Core Viewpoint - Volkswagen's global new car sales are projected to slightly decrease in 2025, primarily due to a significant decline in the Chinese market, where sales are expected to drop by 8% [2][7]. Group 1: Global Sales Performance - Volkswagen's global new car sales are expected to reach 8,983,900 units in 2025, a slight decrease from 2024 [2]. - The company's electric vehicle (EV) sales globally increased by 32% to 983,100 units, with the proportion of EVs in new car sales rising from 8.2% in 2024 to 10.9% in 2025 [4]. - In Europe, EV sales rebounded significantly, growing by 66% to 742,800 units, driven by an expanded product line at competitive prices [4]. Group 2: Performance in China - Volkswagen's new car sales in China fell by 8% to 2,693,800 units, resulting in a market share of 10.9%, which is lower than BYD's 14.7% and Geely's 11% [2][7]. - The decline in EV sales in China was stark, with only 115,500 units sold, a 44% decrease, attributed to intense price competition and a strategic focus on maintaining profit margins over volume [6]. - Volkswagen plans to introduce new EV models in China starting in 2026, emphasizing a strategy that prioritizes high-margin engine vehicles [6].

Core Viewpoint - Sally's has reported a significant increase in net profit for the period from September to November 2025, achieving a 16% year-on-year growth, reaching 3 billion yen, marking a two-year high in net profit. The company's low-price strategy has proven effective, leading to a substantial increase in customer numbers despite rising raw material costs [1][3]. Financial Performance - For the period of September to November 2025, Sally's consolidated sales increased by 15% year-on-year, reaching 70.2 billion yen, and operating profit rose by 19% to 4.6 billion yen. The net profit exceeded market expectations, which were projected at 2.8 billion yen [3]. - The operating profit from domestic operations in Japan increased to 1.4 billion yen, a 2.8-fold increase, with same-store sales growing by 17%. The number of customers increased by 15%, particularly among younger patrons during off-peak hours [6]. - The sales cost ratio rose by 0.6 percentage points to 42.3% due to the depreciation of the yen and rising prices of ingredients like rice [6]. Strategic Initiatives - The company has implemented a stock repurchase plan of up to 1 billion yen, with a limit of 200,000 shares, representing 0.4% of the total issued shares, excluding treasury stock [3]. - The sales management expense ratio improved by 0.8 percentage points, attributed to revenue growth and the introduction of digital transformation (DX) technologies, including a QR code ordering system implemented across all stores by December 2025 [8]. Market Outlook - Despite challenges in the overseas Asian market, where operating profit declined by 6% to 3 billion yen due to sluggish domestic consumption in China, the company maintains its full-year performance forecast for fiscal year 2026, expecting an 8% increase in sales to 276.3 billion yen and an 11% increase in net profit to 12.4 billion yen [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Constitutional Democratic Party and the Komeito Party are forming a new party called "Center Reform Union" to unite centrist forces against the increasingly conservative government led by Prime Minister Seiko Noda [2][4]. Group 1 - The new party aims to counter the conservative policies of the Noda government, particularly in areas such as security and constitutional amendments [4]. - The earliest voting date for the upcoming House of Representatives election is set for February 8 [4]. - The leaders of both parties, Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito, have agreed on the direction for forming the new party during a meeting in the National Diet [4]. Group 2 - The Constitutional Democratic Party will receive support from Komeito in all single-member districts, while Komeito candidates will be prioritized on the proportional representation list [4]. - Noda expressed an intention to reach out to other parties beyond the National Democratic Party, maintaining an open attitude towards those who support the centrist reform agenda [4]. - A new party program and basic policies are expected to be announced soon, with a focus on finding common ground in security and energy policy [4].

