The European Union needs to implement comprehensive regulations to manage the growing security risks posed by intelligent vehicles, particularly Chinese cars that are increasingly popular with consumers, according to a think tank.Intelligent cars, typically electric or hybrid vehicles, allow for expansive data to be collected including geospatial and personal data, Warsaw-based Center for Eastern Studies said. That leaves European countries vulnerable to cyberattack and exposed to the risk that information ...

Key Points Chinese automotive brands are expanding rapidly across the globe. Canada has just given them an opening into its automotive market. Eventually, Chinese automakers could spread to all of North America. 10 stocks we like better than Ford Motor Company › Decades ago, foreign automakers were clamoring to get into the Chinese market. The market was blossoming and would become the world's largest automotive market by 2009. However, the Chinese forced foreign automakers into joint ventures wi ...

Core Viewpoint - Technology stocks, particularly Tesla, have been under scrutiny due to a disconnect between promises made by CEO Elon Musk and the company's actual performance, especially in light of the upcoming earnings report on January 28, 2026 [1][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Tesla's stock gained only 11.4% last year, underperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, which rose by 16.4% and 20.4% respectively [2]. - The company provided a preview of its fourth-quarter earnings, revealing expected deliveries of 422,850 for Q4 and 1,640,752 for the full year of 2025, which were later missed with actual deliveries of 418,227 and 1,636,129 vehicles [5][6]. - Declining vehicle deliveries, which are Tesla's primary source of revenue and profit, raise concerns about the company's financial health and market share [7]. Group 2: Market Sentiment - As of January 12, 2026, Tesla's stock is at breakeven, with some brief rallies expected leading up to the earnings report [8]. - Despite missing Wall Street's delivery estimates, Tesla's stock continues to trade at a premium, indicating a potential disconnect between market sentiment and actual performance [9].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. manufacturing sector is facing a "blue-collar crisis," with a significant shortage of skilled labor necessary for reshoring operations, which poses a strategic risk to various industries and the overall economy [3][4]. Group 1: Manufacturing and Labor Dynamics - Historically, manufacturing and skilled trades have been essential to the U.S. economy, providing steady productivity and growth [1]. - The shift towards globalization has led corporations to rely heavily on outsourcing to cut costs, influenced by a cultural narrative promoting non-industrial college degrees [2]. - Recent political pressures are pushing American corporations to reshore manufacturing, but there is a critical lack of skilled labor to operate these facilities [3]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, emphasizes the urgent need for skilled labor in the automotive sector, particularly as companies transition to electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing technologies [6]. - The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a steady decline in domestic manufacturing employment since 2022, with approximately 400,000 unfilled vacancies in American factories as of November [7]. - Farley suggests that even an additional 500,000 skilled workers may not suffice to meet the industry's needs [7].

Investment Plans - VinFast Auto Ltd. plans to increase its investment in Indonesia to up to $1 billion, following the inauguration of its first manufacturing plant with an annual production capacity of 50,000 cars [1][2] - The CEO of VinFast Indonesia, Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, stated that the company aims to boost production capacity to 350,000 cars per year [2] Production and Capacity - The manufacturing plant located in Subang, West Java, has recently begun trial production and is expected to reach full capacity in the first quarter of 2026 [3] - VinFast has already invested $300 million in the region, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its operations in Southeast Asia [2] Strategic Focus - VinFast management emphasized the company's focus on expanding its international footprint and announced a new vehicle platform for 2026, which could contribute approximately 70-80% to sales [4] - The company remains committed to international market growth and aims to achieve economies of scale through higher production [4] Company Overview - VinFast Auto Ltd. is a Vietnamese company specializing in electric vehicles (EVs), e-scooters, and e-buses, and was incorporated in 2017 [5]

