The Sodecia Aapico Joint Venture, a joint venture company between Portugal-based Sodecia and Thailand-based Aapico, has announced plans to invest $120 million to construct a new manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, the US. The 400,000-square-foot plant will produce ladder frames for Scout Motors and is expected to create nearly 400 new jobs. Established in May, the joint venture combines the strengths of both companies to serve Scout Motors, which is rev...

Chinese lithium producers are responding to a surge in demand by increasing prices, as reported by Shanghai Securities News. The report highlights that several major lithium iron phosphate (LFP) manufacturers have proposed price hikes, with one company planning to raise processing fees across its entire LFP product line by 3,000 yuan (about $420) per metric ton, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The price adjustment plan indicates that these pricing changes may be renegotiated in the event of significa...

Kumho Tire has announced its plans to establish a passenger car tire production facility in the Opole region of Poland, aiming to enhance its presence in the European market. The new plant is expected to commence operations by August 2028, following the completion of necessary investment approvals and licensing procedures. Initially, the production capacity is set at 6 million tires per year, with plans to adjust output based on market conditions. The South Korean tiremaker will invest $587 mill...

Amid shifting global trade dynamics, automakers are being forced to rethink supply chains for critical electric vehicle (EV) components. EV motors—long dependent on rare earth elements (REEs)—are now a strategic pressure point. Recent export restrictions from mainland China, which currently dominates the mining and refining of rare earth elements, combined with geopolitical uncertainty, have transformed automakers' dependence on REEs into a significant strategic vulnerability. Rare earth ...

General Motors (GM) has allocated $300 million for the Romulus Propulsion Systems plant in Michigan, US, to manufacture 10-speed automatic transmissions for full-size pickups and sport utility vehicles. The confirmation comes a few days after the US-based automaker announced plans to invest $250 million in its Parma Metal Center, located near Cleveland, Ohio, to produce sheet metal stampings and assemblies. While the investment in the Parma Metal Center is anticipated to...

Volvo has decided to reverse its commitment to include standard lidar on its EX90 sport utility vehicle and ES90 sedan due to customer demand and limited supply of lidar hardware. Production of these models without lidar will start in 2025. Volvo also announced the termination of its relationship with Luminar Technologies, its sole supplier of lidar systems. The partnership began in 2020 when Volvo invested in Luminar to develop a small, affordable lidar system for production cars. Although Lumi...

Novelis has resumed operations at its Oswego, New York, aluminum plant following a fire incident on Nov. 20, the second time in three months. The evacuation process was safely conducted, and no injuries were reported among employees, contractors or first responders. The fire was quickly contained, allowing for faster restoration of critical functions at the plant than initially anticipated. The company, part of India-based Hindalco, has confirmed that its cold mill and heat-treatmen...

CATL has drawn up a preliminary plan to restart its Jianxiawo lithium mine located in Yichun by early December, as reported by Bloomberg. The production at this mine was initially suspended on Aug. 10 due to the expiration of a key mining permit, leading to a brief surge in lithium prices. The company is preparing to resume operations amid recent volatility in lithium carbonate prices in mainland China. The battery manufacturer has asked its suppliers and partners to prepare necessary equipme...

General Motors (GM) has announced plans to invest approximately $250 million in its Parma Metal Center in Ohio, US. This investment will facilitate the production of sheet metal stamping and assemblies to support the automaker’s Orion Assembly in Michigan, US; Spring Hill Manufacturing in Tennessee, US; and Fairfax Assembly in Kansas, US. With this investment, GM’s total manufacturing investments for 2025 will reach approximately $5.5 billion, reflecting the company's focus on dome...

Thomas Schaefer, head of the VW brand, confirmed that Volkswagen has successfully secured the necessary supply of chips for its production. Other automakers and suppliers are facing continued difficulties due to a chip supply shortage stemming from a trade dispute over the manufacturer Nexperia. Schaefer stated on Nov. 18 that Europe's largest automaker learned valuable lessons from the chip crisis that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are not experiencing shortages. The same day, sup...

Pony AI has announced collaborations with SANY Truck and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor to develop fourth-generation autonomous trucks, known as the Gen-4 Autonomous Trucks. These trucks will be built on the advanced battery-electric vehicle platforms of SANY Truck and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, with a design focused on modularity and adaptability. The mass production of these models is planned for thousands of units, with an initial fleet deployment targeted for 2026. The Gen-4 Autonomous Trucks will e...

The Dutch government has decided to relinquish control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker, effectively de-escalating a crisis that could have disrupted global auto production, according to an Automotive News Europe report on Nov. 19. This decision follows constructive talks with China, after the Netherlands had seized control at the end of September due to concerns that actions by Wingtech Technology, Nexperia's Chinese owner, could disrupt the company's operations. Nexperia plays a crucial ...