Group 1 - The article discusses the ongoing competition between the US and China in the fields of generative AI and physical AI, particularly focusing on semiconductor technology [4][6] - On January 15, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on certain advanced semiconductors, including Nvidia's H200 manufactured in Taiwan, while conditionally allowing exports to China [2][4] - The US aims to prioritize domestic demand for semiconductors, requiring that exports to China do not exceed 50% of the quantity shipped to the US [6] Group 2 - Nvidia has expressed appreciation for the decision to allow H200 exports, indicating that even with additional tariffs, the benefits of accessing the Chinese market are significant [6][7] - The Chinese government is reportedly discussing restrictions on the total quantity of advanced semiconductors that can be purchased by Chinese companies, aiming to enhance domestic supply capabilities [6][7] - The H200's processing performance is noted to surpass that of competing products from Chinese companies, which could facilitate AI development in China if imports are allowed [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape of patents in the field of "physical AI," which integrates humanoid robots and artificial intelligence, highlighting China's leading position in this sector [2][4]. Group 1: Patent Competitiveness - China ranks first globally in the comprehensive strength of patents related to physical AI, followed closely by the United States [2]. - The analysis was conducted with the assistance of LexisNexis, focusing on the integration of robotics and AI technologies [2]. Group 2: Leading Companies - The top three companies in terms of comprehensive patent strength in the physical AI sector are Baidu (4126 points), Huawei (3645 points), and Tencent (3043 points), all from China [5][6]. - Samsung Electronics from South Korea ranks fourth with 2734 points, followed by NVIDIA from the United States with 2154 points [5]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Chinese companies, while leading in quantity, still face challenges in patent quality compared to American firms like Intel, NVIDIA, and Alphabet, although Huawei is reportedly nearing their level [6]. - Japan's highest-ranked company in this field is Fanuc, which is positioned at 13th place [6].

Group 1 - Sony Group has stopped participating in the CES technology exhibition, raising questions about how it will maintain its presence as a technology company while shifting focus to entertainment [5] - CES, held annually in early January in Las Vegas, has evolved from a home appliance showcase to a major event featuring cutting-edge technologies across various industries [5] - Despite Sony's absence, its joint venture with Honda, Sony Honda Mobility Inc., continues to participate and will showcase the latest developments in electric vehicles (EVs) set to be supplied starting in 2026 [5]

台积电在美国西部亚利桑那州推进的半导体工厂（远藤启生摄） 在台积电等台湾企业于美国建设工厂期间，允许其在不承担税负的情况下，向美国出口最多相当于完工 后预计产量2.5倍的半导体。美国商务部长卢特尼克警告：如果台湾企业中止在美建厂，"半导体关税将 上调至100%"…… 美国商务部1月15日宣布，美国与台湾的贸易谈判已达成协议。台湾企业以半导体为中心，承诺对美投 资2500亿美元；美国则把对台湾征收的20%对等关税，下调至与既有税率合计为15%。 根据美国商务部当日公布的协议概要，台湾方面还将设立同等规模的2500亿美元信用担保。美台此外还 同意在美国国内共同建设一个以先进技术为核心的大型"工业园区"，但未明确时间、地点及资金规模。 未来关税设减免措施，若违规将征收"100%关税" 自拜登前政府时期起，台积电一直在美国西部亚利桑那州推进先进半导体工厂建设。台积电对亚利桑那 州新工厂的累计投资额已达1650亿美元，计划使约三成下一代先进半导体实现美国本土生产。 卢特尼克在采访中警告称，如果台湾企业中止在美建厂，"半导体关税将上调至100%"。 目前，关于何时扩大半导体关税的征税范围、是否提高税率等具体时间表，尚未公 ...

