Sometimes, we like the news, and sometimes, we hate it. If we only read the parts we like, we risk missing risks, and if we only read the parts we hate, we walk around grumpy all day.
Neither seems like the point of reading anything to us. So, here are both kinds of news to keep you balanced.
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Our favorite time to talk about China is with egg rolls, but our second is when considering all the waves that may soon crash on the shores of our U.S. auto market (but also with egg rolls).
At the Bangkok International Motor Show, Chinese EV manufacturers like Geely's Zeekr and Xpeng Motors are taking center stage, showcasing their latest electric vehicles and highlighting the shifting automotive landscape in Thailand—a market traditionally dominated by Japanese brands. This is part of a broader strategy, with over $1.44B invested by Chinese automakers in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand's goal to make 30% of its vehicle production electric by 2030. The region is witnessing a surge in EV sales, expected to double by the end of 2024 from 73,500 units in 2023, reflecting the growing demand for electric vehicles.
We read ten articles about Chinese automakers to pull out the bits that most immediately matter to the global and U.S. markets.
As Thailand adopts electric vehicles, EV companies are looking for seats at the table to drive EV adoption deeper. Kinda like a snake eating its own tail. No, wait, like an electric eel eating its own tail. 🐍
Toyota is set to mass-produce a battery electric Hilux pickup by the end of 2025, announced by its Thailand unit president. This follows Isuzu's plan to produce its battery D-MAX pickup in Thailand, highlighting the country's role as a regional automotive hub.
Toyota also plans to trial battery Hilux trucks in Pattaya, Thailand for public transportation.
The NYSE is delisting Fisker Inc. due to its stock's "abnormally low" price, suspending trading immediately. This follows failed investment talks, potentially with Nissan, signaling financial instability for the EV startup and challenging times ahead for its future operations.
VW is becoming quite the proponent of "Divide." Now, we wait and see if they land the "and Conquer" part.
Volkswagen is transforming its performance "R" division into an independent brand focusing on electric vehicles starting in 2024. The change will be showcased with a dedicated section at the Autostadt theme park in Wolfsburg. Initially launched in 2002, the R brand produced high-performance models for Volkswagen's lineup, including the Golf R32 and Touareg R.
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That wasn’t so bad, right? VW is building a new brand, Toyota is building new trucks, and China is building an auto market invasion. Just another day.
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