Stellantis is planning to more than double component sourcing from India to 100 billion rupees (nearly $1.1 billion) by 2026, up from the current 4 billion rupees, ETAuto reported, citing Shailesh Hazela, CEO and managing director of Stellantis India. "By next year, we should be touching exports close to 10,000 crore rupees [100 billion rupees] only from our suppliers," Hazela told the newspaper. The automaker has invested about 110 billion rupees in India and maintains three manufa...

Australia's Syrah Resources has announced an extension to the deadline of its graphite supply agreement with Tesla, marking the second such extension in recent months. The extension aims to address an alleged default related to the delivery of conforming active anode material samples from Syrah's processing facility in Louisiana, US, intended for Tesla's electric vehicle batteries. Initially set for Sept. 16, 2025, this deadline was first extended to Nov. 15, 2025, and now further pushed...

BYD India is optimistic about the country's electric vehicle prospects, predicting a 20% penetration in passenger car EVs by 2030. Rajeev Chauhan, head of Electric PV Business at BYD India, has outlined the company's strategic focus on addressing consumer needs beyond awareness at the India EV Conclave. He emphasized that EV buyers seek value propositions, and residual value concerns need attention. This marks a shift from awareness to addressing practical challenges within the Indian EV mark...

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) has made progress toward restarting a major lithium mine in mainland China that has been inactive since August. The company has been informed of the cost for the rights to the mine, indicating progress in negotiations with the authorities. This could lead to an increased lithium supply, which is vital for electric vehicles and grid storage globally. Receiving notification about the payment provides CATL with a clearer path for resuming productio...

Clarios, a global entity in low-voltage energy storage solutions, has announced its acquisition of Maxwell Technologies, a company specializing in supercapacitor cells and modules for various applications, including mobility and data centers. The acquisition aims to fortify Clarios' stance in high-performance, short-duration energy storage solutions by leveraging Maxwell's innovative supercapacitor technology. Supercapacitors are distinguished by their ability to charge and release energy rap...

Australia's Alliance Nickel announced that carmaker Stellantis will terminate their supply deal for battery-grade nickel and cobalt from the NiWest project, effective Dec. 3. Alliance Nickel cited missed milestone deadlines as the reason for the termination, attributing the delays to challenging conditions in the global nickel market, which have hindered financing opportunities. The pressure on nickel prices over the past two years has affected Alliance's financial position, forcing the compa...

Novelis anticipates the full reopening of its Oswego aluminum plant in New York, US, by December, following damage from a fire on Sept. 16. This update was shared by Novelis CEO Steven R. Fisher during an earnings call to discussing the company's second-quarter financial results. "We are fully committed to restoring the hot mill and minimizing disruptions," Fisher said. "Significant progress over the past month has allowed us to expedite our timeline, and we now expect the hot mill to be oper...

Dutch chipmaker Nexperia BV said it welcomes recent announcements by the US and Chinese governments lifting restrictions on the shipment of its chips, marking a potential turning point in the global supply disruption that has alarmed automakers, Reuters reported Nov. 2. The company emphasized that its priority is now ensuring supply stability for customers. The Dutch government, which recently took control of Nexperia citing national security reasons, stated it continues discussions with Chin...

According to a report Reuters published on Oct. 31, Stellantis has established a “war room” to manage potential chip shortages occurring from complications at Dutch group Nexperia. During a call with analysts about the company's third-quarter performance, CEO Antonio Filosa responded to a question about whether Stellantis could face production stoppages similar to those at Volkswagen, emphasizing that Stellantis is actively monitoring the chip situation related to Nexperia and implementing a...

Europe's automotive industry is bracing for disruptions after a diplomatic and trade dispute over Dutch chipmaker Nexperia escalated, prompting urgent calls from automakers and suppliers for political intervention to avert production halts. The standoff began after the Dutch government placed Nexperia—owned by China's Wingtech Technology- under state control, citing national-security and intellectual-property concerns. In response, Beijing blocked exports of Nexperia's chips from its facili...

Volkswagen has warned its workers of potential production stoppages due to ongoing supply chain issues, following a dispute involving Dutch chipmaker Nexperia. The Dutch government took control of Nexperia, which is owned by China, citing intellectual property concerns, while China has placed restrictions on exporting necessary products to European car manufacturers. Although Volkswagen has not yet been directly affected by chip shortages, it acknowledged the possibility of future impacts on pro...

