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    2026 Automotive Supplier Outlook
    In the wake of another tumultuous year for the global automotive industry, this report provides unfiltered insights directly from the front lines. S&P Global Mobility’s Matthew Beecham engaged with 59 senior executives from across the automotive supply chain to capture their experiences and strategies. Now in its third year, this comprehensive end-of-year analysis outlines the operational and strategic challenges suppliers faced in 2025 and how they are preparing for 2026. The suppliers...
    2026 Automotive Analyst Outlook
    S&P Global Mobility’s 2026 Automotive Analyst Outlook presents a comprehensive collection of insights, reflections and forward-looking perspectives from our team of analysts. Drawing on a year marked by volatility, innovation and adaptation, our experts examine how the global automotive industry navigated the challenges and opportunities of 2025 — from supply chain disruptions and regulatory shifts to the evolving landscape of electrification, connectivity and consumer preferences. Throu...
    CES 2026: Software-defined vehicles continue to evolve and gain momentum and scale
    The recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 (Jan. 6–9, 2026) marked a clear inflection point: software-defined vehicles (SDVs) have entered their industrialization phase. Original equipment manufacturers and suppliers shifted decisively away from exploratory demos and concepts toward scalable, production-ready SDV platforms, with most architectures, toolchains and compute strategies aligned to 2026–28 SOPs. The focus has clearly moved from what SDVs could do, to how they can ...
    Ericsson unveils in-vehicle 5G router with dual-SIM failover and edge AI
    Ericsson has launched the Ericsson Cradlepoint R2400 router and the extensible RC1250 modem. It is built for vehicles and mobile field teams, combining ultrafast failover, high-precision location services and advanced edge computing to help organizations operate more safely, efficiently and reliably. Designed for first responders, transit operators and private fleets, the R2400 supports mission-critical applications ranging from lifesaving emergency coordination to route...
    Be.EV acquires Mer's UK public charging network, expanding nationwide reach and enhancing convenience
    Be.EV has acquired Mer's UK public charging network, expanding its reach nationwide and enhancing convenience for customers seeking reliable charging options. The acquisition brings over 1,600 charging bays at more than 450 sites into Be.EV's network, bolstering its presence particularly in the South of England and complementing its existing operations in the North and Midlands. This move propels Be.EV into the UK's top 10 charging networks by rapid and ultrarapid-charging capacity, providing...
    Cooper-Standard reports mixed 2025 financial results, full-year sales up 0.4% year over year to $2.74 billion
    Cooper-Standard reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2025. In the fourth quarter, the company’s sales increased 1.8% year over year to $672.4 million, but operating income dropped 98.1% year over year to $0.6 million. Net income also decreased by 91.7% year over year to $3.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $34.9 million, or 5.2% of sales, while net cash from operating activities was $56.2 million and free cash flow was $44.6 million. The year-over...
    Dana names Byron Foster next CEO, effective July 1; R. Bruce McDonald to remain chairman
    Dana Inc. has appointed Byron Foster as its next CEO, replacing R. Bruce McDonald, from July 1. McDonald, who has been Dana’s chairman and CEO since 2024, will maintain his position as chairman of the board of directors. Foster, currently serving as senior vice president and president of Light Vehicle Systems, Dana's largest business unit, joined the US-based company in 2021. Under his leadership, the Light Vehicle Systems unit has experienced significant sales growth and improved profit ma...
    Dutch court orders investigation into Nexperia and upholds Chinese CEO's suspension
    A Dutch court has ordered an inquiry into alleged mismanagement at chipmaker Nexperia, in a development that affects its Chinese parent Wingtech. The decision allows the European management team, which assumed control following intervention by the Dutch state in 2025, to remain in charge. The dispute surrounding Nexperia — extending from corporate boardrooms to policymakers in Brussels and Beijing — has become one of the more visible recent corporate tensions between Europe and China. It ...
    FAW Group begins installing semisolid-state batteries in prototype cars
    FAW Group subsidiary, China Automotive New Energy Battery (CANEB), has started testing semisolid-state batteries in prototype vehicles to validate this new power battery technology. This marks the first use of a lithium-rich manganese-based solid-liquid hybrid battery, representing a significant advancement in battery energy density. The battery, developed in collaboration with Professor Chen Jun's team at Nankai University, achieves an energy density of over 500 watt-hours per kilogram ...
    Harrow enhances EV infrastructure with 500 new on-street charge points via Char.gy collaboration
    The London Borough of Harrow is enhancing its electric vehicle infrastructure by collaborating with Char.gy to install 500 new on-street EV charge points. This initiative primarily focuses on residential streets, aimed at residents without driveways or off-street parking. The charge points will be lamp column-mounted, offering low-powered charging suitable for topping up vehicles while parked at home. As of now, 225 charge points have been installed, with an additional 275 expected by Oct. 2,...
    Himadri Speciality Chemicals ventures into EV battery materials with LFP cathode plant in Odisha, India
    Himadri Speciality Chemicals is expanding into the electric vehicle battery materials sector and is in discussions with global EV manufacturers and battery-makers to supply lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials. This move is intended to leverage the increasing demand for cost-efficient, safe and eco-friendly battery chemistries, thereby enhancing the company's role in the global energy storage supply chain. The company plans to introduce its LFP business in stages, aiming to supply m...
    Hyundai to supply Waymo with 50,000 Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicles by 2028
    Hyundai Motor is reportedly planning to supply Waymo with 50,000 Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicles by 2028, potentially worth $2.5 billion. This agreement would be a significant indicator of the robo-taxi industry's shift toward large-scale deployment. Hyundai's Georgia-based Metaplant America (HMGMA) factory is set to produce these Ioniq 5 electric vehicles, with the deal marking one of the largest vehicle supply agreements in the autonomous driving sector. The partnership between Hyundai and Waym...
