According to a report from BNN Bloomberg, while Tesla is preparing to launch its Full Self-Driving technology in the Chinese market in the first quarter of next year, Chinese automakers are unveiling their own self-driving models, equipped with advanced autonomous driving features and artificial intelligence.

The report highlights that last week, Xiaomi Chairman Lei Jun livestreamed a test drive of  its SU7 EV. The demonstration showcased the vehicle’s ability to travel seamlessly “from parking spot to parking spot,” meaning it started from one parking space to another at the destination, utilizing smart driving technology throughout the journey.

According to the report, Xiaomi’s SU7 EV draws inspiration from Tesla’s end-to-end technology. It uses cameras and AI to make real-time driving decisions, instead of relying on engineers to program rules for driving simulation.

Xiaomi Chairman Lei stated that this smart driving technology represents the most advanced assisted-driving system available today. While it was originally introduced by Tesla in the U.S. in January, Chinese EV manufacturers are accelerating their efforts to catch up, as the repot notes.

The report indicates that despite ongoing concerns about the safety and reliability of driver-assistance systems — with Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD facing lawsuits and federal safety investigations — many in the industry see autonomous driving as the future of transportation. Companies are rushing to develop this technology to stay ahead of their competitors.

At the Guangzhou Auto Show in China, Geely Automobile’s premium EV brand, Zeekr, unveiled version 2.0 of its smart-driving solution. The report indicates that this advanced system features end-to-end technology and is set to roll out urban navigation across China by year-end. Zeekr is also considering introducing its advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) in the global market in the future, as the report notes.

According to the report, Chen Qi from Zeekr, who used to be the leader of Huawei’s autonomous driving team, mentioned that Tesla’s FSD will increase competition for Chinese EV makers but sees this as a positive development that can boost innovation. He also pointed out that China’s unique road conditions and regulatory environment may pose challenges for Tesla’s technology to adapt immediately.

Geely’s joint venture with Baidu, Jidu Auto—known as Jiyue in China—has unveiled its AI-powered electric hypercar, the Robo X. The report mentions that the model can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 1.9 seconds and offers a range of 650 kilometers (403 miles) on a single charge.

According to the report, although the price of the Robo X has not yet been decided, customers can place an order with a deposit of RMB 49,999 (approximately USD 6,900).

The report highlights that other Chinese automakers, including Xpeng, Li Auto, and Great Wall Motor also showcased their latest intelligent-driving models at the Guangzhou Auto Show event.

Read more

• [News] Chinese EV Maker XPeng Tapes out Latest In-House Chip, Boasting Triple the Computing Power of its Rivals
• [News] China Urges EV Manufacturers to Keep Key Technologies from Leaving the Country

(Photo credit: Xiaomi)

According to a report by Commercial Times, citing South China Morning Post, as the U.S. and EU intensify sanctions on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), Chinese EV manufacturers are shifting their focus to Africa, accelerating efforts to establish flagship stores and assembly plants across the continent.

In 2023, Chinese new energy vehicle exports to Africa saw year-on-year growth of 291%, as noted by the report. Chinese-made electric buses are now a common sight on roads in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

The report points out that Egypt, located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, has become a key destination for Chinese investment, with companies like BAIC Group and Geely Auto’s premium EV maker Zeekr recently announcing plans to enter the market.

For Chinese companies looking to expand into the Middle East and Africa, Egypt is a strategic location, as indicated by the report. By the end of 2025, BAIC Group’s assembly plant in Egypt is expected to produce 20,000 EVs annually. The report notes that this figure is projected to increase to 50,000 units annually within five years of operation, under the company’s agreement with Alkan Auto, a subsidiary of Egypt’s EIM Group.

In addition to meeting domestic demand, BAIC’s plant will leverage Egypt’s geographic position at the intersection of Asia, Africa, and Europe to export vehicles to other African nations and the Middle East. The report highlights that a key advantage is the Suez Canal, which handles over 10% of global trade annually, connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and providing the shortest maritime route between Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, Zeekr, another Chinese EV brand, has announced plans to enter the Egyptian market by the end of this year, as noted by the report. The company has signed a distribution agreement with EIM Group to establish a sales and service network in Egypt.

In addition to its strategic location, the report highlights Egypt’s low labor costs as a key advantage. Wages in Egypt are approximately half those in Morocco and lower than in South Africa. Moreover, Egypt’s abundant sunlight makes it an ideal site for renewable energy-focused assembly plants. Its inclusion in the African Continental Free Trade Area and its proximity to high-income markets in the Middle East and Europe further strengthen its appeal, as the report indicates.

Beyond Egypt, Chinese automakers are making significant inroads into African markets. Chery, for instance, is planning to establish an assembly line in Kenya, a plan likely made before the EU’s announcement of additional tariffs on Chinese EVs in July. Meanwhile, according to the report, BYD and XPeng have expanded into countries such as Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

The report points out that in September, BYD introduced three EV models in Kenya, following recent launches in Zambia and Madagascar, expanding its footprint to 12 African markets.

