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China Flexes Lithium Dominance with Plans for Tech-export Curbs
- The Economic Times |
- Science and Technology |
- 2025-01-06
- Critical Minerals
- Technology Export
China plans to enhance scrutiny on technology exports for battery material production to safeguard its supply chain dominance amid global trade tensions, proposing export controls on lithium refining technologies to protect its innovations in battery and EV production.
China's Scrutiny on Technology Exports
China is intensifying its scrutiny over the export of technology critical for battery materials. This move is part of Beijing's strategy to maintain control over a crucial supply chain amidst escalating global trade tensions.
Background and Context
- The Chinese government is considering adding technologies related to lithium refining and battery chemical production to its controlled items list.
- This initiative is seen as a protective measure for innovations developed during China's rise in the global battery and electric-vehicle production sector.
Implications of Proposed Controls
- The proposal highlights the growing competition between China and the US in areas like critical minerals and semiconductors.
- It indicates a strategic move to keep advanced lithium technologies confidential.
- Overseas investments involving such technologies will face stricter regulatory scrutiny.
- The focus will particularly be on processes to produce battery-grade lithium chemicals, such as direct lithium extraction, where China holds significant expertise.
What is ‘badge engineering’ in cars, how it helps customers, automakers
- The Indian Express |
- Science and Technology |
- 2025-01-06
- Badge Engineering
- Automotive Industry
The article discusses the effectiveness of "badge engineering" in the automotive industry
Badge Engineering in the Automotive Industry
Badge engineering, a prevalent strategy in the automotive industry, involves sharing a vehicle platform between different brands. This strategy has been notably successful for Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Maruti Suzuki in India.
What is Badge Engineering?
Badge engineering entails the use of a shared platform or vehicle between manufacturers, allowing them to release similar cars with different brand identities.
- The shared vehicles maintain core design and mechanical elements, with tweaks for brand distinction.
- This allows manufacturers to avoid the costs of designing a new model from scratch.
Historical Context and Examples
- Early Examples: General Motors (GM) started sharing platforms among its brands like Oakland, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac as early as 1909.
- In India: The Hindustan Motors Ambassador was a rebadged Morris Oxford. Tata's Indica was sold as the Rover CityRover in the UK.
Benefits of Badge Engineering
- Cost Efficiency: Sharing platforms helps in reducing production costs and increasing economies of scale.
- Market Penetration: Allows brands like Maruti Suzuki to reach premium segments and Toyota to access the lower-end market.
- Consumer Choice: Consumers can choose based on brand loyalty, warranty, and dealership convenience.