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Jul 9
Commentary: Foxconn’s EV triangle may hinge on Nissan’s Oppama plant
With global EV growth decelerating, Taiwan's Foxconn is pressing ahead with its electric vehicle ambitions. The company is reportedly in advanced talks with Nissan Motor over a potential joint venture at the automaker's Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, a development that analysts say could mark a turning point for both firms.
Gogoro Network has introduced a zero monthly rental plan for its electric scooters in Taiwan, marking a new phase in its decade-long effort to cultivate the market. Following the launch of an unlimited riding subscription in April 2025, the plan aims to provide greater affordability and attract gasoline-powered scooter users to switch to electric.
South Korea's LG Energy Solution (LGES) posted a significantly stronger operating profit in the second quarter of 2025, ending a streak of six consecutive quarters of losses and highlighting improved company fundamentals. Operating income rose 152% year-over-year to KRW492.2 billion (approx. US$355 million), despite a 9.7% decrease in revenue to KRW5.56 trillion. Data from financial platform FnGuide showed that LGES's sales were 2.9% below analysts' consensus estimates, while its operating profit surpassed forecasts by 56.3%.
Taiwan's Seetel, a lithium battery and energy storage manufacturer, said Tuesday it formed a strategic alliance with Canadian energy storage solutions provider Energy Plug to expand into global markets.
Taiwan-based Kinko Optical has strategically avoided low-price competition by expanding its mid- to high-end lens and next-generation product offerings, resulting in nearly 25% revenue growth in the first half of 2025.

US President Donald Trump has formally notified South Korea of plans to impose a 25% tariff on select imports, with implementation set for August 1. While a three-week window for negotiations remains, industry observers widely anticipate that talks will face significant headwinds.

Nissan Motor Co. has initiated discussions with Foxconn over a possible collaboration to convert its Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, into a manufacturing site for EVs. If finalized, Foxconn plans to inject fresh capital into Oppama and leverage the facility's sprawling supply network and experienced workforce to strengthen its EV supply chain in Japan.

Taiwanese electric vehicle maker Aeon Motor has officially begun mass production at its new Vietnam facility as of April, with the first batch of US-bound products shipped in May. The company sees the move as a critical milestone in its broader global expansion and a strategic hedge amid shifting trade policies and intensifying supply chain decoupling.

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set to officially commence operations at its Brazil car plant in July 2025. However, due to heavy rains and a labor investigation, the plant will not reach full production capacity until July 2026, according to Reuters and the Rio Times.
Taiwanese firms remain optimistic about Vietnam's long-term automotive prospects, citing trade agreements, government support, and improving infrastructure. Though still developing compared to Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam's rising local production and supply chain integration, boosted by Taiwan's "Local by Local" strategy, signal strong potential for future growth in the sector.
Nissan Motor is engaging in discussions with Taiwan's Foxconn to potentially use its Oppama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture for electric vehicle (EV) production. This move forms part of Nissan's broader plan to restructure and optimize its manufacturing operations, according to Nikkei, Reuters, and Yomiuri.
Xiaomi's latest breakout products, the YU7 electric vehicle and AI-powered smart glasses, are making waves not just for their functionality, but for how they're being positioned and sold. In today's digital-first consumer economy, tech is no longer just about utilities; it's a lifestyle marker. Analysts are increasingly framing this shift as "hype-driven tech consumption," with some even likening it to the rise of "tech collectibles."