The Philippine automotive sector hits a 2% sales growth in the first half of 2025, powered by an 11.3% surge in commercial vehicle purchases and a cautious rise in new energy vehicle adoption, signalling robust market resilience and technological innovation.The Philippine automotive industry is experiencing a notable upward trajectory as 2025 reaches its midpoint, primarily driven by a strong demand for commercial vehicles. According to recent combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), the first half of the year saw total vehicle sales of about 230,912 units, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth is largely attributed to the expanding market for commercial vehicles, which account for over 80% of total sales with approximately 185,265 units sold—an impressive 11.3% rise from the previous year. On the passenger car front, sales since January reached around 45,647 units, making up roughly 19.77% of industry sales. In June alone, the industry sold about 40,483 vehicles, marking a 3.6% increase over June 2024 and a 1.8% rise from May 2025. Market leaders continue to hold strong positions: Toyota Motor Philippines maintains a dominant 48.19% market share, followed by Mitsubishi with 19.06%. Nissan holds about 5.14%, Ford roughly 4.47%, and Suzuki completes the top five with approximately 4.45%. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders, including CAMPI and TMA, remain focused on enhancing customer experience, updating vehicle offerings, and supporting overall market recovery during the second half of 2025. The surge in commercial vehicle sales early in the year reflects a market preference for vehicles tailored to logistics, transportation, and construction sectors—key contributors to economic resilience. Furthermore, the industry continues to evolve with consumer preferences shifting towards connected, personalized driving experiences and greater environmental consciousness. Data from the first quarter indicates that about 5,311 new energy vehicles—mainly hybrids, batteries, and plug-in hybrids—have been sold, with approximately 1,600 electrified vehicles registered in January alone. Although still a small segment, these figures suggest a cautious but steady adoption of new energy technology. Experts emphasize that stabilizing supply chains, economic conditions, and advancements in autonomous and electric vehicle technology are vital for sustaining growth. Innovations in artificial intelligence, sensors, and infotainment systems are expected to revolutionize driving experiences, making vehicles more connected and smarter. Meanwhile, commercial vehicles continue to be the backbone of industry sales, with manufacturers and dealerships committed to adapting to tech trends while meeting market demands. Overall, the Philippine auto industry shows promising signs of sustained growth and innovation as it navigates an evolving landscape, making it an exciting sector to watch as 2025 progresses. The industry’s swift adaptation to new technologies and changing consumer preferences highlights its resilience and potential for future expansion. Source: Noah Wire Services

The automotive battery sector in Australia and New Zealand is poised for significant expansion, with rising electric vehicle adoption, investment in local manufacturing, and advances in battery technology driving growth toward a US$1.69 billion market by 2032.The automotive battery market in Australia and New Zealand—often just called ANZ—is really set to grow quite a bit in the coming years. And honestly, a lot of that growth is being driven by the rapid rise in electric vehicles (EVs) and the increasing number of vehicles on the road overall. Recent market reports suggest that by 2032, this sector should be worth around US$1.69 billion, growing at a pretty handy rate of about 7.1% per year. That’s a solid sign of the region's dual driving forces: on one side, there’s steady demand for traditional automotive batteries that service an aging vehicle fleet, and on the other, a big push towards the newer lithium-ion batteries that are powering electric and hybrid vehicles. Now, in terms of which types of batteries dominate right now, lead-acid batteries are still the main players—especially whenever we’re talking about your regular internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. They’re cheap, well-understood, and the supply chains are pretty well established. You’ll find them predominantly in rural and semi-urban areas of ANZ where people tend to be more price-sensitive, and the vehicles still tend to rely on old-school tech. But here’s the twist: lithium-ion batteries are making serious headway. They’re improving in energy density—that’s how much power they can store—and they last longer, too. Plus, the adoption of EVs is skyrocketing, largely