Volkswagen will pause the production of the Golf at its Wolfsburg plant in Germany starting Oct. 29 as a result of a new microchip crisis triggered by a trade dispute between the US and China. This announcement follows an internal alert from Volkswagen to its workers about possible production disruptions. Besides the Golf, other models such as the Tiguan, Touran and Tayron, also manufactured at the Wolfsburg facility, are expected to experience production halts, although the duration of the...

The SDV market is laying the groundwork for vehicles that are not only smarter but more responsive to the demands of today’s consumers. However, this shift is not just about keeping pace with consumer demands, it is also about fundamentally changing how automakers approach vehicle design and functionality, and consequently, their software strategies. SDVs are also rewriting the rules for how automakers and suppliers work together. The old original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-supplier model...

Unipart has entered into a strategic collaboration with the UK-based battery-cell manufacturer Volklec to provide logistics and management services for electric vehicle battery cells, encompassing transport, storage, testing and triage. Unipart's responsibilities include managing global transport through certified carriers, overseeing storage at a 610,000-square-foot warehouse with intelligent charging to minimize degradation, ensuring air freight compliance, and conducting testing and t...

The increasing theft and vandalism of high-power charging cables across Europe is posing significant disruptions for electric vehicle users. According to a recent study released by charge-point operator (CPO) Allego, each theft renders an EV charging spot inoperable, leaving drivers unable to charge their vehicles, forcing them to reroute, delay, or abandon journeys. The repeated thefts increase operational costs for CPOs, potentially affecting end users. The International Energy Agency ...

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has expressed deep concern over potential major disruptions in European vehicle manufacturing due to an interruption in the supply of Nexperia chips. On Oct. 10, automobile manufacturers and their suppliers were informed by Nexperia that they could no longer guarantee the delivery of their chips to the automotive supply chain. Nexperia supplies a significant volume of semiconductors crucial for electronic control units in vehicle electric...

Stellantis' Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan has halted production for at least three weeks due to a shortage of aluminum caused by a fire at Novelis Inc.'s Oswego plant in New York, The Detroit News reported Oct. 16, citing a local United Auto Workers union official. The fire occurred Sept. 16, impacting the supply of aluminum, which is a critical material for producing Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size SUVs. Eric Graham, president of UAW Local 140, which represents the worke...

Posco Future M, part of the Posco Group, has signed its largest contract for anode materials supply, valued at 671 billion won (about $468.3 million), with a global automaker. The company will provide natural graphite anode materials from October 2027 to September 2031, with a potential extension to 2037, which could increase the contract's value to 1.7 trillion won. The automaker's identity remains confidential. This deal reflects a trend where automakers are seeking direct partnerships with...

Vulcan Energy has reached an agreement to supply Glencore with lithium hydroxide monohydrate from its Lionheart Project in Europe. Under this deal, Vulcan Energy will provide Glencore with between 36,000 metric tons and 44,000 metric tons of the product over an initial eight-year period, which constitutes approximately 20% of Vulcan's projected output for this time frame. This agreement follows previous deals with Stellantis, Umicore and LG Energy Solution and represents the final offtak...

Ford Motor Co. has decided to reduce its purchase volume and delay lithium shipments from Liontown Resources Ltd., reflecting challenges in the electric vehicle supply chain. Ford will not receive any lithium from the Kathleen Valley project in 2027 and 2028, and the total volume from the Western Australia site will be reduced to 256,250 metric tons. This revision comes amid issues faced by US automakers, driven by regulatory changes from US President Donald Trump, including the red...

Ford Motor is halting production at its Dearborn, Michigan, plant in the US, where the F-150 Lightning electric pickup is manufactured, Reuters reported Oct. 8, citing a union official at the plant. The pause is linked to a fire at Novelis' New York aluminum factory on Sept. 16, which is anticipated to affect the production of Ford's F-150 vehicles for several months. A memo shared with the plant workers and viewed by Reuters indicated that the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC), which produce...

A fire at Novelis' aluminum processing plant in Oswego, New York, on Sept. 16 is expected to impact the business operations of Ford and other automakers for several months, Reuters reported Oct. 7, citing The Wall Street Journal. Ford, identified as the largest user of the plant's aluminum, is likely to address the potential effects of the disruption to its investors during its upcoming quarterly financial disclosures later in October. Novelis’ New York plant is a key supplier of aluminum s...

ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks (AMTB), a division of ArcelorMittal that specializes in laser-welded blanks (LWBs), also known as tailored blanks, is set to enhance its presence in North America by constructing a new 154,000-square-foot blanking facility in Ingersoll, Ontario. This new facility will combine advanced blanking technology with sustainable manufacturing practices, underscoring AMTB’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility in the automotive sector. LWBs are...

