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TMC Strengthens Battery Production Capabilities | Corporate | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website
Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) is scheduled to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota to boost mass production competitiveness. This company produces hybrid batteries along with Panasonic, which owns 19.5% of PEVE (down from an initial ownership of 60% when the co-company was created). With the acquisition expected to be finalized by the end of March, PEVE will expand its portfolio to include batteries for PHEVs and BEVs.

The other Panasonic co-owned company (49%) with Toyota is Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES) and is a main supplier of Toyota's PHEV and BEV batteries.

I believe this may signal a way for the company to switch their main PHEV and BEV battery production for currently mass produced BEVs and PHEVs, from PPES to free up lines for future improved battery...

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-set-allow-possible-retroactive-tariffs-chinese-evs-2024-03-05/

Good News: Cars Will Need Buttons to Get Perfect Safety Ratings in Europe

Apparently Euro NCAP will require physical inputs for key functions for all new cars for their safety ratings. Key functions do not include HVAC system or basic media functions, but mostly for safety critical functions. Car manufacturers "will need to use buttons, dials, or stalks for hazard warning lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, SOS calls, and the horn." Euro NCAP is also not compulsory but I'm sure automakers like VW would love touting their score above the Tesla interior. The author also indicates it probably isn't a stretch that this will make it to the NA market before long.