The South Korean government has reportedly decided to embark on urgent negotiations with Washington after the US slashed tariffs on Japanese automobiles, creating a potential pricing imbalance that could disadvantage South Korean automakers in the American market.

Martin Eberhard, Tesla's co-founder, recently shared his entrepreneurial insights and outlook on the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea. He emphasized that the key to EV adoption lies in the accessibility of charging infrastructure and the cost curve. Eberhard also praised South Korean EV brands for their global competitiveness, stating that Hyundai Motor is likely to be the maker of the next breakthrough EV.

The competition in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has reached a fever pitch. While domestic automakers continue to meet surging demand at home, they are now rapidly expanding their marketing and distribution networks across the globe.

Dutch chipmaker NXP Semiconductors plans to complete its CEO transition by October 2025. Current CEO Kurt Sievers, who will remain in the position until then, made what is likely his final visit to Taiwan as chief executive during SEMICON Taiwan 2025. Incoming CEO Rafael Sotomayor also attended the event and met with Taiwanese partners as part of the planned leadership change.

Fan manufacturer Yen Sun Technology (YS Tech) expects solid operational growth for the full year of 2025. Despite challenges in August, such as European automakers entering their summer shipment offseason and cautious sentiment regarding US tariffs, automotive-related sales within China remained strong. Additionally, the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom continues to drive demand for its high-end networking and IT products.

Following its major deal with Tesla, Samsung Electronics has won an order from Israeli IC design company Valens Semiconductor to manufacture next-generation automotive system chipsets based on the MIPI A-PHY standard. The chips are expected to be produced using FinFET process technology.

IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, is generally seen as a key indicator for the global automotive industry, compared to CES in Las Vegas, the US, which is a showcase of the strengths of innovative technologies. However, the EU is set to review carbon emission regulations in mid-September 2025, shortly after this year's IAA Mobility. At this sensitive juncture, the direction of the IAA seems to have taken a sharp turn.

Despite concerns that upcoming commodity tax changes could disrupt demand for electric scooters, Gogoro has continued to pursue growth through precise market positioning. Following the mid-June 2025 launch of the green-plate Ezzy, the company recently introduced the Ezzy 500, a white-plate model equipped with automotive-grade features, to strengthen its leadership in the entry-level segment.

According to the Economic Times, CNBC-TV18, and Business Standard, Tata Technologies is accelerating its global expansion and software-defined vehicle ambitions with the acquisition of a 100% stake in Germany-based ESTEC Group for EUR75 million (approx. US$87.95 million). The deal, expected to close by December 31, 2026, includes performance-based earn-outs payable over two years and is seen as accretive to both profitability and earnings per share from day one.

The technological rivalry between China and the US escalated further on September 12, when the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 23 Chinese companies, including Fudan Microelectronics Group, to its entity list. Thirteen of these firms are related to semiconductors, with the US alleging the entities undermine national security or foreign policy interests.