Renault is investing in a purchasing center in Mexico to supply auto parts to its plants in South America and strengthen its aftermarket network in Mexico. The new center will start operations in October. “Mexico has a spectacular supplier base. We have opened a new business unit set to start in October, and the objective is to increase Mexican-sourced parts in the vehicles manufactured in Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. It is a new unit, it is a reality, and we will be starting the first ship...

LS-L&F Battery Solution (LLBS), a joint venture between LS Corp. and L&F Co., has completed preparations for a new precursor factory in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province. The facility plans to conduct trial production by the end of 2025 and produce 20,000 metric tons of precursors in 2026. A further expansion is expected to increase production to 120,000 metric tons by 2029, sufficient for 1.3 million electric vehicles. With an investment of 1 trillion won (approximately $712 million)...

Mainland Chinese electric-car maker BYD has a contingency plan in place should it face restrictions on using NVIDIA chips in its vehicles, according to a report from CNBC on Sept. 23, citing Stella Li, the company's executive vice president. Although the mainland Chinese government has not directed BYD to discontinue using NVIDIA products, Li emphasized the importance of having a backup plan. She refrained from detailing this alternative but mentioned BYD's ability to swiftly navigate supply cha...

Sinbon Electronics Co. Ltd., an electronics system integrator from Taiwan, is set to make its debut at The Battery Show North America 2025, showcasing its latest innovations under the theme Plug-and-Play Revolution, Reliable Charging Systems for a Connected World. The company will highlight advanced thermal management and high-power charging solutions aimed at enhancing performance, energy efficiency and compatibility within the electric vehicle sector. Sinbon has significantly expanded its p...

In a press release dated Sept. 22, Neo Performance Materials announced that it had opened its advanced permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Narva, Estonia, marking a pivotal development in its European presence. This facility is designed to support the growing demand for rare earth magnets, crucial for electric vehicles, wind energy and other sectors fueling the energy transition. A concurrent Investor/Analyst Day offered attendees insights into Neo's operations, featuring tours of the ...

On Sept. 19, Neo Performance Materials signed a multiyear memorandum of understanding with Bosch to extend a strategic partnership for high-performance magnets. Under the agreement, the Canadian supplier will designate a substantial portion of its annual magnet production capacity for the Germany-based partner. This capacity reservation aims to evolve into formal projects that benefit both partners. By securing production capacity with Neo, Bosch ensures a steady supply chain and fosters the ...

Scout Motors, a US division of the Volkswagen Group, is investing an additional $300 million to establish a supplier park at its manufacturing plant in Blythewood, South Carolina. The planned investment aims to support about 1,000 supplier jobs, enhancing the company's over $2 billion commitment to South Carolina. Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Scout Motors, emphasized the initiative's role in fortifying US manufacturing and South Carolina's position as a hub for automotive innovation and ...

At the 4th Semiconductor Summit during IAA Mobility in Munich, Volkswagen Group brought together industry leaders to outline its semiconductor procurement strategy, strengthen partnerships and foster deeper collaboration between the automotive and semiconductor sectors. A key highlight was the introduction of the group’s new-level procurement model with Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, covering more than 50 semiconductor categories, including core components such as microcontroller...

Posco International has secured a significant order worth 600 billion won (approximately $430 million) for drive motor cores from a North American client. These cores are essential components of electric vehicles and traditionally rely on rare earth materials predominantly sourced from mainland China. Posco International was chosen due to its successful establishment of an independent supply chain free from mainland Chinese dependency. Posco Mobility Solution, a subsidiary of Posco Internatio...

Energy Fuels Inc. and Vulcan Elements have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a domestic supply chain for rare earth magnets in the US, independent of mainland China. Energy Fuels, a US producer of rare earth element oxides, will supply Vulcan Elements with high-purity "light" and "heavy" rare earth oxides, specifically neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) and dysprosium (Dy), which will be used for the production of rare earth permanent magnets. This collaboration involves sour...

The US Commerce Department has announced an increase in tariffs on 407 products, including wind turbines, mobile cranes, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, as well as electric vehicle parts, with immediate effect. These products are now subject to a 50% tariff on any steel and aluminum content. The tariffs also extend to imported parts for automotive exhaust systems and electrical steel for EVs, despite concerns from foreign automakers about insufficient domestic capacity to meet...

ZF Lifetec, a specialist in occupant safety systems in vehicles, has started the third phase of its Rizhao plant in the Rizhao Economic and Technological Development Zone, Shandong Province, mainland China. This new phase focuses on producing one-piece woven (OPW) airbags and is expected to fully scale production by 2027 with an annual capacity exceeding 5 million OPW airbags. This expansion aims to bolster the company's supply capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region and global markets. The g...

