This week was abuzz with major developments in the tech and auto sectors. From potential CEO succession at General Motors Co. to Tesla Inc.’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system getting a boost in South Korea, there was no shortage of news.Let’s dive into the top stories.GM Eyes Ex-Tesla Exec For CEO RoleReports suggest that General Motors Co. is considering Sterling Anderson, its current Chief Product Officer and former Tesla Autopilot exec, as the next CEO. Anderson, who also co-founded Aurora Innovation Inc., ...

The Detroit automaker has done a great job winning over investors this year.For investors in the U.S., Ford Motor Company (F +1.13%) is probably a household name, especially these days. That's because its shares have performed extraordinarily well, producing a total return of 48% in 2025 (as of Dec. 17). That gain almost triples the performance of the S&P 500.The Detroit carmaker has had a phenomenal year, giving it due credit. Investors should have no complaints. However, there's one automotive stock you s ...

New Car Launches - Hongqi HS6 PHEV launched with a price range of 178,800 to 228,800 yuan, featuring a family design style and dimensions of 4925/1970/1740mm [3][4][6] - Ora 5 launched with a price range of 99,800 to 133,800 yuan, offering five models and a limited-time trade-in subsidy of 8,000 yuan [15][16][18] - Ford Mustang Mach-E launched with a price range of 229,800 to 282,800 yuan, available in both pure electric and range-extended versions [24][25][27] Company Developments - BYD's 15 millionth new energy vehicle rolled off the production line, achieving this milestone in 17 years, with the last 5 million produced in just 13 months [65][66][70] - Honda plans to suspend or reduce production at its factories in Japan and China due to semiconductor shortages [71][72][75] - Lantu Motors and CATL signed a ten-year deepening cooperation agreement to advance battery technology [76][77] - GAC Group announced the establishment of a new business unit combining its high-end brand Haobo and mass-market brand Aion for better resource synergy [80][81] - Li Auto is establishing an AI R&D center in Silicon Valley, focusing on smart driving technology [82][85] Industry News - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued new regulations limiting hidden door handles in vehicles, effective from January 1, 2027 [98][99][102] - The European Union has decided to relax its 2035 ban on internal combustion engines, allowing plug-in hybrid vehicles to continue being sold [103][105][107] - Japan plans to impose a weight-based tax on electric vehicles starting May 2028, with tax rates increasing based on vehicle weight [108][110][112]

Ford made a decision to pivot away from full electric vehicles, and it comes at a hefty cost -- but does it make Ford stock a sell?The automotive industry has been adapting to the shifting landscape as the Trump administration continues to remove support for electric vehicles (EVs), helping fuel a slowdown in EV demand during the fourth quarter and likely beyond. Investors have been watching these changes and massive strategic decisions, and billions of investment dollars hang in the balance. This week, For ...

Core Insights - The electric F-150 pickup truck has been noted for its impressive features but has not met the high expectations set by the market [1] Group 1 - The electric F-150 was recognized for its capabilities as a pickup truck [1] - Despite its impressive attributes, the vehicle fell short in the expectations game, indicating a disconnect between consumer anticipation and actual performance [1]

Investment Rating - The report suggests a "Buy" rating for the "Space Photovoltaics" sector, emphasizing its high potential due to the unique energy supply needs in commercial space endeavors [1][5]. Core Insights - The report highlights the increasing importance of "Space Photovoltaics" as a critical energy source for various space applications, including low Earth orbit satellites and future lunar bases, driven by the urgency of U.S.-China competition and limited orbital resources [1][5]. - The report also expresses optimism for the wind power sector, particularly following Poland's successful auction for 3.4GW of offshore wind projects, which is expected to accelerate order releases in the coming years [2][10]. - The hydrogen and fuel cell sector is gaining traction, with significant contracts for green ammonia as a marine fuel, indicating a growing market for sustainable energy solutions [12][13]. Summary by Sections Space Photovoltaics - The report emphasizes the necessity of solar energy in space applications, likening its importance to electricity supply for AI computing [1][5]. - The potential for rapid fundamental catalysts in this sector is noted, suggesting it may outpace other emerging industries like nuclear fusion and robotics [1][5]. Wind Power - Poland's recent auction for 3.4GW of offshore wind capacity is expected to enhance visibility for long-term European offshore wind demand, with annual grid connection capacities projected to exceed 14GW by 2031-2032 [2][9]. - The report anticipates accelerated releases of orders for components such as piles and subsea cables due to this growing demand [2][10]. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells - A major shipping company has secured a long-term contract for 15.8 million tons of green ammonia, validating its use as a marine fuel and highlighting the commercial viability of green hydrogen solutions [12][13]. - The report notes the comprehensive capabilities of Chinese companies in the green ammonia supply chain, from production to certification and logistics [13]. Lithium Battery Sector - Ford has terminated a significant battery supply agreement with LG Energy, reflecting shifts in electric vehicle demand expectations and policy adjustments [17][18]. - The report indicates a strong upward trend in lithium carbonate prices, with futures contracts surpassing 110,000 yuan/ton, driven by supply constraints and limited inventories [17][41]. AIDC and Liquid Cooling - The report highlights a surge in sentiment within the AIDC sector, driven by significant partnerships and the increasing demand for liquid cooling solutions in data centers [20][21]. - It emphasizes the importance of domestic companies in enhancing their positions in the global liquid cooling market, suggesting a favorable outlook for investment opportunities [20][21]. Electrical Equipment and Grid - The report discusses the planned H-share issuance by a key electrical equipment company, aimed at enhancing R&D and international expansion, which is seen as a critical milestone for the company's growth strategy [22][23]. - It highlights the expected growth in demand for electrical transformers and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, driven by ongoing upgrades in the global power grid [22][23].

