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.

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.

At IAA Mobility 2025 (September 9-14), electrification once again dominates the global automotive conversation, with China, Europe, and the US racing to secure market leadership. Yet industry players warn that beyond scaling electric vehicle (EV) production, the industry faces a critical "last two miles" challenge: securing connected cars and overcoming consumer adoption barriers.

Chinese regulators have launched a three-month campaign to curb false marketing and online misconduct in the automotive sector, the latest move to rein in unhealthy competition in the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) market.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD is reportedly preparing to restart its expansion in India, as warming diplomatic ties between the two Asian powers open new opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing EV markets.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently launched a large-scale raid at a Hyundai Motor battery plant under construction in Georgia, detaining hundreds of workers—most of them South Korean nationals. The project, jointly invested in by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution (LGES), has now come to a complete standstill, igniting industry-wide discussions over the structural challenges facing the US automotive sector.

Tesla has announced plans to establish a new R&D center in Kopenick, Berlin, Germany. Positioned between Tesla's existing Gigafactory in Grunheide, Brandenburg, and central Berlin, the facility is expected to bolster the company's vehicle development activities in Europe.

The global automotive market reached total sales of 44.42 million units in the first half of 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.7%. Among these, the combined sales volume of the three major markets—China, the US, and Europe—totaled 27.48 million units, accounting for 61.9% of the global share, and they remain the core of the worldwide automotive industry.

As the software-defined vehicle (SDV) trend reshapes the automotive industry, tech giants are extending their reach beyond technology alone. Amazon Web Services (AWS), leveraging the e-commerce muscle of its parent company, is pioneering new channels for car sales. After initially partnering with Hyundai Motor to sell new vehicles, Amazon has now teamed up with rental giant Hertz to enter the used car market.

The global market for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) has slowed in recent years, with overall sales declining and many multinational automakers scaling back their hydrogen investments. However, Hyundai Motor has been bucking the trend, driven by its industry-leading EV technology, proprietary technological heritage, and confidence in the long-term potential of hydrogen.

Sinbon Electronics, a Taiwanese electronics component design and connector manufacturer, announced on September 2 its strategic collaboration with Berlin-based climate technology startup Swobbee through equity investment. The partnership reflects their shared vision of promoting sustainable urban transportation and accelerating the global transition toward a green market economy.

Japanese electronics giant Sony's ambitious automotive plans have hit a roadblock following a lawsuit filed by the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 22, 2025. The existing online direct sales model for its new vehicles may no longer be viable, forcing Sony to seek alternative dealership arrangements. This case highlights the marketing system challenges faced by automakers amid major transformations in powertrain and driving systems.

Taiwan's automotive market remained sluggish in August 2025, with total sales failing to surpass the 30,000-vehicle mark. Automakers across brands have rolled out promotional offers to boost sales during the final four months of the year, aiming to make up for earlier shortfalls. Meanwhile, new model launches are being used to stimulate consumer demand.

In the second quarter of 2025, Southeast Asia's electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 102% year-over-year, driven by affordable battery electric vehicles, rising consumer awareness, government subsidies, and local production expansion. Chinese and Vietnamese brands like BYD and VinFast have become central forces, reshaping the regional EV ecosystem.

Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 8.3% of total vehicle sales in Taiwan in 2024, with registrations nearing 110,000 units nationwide as of now. Tesla dominates the EV market, with over 60,000 registrations, as its all-new Model Y continues to outperform competitors, according to Tesla Taiwan.

Tesla's long-awaited entry into India has been marked by disappointing sales, raising questions about the electric vehicle maker's strategy in one of the world's fastest-growing auto markets.

The recent amendment to the Commodity Tax Act has injected new momentum into the growth of fuel-powered motorcycles, but not the electric motorcycle market. Data from manufacturers show that motorcycle sales in Taiwan reached 66,630 units in June 2025, compared to 65,291 units in May, representing a 2% month-over-month increase but a 3.98% year-over-year drop. In particular, sales of electric motorcycles were nearly cut in half.

J-Star Holding, a composite materials company with extensive patents and expertise in carbon fiber design, supplies products for bicycles, rackets, automotive parts, and medical robotic arms. Its carbon fiber bicycles have supported athletes in winning major events like the Tour de France and Olympic road races. Recently, J-Star launched the electric-assisted bike brand Litzmo.

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales rose 29.4% year-over-year to 9.29 million units in the first half of 2025, driven by strong momentum in China, Europe, and the US. The three markets delivered 8.4 million units, accounting for 90.4% of the total. China retained its position as the world's largest EV market and the sector's key growth driver.

Taiwan's semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE) maker Chroma ATE has filed a lawsuit against Good Will Instrument (GW Instek), accusing the rival instrument maker of infringing on its intellectual property by copying the name and interface of its self-developed automated test system, ATS 8000. The case was submitted to Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court on September 1, 2025, under the Fair Trade Act.

BYD's financial report reveals a 30% year-over-year decline in profit for the second quarter of 2025. This drop not only fell short of market expectations but also marked the first decline since 2021, underscoring how intense price competition in China's automotive market is affecting even industry leaders.

As trade talks between the Trump administration, the European Union, and Japan advance toward a "spec-for-tariff" arrangement, Taiwan faces growing uncertainty over its imported car market. The proposed scheme would allow US-spec vehicles to enter Europe and Japan without local specification restrictions and could eventually extend to Taiwan, raising questions about whether it would invigorate consumer demand or further strain the domestic automotive industry.