Chinese automakers are accelerating their expansion into humanoid robotics, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, electric drive systems, and supply chain resources developed through their automotive businesses, according to DIGITIMES Intelligence.
Chun Yuan Steel expects Taiwan's auto market to deliver its strongest quarter of 2026 in the final three months, lifting full-year new-vehicle sales to 430,000 units from 411,000 in 2025. The steel processor also anticipates fresh growth opportunities as Kuozui Motors begins exporting finished vehicles to Japan, potentially strengthening Taiwan's position in Toyota Motor's global production network.
LG Innotek expects to begin supplying glass substrates for advanced semiconductor packaging around 2028 and sees its chip substrate business improving in 2027, as the South Korean components maker seeks to reduce its reliance on smartphone camera modules and expand into automotive technologies.
Japan's automakers are presenting autonomous-driving systems that connect vehicles with road infrastructure as a route toward deployment, highlighting a strategic choice beyond vehicle-only artificial intelligence. At Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota are demonstrating technologies that combine onboard systems, cloud data, sensors, and communications to improve safety.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest approximately US$15.5 billion in India from 2026, expanding production, research, and partnerships as it positions the country as a base for domestic growth and exports to emerging markets. The commitment could strengthen India's role in the group's mobility strategy and broaden its manufacturing footprint.
Tong Yang Industry expects capacity utilization to reach 90%–95% in the fourth quarter of 2026, as North American aftermarket orders recover and support margins during the seasonal peak. But tight container capacity and higher raw-material costs could shape performance, deputy general manager San-Liang Huang said, as shipping remains constrained.
Samsung SDI will begin mass-producing cylindrical lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for AI servers as early as June 2027, marking the first adoption of cylindrical LFP backup batteries by a South Korean battery maker. The move expands the company's product portfolio beyond its traditional focus on ternary batteries as AI data centers drive rapidly growing demand for battery backup units (BBUs).
As artificial intelligence increasingly blurs the boundary between the digital and physical worlds, complications associated with real-world deployment — particularly the extreme variability of physical environments — are emerging as a subtler configuration challenge in the industry spotlight.
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to sell 1,000 units of its compact electric bus, the e-Palette, within five to six years as it prepares to introduce a Level 4 autonomous driving version in fiscal 2027, which runs from April 2027 through March 2028. The target is more than 10 times the vehicle's current sales, positioning the e-Palette for broader use in mobility services across Japan.
China-based automakers are mounting an aggressive push into Europe, enjoying rapid early momentum. However, supply chain analysts note that the ultra-fast development model perfected in their domestic market cannot be seamlessly replicated in Europe. Currently, at least three hidden barriers test their cross-border adaptability.
China will reduce its export tax rebate for new energy vehicles (NEVs) from 13% to 9% on April 1, 2027, increasing cost pressure on automakers, particularly those selling lower-priced models with thin profit margins. The Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration announced the four-percentage-point reduction on October 12.
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