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OICA'S TOP 5 NEWS
Francois Roudier
March 20, 2026
Japan’s auto leaders warn greater collaboration needed for survival
Nikkei – Yuichi Shiga – 19 March 2026
Japan’s auto leaders say deeper cooperation across the domestic industry is now essential as Chinese automakers gain global share and intensify competitive pressure. JAMA leaders highlighted supply chains, critical materials, automation, productivity and multi-pathway decarbonization as key priorities to preserve Japan’s industrial strength.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/japan-s-auto-leaders-warn-greater-collaboration-needed-for-survival
India’s auto boom at risk as Iran-Israel war chokes gas supplies, straining supply chains
Reuters – Aditi Shah – 19 March 2026
India’s car industry is facing possible production disruptions as the Iran conflict reduces gas availability, affecting suppliers and factories in a market running at near-record demand with limited inventories. Smaller suppliers appear most exposed, while the growth outlook for 2026 vehicle production has already been trimmed.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indias-auto-boom-risk-iran-israel-war-chokes-gas-supplies-straining-supply-2026-03-19/
Renault unveils its industrial plan for Spain
La Tribuna de Automoción – Ignacio Anasagasti – 19 March 2026
Renault has presented a new industrial plan for Spain that would assign three vehicles to Palencia, including two EVs and one hybrid, while Valladolid would receive updated hybrid versions of Captur and Symbioz. The plan is tied to labor negotiations and depends on improved flexibility, lower absenteeism and cost reductions.
https://www.latribunadeautomocion.es/2026/03/renault-presenta-el-plan-industrial-para-espana-con-tres-coches-para-palencia-y-dos-para-valladolid/
Ford’s ‘radical’ new assembly process could make crash repairs faster and cheaper
Automotive News – Michael Martinez – 19 March 2026
Ford is adopting a unicast aluminum structure strategy for future EVs, arguing that fewer, larger parts can lower manufacturing costs and potentially reduce repair complexity when repairability is built into the design. The approach reflects a broader industry move toward megacasting and new repair methods.
https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-ford-unicasting-repair-costs-0319/
China is taking the lead in safety standards
Autoactu.com – Bertrand Rakoto – 20 March 2026
China is tightening vehicle safety rules with new requirements on door handles, steering wheels, physical controls and battery safety, reinforcing its role as a leading regulatory force. The tougher battery standard in particular could become a major competitive differentiator given China’s fast development cycles.
https://www.autoactu.com/actualites/la-chine-prend-la-tete-des-normes-de-securite
Francois Roudier
March 19, 2026
Chery posts record 2025 results as EV surge and global push fuel growth
Gasgoo – 18 March 2026
Chery delivered record 2025 results, with sales up 14.6% to 2.63 million vehicles and NEV sales up 72.5%. Revenue reached $43.5 billion and net profit $2.83 billion. Exports rose 33.2%, confirming electrification and overseas expansion as core growth drivers.
https://autonews.gasgoo.com/articles/news/chery-automobile-posts-strong-2025-results-as-ev-surge-and-global-push-fuel-growth-2034270691824656385
Gasoline price hike from Iran war could push consumers toward EVs, hybrids
Reuters – Nick Carey and Valerie Volcovici – 18 March 2026
Fuel prices have risen sharply since late February because of the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Analysts say sustained increases could boost EV and hybrid demand, especially in Europe, while in the U.S. higher fuel costs may instead weigh on total vehicle sales.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/gasoline-price-hike-iran-war-could-push-consumers-toward-evs-hybrids-2026-03-18/
Design debut: With the i3, BMW sets a new record for electric range
Automobilwoche – Frank Volk – 18 March 2026
BMW unveiled the new electric i3 sedan as a flagship for its Neue Klasse era. The top i3 50 xDrive offers 469 hp, up to 900 km WLTP range and 400 kW charging, underlining BMW’s ambition to redefine the electric 3 Series.
https://www.automobilwoche.de/autohersteller/bmw/amw-designpremiere-bmw-i3-900-kilometer-reichweite/
Geely Eyes Canadian Auto Market After Deal Allowing Chinese EVs
Bloomberg – Linda Lew – 18 March 2026
Geely is preparing a possible entry into Canada after Ottawa opened limited access for Chinese EVs. The group expects certification for Geely-branded models and is also assessing expansion in Brazil, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, with localization considered alongside exports.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-18/geely-eyes-canadian-auto-market-after-deal-allowing-chinese-evs?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
Great Wall Motor eyes plant options in South Africa
Reuters – Nqobile Dludla – 18 March 2026
Great Wall Motor is exploring local production in South Africa through contract assembly or plant acquisition to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. It has held talks with Mercedes-Benz and Nissan, while also studying export-oriented local production opportunities for future models.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/great-wall-motor-eyes-plant-options-south-africa-2026-03-18/
Francois Roudier
March 18, 2026
China’s EV battery makers widen lead to over 70% global share
Nikkei – SHIZUKA TANABE and NAMI MATSUURA – March 18, 2026, 05:22 JST
Chinese battery makers exceeded 70% of global installed EV battery capacity in 2025, led by CATL at 39.2%. South Korean rivals lost ground amid U.S. EV weakness, while Chinese groups expanded abroad, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/china-s-ev-battery-makers-widen-lead-to-over-70-global-share
Geely Profit Beats Estimates as Sales Approach Those of BYD
Bloomberg – Linda Lew and Charlotte Yang – March 18, 2026, at 7:06 AM GMT+1
Geely posted record 2025 earnings above estimates, with revenue up 25% and vehicle sales nearing 3 million units. Restructuring and strong domestic demand lifted results, but exports stayed weak. BYD still leads on scale, revenue and profitability.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-18/geely-profit-beats-estimates-as-sales-approach-those-of-byd?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
Tariffs force VW to rethink decades-old North American strateg
Automotive News – William Boston – March 17, 2026, 05:52 AM EDT
U.S. tariffs on Mexican-made vehicles are undermining Volkswagen’s long-standing North American model. With exports from Mexico no longer economically viable at current tariff levels, VW faces rising costs, weak U.S. market share and pressure to rethink cross-border manufacturing while seeking a negotiated solution.
https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/ane-vw-tariffs-rethink-north-america-strategy-0317/
Suzuki bets on India’s car market, but will its suppliers follow?
Nikkei – ITSUKI MIYAKE – March 18, 2026, 03:43 JST
Suzuki is urging Japanese suppliers to expand into India to support higher-quality, higher-priced vehicles, but many smaller firms fear uncertain returns. As India becomes a core production base, supplier reluctance could limit Suzuki’s quality gains and ambitious growth plans.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/suzuki-bets-on-india-s-car-market-but-will-its-suppliers-follow
South Africa’s Motor City Is Buckling Under a Tide of Asian Imports
Bloomberg – Alexander Parker and Matthew Hill – March 18, 2026, at 6:00 AM GMT+1
South Africa’s auto industry is under heavy pressure from cheaper Asian imports, rising domestic costs and weak infrastructure. Automakers, unions and investors are urging urgent reforms, warning that without government action, further closures, lost investment and job cuts are likely.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-18/south-african-carmakers-struggle-to-compete-with-chinese-rivals?srnd=phx-industries-transportation
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