The automobile is undergoing its most dramatic transformation since the assembly line. What was once a purely mechanical machine is rapidly evolving into a complex software-driven platform, fundamentally reshaping how the automotive industry creates and delivers value. At the heart of this shift lies the rise of the software-defined vehicle (SDV)
As automakers in Europe, the US, and China race toward smarter, software-defined vehicles, a new controversy is emerging across markets: the rise of in-car subscription fees. Nowhere is the backlash more pronounced than in China, where rapid development of vehicle electrification and software capabilities has collided with a tech-savvy and vocal consumer base
Global overall OLED panel revenue saw modest year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2025, buoyed by rising demand across emerging segments such as augmented reality glasses, automotive displays, smartwatches, TVs, and monitors. However, in a significant market shift, Samsung Display (SDC) lost its leadership position in the foldable OLED segment to Chinese rival BOE Technology Group, according to Chosun Biz and News1, citing data from Counterpoint Research
BYD has taken a commanding lead over Tesla in the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) market, reporting over 1.02 million units sold in the first half of 2025 — more than 30% ahead of Tesla's 721,000. The figures confirm BYD's position as the world's top EV maker by volume, signaling a larger shift in global automotive leadership
As the global semiconductor arms race intensifies, China's homegrown players are racing to localize critical chipmaking tools. One standout is Shanghai Yuliangsheng Technology Co., a three-year-old startup that has quietly positioned itself as a rising contender in the highly specialized field of photolithography systems
SK Telecom (SKT) has recently released several AI models in 2025, as it seeks to earn a place in the South Korean government project for developing the country's sovereign AI
ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's leading DRAM manufacturer, is under renewed pressure as the US escalates export controls on advanced chipmaking equipment. The tightened restrictions threaten to stall CXMT's expansion and offer a potential reprieve to South Korean rivals Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix
Large-scale US tariffs launched in the second quarter of 2025 aimed to curb China's technological advancement through stricter import restrictions on high-tech and advanced manufacturing goods
China's government has recently imposed a series of export and overseas technology-transfer restrictions targeting lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials. Notably absent from the restrictions are ternary battery materials—a decision that has prompted speculation across the battery industry
Japanese utility firm Kyushu Electric Power has entered a strategic partnership with Taiwan-based ProLogium to jointly develop superfluid inorganic all-solid-state lithium battery 24V modules
China's auto and parts industries have historically been entangled in cutthroat price wars. Even with Chinese authorities repeatedly calling for an end to the involution, no improvement has been seen. Taiwanese firms with production bases in China bluntly report the futile nature of the situation
During Apple's third-quarter fiscal year 2025 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook highlighted renewed momentum in Greater China, where revenue rose 4% quarter-over-quarter. This improvement was largely driven by a notable surge in iPhone sales and strong year-over-year growth in Mac revenue
Murata released its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, reporting consolidated operating profit of JPY61.6 billion (US$414.5 million), down 7.2% year-over-year; net profit was JPY49.7 billion, a decrease of 25% year-over-year. Although these figures exceeded market expectations, net profit declined for the first time in nearly two years due to yen appreciation and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers in the smartphone electronic components market
LG Energy Solution (LGES) has signed a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supply deal worth KRW5.94 trillion (approx. US$4.25 billion). Although the customer was not named due to a confidentiality clause, industry sources widely identify Tesla as the likely buyer
Amid rising US-China tech tensions, Taiwan-based PCB suppliers have accelerated factory expansions in Southeast Asia since 2022. However, despite new PCB clusters reaching full production, most PCBs for server orders remain manufactured in China, except for security-sensitive items such as low-earth orbit satellite parts. The server supply chain still depends largely on China's mature and cost-effective facilities