CATL has reportedly suspended operations at its significant lithium mine in Jianxiawo, Yichun, in the Jiangxi province of mainland China. While unfavorable for CATL, the development might benefit other lithium producers who have endured prolonged price suppression. The cessation of operations is attributed to CATL's inability to renew a vital mining license that expired Aug. 9. The company is in discussions with government agencies to extend the license but is preparing for a closure las...

Intelligent power management company Eaton announced that its Mobility Group has been selected by a leading global automaker to supply the high-power lock box (HPLB) SQ8 connector system for a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle platform. This marks the first use of the SQ8 configuration in a PHEV application. Building on Eaton’s expertise in harsh-environment, high-current connectivity, the SQ8’s core innovation lies in its patented inverted terminal contact system. This design combines ...

General Motors (GM) plans to import electric vehicle batteries from the mainland Chinese company, CATL, as a temporary measure while it works on producing its own lower-cost batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. This decision aligns with practices by other US automakers who have relied on foreign suppliers for LFP battery sourcing to maintain competitiveness. GM said that its Chevrolet Bolt will feature LFP technology and noted that it sells 12 EVs in the US with domestically...

Noveon Magnetics has announced a multiyear supply agreement with General Motors (GM) to provide rare earth magnets for a variety of GM vehicle components. Production began immediately, and deliveries started in July. The agreement focuses on providing rare earth magnets for GM's full-size sport utility vehicles and trucks. This agreement is seen as a significant step in developing a resilient domestic supply chain for the future of US automotive manufacturing. Noveon CEO Scott Dunn ...

Chinese chip company Flagchip has completed a funding round worth hundreds of millions of yuan, as announced in a press release via its WeChat account on Aug. 6. The funding round received strong support from notable investors, including Xiaomi's investment arm Beijing Xiaomi Zhizao Equity Investment Fund Partnership, Hainan Jimu Venture Capital, and the Beijing Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Equipment Industry Investment Fund. The new capital is expected to strengthen Flagchip's positio...

Forge Nano Inc., a technology company focused on advancing domestic battery and semiconductor technologies, announced its development of a lithium-ion battery cell intended for the US Defense Department. This development emphasizes the use of battery materials exclusively sourced from within the US. The 18650 cylindrical cell is designed to offer high capacity and energy density, conforming to the Defense Department's standards for cycle life and operating temperatures. Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge...

Lucid Group Inc., known for producing advanced electric vehicles, has joined the newly launched Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC) and partnered with critical mineral producers such as Alaska Energy Metals, Graphite One, Electric Metals and RecycLiCo. This collaboration seeks to expedite the development and procurement of essential minerals for automotive manufacturing by US-based automakers and tier 1 suppliers. MINAC is an initiative aimed at en...

Bosch plans to restructure its Reutlingen plant in Germany, potentially cutting up to 1,100 jobs by 2029, Mint reported on July 22. The layoff will affect approximately one-tenth of the workers at the site, including those involved in the assembly line and back-office roles. The decision is attributed to intense competition within the European market for steering systems, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, which has been challenging German car manufacturers...

Inteva Products, a US-based supplier of vehicle interior systems, closures, motors and electronics, announced plans to invest 150 million Mexican pesos ($8 million) in expanding its Matamoros plant in Tamaulipas, Mexico, creating 500 direct jobs. The announcement was made in the presence of local and state government officials as well as company representatives who highlighted the direct impact of the investment on job creation and its contribution to strengthening the city’s economic and indu...

Posco Future M, a division of Posco Holdings specializing in battery materials, announced July 11 that it has obtained a supply contract for electric vehicle battery materials from a significant Japanese battery manufacturer. The contract entails Posco Future M supplying natural graphite-based anode materials produced at its Sejong plant for EV batteries made in Japan. The specific details regarding the client or the supply volume were not disclosed due to a mutual agreement between the parties ...

Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new membrane technology designed to efficiently extract lithium from water, aiming to address growing concerns about lithium supply and demand. This innovative technology, which sees collaboration with the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago, responds to vulnerabilities in the current supply chain, which predominantly relies on hard-rock mining and salt lakes in limited geo...

US President Donald Trump announced his plans to impose a 50% tariff on imported copper, further escalating his administration's strategy to bolster domestic industries through tariffs, Fox Business reported July 8. This announcement, made at a Cabinet meeting, aligns with Trump's America First policy, which aims to enhance industrial supply chains by encouraging companies to procure materials from within the US. During the meeting, Trump highlighted that copper will join steel...