    Hyundai, Kia and BMW recall nearly 180,000 vehicles in South Korea over software defects
    Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW are set to voluntarily recall a total of 179,880 vehicles in South Korea from 51 different models due to software-related manufacturing defects, the Yonhap News Agency reported Feb. 11, citing the South Korean Transport Ministry. Hyundai Motor plans to recall 36,603 units of the Porter II Electric due to a software error that could affect braking performance. Additionally, Hyundai will address issues in 39,148 vehicles across 20 models, including the Grandeur and So...
    Imerys partners with French government for EMILI project's strategic lithium development
    Imerys has announced that Banque des Territoires, representing the French government, is acquiring a minority stake in the Exploitation de Mica Lithinifère (EMILI) project. The transaction, aimed at supporting the project, is expected to be finalized in the coming months. The investment by the French government is part of the "critical metals" component of France 2030, and it marks a significant step in the development of the EMILI project, an endeavor recognized as strategically important a...
    Leading charge-point operator Connected Kerb acquires Trojan Energy
    Connected Kerb has acquired Trojan Energy in a deal announced Feb. 10. The move came to light soon after Trojan Energy entered administration after it failed to secure necessary funding to support its operations and new technology development. The deal will provide Connected Kerb with access to Trojan Energy's Flat & Flush on-street charging technology and associated network, which aligns with its strategy to enhance smart, accessible and future-proof charging infrastructures catered...
    Mining firm Keliber commences lithium mining in Kaustinen, western Finland
    Mining firm Keliber has initiated lithium mining operations in Kaustinen, located in western Finland, marking the commencement of Europe's first battery-grade lithium processing operation. The project is expected to generate about 350 jobs and offers a unique production chain in Europe. During a recent event attended by invited guests and reporters, the first spodumene veins were extracted from the Syväjärvi open pit mine in Kaustinen. These boulders will eventually yield Europe's first bat...
    SP Group and Huawei launch Singapore's first ultrafast EV charger at Temasek Polytechnic
    Singapore energy company SP Group and mainland Chinese tech company Huawei have launched Singapore's first ultrafast electric vehicle charger, which incorporates a battery energy storage system. The charger, located at Temasek Polytechnic, is manufactured by Huawei and operated by SP Group's EV-charging unit, SP Mobility. It is rated for a maximum power of 480 kW and is capable of adding 200 km of range in just five minutes for compatible vehicles. The integration of a battery energy storage ...
    US lawmakers move forward with SAFE Exit Act to mandate manual releases in vehicles equipped with electrically powered door handles
    US lawmakers have moved forward with an automotive safety bill known as the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency (SAFE) Exit Act, which aims to mandate manual releases in new vehicles equipped with electrically powered door handles. The bill, which has progressed to the full committee in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has several legislative hurdles to clear before potentially becoming law. The measure, introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), is in response to numerous ...
    Waymo unveils 6th-generation Driver to tackle diverse environments and reduce costs
    Waymo is advancing its autonomous driving technology with the introduction of its 6th-generation Driver. This system is built for expansion into more cities and diverse environments, including extreme winter weather, with a design that reduces costs while maintaining safety standards. Over seven years, Waymo has accumulated experience from nearly 200 million autonomous miles driven in over 10 major cities. Waymo's Driver leverages a custom sensing suite combining high-resolution cameras, radar a...
    WeRide and Uber launch commercial robo-taxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi
    WeRide and Uber Technologies have introduced the first commercial robo-taxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marking the Emirates' first autonomous vehicle deployment in its city center. With this expansion, the service now covers approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi's central areas. This expansion includes operations across Khalifa City, Masdar City and Rabdan, as well as routes between Corniche Road and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in collaboration with the Integrated...
    ŠKODA adds AirConsole, ŠKODA Play and Spotify to in-vehicle infotainment
    ŠKODA has enhanced the infotainment systems in its all-electric Enyaq (running software 4.0 and above) and Elroq models with a suite of new digital features. These include the AirConsole gaming platform, the ŠKODA Play video service and native Spotify integration. All three are part of the Media Streaming Package, which is offered free of charge for the first three years in new vehicles. AirConsole, developed by Swiss company N-Dream, debuts with 15 games — including Tetris — available ...
    Tesla teams up with Tencent to integrate WeChat-linked in-car features in mainland China
    Tesla has formed a new partnership with Tencent to integrate WeChat-connected services into its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in mainland China. In an announcement on Wednesday (Feb. 11), Tencent Cloud said the collaboration will enable drivers to send locations directly from WeChat to their Tesla, along with receiving intelligent, destination-based recommendations. The new capabilities will be delivered via an over-the-air (OTA) update to existing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in mainland China a...
    Valeo debuts extended reality gaming in new Renault Filante
    Valeo has announced that its extended reality (XR) gaming experience, known as R:Racing, will enter series production in the new Renault Filante in South Korea. This development highlights Valeo's strategy to enhance in-car experiences through advanced vehicle perception and software capabilities. Initially introduced as the Valeo Racer concept in 2024 at South by Southwest, R:Racing is the first XR gaming experience fully integrated into a production vehicle. It uses real-time vehicle data and ...
    Audi integrates new third-party parking, charging and fueling apps into MMI infotainment system
    Audi has integrated third-party apps EasyPark and ryd directly into its MMI infotainment system, enhancing its digital solutions portfolio. The ryd app is accessible in all Audi models via the Audi Application Store, while EasyPark will be available by the first quarter of 2026. To use these apps, users need to set up accounts with the respective providers and input payment information. Following installation from the Audi Application Store, only a one-time setup is required....
    Blink Charging partners with BetterFleet for EV fleet charging management solutions
    Blink Charging Co., a global provider of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, has announced a strategic collaboration with BetterFleet, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company specializing in EV fleet charging management solutions. This collaboration aims to deliver a turnkey approach for organizations with EV fleets across the nation. BetterFleet's platform offers AI-driven optimization for fleet planning and management, targeting government, utilities, transit and logistics...