thanks to government incentives, investments in charging station networks, and stricter environmental laws—so it’s no surprise that these batteries are gaining a larger slice of the market. Australia, with its large vehicle ownership and extensive infrastructure, currently leads the way in overall size, but New Zealand really stands out for its high EV penetration per person. This is partly thanks to their progressive tax incentives and strong eco-friendly policies. Looking ahead, several strategic trends are shaping how the ANZ market will evolve. Governments and players in the industry are heavily investing in local battery manufacturing facilities and robust recycling systems. It makes sense—focusing on a circular economy isn’t just an environmental necessity because of the tricky disposal issues with lithium-ion batteries, but it also makes good economic sense to cut down on import costs. For example, New Zealand’s experimental programmes focusing on recovering and reusing used EV batteries are kind of signaling a new era of sustainability in the supply chains across the region. Tech innovation is also a huge part of this story. Developments in solid-state batteries could be a game changer—offering higher energy density, faster charging times, and better safety profiles. These improvements could not only extend driving ranges but also make ownership more affordable in the long run. On top of that, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into battery management systems is helping optimize performance through real-time data and predictive maintenance. It’s pretty fascinating—these advancements will probably lead to batteries that last longer, cost less over their lifecycle, and are less prone to breakdowns, all while meeting the strictest environmental standards and satisfying consumer expectations for durability and dependable performance. The competitive landscape here isn’t overly concentrated but features a handful of international big names and regional specialists. Major players like Century Yuasa Batteries, Bosch Australia, Exide Technologies, Panasonic, LG Energy Solution, and China’s CATL have strong footholds, thanks to their partnerships, innovative tech, and expanding distribution channels. Many are also gearing up for strategic collaborations focused on establishing local battery assembly plants—handy moves, considering the booming EV market, which not only creates jobs but also fuels innovation. Of course, challenges are still present. The high cost of lithium-ion batteries remains a barrier, especially for consumers who are more budget-conscious, and the recycling infrastructure isn't yet scaled enough to handle the volume of used batteries efficiently, particularly in remote areas where logistical issues complicate supply chains. Overcoming these obstacles—whether through technological progress, supportive policies, or investments into local value chains—will be key if the market hopes to sustain its growth trajectory. In the end, it’s clear that the ANZ automotive battery landscape is entering a pretty exciting phase—moving toward electrification, technological breakthroughs, and more sustainable practices. With its substantial passenger vehicle market, support from government policies, and expanding EV infrastructure, the region seems positioned to embrace both traditional batteries and cutting-edge innovations. The forecast to reach nearly US$1.7 billion by 2032—plus ongoing efforts in recycling and local manufacturing—highlight an industry that’s gradually steering toward cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions overall. Source: Noah Wire Services

The global EV battery market, currently valued at USD 92.7 billion, is projected to reach up to USD 182 billion by 2032, driven by advances in lithium-ion and emerging solid-state battery technologies, strong government policies, and increased regional manufacturing efforts despite ongoing cost and resource challenges.The global market for electric vehicle (EV) batteries is actually set for some pretty significant growth over the next ten years. It's driven by all sorts of positive changes—like rapid advances in battery tech, strong government policies aiming to cut emissions, and a growing crowd of consumers eager to get behind the wheel of electric cars. Right now, the market's roughly valued at around USD 92.7 billion in 2025, but according to Persistence Market Research, it could nearly double—hitting about USD 181.8 billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (or CAGR) of roughly 10.1%. This upward trend makes it clear how critical high-performance EV batteries are—especially lithium-ion types, which dominate because of their high energy density, long-lasting durability, and overall efficiency. These batteries play a huge role in determining