CONNECT WITH US
Oct 9, 10:48
Speed vs. strategy: the diverging paths of Tesla and China's EV makers

In the rapidly evolving race to dominate automotive electrification and vehicle electronics, speed and timing have become the ultimate competitive advantage. Among the rising crop of electric vehicle startups, Chinese automakers have been storming the global market at a breakneck pace, embodying what many now call "China speed."

The global automotive aftermarket (AM) parts sector continues to benefit from shifting vehicle usage patterns, even as overall car market demand remains volatile, and this has benefited players such as Hushan and Tong Yang in achieving increased revenues in September.
Amid the ongoing tariff negotiations between the US and Taiwan, Hotai Motor has denied recent reports that it plans to switch to importing Toyota Camry and new-generation RAV4 models from the US. In an October 7 statement, Hotai stressed that there is "no basis" for such claims, but would not rule out any possibilities pending final government policy decisions. In addition, the company highlighted that commodity tax reductions are already taking effect, and signs of a rebound are already apparent in Taiwan's automotive market.
Hotai Motor unveiled the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport and Corolla Altis GR Sport on October 7, aiming to boost year-end sales by appealing to a younger demographic with sporty designs, improved handling, and suggested retail prices of under NT$1 million (approx. US$32,800) for both models.
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges and global attention on ESG and renewable energy deepens, battery reuse and recycling have become pivotal to the waste battery circular economy. South Korea's eNDIVe is standing out with a dual-track strategy that combines both reuse and recycling, positioning the company for steady long-term growth despite current economic headwinds.
New car registrations in Taiwan surged in September 2025, driven by the government's revised vehicle tax reduction policy and intensified brand promotions. With 32,228 new vehicles sold during the month, the 9.4% month-on-month growth not only surpassed market expectations of 30,000 units at most but also set a positive tone for the fourth quarter of 2025.

In response to reduced U.S. electric vehicle incentives, Tesla has released more budget-friendly versions of its two most popular models. The updated standard trims of the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV are now priced at US$36,990 and US$39,990, respectively. These new starting prices represent a 13% decrease for the Model 3 and an 11% reduction for the Model Y compared to their longer-range versions.

The Shenzhen International Auto Show, held in early October 2025, brought together over 700 exhibitors across 80,000 square meters of exhibition space. The show focused on new energy and intelligent mobility technologies, showcasing developments across the entire industry chain, from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to smart cockpits and vehicle connectivity platforms.

South Korea's once-dominant battery manufacturers are losing their footing in the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, as Chinese rivals surge ahead, driven by low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, strategic pivots, and overwhelming production efficiency. New data shows Korea's three major battery makers—LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI—are ceding market share at an accelerating pace.

As demand slows in consumer electronics, Samsung Electronics is accelerating its expansion into the B2B digital signage market. The company has secured a large-scale order from Toyota Motor to supply about 23,000 smart displays to its global exhibition centers in the first half of 2025.
Recent US-EU tariff negotiations promised to dismantle trade barriers and establish mutual recognition of automotive standards. The US has already cut EU car import tariffs from 27.5% to 15%, signaling the EU's initial move to ease some trade restrictions on American goods.
Action Electronics is focusing on the specialized automotive electronics sector, targeting niche markets rather than conventional passenger vehicles. The company anticipates its automotive electronics segment will become a significant medium- to long-term growth driver, with projected double-digit revenue growth by 2026.