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Sep 23, 08:19
Analysis: Foxconn's EV push moves beyond demo and toward scale
Foxconn Group's electric vehicle business is entering a new phase as it shifts from proving the concept to preparing for mass production and wider regional expansion. The change could reshape Taiwan's auto industry and strengthen Foxconn's case as a cross-border EV manufacturer with ambitions far beyond its home market.

Foxtron Vehicle Technologies said its overseas expansion is taking shape as exports to New Zealand and Australia enter their final countdown, with a planned Poland factory with ElectroMobility Poland also drawing attention. On September 22, Foxtron Chairman Andy Lee said Europe's strict emissions rules and strong environmental awareness make it a key electric vehicle (EV) market, while localization and shared platforms are central to the company's strategy.

The global automotive display market is entering a new phase of growth, with demand shifting away from central consoles and instrument clusters toward niche applications such as head-up displays (HUDs) and front-passenger entertainment panels. DIGITIMES Intelligence analyst Jason Yang said the global automotive display shipment compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to reach only about 2.4% from 2026 to 2031, but HUDs and entertainment panels will grow 14.4% and 17.9%, respectively.

Hotai Motor said it will invest in lifestyle and entertainment booking platform FunNow to deepen its mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) ecosystem. The company plans to inject US$10 million (about NT$318 million) for an approximately 10% stake, while also launching a deep strategic partnership between its ChicTrip travel platform and FunNow.

Taiwanese tire maker Cheng Shin Rubber, best known for its Maxxis brand, is nearing its 60th anniversary and using AI and digital twins to compete in a faster-moving automotive market.

Taiwan's largest steelmaker China Steel (CSC) is actively expanding its high-recycled-content steel products, as the global automotive industry accelerates its transition toward net-zero emissions and electrification, boosting demand for low-carbon materials worldwide. The move allows the company to move beyond general industrial applications into automotive sheet metal, electric vehicle (EV) motors, high-strength fasteners, and vehicle body structures.

Li Auto's move to open its in-house technologies to outside customers marks a broader shift in the electric vehicle maker's strategy, turning years of internal research into a possible new revenue stream. The company is now seeking external buyers for its Mach intelligent-driving chip, silicon carbide (SiC) power modules, and range-extender system, according to Chinese media reports.

CMC expects fourth-quarter 2026 revenue to exceed the same period in 2025 and reach a new high, a signal that could matter beyond Taiwan as automakers worldwide seek growth despite soft demand. The company is also planning two domestically produced launches in 2027, while expanding into electric vehicles and robotics.
Taiwan's auto dealers have continued to push out new models even amid a market downturn this year. At the same time, Taiwan's auto industry is opening a new chapter in exports.

As Li Auto, NIO, Xiaomi, Geely, GAC, GWM, Chongqing Changan Automobile, and Chery step up efforts to develop and manufacture batteries in-house, the tug-of-war between China's automakers and battery leader CATL over self-production versus outsourcing is intensifying.

Taiwan's auto industry is watching closely as tariff talks between Taiwan and the US continue to shape the sector's outlook. PG Union CEO Ray Wu said in an interview on September 21 that the two sides are still negotiating the new policy, and the process must clear three hurdles before it can take effect.

Chinese EV maker Xpeng is planning to offer its technology to foreign automakers beyond Volkswagen, according to people familiar with the matter, as technology licensing emerges as a new revenue engine for the company.