Weekly News Updates: Sept 25 – Oct 1

Ford Eyes Re-entry into Indian Market with EV Manufacturing in Tamil Nadu
福特欲重返印度市場,在泰米爾納德邦生產電動車

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.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/automobile/ford-in-talks-to-make-evs-in-way-back-to-india-says-tamil-nadu-minister-article-12833221.html

小編點評:福特汽車公司正在探索重返印度市場的可能,有機會利用泰米爾納德邦不斷成長的電動車生態系統,在福特在該邦的工廠生產電動車。這項措施符合印度更廣泛地推動增強電動車製造的努力,效果包括降低大量外國投資的進口稅以及可能在該地區創造 3,000 個新就業機會。

TaiwanPlus Expands to India Through Partnership with JioTV
TaiwanPlus頻道透過與 JioTV 合作拓展至印度

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.

https://www.ceoinsightsasia.com/news/-taiwanplus-announced-expansion-to-india-with-their-launch-on-jiotv-nwid-12702.html#google_vignette

小編點評:TaiwanPlus 透過與 JioTV 合作在印度首次亮相,標誌著台灣電視頻道在印度首次播出,訂閱用戶超過 4.7 億。為了慶祝這一擴張,TaiwanPlus 推出了一個名為「Namaste Taiwan」的新節目,該節目於 9 29 日首播,探討了台灣印度僑民的生活。此次合作旨在透過提供多樣化的台灣新聞、文化和娛樂內容來促進台灣和印度之間的文化交流。

EVs to Consume Up to 8.7% of India’s Electricity by 2035: Report
2035 年,電動車將消耗印度 8.7% 的電力

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.

/https://www.electronicsforyou.biz/industry-buzz/evs-may-use-up-to-8-7-of-indias-electricity-by-2035-report/

小編點評:根據IKIGAI Asset Manager Holdings 的報告,到2035 年,電動車(EV) 預計將消耗印度電力的6% 8.7%,這反映出隨著印度轉向清潔能源,電動車的採用率不斷提高,並對電網產生影響。報告也指出,空調需求激增,預計到 2030 年將為目前的兩倍,對印度電力基礎設施造成進一步壓力。隨著電動車使用量和冷卻設備投資的增加,預計印度的整體電力消耗在未來十年將顯著增加。

Tata iPhone Component Plant Halts Production Indefinitely After Fire
塔塔 iPhone 零件工廠火災後無限期停產

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.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/tata-iphone-component-plant-halts-production-indefinitely-after-fire/articleshow/113813398.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Dailynewsletter&utm_content=Story4&ncode=2361d5eef2f2bf03d96346794e802b64b09aed30b9789a61b697a0f7a119dbeea179f913bc8d5f3ca97754a772c7beed7dd165accd1f3dff9d28af1119c38fea1f7911e8d987ad055c7343949badb62f&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679c9

小編點評:塔塔電子位於泰米爾納德邦的 iPhone 零件工廠因火災造成大面積損壞並造成 10 人輕傷,生產已無限期停止。這一事件引發了人們對蘋果供應鏈多元化努力的擔憂,因為該工廠在製造關鍵零件方面發揮著至關重要的作用,而該廠中另一座用於iPhone 組裝的建築的未來仍不確定。

PM Modi Meets Tata Sons and Taiwan’s PSMC Leaders on Rs 91,000 Cr Semiconductor Fab Project in Gujarat
莫迪總理會見塔塔集團和台灣 PSMC 領導人,討論古吉拉特邦 91,000 盧比的半導體工廠計畫

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.

小編點評:莫迪總理會見了塔塔集團和台灣力晶半導體製造公司(PSMC),討論了其位於古吉拉特邦多萊拉的耗資9100 億盧比的半導體製造工廠,強調了PSMC 對在印度擴張的承諾。該計畫預計將創造超過20,000個直接和間接就業機會,旨在生產用於電源管理和高效能運算等應用的半導體,滿足汽車和人工智慧等關鍵產業的需求。塔塔集團董事長 N. Chandrasekaran 強調,這項舉措延續了塔塔集團在印度開拓產業的傳統,而莫迪總理則強調了印度作為全球半導體製造中心的新興地位。

Foxconn to Invest $1 Billion in Tamil Nadu for Smartphone Display Module Facility
富士康將在泰米爾納德邦投資 10 億美元建造智慧型手機顯示模組工廠

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

小編點評:富士康將在泰米爾納德邦投資 10 億美元,在印度建立首個智慧型手機顯示模組組裝廠,旨在支援蘋果 iPhone 的生產並減少對中國關鍵零件的依賴。該工廠位於清奈附近奧拉加達姆的工業園區,預計將在本地手機組裝現有占比的 5%上增加 2-3% 的產值,從而增強印度的電子製造流程。這項當地措施不僅解決了供應鏈延遲和與進口顯示模組相關的成本問題,也符合蘋果的生產多元化策略,並增強了富士康在印度不斷擴大的電子生態系統中的地位。

L&T Semicon to Begin Chip Production in Two Years, Eyes Strategic Independence for India
L&T Semicon
將在兩年內開始晶片生產,著眼於印度的戰略獨立

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.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/lt-semicon-expects-its-chip-production-to-start-in-2-yrs-to-set-up-unit-later/articleshow/113783327.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Dailynewsletter&utm_content=Story9&ncode=2361d5eef2f2bf03d96346794e802b64b09aed30b9789a61b697a0f7a119dbeea179f913bc8d5f3ca97754a772c7beed4db23b5383ab4ee3ea28050150e4f440ac7dabf12857721985e453fb4f190ae4&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679c9

小編點評:L&T Semiconductor Technologies 計劃在兩年內開始生產半導體產品,旨在實現印度在科技領域的戰略獨立。執行長桑迪普·庫馬爾(Sandeep Kumar)強調了開發本土產品以減少對外國供應商的依賴並確保對關鍵技術的控制的重要性,特別是考慮到半導體產業供應的潛在干擾。