    Porsche to exclusively adopt South Korean batteries for South Korean EVs
    Porsche has decided to use South Korean batteries exclusively for all its electric vehicles sold in South Korea starting in 2026. Previously, the Macan Electric sport utility vehicle was equipped with batteries from mainland Chinese company CATL, but starting from the 2026 model year, vehicles will be fitted with Samsung SDI batteries. The Cayenne Electric, a midsize SUV to be released in 2026, and the Taycan, an all-electric model currently available, will feature batteries from LG Energy So...
    BorgWarner expands battery management system program with global OEM for BEVs and PHEVs
    BorgWarner, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has announced an expansion of its series-production battery management system (BMS) program with a global original equipment manufacturer. BorgWarner has been supplying the BMS to this customer since 2023, and the expanded program will support additional B-segment and C-segment passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications, starting in 2029. Stefan Demm...
    Xpeng partners with Antom to enhance global EV charging payments
    Xpeng, an intelligent electric vehicle company, has collaborated with Antom, a merchant payment and digitization services provider under Ant International, to enhance the digital payment experience for EV charging. This makes Antom the first global payment partner for Xpeng's EV charging business, supporting its global expansion. The partnership, which commenced in Hong Kong in February 2026, is set to expand further into Southeast Asia and other global markets. Antom utilizes Ant Intern...
    GlobalFoundries reports FY'2025 revenue at $6.80 billion, up 1% YOY
    GlobalFoundries has reported fiscal year 2025 revenue at $6.80 billion, up 1% year over year, for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2025. The company reported net income of $888 million for the year. The Non-IFRS adjusted EBITDA for the year was $2.36 billion. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year totaled $1.73 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of $1.83 billion, with a gross margin of 27.8%. GlobalFoundries recorded a net income ...
    STMicroelectronics launches Stellar P3E automotive microcontroller with AI acceleration
    STMicroelectronics has introduced the Stellar P3E, an advanced automotive microcontroller featuring AI acceleration for edge intelligence. This microcontroller unit (MCU) is designed for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), facilitating the integration of multifunction X-in-1 electronic control units, helping to reduce system cost and complexity. The Stellar P3E stands out due to its embedded ST Neural-ART Accelerator, which allows for efficient real-time AI processing, being the first in the autom...
    Aurora Innovation expands driverless network with new AI-powered software release
    Aurora Innovation has announced a significant expansion of its driverless network with a new software release that will triple its capacity and facilitate expansion across the Southern US by 2026. This is Aurora's fourth software release since it began deploying driverless trucks in April 2025. Previous releases enabled initial operations between Dallas and Houston, enabled night operations, and validated routes to El Paso, Texas. The latest software utilizes generalized AI to navigate the va...
    Glydways launches first publicly accessible autonomous transit system in South Metro Atlanta
    Glydways, an Automated Transit Network (ATN) provider, has announced the commencement of its first publicly accessible system in South Metro Atlanta during the South Metro Development Outlook Conference (SMDO26). This initiative is in collaboration with ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) and marks the debut of Glydways' fully autonomous, on-demand transit system as public transportation globally. Cities worldwide often grapple with challenges such as rising congestion, growi...
    EV battery diagnostic startup Aviloo raises €30 million in fresh funding
    Aviloo, an independent electric vehicle battery diagnostics company headquartered in Austria, has secured a strategic investment of approximately €30 million. This investment comes from Armira Growth and Invest AG, which has acquired all shares previously held by the European Innovation Council Fund. Raiffeisen KMU Invest remains a key shareholder, and the deal awaits regulatory antitrust approval. Established in 2018 by Wolfgang Berger and Nikolaus Mayerhofer, Aviloo has grown from an...
    Shell subsidiary Ubitricity acquires FM Conway’s SureCharge EV charging network in the UK
    Ubitricity, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell and the UK's largest public electric vehicle charging operator, has announced the acquisition of FM Conway's SureCharge EV charging network. This transaction will integrate over 2,400 charge points into the Ubitricity Shell Recharge network, enhancing its coverage throughout London. The charge points are installed in lampposts on residential streets and operate at 4.8 kilowatts per hour, making them suitable for overnight EV charging. The...
    Canada announces more funding for clean transportation projects
    On Feb. 5, Canada introduced its new Automotive Strategy aimed at securing the auto industry and establishing a competitive sector focused on next-generation vehicles. This strategy includes a five-year Electric Vehicle Affordability Program and investments through the Canada Infrastructure Bank's (CIB) C$1.5 billion Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative, making it easier for Canadians to purchase and drive electric vehicles. Canada has already installed over 30,000 ...
    Gotion collaborates with BASF on solid-state battery technology
    Gotion High-Tech, a leading battery-maker from mainland China, has entered into a partnership with BASF, a German chemicals company, to develop solid-state battery technology. This collaboration is aimed at advancing next-generation batteries expected to be incorporated into mass-produced vehicles in the near future. The companies signed a strategic cooperation memorandum in Gotion's headquarters in Hefei, Anhui, to embark on this joint development of high-performance materials crucial for ne...
    Michelin’s FY'2026 sales declines 4.4% year over year to €26 billion
    Michelin’s sales declined by 4.4% year over year to €26 billion in the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2025. At constant exchange rates, sales dropped 1.4%. Lower sales impacted the French tiremaker’s segment operating income, which fell 19.5% year over year to €2.7 billion, resulting in a segment operating margin of 10.5% compared to 12.4% in 2024. The company reported net income of €1.7 billion, down 11.9% year over year. Michelin experienced challenges in sales and segment operatin...
    Stellantis issues ‘do not drive' warning for 225,000 old vehicles equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags
    Stellantis issued a “do not drive” warning for about 225,000 older vehicles in the US equipped with Takata airbags that are defective. The automaker, which has repaired nearly 7 million vehicles over the past 10 years, came with the stop-drive directive for 2003 to 2016 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles in which faulty airbag inflators have not yet been replaced. According to the automaker, the chemical components inside the inflators can deteriorate over time, potentially causing th...
