to climb back into the black. The Kisai plant in Saitama Prefecture, operated by group company Bridgestone Cycle, will shut its doors for good in June. Its roughly 170 personnel will be reassigned elsewhere. Production will be taken… Continue reading Bridgestone to shut Japan bicycle plant in turnaround move
Made-in-Thailand compact EVs bound for consumers in Japan
TOKYO — Japanese electric vehicle startup Fomm will roll out its first domestic compact car for the general public in May. Headquartered in Kawasaki near Tokyo, Fomm started to manufacture and sell electric vehicles in Thailand in 2019. It now plans to sell a modified version in Japan. The move by the startup ahead of… Continue reading Made-in-Thailand compact EVs bound for consumers in Japan