Horizon Robotics' value surges by 28% in its initial appearance in Hong Kong, signalling a significant week for IPOs and raising funds. The shares of the tech company, located in Beijing, started trading at HK$5.12, compared to the initial public offering cost of HK$3.99.

Trading under the ticker 9660, the technology firm's stocks debuted at HK$5.12, marking a 28 per cent surge from its IPO value of HK$3.99. However, by the end of the day, the stocks only managed a slight increase of 2.8 per cent, settling at HK$4.10. This was in line with a general downtrend witnessed in tech stocks in Hong Kong. The Hang Seng Tech Index registered a dip of 2.6 per cent on that Thursday.

"Finalizing our IPO in Hong Kong signifies a crucial move in our expansion into the international market," stated Chairman and CEO Yu Kai prior to the traditional gong strike. "We plan to boost our investment in exploration and maintain our dedication to advancements to generate worth for our users, and enhance safety and quality of travel for all."

The initial public offering (IPO) of Horizon drew interest from retail investors in Hong Kong and global funds 33.8 and 13.8 times its allocated shares respectively. This high demand could potentially prompt the company to consider selling an extra 203 million shares. That move could boost the IPO's earnings up to $800 million.

SK Hynix, a provider for Nvidia, reports unprecedented earnings, surpassing Samsung in the sales of AI chips. The global runner-up in memory chip production exceeded predictions in its third-quarter financial results.

The second largest producer of memory chips globally announced an operating profit of 7 trillion won (equivalent to US$5.07 billion) for the period between July and September, a significant improvement from a loss of 1.8 trillion won they experienced the previous year.

This is in contrast to the 6.8 trillion won average prediction by LSEG SmartEstimate, which leans towards analysts with a higher accuracy track record.

SK Hynix announced that HBM sales have significantly increased, rising over 70% since the last quarter and skyrocketing by over 330% compared to this time last year.

SK Hynix anticipates that HBM sales will constitute 40% of its total DRAM earnings in the last quarter, a rise from the previous quarter's 30%. The company also forecasts an increase in the demand for memory chips for AI servers in the coming year, as international tech firms persist in advancing generative AI.

Horizon Robotics Initiates a New Phase in Intelligent Driving Technology through Listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

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As the worldwide car industry shifts towards the evolution of intelligent vehicles, and with the increasing trend of self-driving cars, the international market for sophisticated driver support systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) solutions is flourishing. Established in 2015, Horizon Robotics (9660.HK) has grown to be a prominent supplier of intelligent driving solutions for passenger cars, driven by its aim to equip every passenger vehicle with such advanced technology.

Horizon Robotics officially went public on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on October 24, with an opening price of HK$3.99 per share. The company's initial public offering (IPO) drew considerable interest from investors. These investors were primarily drawn to Horizon's unique strengths, including its deep knowledge of the Chinese market, its comprehensive set of hardware and software solutions, its solid base of dependable major clients, its flourishing network, and its adaptable business structure.

Prominent anchor investors such as Alibaba and Baidu have heightened market assurance, highlighting Horizon's robust value offering. The firm's adaptable and expandable business structure generates substantial value for customers and can continually adapt to changing market demands. This places Horizon in a prime position for sustained growth.

Revolutionary Integration of Software and Hardware: Pioneering Large-Scale Production in Intelligent Driving

The need for increasingly effective and efficient smart vehicle technology is set to significantly rise in the coming years, playing a crucial role in the smart vehicle value chain. A forecast from China Insights Consultancy (CIC) suggests that the global market for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) solutions is anticipated to skyrocket from 61.9 billion RMB in 2023 to a staggering 1,017.1 billion RMB by 2030. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.2%. Specifically in China, the market, valued at 24.5 billion RMB in 2023, is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 49.4% reaching 407.0 billion RMB by 2030.

Stocks in Hong Kong and mainland China take a hit as anticipation for a Fed rate cut dwindles. The market mood has become pessimistic as a few investors chose to secure profits from the last two days, according to an analyst.

Shares in both Hong Kong and mainland China experienced a downturn after a significant drop in major US stock indexes overnight. This was due to reduced predictions for interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and a closely contested US presidential race that will shape its future ties with China.

The Hang Seng Index fell by 1.3 per cent, closing at 20,489.62. Meanwhile, the Hang Seng Tech Index plunged 2.6 per cent to finish at 4,483.99.

On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index experienced a decrease of 1.1 per cent, while the Shanghai Composite Index suffered a 0.7 per cent loss.

