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Mar 16, 15:10
Gogoro founder goes missing as reports on US$4.7M debt surfaces
Horace Luke, the former Nike designer and Microsoft creative director who founded Gogoro in 2011 to revolutionize electric scooters, has reportedly accumulated debts of about NT$150 million (approx. US$4.7 million) and is currently unreachable. This situation has prompted Ruentex Group chairman Samuel Yin to launch an investigation into Luke's overseas assets.
Although automotive component manufacturer Kwang-Hwa Electronic's primary shipment markets remain China and North America, revenue growth in the US and Mexico has been significant in recent years. Combined revenue from the two regions has increased by more than 25% year-on-year, indicating that the company's overseas capacity expansion is gradually taking effect and helping to ease the pressure from persistent price competition in the Chinese market.
SiliconAuto introduced its XMotiv M3 series microcontroller units at Embedded World 2026, signaling a push to expand collaborations in Europe, CEO Gene Liu said. The company has spent recent years developing its automotive MCU products with customers and partners and is now ready to showcase them in Europe.
Transmission system manufacturer TsangYow has been steadily advancing its presence in high-value sectors such as electric buses, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and semiconductor equipment. As these products enter prototyping and validation stages, the market anticipates that once customer certifications are completed and mass production begins, they will drive the company's next phase of growth.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on March 11 launched investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against 16 major trade partners, including China, the European Union, South Korea, Japan, India, and Taiwan. Taiwan's government said the move was anticipated after the recent Supreme Court of the US ruling that struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), prompting Washington to seek alternative legal mechanisms to maintain its tariff framework.
South Korea's leading battery makers showcased next-generation solid-state battery technologies at InterBattery 2026 as the industry pivots to new technologies amid slowing overall market growth. Major battery manufacturers are targeting mass production of solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2029, making product maturity and performance demonstrations the key highlights of this year's exhibition.
On March 10, 2026, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) announced the launch of a Section 337 investigation targeting 20 automotive parts manufacturers across Taiwan, China, and the US. The probe follows a lawsuit filed by General Motors (GM) and includes 10 leading Taiwanese aftermarket (AM) suppliers such as Tong Yang Industry, DEPO Auto Parts, and Gordon Auto Body Parts. This unexpected patent litigation has come as a shock to Taiwan's automotive collision parts exporters, and also signals a shifting competitive landscape in the global automotive supply chain.
Japan Display Inc. (JDI) has decided not to establish a new wholly owned subsidiary for its AutoTech automotive display business, the company disclosed on March 12, 2026. The decision is subject to approval at JDI's annual general meeting scheduled for June 24, 2026.
As renewed Middle East conflicts compound post-pandemic chip shortages and tariff barriers, multiple overlapping risks are disrupting global vehicle supply chains and making them increasingly difficult to resolve.
Leveraging a dual-track strategy in AI server power supplies and AI edge computing applications, electronic components maker Sysgration announced it has officially transitioned from its preparation phase into a harvesting period. Helped along by Pegatron's strategic investments, the company expects operational growth to reach double digits in 2026, with growth in data centers fueling demand for battery backup units (BBUs).
As a key player in Taiwan's automotive industry, Hotai Group draws significant attention with its annual outlook released early each year, which is generally seen as an indicator of local market developments. In its latest report, Hotai Motor projected that new car sales in Taiwan will reach 440,000 units in 2026, while setting a combined target sales volume of 165,000 vehicles and a 37.5% market share across the Toyota, Lexus, and Hino brands.
Asia Optical reported robust growth in 2025, with net revenue reaching NT$26.446 billion (US$831.1 million), up 15% year-over-year, and operating profit increasing 28%. Despite a fourth-quarter gross margin decline due to exchange rates, inventory adjustments, and material cost changes, the company maintained solid cash flow and zero debt while investing over NT$1 billion in production equipment for future expansion.