San Diego, CA, Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Returning to its original home at La Jolla Cove, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) will host its flagship event, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) fueled by Toyota, from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, October 26. The weekend showcases inclusive sports through a series of events that unite athletes, supporters, and volunteers with a shared goal: empowering individuals with physical disabilities through sport. The weekend includes a full line ...

Core Insights - Japanese automakers are expected to adopt a conservative approach to R&D spending in the fiscal year 2025, with R&D expenditure projected to be less than 4% of sales, significantly lower than their overseas competitors [2][11] - The R&D spending of Japan's seven major automakers is projected to total 3.94 trillion yen, a slight increase of 2% year-on-year, with the R&D expenditure ratio at 3.92%, marking the second consecutive year below 4% [2][3] R&D Spending Breakdown - Honda leads the group with an R&D expenditure ratio of 5.7%, while Toyota ranks last at 2.8%. However, in terms of total R&D spending, Toyota remains the highest at 1.37 trillion yen, a 3.3% increase year-on-year [3][4] - Nissan plans to invest 630 billion yen in R&D, a 1.8% increase, with a ratio of 5% of expected sales. Suzuki's R&D spending is expected to rise by 13% to 300 billion yen, with a ratio of 5.2% [3][4] - Subaru anticipates a 12.5% decline in R&D spending, while Mitsubishi's spending remains unchanged from the previous year [3] Market Challenges - Japan's automotive industry faces significant challenges, including a 13.8% year-on-year decline in exports to the U.S., with automotive exports dropping by 28.4% due to U.S. tariff policies [6] - The seven major Japanese automakers are expected to see a combined operating profit reduction of approximately 2.67 trillion yen in the fiscal year 2025, which is over 30% of their total operating profit for the fiscal year 2024 [6] Strategic Shifts - Japanese automakers are adjusting their R&D strategies in response to the global slowdown in electric vehicle market growth, with some projects being postponed or scaled down [6][13] - Toyota plans to diversify its investments in carbon neutrality, focusing on hybrid and hydrogen technologies alongside electric vehicles, while also developing a software-defined vehicle platform [13][14] - Honda is prioritizing R&D in software-defined vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), collaborating with Chinese companies to adapt to local market needs [13][14] Competitive Landscape - German automakers are significantly outpacing Japanese firms in R&D spending, with Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz leading the global rankings [7][8] - BYD has emerged as a strong competitor, ranking seventh in global R&D spending, reflecting the aggressive investment strategies of Chinese automakers in the electric and smart vehicle sectors [8]

Group 1: New Car Launches - Wei brand Gaoshan 7 launched with a price of 285,800 yuan, featuring a size of 5050/1960/1900mm and a wheelbase of 3085mm, positioned as a large 7-seater MPV [2][3][6] - New IM LS6 Super Range 52Max+ version launched at a limited price of 229,900 yuan, equipped with a 52kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a CLTC pure electric range of 370km [2][23] - New GAC Trumpchi M8 Master Edition launched with prices ranging from 269,900 to 289,900 yuan, featuring a size of 5251/1893/1823mm and a wheelbase of 3070mm [2][24][26] - New Dongfeng Nano 01 launched with a limited price of 58,800 to 88,800 yuan, featuring a size of 4020/1810/1570mm and a wheelbase of 2663mm [2][33][37] - Dongfeng Yipai 008 five-seater version launched at a limited price of 159,900 to 171,600 yuan, featuring a size of 5002/1972/1732mm and a wheelbase of 3025mm [2][40][43] - Chery Fengyun T11 pre-sale started with a pre-sale price of 199,900 to 264,900 yuan, featuring a size of 5205/1998/1800mm and a wheelbase of 3120mm [2][46][50] - New Jihu Alpha T5 pre-sale started with a pre-sale price of 123,800 to 162,800 yuan, featuring a size of 4760/1936/1650mm and a wheelbase of 2845mm [2][57][61] - Beijing Hyundai EO Yiou pre-sale started with a pre-sale price of 130,000 to 150,000 yuan, featuring a size of 4615/1875/1673mm and a wheelbase of 2750mm [2][68][70] Group 2: Company Developments - XPeng Huaitian's "land aircraft carrier" debuted in the Middle East, receiving 600 orders and planning to enter the market by 2027 [2][80][83] - Toyota's new Corolla design revealed, resembling the design of HiPhi [2][84][88] - GAC and Huawei jointly developed Qijing Automobile, with the first product's design finalized [2][89][91] - Tesla's Model Y standard version rolled off the production line in Texas, with a starting price of approximately 285,000 yuan [2][92][99] - Bosch's mid-level intelligent driving system has been delivered in bulk, marking a significant step in the integration of intelligent features in fuel vehicles [2][100][102]

