LG Innotek Invests in 4D Imaging Radar Company

Trump: “Impose high tariffs on companies that don’t build semiconductor factories in the US.”
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will soon impose high tariffs on companies that do not build factories in the United States.

President Trump revealed this policy in response to reporters’ questions at a dinner with CEOs of the U.S. information technology (IT) industry held at the White House on the 4th (local time).

President Trump announced on the 6th of last month that he would impose a tariff of approximately 100% on foreign semiconductors entering the United States, but would make an exception for companies building factories in the United States.

Broadcom, a US semiconductor company, sees a 63% increase in AI revenue.
Broadcom, an American semiconductor company, announced on the 4th (local time) that it recorded sales of $15.96 billion (KRW 22.2482 trillion) and net income per share of $1.69 in the second quarter. 

This figure exceeds the average Wall Street estimate of $15.83 billion in sales and $1.65 in earnings per share, compiled by market research firm LSEG. 

Broadcom also announced that it expects revenue of $17.4 billion for the next quarter, beating Wall Street’s estimate of $17.02 billion. Broadcom develops custom chips for cloud companies like Google and also provides the networking components and software needed to connect thousands of AI chips.

Hanul Semiconductor succeeds in localizing high-speed index-type inspection equipment.
Hanul Semiconductor announced on the 4th that it has developed an index-type high-speed inspection equipment capable of processing more than 1,000 parts per minute by applying its own software and hardware technology.

The company explained that this achievement surpassed the existing equipment’s capacity of 650 units per minute. It was particularly significant in that it achieved localization in a market previously reliant on Japanese equipment and laid the foundation for global expansion.

Index type high-speed inspection equipment is designed for high-speed inspection of various components such as automotive inductors, tantalum capacitors, and light-emitting diode (LED) packages. 

Huawei: “Latest phones will include proprietary Kirin APs”… Confident in semiconductor independence
According to Huawei and others on the 5th, Huawei Consumer Business Group CEO Wei Qingdong unveiled the second-generation trifold smartphone, the Mate XTs, the previous day (the 4th). 

The Mate XTs comes with the latest version of Huawei’s own operating system, Harmony OS, and is equipped with the ‘Kirin 9020’ as the AP, which is called the brain of the smartphone. 

“Through the Kirin 9020’s cloud collaboration and system-level optimization, we have improved the overall device performance by 36%,” said CEO Wei Qingdong.

OpenEdge Achieves Automotive Functional Safety Standard Certification for NoC IP
OpenEdge Technology, a semiconductor design asset (IP) platform specialist, announced on the 3rd that its Network-on-Chip (NoC) IP has received ISO 26262 ASIL-B certification, the global automotive functional safety standard.

This achievement follows last year’s acquisition of memory controller and DDR PHY IP, making it the first domestic semiconductor IP company to complete ISO 26262 certification across all major automotive memory subsystem IPs.

Exarion Develops Audio Semiconductor Chip Based on Sound Tracing
Exarion announced on the 2nd that it has developed the semiconductor chip ‘EXAWAVE100’ that is capable of real-time spatial audio processing by applying its own sound tracing technology.

Sound tracing is a technique that physically calculates the path sound takes. By tracking the process of sound reflecting, transmitting, and diffracting through space, it creates a realistic auditory experience. 

The company explained that Exarion is expected to be a key solution for implementing digital twins (virtual replication technology) as it can be installed in various devices including smartphones due to its low-power and ultra-small design.

Intel’s “Dream Process” 1.4nm Process: “We Can See Process Progress Next Year”
American semiconductor company Intel announced on the 4th (local time) that next year will be an important year for its foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) technology. 

Intel Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Dave Zinsner made this announcement at the Global TMT Conference hosted by Citigroup in New York on this day, saying, “We will be able to fully understand the progress of the 1.4nm process around next year.”

The 1.4nm process is a cutting-edge foundry process, surpassing those of Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest foundry, and Samsung Electronics. The success of 1.4nm has been considered a key factor in Intel’s resurgence, and Intel has announced plans to begin the process by the end of next year, ahead of these companies.

Hyundai Ioniq 6. / Photo = Hyundai Motor Company

US authorities raid Hyundai’s Georgia electric vehicle plant, “executing a criminal warrant.”
On the morning of the 4th (local time), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a large-scale raid on an electric vehicle battery factory being jointly built by Hyundai Motor Company and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Georgia.

According to the Savannah Morning News (SMN), HSI and ICE executed a criminal search warrant at the construction site of a battery plant on the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) property. During the search, helicopters circled overhead, and Georgia State Patrol (GSP) vehicles blocked the access road to the plant, preventing outsiders from entering.

