Automotive Industry News & Contents 2026 [Daily Updates]
This issue features a report on mapping technologies for autonomous driving, details on BYD's 2nd-generation Blade Battery models, a look at the IVI system supply chain, and February sales data for Germany and Canada.
Updated daily with the latest information for the automotive industry. Coverage (Japanese/English/Chinese) of information directly related to business, including complete vehicles, EVs, automated driving, sales figures, and industry reports.
Market & Tech Reports

From Automotive World 2026 exhibition coverage
- Map data and vehicle positioning technology (Zenrin, Zenrin DataCom, KDDI)
- Control development technology (Hitachi Solutions, Infosys)
- Autonomous driving support (MAP IV/Okaya & Co., Fuji Soft)
- Self-driving taxi business (newmo)
- AD/ADAS components (Vispect, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Cornes Technologies)
Launch Schedules
BYD Haibao 07 EV, Da Tang EV, Song Ultra EV, Haibao 08, Sealion 06 EV, DENZA Z9/Z9 GT, Yangwang U7, U8, FangChengBao Tai 7
Supply chain: IVI System
Supply chain: Hyundai Creta (India)
Statistics
German February sales increase 3.1%
Economic slowdown and high interest rates impact sales of affordable models from Skoda, Opel, Fiat and Chinese brands
Canadian February sales down 3.4%
Major brands like GM, Ford and Toyota experiencing declines due to economic and trade uncertainty and weather impacts
OEM Plants Updates
News
- [USA] U.S. ordered to begin issuing tariffs refunds, while states challenge new tariffs
- [USA] Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park set to begin production in summer
- [USA, Korea] Hyundai’s Supernal eVTOL subsidiary lays off majority of staff in California
- [USA, Taiwan] Minth Group investing USD 430 million in Alabama plant to supply Hyundai, Kia
- [USA, France] Valeo to showcase front lighting system for Zeekr 7X at SXSW 2026
- [EU] European Council formally adopts European climate law
- [EU] CLEPA welcomes Industrial Accelerator Act, calls for thorough assessment of trade partners
- [EU] Ford upgrades Puma lineup with improved range
- [Germany] Vector partners with Microchip on pre-integrated embedded solutions for SDVs
- [UK] SMMT, UK, raises concerns about European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act
- [UK] UK passenger car sales up 7.2% in February 2026, highest February since 2004
- [Spain, EU] EU approves Spanish State aid for manufacturing capacity in EV value chain
- [Spain, Germany] CUPRA unveils updated all-electric Born with over 600 km range
- [Austria] BMW Steyr plant, Austria to add second electric motor production line in 2026
- [Switzerland, USA] Aptiv’s Board of Directors approves spin-off of Versigent
- [Turkiye] Anadolu Isuzu, Turkiye projects stable domestic sales and export in 2026
- [China] Xiaomi robots start internship at Xiaomi EV plant
- [China] GAC Hyptec launches A800 range-extended electric sedan
- [India] Tata Elxsi, India launches DevStudio.ai GenAI co-engineer platform for automotive software
- [Egypt] Egypt discusses implementation status of program for development of automotive industry
- [Egypt] Egypt discusses expansion plans with General Motors to boost local auto industry
- [South Africa] Citroën Basalt SUV-Coupé to launch in South Africa by Q1 2026
- [Japan] Tesla begins ride-alongs in Japan as it targets FSD launch by late 2026
- [Thailand] Honda cites parts shortage behind recent vehicle delivery delays in Thailand
- [Thailand, UAE] FTI warns Middle East tensions may slow Thailand’s 2026 auto exports
- [Thailand] CHANGAN NEVO brand introduced in Thailand under 2026 strategy
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