Middle East crisis
ACEA suggests turning energy crisis into zero-emission mobility opportunity
On May 5, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) stated that the current instability in the Middle East and the volatility in global energy markets strengthen the case for accelerating the move away from fossil fuels in road transport. The current crisis highlights the need for concrete policy acti
Isuzu Thailand reviews sales targets amid Middle East export disruptions
Reported on May 4, 2026, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales is reassessing domestic and export sales targets as Middle East tensions disrupt trade routes, complicating shipments and making sales forecasting difficult. The conflict has weighed on Thailand’s pickup segment, which is largely dependent on exports to the region, with
U.S. auto sales down 6.0% in April, rising gasoline prices above USD 4 boost demand for sedans and electrified vehicles
Note: Some figures were updated on May 8.
According to preliminary figures compiled by MarkLines as of May 2, U.S. new‐vehicle sales in April 2026 (including estimated figures for GM, Stellantis, Tesla, etc.) totaled 1,374,365 units, down 6.0% year on year. The number of selling days in April was the same as a year e
SERNAUTO, Spain, raises concern over increasing operating costs amid Middle East war
On April 27, the Spanish Association of Automotive Suppliers (SERNAUTO) urged the Administration to take urgent, proportionate measures to address the industry impact of the prolonged war in the Middle East. It is impacting energy markets, global logistics, and the economic environment. Furthermore, supply chain disr
Thailand industrial sentiment softening in March; Auto sector among industries under export pressure
Announced on April 22, 2026, Thailand’s industrial confidence report for March 2026 highlights mounting external pressures across sectors, including the automotive industry, mainly from escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The overall industrial sentiment index was at 88.6 in March 2026, down from 90.
Iran Government denies plans to stop car imports
On April 22, multiple sources reported that the Ministry of Transportation of Iran announced that it has no plans to stop car imports, and car imports have been taking place since the beginning of the year. The vehicles are being cleared at customs, while those requiring a SATA code have been moved into warehouses wi
U.S. Energy Secretary says gas prices may remain elevated until next year
On April 19, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he believes gas prices, which have risen during the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran and Iranian attacks on nearby countries, have peaked but predicted that they may stay above USD 3 per gallon until next year.
Before the war, the average national price for a gallon of
PPG announces global price increase of up to 20% across product lines
On April 15, PPG announced a global price adjustment across its paints, coatings and specialty products portfolio, reflecting the company’s desire to maintain a reliable supply of its high-performance products amid a rapidly evolving global cost environment.
To ensure continuity of supply in the face of higher costs



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