Core Insights - Ford is experiencing a strong sales year in 2025, but its operating profit has declined significantly [1] - The company's EBITDA for the 12 months ending September 30, 2025, was $9.4 billion, reflecting a 4.55% year-over-year decline [3] - Ford has issued nearly 140 recalls in 2025, significantly impacting its growth potential [10] Sales Performance - Ford's U.S. sales figures show an increase from 1.77 million vehicles in 2022 to 2.08 million in 2024, marking a 4.2% increase [8] - In 2023, Ford sold 1.99 million vehicles, representing a 7.1% increase from the previous year [8] Financial Metrics - The decline in EBITDA from $12.8 billion in 2021 to $9.4 billion in 2025 raises concerns about Ford's financial health [3] - The company anticipates over $1 billion in tariff expenses this year, although its domestic manufacturing mitigates some of the tariff burden compared to competitors [3] Recall Issues - Ford has set a record for recalls, surpassing General Motors' previous record with 89 recalls before July [5] - The company accounted for 35% of U.S. auto recalls in 2025, indicating a significant challenge compared to Stellantis, which accounted for only 12% [10] - The majority of recalls are linked to older vehicle models, complicating Ford's efforts to improve its recall situation [7]

Core Insights - Ford is taking a $19.5 billion hit primarily due to its struggling electric vehicle (EV) business and is shifting focus towards manufacturing gas-powered and hybrid vehicles while entering the energy storage market [1] - The company plans to invest $2 billion in retooling an EV battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky, to produce battery energy storage systems for utilities and AI data centers, with a target to resume operations in 18 months [2][3] - The demand for energy solutions is increasing, particularly due to the growth of AI data centers, which are expected to significantly raise electricity consumption [3][4] Company Strategy - Ford's new strategy includes repurposing an EV battery plant, leading to approximately 1,600 layoffs, although affected workers can apply for one of the 2,100 new jobs created at the plant [1][2] - CEO Jim Farley emphasized the pivot from investing heavily in EVs to focusing on more profitable ventures, indicating a strategic shift in the company's direction [2] Industry Trends - Following the elimination of the federal $7,500 EV credit, U.S. EV sales dropped over 41% in November, highlighting the challenges in the EV market [3] - Data centers currently consume about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity, with projections indicating this could rise to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028, suggesting a growing market for battery storage solutions [4]

If you’re looking to buy a new car, you’re probably going to finance a large part of it unless you’ve saved a bundle for a down payment. According to The Guardian, auto loans rank as the third-largest form of consumer credit in the U.S., following mortgages and student loans and make up 85% of all new car purchases. Before you put the pedal to the test model metal, you’ll need to figure out factors like the amount you can put toward a down payment, what you can get on a trade-in and the state tax you’ll ...

Core Insights - Ford Motor Co. has announced a recall of over 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential roll-away risk [1][2] Recall Details and Safety Issue - The recall affects specific models including 2022–2026 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024–2026 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025–2026 Maverick [2] - The issue is related to the integrated park module, which may fail to secure the vehicle in the park position [2] - Ford will provide a free software update to address the park module issue [2] Strategic Focus - This recall occurs as Ford is refocusing its business model towards higher-return opportunities, including expanding its hybrid lineup and developing a new, low-cost Universal EV platform for North America [3] - The company has also decided to halt production of the electric F-150 Lightning, raising questions about the future of the EV market [4] Market Context - Ford has issued over 135 recalls in 2025, affecting millions of vehicles across various model lines [4] - The stock has a market capitalization of $53.67 billion, with a 52-week high of $13.99 and a low of $8.44, reflecting a 36.34% gain over the past 12 months [5]