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Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs Automobiles

International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers

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Bangkok International Motor Show

Mar 23 - Apr 05

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GAIKINDO INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Jul 30 - Aug 09

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Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2026

Oct 12 - Oct 18

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Latest News

Stay updated with our latest news

March 4, 2026

OICA News

François Roudier's speech at the 200th Technical Committee ceremony on February 17, 2026.

Dear Presidents, Partners, Colleagues, and Friends, It is a genuine pleasure to see you here today.

OICA

March 3, 2026

Members news

New President & CEO of KAMA

We are pleased to inform you that Dae-Jin Jeong, former Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources has been appointed as the 19th President of the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA), effective March 3, 2026

KAMA

March 2, 2026

Members news

PFA (France’s Automotive Platform, Member of CCFA) Market & Analysis Letter

This monthly letter accompanies the release of automotive market data published monthly by the PFA. It aims to provide additional insight into the figures provided and to disseminate news items of interest to companies in the automotive sector to help them anticipate trends.

CCFA

OICA'S TOP 5 NEWS

China’s EV battery makers widen lead to over 70% global share
Nikkei – SHIZUKA TANABE and NAMI MATSUURA – March 18, 2026, 05:22 JST
Chinese battery makers exceeded 70% of global installed EV battery capacity in 2025, led by CATL at 39.2%. South Korean rivals lost ground amid U.S. EV weakness, while Chinese groups expanded abroad, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/china-s-ev-battery-makers-widen-lead-to-over-70-global-share

Geely Profit Beats Estimates as Sales Approach Those of BYD
Bloomberg – Linda Lew and Charlotte Yang – March 18, 2026, at 7:06 AM GMT+1
Geely posted record 2025 earnings above estimates, with revenue up 25% and vehicle sales nearing 3 million units. Restructuring and strong domestic demand lifted results, but exports stayed weak. BYD still leads on scale, revenue and profitability.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-18/geely-profit-beats-estimates-as-sales-approach-those-of-byd?srnd=phx-industries-transportation

Tariffs force VW to rethink decades-old North American strateg
Automotive News – William Boston – March 17, 2026, 05:52 AM EDT
U.S. tariffs on Mexican-made vehicles are undermining Volkswagen’s long-standing North American model. With exports from Mexico no longer economically viable at current tariff levels, VW faces rising costs, weak U.S. market share and pressure to rethink cross-border manufacturing while seeking a negotiated solution.
https://www.autonews.com/volkswagen/ane-vw-tariffs-rethink-north-america-strategy-0317/

Suzuki bets on India’s car market, but will its suppliers follow?
Nikkei – ITSUKI MIYAKE – March 18, 2026, 03:43 JST
Suzuki is urging Japanese suppliers to expand into India to support higher-quality, higher-priced vehicles, but many smaller firms fear uncertain returns. As India becomes a core production base, supplier reluctance could limit Suzuki’s quality gains and ambitious growth plans.
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/suzuki-bets-on-india-s-car-market-but-will-its-suppliers-follow

South Africa’s Motor City Is Buckling Under a Tide of Asian Imports
Bloomberg – Alexander Parker and Matthew Hill – March 18, 2026, at 6:00 AM GMT+1
South Africa’s auto industry is under heavy pressure from cheaper Asian imports, rising domestic costs and weak infrastructure. Automakers, unions and investors are urging urgent reforms, warning that without government action, further closures, lost investment and job cuts are likely.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-18/south-african-carmakers-struggle-to-compete-with-chinese-rivals?srnd=phx-industries-transportation

Trump tariffs have cost automakers at least $35 billion since 2025
Automotive News – John Irwin – March 16, 2026, 07:00 AM EDT
U.S. tariffs have cost automakers at least $35.4 billion since 2025. Toyota faces the biggest projected hit, while many major manufacturers exceed $1 billion each. Alongside EV restructuring costs, tariffs are squeezing margins, lifting prices, reducing imports and clouding investment plans.
Internet link

Debate over the phase-out of internal combustion engines: All eyes are on Germany’s position
Automobilwoche – Hans Evert – March 16, 2026, 8:07 AM
The EU Automotive Package has become a political stress test, especially in Germany. Industry groups want more flexibility on CO₂ rules, corporate-fleet quotas, green steel and e-fuels, while divisions inside Berlin’s coalition could lead to abstention and heavily influence the Brussels debate.
Internet link