The SMN reporting team was restricted from entering the site and was evicted from the property at the request of Hyundai Motor Company. 

GM to Cut Electric Vehicle Production in the US, Facing Backlash from Tax Credit Elimination
Reuters reported on the 4th (local time) that American automaker General Motors (GM) is reducing production of electric vehicles.

Reuters, citing sources, reported that GM will stop production of two electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) under its premium brand Cadillac at its assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, during the month of December.

Reuters noted that the move is part of a growing trend of automakers retreating from electric vehicles after President Donald Trump withdrew federal support for them.

Tesla’s sales surge in Japan’s electric vehicle market, up 87% this year.
Tesla is significantly expanding its sales in the Japanese electric vehicle (EV) market, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on the 4th.

According to a local auto sales industry group, Tesla sold about 980 vehicles last month, 2.1 times more than the same month last year.

Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Co., the leading electric vehicle seller in Japan, saw its sales drop 48% last month to 1,120 units, Nikkei said. The Nikkei analyzed that Tesla’s strategy of lowering the price of the Model 3 for a limited time starting in May and expanding its store network from 14 to 25 last year was effective.

SK On signs first major ESS contract in the US… Amidst the slowdown in electric vehicle sales, SK On pursues a two-track diversification strategy.
SK On has secured a new growth engine by securing a large-scale energy storage system (ESS) supply contract in the United States. This is the company’s first major achievement in the ESS sector since its launch in 2021, and is significant in that it expands its portfolio beyond its electric vehicle battery-centric strategy to the North American ESS market.

SK On announced on the 4th that it has signed a 1-gigawatt-hour (GWh) energy storage system (ESS) supply contract with US renewable energy company Flatiron. Under this contract, SK On will supply containerized ESS products equipped with LFP batteries to Flatiron’s Massachusetts project starting in 2026.

Here, Flatiron also secured priority negotiation rights for a 6.2 GWh project being pursued in the United States by 2030. 

LNF establishes subsidiary dedicated to LFP cathode materials, with annual production of up to 60,000 tons.
LNF announced on the 4th that it recently completed the establishment procedures for its subsidiary, LNF Plus Co., Ltd., dedicated to the production and sale of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials, and began full-scale construction last month. LNF Plus will be built on a site of approximately 100,000 square meters in the second phase of the Naeri National Industrial Complex in Guji-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu.

A total of KRW 338.2 billion will be invested, and upon completion, the project is expected to have an annual production capacity of up to 60,000 tons of LFP cathode materials. 

MOT wins KRW 21 billion order for secondary battery assembly equipment.
MOT, a secondary battery assembly equipment company, announced on the 2nd that it had signed a contract to supply secondary battery assembly equipment worth approximately 21 billion won. This contract for secondary battery equipment is valued at approximately 21 billion won. The specific terms of the contract, the other party, and the supply region were not disclosed for trade secret reasons.

The equipment being delivered this time is significant in that it uses a secondary battery new platform and is the first in the world to be fully utilized in mass production, according to MOT. 

In August, MOT also signed a contract to purchase LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery equipment, which has recently been attracting attention for use in ESS (energy storage systems). 

Easytronics has entered into a joint venture with Motherson Group, India’s largest automotive components manufacturer.
Easytronics, a power conversion device specialist, announced on the 4th that it will establish a joint venture with India’s largest auto parts manufacturer, Motherson Group, and begin its full-scale attack on the Indian electric vehicle market.

Easytronics will contribute approximately KRW 2.7 billion in capital to the joint venture, with Motherson and Easytronics each holding a 51% and 49% stake, respectively, based on mutual agreement. The joint venture will be established to supply large quantities of Easytronics’ DC/DC converter products for electric vehicles to local Indian electric vehicle manufacturers, and the company will be located in Noida, India.

4D radar developed by Smart Radar Systems. / Photo = Smart Radar Systems

Tesla Launches Robotaxi App…Waymo and Autonomous Driving Competition Intensifies
On the 3rd (local time), Tesla announced on its social media X, “The robotaxi app is now available to everyone,” and “Download it and sign up for the waiting list.” Until now, the Tesla robotaxi app has been provided in a limited service in some cities, such as Austin, Texas, and only to pre-selected testers, influencers, and investors on an invitation-only basis.

This move makes the RoboTaxi app available for download by anyone from the Apple App Store. On the 4th, a day after its full launch, Tesla announced that the RoboTaxi app had “taken first place in free app downloads in the travel category.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk also shared a post on his X account announcing the app’s distribution.