how far an EV can go, how well it performs, and how much it costs to operate. And that’s why there’s a ton of investment flowing into R&D, along with efforts to boost manufacturing capacity. Looking at different regions, Asia-Pacific is currently leading the charge, driven by giant manufacturing centers in China, South Korea, and Japan. These countries benefit from well-established supply chains for essential raw materials, ongoing government incentives, and expanding EV infrastructure—which together, fuel both demand and innovation. Meanwhile, North America and Europe are also stepping up, increasingly becoming key players, because of strict regulations targeting carbon neutrality—think the EU's pledge to be climate-neutral by 2050—and rising consumer interest. On top of that, we've seen significant moves to localize battery manufacturing, especially in U.S. states like those in the Midwest and the South, aiming to support a growing domestic EV manufacturing scene. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. High battery costs are still a major hurdle, even though prices have been slowly dropping over recent years. Material shortages—particularly for lithium, cobalt, and nickel—pose risks related to price swings and supply chain hiccups. Plus, the development of fast-charging stations hasn’t quite kept pace with EV adoption in many parts of the world. That lag creates worries among consumers about range anxiety, which can indirectly slow demand growth and impact the battery market. On the tech front, the industry is continuously evolving. Enter solid-state batteries—these are seen as the next big thing because they offer higher energy densities, longer lifespan, and safety improvements over traditional lithium-ion cells. Their potential to slash costs and boost vehicle performance is making them a hot investment topic, and many believe they’ll shape the future of EV battery development. Another promising area is reusing old EV batteries for stationary energy storage—kind of a sustainability move that helps promote a circular economy in the sector. It could also open new revenue streams for battery firms. When it comes to market segmentation, passenger vehicles currently dominate battery demand. But there’s also rapid growth in commercial vehicles and electric two-wheelers—especially in densely populated emerging markets where affordable and eco-friendly transportation options are in high demand. Government regulations, rising environmental awareness, and urbanization are all supporting this diversified expansion. Now, different research firms offer slightly different forecasts. Persistence Market Research, for example, expects the market to hit nearly USD 182 billion by 2032 with a CAGR just over 10%. Others, like Fortune Business Insights, forecast around USD 115 billion by then with a lower 5.9% CAGR. On the higher side, Acumen Research and Consulting suggests it could reach USD 194.8 billion by 2032, with a notably faster 16.9% growth rate. More optimistic projections from Global Growth Insights even see the market climbing to about USD 385.9 billion by 2033, with a CAGR above 14%. Looking further ahead, MarketsandMarkets predicts it could be worth roughly USD 251.3 billion by 2035, fortified by technological advances and important government pushes—like the US Department of Energy’s plan to allocate USD 3 billion in funding toward domestic battery production. These various estimates highlight just how dynamic and somewhat unpredictable this sector still is, influenced heavily by rapid innovation, geopolitical factors, and shifting policies. Key players in this competitive landscape include companies like LG Energy Solution, Panasonic, Samsung SDI, BYD, SK Innovation, Tesla, and Johnson Controls. You see collaborations—like LG teaming up with General Motors—and innovations coming from Tesla that aim to enhance energy density or cut costs. Basically, the race is on for next-gen batteries that can keep the growth momentum going and secure a more competitive edge in the global EV market. All in all, the EV battery industry is at a pretty pivotal point. With technological breakthroughs, government commitments to greener transportation, and changing consumer preferences, there’s a lot of promise. Still, tackling obstacles like high costs, resource constraints, and infrastructure needs will be essential if this sector truly wants to realize its full potential and maintain its rapid growth momentum. Source: Noah Wire Services

