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Nov 4
Why defense's blue ocean is no smooth sailing for automakers
Although the defense market has emerged as a new blue ocean for the auto industry, entering it is far from smooth sailing. The main concern remains the national security sensitivities inherent in defense work. Amid international rivalry, automotive supply chains moving into defense can easily become targets, raising the risk that defense gains could shake companies' core automotive businesses. In addition, small, customized defense orders may offer limited profit margins, posing another concern for automakers.
Democrats have won control of Congress in the US midterm elections, turning the second half of President Donald Trump's term into a lame-duck period. Trump still holds the veto, however, and overriding it requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Congress is therefore more likely to apply pressure through budgets, investigations, and blocking new legislation than to overturn executive orders outright. For Taiwan's technology sector and supply chain, several fronts are worth watching closely.
Taiwan-based Primax Electronics plans to increase the share of its business-to-business (B2B) operations over the next five years, expanding beyond traditional PC peripherals into artificial intelligence (AI), smart security, automotive and robotics applications. With public safety and surveillance projects already secured through 2029, the company expects these higher-value businesses to underpin sustained double-digit growth.
Foxconn-backed Foxtron GM Adam Chen said the company exported EVs to Australia and New Zealand in September this year, signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Fuso to develop electric buses, and plans to enter the European market. As protectionism intensifies worldwide, localization will become an unavoidable path for automakers, Chen said.
LG Chem is pursuing a recovery in battery materials and expanding its semiconductor and automotive materials while seeking a year-end decision on petrochemical restructuring, with customer production schedules determining how quickly its newer businesses can grow.
LG Chem's expanding battery business is cushioning the group against another petrochemical downturn, but its latest results show that stronger shipments alone are insufficient to restore profitability. The company is pursuing more specialized chemicals and battery materials as pressure returns to its commodity operations.
Democrats won majorities in both chambers of Congress in the US midterm elections, making it significantly harder for the Trump administration to push through its automotive agenda. Tariffs, emissions standards, EV purchase incentives, and the North American free-trade framework are all set to face closer congressional scrutiny and legislative gridlock, which could bring fresh policy uncertainty to the global automotive supply chain.
Ecarx, an automotive technology supplier, reported a 65% year-over-year reduction in profit for the third quarter of 2026 on November 4 as rising memory-chip costs eroded margins despite higher sales.
Electric vehicles (EVs) represent the single-most effective starting point for the automotive industry's net-zero transition, as their energy efficiency is nearly four times that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, according to Adam Chen, President of Foxtron Vehicle Technologies.
As weak end demand and intensifying competition weigh on the global display industry, Taiwan panel makers are pursuing new growth beyond traditional display manufacturing, with automotive displays emerging as a key focus. As smart cockpits adopt larger screens, multiple displays, and integrated human-machine interfaces, panel makers are moving from their former Tier 2 component supplier roles into Tier 1 system integration, competing directly with leading global suppliers.
SuperAlloy reported strong third-quarter 2026 results, with consolidated revenue rising 18.5% year-over-year to NT$2.016 billion (US$61.4 million) as demand from international supercar and luxury vehicle brands increased. Operating profit jumped 211.7% to NT$208 million, while net income attributable to the parent company surged 478.1% to NT$247 million.
Toyota Motor Corporation is partnering with autonomous taxi leader Waymo to advance its dual-track strategy in self-driving vehicles, as the auto industry faces the rapid rise of autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles (SDVs).