Investor confidence in both Hong Kong and mainland China has dwindled as some chose to secure their profits from the last two days by lessening their investment stakes," noted Ivan Li, a portfolio manager at Loyal Wealth Management in Shanghai. "The future of the market is still uncertain as the majority of investors are wary of stock investments until China introduces a potent stimulus bundle to uplift the decelerating economy and the struggling real estate sector."

The S&P 500 saw a drop of 0.9 percent on Wednesday as traders expressed skepticism regarding more rate reductions in the US in the two upcoming Federal Reserve policy meetings.

Furthermore, with the world anticipating the imminent US election, Beijing might be postponing any new policy implementations until after the election's outcome, says Dickie Wong, who is the executive director at Kingston Securities.

Opinion | To promote equitable commerce, enhance supply-chain financing in developing markets

It's imperative for global lenders to work in harmony with governments and regional banks to encompass the globe's most underprivileged areas.

Supply-chain networks are a global collaboration of raw materials, components, services, and other resources from various nations. Frequently, products cross international boundaries multiple times for processing before they're completed, distributed, and sold.

Companies within these networks rely on short-term supply-chain financing to prevent the tension created by early payments to their suppliers and delayed payments from their customers. This type of financing plays a significant role in international trade and is crucial for small businesses in developing nations.

For instance, clothing manufacturers required funding to boost their procurement of materials, despite the fact that they would only receive payments from customers at a later time. Supply-chain financing provided a solution by giving them instant access to cash, which enabled them to efficiently manage their working capital, maintain steady operation, and help alleviate global supply crunches.

On a worldwide scale, the financing of supply chains is among the quickest expanding sectors of trade finance. BCR's most recent Global Supply Chain Finance Report approximates its worth to be about US$2.3 trillion. However, only a select few are reaping the benefits of this growth.

The CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, is banking on the expansion in India and backing an AI model that understands Hindi. His move coincides with India's growing importance to international tech firms in the wake of escalating tensions between the US and China.

The American semiconductor firm, currently hosting an AI conference in Mumbai, emphasized how its Indian collaborators from various sectors are leveraging their AI technology to enhance their offerings. CEO Huang is scheduled to talk about the possibilities of AI in India with business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, involved in retail to refining industries, at the gathering on Thursday.

India has surfaced as a significant player in the AI field, as the nation of 1.4 billion people has begun to incorporate this technology into sectors such as farming, education, and manufacturing to enhance productivity. Although it still represents a minor segment of their earnings, international tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms are wagering on the swiftly expanding economy as a promising market and a hub for their operations.

Nvidia announced its collaboration with India's Tech Mahindra to develop a comprehensive Hindi language model. They also intend to support e-commerce business Flipkart in enhancing its chat-based customer service. Additionally, Nvidia plans to partner with Indian healthcare firms to boost efficiency in patient treatment and research.

The American firm has positioned itself as a leader in the worldwide surge of AI, providing the microchips that tech giants such as Microsoft and Google utilize to advance artificial intelligence. Huang has been globetrotting this year, urging nations and businesses to embrace AI technologies, which he refers to as the "next industrial revolution".

'The UOB Approach' aids staff in fostering enduring careers

The prominent Southeast Asian financial institution's principles, mission and beliefs promote individual and career development to enhance involvement and efficiency.

In today's fiercely contested business landscape, any enterprise seeking to draw in and keep the best talent should have definitive plans to nurture the personal and professional development of their employees.

Understanding this, the Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB), which boasts an international network of 500 branches and offices, took a considerable amount of time to identify the crucial components that would shape its distinct organizational culture.

The outcome, dubbed "The UOB Way," is a structure that embodies the bank's principles, mission, and human resources ethos. Importantly, it offers each staff member the education, advice, chances, and adaptability to chase enduring careers, as well as assisting them in achieving a balanced work-life equilibrium with plenty of time for family and extracurricular activities.

The bank's goal in doing this is to foster a culture that enhances involvement and efficiency, enabling individuals to make significant impacts in their positions by continually investing in new abilities and initiatives.

Four years ago, the initial phase in developing the structure was to reaffirm the bank's mission: a pledge to its clients, communities, and coworkers in shaping the future of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which consists of 10 member countries.

This can be achieved by showing dedication, integrity, initiative, and unity in all business-related decisions and actions. To support this, UOB's employee philosophy, which is based on consideration, development, and confidence and reinforced by purpose and equilibrium, makes the bank an excellent workplace.

Tesla reigns supreme in the pure electric vehicle market, however, Chinese motorists are gravitating towards hybrid cars due to concerns about driving range. Tesla declared that their net profit for the third quarter increased by 17% compared to the previous year, amounting to $2.17 billion.