    Forvia appoints Sébastien Limousin as executive vice president of Seating Business Group
    Forvia has announced the appointment of Sébastien Limousin as executive vice president of its Seating Business Group, effective Feb. 16. Limousin will replace Stéphane Noël, who is leaving the company at the end of March. Limousin, who joined Forvia in 2014, has a strong leadership background and has held various senior roles, including program manager within the Interior Systems Business Group and vice president for Sales, Programs and Strategy in the Clean Mobility Business Group. He has...
    Yokohama Rubber supplies GEOLANDAR X-CV tires for Subaru's 2026 Solterra BEV
    Yokohama Rubber has started supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV tires as original equipment for Subaru's new Solterra battery-electric sport utility vehicle, which was launched in North America in September 2025. The 2026 model year Solterra electric SUVs come equipped with the GEOLANDAR X-CV tires in the 235/50R20 100V size. For the Japanese market, where the Solterra was launched in October 2025, Yokohama Rubber continues to supply the ADVAN V61 tires as it has for previous models. The GEOLANDAR X...
    Stellantis takes a €22 billion hit on EV strategy reset
    Soon after Ford Motor Co. and General Motors (GM) wrote off billions of dollars due to scaling back their respective electric vehicle development plans, Stellantis announced it will take a staggering €22.2 billion hit to its balance sheet amid fading global demand for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The announcement came after the carmaker conducted a thorough assessment of its strategy and related costs to align its product development with real-world customer demand. The transition t...
    Kiwi Charge raises C$1.7 million investment in Ontario for developing autonomous EV charging
    Kiwi Charge, a robotics and AI startup, has launched a project to develop autonomous electric vehicle charging solutions, funded by a C$1.7 million investment. The government of Ontario, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), along with General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive, supports this initiative. The investment includes a C$500,000 grant from the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund and C$1.2 million from industry partners. Kiwi Charge will showcase its autonomous charging r...
    ProLogium Technology begins construction of gigafactory in Dunkirk for battery production
    ProLogium Technology has initiated the construction of a gigafactory in Dunkirk, France, marking the company's first facility outside Taiwan. This site will focus on the mass production of solid-state lithium ceramic batteries, contributing to Europe's energy transition and strategic technological sovereignty. Supported by the French government, this facility aims to enhance France's industrial ecosystem and create jobs while supporting the decarbonization of the economy. French President Emm...
    Xpeng collaborates with Voltron to launch Indonesia's first ultrafast EV charging facility
    Xpeng has partnered with Indonesia's largest private charging point operator, Voltron, to introduce Indonesia's first ultrafast-charging facility with a capacity of up to 480 kW. This initiative aims to provide a faster and more efficient charging experience for Xpeng vehicle users, reflecting Xpeng's commitment to customer comfort by ensuring the readiness of supporting facilities. The ultrafast-charging system is designed to support the Xpeng G6 Pro, which can accommodate a charging power o...
    Panasonic reports 3.5% YOY decline in Energy unit's Q3 profit due to North American market
    Panasonic Holdings reported a 3.5% year-over-year decline in third-quarter operating profit for its Energy unit, which produces batteries for Tesla, primarily due to a weaker performance in the North American market. The company also revised its full-year profit outlook downward and reported a loss for the quarter. The Energy segment achieved a third-quarter operating income of ¥40.5 billion (approximately $259.2 million), influenced by a cooling electric vehicle market in North America, whi...
    Kia India signs MOU with BPCL, expands EV charging network to over 15,000 points
    Kia India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. (BPCL) to enhance its electric vehicle charging network, expanding its K-Charge system to over 15,000 EV charging points across India. This collaboration aims to improve charging accessibility and boost range confidence, a key factor in EV adoption. According to Atul Sood, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, the partnership with BPCL is intended to make EV ownership more pract...
    MAHLE develops innovative heat recovery system for EVs
    MAHLE has developed an innovative heat recovery system called HeatX Range+ for efficient cabin heating in electric vehicles. The newly developed thermal management system can significantly impact the driving range of EVs during winter, the company said. The system reduces the energy demand for air conditioning in EVs by approximately 20% compared to conventional exhaust air systems. This advancement extends the range per battery charge and ensures high-quality interior air. Martin Wel...
    Electrify America’s network surpasses 5,600 chargers across North America
    Electrify America, the largest open hyperfast-charging network in the US, continues to demonstrate its commitment to the future of driving, focusing on providing services directly for drivers. In 2025, Electrify America surpassed a network of 5,600 chargers across North America. Moreover, the network facilitated over 20 million charging sessions, marking a 21% year-over-year increase in 2025. This increase in charging activity resulted in a 26% rise in total energy delivered, exceeding 750 GW...
    RWTH Aachen University plans to develop magnet-free electric motors
    The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has embarked on the two-year NAFTech research project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Collaborating with the Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (IEW) at the University of Stuttgart and the Chair of Manufacturing Automation and Production Systems (FAPS) at FAU Erlangen, the PEM team aims to develop an electric motor as a traction drive that eliminates the ...
    Arrow Electronics launches initiative for next-gen vehicle E/E architecture development
    Arrow Electronics has introduced a strategic initiative and research hub to facilitate the development of next-generation vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture. The initiative aims to provide automakers and tier 1 suppliers with engineering expertise and supply chain support as the industry shifts toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs). E/E architecture represents a shift from distributed computing, where separate computers manage individual features, to centralized systems that ...
    Mahindra selects Mobileye's ADAS for six upcoming models
    Mahindra & Mahindra has selected Mobileye's SuperVision and Surround advanced driver assistance systems for six upcoming vehicle models, with production anticipated to start in 2027. The program will utilize Mobileye's EyeQ6 High system-on-chip and will include multiple Mahindra models set to launch in India and other markets, with Mobileye serving as a tier 1 supplier. Both ADAS solutions will integrate various functions, such as perception, Road Experience Management (REM) intelligence and...
