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Nov 17
Tesla and European automakers reportedly accelerate shift away from China-made components amid geopolitical strain
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed sources, reported that Tesla is tightening restrictions on the use of China-made components in its US-produced vehicles, reflecting growing pressure on automakers to reduce exposure to China amid escalating geopolitical and trade tensions. Earlier this year, the company instructed suppliers to exclude components manufactured in China from its US production lines, according to people familiar with the matter. Some suppliers have already transitioned to alternate locations, and Tesla aims to phase out remaining China-made parts over the next one to two years.
The rise of electric vehicles may seem unstoppable, yet two obstacles continue to constrain the market: charging access and driving range. Increasingly, automakers are turning to solar photovoltaic (PV) energy as a way to supplement an EV's battery. In one of the latest examples, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an almost imperceptible thin solar coating on its Vision Iconic concept car—an ultra-slim layer that harvests sunlight without altering the vehicle's appearance.
Tesla has outlined an aggressive roadmap targeting mass production of its Optimus humanoid robot and expansion of its Robotaxi service, with CEO Elon Musk's trillion-dollar compensation plan directly linked to the success of these ventures. At the center of this push is Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's AI software vice president, who has become a pivotal figure in the company's AI and robotics strategy.

Luxgen, the homegrown automotive brand under Taiwan's Yulon Motor, holds a unique place in the island's industrial history. Recent reports that Foxtron—a subsidiary of Foxconn—may acquire Luxgen have stirred significant discussion in Taiwan's automotive circles.

Taiwan-based automotive software developer AutoSys Intelligent is broadening its horizons beyond self-driving cars. Building on its core expertise in autonomous driving systems, the company plans to extend its intelligent software and system technologies to drones, robotics, and other AI-driven platforms, marking the start of a multidimensional growth strategy.

Top executives from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics held separate high-level meetings in Seoul with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, who visited South Korea recently to explore deeper collaboration in next-generation automotive technologies.

Taiwan's electric vehicle market (EV) is poised for a wave of new launches in the second half of 2025, with the upcoming Luxgen N5, based on Foxtron's Model B platform, attracting the most attention. Rumors have circulated that the N5's launch schedule could be altered. In response, Luxgen's public relations team told DIGITIMES that future product plans will be officially announced at the appropriate time.
LED firm Edison Opto reported weak results for its lighting products in the third quarter of 2025, with shipments to customers in the Middle East and Europe falling short of expectations. The company posted a net loss of NT$23.11 million (US$0.74 million) for the quarter, while automotive product shipments remained stable.
SK Hynix's 8-inch wafer subsidiary, SK Key Foundry, announced plans to launch its silicon carbide (SiC) compound power semiconductor business in the first half of 2026.
Electronic components and semiconductor lead frame manufacturer Excel Cell Electronic (ECE) saw strong demand for automotive lead frames early in 2025, but momentum in the third quarter of 2025 dampened due to tariffs and market uncertainties. However, recent signs of recovery in customer orders have led the company to expect stable automotive-related demand for 2025.
Plastic injection molding giant Fu Chun Shin (FCS) reported positive year-on-year revenue growth for October 2025, driven by demand from automotive components, ICT, semiconductor, and sports industry customers. New technology deployments in the premium sports sector are beginning to reap benefits, with supercritical fluid physical foaming equipment seeing increased shipments.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced plans to invest up to US$10 billion in the US over the next five years, signaling a major expansion of its domestic operations. The confirmation comes less than a month after President Donald Trump publicly mentioned the potential investment in October 2025.