Production Performance - Honda Motor Company reported a 3.8% year-on-year increase in global production to 310,275 vehicles in September 2025, up from 298,845 units in the same month last year [1] - In the first nine months of 2025, total global production was 2,591,296 vehicles, a decrease of 7% from 2,786,509 units a year earlier [2] - Domestic output in Japan was slightly higher at 504,118 units, while overseas production dropped by over 8% to 2,087,178 units [2] Regional Production Insights - Vehicle production in Asia, excluding Japan, fell by over 18% to 798,546 units year-to-date, with a 19% drop in Chinese output to 486,575 units [3] - North American production declined by 2% to 1,215,260 units, with US output falling by 5% to 735,318 units [3] Export Trends - Overall exports from Japan increased by 24% to 76,137 units year-to-date, driven by a nearly fourfold increase in exports to the US, reaching 16,328 units [3] - Exports to Europe fell by almost 16% to 29,262 units [3]

Key TakeawaysGold prices have experienced significant volatility around the $4,000 per ounce mark, having surpassed this milestone earlier in October 2025 and reaching an all-time high of $4,381.58, though recently dipping below due to easing safe-haven demand.Mercedes-Benz (MBG) reported a substantial 31% year-on-year drop in third-quarter net income to €1.19 billion, primarily attributed to weak sales in China, U.S. tariffs, and intense competition.Honda (HMC) has halted production at its Mexican plant an ...

The Honda 0 α, developed as an SUV, is designed to blend seamlessly with both urban and natural environments, supporting people's lives in every situation, the automaker said at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.According to the company, the production model of the Honda 0 α will be launched globally, primarily in Japan and India, in 2027. It will mark Honda’s first battery electric vehicle for the Indian market.Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Director, President and Representative, Toshihiro Mibe, said the company is wo ...

Core Insights - A geopolitical dispute over basic chips is evolving into a global supply chain crisis for automobile production [1] - Honda announced a 50% reduction in production capacity at its Alliston assembly plant in Ontario, which produces Civic sedans and CR-V SUVs [1] - The Dutch government has frozen operations of the Chinese company Nexperia, which is a subsidiary of Wingtech Technology, citing "economic security" [1][4] - This situation has led to a critical shortage of chip inventory for some automakers and suppliers, with analysts warning that the issue cannot be easily resolved through temporary procurement of substitutes [1][2][3] Industry Impact - Basic chips produced by Nexperia are not advanced semiconductors, but their widespread application in vehicles complicates the search for alternative suppliers [2] - Volvo's CEO highlighted that the issue involves hundreds of small microprocessors used in various vehicle systems, indicating that this crisis cannot be managed through simple adjustments to production plans [3] - Ford's COO warned of the need for a rapid resolution to avoid production losses in Q4, emphasizing the broader implications for the entire industry [5] - The global largest automotive supplier Bosch is preparing to adjust production plans at a German factory due to the supply chain disruptions [5] - The European Union's trade commissioner stressed the importance of restoring and securing the semiconductor supply chain for Europe and its global partners [5] Supply Chain Concerns - Barclays analysts noted that while many suppliers believe there are alternatives for basic chips, the limited inventory poses a significant challenge, with most suppliers holding only two to three weeks of stock [5] - The chip shortage could impact automotive suppliers as early as this week, and if the supply chain stagnation continues, the effects may extend beyond the automotive industry [5][6] - The German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) indicated that production stoppages could affect manufacturers of generators, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of "hidden champions" in Germany and Japan, highlighting the rise of Chinese companies as new leaders in the global industrial landscape. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Hidden Champions - The term "hidden champions" refers to small and medium-sized enterprises that dominate niche markets but remain largely unknown to the public. These companies typically have a global market share in the top two positions and annual sales below $10 billion, although the criteria have been relaxed to include those with sales under $50 billion [5][7]. - As of 2023, there are 3,406 hidden champions globally, with Germany accounting for 1,573, nearly half of the total [7][11]. Group 2: Current State of Hidden Champions - The article notes that the myth of hidden champions is fading as the high-end industrial supply chain in China undergoes comprehensive upgrades [6]. - Germany's manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive industry, is experiencing a systemic decline, with a reported 80% increase in bankruptcies since 2021 [22][25]. Group 3: Economic Challenges in Germany - Germany's GDP fell by 0.2% last year, marking its second consecutive year of decline, a rare occurrence since 1950 [21]. - Major automotive companies, including Bosch and Volkswagen, are planning significant layoffs, with Bosch alone cutting 13,000 jobs [22][24]. Group 4: Comparison with Chinese Companies - While hidden champions in Germany and Japan are declining, Chinese companies are rapidly emerging as new industrial leaders, particularly in advanced manufacturing and digital technology [41]. - China has cultivated over 14,000 specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, with the number of hidden champions increasing from about 100 to 300 in the past five years [41]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The article suggests that the traditional manufacturing models of Germany and Japan are becoming obsolete, as they struggle with digital transformation and innovation [33][35]. - In contrast, China's hidden champions are gaining strength and represent significant future growth potential, indicating a shift in the global industrial landscape [41][43].

