Author: Central Desk

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the titan of global chip fabrication, recently inaugurated its first Japanese manufacturing plant, symbolizing a significant leap in its global expansion ambitions. This development heralds a strengthened economic and technological bond between Taiwan and Japan, celebrated with an opening ceremony that underscored TSMC’s escalating international presence and the mutual cooperation driving this bilateral engagement. Mark Liu, TSMC’s Chairman, extended heartfelt thanks for the steadfast support from Japan’s government, community stakeholders, and integral corporate partners like Sony and Denso. The ceremony, enriched by the attendance of TSMC’s visionary founder, Morris Chang, underscored a legacy of innovation…

Bangkok: The Thai Auto Industry experienced a downturn in production and sales in January, with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)’s Automotive Industry Club reporting significant year-on-year declines. This slump is attributed to the rising household debts in the country, which have led financial institutions to tighten auto loan criteria. In January, Thailand produced 142,102 vehicles, a decrease of 12.46% compared to the same month last year. Specifically, production of pickup trucks and passenger vehicles for the domestic market plummeted by 50.89% and 14.68% respectively. Automotive sales also fell, with 54,814 units sold, marking a 16.42% decrease year-on-year. Notably, sales…

Mercedes-Benz, once a proponent of a bold shift towards an all-electric lineup by 2030, has tempered its stance in light of evolving market conditions and technological hurdles. This strategic pivot, moving away from a commitment to sell only electric vehicles (EVs) within the next decade, aligns with a wider industry recalibration on the pace of electric mobility adoption. This adjustment speaks to a more nuanced understanding of the automotive landscape, acknowledging the variance in global market readiness and consumer appetite for EVs. Stratagic Shifts Signals Industry-wide Reassessment Initially, Mercedes-Benz’s declaration to transition fully to EVs underscored its leadership in pushing…

ECARX, a pioneer within the global automotive technology landscape, unveiled its Stuttgart, Germany office on February 1, 2024. This strategic deployment underscores the firm’s unwavering dedication to transforming the automotive sector through advanced infotainment, connectivity, and driver assistance technologies. With this launch, Stuttgart becomes ECARX’s third European nexus, augmenting its existing hubs in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Positioned at the core of Europe’s automotive stronghold, the German office is tasked with spearheading sales and technical development endeavors, primarily serving to European clientele. Peter Cirino, ECARX’s Chief Operating Officer, articulated the firm’s vision: “We are excited to take another step…

Xpeng Motors, a Chinese leader in the Smart Electric Vehicle (Smart EV) domain, announced a strategic alliance with UAE’s Ali&Sons dealership group, marking a significant milestone in its global outreach efforts. This collaboration forms a cornerstone of Xpeng’s strategy to penetrate strategic international markets, establishing partnerships with local dealerships to forge a top-tier network for distribution, sales, and service. This expansion strategy incorporates new alliances across a range of regions, signaling Xpeng’s commitment to broadening its global automotive footprint. Key partnerships have been formed with RAYA in Egypt, SR Group in Azerbaijan, T Gargour and Fils in Jordan, and Gargour…

Toyota Motor Corp, the globe’s premier automaker, stands at a critical juncture with its workforce union for significant wage hikes and unparalleled bonuses. This year, Toyota’s silence speaks volumes, casting a shadow of uncertainty over future wage talks, not only within its domain but echoing through the global automotive sector. Demands on the Negotiation Table The Federation of All Toyota Workers Union has presented a formidable challenge, demanding bonus payments equal to 7.6 months of salary and monthly wage increases of up to 28,440 yen. This bold stance mirrors a wider economic narrative where labor unions, bolstered by a constricted…

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, heralds the advent of the latest Canter light-duty truck across Japan. Commencing February, this revamped model becomes accessible at MFTBC dealers and regional sales centers nationwide, signifying a pivotal refresh for the esteemed truck series. This redesign, the first of its kind in fourteen years, combines sophistication with functionality through an elegant interior overhaul. Enhanced styling and color schemes, a streamlined dashboard, and optimized entry and exit mechanisms epitomize this transformation. The introduction of a 10-inch full LCD panel enhances visibility, coupled with integrated steering wheel switches…

The United States and European Union implementing protective measures against Chinese auto exports, sparking a contentious debate that underscores the complex interplay between national security, economic imperatives, and international solidarity. China’s Counter to Western Protective Stances China’s forceful rebuttal to the US and EU’s protective moves emerged prominently on Tuesday. The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Mao Ning, articulated a defense of China’s automotive industry’s exponential growth, emphasizing the provision of cost-effective, superior products to the global market. This argument gains substantial backing from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers’ January report, showcasing a 47.4 percent surge in vehicle exports year-on-year, totaling…

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd embarks on a groundbreaking journey with the unveiling of its Beyond Zero initiative, mirroring Toyota’s worldwide commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050. Launched at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, this initiative showcases a series of innovative strategies for embedding sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the automotive industry. The event attracted notable figures, including Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who underscored the imperative of Malaysia’s pivot towards renewable energy. Citing Malaysia’s leading position in Southeast Asia on the Energy Transition Index 2023 by the World Economic Forum,…

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has escalated tensions with Ford by signaling readiness for a strike at the Kentucky Truck Plant should contract negotiations remain unresolved by the forthcoming Friday deadline, February 23. Central to the discord is a contract lagging five months behind schedule, with pivotal concerns revolving around worker welfare and healthcare, notably the demand for definitive in-plant nurse staffing ratios. Situated in Louisville, this plant stands as a cornerstone in Ford’s manufacturing empire, boasting a workforce of approximately 9,000 UAW members. This workforce is instrumental in producing esteemed models such as the Expedition and Navigator SUVs,…