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Nov 22, 12:00
Japan halts funding for all-polymer battery firm APB amid company crisis
Japanese authorities have officially terminated subsidies for APB Corp, a pioneer in next-generation all-polymer battery technology, amid severe financial difficulties and leadership turmoil.
India's electric vehicle (EV) market is seeing contrasting trends, with passenger EV sales declining while the commercial segment grows rapidly. Recent data shows a 9 percent year-on-year drop in passenger EV sales in September 2024, marking the lowest point in 19 months.
VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker often referred to as the "Tesla of Vietnam," reported sales of 11,000 units in October, securing its position as Vietnam's leading electric vehicle (EV) brand. Concurrently, Nhật Vượng Phạm, chairman of parent company Vingroup and Vietnam's wealthiest individual, pledged additional personal investments to bolster the company.
In recent years, Taiwan-based IC design companies have massively entered the automotive chip sector, seeking growth opportunities beyond consumer electronics. The automotive chip market is particularly appealing due to its higher profit margins and longer product cycles, which are key to strengthening operational foundations.
AI was the name of the game for the semiconductor supply chain in 2024, according to IC distributor WPG Holdings, yet shifting supply-demand balance may lead to slightly slower growth in the semiconductor market next year. In the automotive market, as carmakers gradually end inventory adjustments, WPG is seeing initial results from its investments into integrated automotive solutions, as it targets Japanese Tier 1 suppliers.
Taiwanese IT product manufacturers expect AI server demand to drive their growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, as consumer electronics enters the traditional low season. Looking forward to 2025, the manufacturers expect even stronger orders, with AI servers showing the strongest momentum, followed by AI PCs, while automotive electronics will also be a major growth driver.
Chinese EV giant BYD has unveiled its most advanced self-developed automotive chip, manufactured using a cutting-edge 4nm process. Market rumors reported that the BYD 9000 represents China's most sophisticated automotive chip to date, with manufacturing reportedly handled by TSMC. The chip's striking similarities to one of MediaTek's existing solutions have sparked speculation about a strategic partnership between BYD and MediaTek.
Wolfspeed's board has announced the dismissal of CEO Gregg Lowe, effective at the end of November. Lowe, who has led the semiconductor company since 2017, will be replaced by Board Chair Thomas Werner on an interim basis as the company searches for a new CEO.
Auto Guangzhou 2024, opening on November 15, stands as China's final flagship auto event of the year. It previews key trends that will shape the 2025 automotive market. With 1,171 new models showcased, including 512 electric vehicles (EVs), the event highlights the surging dominance of China's local EV brands.
MiTAC Group, a prominent technology and IT solutions provider in Taiwan, has played a significant role in supporting the local Ministry of Transportation's initiatives to advance smart cities, transportation systems, and rail networks. At its 50th Anniversary TechDay on November 18, MiTAC Information Technology and MiTAC Digital Technology showcased their latest AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) innovations in smart transportation.
Taiwan's largest industrial gas manufacturer, Linde LienHwa, is shifting its focus from decades of industrial hydrogen applications to the transportation sector. The company aims to lead Taiwan's hydrogen vehicle market once its dedicated hydrogen manufacturing plant in southern Taiwan becomes operational in 2025.
The European Union's trade dispute with China over electric vehicles (EVs) took a new turn when both parties showed willingness to negotiate pricing agreements, despite the EU implementing new tariffs in November.