The company from Austin, Texas, announced on Thursday that its worldwide vehicle deliveries for the third quarter increased by 5 per cent compared to the last quarter, reaching a total of 462,890 vehicles. This also represents a 6.3 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Tesla outperformed China's BYD in terms of pure electric vehicle (EV) sales for the third quarter in a row. In the final quarter of the previous year, the company based in Shenzhen had surpassed Tesla in the sale of pure EVs. BYD saw a sale of 443,426 pure EVs in the third quarter, which was a 2.7% increase from the same period in the previous year and a 4.1% increase from the second quarter.

In China, which has the biggest car market globally, it seems that hybrid vehicles are more popular than solely electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns about driving distance. The China Passenger Car Association's data shows that sales of pure EVs in September increased by 29.2 per cent, selling around 644,000 units, a rise from the previous year. However, this growth was slower than the sales growth for plug-in hybrids and extended-range cars, which saw a boost of 96.7 per cent (selling about 361,000 units) and 89.1 per cent (about 111,000 units) respectively, during the same timeframe.

BYD, the global leader in the production of new-energy vehicles, credited its hybrid models for a surge in overall sales during the third quarter. The company reported global sales of 685,830 plug-in hybrid vehicles, marking a 75.6% increase from the previous year and a 23.2% rise from the second quarter. Consequently, BYD's total sales reached 1.13 million units in the third quarter, a year-on-year increase of 37.4% and a 41.9% jump from the second quarter, according to the company's statement.

As homegrown firms concentrate more on the hybrid vehicle sector, Tesla, a company that solely manufactures pure electric vehicles, is anticipated to dominate the majority of sales in China's pure electric vehicle market, states Phate Zhang, the creator of CnEVPost, an electric-car data service based in Shanghai.

"Zhang stated that the disparity in China's all-electric vehicle market between Tesla and BYD will keep growing."

Ex-Hong Kong chief, CY Leung, issues warning about possible housing surplus

Leung alerts about the possible excess of homes due to new developments, advising meticulous demand forecasting and financial management to prevent problems.

Ex-Hong Kong chief, Leung Chun-ying, has expressed worries over the potential dangers of an oversupply in the real estate market, following the government's commitment to increase the number of residential units in newly developed large-scale areas.

Leung, who served as Hong Kong's chief executive between 2012 and 2017, stated in a recent social media post that Hong Kong is currently facing a lack of land and housing. However, he cautioned that increasing the supply in the future may not necessarily be beneficial. His post was titled "preventing oversupply".

The authorities have put forward the Northern Metropolis initiative, a plan worth HK$224 billion (US$28.7 billion) designed to transform 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of land into a residential and economic growth area. The project, encompassing Kwu Tung North and Fanling North, is expected to house 226,700 individuals and generate approximately 53,100 new employment opportunities, as per the government's statement.

Leung also expressed doubts about the projected future demand. He pointed out on Facebook that the significant rise in supply and the drastic drop in property prices may indeed address the housing issue. However, he wondered how the subsequent issues of negative equity, financial difficulties, and governmental fiscal challenges would be managed.

Leung stated that previously, the government used to generate revenue from selling land while establishing new regions. However, as the development density in these new regions decreases, the earnings per square foot of land have seen a decline.

He stated that it's necessary to gauge the level of demand, quantify the planning for supply, and earmark the government's financial income and expenses for the advancement of new districts.

In the dynamic Automobile Industry, businesses from Vehicle Manufacturing to Aftermarket Parts are leveraging top strategies in Automotive Technology and Industry Innovation to stay competitive. Focusing on understanding Market Trends and Consumer Preferences, ensuring Regulatory Compliance, and optimizing Supply Chain Management are key to thriving in Automotive Sales, including Car Dealerships and Car Rental Services. Prioritizing Vehicle Maintenance, Automotive Repair, and embracing shifts towards electric vehicles and digital platforms are crucial for adapting to consumer demands and achieving long-term success. Through enhancing Automotive Marketing and Customer Engagement, the industry aims to build loyalty and navigate market complexities, ensuring sustained growth and profitability.

