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Monday 19 October 2026
Toyota eyes full SDV lineup by 2030, rolling Arene across 50 models
Toyota plans to transition its entire lineup of approximately 50 vehicle models to software-defined vehicles (SDVs) by 2030, equipping them with advanced software capabilities that allow owners to upgrade vehicle functions through over-the-air (OTA) updates after purchase.
Monday 19 October 2026
Foxconn, Mitsubishi Electric form alliance in automotive equipment business
Foxconn announced on October 16 that it has formed a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Electric through its investment management subsidiary Lin Yin International Investment. The two companies will jointly operate an automotive equipment business and develop next-generation mobility solutions under a "Made in/by Japan" concept aimed at supporting the sustainable growth of Japan's automotive industry.
Monday 19 October 2026
Toyota to deploy gigacasting in China as Shanghai Lexus plant targets 2027
Toyota Motor will introduce its proprietary gigacasting technology in China to produce premium vehicles, while it has not disclosed whether it will use equipment from local Chinese suppliers. The automaker also plans to produce the next-generation Corolla in China from 2028 using a common platform compatible with multiple powertrain systems.
Saturday 17 October 2026
XPeng's Paris push turns China's full-stack EV know-how into exportable AI engineering business
Chinese EV giant and AI mobility manufacturer XPeng has made a major appearance at the Paris Automotive Summit by bringing not just its automotive expertise into the European collaborative space, but a broader technology stack built on the automaker's existing strengths in EV manufacturing and humanoid robotics.
Saturday 17 October 2026
Tesla Roadster turns SpaceX rocket tech into halo product for Musk's physical-AI empire
The engineering fusion of SpaceX and Tesla's flagship technologies is making a dramatic showcase through Tesla's next-generation Roadster reveal, held at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas test site on October 15.
Friday 16 October 2026
DIGITIMES Insights: China's automakers pursue three humanoid robot strategies as EV supply chains offer 60% overlap
Chinese automakers are accelerating their expansion into humanoid robotics, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, electric drive systems, and supply chain resources developed through their automotive businesses, according to DIGITIMES Intelligence.
Thursday 15 October 2026
Toyota targets 1,000 e-Palette sales ahead of 2027 autonomous launch
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to sell 1,000 units of its compact electric bus, the e-Palette, within five to six years as it prepares to introduce a Level 4 autonomous driving version in fiscal 2027, which runs from April 2027 through March 2028. The target is more than 10 times the vehicle's current sales, positioning the e-Palette for broader use in mobility services across Japan.
Thursday 15 October 2026
BYD targets 40,000 European employees by 2030
BYD plans to launch a large-scale hiring drive in Europe, aiming to increase its local workforce to about 40,000 by 2030 as it seeks to become a leading automaker in the region. Stella Li, BYD's executive vice president for overseas operations, told Bloomberg Television at the Paris Motor Show on October 12 that the company's commitment to Europe is firm and long term.
Thursday 15 October 2026
Yulon Nissan sees Taiwan auto market holding at 420,000 units through 2027 amid EV, import growth
Yulon Nissan Motor president Chen-hsiang Yao expects Taiwan's auto market to remain at approximately 420,000 vehicles in 2026, excluding heavy vehicles, supported by growing demand for luxury cars and new energy vehicles (NEVs). While market saturation and shifting consumer preferences pose challenges, a potential resolution of US tariff issues could provide additional momentum.
Wednesday 14 October 2026
China’s NEV export rebate cut puts budget EV makers under margin pressure
China will reduce its export tax rebate for new energy vehicles (NEVs) from 13% to 9% on April 1, 2027, increasing cost pressure on automakers, particularly those selling lower-priced models with thin profit margins. The Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration announced the four-percentage-point reduction on October 12.
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Geely enters Canada, plans first vehicles for 2027
China's Geely has officially entered the Canadian market and plans to launch its first vehicles there in 2027, expanding its North American footprint. Geely has completed its Canadian corporate registration and begun operations while building local sales and after-sales service networks.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Stellantis rejects brand split, urges EU to reward local carmaking
At the Paris Motor Show, Stellantis NV CEO Antonio Filosa rejected proposals to split the company's European and US brands and said the company would not sell Maserati. The automaker is pursuing a US$70 billion restructuring plan as it seeks to reverse a sharp decline in its share price.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Toyota rewires China JV structure as GAC takes control of FAW Toyota stake
As the push toward smarter vehicle systems and full electrification intensifies alongside China's strengthening position in the EV market, these trends are increasingly prompting overseas automakers to enter a new phase of operational restructuring.
Monday 12 October 2026
China proposes physical controls and tougher testing for new vehicles
China proposed tighter vehicle design and safety requirements that would restrict fully hidden door handles, virtual controls for critical functions and several interior features in new vehicles. The draft rules, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other government departments, are intended to reduce safety risks associated with rapidly developed vehicle models and would affect automakers seeking approvals in China.
Monday 12 October 2026
EU caps annual HEV imports at 350,000 to curb trade deficit with China
The European Union plans to cap imports of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) at 350,000 units per year, with safeguard measures potentially taking effect as early as December 1, 2026. The four-year framework sets a 350,000-unit limit in its first year, followed by a 6% annual quota expansion starting in the second year, while both sides commit to complying with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
Monday 12 October 2026
DIGITIMES Insight: Personal AI agents could reshape who controls the smart cockpit experience

