Honda and Nissan scrapped merger talks after failing to agree on terms, marking an abrupt end to what could have been a landmark consolidation in Japan's auto industry. The negotiations, which began in December 2024, were seen as a survival strategy amid intensifying global competition.
In 2024, Taiwan's electric scooter market saw a registration of 78,757 units, a slight decline of 1.04% from the previous year's 79,584 units. Furthermore, the registration numbers for January have raised concerns about the market's ability to maintain stable growth in the coming months.
With smart reading lights and starlight roof features gradually expanding from high-end to mainstream vehicle models, Shining Victory Motor Electronic (Shining Victory) remains optimistic about sustained market growth in 2025. The company aims for high double-digit revenue growth while also targeting double-digit profit increases.
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has developed a new hydrogen-resistant stainless steel that promises to enhance the safety of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The innovation comes at a crucial time, as several incidents worldwide involving hydrogen fuel cell vehicle explosions have raised concerns about hydrogen energy as a clean energy source. The newly developed 416B steel shows remarkable resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, while a complementary weldable material, 420L, is currently patent-pending. Together, these innovations aim to significantly improve the safety of hydrogen fuel transport and storage systems.
Silitech Technology, a subsidiary of Walsin Technology, has invested JPY6.75 billion (approx. NT$14.4 billion) to acquire a 45% stake in FDK Corporation, a leading Japanese maker of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. This strategic move marks Silitech's entry into the energy and power products market, shifting from its previous focus on automotive and mechanical components.
Following the breakdown of merger talks between Nissan and Honda, the chairman of Taiwan's Foxconn, Young Liu, stated on February 12, 2025, that the company's goal is cooperation with Nissan, not acquisition. This approach may offer Nissan a less disruptive path to financial stability, technological advancement, and continued innovation.
In January 2025, Volkswagen (VW) dominated Germany's battery electric vehicle (BEV) market, capturing nearly half the market and increasing its share by 15pp year-over-year, while Tesla's sales plummeted. In China, Geely unexpectedly overtook BYD in retail EV sales, though BYD retained its wholesale lead.
Europe's industrial control and automotive sectors remain sluggish, with weak demand and excess inventory likely delaying recovery until the second quarter of 2025, according to IDMs and IC distributors. Recovery remains uncertain, with global macroeconomic conditions and potential trade policies under Donald Trump adding further volatility.
Taiwan's automotive market has entered a stable growth phase, with electric vehicles (EVs) and high-end models showing the most significant expansion. The global momentum for new energy vehicles continues to strengthen, with supply chain players expressing confidence in strong market performance for 2025.
Honda and Nissan have officially called off their merger negotiations, which began in December 2024. Both companies held board meetings on February 13, 2025, where they decided to end the discussions.
Hotai Finance Corporation (HFC), Taiwan's leading auto finance company under the Hotai Motor Group, is advancing corporate transformation through a sub-group development model. By leveraging its subsidiaries—He Jing, He Jun Energy, and Hotai Finance Development—HFC aims to diversify operations and expand its overseas footprint.
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