Leapmotor Expands Stellantis Alliance, Posts First Profit
Bloomberg – Rachel Yeo – March 17, 2026, at 4:05 AM GMT+1
Leapmotor posted its first annual profit in 2025 as revenue doubled and deliveries neared 600,000 vehicles. It is deepening cooperation with Stellantis to expand globally, localize in Europe, manage regulatory barriers and support a bold target of 1 million sales in 2026.
Internet link

VinFast losses widen to $3.9bn even as EV sales double
Nikkei – LIEN HOANG – March 16, 2026, 23:53 JST
VinFast doubled EV sales in 2025 but its net loss widened to $3.87 billion as costs surged and the delayed U.S. factory triggered impairment charges. Backed by Vingroup, it now targets breakeven, 300,000 EV sales in 2026 and broader regional expansion.
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Renault will be early adopter of humanoid factory robots with 2027 rollout
Automotive News Europe – Peter Sigal – March 16, 2026, 03:50 PM EDT
Renault plans to deploy 350 humanoid robots in 2027 to handle repetitive factory tasks and cut production hours per vehicle by 30%. Developed with Wandercraft, the robots will first lift heavy parts, with broader capabilities expected as software and AI improve.
Internet link

Renault announces extended-range option for next-generation EV platform
Automotive News Europe – Peter Sigal – March 15, 2026, 06:29 PM EDT
Renault will add an extended-range EV option to its next-generation Medium 2.0 platform for Scenic and Rafale, pairing electric drive with a small generator engine. It promises 1,400 km range, lower complexity than PHEVs, rear-wheel drive and major cost reductions.
https://www.autonews.com/renault/ane-renault-range-extender-0312/

American Auto groups urge Trump to keep Chinese carmakers out of US
Reuters – David Shepardson – March 14, 2026
U.S. auto groups urged Trump to keep strict barriers against Chinese carmakers, backing the 2025 cybersecurity rule and opposing local Chinese production. They argue Chinese entry would endanger competitiveness, security and the industrial base, potentially complicating U.S.-China talks before Trump’s expected March 31 visit.
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/auto-industry-groups-urge-trump-keep-chinese-autos-out-us-2026-03-13/

Honda’s Car Troubles Began Long Before Its Disastrous Bet on EVs
Bloomberg – Nicholas Takahashi – March 15, 2026, at 11:40 PM GMT+1
Honda’s EV collapse exposed deeper automotive weakness: an aging lineup, four quarters of auto operating losses, weak U.S. growth and a stalled China business. Once a hybrid pioneer, it now trails Toyota badly, while cancelled EV programs highlight a broader strategic overhaul ahead.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-15/honda-s-car-troubles-began-long-before-its-disastrous-bet-on-evs?srnd=phx-industries-transportation

Drive-by-Wire: The race is entering its final stages
Automobilwoche – Michael Gerster – March 16, 2026, 6:00 AM
Drive-by-wire is nearing production scale as Chinese startup Orient Motion launches electronic-mechanical brakes on Chery’s Exeed EX7. Bosch, ZF and Conti are advancing steer- and brake-by-wire, with software control, redundancy and automated-driving benefits expected to drive rapid global adoption by 2030.
https://www.automobilwoche.de/automobilzulieferer/amw-brake-by-wire-bosch-zf-orient-motion/

Rising prices push US car ownership costs to breaking point
Financial Times – Christian Davies in New York – March 16, 2026
U.S. car ownership costs are hitting consumers as new-vehicle prices top $50,000, monthly payments exceed $800 and insurance, repairs and fuel all rise. Analysts see a structural shift toward expensive SUVs and trucks, leaving fewer affordable options and threatening 2026 sales.
https://www.ft.com/content/faf8a545-5116-43aa-b60d-5bd932018f8a

Founded in Paris in 1919

About OICA

OICA represent the global auto industry that drives economic progress.

Through our autos, we connect people, products and services to enhance quality of life and sustainable automobility. We are committed to technological innovation in the areas of safety, environnement, fuel efficiency, and we seek global harmonization of safety and environmental standards to benefit all countries.

A word from the president

Shailesh Chandra

President – SIAM

“As the global automotive industry transitions towards sustainable mobility and pursuits ‘Net Zero’, in alignment with the visions of Governments worldwide, the role of OICA becomes increasingly critical — to acknowledge the diversity of every region, as we collectively strive to make our vehicles more aspirational, safer, and environmentally friendly.”