Meta's recent introduction of its personal AI agent, Muse, has renewed interest in AI assistants capable of operating across devices. Unlike conventional AI features tied to individual smartphones, computers or vehicles, personal AI agents use memory, reasoning and tools to understand user needs and maintain personalised experiences across services and devices. DIGITIMES observes that this shift could extend AI agents into vehicles, transforming smart cockpits from standalone in-car systems into connected environments integrated with smartphones, wearables and personal digital services.

Monday 12 October 2026
AITO doubles down on CATL as China's battery supply chain shifts toward selective diversification
As efforts to curb CATL's dominance accelerate across China's automotive landscape, the domestic battery market is beginning to move away from single-supplier dependence and toward a more diversified sourcing model.
Monday 12 October 2026
Audi's defense pivot mirrors Taiwan supply chain's AI shift
German automaker Audi has launched a flexible workforce program allowing employees to voluntarily transfer to aerospace and defense companies such as Airbus, with Audi reporting strong employee interest. The move reflects how automotive talent is breaking through industry boundaries and echoes Taiwan's supply chain transformation from computers, communications, and consumer electronics (3C) to automotive applications and now AI data centers.
Thursday 8 October 2026
UK weighs Chinese EV tariffs amid fears of EU exclusion, retaliation from Beijing

Chinese automakers are expanding rapidly in the UK, with their growing presence beginning to influence government policy as well as market competition. Chery's Jaecoo 7 was the UK's best-selling model in September, while Chinese brands' share of the market rose from 15.8% in August to about 23% in September.

Wednesday 7 October 2026
Honda and Taisei to test wireless charging roads on Japanese expressways in 2027
Honda Motor said on October 5, 2026, that it had developed core technology for a magnetic-coupling wireless power supply road system with Taisei and other partners, setting up on-road testing on Japanese expressways as early as fiscal 2027. The work reflects continued research into battery electric vehicle technologies even as some automakers scale back parts of their 2020s electrification plans.
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Formosa Automobile targets 20% heavy-tractor market share with new DAF XF models, EV roadmap
Formosa Automobile, a member of Taiwan's Formosa Plastics Group, unveiled the new-generation DAF XF long-haul tractor on October 6, introducing 35-ton and 43-ton models for heavy-haul and container transport as it targets a 20% share of Taiwan's heavy-tractor market. The company plans to begin fleet trials of electric trucks in 2027, with a commercial launch targeted as early as late 2028.
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Formosa Automobile launches new-gen DAF semi-truck, Taiwan first assembly site outside Europe
Formosa Automobile held a launch event on October 6 for the new-generation DAF XF semi-truck, officially bringing to Taiwan the new DAF series developed by Dutch manufacturer DAF Trucks in line with the European Union's (EU) latest regulations. The 43-ton variants are assembled locally in Taiwan, while the 35-ton variant is imported.
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Smaller batteries, smarter roads: Honda tests different EV cost model
The complexity of vehicle economics surrounding surging battery costs has long put the EV industry in a difficult position, caught between power-delivery constraints and energy-efficiency demands.
Tuesday 6 October 2026
Electric scooter sales rise 33% in September but year-over-year slowdown persists
Taiwan's motorcycle market emerged from the seasonal lull in September 2026, with total registrations rising to 70,189, up 16.78% month-over-month. Electric scooter sales also rebounded, with 3,482 units sold in the month, up 32.9%.
Tuesday 6 October 2026
September auto market beats expectations; Hotai sees stable Q4
Hotai Motor said Taiwan's auto market should remain stable in the fourth quarter, after September sales came in better than expected and the company kept its full-year 2026 forecast at 430,000 vehicles. The distributor also said sales of Toyota, Lexus, and Hino models will still target 165,000 units in 2026.