Automotive Industry News & Contents 2026 [Daily Updates]
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.
August global xEV sales report
In August, electrified vehicle (xEV) sales in 12 major countries and 3 Nordic countries (15 countries in total) increased by 1.2% year-over-year (y/y) but decreased by 1.2% month-over-month (m/m) to 1.963 million units, accounting for 41.2% of total automobile sales. Amid persistently high fuel prices, electrified vehicle powertrains are diversifying to suit the market conditions in each region. In China, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales are increasing further with advancements in battery and electric powertrain technology. In Europe, sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are also increasing, partly due to the high tariffs imposed on Chinese-made BEVs. In the United States, the market share of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is
on an upward trend.
The Rapid Rise of Chinese xEV OEMs in Indonesia

- BYD:M6 DM
- SAIC:Wuling Aira ev, MG ZS Hybrid, S5 EV
- Chery:Chery Q, iCAR V27 REEV, LEPAS E4, OMODA O4 EV
- Geely:Coolray, Okavango, Zeekr 009 Grand, 9X, FARIZON
- Leapmotor:B10, C10
- Changan:NEVO Q05, Deepal S05
- GWM:ORA 5
- XPeng:G6
- DFSK:E5 Plus
- BAIC:T1
- BAW:D5, M8, etc.
GlobalData Analyst Briefings

A short report by GlobalData analysts. View recent trends in the automotive industry
Thailand bets on local production as its EV subsidy era ends
Supply chain: Yaris Cross (Thailand, DNGA platform)
The Toyota "Yaris Cross" uses different platforms depending on the destination market; while the "TNGA (GA-B)" platform is used for the Japanese and European markets, the "DNGA" platform is used for emerging markets such as Thailand and Indonesia. As a result, the exterior and component specifications differ from those of the Japanese domestic model. In Thailand, the model was launched in October 2023 and is produced at the Gateway plant exclusively as a hybrid vehicle. Production volume from January to June 2026 totaled approx. 18,000 units. For parts procurement
for this DNGA version, local subsidiaries of Japanese suppliers—including Denso (blind spot monitor sensor), Pioneer (audio), Murakami Corporation (exterior mirrors), Fine Sinter (valve guides), and Tsubakimoto Chain (timing chain)—are being utilized.
DNGA Yaris Cross Supply Chain Overview
Toyota's suppliers in Chachoengsao, Thailand (including indirect transactions)
The vehicle assembly plant (Gateway) and next-generation electric vehicle component production facilities in Chachoengsao Province are closely linked with the key component supply hub in Chonburi Province, creating an efficient, self-contained manufacturing ecosystem within Thailand. Major Japanese suppliers, including the Toyota Boshoku Group, which supplies interior
components, and the DENSO Group, which supplies ADAS and ECU-related components, are also concentrated in the surrounding area, supporting quality, cost competitiveness, and just-in-time parts supply.
Distribution Map | Supplier List
Launch Schedules: Yaris Cross
Maintains Its Advantage in Thailand’s Subcompact SUV Market with Low Price and Fuel Efficiency The Toyota Yaris Cross maintains strong sales in Thailand’s subcompact SUV market, supported by its fuel-efficient HEV featuring a 1.5L four-cylinder engine compatible with E20 fuel, a starting price in the 800,000-baht range, advanced driver assistance systems, and Toyota’s strong brand presence. Sales totaled approximately 25,000 units from January to August 2026. The Yaris Cross is expected to maintain its advantage in terms of price competitiveness and HEV fuel efficiency until Honda’s planned full model change of the HR-V in 2028.
Thailand Subcompact SUV Market Analysis
- Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid specifications and safety features
- Honda HR-V Hybrid specifications and safety features
- Mitsubishi Xforce HEV specifications and safety features
- Nissan Kicks e-POWER specifications and safety features
Thailand Sales Volume Full Year 2025 / Jan.–Aug. 2026:
Toyota Yaris Cross: 34,709 units / 25,426 units
Honda HR-V: 22,051 units / 17,395 units
Mitsubishi Xforce: 4,104 units / 6,796 units
Nissan Kicks: 1,877 units / 1,558 units
Production plants:
Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT), Gateway (Chachoengsao) Plant
PT. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), Karawang Plant
Toyota related plant news
Gunma Tech EXPO 2026
- Mitsuba: EV drive motor and Thin-profile drive system
- Fukoku: Raindrop removal device
- Yamada Manufacturing: Aluminum flange, Oil pump body, Oil pump assembly
- Tsuois die casting: Zinc die-cast parts
- Akiba Die Casting: Rear spoiler bracket, Backdoor handle, Heat sink
- MATSUMURA: In-house integrated production from cutting and brazing to inspection
- Waestro: Urethane plating
- Dorin: Stamped electrical components
Supply Chain: Engine (Ignition System, Lubrication System)
News
- [USA] Hyundai to invest USD 500 million in Montgomery Plant for hybrid, EREV production
- [USA] Ford F-150 production resumes at Dearborn, Kansas City plants, disruption to impact Q3 sales
- [USA] Ford to support suppliers, award USD 1 billion in new business by 2036
- [USA] Faraday Future announces upgrade into robotaxi operations, expansion of cabin tech
- [Mexico, USA, Canada] Mexico optimistic on tariff deal with U.S. on autos, steel, aluminum; seeks better terms than Canada
- [Mexico, Korea] South Korea’s HS Hyosung to establish advanced materials production base in Mexico
- [Germany] BMW launches all-new 3 Series with EV models based on Neue Klasse platform
- [Germany] BASF introduces new Ultradur grades with post-consumer recycled content
- [Germany] Continental supplies OE fitment tires for Porsche Panamera G3 II
- [Germany, China] Henkel and CALB open joint Battery Innovation Center in Changzhou, China
- [France, Korea] OPmobility signs agreement to acquire Hyundai Mobis’ lighting activity
- [UK] UK vehicle production increases 5.7% to 40,872 units in August 2026
- [India] Government of India notifies corporate fuel-economy norms for passenger vehicles from 2027
- [India] Exide Industries further invests INR 1 billion in battery subsidiary
- [India] Tube Investments to Invest INR 2.5 billion in TI Clean Mobility
- [India, Germany] Endurance Technologies to acquire remaining 32% stake in German entities
- [Kazakhstan] Astana Motors starts sales of locally produced JAECOO models in Kazakhstan
- [Brazil] Fiat unveils first teaser for all-new Argo X model in Brazil
- [Iran] Malleable Saipa, Iran, introduces one-ton furnace in casting plant
- [Japan] Global production and sales for eight Japanese OEMs decline in August 2026
- [Japan] Ikuyo to relocate subsidiary’s head office and Atsugi plant
- [Japan] Nidec forecasts JPY 100 billion net profit for FY ending March 2027
- [Japan] Nidec posts JPY 564.6 billion net loss for FY ended March 2026
- [Japan, Germany] Toyoda Gosei uses Covestro’s Makroblend UT235M for luggage panel of Lexus ES
- [Korea] Eco & Dream wins high-nickel NCM precursor order from Umicore
- [Korea] POSCO Future M wins LFP cathode material order from SK On
- [Korea] L&F announces mid- to long-term strategy for EV cathode materials business
- [Korea] South Korean government announces plans for designation and stockpiling of critical minerals
- [Taiwan, USA] Delta partners with NVIDIA for next-generation autonomous driving systems
- [Thailand] Thailand flooding disrupts Toyota production at 4 plants
- [Thailand] Chery Group highlights Thailand performance, plans to add iCAUR V27 REEV to local assembly in 2027



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