On June 12, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced that it had hired 50 specialists to enhance the resilience and ethical standards of its electric vehicle supply chains, addressing ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. This initiative is part of JLR's strategy to transform its operations to deliver the new generation of pure electric models across all its brands by 2030. The specialists' role involved providing detailed and accurate visibility of the supply chain, particularly focusing on th...

Ideal Power Inc. has announced that it has received an order from a global tier 1 automotive supplier that serves multiple top global automotive original equipment manufacturers. The order includes packaged B-TRAN® devices, SymCool® power modules, and solid-state circuit breaker reference design boards and drivers. These components will be evaluated for a novel solid-state electric vehicle contactor. The supplier has also requested budgetary quotes for millions of SymCool® power modules fo...

According to a Reuters report dated July 3, the United States has lifted export restrictions to China for chip design software developers and ethane producers, indicative of improving trade relations between the US and China. Key electronic design automation (EDA) software companies, including Synopsys, Cadence Design Systems and Siemens, have announced restoring access to their software for Chinese customers. On the same days, the US notified ethane producers about rescinding a licensing requir...

Nissan is implementing several measures as part of its recovery plan, which includes cutting 20,000 jobs, equivalent to about 15% of its global workforce, and negotiating with suppliers for extended payment terms to free up cash flow, according to a report by Electrek published June 30. This move follows a previous announcement by the Japanese automaker in May about workforce reductions and factory closures aimed at cost-cutting. In the UK, Nissan will commence discus...

SL Mex, a subsidiary of South Korea-based automotive supplier SL Corp., established a manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, local news portal MexicoNow reported June 23. The South Korean supplier invested $45 million in the first phase of the facility, which is located in the Logistik II industrial park in Villa de Reyes. The San Luis Potosí plant will produce headlight modules for global automakers such as BMW, General Motors, Hyundai and Kia. The plant, spread over 8.9 hectar...

Tata Motors, India's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is not experiencing disruptions in sourcing rare earth magnets, despite mainland China's export restrictions. At its 80th Annual General Meeting, Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran assured shareholders that the company is managing its supply needs and is exploring alternative sources to ensure future availability. Mainland China dominates the global supply of rare earth elements (REEs), prompting Tata Motors and other automakers wo...

Ford is struggling with the supplies of rare earth materials, Detroit Free Press and several other media outlets reported CEO Jim Farley telling Bloomberg TV in an interview. Mainland China, which holds over 90% of the global rare earth processing capacity, introduced stricter export licensing rules in April, affecting the supply to Western manufacturers across various industries, including automakers focused on electric vehicles. Farley highlighted ongoing difficulties, saying that the compa...

Hyundai Steel, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), plans to supply 100,000 metric tons of auto steel sheets to GM Korea, starting in September, The Korea Herald reported June 13. This decision follows GM Korea's move to change its steel sheet supplier from mainland China-based steel manufacturer Baoshan Iron & Steel amid quality certification processes. The supply will account for 20% of GM Korea's annual steel sheet consumption. This marks Hyundai Steel's first substanti...

Dongfeng Motor, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC) and FAW Group, the leading state-owned automakers in mainland China, have committed to reducing supplier payment terms to 60 days, ETAuto reported June 11. The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny over delayed supplier payments and opaque financing practices in the automotive supply chain. This initiative is expected to improve capital flow and financial transparency in the mainland Chinese automotive industry, which ha...

Mainland China has issued temporary export licenses to rare earth suppliers for the top three US automakers, according to a June 6 report by Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter. These licenses, valid for six months, come amid supply chain disruptions caused by mainland China's recent export curbs on rare earth materials. The restrictions, imposed in April, have impacted industries globally, including automakers, aerospace manufacturers and semiconductor companies. The export curb...

Mainland China recently approved several export license applications for rare earth-related items in response to the increasing international demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements, primarily utilized in high-tech manufacturing sectors such as industrial robotics and electric vehicles. This strategy aims to balance mainland China's resource security with its status as a crucial supplier in the global high-tech value chain. The Commerce Ministry said that the export controls on rare e...

India is in discussions with companies to establish long-term stockpiles of rare earth magnets by offering fiscal incentives for domestic production. The effort aims to reduce India's reliance on mainland China, which dominates 90% of the processing of these magnets crucial for industries such as clean energy, defense and automobiles. Mainland China's decision in April to curb exports of rare earth materials has prompted global industry concerns, highlighting the need for India to develop its ma...

