Taiwan’s Compal to build factory in Europe for supply chain diversification

TAIPEI — Major notebook computer maker Compal Electronics will finalize plans to build its first automotive electronics plant in Europe this year as part of its efforts to reduce geopolitical risks and offset a slowdown in the PC industry. “We’ve been expanding in Mexico in the past year, and now we are evaluating locations to set up a new… Continue reading Taiwan’s Compal to build factory in Europe for supply chain diversification

Chipmaker NXP expects to beat profit estimate on automotive strength

(Reuters) — Chipmaker NXP Semiconductors on Monday forecast first-quarter profit above target and reported better-than-expected revenue for the last quarter, banking on a strong automotive market, a key consumer of its technology. Netherlands-based NXP supplies the automotive, manufacturing, telecom and connected device sectors with chips and other technologies that these industries increasingly rely on for… Continue reading Chipmaker NXP expects to beat profit estimate on automotive strength

Nickel and lithium prices plunge as Chinese EV demand loses steam

TOKYO — The prices of lithium and nickel, key materials used in electric vehicle batteries, have nose-dived due to a sharp slowdown in growing demand in China. Three-month nickel futures closed at $16,235 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange Friday, down about 50% from the end of 2022. The metal fell to a 32-month… Continue reading Nickel and lithium prices plunge as Chinese EV demand loses steam

Cheaper EVs remain a distant dream in India

NEW DELHI — Despite the unprecedented rise in demand for electric vehicles in India and a raft of homegrown players rushing in to fill the space, EV prices in the country are unlikely to come down anytime soon as the bulk of their components, particularly batteries, are still imported. And even if India starts making… Continue reading Cheaper EVs remain a distant dream in India

Indonesia tax hikes spark outcry among businesses

JAKARTA — Indonesian businesses are complaining about a series of recent and potential tax hikes ranging from “leisure” to value-added levies, with some associations taking the government to court as the country gears up for a presidential election later this month. Effective last month, the rate for the country’s so-called leisure tax for nightclubs, bars,… Continue reading Indonesia tax hikes spark outcry among businesses

China’s Geely launches 11 low-orbit satellites for autonomous car navigation

SHANGHAI (Reuters) — Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group said on Saturday it has launched 11 low-earth orbit satellites, its second dispatch, as it expands its capacity to provide more accurate navigation for autonomous vehicles. The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Geely said in a statement… Continue reading China’s Geely launches 11 low-orbit satellites for autonomous car navigation

Let’s get real about EVs’ environmental impact, rare metal expert says

TOKYO — As the world embraces electric vehicles as a solution to carbon dioxide emissions, there is too little discussion of the environmental harm associated with the metals needed to build them, says one of Japan’s foremost researchers in the field. “EVs are supposed to be environmentally friendly, but they are causing environmental problems, and that is a… Continue reading Let’s get real about EVs’ environmental impact, rare metal expert says

China automakers doubled Thai market share in 2023 on EVs

PHUKET, Thailand — China’s share in Thailand’s new-auto market more than doubled to 11% in 2023 as electric-vehicle powerhouses like BYD weakened Japanese automakers’ grip. Thai sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles totaled 775,780 units, down 9% on the year, according to nationwide data announced by Toyota Motor’s Thai subsidiary on Thursday. This includes… Continue reading China automakers doubled Thai market share in 2023 on EVs

Tesla shows off Cybertruck to Chinese fans in first Asia tour

Tesla shows off Cybertruck to Chinese fans in first Asia tour – Nikkei Asia Arrow Artboard Created with Sketch. Artboard Created with Sketch. Title Chevron Title Chevron Icon Facebook Icon Linkedin Icon Mail Contact Path Layer Icon Mail Positive Arrow Icon Print Automobiles With no sales planned for China, rollout aims to drive brand image… Continue reading Tesla shows off Cybertruck to Chinese fans in first Asia tour

China overtakes Japan in auto exports with boost from EVs

TOKYO/GUANGZHOU/BEIJING — China became the world’s largest exporter of automobiles last year for the first time, knocking Japan off its perch thanks to strong overseas sales of electric vehicles. Japan exported 4.42 million vehicles in 2023, up 16% from the previous year, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said Wednesday. The volume fell short of the… Continue reading China overtakes Japan in auto exports with boost from EVs