（资料图） 在1月14日在美国底特律开幕的车展上，纯电动汽车消失，很多美国企业让非电动汽车成为主角，但在 车展上热门话题不是特朗普，而是"中国厂商何时登陆美国"。考虑进入美国市场的中国车企正在摸索三 种方式…… 在1月14日在美国中西部密歇根州底特律开幕的车展上。美国总统特朗普也在车展前亲临现场，强调其 成果称，"我前所未有地一直支持美国的汽车工人"。 总部设在底特律的通用汽车（GM）等"底特律概念股"并没有欢迎的氛围。截至上周，宣布由于特朗普 政策的影响，纯电动汽车 (EV) 的损失扩大，这一消息产生明显影响，从特朗普访问前至15日的股价来 看，通用汽车下跌3%，福特汽车下跌4%，斯特兰蒂斯下跌11%。 在车展的会场，热门话题不是特朗普，而是"中国厂商何时登陆美国"。 契机是车展前一周在美国拉斯维加斯举行的科技博览会"CES"上发生的事情。 生产自动驾驶传感器的中国速腾聚创（RoboSense）北美市场总裁赵培培表示，考虑进入美国市场的中 国车企正在摸索三种方式，一是提高质量，赢得美国客户的青睐，二是利用与美国企业的合作，三是作 为与中国完全分离的企业进入。 尽管进入美国市场的时间无法确定，但"实惠的价格" ...

日本公明党代表斋藤铁夫（左）和立宪民主党代表野田佳彦（右） 日本立宪民主党和公明党决定成立"新党"迎战众议院选举。公明党被认为在每个选区拥有约2万张选 票。如果自民党失去已解除联合执政关系的公明党的选票，在小选区的现任议员中，可能会有两成陷入 苦战。但也有"新党未必能带来预期效果"的观点…… 日本立宪民主党和公明党1月15日决定，将为迎接众议院选举成立"新党"。以日本"创价学会"为支持母 体的公明党被认为在每个选区拥有约2万张选票。如果自民党失去已解除联合执政关系的公明党的选 票，在小选区的现任议员中，可能会有两成陷入苦战。 公明党代表斋藤铁夫15日向媒体表示，在新党未推出公认候选人的选区，将以"候选人个人为中心"的原 则确定支持对象。虽然依旧不排除支持自民党候选人的可能性，但伴随决定结成新党，这样做的门槛已 经抬高。 日本经济新闻根据2024年众议院选举结果，调查了公明党的集票能力。依据日本共同社实施的投票后民 意调查显示的各小选区的政党支持率进行了推算。通过将有效投票数量乘以公明党的支持率，推算出了 公明党票数。 从2024年日本众议院选举结果来看，在日本全国289个小选区中，自民党在132个小选区获胜。 ...

Core Viewpoint - Huawei is projected to lead the Chinese smartphone market in 2025 with a shipment of 46.7 million units, despite a slight decrease of 1.9% from 2024, primarily due to the decline of competitor Vivo [3][5]. Group 1: Huawei's Performance - Huawei's flagship Mate series and budget nova series are performing well, both equipped with self-developed Kirin semiconductors [6]. - The company has managed to recover from a decline in sales caused by U.S. sanctions that limited semiconductor procurement, leading to a drop in product performance since 2019 [1][6]. - The latest model, Mate 80, launched in November 2025, features enhanced performance and AI capabilities while being priced lower than its predecessor, aiming to increase the user base of the HarmonyOS [6]. Group 2: Competitor Analysis - Apple ranks second with a shipment of 46.2 million units, showing a growth of 4%, bolstered by strong sales of the iPhone 17 series launched in September 2025 [6]. - Vivo, which held the top position in 2024, saw a significant decline of 6.6%, resulting in a shipment of 46.1 million units in 2025 [3][5]. - Xiaomi and OPPO follow with shipments of 43.8 million and 43.4 million units, respectively, with Xiaomi experiencing a growth of 4.3% and OPPO a modest increase of 2.1% [5]. Group 3: Market Overview - The overall smartphone shipment in China for 2025 is projected to be 284.6 million units, a decrease of 0.6% year-on-year, marking the first decline in two years [6]. - Government incentives for trade-ins have had a positive impact, but some regions have exhausted their subsidy quotas, leading to a slowdown in demand [6]. - IDC forecasts a further decline in shipments to 278 million units in 2026, continuing the downward trend [6].