Samsung SDI Likely To Secure Major Battery Supply Deal With Mercedes-Benz

Recent reports suggested that Toyota would suspend the development of the mass-production model of the "LF-ZC," an all-electric sedan under its luxury brand Lexus. Toyota responded, confirming the information is true, stating that the suspension is "part of the company's overall vehicle development project adjustments in light of changes in market demand." Toyota also emphasized that it has only adjusted development plans for certain vehicles and does not mean abandoning BEVs (battery electric vehicles).

Wu Kai, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief scientist of CATL, said at the 2026 Equipment Power Forum that the company will achieve mass production of a series of sodium-ion battery products this year. Compared with lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries have abundant raw material resources and lower costs. Looking ahead, lithium-air batteries will be CATL's future direction. Wu Kai explained that lithium-air batteries use lithium as the negative electrode and oxygen from the air as the positive electrode reactant, offering ultra-high theoretical energy density and representing the next global battleground for next-generation batteries.

From January to April, Suzhou's industrial added value grew 9.8% year-on-year, with total output reaching 1.61 trillion yuan (+7.3%). Twenty-seven of 34 industrial sectors saw growth (79.4% expansion surface), 16 of which exceeded 8%. High-tech output rose 11.7% to 916.5 billion yuan, led by aerospace (+23.1%), electronics (+20.0%), pharmaceuticals (+12.1%), and instruments (+14.6%). Production of smartphones (+8.5%), integrated circuits (+18.1%), optoelectronic devices (+18.2%), and lithium-ion batteries (+46.3%) increased rapidly.