Horizon Robotics is preparing its next-generation Journey 7 (J7) automotive AI chip family for mass production in 2027, aiming to extend its lead in China's L2+ assisted-driving market into the higher end of autonomous-driving computing.
Merida said its full-year 2026 business was still set to grow, supported by stable currency conditions, near-complete inventory reduction, and a stronger-than-expected rebound in lower-end bicycle demand in China. The bicycle maker outlined the outlook as the first-half pretax profit margin improved and product mix conditions became more balanced across key segments.
China has introduced five automotive chip certification and accreditation industry standards aimed at easing a key obstacle to domestic semiconductor adoption: getting locally designed chips qualified for production vehicles.
Rising chip and copper prices are rapidly increasing cost pressure on LG Electronics.
LED packaging maker Everlight Electronics said it will sell its Tongluo plant in Miaoli to Sinbon for NT$3.458 billion (US$108.5 million), a move expected to strengthen its capital allocation as it shifts investment toward higher-growth businesses. The company also said its new Thailand factory, built partly to reduce geopolitical risk, is scheduled to begin mass production in the second half of 2027.
Global auto sales in the first half of 2026 show Toyota still firmly in first place, while the gap between No. 2 Volkswagen and No. 3 Hyundai Motor has narrowed sharply. Volkswagen's heavy dependence on China has dragged sales lower, while Hyundai has held up through diversified geopolitical exposure, local production, and a flexible product mix. Market attention is now turning to whether Hyundai is on the verge of overtaking Volkswagen for the No. 2 spot.
Tesla's push to deepen its presence in the autonomous vehicle market through a new phase of its Robotaxi deployment has drawn renewed industry attention, as the company aims to bring fully autonomous taxis closer to commercial reality this August.
Giant said rising raw material prices and price hikes for components from Japanese supplier Shimano, starting from August 2026, will add cost pressure, prompting the bike maker to raise prices on new products to offset the impact. Even so, the company said short-term gross margins are unlikely to hold at prior levels.
Global PMX said its semiconductor business is emerging as the main growth driver and is expected to continue expanding through 2027, while automotive sales remain steady and are expected to improve as the global auto market recovers. The company also said its workforce is still rising, reflecting stronger shipments from Vietnam and Zhejiang plants.