LG Innotek invests in 4D imaging radar company, strengthening its autonomous driving sensing business.
 LG Innotek has made a strategic investment in Smart Radar Systems (SRS), a domestic 4D imaging radar specialized venture company, to strengthen its competitiveness in autonomous driving sensing technology. 

With this investment, LG Innotek plans to expand the scope of its sensing technology applications to robotics and aviation, thereby enhancing its next-generation mobility sensing business portfolio.

According to an electronic disclosure filed with the Financial Supervisory Service on the 2nd, SRS decided to increase capital through a third-party allocation of approximately KRW 5.918 billion. LG Innotek will be allocated 807,770 shares of SRS common stock (KRW 7,326 per share), securing a 4.9% stake in SRS.

Saesoltech, a company specializing in autonomous vehicle communications security, secures KRW 10 billion in Series B funding.
Saesoltech, a developer of autonomous driving communication security solutions, announced on the 1st that it has secured 10 billion won in Series B investment.

Smilegate Investment led this round, with participation from five other investors, including existing investor Futureplay. The identities of the other investors remain undisclosed. With this round, Saesoltech’s total investment raised now stands at 13 billion won.

Saesoltech develops security solutions for V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communications, which enable autonomous vehicles and mobility services to exchange data. These solutions serve as authentication and security keys that enable autonomous vehicles and road and transportation infrastructure to safely exchange information, while also blocking threats arising during communication.

Tool Space and Rainbow Robotics Launch Joint Development of a Quadrupedal AI Autonomous Patrol Robot Solution
Tool Space, a company specializing in integrated solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) autonomous driving patrol robots, recently signed a business agreement with Rainbow Robotics, a robot platform specialist, and began jointly developing a ‘quadruped AI autonomous driving patrol robot’ solution.

The agreement was pursued to lead the future unmanned and intelligent patrol service market by integrating the core competencies of both companies: Tool Space’s autonomous driving and AI security technology and Rainbow Robotics’ cutting-edge robot platform technology.

KGM Enters Domestic Autonomous Bus Market, First Launch in September
KG Mobility is entering the domestic autonomous vehicle market. KGM Commercial, a KGM commercial vehicle subsidiary, will begin pilot operations of Level 3 electric autonomous buses in Gyeongju City this month. The company has partnered with Autonomous A2Z, a company specializing in autonomous driving technology.

KGM Commercial has converted the A2Z and the 9-meter-long electric bus, the “KG C090,” into autonomous buses. Certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has also been completed. Equipped with Samsung SDI batteries, the “KG C090” is a high-performance electric bus with a range of 400 km.

KGM Commercial will operate a modified KG C090 electric autonomous bus on a 12.85-kilometer stretch of the Bomun Tourist Complex, designated as a self-driving pilot zone in Gyeongju City. The 20-passenger bus will initially operate in one vehicle.

IT Chem acquires Key Engineering to strengthen materials recycling business.
IT Chem announced on the 3rd that it has decided to invest 7 billion won in Key Upcycling Growth Investment Special Purpose Company (SPC), a special purpose company (SPC) for investment purposes, to secure management rights. The SPC will acquire a 92.5% stake in Key Engineering, securing management rights.

Through this investment, IT Chem plans to fully enter the organic solvent recycling business for next-generation materials such as pharmaceuticals and OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes). 

OLED smartphone market growth remains robust, with a potential supply shortage in 2028.
The small OLED display market continues to show robust growth, driven by smartphones. With demand increasing stepwise each year, the possibility of a supply shortage is being raised as early as 2028.

Han Chang-wook, Vice President of UBI Research, made this announcement regarding the outlook for the smartphone OLED market at the ‘Display Strategy Seminar for Preparation for 2026’ held at the Seoul Science and Technology Convention Center on the 5th.

A vice president said, “OLEDs for smartphones have seen some growth, so additional investments may be made to supplement production capacity,” adding, “Of course, the 8.6th generation OLED production capacity being invested in for IT purposes may be able to handle that volume.”

Garmin Unveils the Fenix ​​8 Pro, the First Smartwatch to Feature Micro LED Display
Garmin unveiled its premium GPS smartwatch ‘Fenix ​​8 Pro’ series on the 4th.

The Fenix ​​8 Micro LED is Garmin’s first wearable to mass-produce and utilize a Micro LED display. It boasts a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits (1 nit is the brightness of a candle), a color gamut that’s approximately 15% wider, and a contrast ratio that’s six times better. Burn-in resistance and durability have also been significantly improved, extending its lifespan. With over 400,000 LEDs, it boasts outstanding color reproducibility and an ultra-wide viewing angle, providing a clear display even under direct sunlight.

Source: kipost.net