In the fast-paced world of the automobile industry, where vehicle manufacturing, automotive sales, and aftermarket parts form the backbone of a thriving sector, businesses are constantly revving up their game to stay ahead. From car dealerships to repair shops, and car rental services, the journey from conceptualizing a vehicle to its journey on the road involves a myriad of processes including vehicle maintenance, automotive repair, and embracing cutting-edge automotive technology. As these businesses navigate through the competitive landscapes of market trends and consumer preferences, understanding the keys to success is more crucial than ever. This article dives deep into the heart of the automotive business, exploring top strategies that range from the assembly line to the end of the lifecycle of a vehicle. "Revving Up Success: Top Strategies in Automobile Industry for Vehicle Manufacturing to Aftermarket Parts" and "Navigating the Road Ahead: How Automotive Sales, Car Dealerships, and Repair Services Adapt to Changing Market Trends and Consumer Preferences" will guide us through the essential aspects of industry innovation, automotive marketing, regulatory compliance, and supply chain management. Join us as we explore how businesses in the automotive sector are steering towards success by adapting to and anticipating the needs of the market and consumers, ensuring they not only meet but exceed expectations in an era of rapid change.

• 1. "Revving Up Success: Top Strategies in Automobile Industry for Vehicle Manufacturing to Aftermarket Parts"
• 2. "Navigating the Road Ahead: How Automotive Sales, Car Dealerships, and Repair Services Adapt to Changing Market Trends and Consumer Preferences"

1. "Revving Up Success: Top Strategies in Automobile Industry for Vehicle Manufacturing to Aftermarket Parts"

In the fast-paced world of the automobile industry, businesses ranging from vehicle manufacturing to aftermarket parts suppliers are constantly seeking strategies to rev up their success and stay ahead in a competitive market. Success in this dynamic sector is not just about keeping the engines running; it's about innovating, understanding market trends, and exceeding consumer preferences. Here, we explore top strategies that are driving growth and efficiency across various segments of the automotive business.

**Leveraging Automotive Technology and Industry Innovation:** At the heart of the automobile industry's evolution is the integration of cutting-edge automotive technology. Vehicle manufacturing companies are increasingly adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation and robotics, to enhance production efficiency and product quality. Similarly, aftermarket parts suppliers are utilizing technology to improve inventory management and customer service. Embracing industry innovation allows businesses to meet the high standards of today's tech-savvy consumers and stay competitive.

**Understanding Market Trends and Consumer Preferences:** To succeed in automotive sales, including car dealerships and car rental services, businesses must have their fingers on the pulse of market trends and consumer preferences. This involves analyzing data to understand what drives consumer decisions, from environmental concerns leading to a demand for electric vehicles to the desire for advanced safety features. Tailoring offerings to meet these demands ensures relevance and appeal in a crowded market.

**Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control:** With the automotive industry being one of the most heavily regulated industries, regulatory compliance is not just a legal requirement but a strategic advantage. Vehicle manufacturing businesses and automotive repair shops alike must adhere to stringent safety and environmental regulations. Moreover, a focus on quality control, from the production line to vehicle maintenance and repair, ensures customer trust and builds brand reputation.

**Effective Automotive Marketing and Customer Engagement:** In the realm of automotive marketing, businesses must craft compelling narratives that resonate with their target audience. Whether it's highlighting the eco-friendliness of vehicles, the convenience of car rental services, or the reliability of automotive repair services, effective marketing strategies involve storytelling that connects on a personal level. Engaging with customers through social media, personalized email campaigns, and loyalty programs can also foster a sense of community and loyalty.

**Optimizing Supply Chain Management:** The efficiency of supply chain management directly impacts the success of automotive businesses, from vehicle manufacturing to aftermarket parts. By optimizing supply chain operations through strategies like just-in-time inventory management, businesses can reduce costs, improve production timelines, and respond more swiftly to market demands. Collaborating closely with suppliers and logistics providers ensures a smooth flow of materials and parts, critical for meeting consumer expectations for speed and efficiency.

**Adapting to Evolving Market Demands:** The ability to adapt to changing market conditions is crucial for long-term success in the automotive industry. This may involve diversifying product lines to include electric vehicles, expanding into new markets, or adopting flexible business models to cater to changing consumer behaviors, such as the increasing preference for car-sharing over ownership.

In conclusion, businesses in the automobile industry, from vehicle manufacturing to aftermarket parts, need to implement a multi-faceted approach to succeed. By focusing on automotive technology, market trends, regulatory compliance, innovative marketing, efficient supply chain management, and adaptability, companies can navigate the complexities of the market and drive towards sustained growth and profitability.

2. "Navigating the Road Ahead: How Automotive Sales, Car Dealerships, and Repair Services Adapt to Changing Market Trends and Consumer Preferences"

In the fast-paced world of the Automobile Industry, businesses involved in Automotive Sales, Car Dealerships, and Repair Services are constantly navigating a road filled with evolving Market Trends and shifting Consumer Preferences. To stay ahead, these enterprises must adapt swiftly, leveraging Industry Innovation and Automotive Technology to meet and exceed customer expectations.