Lucid Group, a manufacturer of advanced electric vehicles, announced a multiyear supply agreement with Graphite One to secure US-sourced natural graphite, aiming to enhance its supply chain for raw materials within the US. This agreement complements previous arrangements with Syrah Resources and Graphite One, ensuring future Lucid vehicles will utilize natural and high-performance synthetic graphite mined and produced in the US as part of directed agreements with its battery-cell suppliers. M...

Posco Holdings, the parent company of South Korea-based steel manufacturer and battery materials supplier Posco Group, has inaugurated a key minerals research center in Perth, Australia. This initiative is part of the group's strategy to gain a technological advantage in advanced materials, which includes steelmaking, battery materials and rare earths. The center aims to enhance low-carbon steelmaking processes and reduce costs in lithium and nickel production. Additionally, it will focus on dev...

On May 29, Volvo Cars suspended production at its Ridgeville assembly plant in South Carolina, US, due to a shortage of critical components, Auto World Journal reported May 30. The plant, which produces the all-electric Volvo EX90 sport utility vehicle, is key to the Swedish carmaker's electrification strategy in the largest automotive market in North America. The manufacturing suspension reflects the broader challenges automakers face in maintaining steady output amid fluctuating supply cond...

According to Gabriel Padilla, general director of the National Auto Parts Industry (La Industria Nacional de Autopartes: INA), the association of automotive components suppliers in Mexico, about 92% of auto parts manufactured in the country comply with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regulations, allowing them to be exempt from tariffs when exported to the US. The remaining 8% face an average tariff of 27%. “We are one of the sectors with the highest level of compliance with the USMC...

A consortium led by LG has decided to withdraw from a project valued at approximately 11 trillion won (about $7.7 billion) aimed at establishing an electric vehicle battery supply chain in Indonesia. The consortium, which includes partners such as LG Energy Solution, LG Chem and LX International Corp., had been collaborating with the Indonesian government and state-owned enterprises to create an "end-to-end value chain" for EV batteries. This initiative was intended to encompass the entire pr...

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce a tariff rate on imported semiconductors within the coming week, indicating a shift from previously announced exemptions for smartphones and computers, according to a report published by Reuters on April 14. "We wanted to uncomplicate it from a lot of other companies, because we want to make our chips and semiconductors and other things in our country," Trump said, according to the report. Despite not providing specifics on potenti...

SK IE Technology Co. Ltd. (SKIET) is expanding its presence within the North American market by initiating the supply of electric vehicle battery separator materials to clients in North America starting April. This strategic move is aimed at broadening SKIET's customer portfolio while tapping into the increasing demand for non-mainland Chinese battery components, a demand surge propelled by recent US trade policies. In a significant deal made in February, SKIET secured a supply cont...

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 32% tariff on exports from Taiwan to the US, excluding semiconductors, according to an April 3 report by The New York Times. The move has raised concerns in Taiwan and other key semiconductor-producing nations, such as South Korea, about the potential for future tariffs on the chip sector. Taiwan, a major hub in the global semiconductor supply chain, has built a highly advanced network of chip production facilities over several decades. While semic...

Hyundai Mobis plans to start using low-carbon aluminum produced with solar energy in the production of major automotive components, as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. This initiative not only addresses the need for lighter materials in the production of electric vehicles but also aligns with the company's efforts to enhance its green supply chain from the raw material procurement phase. Hyundai Mobis has secured a contract with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), headquarte...

As reported in a press release on March 31, STMicroelectronics and Innoscience, a leading entity in 8-inch gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) high-performance, low-cost manufacturing, have announced a collaborative agreement focusing on the development and manufacturing of gallium nitride (GaN) technology. The partnership aims to enhance GaN power solutions and fortify the supply chain resilience by leveraging each company's strengths. The initiative is set to advance GaN power techn...

BASF's Coatings division has announced the completion of a significant expansion to its polyester and polyurethane resin production capacity at the Caojing plant in Shanghai. Originally launched in 2015 with the capacity to produce 8,000 metric tons annually, the plant's capacity has now more than doubled to 18,800 metric tons per year. This expansion is aimed at supporting the growing market demands within the automotive industry in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the ...

The automotive industry is transforming as it faces sustainability pressures and must adapt to changing market dynamics. Recently, the focus on sustainability has intensified due to regulatory requirements, consumer demand for greener products and the urgent need to combat climate change. The S&P Global Mobility 2025 Supplier Outlook highlights the sustainability practices being adopted across the automotive supply chain. The growing pressure for sustainability Luz Mauch, executive vic...

