Dutch semiconductor leader NXP Semiconductors is preparing for a CEO change scheduled for October 2025, with current CEO Kurt Sievers concluding his tenure at SEMICON Taiwan 2025 last week. Incoming CEO Rafael Sotomayor attended the same event, meeting with Taiwanese partners to reinforce NXP's role in the semiconductor ecosystem.

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.

Apple's recently launched iPhone 17 series has garnered significant global attention, with Chinese media focusing on the comparison between China and India in the company's supply chain. Reports highlight that despite India's growing involvement, China remains an indispensable part of Apple's manufacturing and supply network.

The global push for lightweight materials is reshaping industries from automotive to aerospace, and magnesium alloy die-casting specialist Waffer Technology is riding that wave. Having expanded from consumer goods into automotive components, the company is now moving into the commercial drone sector.

Although the International Motor Show Germany (IAA) in Munich this year was smaller in scale compared to past years, the exhibition still highlighted clear trends in the industry. Software-defined vehicles (SDV) will continue to advance, with a more pragmatic approach in terms of autonomous; and powertrain systems are no longer aimed at just battery electric vehicles (BEV), but can be applied in a wide range of systems. Moreover, another key point this year is whether automotive designers can effectively utilize the space in different systems.