Read more

• [News] China Urges EV Manufacturers to Keep Key Technologies from Leaving the Country
• [News] EU Plans to Cut Tariffs on China-Made Tesla EVs from 20% to 9%, with Final Decision Expected in October

(Photo credit: BAIC)

According to a report from Wccftech, Super Micro Computer has taken steps to avoid a potential delisting from the Nasdaq exchange. The company has submitted a compliance plan and appointed BDO USA as its new auditor to meet Nasdaq’s disclosure requirements.

The report notes that Supermicro has submitted a compliance plan to Nasdaq, requesting more time to regain compliance with listing requirements. The company stated it expects to file its annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and its quarterly report for the period ending September 30, 2024, within Nasdaq’s allowed timeframe.

Nasdaq has to accept this compliance plan for Supermicro to avoid being removed from the tech-focused exchange, as the report notes.

Despite its challenges, the report highlights that Supermicro retains a competitive edge in AI racks. Its capacity for deploying liquid-cooled AI racks is 18 months to 2 years ahead of competitors such as Dell, HP, and Cisco. Additionally, the company was, until recently, NVIDIA’s third-largest customer.

On a positive note, Supermicro has just delivered the “highest-performing SuperCluster,” an advanced AI data center solution powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform. This SuperCluster substantially enhances the deployment of NVIDIA HGX B200 8-GPU systems within liquid-cooled racks, as mentioned in its press release.

Supermicro has recently faced several challenges, including allegations of financial misconduct by Hindenburg Research, a delay in filing its annual report, and the resignation of its auditor. These issues have resulted in a DOJ investigation and Nasdaq’s warning that the company could face delisting, as noted in the report.

Amid these difficulties, there were expectations that the company might pause its factory expansion in Malaysia, which was projected to double its server cabinet production capacity to 10,000 units per month.

In response to inquiries from the Central News Agency, Supermicro clarified that its plans for the Malaysia facility remain unchanged, with production set to commence by the end of this year, and emphasized that customer orders are “still robust.”

Read more

• [News] Supermicro Reaffirms Unchanged Expansion Plans for Malaysia Plant, Cites Strong Order Demand
• [News] NVIDIA Rumored to Shift Supermicro Orders, Potentially Benefiting Taiwanese Suppliers

(Photo credit: Supermicro)

Ahead of NVIDIA’s upcoming earnings report tomorrow, rumors have been circulating that the AI giant’s Blackwell processors are encountering overheating problems when installed in high-capacity server racks. However, Dell CEO Michael Dell soon posted a photo on social media, showcasing the first GB200 server shipment globally, effectively dispelling concerns about potential delays.

The 1st in the world @nvidia GB200 NVL72 server racks are now shipping. We are thrilled to deliver our liquid-cooled PowerEdge XE9712 to @CoreWeave. The AI rocket just got a massive boost! 🤖🚀🤝 pic.twitter.com/2QzlxbQE5f

— Michael Dell (@MichaelDell) November 18, 2024

In addition, another report from the Economic Daily News notes that NVIDIA’s two major contract manufacturers headquartered in Taiwan, Foxconn and Quanta, have both stated that the GB200 server cabinet delivery schedule remains unaffected.

The two companies are not only the primary manufacturers for NVIDIA’s GB200, but also key suppliers of the first batch of server racks, notes Economic Daily News.

It is worth noting that a source from a server chassis manufacturer cited by the report indicated that they had never heard of any heat dissipation problems with the server racks.

The source further explained that the chassis itself is not a heat source, as any heating would likely stem from the chips. The chassis’ primary function is to reinforce the server structure and support the liquid cooling system, he said.

According to the report, Foxconn confirmed that its internal shipment remains on schedule with no delays. It is understood that Foxconn plans to make small-scale shipments this quarter and ramp up production in the first quarter of next year.

Citing Foxconn Chairman Young Liu’s previous remarks, the report states that the demand for the GB200 series, as NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang described, is “insane.”

Quanta agreed with the comments, saying that the shipping schedule for the GB200 series servers remains as projected, with mass production ramping up in the first quarter of next year, according to the Economic Daily News.

According to a report by The Information, NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) face overheating issues in servers housing 72 processors, which can demand up to 120kW per rack. The report indicates that these challenges have led to design modifications and delays, sparking concerns from major customers such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

Read more

• [News] NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs Reportedly Overheat in Server Racks, Sparking Delay Concerns
• [News] NVIDIA’s Blackwell Overcomes Delays, as GB200 Reportedly Sets for December Mass Production

(Photo credit: NVIDIA)

In recent years, with the growing demand for display products, iLED (Inorganic Light-Emitting Diode) technology has gradually become a leading force in the transformation of the display industry. It is rapidly being applied in areas such as televisions, large-scale direct-view displays, in-car displays, and AR/VR, driving continuous advancement in display technology.