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, shaped by shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures. Suppliers must be agile and proactive, swiftly responding to consumer demands while balancing production costs and profitability in a fiercely competitive market. The S&P Global Mobility 2025 Supplier Outlook emphasizes the need for suppliers to tackle these market changes head-on. Consumer behavior in flux Economic factors are key in shaping how consumers behave. In turn, these...

In an era where vehicles are as much about software as they are about steel, partnering has become essential rather than just beneficial. It is the powerhouse driving advancements in connected vehicles, autonomous driving innovations and sustainable practices within the automotive industry. However, collaboration in this sector can be a double-edged sword; while it sparks innovation, it also presents challenges. Cultural clashes, intellectual property dilemmas and the need for agility in respons...

The automotive industry is grappling with a myriad of supply chain disruptions that have become increasingly common since the pandemic struck. In addition to Brexit complexities, rising material costs, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions and economic instability are forcing companies to rethink their logistics and sourcing strategies on the fly. While improvements are anticipated in the global car chip shortage, challenges persist. As Nimish Ashar, associate director of E/E & Semicon...

As the automotive industry evolves, suppliers must prioritize regulatory compliance due to stricter environmental laws linked to climate change. Investing in new technologies is essential to avoid penalties and enhance competitiveness. We examine the regulatory challenges facing suppliers and share insights from industry executives in S&P Global Mobility’s 2025 Automotive Supplier Outlook. Regulatory pressures: A catalyst for change Automotive suppliers are facing numerous challenges...

The European automotive supply industry is currently grappling with a severe labor shortage, exacerbated by record attrition levels that have plagued it over the past few years. This alarming situation has led to job losses that surpass even the darkest days of the pandemic. Despite optimistic forecasts for new job creation, the reality reveals a staggering net loss of nearly 56,000 positions since 2020, with the worst yet to come, according to The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (C...

Amid escalating trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on key industries with a series of executive orders, ordering a review of US trade agreements and signaling further tariffs on automotive, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. With a potential 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and new steel and aluminum tariffs set to take effect on March 12, 2025, the automotive sector faces mounting uncertainty. With the rise of software-defined cars, semiconductor content p...

Since his inauguration as US President last month, Donald Trump has been throwing caution to the rulebooks. Automotive industry stakeholders, both local and global, wait and watch for the many implications to unfold as President Trump brings key national issues to the fore—perceived security threats from mainland Chinese automakers and technology companies; environmental policy, particularly as it relates to vehicle emissions, infrastructure spending and safety regulations; and trade policy, a...

President Biden on Tuesday (Jan. 14) announced strong and decisive actions to safeguard the US connected vehicle supply chains against any potential security risks by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Russian Federation (Russia). The White House, in a fact sheet titled "Safeguarding America from National Security Risks of Connected Vehicle Technology from China and Russia", said, “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that our automotive supply chains are res...

As we approach the end of 2024, our Talking Heads series delves into conversations with the practice leads at AutoTechInsight. The aim is to explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their respective domains. In 2024, the automotive sector faced a series of challenges that tested its adaptability. Supply chain disruptions, coupled with declining raw material costs like lithium, added to these difficulties. Amidst these challenges, manufacturers began pivoting toward plug-in h...

This past week the Turin Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Automotive Industry Supply Chain (ANFIA) have presented the 2024 edition of their annual survey of automotive suppliers. The survey, formally known as the Observatory on Italian Automotive Components and Mobility Services, enlisted the help of 2,135 automotive suppliers. It comes at a troubling time for the sector with the iconic home plant of Stellantis's Fiat—and Europe's oldest plant—in the shape of the vast Mira...

The US Commerce Department issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on Monday (Sept. 23) which, if approved, would ban the sale or import of vehicles that incorporate connectivity technologies plus systems incorporating prohibited hardware and software from countries of concern, specifically mainland China and Russia. The NPRM follows a process initiated by President Joe Biden in February and is based on public feedback to an earlier notice issued by the Commerce Department, which sought to...

Wireless communication with vehicle electronic systems has become inevitable, and it is only improving. This trend is the driving force for the extensive expansion of all connected services and the uptake of telematics hardware. In addition, growth drivers include connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE) mobility megatrends; maturing of 5G connectivity; vehicle-smartphone integration; favorable legislation/regulations; V2X mandates, etc. Future autonomous vehicles will have multiple wir...

In a press release dated Aug. 6, Neo Performance Materials has announced that its subsidiary, NPM Narva OÜ, known as Magnequench Sintered Magnets, has secured a contract to supply sintered rare earth magnets to a top European tier 1 electric vehicle traction motor supplier. Projected to run from the second half of 2026 through 2033, with peak supply expected in 2029, this collaboration validates Neo's capability to meet intricate customer requirements, reaffirming its leading position...