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Jul 18, 06:19
Chinese Premier orders end to cutthroat EV price war
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has pledged to rein in aggressive price-cutting in China's fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) sector, marking a clear pivot from self-regulation to direct government oversight. Speaking at a recent State Council executive meeting, Li called for restoring order in the new energy vehicle market and denounced what he termed "irrational competition," according to China Central Television (CCTV).
As US-Taiwan negotiations over complete vehicle tariffs near conclusion, market speculation has intensified, especially around the possibility of a zero-percent tariff on American-made vehicles. These rumors have fueled consumer anticipation across Taiwan, with hopes that imported car prices will soon become more accessible.
Ichia Technologies, consistently receiving strong demand in consumer and automotive products, reported a consolidated revenue of NT$2.8 billion (approx. US$95.4 million) in the second quarter of 2025. This is an 18% increase from the prior year, along with a 20% gross margin. Their net profit after tax was NT$208 million (approx. US$7.1 million), a record quarterly profit for the company.
Stellantis has announced it is scrapping its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) program and cancelling plans to launch a hydrogen-powered van in 2025, delivering a major blow to the nascent hydrogen mobility sector and raising fresh questions about the commercial viability of hydrogen in the automotive industry.
China has imposed new export controls on key materials and technologies tied to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, a move industry insiders say global supply chains had been preparing for. As US President Donald Trump rolls out a second wave of tariffs, the shift toward localized EV and battery manufacturing is accelerating across the US market.
Taiwan-based automotive component manufacturer World Known MFG (WKG) announced on Wednesday that it is doubling down on its US business strategy, targeting higher-value product lines to offset trade-related pressures and currency volatility.

World Known Precision Industry (WKPT), a major Taiwanese supplier of commercial vehicle components, has long relied on the US as its largest revenue source. But chairman Kevin Lu now sees Japan emerging as the company's next strategic growth market, driven by a surge in local investment and a rejuvenated commercial vehicle sector.

South Korea's electric vehicle (EV) battery market is currently under pressure from China, with major players experiencing a year-over-year decline in market share, signaling a significant crisis. However, faced with growing demand for advanced batteries in emerging fields and complex geopolitical changes, South Korean manufacturers continue to demonstrate technological and market adaptability, striving to maintain influence in the global market.
South Korean foundry SK Key Foundry and semiconductor packaging and testing specialist LB Semicon have jointly developed "Direct RDL," a key semiconductor packaging technology that promises to advance next-generation semiconductor packaging, while enhancing competitiveness in the automotive semiconductor market.
MediaTek has collaborated with NVIDIA since 2023 in developing automotive chips, and the partnership since then has extended into various application fields. Their new C-X1 chip is a 3-nanometer flagship automotive platform gaining traction in the market, especially in China. Its penetration rate is higher than expected, as many Chinese electric car manufacturers have adopted the C-X1 solution and strengthened their relationship with BYD. By 2026, C-X1 is expected to contribute significantly to MediaTek's total automotive revenue and become another long‑term growth driver.
With US–Taiwan tariff negotiations still unresolved, uncertainty is rippling through Taiwan's auto industry. Industry sources now warn that should the Taiwanese government lower tariffs for American vehicles, other trade partners—particularly Japan and South Korea—are likely to demand the same treatment.
Geely Automobile Holdings Limited has agreed to fully acquire Zeekr, its high-end electric vehicle brand, in a US$2.4 billion deal aimed at consolidating operations and sharpening global competitiveness in the smart EV segment. The transaction will privatize Zeekr and delist it from the New York Stock Exchange by the fourth quarter of 2025.