Automotive dealerships are embracing predictive modelling technology to transform inventory, staffing, and customer engagement strategies. By leveraging real-time data and forward-looking analytics, dealers gain crucial lead time to optimise operations, boost profitability, and stay competitive in an increasingly volatile market.In the fiercely competitive world of the automotive aftermarket supply chain, dealerships find themselves under constant pressure to boost efficiency, sharpen their forecasting skills, and fully adopt data-driven decision processes across every part of their operations. From managing inventory to engaging with customers, the old reactive approaches are quickly giving way to predictive modeling—a technology that fuses historical data with live, real-time information spanning dealer networks. This big shift toward analytics that predict future trends is helping dealers get ahead of challenges, maintain profitability, and keep a leg up in an unpredictable market environment. Looking back, dealership decisions—whether it’s about staffing, pricing strategies, or which vehicles to acquire—used to hinge on lagging indicators like past sales figures and outdated inventory reports. That often meant reacting after the fact, rather than preparing for what’s next. But predictive modeling flips that script by analyzing thousands of data points from a variety of sources—think sales history, connected vehicle data, online consumer behaviors, service records, and broader market shifts. When all these pieces are brought together, predictive tools can forecast upcoming outcomes with much more precision, giving dealers the advantage of extra lead time to adjust their strategies. For example, a dealership might be able to tell which car models will likely sell well next month or foresee a surge in service appointments, allowing them to allocate resources smarter and avoid losing profits before issues even develop. Inventory management has long been a tough nut, especially with supply chain hiccups and market ups and downs making it more complicated. Predictive analytics, however, make a big difference here. Instead of just basing stock decisions on historic sales data, dealers are now factoring in real-time regional demand signals, online search trends, and even macroeconomic factors like fuel prices. For instance, if interest in hybrid sedans suddenly spikes in a certain city or region, a dealer might decide to stock more of those models ahead of time. That way, they can reduce the chances of holding onto outdated inventory, cut down on financing costs, and avoid giving heavy discounts just to clear stock—ultimately protecting their margins in a tough environment with ongoing supply issues. But predictive modeling doesn’t just help with inventory. It’s also pretty handy for smarter staffing and better use of operational resources, especially in fixed operations like service departments. Modern AI-powered scheduling platforms analyze customer traffic, appointment scheduling trends, and seasonal demand patterns to help balance the workforce more efficiently. This capability’s essential for preventing bottlenecks and avoiding understaffing—common issues that can eat into revenue and leave customers dissatisfied. With improved forecasts, dealerships can cut down on downtime, get more cars serviced in less time, and give customers a smoother overall experience. Operational bottlenecks—well, they’re often hidden until they start to hit the bottom line hard. Predictive analytics can shine a light on these issues by tracking things like test drive conversion rates or patterns in digital engagements. These insights enable dealerships to catch problems early, whether that’s by retraining staff, fine-tuning lead follow-up procedures, or adjusting pricing tactics. Basically, it’s about nipping inefficiencies in the bud before they snowball into bigger revenue problems. One of the most impactful shifts that predictive analytics drives is a broad cultural change in how dealerships make decisions. Moving away from gut feelings or guesswork, these insights promote strategic, data-based management—covering marketing, vehicle procurement, and pricing strategies. This shift fosters a results-focused environment, encouraging accountability and aligning actions with measurable business goals. After all, in an industry where even a small mistake can wipe out profits, having a data-backed approach makes a huge difference. Dealerships that harness predictive analytics are better prepared to handle economic swings, changing consumer tastes, and the endless wave of new technology disruptions. Customer engagement also benefits immensely from these insights. By pinpointing individuals most likely to buy or service vehicles, dealerships can time their marketing efforts more precisely and tailor financing options for specific customer segments. This targeted approach not only increases response rates but also builds loyalty, supporting steady revenue growth. On top of that, predictive analytics aid in making smarter pre-owned vehicle purchases and optimizing how different sales channels work