Global automotive sales, including new energy vehicles (NEVs), are projected to underperform initial expectations in 2024, yet the market maintains an upward trajectory. Facing growing uncertainties in 2025, Taiwanese supply chain firms are leveraging diversified strategies—spanning traditional vehicles, NEVs, and global markets—to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

In a significant push to support its burgeoning electric vehicle sector, China's charging infrastructure has surged to 12.35 million charging units, with silicon carbide (SiC) becoming a crucial component in the supply chain.

The US will increase tariffs on Chinese polysilicon and silicon wafers starting January 2025, raising the rate from 25% to a staggering 50%. This move has left many companies that have established manufacturing facilities in the US feeling trapped.

CATL and Stellantis have entered a joint venture to establish a EUR4.038 billion (approx. US$4.25 billion) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain, with each party holding a 50% stake. As reported by Yicai, this will be CATL's third large-scale production facility in Europe, further expanding its global footprint.

Jiyue Auto, the automotive startup co-founded by Baidu and Geely, is on the brink of collapse. CEO Joe Xia, in a letter to employees dated December 11, admitted the company faces severe challenges and requires urgent restructuring. Reports indicate that salary benefits for some employees have been suspended, fueling fears of widespread layoffs.

The European Union's newly imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are sending a ripple of concern through the global auto industry. In response, BYD, the top EV manufacturer in China, has announced plans to manufacture its Dolphin and Atto 3 models in Europe by 2025, a move aligned with its global expansion strategy.

Global EV battery demand outside China increased by 12.7% from January to October 2024. South Korea's top battery makers—LG Energy Solution (LGES), SK On, and Samsung SDI—recorded growth in battery installations during this period.

PMOLED panel manufacturer RiTdisplay has been aggressively expanding into the energy storage and battery sectors in recent years. After successfully upgrading its energy business to another level, the company is now incubating a biotech venture, focusing on medical plasma wound treatment devices.

In light of the sluggish electric vehicle (EV) market and uncertainties following Donald Trump's re-election, LG Energy Solution (LGES) will acquire all shares of the battery plant jointly constructed with General Motors (GM) in Michigan. However, both parties will continue their collaboration on battery technology, focusing on the development of prismatic batteries.

The European automotive supply chain faces deepening turmoil, with industry giants like Bosch, Valeo, and Ford announcing extensive layoffs. These developments underscore the ongoing slump in market conditions and the mounting pressure on supply chain sustainability across the region.

Rohm Semiconductor and Valeo have jointly announced a collaboration to design and develop the next generation of power modules for electric motor inverters, combining their expertise in power electronics control. In the initial phase, Rohm will provide Valeo with a 2-in-1 SiC molded module TRCDRIVE pack for future powertrain applications.

Lithium-ion batteries, a cornerstone of modern technology, traditionally rely on cobalt for their stability and energy density. However, cobalt's high cost, environmental concerns, and its concentration in geopolitically unstable regions have raised alarms about supply chain vulnerabilities.

On November 26, BYD announced a directive requiring its suppliers to implement a 10% cost reduction starting January 1, 2025. Following this, SAIC Maxus has reportedly launched a similar initiative, also targeting a 10% cost cut across its upstream supply chain, further intensifying market-wide cost optimization efforts.

Tesla's Model 3 has hit a roadblock in Germany's prestigious TÜV safety rankings, while Honda's Jazz demonstrates exceptional reliability in the latest assessment. The 2025 TÜV report, analyzing over 10.2 million vehicle inspections across 228 models between mid-2023 and mid-2024, reveals significant challenges for the American EV maker.

Honda plans to start trial production of all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) in January 2025, aiming to double EV driving range and reduce battery costs by 25% compared to conventional lithium-ion solutions.

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.

On November 19, Foxconn announced that it had successfully obtained the qualification as the best applicant for the Kaohsiung Metro Y15 Station land development project. The company aims to continue local maritime culture and build a world-class landmark on the site, where Foxconn's flagship headquarters in southern Taiwan will be located.

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.

LG Energy Solution (LGES) is set to become SpaceX's first long-term external battery supplier, marking a strategic shift from SpaceX's traditional reliance on in-house battery production. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and reliability as SpaceX accelerates its launch frequencies and pursues ambitious goals, including Mars exploration.

The anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House could prove pivotal for Tesla's strategy in energy and advanced self-driving technology, as the integration of AI into advanced autonomous driving is expected to significantly enhance the affordable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) market.

CATL's chairman and CEO Robin Zeng has expressed willingness to build a factory in the US if President-Elect Donald Trump is willing to open the door for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) investments. This strategic shift comes as Chinese manufacturers face mounting pressure from Trump's tariffs on EV and lithium battery imports.

On November 12, SEIT Corporation announced it is the first electric vehicle (EV) energy management system (EMS) provider to connect with Taiwan Power Company's (Taipower) distributed renewable energy advanced management system (DREAMS). Using the Open Smart Charging Protocol (OSCP), SEIT's EMS is now integrated with Taipower's Electricity Load Management Optimizer (ELMO), designed to support community EV charging stations by balancing power demand and maintaining grid stability.

During his US presidential campaign trail, President-Elect Donald Trump vowed to overturn key Biden administration policies. Now, with his election victory, the tech sector awaits significant policy shifts that could reshape multiple industries.

SK On, SK Innovation's battery manufacturing subsidiary, posted its first quarterly operating profit of KRW24 billion (approx. US$17.19 million) since becoming independent in October 2021, marking a significant break from its long-standing losses.

With Donald Trump set to return to the White House, he's pledging a platform of low taxes, high tariffs, strict immigration policies, and opposition to the Green New Deal, raising concerns about economic disruption. Industry experts warn these moves could trigger global economic volatility, particularly affecting manufacturing sectors.