As automakers in Europe, the US, and China race toward smarter, software-defined vehicles, a new controversy is emerging across markets: the rise of in-car subscription fees. Nowhere is the backlash more pronounced than in China, where rapid development of vehicle electrification and software capabilities has collided with a tech-savvy and vocal consumer base.

Benefiting from a tariff buffer period, customers actively stocked up in advance. Powertech Technology Inc. (PTI)’s invested testing and packaging subsidiary, Greatek Electronics, reported consolidated revenue of NT$8.218 billion (US$276.8 million) for the first half of 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 10.1%. The utilization rate in the second quarter rose by 5% quarter-over-quarter, although the appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar and rising electricity costs impacted gross margin performance.

Amid surging global demand for AI-driven robotics, Taiwan’s industry leaders are banding together to form strategic alliances aimed at capturing new opportunities, but success won’t come easy. Key challenges include the lack of standardized platforms and critical components, as well as unresolved issues around regulations, certification, and safety testing. While the move has been broadly welcomed, concerns persist over the execution gap between ambition and real-world complexity.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made headlines with a large order placed with Samsung Foundry. Aside from the reported eight-year contract valued at US$16.5 billion, speculation about Samsung adopting 2nm process technology for this deal remains unconfirmed.