Edgewater Research: Electronic Component Weekly Digest - Mar 11
Dennis Reed
|  Created: March 8, 2024
 | 
Updated: July 1, 2024
This Week's Highlight: China's Auto Sales Momentum
January and February combined saw a significant 17% increase in auto retail sales in China compared to the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCPA). New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales impressively grew by 37% year-to-date (YTD), with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) up by 17% and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) surging by 76% YTD. Despite a February slowdown due to the Chinese New Year and cautious consumer spending prompted by OEM price strategies, China's auto export grew by 18% year-over-year to 298,000 units, making NEVs 26% of total exports.
Automotive Sector Updates:
- BYD is making strides in Australia and Brazil, intensifying the electric vehicle (EV) competition in China with new price reductions.
- The EU is contemplating tariffs on Chinese EVs, with projections suggesting EVs will cost less to produce than gasoline vehicles by 2027.
- Ford and Nissan show strong sales, with Nissan exploring a partnership with Fisker.
- Rivian announces plans for 3 new lower-priced models, and Tesla navigates production challenges and expansion talks in Thailand.
- Stellantis secures approval for a joint venture and adjusts production in response to demand fluctuations.
Industrial and Semiconductor Highlights:
- Germany faces a sharp decline in factory orders, signaling broader industrial challenges.
- The semiconductor sector sees strategic moves from AMD, Broadcom, and Intel, amidst growing international competition and cooperation. China launches a substantial fund to bolster its chip industry as global semiconductor sales rise.
- Meta and Samsung explore new collaborations, while Tower Semiconductor and Western Digital adjust strategies in response to market demands.
Other Notable Developments:
- Apple and the broader smartphone market in China face sales challenges. Meanwhile, Jabil announces the closure of its Vancouver operations amidst varying confidence levels in the U.S. economy among CEOs.
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