What is the current state of development in the diverse iLED display technologies today, and where will future opportunities lie in terms of applications and markets? In a recent presentation, Eric Chiou, Senior Research Vice President at TrendForce, provided an in-depth analysis on this topic.

Mini LED Backlighting Accelerates Penetration in TV and Automotive Display Markets

In the television sector, Mini LED backlighting has seen rapid cost reductions due to innovations in PCB structure adjustments, increased chip voltage, and active drive technology. As a result, Mini LED backlighting has stood out in the consumer TV market and quickly gained a significant market share. Television brands have also expanded their lineup of Mini LED backlight products.

According to TrendForce, by 2028, global shipments of Mini LED TVs are expected to exceed 26 million units, accounting for approximately 13% of the market.

In the automotive display sector, demand for Mini LED backlighting is also growing. Automakers in Europe, South Korea, and other regions recognize the superior HDR and contrast effects that Mini LED backlighting offers, speeding up its adoption in vehicles.

By 2028, TrendForce forecasts that Mini LED backlighting will have a penetration rate of 6% in the automotive sector, with 15 million units shipped, representing a nearly tenfold increase from 2024.

Mini LED Display: Narrow-Pitch Models Unlock Multi-Scenario Applications

Higher system efficiency (around 4%-7%) lays a strong foundation for Mini LED displays in ultra-large-size applications.

In terms of production capacity, COB (Chip on Board) capacity has expanded 2.7 times over the past two years, reaching 57,600 m² per month, ensuring ample production capacity and driving prices down.

Regarding applications, beyond traditional commercial displays, home theaters and virtual production are promising directions for Mini LED display development.

TrendForce expects that the market value of Mini LED narrow-pitch (under P2.5) displays will rise from $4.5 billion today to $6.9 billion by 2028, with an annual compound growth rate of about 10%.

For ultra-narrow-pitch Mini LED displays (under P1.0), the growth is even faster, with the market expanding from $382 million in 2024 to $1.092 billion by 2028, achieving an annual compound growth rate of about 28%.

Glass-Based Micro LED: Driving Innovation in Automotive Applications

From a technical perspective, Micro LED has achieved significant breakthroughs in chip miniaturization, mass transfer, and inspection solutions. Its application is expected to expand from large displays to automotive displays, covering use in car dashboards, instrument panels, AR HUDs, and transparent displays.

Based on these factors, TrendForce forecasts that by 2028, the market value of Micro LED chips will reach $600 million.

LEDoS: The Future Star of Near-Eye Displays

As an early-stage technology, silicon-based Micro LED（LEDoS）still faces challenges in terms of wafer size, micro-optic structures, and full-color capabilities. However, as it matures, LEDoS’s small size and high luminous efficiency will make it ideal for AR headsets.

TrendForce projects that by 2030, LEDoS could capture over 30% of the AR market, potentially becoming the sole mainstream technology in the field.

Quantum Dot Electroluminescence (QDEL): The Ultimate iLED Display Technology

Eric Chiou believes that Quantum Dot Electroluminescence (QDEL) will be the ultimate solution for inorganic LED technology.

QDEL offers significant advantages such as high color saturation, low power consumption, and long lifespan. Leading global display manufacturers like Samsung Display and TCL CSOT have already launched QDEL products utilizing printing technology, showcasing exceptional color saturation and power efficiency, though there are still debates over material selection.

For widespread adoption of QDEL in the display field, the industry must overcome challenges related to environmental sustainability, production costs, and recyclability of materials.

South Korea: Proposed Semiconductor Special Act

According to Business Korea, South Korea proposed a Semiconductor Special Act on November 11, aiming to provide financial support to semiconductor manufacturers through legislation and allow exceptions to the 52-hour workweek under certain circumstances. This proposed law reflects the South Korean government’s strong support and commitment to the semiconductor industry.

The bill specifies a dedicated account for semiconductors to enhance the industry’s competitiveness and stabilize the supply chain. South Korea plans to offer upfront subsidies to semiconductor manufacturers to encourage proactive investments during the decision phase, accelerating industry growth.

Amid international competition, South Korea has been ramping up its semiconductor investments through financial support, industrial park development, and technology innovation. According to Chosun Ilbo, since July this year, South Korea has offered incentives and subsidies to semiconductor companies, launching a ₩26 trillion funding initiative to support the industry. South Korea also plans to establish a new ₩800 billion fund for the semiconductor ecosystem by 2027, with an initial target of ₩300 billion by 2025 to support equity investments in materials, components, equipment, and fabless companies.

(Photo credit: Samsung Display)