Iran ceasefire brings relief, but production scars run deep A two-week pause in hostilities sent oil prices into freefall and markets soaring on 8 April. But for automotive manufacturers confronting shattered aluminium supply, elevated energy costs and deferred investment, recovery has barely begun. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Iran war strikes at the factory floor Three weeks after US and Israeli strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict has moved from forecast to fact. Gulf aluminium smelters are shutting down, Brent crude is above $112, Toyota has cut nearly 40,000 units, and Europe's factory energy crisis is accelerating. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How GlobalFoundries is rethinking design for manufacturing GlobalFoundries is integrating design for manufacturing right from the concept phase of new technologies. This is giving rise in Dresden to a data-driven, hybrid DfM approach that shortens time-to-market, secures automotive robustness and makes first-silicon success more likely. Timo Gilgen
Nexperia turns: Beijing lifts ban following Trump-Xi summit deal China has reversed export restrictions on critical automotive semiconductors following diplomatic intervention at the highest levels, though European manufacturers remain cautious about the speed and scope of the resumption. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Nexperia standoff imperils global auto production within weeks A trade dispute between the US and China has left automakers scrambling. The Dutch government's seizure of chipmaker Nexperia and Beijing's swift retaliation have severed supplies of essential semiconductors, threatening production halts across Europe and North America. Ilkhan Ozsevim