    Waymo removes human drivers for robo-taxi service launch in Nashville with Lyft collaboration
    Waymo has advanced its autonomous vehicle operations by removing human safety drivers from its test vehicles in Nashville, Tennessee, as it prepares to launch its first robo-taxi service in Tennessee, US. Announced Feb. 10, this move intensifies the competitive landscape of the US robo-taxi market. The forthcoming commercial robo-taxi service in Nashville will be in collaboration with Lyft and is expected to commence in 2026. Initially, rides will be available through the Waymo One app, wit...
    Bridgestone enters agreement to sell steel cord business in mainland China and Thailand to Bekaert
    Bridgestone Corp. has reached an agreement to sell its Steel Cord business in mainland China and Thailand to Bekaert. The Japanese tiremaker operates its Steel Cord business in these two Asian markets with wholly owned subsidiaries: Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co. Ltd. and Bridgestone Metalpha (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Bridgestone expects this sale to be completed in the first half of 2026. The Thai subsidiary of the Japanese tiremaker, Bridgestone Metalpha, was established 30 years ago. It o...
    Koito’s nine-month FY’2025/26 net sales up 2.2% YOY to $4.4 billion
    Koito Manufacturing reported a 2.2% year-over-year increase in net sales to ¥690 billion (nearly $4.4 billion) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025/26, ended Dec. 31, 2025, despite witnessing lower sales in China, where an increase in production volume was undermined by sluggish sales of Japanese vehicles. However, this decline was outweighed by the acquisition of new orders in Japan and North America. Higher sales helped the Japan-based automotive lighting systems supplier record an...
    Tata AutoComp opens two new manufacturing facilities in Sanand, India
    On Jan. 30, Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd., an automotive supplier affiliated with the Tata Group and a key supplier to Tata Motors, opened two new manufacturing facilities in Sanand, Gujarat, India, to produce seating systems and thermal systems, The Hindu Business Line reported Feb. 10. While the seating systems facility is managed by TM Automotive Seating Systems Private Ltd., TACO Air International Thermal Systems Private Ltd. will be responsible for thermal systems. TM Automotive Seating Sys...
    Aumovio supplies Leapmotor’s B- and C-platform vehicles with advanced safety technologies
    Aumovio is supplying Leapmotor, a mainland China-based electric-car manufacturer, with a range of safety systems for its B- and C-platform vehicles. Leapmotor’s B-platform models are equipped with Aumovio's latest long-range radar, electric parking brake and airbag control unit (ACU), while the C-platform models come equipped with the MK C2 one-box brake system, long-range radar and ACU. For Leapmotor's high-volume sport utility vehicle models such as the C10, C11 and C16, Aumovio supplies ...
    Eye-Net, Renault Group and Orange collaborate on live public transportation project in France
    Foresight Autonomous Holdings, a developer of advanced 3D perception systems, announced that its majority-owned subsidiary, Eye-Net Mobile, has successfully completed a previously announced large-scale live trial of the SafeCycloMove “Collision Prevention” project in Bordeaux, France. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with Renault Group, Orange SA and additional partners, as part of Eye-Net’s ongoing work with Software République to advance smart mobility solutions and promote...
    Prime Planet Energy & Solutions launches new subsidiary in North America
    Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Inc., based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and led by President Hiroaki Koda, has announced the formation of a new subsidiary in the US. The subsidiary aims to bolster the company's organizational framework and operational capabilities in the North American market. Previously, the company's operations were primarily based in Japan and mainland China. The new subsidiary will address the urgent need to advance technical support for customers in North America and for the ...
    Anson Resources achieves 99.4% purity in battery-grade lithium carbonate production
    Anson Resources Ltd., through its subsidiary Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, has successfully produced battery-grade lithium carbonate with 99.4% purity from the brine of its Green River Lithium Project. The company upgraded and purified the eluate, initially produced during test work at its Sample Demonstration Plant, and transported it to Anson's Lithium Innovation Center in Florida, US, for further processing. This proprietary downstream flow sheet removed impurities, resulting in lithium carb...
    BMW partners with E.ON for Germany's first vehicle-to-grid offer
    BMW Group and E.ON have announced Germany's first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) offer, allowing customers to charge their BMW iX3 at home for free up to 14,000 km annually. The initiative is part of BMW's Neue Klasse, which integrates V2G, vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities into BMW electric vehicles. Customers purchasing the BMW iX3 enjoy a €700 discount on the bidirectional BMW Wallbox Professional, along with a V2G electricity tariff from E.ON. This package includes an ...
    EcoPro establishes European sales hub in Germany
    EcoPro has established its first European sales subsidiary in Germany to enhance its global expansion strategy. The company has appointed Kimbal Virdi, a former senior director of business development at EcoPro's cathode materials affiliate EcoPro BM, to lead this new unit. Virdi, who joined EcoPro BM in April 2024, brings extensive experience in lithium-ion battery systems from his 25-year career in the automotive industry. The Germany-based sales hub aims to strengthen EcoPro's presence in ...
    Nio recalls 246,229 cars in China over software problem
    Nio is recalling 246,229 of its electric vehicles in China due to software issues that may impact driving safety. The affected models are the ES8, ES6 and EC6 EVs based on the NT 1.0 platform produced between March 16, 2018, and Jan. 16, 2023. These vehicles may experience temporary blackouts of the dashboard and center display under specific conditions, potentially preventing drivers from accessing essential vehicle information and functions, such as speed data, fault alerts, and defrost/demist...
    BYD advances development of solid-state and sodium-ion battery chemistries
    BYD has made advancements in its sulfide-based solid-state battery technology, enhancing cycle life and fast-charging performance, with plans for small-batch production by 2027. The company has confirmed its focus on developing sulfide-based solid electrolytes as part of its solid-state battery technology road map. This puts BYD in line with other global battery-makers that are aiming to begin pilot production of solid-state batteries between 2026–2030. Alongside its progress on sul...