Honda begins temporary production reductions and stoppages this week at North American factories. ...

Group 1 - The dinner hosted by President Trump in Tokyo aims to announce the results of Japanese investments in the U.S., with notable attendees from various companies [1] - Japan has committed to providing $550 billion in funding support for U.S. projects as part of a trade framework established earlier this year, in exchange for reduced tariffs on Japanese goods [1] - The investment agreements discussed during the dinner focus on manufacturing and energy sectors, with potential investment amounts ranging from $350 million to $100 billion [1] Group 2 - U.S. Commerce Secretary stated the importance of clarifying the investment funding terms of the trade agreement, which have been subject to differing interpretations [2] - The $550 billion commitment is described by Trump as funds that his administration can "freely allocate," while Japan views it as support for Japanese companies' projects in the U.S. through various forms including investments and loans [2] - A map presented by Japan during discussions highlights investments announced during Trump's second term, including significant projects by companies like Nippon Steel, Toyota, and Toto [2]

国内新闻 交通运输部：10月20日至26日全国高速公路货车通行环比增长1.59% 据交通运输部官微，10月20日至26日，全国高速公路货车通行5904.2万辆，环比增长1.59%；邮政快递揽收量约45.63亿件， 环比增长15.69%；投递量约44.01亿件，环比增长11.59%。 据外媒报道，近日，日本汽车制造商协会表示，日本一些汽车零部件厂商已收到安世半导体发出的供应中断预警，安世半 导体称可能无法再保证芯片供应。该协会指出，安世半导体供应的是关键芯片元件，一旦出现短缺，将对日本车企产生连锁反 应。本月早些时候，荷兰政府以知识产权问题为由，接管了总部位于荷兰的安世半导体，其母公司是中国公司闻泰科技。此 前，美国曾因安世半导体与闻泰科技的关联关系，威胁将其列入贸易禁令清单，使其成为中美贸易争端的新焦点，而荷兰的做 法可能对更广泛的全球汽车供应链构成威胁。除了欧洲车企，日本丰田、本田、日产等车企均在密切关注事态进展。 国家统计局：1-9月汽车制造业利润同比增长3.4% 10月27日，国家统计局发布数据显示，1-9月，全国规模以上工业企业实现利润总额53732.0亿元，同比增长3.2%（按可比口 径计算）。1- ...

Core Insights - OMC Power, a renewable energy service company in India, has received an equity investment from Honda Motor to collaborate on the development of clean energy storage batteries [1] Company Summary - OMC Power is backed by Mitsui & Co and Chubu Electric Power, indicating strong support from established Japanese firms in the renewable energy sector [1] - The partnership with Honda Motor highlights the growing interest of automotive companies in renewable energy solutions, particularly in energy storage [1] Industry Summary - The investment reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards integrating renewable energy technologies, which is essential for the transition to sustainable energy sources [1] - The collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities in clean energy storage, which is critical for the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems [1]

Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co Ltd has picked up a minority stake, in the range of 5-10 per cent, in homegrown OMC Power, which is in the process of building up 1 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy portfolio in India, according to industry sources. The investment has come at a time when OMC Power is entering into a new business vertical where the company will deploy electric vehicle (EV) batteries as battery energy storage system (BESS) solution, and re-purpose the old EV batteries to support with UPS (unin ...