Core Insights - Tesla Inc. has launched a new Lithium Refinery in Texas to enhance battery production and localize supply chains [1][2] - The facility is the first "Spodumene to Lithium Hydroxide refinery in North America," which is significant for lithium sourcing [3] - Elon Musk has described the facility as the "largest Lithium refinery in America" and "the most advanced lithium refinery in the world" [4] Tesla's Sales Performance - The Tesla Model Y became the best-selling EV in the U.S. in 2025, with sales exceeding 357,528 units, while the Model 3 sold over 192,440 units [4] - Total sales for the company reached 589,000 units [4] Product Offerings - Tesla introduced a 7-seater version of the Model Y SUV in the U.S., available for an additional $2,500 [5] - A 6-seater layout version, known as the Model Y L, is offered in China and has been successful in that market [5] Energy Storage Growth - The new lithium facility is expected to support Tesla's energy storage business, which achieved record deployments of 14.2 gigawatt-hours in Q4 [6] - This growth represents a new crucial revenue stream for the company [6] Stock Performance - Tesla's stock (TSLA) declined by 1.79% to $439.20 at market close, with a further drop of 0.27% to $438 in after-hours trading [7]

Investment & Production - Toyota is making a $10 billion investment in US production, focusing on EV, hybrid, and battery production [1][6] - The company is starting battery production at a new plant in Liberty, North Carolina [1] - This investment includes adding 2,500 jobs at the North Carolina facility, in addition to the existing 200, totaling 5,100 jobs [2] - Toyota aims to increase its US footprint and production capabilities [7] Market Position & Strategy - Toyota dominates the US hybrid market with 51% of hybrid sales [3] - The company aims to shift more hybrid production to the US, exemplified by using batteries from the new plant for RAV4 hybrid production [3] - Toyota's investment signals a continued commitment to EV and battery production in the US, contrasting with some automakers reassessing their investments [2][4][5] External Factors - Clearer tariff rates with Japan have facilitated Toyota's investment [5] - Toyota telegraphed its investment commitment to the US administration [6]

Core Insights - Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC) is a significant player in the lithium mining industry, focusing on developing major lithium projects in North and South America, particularly a large lithium mine in northern Nevada, which is essential for battery production [1][6] - The U.S. government has acquired a 5% equity stake in Lithium Americas, emphasizing the strategic importance of lithium resources for future energy needs and enhancing LAC's market position [3][6] - Following the announcement of the U.S. Department of Energy's stake, LAC's stock price surged by 23.29%, indicating strong market interest in the company [4][6] Market Performance - BMO Capital set a price target of $5 for NYSE:LAC, suggesting a potential decrease of approximately -28.98% from the current trading price of $7.04 [2] - LAC's stock has shown volatility, trading between $6.58 and $7.575, with a 52-week high of $7.55 and a low of $2.31, reflecting growing investor interest in lithium resources [4] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $1.57 billion, with a high trading volume of 211.54 million shares, indicating robust investor engagement [5]