One of the top challenges in Vehicle Manufacturing and the broader automotive sector is staying in line with Regulatory Compliance while keeping up with the demand for more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles. This has led to a significant shift in how Automotive Sales and Car Dealerships operate, with a greater emphasis now placed on selling electric and hybrid cars that cater to the eco-conscious consumer. Additionally, the integration of digital tools and online sales platforms has become crucial in reaching potential buyers, profoundly transforming the traditional sales process and Automotive Marketing strategies.

Aftermarket Parts suppliers are also feeling the pressure to adapt, as the rise of new vehicle technologies demands a broader range of parts and accessories. This, coupled with the increasing popularity of DIY Vehicle Maintenance and Automotive Repair, has led these businesses to expand their online presence, offering comprehensive e-commerce platforms that provide everything from parts to detailed tutorials.

For Car Dealerships, the challenge doesn't stop at sales. The importance of offering top-notch Vehicle Maintenance and Automotive Repair services has become more pronounced. With vehicles becoming more complex due to advancements in Automotive Technology, dealerships are investing in continuous training for their technicians to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest industry standards. This not only helps in maintaining customer loyalty but also positions these dealerships as all-encompassing service providers.

Meanwhile, Car Rental Services are adapting by diversifying their fleets to include electric and hybrid options, catering to both the environmentally conscious and those looking to test drive these vehicles before committing to a purchase. Furthermore, they are enhancing their booking and management systems with the latest technology to offer more convenience and flexibility to their customers.

On the supply side, navigating the Supply Chain Management has become a critical focus area, with businesses striving to make their chains more resilient against disruptions. This involves exploring new sourcing strategies, adopting technology for better visibility and efficiency, and strengthening relationships with key suppliers.

In conclusion, the Automobile Industry is at a crossroads, with Automotive Sales, Car Dealerships, and Repair Services finding innovative ways to adapt to changing Market Trends and Consumer Preferences. Through embracing Automotive Technology, refining Automotive Marketing approaches, and ensuring Regulatory Compliance, these businesses are well-equipped to navigate the road ahead, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a constantly evolving market.

In conclusion, the automotive business encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from vehicle manufacturing to aftermarket parts, automotive sales, car dealerships, vehicle maintenance, automotive repair, and car rental services. These sectors collectively drive the industry forward, adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory compliance. Success in this dynamic and competitive environment hinges on several critical factors, including industry innovation, supply chain management, and effective automotive marketing strategies. As businesses within the automobile industry strive to meet the diverse needs of their customers, they must continue to navigate the road ahead with agility and foresight. By embracing change, focusing on customer satisfaction, and investing in quality products and services, automotive businesses can rev up their success and secure a prominent position in the market. The journey through the automotive industry is complex and filled with challenges, but with the right strategies in place, companies can accelerate towards a future of growth and opportunity.

Technology Battle: ASML's chief executive observes increasing US pressure for added restrictions on Chinese semiconductors

The company from the Netherlands holds an exclusive market on the production of lithography machines, which are crucial for the world's biggest semiconductor factories in creating sophisticated chips.

"Analyzing the global political scene, it's evident that the US will persist in urging its allies to impose more constraints," Fouquet commented during a discussion at the Bloomberg Tech Summit in London on Tuesday. "The real question is what's in the best interest of the Netherlands? What's in the best interest of Europe?"

For several years, Washington has been striving to constrain China's growth in the semiconductor industry by implementing numerous export control rounds. These have primarily focused on the sale of sophisticated artificial intelligence chips and equipment used to make these chips. Meanwhile, the Dutch government has been grappling to strike a balance between its allegiance to the US and the largest marketplace for its most significant company.

Fouquet stated that a large portion of ASML's dealings with China are centered around established technology that doesn't significantly impact national security issues.

Huawei has launched the beta version of HarmonyOS 5.0 as they promote their alternative to Android. The latest update to HarmonyOS, according to Huawei, now includes 15,000 in-house apps and services.

According to Yu, the count of indigenous applications has increased tenfold compared to June, the time when Huawei launched the beta version of HarmonyOS Next. "In just a single year, we've pioneered a new domain and accomplished what international ecosystems took more than ten years to achieve," stated Yu.

Huawei has promoted HarmonyOS Next as a system they independently created. This new version no longer accommodates Android-based apps and has earned the nickname "pure blood" HarmonyOS in China.

The firm announced that as of Tuesday, the public beta testing phase for HarmonyOS 5.0 has begun, being made available for Pura 70 and Pocket 2 series phones, in addition to the MatePad Pro tablet.

Three minutes past four

Is Huawei's Harmony OS for smartphones capable of going head-to-head with Google's Android and Apple's iOS?