Ford Eyes Re-entry into Indian Market with EV Manufacturing in Tamil Nadu
Ford Motor Co. is in discussions to manufacture electric vehicles at its plant in Tamil Nadu as part of its re-entry into the Indian market, three years after ceasing local operations. Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister, T.R.B. Rajaa, confirmed that Ford is the latest automaker looking to capitalize on India’s EV ecosystem, which has been drawing major investments from companies like Tata Motors and Vietnam’s VinFast Auto. Ford’s plans align with Tamil Nadu’s efforts to establish itself as a hub for EV manufacturing in the country.
This move comes amid India’s broader push to expand its EV manufacturing capabilities, with the government lowering import taxes for foreign automakers committing to invest $500 million or more. Ford, which already employs 12,000 people in Tamil Nadu, recently submitted a letter of intent to the state government regarding its plans, potentially creating an additional 3,000 jobs within the next three years.
Editor’s Note: Ford Motor Co. is exploring a return to the Indian market by potentially manufacturing electric vehicles at its Tamil Nadu plant, aiming to leverage the state’s growing EV ecosystem. This initiative aligns with India’s broader push for enhanced EV manufacturing, which includes reduced import taxes for significant foreign investments and the potential creation of 3,000 new jobs in the region.
TaiwanPlus Expands to India Through Partnership with JioTV
TaiwanPlus, the leading global provider of English-language news and infotainment from Taiwan, has announced its entry into the Indian market through a strategic collaboration with JioTV, India’s top OTT platform. This marks the first-ever broadcast of a Taiwanese TV channel in India, with TaiwanPlus now reaching over 470 million JioTV subscribers, offering a wide range of Taiwanese news, culture, and entertainment content. Michael Yu, CEO of TaiwanPlus, expressed excitement over the partnership, hoping it would build cultural connections between the two nations.
To mark the expansion, TaiwanPlus has launched a new series titled Namaste Taiwan, which premiered on September 29. The four-episode series highlights the experiences of Indian expatriates living in Taiwan, showcasing the cultural ties and shared values between the two countries. The series, along with the entire TaiwanPlus channel, is available on JioTV+ through JioFiber and JioAirFiber services, offering Indian audiences a unique opportunity to explore Taiwanese culture and news.
Editor’s Note: TaiwanPlus has made its debut in India through a partnership with JioTV, marking the first broadcast of a Taiwanese TV channel in the country and reaching over 470 million subscribers. To celebrate this expansion, TaiwanPlus launched a new series titled “Namaste Taiwan,” which premiered on September 29 and explores the lives of Indian expatriates in Taiwan. This collaboration aims to foster cultural connections between Taiwan and India by offering a diverse range of Taiwanese news, culture, and entertainment content.
EVs to Consume Up to 8.7% of India’s Electricity by 2035: Report
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to account for a significant portion of India’s electricity consumption by 2035, consuming between 6% and 8.7% of the nation’s total power, according to a report by IKIGAI Asset Manager Holdings. The report highlights the growing adoption of EVs and their impact on the national power grid as India transitions toward cleaner energy sources. Globally, EVs made up 18% of total car sales in 2023, with over half of these sales occurring in China. By 2035, EVs are projected to account for 8.1% to 9.8% of global electricity demand.
In addition to the surge in EV usage, India is facing increased demand for air conditioners (ACs) due to rising temperatures. The report indicates that the demand for cooling devices, particularly ACs, is set to double by 2030, further straining the country’s power infrastructure. As more households invest in cooling solutions, India’s overall electricity consumption is expected to see a significant uptick in the coming decade.
Editor’s Note: According to a report by IKIGAI Asset Manager Holdings, electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to consume between 6% and 8.7% of India’s electricity by 2035, reflecting their increasing adoption and impact on the power grid as the country shifts towards cleaner energy. The report also notes a surge in demand for air conditioners, which is expected to double by 2030, adding further strain to India’s electricity infrastructure. As both EV usage and cooling device investments rise, India’s overall electricity consumption is anticipated to see a significant increase in the coming decade.
Tata iPhone Component Plant Halts Production Indefinitely After Fire
Production at a Tata Electronics plant in Tamil Nadu, which manufactures iPhone components, has been suspended indefinitely following a fire that broke out over the weekend. The fire left 10 people with minor injuries and caused extensive damage, prompting officials to station fire engines at the site to prevent further incidents as debris is cleared. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Tata stated that its emergency protocols ensured employee safety, while Apple has not yet commented on the situation.
The plant, which produces critical components like back panels for iPhones, is a key part of Apple’s supply chain as the company seeks to diversify beyond China. Another building in the same complex is slated to begin iPhone assembly later this year, but its status following the fire remains unclear. District and health officials visiting the site described the building as “very badly burnt,” with collapsed structures and no visibility inside due to the extensive damage.
