[Ford and SK On Battery Joint Venture Commences Production at First Plant in Kentucky, US]On August 19 local time, BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford Motor and South Korean battery manufacturer SK On, announced that its first battery plant in Kentucky, US, has commenced production. The batteries produced at this facility will be used for the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.
[Azure: Subsidiary Signs Cooperation Framework Agreement with Taiwan Molicel]Azure (002245.SZ) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Malaysia Tianpeng, has signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement with Taiwan Molicel. The two parties will collaborate on specific product development, trial production and validation, and toll processing, and will establish a joint venture for product sales. The agreement takes effect upon signing and remains valid for three years, with the possibility of extension upon mutual written consent. This cooperation is expected to enhance the company's R&D and manufacturing capabilities in the high-end product sector and will play a positive role in the sustainable development of its lithium battery business. (Cailian Press)
[Slac: Signs Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea's Dongwon Systems]Slac (300382.SZ) announced that it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea's Dongwon Systems Corporation. The two parties intend to establish a joint venture for in-depth cooperation in cylindrical and prismatic battery case businesses for three major South Korean battery manufacturers in the US and Europe. This memorandum is a preliminary framework agreement that establishes the cooperative relationship between the parties; specific implementation details and progress remain uncertain. The signing of this agreement is not expected to have a material impact on the company's 2025 operating performance. (Cailian Press)
[South Korea Unveils 45.8 Trillion Won Support Plan Focusing on Batteries, Semiconductors, and Critical Minerals]The South Korean government issued a statement announcing that it will launch a support plan totaling 45.8 trillion won this year to enhance supply chain resilience. Combining low-interest financing and public-private funds, the plan will focus on key industries such as batteries, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The government will provide a total of 45.8 trillion won in low-interest policy financing, including 10 trillion won from the Supply Chain Stabilization Fund, 13.3 trillion won from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, 18 trillion won from the Korea Development Bank, and 4.5 trillion won from the Industrial Bank of Korea. Additionally, two public-private investment vehicles will be introduced: a 1.8 trillion won fund focused on leading enterprises, and a 600 billion won fund primarily targeting small and medium-sized enterprises and medium-sized enterprises in the materials, parts, and equipment sectors. These measures will prioritize industries critical to economic security, including batteries, chips, critical minerals, energy, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as logistics infrastructure. (Cailian Press)
[Xiaomi Auto Expected to Achieve Profitability in H2]On the evening of August 19, Xiaomi Group released its Q2 2025 financial report. The report shows that multiple core metrics of the company hit record highs: revenue reached 116 billion yuan, up 30.5% YoY, exceeding 100 billion yuan for three consecutive quarters, sustaining high growth on a high base; adjusted net profit was 10.8 billion yuan, surging 75.4% YoY, surpassing 10 billion yuan for two consecutive quarters. (Sina Auto)
[Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics: Received Project Designation for SiC MOSFET Devices from a Domestic Top-Tier NEV Automaker]Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics (688711.SH) announced that its controlling subsidiary, Changzhou Core Momentum Semiconductor Co., Ltd., received a project designation notice from a domestic top-tier NEV automaker, confirming Core Momentum as the supplier for the automaker's SiC MOSFET device project. This project designation notice does not constitute a substantive order; the company has not yet signed a formal sales contract with the aforementioned automaker, and the timing of contract signing and performance arrangements remains uncertain. The total value, specific implementation, and terms of the project will be subject to the formally signed contract. (Sci-Tech Innovation Board Daily)
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