China's automakers are pushing more aggressively into overseas manufacturing as electric vehicle (EV) growth meets weaker margins, tougher competition, and rising trade barriers. The shift could reshape where vehicles are built, who sets standards, and how quickly China's auto industry gains influence beyond its home market.

China's state media is increasingly framing large-capacity electric vehicle (EV) batteries as a policy issue, not just a market trend. The messaging points to two priorities: reducing fiscal strain from EV incentives and strengthening state control over strategic materials and pricing across the new-energy sector.

Germany's auto sector came under fresh scrutiny after a senior economist raised the possibility that BYD could one day acquire Volkswagen. The hypothetical remark quickly drew attention in Europe as policymakers and industry leaders grapple with slowing competitiveness, rising Chinese rivals and mounting geopolitical pressure.

Volkswagen has handed full export-market control to its China joint venture, marking a major shift in how the German automaker uses its Chinese operations. The move, unveiled at an expansion ceremony in Uzbekistan, reflects a strategy moving from "in China, for China" to "rooted in China, facing the world."

As global efforts toward the circular economy and net-zero emissions accelerate, the European Union has continued revising its End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive to establish a vehicle recycling framework centered on circular design, high-value material recovery, and life-cycle management. The policy is enforced to help drive worldwide development of end-of-life vehicle recycling and resource recovery.

The South Korean government treats batteries as a strategic asset tied to national economic and energy security, but industry leaders say the growth and survival of South Korea's companies now depend almost entirely on regulatory shifts in the US and Europe amid fierce competition from China. They are calling for urgent, concrete tax support at home, especially a direct refund system that would also benefit loss-making companies.

The European Commission is considering a new credit system for electric vehicles as part of its latest Automotive Package, Reuters reported, in a move aimed at speeding EV adoption while easing pressure on automakers as the EU moves toward its 2035 internal combustion engine ban. The plan would give smaller battery electric vehicles (BEVs) extra weight in fleet emissions calculations, a change that could reshape competition between mass-market and premium brands.

Hotai Motor has cut its 2026 Taiwan auto market forecast, signaling softer demand may linger after tariff-related weakness in the first half. The move matters beyond Taiwan because shortages of hybrids, electric vehicles, and US-made models continue to shape availability and pricing for global buyers, automakers, and suppliers.

Taiwan's auto market posted a strong rebound in June 2026, signaling firmer demand in a key Asian economy watched by global carmakers. Registrations rose sharply in the month and year, led by Toyota's steady performance and a surge in Tesla deliveries that reshaped the local ranking.

Rising oil prices as a result of the war in Iran have caused the originally sluggish used electric vehicle (EV) market in Europe to flip, with demand now outpacing supply. Three-year-old used EVs are now priced at around EUR20,000, falling within reach of most consumers, while also offering lower long-term charging costs than fuel for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, it remains to be seen how long this demand surge will last.

Gus Technology has named Hota Group president Kuo-jung Shen as chairman after a June 30 shareholders' meeting, underscoring a deeper push into batteries, electric mobility, and energy systems. The move could shape supply chains serving vehicle makers, AI data centers, and industrial users as demand for backup power and high-performance batteries expands globally.