Editor’s Note: Production at Tata Electronics’ iPhone component plant in Tamil Nadu has been halted indefinitely due to a fire that caused extensive damage and left 10 people with minor injuries. The incident has raised concerns about Apple’s supply chain diversification efforts, as the facility plays a crucial role in manufacturing key components, and the future of another building slated for iPhone assembly in the complex remains uncertain.
PM Modi Meets Tata Sons and Taiwan’s PSMC Leaders on Rs 91,000 Cr Semiconductor Fab Project in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the leadership of Tata Sons and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to discuss their joint Rs 91,000 crore semiconductor fabrication facility being built in Dholera, Gujarat. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the project and highlighted PSMC’s commitment to expanding its presence in India. The meeting was also attended by Railways and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who announced a detailed technology agreement between Tata Electronics and PSMC, signaling significant progress in building a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India.
The Tata-PSMC chip plant, which broke ground earlier this year, is set to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs and will have the capacity to manufacture up to 50,000 wafers per month. The facility will focus on producing semiconductors for applications such as power management, microcontrollers, and high-performance computing, targeting industries like automotive, AI, and wireless communication. Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran noted that the project would continue the Tata Group’s tradition of pioneering sectors in India, while PM Modi emphasized the country’s growing appeal as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.
Editor’s Note: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tata Sons and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to discuss their Rs 91,000 crore semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, highlighting PSMC’s commitment to expanding in India. The project, which is expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, aims to produce semiconductors for applications like power management and high-performance computing, catering to key industries such as automotive and AI. Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran emphasized that this initiative continues the Tata Group’s legacy of pioneering sectors in India, while PM Modi underscored the country’s emerging status as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.
Foxconn to Invest $1 Billion in Tamil Nadu for Smartphone Display Module Facility
Foxconn is planning a $1 billion investment to establish a smartphone display module assembly unit in Tamil Nadu, marking its first such facility in India. This development, reported by The Economic Times, is aimed at supporting Apple’s iPhone production and reducing dependence on China for key components. Foxconn has secured 500,000 square feet at an industrial park in Oragadam, near Chennai, close to its existing smartphone assembly plant. The facility is expected to add 2-3% value to India’s electronics manufacturing process, in addition to the 5% already contributed by local phone assembly.
The new display module unit is a critical step in Foxconn’s strategy to strengthen its supply chain in India, potentially benefitting other manufacturers like Pegatron and Tata Electronics. India currently imports most of its display modules from China and South Korea, but this local assembly initiative could reduce supply chain delays and costs. While challenges remain in sourcing advanced components and developing a skilled workforce, the move aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to diversify its production away from China, expanding Foxconn’s presence in India’s growing electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/foxconn-looking-to-pump-in-about-1-billion-to-set-up-smartphone-assembly-unit/articleshow/113641511.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=update&ncode=2361d5eef2f2bf03d96346794e802b64b09aed30b9789a61b697a0f7a119dbeea179f913bc8d5f3cb8ace1368bd8d499e70bba4baeac2e6c618dafb74230917892cf377479ff9ae7e445a1e86998e7b4&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679e7
Editor’s Note: Foxconn is set to invest $1 billion in Tamil Nadu to establish its first smartphone display module assembly unit in India, aimed at supporting Apple’s iPhone production and decreasing reliance on China for essential components. Located in an industrial park in Oragadam, near Chennai, the facility is expected to enhance India’s electronics manufacturing process by adding 2-3% value to the existing 5% contribution from local phone assembly. This local initiative not only addresses supply chain delays and costs associated with importing display modules but also aligns with Apple’s strategy to diversify production and bolster Foxconn’s presence in India’s expanding electronics ecosystem.
L&T Semicon to Begin Chip Production in Two Years, Eyes Strategic Independence for India
L&T Semiconductor Technologies, a fabless chip design company, is set to start manufacturing its semiconductor products within the next two years, according to CEO Sandeep Kumar. The company is building teams to handle 15 parallel product designs, with six already in progress, and expects to be fully operational by the end of this year. Production will commence after achieving a revenue threshold of USD 50 million to USD 1 billion across different semiconductor technologies. Kumar emphasized that starting as a fabless chip firm is essential for reducing India’s reliance on foreign suppliers.
Kumar also stressed the strategic importance of developing indigenous products to safeguard India’s technology sector from external disruptions. He pointed out the risk of dependency on foreign manufacturers, especially in critical industries like semiconductors, where a halt in technology sharing from developed nations could cripple the domestic market. By producing its own chips, India can ensure control over essential technology, contributing to the country’s long-term technological independence.
Editor’s Note: L&T Semiconductor Technologies plans to begin manufacturing its semiconductor products within two years, aiming for strategic independence for India in the tech sector. CEO Sandeep Kumar emphasized the importance of developing indigenous products to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and ensure control over critical technology, especially in light of potential disruptions in the semiconductor industry.