    E.ON secures tender to build fast-charging stations along Italy’s motorway corridors
    E.ON Drive Infrastructure Italy has been selected by Autostrade per l'Italia (ASPI) to establish an ultrafast-charging network for electric vehicles along Italy's main motorway corridors. This initiative aims to strengthen E.ON's commitment to expanding high-power charging infrastructure in Italy. The project involves installing 104 ultrafast-charging points at 18 service areas along key routes, including the A4 (Turin-Trieste) and A14 (Bologna-Taranto) motorways, with a completion target by ...
    Pony.ai and Toyota unveil first mass-produced bZ4X robo-taxi for China tier 1 cities
    Pony.ai announced that the first mass-produced bZ4X robo-taxi, developed in collaboration with Toyota, has been completed, marking a significant milestone in their partnership for the production and deployment of robo-taxis. This achievement demonstrates a deep synergy between Pony.ai and Toyota in autonomous driving technology, vehicle manufacturing and supply chain integration. Both companies plan to produce over 1,000 bZ4X robo-taxis by 2026 and start introducing them into commercial services...
    Pony.ai partners with Moore Threads to advance Level 4 autonomous driving technology in mainland China
    Pony.ai and Moore Threads have formed a strategic partnership to advance the deployment and application of Level 4 autonomous driving technology. This collaboration aims to enhance Pony.ai's core technologies, specifically its world model and Virtual Driver system, by leveraging safe and reliable AI computing power. The partnership stands out as a significant example of coordinated innovation within China's AI industry chain, marking the first time Pony.ai has utilized domestically developed AI ...
    Ouster acquires StereoLabs to enhance unified sensing platform for physical AI
    Ouster, a company specializing in sensing and perception for physical AI, announced that it completed the acquisition of StereoLabs SAS on Feb. 4. StereoLabs, known for its AI vision and perception solutions, has provided 3D vision systems since 2010, shipping over 90,000 ZED cameras to a customer base exceeding 10,000, and is supported by a broad developer community. With this acquisition, Ouster introduces physical AI's first unified sensing and perception platform, integrating digital lidar, ...
    Yokohama Rubber supplies GEOLANDAR SUV tires for Mitsubishi Delica D:5 minivan
    Yokohama Rubber has started supplying its GEOLANDAR sport utility vehicle tires as original equipment to Mitsubishi Motors’ newly launched Delica D:5 minivan. The new model was introduced in Japan in January and comes equipped with GEOLANDAR tires in 255/55 R18 98H size. Designed for vehicles such as small and midsize SUVs and minivans that focus on on-road driving, the GEOLANDAR SUV offers superior fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, while maintaining performance suitable for various road...
    Goodyear reports strong Q4 2025 performance despite industry challenges
    Goodyear Tire & Rubber has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, revealing strong performance in the last quarter despite challenging industry conditions. The company achieved the highest fourth-quarter segment operating income and margin in over seven years, with net sales reaching $4.9 billion and tire unit volumes at 42.3 million. Adjusting for sales impact from divested businesses, organic net sales saw a 4% increase. Net income for the quarter was $1...
    Toyoda Gosei’s nine-month FY’2025/26 revenue increases to $5.3 billion
    Toyoda Gosei’s revenue increased 5.5% year over year to ¥830.6 billion (about $5.3 billion) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025/26, ended Dec. 31, 2025, driven by an increase in vehicle production at original equipment manufacturer customers. Higher revenue, along with ongoing focus on cost efficiency, helped the Japanese supplier to record 11.5% year-over-year growth in operating profit to ¥52.5 billion. Toyoda Gosei concluded the nine-month period with a net profit of ¥43.9 billi...
    OPmobility eyes Hyundai Mobis lighting business to accelerate global expansion
    In late January, OPmobility signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Mobis to explore the potential acquisition of the South Korean supplier’s lighting business. The two companies aim to reach a definitive agreement in 2026. The acquisition promises to significantly expand OPmobility’s global position as one of the leading tier 1 suppliers of lighting systems, a business the French supplier entered just four years ago. Hyundai Mobis is the largest tier 1 ...
    India removes planned concession for small cars in upcoming CAFE III rules – report
    India has decided to remove a planned concession for small cars from its upcoming next stage of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE III) rules after concerns were raised by some automakers, notably Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, who argued that such a concession would benefit only one company, Maruti Suzuki, which dominates 95% of India's small-car market. A previous draft, released by the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in September 2025, had proposed leniency for petrol ...
    AutoTechInsight Weekly - 9 February 2026
    Click the link above to download this week's issue
    Polestar consolidates its public charging offer for customers in Europe
    Polestar has enhanced its public charging services in Europe by providing access to over 28,000 Plug & Charge compatible charging stations and incorporating Tesla Superchargers into the Polestar Charge app. Plug & Charge technology simplifies the charging process by allowing the car to communicate directly with the charger, processing payment automatically and eliminating multiple steps in traditional public charging. This service is offered as a complimentary benefit when using Poles...
    Urban Fox secures 20-year contract from Kent County Council, UK, to expand on-street EV charging across the region
    Urban Fox, a collaboration between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has been awarded a 20-year contract by Kent County Council in the UK to implement a large-scale on-street electric vehicle charging program across Kent. This initiative, part of the council's strategy to modernize transport and foster innovation, aims to install up to 10,000 charge points, focusing on areas with limited off-street parking. Urban Fox will work with local councils to strategically plac...
    ComEd launches $70 million EV rebate initiative in Northern Illinois for 2026
    ComEd has announced a $70 million initiative to provide electric vehicle rebates in 2026 to residential, business and community customers in Northern Illinois, US. This funding, introduced during the annual Chicago Auto Show, aims to lower the up-front costs associated with EV adoption and includes rebates for residential EV chargers, fleet vehicles and public and business charging infrastructures. ComEd's programs, derived from the Beneficial Electrification program approved by the Illi...
    LG Energy Solution acquires full ownership of Canada's NextStar Energy from Stellantis
    LG Energy Solution is set to acquire full ownership of NextStar Energy, following a strategic decision made jointly with Stellantis, which will sell its 49% stake in the company. This transition is a result of extensive discussions with NextStar Energy's leadership and aims to ensure long-term growth and investment while maintaining a seamless transition. Established in 2022 as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, NextStar Energy operates Canada's first large-scale battery ...