10月16日，由广汽丰田携手广汽集团、丰田汽车联合研发的纯电动SUV铂智3X正式导入中国香港，在 当地开售。丰田选择铂智3X，并将其带到香港市场的关键原因，在于其在中国内地市场的表现——自 今年3月上市以来，累计销量突破4.6万台，并多次登顶内地合资新能源销量榜首。 广汽丰田汽车有限公司执行副总经理 文大力 基于产品实力和市场需求的必然选择，铂智3X填补丰田在港空白 近年来，香港纯电动车市场发展迅猛，纯电动车新车销售渗透率已经达到近70%，普及率位居全球前 列。今年以来，多个内地电动车品牌在香港市场加速布局。丰田过去虽然在香港有着深厚的用户基础和 口碑积累，但却缺乏有竞争力的电动车型。铂智3X的到来，正是为了填补这一空白。 铂智3X是广汽丰田现地自研的首款车型，在广汽丰田广州南沙工厂生产。该车传承了丰田全球品质标 准，并深度融合中国智能化、电动化科技，港版铂智3X还针对香港用户的使用习惯进行了多项本地化 改进。新车凭借空间、智能与安全等方面的先进技术，在香港开启提前预览后反响热烈。 铂智3X的香港上市，再次印证合资企业有能力将"中国研发"、"中国制造"的优质产品推向国际市场，这 是中国智电技术通过合资平台走向 ...

全球投资者呼吁丰田汽车(TM.US)就拟议收购集团子公司丰田工业的交易披露更多信息，并批评该交易 估值"不透明"、未能保护少数股东利益。 一封由联博控股(AB.US)、路博迈、施罗德等约二十家资产管理机构签署、日期为8月8日的信件于周四 公开，此举可能加深这项被视为解除交叉持股里程碑式交易的审查力度，同时也可能进一步巩固丰田家 族在集团内部的影响力。 亚洲公司治理协会(ACGA)秘书长阿马尔.吉尔表示，该机构已与两家公司多次通话，并安排丰田工业独 立董事参与讨论，这种程度的接触相对罕见。 丰田汽车在声明中表示，与ACGA进行了"多轮建设性对话"，并努力提供详尽说明。该公司表示："本 次交易涉及独立公司之间的谈判，系以诚信原则通过公平独立程序进行，已充分考虑少数股东利益。未 来如有需披露事项，我们将及时公告。" 值得注意的是，丰田工业周四股价(16,620日元)已高于收购报价，市场普遍预期丰田可能提高收购价 格。 投资者还质疑交易将多家丰田集团关联公司视为独立少数股东的做法，这将使丰田实际只需获得42%的 少数股东支持即可成交，而无需过半数。 他们要求丰田董事会说明如何管理及解决董事长丰田章男直接投资与其他股东 ...

