The automotive electronics industry is undergoing a structural transformation unlike any it has seen before. As artificial intelligence moves from the margins to the core of vehicle design, two of Taiwan's lesser-known industrial champions—HCMF Group and Kinpo Electronics—are deepening a cross-industry partnership aimed at navigating the upheaval. Their strategy rests on two pillars: system integration and a "global-local" manufacturing footprint, designed to withstand volatility in an increasingly fragmented market.
Amkor Technology, the US-based semiconductor packaging and testing company, said it will close its Hakodate plant in northern Japan by December 2027, citing weak demand stemming from a slowdown in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. The factory, located in the town of Nanae in Hokkaido, specializes in packaging chips used in automobiles.
The EU has introduced a minimum price commitment mechanism to address the ongoing tariff dispute with China over battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This shift comes after months of high tariffs failed to curb the growth of Chinese automakers in the European market.
Hotai Motor president Justin Su indicated on January 13 that despite growing interest in US-spec vehicles in Taiwan, the high manufacturing costs of US-made cars limit their market appeal. Hotai will continue prioritizing Japanese imports in the near term.
EV manufacturer Ola Electric has rolled out Ola Shakti, a residential battery energy storage system (BESS), from its gigafactory in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, marking the company's formal entry into India's residential energy storage market and an expansion beyond its core automotive business, according to ANI, PV Magazine, and the Economic Times.
China's total trade in goods reached CNY45.47 trillion (approx. US$6.51 trillion) in 2025, marking a 3.8% year-over-year increase and setting a new record, the General Administration of Customs announced on January 14. Exports rose 6.1% to CNY26.99 trillion, while imports edged up 0.5% to CNY18.48 trillion, maintaining China's status as the largest merchandise trader globally.
At CES 2026, leading global panel makers focused on microLED and OLED technologies while showcasing AI-driven smart cockpits. The event revealed a shift in automotive display roles from mere entertainment accessories to becoming the core of vehicle-to-home connectivity.
Under the neon glow of CES 2026, the global auto industry appeared to be undergoing a quiet but consequential shift. The focus was no longer confined to vehicle electronics or electrification. Instead, it had expanded into a neighboring — and potentially transformative — domain: artificial-intelligence-driven robotics.
U-Best Innovative, a subsidiary of Sun Yad Group, announced the development of a water-based resin developed in collaboration with major domestic manufacturers of automotive interior materials. The company is also expanding partnerships with local firms to enter sectors including electronics, medical devices, green energy, optical films, and flexible HC materials.
The EU said this week that it is considering setting minimum import prices for Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), a move that would replace the steep anti-subsidy tariffs currently in place. The proposal is widely seen as a signal of easing trade tensions between Europe and China, aiming to protect European automakers while allowing Chinese manufacturers to preserve reasonable profit margins. China's Ministry of Commerce has welcomed the idea.
The exhibition halls brimmed with visions of the future: autonomous vehicle cabins designed for emotional interaction, humanoid robots capable of perceiving their surroundings with uncanny depth, and increasingly sophisticated in-car AI systems promising to redefine mobility. The spectacle suggested an industry on the brink of transformation.
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