    ACC abandons gigafactory plans in Italy and Germany amid Stellantis challenges
    Stellantis-backed Automotive Cells Co. (ACC) has decided to abandon plans to construct gigafactories in Italy and Germany, according to the Italian metalworkers' union, UILM. ACC's initial strategy was to establish three gigafactories across Europe — in France, Germany and Italy. However, the projects in Termoli, Italy, and Kaiserslautern, Germany, have been definitively shelved. ACC said that the prerequisites for restarting these projects are unlikely to be met, prompting them to c...
    Element3 begins lithium carbonate production in Texas, marking a domestic milestone
    Element3, a critical minerals company based in Fort Worth, Texas, has initiated lithium carbonate production in the Permian Basin, marking the first new domestic lithium mining project in the US in over 50 years. Located in Midland, Texas, the facility has a 3,000 metric tons per annum capacity and utilizes produced water from the Permian Basin, transforming oil and gas infrastructure into a critical mineral asset. This initiative supports the current US administration's goal to reduce reliance ...
    Waymo announces Waymo World Model AI simulation model for autonomous cars
    The Waymo Driver has achieved a milestone of almost 200 million fully autonomous miles, integrating itself into the urban landscape of significant US cities and enhancing road safety, the company said in a blog post. Beyond what is visible to riders and local communities, it operates within virtual environments, handling complex scenarios before they occur on public roads. Recently, Waymo introduced the Waymo World Model, a generative model that elevates the standards for large-scale, hyper-real...
    Indie Semiconductor to supply Mahindra with in-cabin safety monitoring software
    Indie Semiconductor has been chosen by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. to provide advanced in-cabin driver and occupant monitoring systems (DOMS) for their Electric Origin sport utility vehicles, the XEV 9e and BE 6, in the Indian market. This collaboration will incorporate indie's CABIN EYE perception software — developed by emotion3D, which indie recently acquired — into Mahindra's EyeDentity, a proprietary camera-based DOMS hardware platform. Mahindra has achieved the highest Bharat New C...
    Tesla launches AI training center to enhance self-driving tech in mainland China
    Tesla has started operating a China-focused AI training center aimed at enhancing its cars' self-driving capabilities in the world's largest electric vehicle market, following Beijing's deregulation of the technology. Grace Tao, vice president of Tesla, mentioned that the center possesses sufficient computing power for developing assisted-driving features but did not disclose its location or investment size. This development marks a noteworthy step toward commercializing Tesla's Full Self-Drivin...
    WeRide and Uber expand robo-taxi partnership in the Middle East
    WeRide and Uber Technologies have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 robo-taxis across the Middle East by 2027. The deployment will cover Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Dubai, UAE; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; making the robo-taxi services accessible through the Uber app. This initiative builds upon their existing fully driverless operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger services in Dubai and Riyadh, with Uber planning to increase the fleet progressively a...
    5GAA conducts live demonstrations of next-generation V2X technologies in California
    The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) showcased the future of connected mobility in Sacramento, US, with demonstrations of next-generation vehicle connectivity technologies on US roads. The event highlighted innovations in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) tolling, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and safety and awareness, bringing together automakers, telecom operators, technology and solution partners to exhibit real-world applications. 5GAA Chairman Christoph Voigt emphasized that these demonstr...
    Geotab collaborates with MapUp's TollTally to enhance real-time fleet toll management
    Fuel and toll intelligence solutions provider MapUp has announced that its TollTally solution is now available on the Geotab Marketplace Order Now program. This strategic integration enables fleets of all sizes and vehicle classes — from rental cars to Class 8 heavy trucks — to access accurate, GPS-based toll intelligence directly within the MyGeotab platform.  The collaboration between Geotab and MapUp's TollTally addresses the toll billing "lag" problem prevalent in ...
    India to implement WLTP for vehicle emissions under BS-6 norms from April 2027
    The Indian government has notified the implementation of the Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for measuring vehicle emissions under Bharat Stage 6 (BS-6) norms for M1 and M2 vehicle categories starting in April 2027. This change, notified through an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, follows draft norms issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on April 28, 2025. The WLTP cycle is considered more representative of real-world driving ...
    Tokai Rika’s nine-month FY’2025/26 sales up 4.4% YOY to $3.1 billion
    Tokai Rika reported a 4.4% year-over-year increase in sales to ¥479.6 billion (about $3.1 billion) in the nine-month period of fiscal year 2025/26, which ended Dec. 31, 2025. Higher sales helped the Japan-based auto parts supplier record a 7.2% year-over-year growth in operating profit to ¥29.5 billion, resulting in an operating profit margin of 6.2% compared with 6% during the same period in the previous financial year. Tokai Rika concluded the first three quarters of the year with net p...
    BMW recalls over 87,000 vehicles in US due to issue with the engine starter
    BMW North America is recalling 87,394 vehicles in the US to fix an issue with the engine starter that may cause it to overheat and, in extreme cases, pose a fire risk. According to BMW Blog, the recall affects multiple model lines, including the BMW 3 Series, X3, X4, 4 Series, 5 Series, Z4 and 2 Series coupe, as well as some Toyota Supra vehicles that share similar engines. According to BMW, unexpected wear on an internal component can cause the starter to stop working properly, sometimes sur...
    Aisin, Toyota Tsusho and Minth form JV in Canada for aluminum body frame parts
    Aisin Corp., Toyota Tsusho Corp. and Minth Group Ltd. have agreed to establish a joint venture named ATM Automotive Parts Inc. in Windsor, Ontario. The JV will produce aluminum body frame parts for the North American vehicle market. Aisin and Minth will own 40% each in the JV, while the remaining 20% ownership will be with Toyota Tsusho.   The aluminum body frame parts are essential components designed to securely hold and protect the batteries in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plu...
