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Jul 8
BYD begins Brazil plant operations despite production delays and labor probe
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.
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.

The Trump administration has moved to expand its sweeping tariff policy on global automotive imports, introducing a new round of "reciprocal tariffs" that target specific auto components previously excluded from earlier duties. The new measures are separate from those already enacted this spring on complete vehicles and key parts.

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.

US President Donald Trump notified trade partners on July 7, 2025, Eastern Time, of new tariff rates set to take effect on August 1. He first informed Japan and South Korea that a 25% reciprocal tariff would be imposed on their goods, warning that rates could increase further if retaliatory measures are taken.
Volvo Cars has begun laying off staff in its China operations, with the majority of the cuts affecting its Shanghai-based technical and research and development center, according to employees familiar with the matter. The affected departments include engineering, research and development, and supply chain management. Employees have reportedly been offered severance packages equivalent to three months' salary plus one month for each year of service (N+3).
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.

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.

Taiwan's auto market could see a stronger-than-expected rebound in the second half of 2025—provided key policy uncertainties such as tariffs and commodity taxes are resolved soon, according to Hsin-Cheng Tseng, director and executive vice president of China Motor Corporation (CMC).
Toyota Motor Corporation has postponed its plan to produce electric vehicles (EVs) at its US factories, shifting focus to gasoline-powered and hybrid SUVs amid changing market conditions. The company is reallocating production to meet current consumer demand.
Aeon Motor unveiled its new Aeontek brand identity on July 4, highlighting that it has entered a new era of gas and electric vehicle development and global deployment. At the same time, the company has launched four new two-wheeler models to seize business opportunities during the peak summer season.