Core Insights - Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. have reportedly wasted significant investments in electric vehicles, with rumors suggesting Ford may discontinue its F-150 Lightning EV [1] - Despite their struggles in the EV market, both companies are trading near historical highs, with GM at an all-time high and Ford close to its 52-week high [2][6] - The stock market currently favors traditional gasoline-powered vehicle manufacturers, particularly in regions outside of China, where the EV market is highly competitive [1][3] Market Position - Ford and GM are not competitive players in the Chinese EV market, which has over 100 companies vying for market share, leading to intense competition that has affected even established leaders like BYD [3] - In the European Union, both companies lag behind competitors such as Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis, having not performed well in that market for years [3] - In the United States, GM leads with a 17% market share, followed by Toyota at 16% and Ford at 13%, benefiting from established factory networks and a large number of dealerships [4] Leadership and Financial Performance - Executives Mary Barra of GM and Bill Ford have not received much recognition for their successes, as both companies have struggled to capture a significant share of the EV market, resulting in substantial annual losses for Ford [5] - The potential for a successful EV future could elevate their stock prices to levels comparable to newer entrants like Rivian Automotive Inc. and Lucid Group Inc. [5]

Core Insights - Brand value is a significant asset for companies, but quantifying it is challenging [2][4] - Tesla's brand image has suffered in 2025 due to various negative developments [3][7] Group 1: Importance of Brand Value - Strong brands foster customer loyalty and emotional connections, leading to repeat purchases and word-of-mouth marketing [5][6] - Established brands often have higher perceived values, allowing them to charge premium prices and attract top talent [6] Group 2: Tesla's Brand Decline - Tesla's brand value has decreased by 35%, falling to less than $30 billion due to several issues [8] - Factors contributing to Tesla's brand decline include CEO Elon Musk's political involvement, controversial statements, increased competition in the EV market, declining sales and profits, an aging vehicle lineup, and the Cybertruck's commercial failure [7]

Investment Plans - Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) will invest ₹45,000 crore (approximately $5.4 billion) between 2026 and 2030, with 60% allocated to product development and R&D, and 40% to capacity and upgrades [1] Product Launches - The company plans to launch 26 models by 2030, which includes seven all-new products, six full model changes, six variants, and seven facelifts/product enhancements. Among these, five electric vehicles (EVs) and eight hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) will be introduced [2] Market Expansion - HMIL aims to enter new segments, including multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and off-roader SUVs by 2030, along with the launch of the first 'Made in India' compact EV SUV featuring high range and level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The company targets a 15% share of the domestic passenger vehicles market [3] Luxury Brand Introduction - Hyundai will introduce its luxury brand, Genesis, with the first locally produced model set to launch in 2027 [4] Leadership Changes - The Board of Directors has approved a succession plan for the Managing Director, appointing Tarun Garg as Managing Director and CEO effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Unsoo Kim, who will return to South Korea for a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company [5] Executive Background - Tarun Garg holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. He has a notable career with Maruti Suzuki India, where he held various positions including Regional Sales Manager and Executive Director of Marketing [6]

Core Insights - BYD has become the fastest-growing electric vehicle brand in the UK, with an impressive 880% year-on-year increase in sales last month [1] - The company sold a total of 11,271 cars during this period, indicating a significant surge in demand for its electric vehicles [1] Sales Performance - The 880% increase in sales reflects a strong market presence and consumer interest in BYD's electric vehicle offerings [1] - The total sales figure of 11,271 cars showcases BYD's rapid expansion in the competitive UK automotive market [1]

Core Insights - The article highlights two overlooked dividend stocks, Colgate-Palmolive and General Motors, as potential investment opportunities in the current market environment Colgate-Palmolive - Colgate-Palmolive is positioned to thrive despite economic uncertainties due to its portfolio of essential goods and a strategy focused on research, innovation, and marketing [3][4] - The company has achieved 24 consecutive quarters of organic sales growth at or above its 3% to 5% target, indicating strong performance [4] - Colgate is addressing inflation through price increases and operational efficiency, with potential growth in its pet food segment and emerging markets [5][6] General Motors - General Motors has transformed its operations over the past two decades, focusing on producing desirable vehicles rather than overproduction [7] - GM leads the industry in full-size trucks and SUVs and has recently become the second-largest seller of electric vehicles in the U.S., following Tesla [8] - The company is investing $4 billion in U.S. assembly plants to increase capacity and reduce tariff exposure, supporting future growth [9] - GM has returned significant value to shareholders through stock buybacks and currently trades at a low price-to-earnings ratio of 9, despite an 86% increase in stock price over the past two years [10][11] Investment Consideration - Both Colgate-Palmolive and General Motors present compelling options for investors seeking overlooked dividend stocks, with Colgate offering a diversified business and GM demonstrating improved operational performance and shareholder value return [13]