together, thereby strengthening the overall dealer portfolio. Even manufacturers aren’t left behind—they’re using predictive data to anticipate market trends and adjust production plans accordingly, which shows just how far-reaching these tools really are. All these examples highlight a simple truth: while predictive modeling isn’t a cure-all for every dealership challenge, it offers a solid foundation for smarter, quicker, more profitable operations. And, in a sector where competition and market complexity keep intensifying, being able to forecast market moves rather than just react could make all the difference for long-term success. Len Short, who heads up Lotlinx, points out that predictive modeling is really about preparing dealership operations for an unpredictable future. It lets dealer teams adapt smoothly to changing market conditions and manage inventory risks more effectively—down to the VIN-specific level, no less. It’s quite an approach, right? Source: Noah Wire Services

IFM Investors has taken a 75% stake in Air Rail, a key player in leasing and maintaining electric ground support equipment across European airports. The deal highlights a strategic push towards sustainable airport operations and signals ambitious growth plans backed by IFM’s extensive infrastructure investment experience.Investment management firm IFM Investors has picked up a 75% stake in Air Rail, a company that specializes in leasing and maintaining ground support equipment (GSE) for airports, mainly in Spain and Portugal. The remaining 25% will stay in the hands of Air Rail’s founder, José Manuel García Prieto. Based in Madrid and with a team of over 120 staff members, Air Rail manages a fleet of more than 4,000 GSE units—including passenger boarding stairs, pushback tractors, and baggage carts. These serve over 50 airports across Europe. Interestingly enough, around 70% of that fleet is fully electric, pointing to the company’s dedication to greener airport operations and reflecting a wider industry push toward decarbonising air travel. García Prieto shared his enthusiasm about the new ownership setup, emphasizing IFM’s deep experience in infrastructure investments and sustainability. “Their approach and expertise make them a perfect partner to help us grow,” he mentioned, hinting that Air Rail plans to speed up expansion not just across Europe but potentially into other parts of the world. This move by IFM is clearly strategic, aiming to tap into the rising demand for air travel and the increasing emphasis on eco-friendly airport solutions—pretty savvy, right? Now, stepping back a little, IFM Investors has a solid reputation in airports and infrastructure sectors. The firm manages a diverse set of investments, including stakes in 16 airports around the world, which collectively handle over 230 million passengers each year. Most recently, in 2022, IFM bought Sydney Airport for about A$32 billion—impressive, huh? That deal showed they’re capable of managing large, complex infrastructure assets with high operational significance. That kind of experience positions them well to help Air Rail capitalize on current opportunities and tackle the inevitable industry challenges. Of course, even heavy hitters like IFM face some bumps along the way. For instance, their sale of the Chicago Skyway toll road reportedly resulted in a loss of roughly $1 billion in value—that’s definitely a reminder that infrastructure investments aren’t always smooth sailing and can involve significant risks. Still, they’re actively diversifying into other sectors, such as their role in a consortium for the sale of data centre operator AirTrunk, which is a $20 billion deal, pointing to a broad and varied investment approach—so they’re not putting all their eggs in one basket. All in all, Air Rail’s acquisition by IFM looks set to be a major move in consolidating and expanding the GSE leasing scene across Europe. By combining Air Rail’s operational know-how and focus on sustainable fleets with IFM’s financial muscle and sector expertise, this could shake things up in the European airport services market. The deal is still awaiting regulatory approval but is expected to finalize later this year, and when it does, it might just alter the competitive landscape. Sources: - Paragraph 1 — 1 - Paragraph 2 — 1 - Paragraph 3 — 1, 2, 6 - Paragraph 4 — 5, 7, 3 - Paragraph 5 — 1 Source: Noah Wire Services

