Korean Battery Companies Increase Sales Significantly

FAR EAST: SOUTH KOREA REPORT

The consolidated financial results for the April-June period of the three major Korean battery companies show significant sales growth. LG Energy Solution’s sales grew 73% y/y and operating profit was 2.4x y/y. SK On’s sales grew 2.9x y/y due to the expansion of EV production. Samsung SDI’s sales grew 23% y/y.

LG Energy, the world’s second largest automotive battery maker, posted a 73% y/y increase in sales to KRW 8.774 trillion (approximately $6.6 billion) and a 2.4x y/y increase in operating profit to KRW 461 billion (approximately $340 million), while its joint production with GM of the U.S., which will begin operations in 2022, also contributed to the continued growth in sales and profit.

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Two New Approaches To Wind-Powered Ships

Ships haven’t had sails for generations, but the idea is gaining new supporters as shipping companies work to lower their carbon emissions.

Globalization has spawned a tremendous increase in the number of ships crossing the world’s oceans. Ships the size of small cities haul thousands of containers and tankers as large as aircraft carriers transport millions of gallons of oil from one continent to another. Many of them run on bunker oil — a gelatinous mass of whatever is left over after the refining process is over. The stuff is so thick, it needs to be heated in order to flow and when it is burned, it leaves behind sulfurous clouds of carbon dioxide so thick they can be tracked by satellites.

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EU May Impose Tariffs on Chinese EVs

In her annual State of The EU address on Sept. 13, 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested that Chinese manufacturers are dumping Chinese EVs on EU customers that are priced below what domestic manufacturers charge.

She suggested that the root cause of the problem is the heavy subsidies provided to Chinese automakers by the central government — subsidies that allow them to sell Chinese EVs at artificially low prices to the detriment of domestic companies. If so, she warned the EU would consider imposing new tariffs on Chinese cars to level the playing field.

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China Auto OEM To Invest in Thai EV Motorbike Plant

THAILAND REPORT

Chinese automotive equipment manufacturer Suzhou Harmontronics Automation Technology plans to build an electric motorcycle factory in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), eyeing a market set to grow, thanks to government subsidies.

The company plans to invest $281 million (10 billion baht) to secure annual production capacity of 150,000 units by 2028. The plans were revealed by the office of the EEC.

Suzhou Harmontronics will build the factory at an industrial park in Chonburi Province, within the EEC zone, and will assemble electric motorcycles and manufacturing replaceable batteries and charging equipment at the facility. A start date for operations was not disclosed.

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Transitioning from ICE Buses to Zero-Emission Engines

NORTH AMERICA REPORT
Chris Fisher
Chris Fisher

During the past few months, we have seen significant changes in the bus market in Europe and North America as operations convert from internal combustion engines to zero-emission buses. 

In Europe, Scania and Volvo are moving from building complete buses to a chassis only build.  The high cost of zero-emission buses and a competitive market are primary reasons for this.  The expected growth of zero-emission buses is forcing the OEMs to better streamline operations, and we expect to see other large OEMs transition down this path. 

Source: AMS

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PowerTALK™, December 2023

Worldwide EV battery development continues at a fast pace, US outdoor recreation industry hits $1 trillion, and Honda plans to drop mass production of its Honda “e” . Read about these items and more in the December PowerTALK News from Power Systems Research.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

  • High Energy, Cobalt-Free Lithium Ion Battery Developed
  • CATL Creates Fast Charging Skateboard
  • Record Low EV Battery Prices Reported in 2023
  • US Discovers Lithium Bonanza for EV Batteries

NORTH AMERICA: 

  • Electrify Where It Makes Sense
  • Outdoor Recreation Adds $1.5 Trillion to US Economy in 2022

DATAPOINT: NA Combines
EUROPE: Kobelco Expands European Headquarters
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

  • Argentina Vehicle Production Grows in November
  • Brazil Off-Highway Machine Sales Continue To Decline
  • VW Trucks and Bus To Restart Two Shifts in January

JAPAN: Honda To Drop Mass-Produced EV “Honda e”
SOUTH KOREA: Hyundai Motor and Apple May Partner
INDIA: Mahindra Plans To Double Tractor Exports

Mahindra Plans To Double Tractor Exports

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

“Our aim is that with the launch of Oja (platform), we will double our export in the next three years,” says Hemant Sikka, president of Mahindra’s farm equipment sector. “So, we want to increase exports from 18,000 to 36,000 in about three years.”

In collaboration with Mitsubishi Mahindra Agriculture Machinery, Japan, and an investment of INR 1200 crore, the new Oja platform could help Mahindra win 25% of the worldwide tractor demand. This includes tapping into new markets such as Europe and ASEAN, as well as strengthening its presence in sectors like horticulture.

Source: Economic Times    Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The launch of Mahindra Tractors’ new Oja platform underscores a strategic move with several critical business implications. First, the entry into the 80,000 unit ASEAN market represents an expansion initiative, targeting countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This move aligns with the company’s global growth strategy, capitalizing on the increasing demand for tractors in these emerging markets.

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PowerTALK™, January 2024

BYD, the Chinese auto manufacturer, is making expansion moves in Brazil, Deutz plans to sell electric marine motor manufacturer Torqeedo to Yamaha and GM and Komatsu are developing hydrogen fuel cells for mining trucks. Read these articles and more in the January issue of PowerTALK News.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

  • GM, Komatsu Plan Hydrogen Fuel Cells for EV Mining Truc
  • · Drivers of Heavy, Dirty Cars Pay Stiff Penalty Tax in Franc
  • · Survey: EV Range Anxiety Slips in Importance
  • · Cathode Material for Cheaper, More Sustainable EVs Developed

NORTH AMERICA: Consumers, Professionals Boost Lawn & Garden Spending
EUROPE:

  • · Electric Hydro Foiling Popular in Maritime Industry
  • · Deutz AG To Sell Torqeedo Shares To Yamaha

DATAPOINT: NA Dumpers/Tenders
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

  • · BYD Seeks To Acquire Lithium Mining Operation in Brazil
  • · BYD Plans Supply Chain Verticalization in Brazil

JAPAN: 2023 Domestic MC Shipments Increase 4%
SOUTH KOREA: Hyundai Motor Sells Chongqing Plant in China
THAILAND: Lithium Deposit World’s Third Largest
CHINA: Recharging Slows Penetration of New Energy HD Trucks
INDIA: Ford’s Potential Return to India

2024 NA ATV Production: 281,000 Units

281,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of ATVs expected to be produced in North America in 2024.

ATV is short term for All Terrain Vehicle. This vehicle commonly has four wheels and is designed to be driven off road. It seats one person, or sometimes two, one in front of the other. ATVs are utilized in a variety of activities that include recreation, sport and military related needs. 

This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Exports: Mexico, up to 45% worldwide, andUnited States, up to 30% worldwide. As of 2022, approximately 60% of the ATVs Suzuki made in its Rome, GA, facility remained in the U.S. while the remainder were sold internationally.

Market Share:  With combined plant totals of 26%, Polaris leads in production of 4-Wheeled ATVs in North America.  In second position is Honda with 25%; third, is Yamaha with 16%.

Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations at Power Systems Researech