It's unclear how many still recall the optimism with which 2025 was once hailed—by automakers across Europe, the US, and even China—as the definitive launch year for Level 3 (L3) autonomous vehicles. Yet, as the calendar pages turn, the odds of L3 systems arriving on time—and making a triumphant debut—now seem slim.
Global automotive manufacturers are converging on a hybrid domain-plus-zonal (D+Z) control architecture for next-generation vehicles, representing a significant evolution in electrification and electric (EE) architecture. This emerging standard, likely to appear in production vehicles between 2028-2029, is becoming evident at Computex 2025, where major information and communications technology (ICT) players are showcasing their automotive solutions.
During an earnings call on May 14, Foxconn unveiled updates on its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, semiconductor ambitions, and new partnerships.
Following the US automotive tariff, the industry is reassessing production line adjustments. Notably, China is experiencing rising demand in its automotive sector. In response, Hiroca Holdings Ltd., with production facilities in both Mexico and China, has provided insights on its strategic operations.
China's new energy vehicle leader and the world's third-largest automaker, BYD, made headlines by topping plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in Europe in March. This milestone signals that BYD has found a breakthrough to counterattack in the European market, drawing global attention.
Taiwan-based optical imaging solutions provider Ability Enterprise is accelerating its diversification strategy by entering the machine vision market. The company has launched two new imaging modules, an infrared (IR)-assisted full-color wide-angle module and an active stereo 3D imaging module, to meet emerging customer needs in high-end sensing and edge computing applications.
Although the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show has concluded, its ripple effects continue to shape the automotive landscape. Bolstered by the Chinese government's early implementation of trade-in subsidies, alongside a confluence of auto show buzz and promotional campaigns, China's passenger vehicle retail sales soared to 1.81 million units in April 2025, marking the second-highest monthly figure on record.
China's control of over 70% of the global lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery market—the core of an EV's electric system—has triggered growing pushback in Washington. From the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to President Donald Trump's tariff threats, Chinese battery firms face intensifying US resistance. Meanwhile, Beijing has quietly imposed export controls to curb technology outflows.
Driven by new energy vehicle subsidy policies, the localization wave of automotive chips in China is intensifying, accelerating the domestic substitution process. Chinese integrated device manufacturers (IDM) such as Silan and BYD have achieved breakthrough growth in the power semiconductor sector, with their market shares rising significantly. This shift disrupts the long-standing dominance of foreign companies and has drawn the attention of international IDMs.
Nissan Motor plans to cut around 20,000 jobs worldwide—more than twice the 9,000 announced in late 2024—as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at reversing declining sales and long-term underperformance. The layoffs would impact approximately 15% of its 130,000 global employees.
Tesla is exploring land parcels in Satara, Maharashtra, to establish a completely knocked down (CKD) assembly unit for electric vehicles (EVs), a senior government official told Business Standard. The move comes after negotiations with Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering failed. Tesla is now in talks with another Indian firm for a joint venture to acquire land and set up the CKD unit, which involves assembling imported vehicle parts locally to reduce import duties.
More coverage