Electric vehicle sales in Germany soared by 35% in the first half of 2025 despite the absence of government subsidies, with Volkswagen Group capturing nearly half of the market and pushing Europe’s EV expansion forward amid rising challenges in global operations.Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Germany saw a pretty impressive jump—up about 35% in the first half of 2025—reaching nearly 249,155 units, even though there were no government subsidies involved. According to data from Dataforce, which Automotive News points out, Volkswagen Group continues to dominate the scene, with eight of the top ten best-selling EV models in Germany coming from them. The Volkswagen ID.7 topped the list with 18,017 registrations, closely matched by the ID.4 and ID.3 models. Only Tesla’s Model Y and BMW’s iX1 broke into that top group outside of Volkswagen’s lineup. This strong growth really stands out when you compare it to the same period in 2024, which, by the way, saw EV sales drop by 16%. That decline was mainly thanks to Germany ending its EV incentives then. PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) also did quite well—sales soared 56% year-over-year, totaling about 138,633 units. Among those, the Volkswagen Tiguan was the most popular, followed closely by the Cupra Formentor and Volvo XC60. Even with these positive numbers for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, Germany’s overall passenger car market shrank a bit—down 5% to roughly 1.4 million cars during that same timeframe. Still, EVs and PHEVs continued picking up market share, especially with the promise of new government incentives later this year that could push demand even higher. Volkswagen’s leading position in Germany’s EV space isn’t just a local thing—it fits into a bigger European trend too. In the first half of 2025, Volkswagen Group’s EV sales across Europe went over 135,000 registrations, beating out Tesla and BMW, who clocked in at about 109,262 and 94,658 respectively. Tesla’s Model Y kept its top spot as the most registered EV overall in Europe, but Volkswagen’s lineup—especially models like the ID.4, ID.3, and ID.7—grabbed substantial shares, showing how comprehensive their product range really is. Reports also mention that Volkswagen’s global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales grew by 47% compared to last year, with Europe seeing nearly double the deliveries. U.S. sales increased by 24%, but that was offset somewhat by a 34% decline in China. As a result, Volkswagen’s worldwide market share in BEVs edged up from 7% to 11%, and total vehicle deliveries just nudged upward by about 1.3%, reaching 4.4 million units overall. The gains in EVs owe a lot to Volkswagen’s smart product launches and the way they’re expanding their order books—they apparently grew by over 60% year-on-year. In Western Europe, around one in five vehicles they deliver is fully electric now, which is pretty remarkable and signals how deeply they’re penetrating the market. Their diverse EV lineup, featuring the ID.4/ID.5, ID.3, Audi Q4 e-tron, and the newer Macan, continues to dominate the best-seller charts. Overall, Volkswagen’s slice of the European BEV pie is estimated at around 28%, cementing their role as a key player in the segment. But, interestingly enough, it’s not all smooth sailing abroad. For example, Volkswagen has said that tariffs introduced during the previous U.S. administration added about €1.3 billion (roughly $1.5 billion) to their costs in the first half of 2025. These higher tariffs, along with some restructuring expenses, hit their operating profit hard—down 33%, to €6.7 billion ($7.9 billion). It serves as a reminder that even with all their success, Volkswagen’s operating in a pretty complex environment, balancing aggressive electrification plans with geopolitical and economic challenges. Meanwhile, back in Germany, Volkswagen’s dominance isn’t just reflected in the sales numbers but also in their growing market share. EVs made up around 27.3% of the passenger vehicle market by March 2025, and by April, that went up to 28.8%. During that period, models from Volkswagen alone accounted for nearly half—around 46-49.7%—of Germany’s BEV market, including models based on the Volkswagen Group's Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform, like the Ford Explorer and Capri. This solid position is strengthened even further by new product launches and ongoing consumer preference for Volkswagen’s electrified offerings. For everyone involved along the automotive supply chain—from the manufacturing plants, OEMs, logistics folks, distributors, workshop operators, to fleet managers—the data signals how crucial Volkswagen’s electrification push is in Germany and across Europe. The rapid expansion of EV and PHEV segments, combined with potential government incentives still on the horizon, is likely to shake up market dynamics further. That means plenty of opportunities—though, of course, challenges, too—for aftermarket services and supply chain partners trying to keep up. References: Paragraph 1 – ¹, ², ⁷ Paragraph 2 – ¹, ⁷ Paragraph 3 – ¹, ³, ⁴, ⁵, ⁶ Paragraph 4 – ¹, ³, ⁴, ⁵, ⁶ Paragraph 5 – ¹, ⁵ Paragraph 6 – ², ⁷ Source: Noah Wire Services