Core Viewpoint - Global investors are urging Toyota Motor to enhance transparency regarding its planned buyout of Toyota Industries, citing concerns over the "opaque" valuation and insufficient disclosure [1] Group 1: Investor Concerns - Investors have criticized the lack of clarity in the valuation process for the buyout [1] - There is a call for more detailed information to ensure that the buyout is conducted fairly and transparently [1] Group 2: Company Response - Toyota Motor has yet to publicly address the investors' concerns regarding the buyout [1] - The company is expected to provide additional disclosures to alleviate investor apprehensions [1]

Key TakeawaysTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) is experiencing robust demand for AI chips, leading to tight manufacturing capacity, particularly for CoWoS advanced packaging, with significant expansion planned through 2026.Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) has had its 'A+' credit rating reaffirmed by S&P Global and Fitch, with Moody's affirming its A1 rating, all maintaining a stable outlook due to strong hybrid sales and conservative financial management.Japan's political landscape is in flux as ...

A group of investors are calling for greater accountability in Akio Toyoda’s $31.2 billion proposal to buy out Toyota Industries https://t.co/cfz88rtIGG ...

Core Insights - Solid-state batteries represent a key technological direction for next-generation lithium batteries, with significant application potential in electric vehicles and low-altitude economies [1] - Chinese scientists have successfully overcome critical challenges in all-solid-state lithium batteries, leading to a breakthrough in performance and addressing the solid-solid interface contact issue [2][3] - Toyota has announced a partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining to accelerate the development of solid-state battery technology, aiming for mass production of electric vehicles equipped with these batteries by 2027-2028 [8] Technological Breakthroughs - A research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed an anion regulation technology that resolves the contact issue between the electrolyte and lithium electrode in all-solid-state batteries [2] - The introduction of iodine ions in the electrolyte creates a rich iodine interface that actively attracts lithium ions, ensuring tight contact between the electrode and electrolyte [3] - Prototype batteries utilizing this technology have shown stable performance after hundreds of charge-discharge cycles, surpassing existing battery levels [4] Industry Developments - Toyota's collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Mining focuses on the development of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries intended for pure electric vehicles [8] - Other companies, including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BYD, and Changan, are also advancing their solid-state battery research and development efforts, with various timelines for testing and production [8] - The domestic semi-solid-state battery market is nearing mass production, with some models already in operation, while full-scale applications of solid-state batteries are projected for 2030 [8] Market Projections - According to CITIC Securities, 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for the maturation and gradual rollout of semi-solid-state batteries, with global solid-state battery shipments projected to reach 642.6 GWh by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 133% from 2024 to 2030 [9] - Despite advancements, experts caution that significant challenges remain before solid-state batteries can achieve commercial viability, with most current applications still in the semi-solid-state phase [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing concern over the safety mechanisms of hidden door handles in vehicles following a recent explosion incident involving a Xiaomi car, prompting a market focus on the safety logic and design variations among different automotive brands [3][4]. Group 1: Vehicle Testing and Design Variations - A random test of over ten mainstream car brands, including Tesla, Xiaopeng, and Wanjie, revealed that hidden door handles are prevalent, but their safety mechanisms and opening methods vary significantly [3][5]. - The tested vehicles feature a mix of electronic and mechanical door handles, with most mechanical handles located inside the car, while hidden handles dominate the exterior design [5][9]. - Different brands employ various methods for unlocking and opening doors, such as pressing down on the handle or using touch sensors, indicating a range of design philosophies [6][7][8]. Group 2: Emergency Unlocking Mechanisms - Emergency unlocking features vary across brands, with some models automatically triggering unlock functions in emergencies, while others retain traditional mechanical handles for emergency access [8][10]. - The placement of mechanical unlocking mechanisms within the vehicle is often not intuitive, making it challenging for drivers or rescuers to locate them quickly in emergencies [10]. Group 3: Design Philosophy and Market Trends - The design choices reflect differing philosophies, with some brands like Great Wall and Volkswagen opting for traditional handle designs to prioritize energy efficiency and user experience [9][10]. - The article suggests that the automotive industry is at a crossroads, balancing innovative designs with practical safety considerations in response to consumer concerns [9].