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).
As low capacity utilization, steep tariffs, and fierce competition from Chinese automakers pressure the industry, significant growth in European defense spending is opening new business opportunities for European and US automotive supply chains. Automakers are entering the defense sector through four main models, namely plant conversion, platform adaptation, protection and security, and autonomous logistics, channeling idle capacity and technological strengths into this new blue ocean.
Alphabet's autonomous taxi service Waymo began operations in San Diego, California, in September 2026 and expanded its coverage on October 27. However, EV owners have reported that large numbers of robotaxis are using public fast-charging stations, forcing other drivers to queue and prompting local politicians to call for tighter oversight of autonomous vehicles.
LG Energy Solution's third-quarter recovery shows energy storage as a growing earnings driver as the battery maker redirects production toward North American demand. Better factory utilization helped restore operating profit even without manufacturing incentives, although a consolidated net loss and cash outflow show that the recovery remains incomplete.
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