本田：受半导体短缺影响，将于明年1月5日至6日暂停寄居（Yorii）和铃鹿（Suzuka）汽车工厂的生产。 ...

Core Viewpoint - Honda is significantly impacted by the supply halt from Nexperia, leading to a projected 14% decline in global sales in the second half of the year, dropping to 1.66 million units, and a fall in ranking among Japanese automakers from second to fourth place [2][4][5]. Group 1: Sales Impact and Rankings - Honda's global sales for the second half of the year are expected to reach a new low since the Lehman crisis in 2008, with a total of 1.62 million units [5]. - Suzuki's sales have increased by 8% to 1.8 million units, allowing it to rise to the second position, marking Honda's first time out of the top three in the second half since 2005 [6][8]. - The long-standing dominance of Toyota, Nissan, and Honda is beginning to dissolve, with Suzuki capitalizing on growth in the Indian market despite competition [8]. Group 2: Production Adjustments - Due to semiconductor shortages, Honda's North American sales are expected to decrease by 110,000 units from initial forecasts, with production adjustments starting from late October [4]. - Production in Mexico was resumed on November 19, with gradual recovery in Canada and the U.S. starting from November 24 [5]. - Honda is considering measures such as holiday production in North America to boost sales and mitigate the impact of semiconductor shortages [6]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The semiconductor shortage is projected to reduce Honda's operating profit by 150 billion yen, with an expected annual profit decline of 55% to 550 billion yen [6]. - The company is exploring ways to reduce reliance on Nexperia to mitigate future semiconductor risks [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the strategic importance of semiconductors, highlighting Taiwan's critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly through TSMC's dominance in chip manufacturing [2][3]. Group 1: Semiconductor Industry Dynamics - A semiconductor world war is emerging among Taiwan, South Korea, the US, Japan, and mainland China, with TSMC's management transition raising concerns about its responsiveness to smaller client demands, potentially benefiting Japan's Rapidus [2][6]. - Japan's semiconductor revival is driven by a 2020 semiconductor shortage, leading to government-led initiatives after years of reliance on imports [3][4]. - TSMC's cost advantages stem from a balanced approach to automation, selectively automating profitable processes while retaining manual labor where cost-effective, unlike Japan's previous all-or-nothing automation attempts [3][4]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - TSMC has become the most automated semiconductor company globally, carefully timing its investments in cutting-edge technology, such as EUV lithography equipment, which can cost hundreds of billions of yen [4]. - The article notes that while South Korean manufacturers also focus on cost control, Japan's corporate culture often hinders frontline decision-making, impacting competitiveness [4][5]. - The US faces challenges in revitalizing its semiconductor industry due to high labor costs and immigration restrictions limiting the influx of skilled engineers [4][5]. Group 3: China's Semiconductor Aspirations - China is making significant strides in its semiconductor industry, with government support aimed at reducing reliance on foreign technology, with predictions suggesting it could lead the sector by 2050 [5][6]. - Despite US regulations prohibiting the sale of advanced semiconductor equipment to China, these measures are expected to slow but not halt China's semiconductor development [5][6]. - The article highlights that possessing manufacturing equipment alone is insufficient for success; technical know-how is crucial, as evidenced by Intel and Samsung's struggles to match TSMC's yield rates despite having similar equipment [5][6]. Group 4: Future of Japan's Semiconductor Industry - Japan's success in the semiconductor sector hinges on attracting buyers, as competing directly with giants like TSMC and Samsung is deemed impractical [6]. - The generational shift in TSMC's management may lead to a less accommodating approach to smaller demands, presenting an opportunity for Rapidus to fill the gap if it can secure Japanese clients [6]. - The article concludes that without collaboration among Japanese companies, Rapidus's efforts may be futile, emphasizing the need for unity in the industry [6].

Core Viewpoint - Honda has halted production at its Mexican plant due to semiconductor shortages caused by geopolitical tensions surrounding Nexperia, a semiconductor manufacturer based in the Netherlands and owned by a Chinese company. This marks the first time a Japanese automaker has explicitly reported being affected by this issue [2][4]. Group 1: Production Impact - Honda stopped production in Mexico on October 28 and began adjusting production in the U.S. and Canada on October 27. The company has not disclosed the scale or duration of the production cuts [4]. - The Mexican plant, located in Celaya, is a crucial facility for Honda, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, primarily producing the SUV model HR-V. North America accounts for 40% of Honda's global sales, and prolonged production disruptions in this region could lead to a decline in performance [4][5]. Group 2: Semiconductor Supply Chain Issues - Honda utilizes general semiconductors produced by Nexperia in some of its components. While the motorcycle production facility in Mexico continues to operate normally, the automotive production has been significantly impacted [5]. - The Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia citing national security concerns, while the Chinese government has responded with export controls on products manufactured by Nexperia in China [5].