MITI clarifies open investment rules for BYD and other foreign automakers in Malaysia Reported on March 31, 2026, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has issued a statement clarifying its policies on foreign automotive investment and BYD’s CKD assembly plans in Malaysia. Earlier reports suggested that MITI had imposed restrictive conditions on BYD’s Tanjung Malim plant, including a reported requirement to export up to 80% of...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

V-Green joins Vikki Bank to expand EV charging and battery swapping network in Vietnam Announced on April 1, 2026, V-Green Global Charging Station Development JSC and Vikki Bank have formed a strategic partnership to grow Vietnam’s electric vehicle infrastructure. The collaboration will deploy EV charging stations and electric motorcycle battery swapping cabinets for VinFast users, supporting a more sustainable and connected EV ecosystem. Under...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

Auto China 2026: Marelli to unveil 3 lighting innovations Marelli announced that it will introduce 3 production-ready lighting technologies at Auto China 2026 in Beijing from April 24 to May 3. Thin Corner to Corner Headlamp integrates all core lighting functions with touch and intelligent voice interaction directly into the lighting system. It features ultra-slim lighting modules of just 15 mm x 120 mm. Its interactive functions include opening ...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

ducts, and specialty filler materials. It employs approximately 1,200 people and generated around USD 220 million in sales in 2025. The acquisition strengthens Michelin’s growth in polymer composite solutions and expands its sealing portfolio and market reach. (From a press release dated April 2, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

Philippines’ MIAS 2026 scheduled for April 9–12, themed “Powering Mobility” Announced on March 27, 2026, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 will be held from April 9 to 12 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, with additional space at the Philippine Trade Training Center. Under the theme “Powering Mobility,” this year’s edition will extend beyond vehicle displays, with a stronger emphasis on solutions-driven engagement...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

Charge+ exceeds 4,000 EV charging points in Singapore Announced on March 30, 2026, Charge+ has grown its network beyond 4,000 charging points nationwide, reinforcing its position as Singapore’s largest EV charging operator, as the country steps up EV adoption under the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Of these, over 2,000 are installed across four of Singapore’s five HDB zones, while around 1,700 points are located within roughly 300 condominiums. ...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

2026 Isuzu D-Max with new 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine launched in Malaysia Announced on March 31, 2026, the 2026 Isuzu D-Max has been launched in Malaysia, headlined by a new 2.2L turbodiesel engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, alongside styling and equipment updates. The new RZ4F-TC 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel replaces the 1.9L unit, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission co-developed w...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

investigating facts about the supply instability of goods such as coating thinner. In the future, the government will grasp the actual state of supply chains, including overseas, and take measures in areas where distribution is inadequate. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on April 3, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

Six Japanese OEMs’ U.S. sales fall for the first time in four years (Jan–Mar 2026) Six Japanese automakers’ new vehicle sales in the U.S. from January to March 2026 totaled 1,416,619 units, a year-over-year (y/y) decrease of 5.4% for the first time in four years. The reason for the decline is believed to be the previous year’s robust sales from a last-minute surge in demand before higher automotive tariffs took effect (in April 2025). Cru...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

cting in Indiana, the U.S., and is scheduled to start operations by the end of the year. Mitsubishi Materials and ReElement will also conduct a feasibility study aimed at jointly commercializing rare earth and rare metal recycling in Japan. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on April 3, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

CaoCao Inc. approved for safety officer-free road testing of ICVs On April 1, CaoCao Inc. became Hangzhou’s first intelligent passenger vehicle company to be approved by the Chinese authorities for safety officer-free road testing of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs). This marks a new stage for unmanned ICV operations. In 2026, CaoCao Inc. plans to develop more urban markets in China, explore the development of Robotaxi operations in Hong K...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

Chemical plans to expand its business scope by entering the LFP materials field. Furthermore, it will promote the practical application of research results on battery-grade high-purity iron sulfate manufacturing technology and LFP material recycling technology. (From a press release dated April 1, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

MLCC products, as well as materials for electronic components and material manufacturing processes. TDK holds a 51% stake, while Nippon Chemical Industrial holds 49%. Initially, the new company will have a staff of approximately 30 people. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on April 3, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

panies. In addition, it is developing SGF (Switchable glazing Film), used in automotive glass to adjust light and heat transmission, and photopolymer films for HWD (holographic windshield display), which projects information onto the windshield as a large display. (From a press release on March 30, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

nd “Dutro,” and vehicles for the Japan Self-Defense Forces. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota, the company will enhance its manufacturing competitiveness. The Hamura Plant is currently the only automobile production plant in Tokyo. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on April 2, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

 • Alfa Romeo brand sales were down 52.9% to 919 units, with sales falling across all 3 models  Among EV models, Jeep Wagoneer S sales dropped 93.3% to 175 units, Dodge Charger BEV sales dropped 87.7% to 240 units, and FIAT 500e sales dropped 84.8% to 68 units. (Stellantis releases on April 1, 2026) 1 / 2...

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e used Ontario-made auto parts and assembled the vehicles with Ontario autoworkers. Stellantis bought a 20% stake in Leapmotor in 2023, and in 2024 formed the Leapmotor International joint venture, focused on global production and sale of EVs. The JV plans to start producing Leapmotor SUVs later in 2026 at a Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, near a battery plant Stellantis is building with CATL. Leapmotor and Stellantis also plan to produce EV...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

appointed in November 2025 to the newly created role of senior vice president for global exports. GM has previously noted that Wuling makes an important “contribution to GM’s profitability in the international market and holds great potential for future growth.” (multiple sources on March 31, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

GM U.S. Q1 2026 sales fall 9.7% from pre-tariff market high On April 1, GM announced that its sales in Q1 2026 totaled 626,429 vehicles, a decline of 9.7% compared to the same period a year earlier. GM says it expects a similar decline for the U.S. auto industry as a whole since the current market has been feeling the effects of winter storms (as well as affordability and gasoline price concerns) and is being compared to an exceptionally high sel...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

Ford Q1 U.S. sales down 8.8% from Q1 2025 to 457,315 units On April 2, Ford announced that it sold 457,315 vehicles in Q1 2026, a decrease of 8.8% from a particularly strong industry performance in the same quarter a year ago. Ford brand SUV sales in Q1 dropped 7.8% to 185,766 units, while truck sales fell 11.3% to 257,475 units (with F-150 sales affected in part by available inventory after a fire at an aluminum supplier’s plant late last year...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03