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Thai EV Adoption Pressures Production
Akihiro Komuro Ten Thai automotive and auto parts associations have warned that EV adoption is putting pressure on domestic production and that the country’s automotive industry could face a crisis. According to the industry groups, Thai manufacturers are struggling to compete with low-cost, zero-tariff EV imports from China, while local parts suppliers are seeing orders decline.
The associations, which represent more than 1,500 member companies, said in a letter to the government that the industry could face a major shock in 2027, when the current incentive scheme designed to support EV production is scheduled to end. They called on the government to review the EV policy before the incentives expire and to introduce urgent measures to support the industry.
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Komatsu Reports Record 2025 Sales but Profits Decline
Akihiro Komuro Komatsu announced that its revenue reached a record high for fiscal 2025 due to the effects of a weaker yen and improved pricing. However, the company explained that profits fell below the previous year’s level due to declining demand for construction machinery in North America and rising costs.
In North America, the company reported that demand for residential construction remained sluggish and that machinery purchases by rental companies had also declined. It also noted that the Asian market remained generally weak.
Conversely, demand for mining equipment remained high, with the resources sector underpinning its performance. It also stated that its parts and services business had performed steadily.
Furthermore, although Komatsu acknowledged that ‘the business environment remains uncertain’, the company expressed the view that ‘infrastructure investment and mining demand will remain robust’.
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South Korean Shipbuilders Win $1.1 Billion in Orders
Major South Korean shipbuilders HD Hyundai, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries secured a total of approximately $1.1 billion in new orders in a single day, it was reported.
The article explains that demand for LNG carriers and high-value vessels remains strong. It also states that demand for low-carbon, high-efficiency ships is growing due to stricter environmental regulations.
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Ag Machinery Market To Continue Growing
VIETNAM REPORT
Akihiro Komuro The Vietnamese agricultural machinery market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period due to labor shortages in rural areas and rising demand for mechanization. Efforts to improve rice production are boosting demand for agricultural machinery, especially small tractors and tillers. Japanese brands like Kubota and Yanmar maintain a strong market position, but Chinese competitors are increasing their presence. Small-scale farmers consider initial costs, durability, and after-sales service when making purchases. Government policies aimed at modernization are also supporting market growth.
Source: Mordor Intelligence
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Yanmar To Build Plant for Marine Hydrogen Engines
Akihiro Komuro Yanmar Power Solutions is advancing the development of engines that are compatible with next-generation fuels. In anticipation of future increased production volumes of marine and land-based engines, the company has acquired a site in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture.
The new plant will be used to conduct test runs of marine hydrogen engines and to reorganize and strengthen production capabilities, including those of existing plants. The new plant is scheduled to begin operations about March 2029.
In the marine industry, there are ongoing efforts to develop and commercialize decarbonization technologies with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Leveraging its expertise in engine development and production, Yanmar Power Solutions plans to develop powertrains compatible with next-generation fuels, including hydrogen, methanol and ammonia, and establish production systems to support them.
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Power Shortages Boost Reliance on Generators
Akihiro Komuro Amid rising demand during the dry season and the risk of power plant outages, concerns are mounting in the Philippines over tight electricity supplies. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has noted that prices on the Wholesale Electricity Supply Market (WESM) could increase by approximately 4 pesos per kWh.
This increase is due to a combination of factors, including high temperatures, the shutdown of some power plants, and rising fuel costs.
These conditions are also causing instability in the power supply at the regional level. For instance, Boracay’s supply capacity has not kept pace with the surge in electricity demand fueled by the tourism recovery, prompting the use of generators in some areas. Although transmission operators aim to avoid power outages through future infrastructure improvements, reliance on backup power sources continues to some extent.
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EcoFlow Launches 2kWh Portable Power Station
Akihiro Komuro EcoFlow Technology Japan has announced that it launched its new “DELTA 3 2000 Air” portable power station. Positioned in the 2kWh class, the new unit combines 1,920Wh of storage capacity with a lightweight design aimed at improving portability for household backup power, vehicle use and outdoor applications. The company simultaneously released a 220W lightweight bifacial solar panel using TOPCon cells, presenting the products as a combined solution for improving energy self-sufficiency during outages and off-grid use.
Despite its relatively compact dimensions of 220 × 223 × 426 mm, the DELTA 3 2000 Air offers rated output of 1,000W with 1,500W surge capacity and dual AC outlets. EcoFlow says the unit can support essential appliances such as refrigerators, lighting, notebook PCs and communications equipment during blackouts. The product uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and is rated for about 3,000 charge-discharge cycles while retaining 70% capacity, underscoring its positioning as a long-life backup power device rather than a short-term consumer gadget.
The company also highlighted disaster-preparedness and business continuity planning (BCP) applications, noting that the system can be used for communications backup, temporary server protection and auxiliary power for medical devices in homes and small offices. Its flat handle and compact form factor are intended to make storage easier in limited spaces such as under car seats or in narrow household gaps. The newly launched 220W bifacial solar panel, weighing approximately 5.1 kg, is designed to complement the power station by enabling more autonomous power supply in disaster or outdoor settings.
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