Meta Plans $13B AI Data Center Financing in Texas Amid Surging Big Tech Investment 
Kuaishou Stock Jumps on Kling AI IPO Plans and $20 Billion Valuation 
Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak Triggers Global Health Alert 
Samsung Shares Slide as Labor Talks Intensify Ahead of Planned Strike 
Palantir Reports Record Growth, Raises 2026 Revenue Outlook Above Expectations 
BHP Attracts AI-Focused Investors as Copper Demand Surges 
Ibiden Stock Surges as AI Chip Demand Boosts Profit Outlook 
Judge Delays SEC Settlement With Elon Musk Over Twitter Stock Disclosure Case 
Morgan Stanley Bets on Optical Component Stocks in Greater China Tech Sector 
South Korea Central Bank Signals Inflation Concerns as Oil Prices Surge 
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
Orsted Q1 EBITDA Beats Expectations Despite U.S. Impairments 
Arm Stock Drops Despite Strong AI Chip Demand and Earnings Beat 
Trump Invites Top CEOs Including Nvidia, Apple, Boeing to China Summit With Xi Jinping 
Asian Stocks Rise Despite Middle East Tensions as Chipmakers Boost Markets 
Broadcom Eyes $35 Billion AI Chip Financing Deal With Apollo and Blackstone 
KOSPI Hits Record High as AI Chip Demand Boosts Samsung and SK Hynix 
Toyota is reportedly planning a new EV factory in Shanghai to independently produce Lexus models, starting in 2027. The move comes as the automaker faces stiff competition from Chinese rivals like BYD in the world’s largest auto market.
Toyota Targets BYD with Shanghai EV Factory
Reportedly, in an effort to reclaim market share lost to Chinese-owned competitors like BYD, Toyota has chosen to construct a new electric vehicle (EV) factory in China.
Reuters cites an article in today's Nikkei business daily reporting that the Japanese carmaker intends to manufacture its Lexus premium brand at the new Shanghai plant.
Despite Toyota's silence on the matter, Nikkei reported that multiple individuals had discussed the decision with the media.
Autonomous Operations for New Shanghai EV Plant
Toyota, on the other hand, has a number of joint ventures in China, with the GAC Group and the FAW Group being the most important in terms of sales.
Nevertheless, this new plant will run autonomously. Toyota allegedly negotiated for perks comparable to those Tesla has received in the nation, such as tax rebates, land grants, and government assistance to own and manage factories in the country directly, without involving a joint venture partner.
Approximately 2027 is when Toyota plans to begin operations at the new facility, according to the report.
China’s Rising Automakers Challenge Toyota’s Market Dominance
The world's largest automaker, Toyota, has witnessed a decline in its market share in China, along with other Japanese manufacturers, due to the steady ascent of Chinese automakers, Electrek points out.
Reuters reported in November that the corporation plans to increase production to 2.5 million vehicles per year in China by 2030 in an effort to gain ground over BYD and other tough rivals.
The Toyota bZ3X electric SUV, which begins at a competitive price of $13,800 (100,000 yuan), is part of that approach and was just made available for pre-order in China.
