Li Auto's move to open its in-house technologies to outside customers marks a broader shift in the electric vehicle maker's strategy, turning years of internal research into a possible new revenue stream. The company is now seeking external buyers for its Mach intelligent-driving chip, silicon carbide (SiC) power modules, and range-extender system, according to Chinese media reports.

For years, the global EV industry has been characterized by a persistent trend to diversify its manufacturing footprint beyond China. As automotive manufacturers struggle to survive the procurement battle, the fault lines stemming from a concentrated market have proved difficult to escape, with critical battery materials remaining overwhelmingly concentrated among Chinese suppliers.

A Middle East war-driven oil squeeze is rippling beyond fuel stations and into Europe's auto repair network, with global implications for drivers, suppliers, and carmakers. Shell's engine oil shortage has prompted Volkswagen Group to review a contract worth millions of euros, reviving memories of the pandemic-era chip crisis.

Faraday Future used its annual 919 launch event on September 19 to complete what it calls "Robot World 2.0," unveiling nine new embodied AI (EAI) devices and four industry productivity solutions, putting an all-new Futurist humanoid on sale, and pricing a Master Mini from US$9,990. The lineup spans humanoids, quadrupeds, and mobile manipulators in large, medium, and small sizes, which the company claims is the widest range of device forms of any US robotics company.

Foxconn is expanding its global electric vehicle footprint through partnerships with German commercial vehicle brand Quantron and intelligent driving technology company HyperView. The group will serve as the industrial manufacturing partner for Quantron China's truck and bus platforms, producing next-generation zero-emission commercial vehicles for international markets.