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Norihiko Shirouzu
A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives using FSD (Full Self-Driving) in Encinitas, California, in October.
BUSINESS / Companies / ANALYSIS
Apr 6, 2024
Tesla's bet on robotaxis is a long way from paying off
A greater emphasis on robotaxis comes with more risk for Tesla due to the complexity of the technology involved, analysts said.
Tesla Model 3 vehicles are seen for sale at a Tesla facility in Fremont, California, last May.
BUSINESS
Apr 6, 2024
Tesla scraps low-cost car plans amid fierce Chinese EV competition
The automaker will continue developing self-driving robotaxis on the same small-vehicle platform, the sources said.
Tesla has combined a series of innovations to make a technological breakthrough that could transform the way it makes electric vehicles and help Elon Musk achieve his aim of halving production costs.
BUSINESS / Tech
Sep 15, 2023
Tesla reinvents carmaking with quiet breakthrough
The company pioneered the use of huge presses to mold the front and rear structures of its Model Y in a "gigacasting" process.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
May 16, 2023
Tesla’s new car-making process stokes debate among industry experts
Musk believes the company needs to radically rethink conventional manufacturing methods in order to build more affordable — and profitable — electric vehicles in higher volumes.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 14, 2023
Nissan seeks tech tie-up without Renault as alliance nears end of road
Japan's third-biggest automaker by sales is seeking a partner outside the auto industry to develop software that connects vehicles to cloud-based services.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 12, 2022
Toyota to outline three-year EV plan changes to suppliers
The leading Japanese automaker is expected to detail EV plan changes through early 2026.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 24, 2022
Toyota scrambles for EV reboot with eye on Tesla
Proposals under review, if adopted, would amount to a dramatic shift for Toyota and rewrite the $38 billion EV rollout plan the automaker announced last year.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 28, 2022
Toyota to start selling small electric sedan in China by year-end, sources say
Toyota has long advocated a small car that does not compromise on comfort as the best way to popularize electric vehicles, but it has struggled to produce one.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Aug 22, 2022
Toyota prepares for hybrid reboot in India, building local supply chain
The Japanese carmaker is doubling down on a bet that emerging markets will learn to love its hybrids — as long as the price is right.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
May 26, 2022
Global automakers face electric shock in China
Kings of the combustion age such as General Motors and Volkswagen are falling behind local players in the booming electric vehicle market in China.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Mar 25, 2022
Inside China's electric drive for swappable car batteries
China is pushing hard for swappable batteries for EVs as a supplement to charging, with the government throwing its weight behind several companies advancing the technology.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 24, 2022
Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi to unveil 2030 EV alliance this week
As established automakers face pressure from new competitors and an expected shift in demand toward EVs, the French-Japanese alliance is seeking to deepen cooperation.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 30, 2021
Taiwan chip industry emerges as battlefront in U.S.-China showdown
The foundries are so valuable to the global economy that some refer to Taiwan's chip sector as a 'silicon shield' that deters a Chinese attack and ensures American support.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 3, 2021
Toyota turns to Chinese tech to reach its electric holy grail
The Japanese giant will launch an all-electric car in China late next year, having turned to local partner BYD for key technology to finally make an affordable yet roomy small sedan.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 11, 2021
Home away from home: Mercedes-Benz doubles down on China
Mercedes-Benz is doubling down on bases in Beijing and Shanghai to stay ahead of regulations and consumer trends.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 24, 2021
Boeing faces rocky path to gaining approval for return of 737 Max in China
Trade power tensions, regulatory hurdles and attempts by the West to counter Chinese competition are delaying the move.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 19, 2021
A tale of two makers: GM and Toyota take different electric roads in China
While General Motors has successfully tapped into the market for small, no-frills runarounds, Toyota is still in mid-size and SUV territory.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 9, 2021
How Toyota thrives when the chips are down
Continuity contracts and a deep understanding of semiconductor design and manufacturing equip the automaker to anticipate and mitigate shortages.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Jan 26, 2021
Nissan flips the switch on electric reboot in China
At least one new Nissan car will hit the Chinese market each year through 2025.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 22, 2020
With ‘next level’ battery tech, Apple targets autonomous car by 2024
Making a vehicle represents a supply chain challenge even for Apple, a company with deep pockets that makes hundreds of millions of electronics products each year.

Longform

Capsule hotels were created as a way to deal with the amount of overwork employees tend to do in Japan. Can't commute home? Then spend the night in an tiny, affordable sleeping space.
Japan wakes up to the market for a proper sleep