    Nearly half of auto parts exports from India to US to attract zero duty, says Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry
    The bilateral trade agreement finalized between India and the US will see nearly half of auto parts exported to the US attracting zero duty, Autocar Professional reported, citing Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. “Some auto parts exports will attract zero duty, while others will face an 18% tariff. Around 50% of exports will be duty-free,” Goyal said on Feb. 7.   Before the deal, Indian auto component exports to the US were subject to an average tariff of about&n...
    European New Car Assessment Program’s button mandate forces a rethink of the digital cockpit
    For more than a decade, the automotive industry followed a clear trajectory: digitize the driving experience, replace physical controls with touchscreens and let software define the cockpit. From 2026, Europe’s most influential vehicle safety assessor will begin to reverse that logic. Under revised protocols, the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) will explicitly reward vehicles that provide physical controls for essential driving functions, such as indicators, hazard lights, wi...
    CATL begins deploying sodium-ion batteries in Changan’s electric cars
    CATL has started deploying its sodium-ion batteries in production-ready passenger vehicles, aiming to establish a leading position in developing more sustainable batteries. Together with Changan Automobile, CATL has introduced a sodium-ion battery-powered vehicle in Yakshi, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, targeting a mid-2026 market launch. This is the world's first mass-produced passenger vehicle with sodium-ion batteries, although previous announcements by other Chinese automakers did not lead to l...
    Mitra EV raises $27 million to scale capital efficient fleet electrification
    Mitra EV, a commercial fleet electrification platform, has secured $27 million in new funding. The newly raised funds consist of equity funding from lead investor Ultra Capital and a credit facility from S2G Investments. This funding will support Mitra EV's expansion as fleet operators increasingly demand cost-efficient electrification solutions amid tightening capital markets and a broader industry pullback from electric vehicles. Mitra EV provides a fully managed electrification model th...
    Foxconn opens EV technology R&D center in mainland China
    Taiwanese technology company Foxconn has started operations at its new research and development center focused on electric vehicles and associated technologies in Zhengzhou, located in mainland China. The local government announced that the facility is positioned close to BYD's factory in Zhengzhou and will concentrate on advancements in next-generation electric and electrical architecture, as well as smart driving technology. Li Guangyao, the general manager of a Henan, mainland China-bas...
    AI in automotive manufacturing: Promise, payoff and the problem of scale
    Artificial intelligence has become one of the automotive industry’s buzzwords. It appears in earnings calls, factory tours and investor decks with near-compulsive frequency. Automakers promise smarter factories, fewer defects and lower costs, all delivered by algorithms quietly optimizing production in the background. The reality, however, is more prosaic. AI has proved very useful in specific, tightly bound applications. What it has not yet delivered is the sweeping transformation often impli...
    Svolt’s Dragon Armor 3.0 battery achieves fire and electricity separation to control thermal runaway
    Svolt Energy has introduced its Dragon Armor 3.0 battery, designed to achieve fire and electricity separation, which physically separates the terminals from the pressure relief channels. This design ensures that in the event of thermal runaway, flames are expelled directionally away from the vehicle's passenger area. The separation is achieved by placing the positive terminal on one side and the pressure relief channel on the opposite, each with distinct paths to prevent fire from reaching th...
    Karma Automotive and Factorial partner to launch solid-state battery production in the US
    Karma Automotive Inc. and Factorial Inc. have announced a partnership to launch the first solid-state battery production program in the US for passenger vehicles. This collaboration intends to incorporate Factorial's FEST solid-state battery technology into Karma's future vehicle platform, starting with the all-electric Karma Kaveya super coupe, which boasts over 1,000hp and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. The Kaveya is expected to be introduced to the US market by late 2027. The par...
    Tariffs, tech and torque: What’s driving — and slowing — vehicle lightweighting
    For decades, automakers have sought ways to shed vehicle weight — from early aluminum and high-strength steel use to modern composites — but electrification, with heavy battery packs, has put lightweighting under the spotlight. Reducing mass improves performance, efficiency and range while helping to meet tightening emissions standards. Today, manufacturers are exploring a broad palette of materials — magnesium alloys, advanced steels, aluminum, carbon-fiber and bio-based composites and th...
    QuantumScape unveils new Eagle Line at San Jose facility for battery production
    QuantumScape Corp. announced the inauguration of its newly installed Eagle Line at its San Jose, California, facility. The event was attended by automotive original equipment manufacturer customers, ecosystem partners and government officials, and included a tour of the Eagle Line. The Eagle Line comprises equipment, materials and automated processes forming the production blueprint for QuantumScape's technology. It utilizes the Cobra process, a scalable method for producing the QuantumScape sep...
    TotalEnergies partners with Tikehau Capital to develop EV charging in Belgium and Netherlands
    TotalEnergies and Tikehau Capital have announced the establishment of a joint investment platform to advance the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban public spaces across Belgium and the Netherlands. This collaboration is intended to assist municipal authorities in transitioning to EVs and to bolster TotalEnergies' presence in the public charging sector within the Benelux region. The platform is equally owned by TotalEnergies and Tikehau Capital, focusing on c...
    Canadian government to rework EV strategy and reintroduce incentives
    The Canadian federal government is expected to announce a shift in its national automotive strategy, moving away from the electric vehicle mandate toward new fuel-efficiency standards and credits, as reported by CBC News. Alongside this change, the government is expected to reintroduce popular incentives for consumers purchasing EVs. According to sources, the new emissions standards will still require a significant number of EVs by 2035, deviating from the previous mandate that set incrementa...
    Qualcomm reports Q1 2026 revenue at $12.25 billion, rises 5% YOY
    Qualcomm Inc. reported its first quarter fiscal year 2026 revenue of $12.25 billion, representing a 5% year-over-year increase from $11.67 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. The company’s QCT Automotive segment delivered record quarterly revenue of $1.1 billion, marking a 15% year-over-year growth. Qualcomm also reported net income of $3 billion for the quarter. The company expects its second-quarter fiscal year 2026 revenue to range from $10.2 billion to $11.0 billion...
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