19
Dec
18
Dec
Wistron to open second Victory plant in Vietnam in 1Q25, eye existing facility expansion
Taiwan-based Wistron, a leading electronics manufacturer and Apple supplier is set to begin operations for its US$24.5 million investment in Ha Nam Province, Vietnam.
18
Dec
Amkor progresses with US$1.6 billion Vietnam factory, workforce cut anticipated
US-based IC backend house Amkor Technology is advancing its US$1.6 billion factory in Bac Ninh, Vietnam. However, it expects much fewer employees to be required for the facility inaugurated in October 2023.
18
Dec
Zhipu AI secures US$412 million with backing from Alibaba, Tencent
Zhipu AI, a Chinese artificial intelligence unicorn specializing in large language models (LLMs), has secured CNY3 billion (US$412 million) in its latest funding round—its second this year. According to Caixin, new investors include strategic and state-backed entities, alongside existing participants like Legend Capital. The proceeds will support the development of Zhipu’s Generalized Language Model (GLM) series, strengthening its position in the AI industry.
18
Dec
XPeng, Nio abandon Nvidia Thor chip amid rumored production delays
Multiple delays in the production of Nvidia’s flagship Thor smart driving chip have forced XPeng to reconsider its adoption for 2025 vehicle models. Wallstreetcn reports indicate that the setbacks are raising concerns about Nvidia losing key automaker partners.
18
Dec
EU tariffs force NIO to align prices with Porsche as Chinese automakers pivot to hybrids
The European Union has imposed anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs), reaching nearly 50%, forcing NIO to consider aligning its prices with luxury automakers like Porsche. NIO CEO William Li indicated the move is unavoidable as the company grapples with rising costs and dwindling incentives.
18
Dec
Auto suppliers face inventory squeeze as manufacturers cut safety stocks
Global auto parts makers are grappling with a paradox: While vehicle sales continue climbing, their order books are shrinking. The culprit? A dramatic shift in inventory management by automakers, who’ve slashed safety stock requirements from 60-90 days to as little as 14 days, signaling growing caution about market conditions.
18
Dec
Google unveils Android XR as spatial computing OS to challenge Meta and Apple in XR sector
Google has newly unveiled Android XR, a spatial computing operating system (OS) designed for extended reality (XR) devices, poised to compete with Meta Platforms and Apple. The OS supports XR headsets, smart glasses, existing Android apps, and immersive VR content.
18
Dec
SoftBank CEO pledges US$100 billion AI investment with Trump
US President-elect Donald Trump and SoftBank chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son jointly announced that SoftBank will invest a total of US$100 billion in areas including AI over the next four years in the US, creating 100,000 jobs. Specific implementation details remain pending.
18
Dec
Foxconn reportedly considers major investment in Nissan as Honda-Nissan merger talks go on
Foxconn is reportedly eyeing a significant investment in Nissan Motor with aspirations to take over the company’s operations, potentially accelerating ongoing merger discussions between Nissan and Honda Motor.