Automotive Industry News & Contents 2026 [Daily Updates]

August 18, 2026

This issue highlights the market dominant position of the top lithium-ion battery suppliers in China alongside recent automotive photonics technology trends, Toyota's upcoming all-electric Highlander and three-row SUV segment schedules in the U.S., and the distribution of EV drive battery cell manufacturers across Europe.

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.

Table of contents

▶ Analysis Report: Lithium-Ion Battery (Chinese Market) & Photonics

▶ Launch Schedules for Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander

▶ Supply Chain: Drive Battery

▶ Russian sales in July fall by 0.2%

▶ Automotive News

Analysis Report: Lithium-Ion Battery (Chinese Market) & Photonics

China Lithium-Ion Battery Sourcing and Supplier Relations

The top 2 companies hold approximately 70% of the Chinese market.

NEV lithium-ion battery market in China: technology development trends, product mix, delivery status
Key suppliers: CATL, FinDreams, Gotion, CALB, EVE Energy, SVOLT, Sunwoda
Suppliers and major customer relationship mapping

Other Analysis reports

Photonics as Strategic Complement

SWIR sensors, holographic displays, optical communications, and more.
- Introduction
- New imaging techniques capture the invisible
- Platform for lidar systems
- Holography and lighting as a sensor interface
- High- bandwidth, robust data transmission
- New test and validation requirements
- Analog computing – using light
- Conclusion

Launch Schedules for Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander

Highlander & Grand Highlander Product Redesign Schedules

The new Highlander, set to launch as a 2027 model, will be offered exclusively as a BEV. As Toyota’s first three-row BEV SUV, it will expand the company’s BEV lineup, aiming to capture BEV demand and strengthen its competitive position. Meanwhile, the Grand Highlander will continue to offer HEV and gasoline-powered versions, clearly differentiating its market positioning from that of the Highlander.

Toyota models for US market
Major 3-row electric SUVs sold in the U.S. (U.S. sales volume, January–July 2026):

Supply Chain: Drive Battery

Drive Battery Parts Sourcing Database

Lithium-Ion Battery Suppliers Distribution in Europe

European automotive lithium-ion battery (LiB) suppliers are establishing production facilities across the region, leveraging Europe’s automotive production clusters. Poland, Hungary, Germany, and France are the main production hubs. Large Korean battery plants are concentrated in Poland (LG Energy Solution) and in Hungary (Samsung SDI, SK On). CATL has operations in Germany, while ACC and Verkor expand in France.

Distribution map / List

Russian sales in July fall by 0.2%

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While sales growth at Great Wall Motor and Volkswagen provide market support, the overall figure is dragged down by a sharp decline at Chery Automobile, alongside sales drops at AvtoVAZ, Geely, and Changan Automobile.