Toyota orders $1.5B from LG battery plant.

Toyota will shift a $1.5 billion battery order to LG Energy Solution's Michigan plant after GM exited the project.

Toyota just stepped up, shifting a $1.5 billion order with LG Energy Solution to keep their Michigan battery plant buzzing. This move comes after General Motors dropped out of the project, leaving LG scrambling for new clients. They agreed to replace an existing order from another LG site when LG takes full ownership of the Lansing plant, expected this spring.

South Korean companies poured $54 billion into EV battery plants in the U.S., banking on a booming electric future thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. But now, LG, the third-largest EV battery maker globally, is cutting back as automakers rethink their EV ambitions, and with looming budget cuts from Congress, the future of electric cars looks uncertain.

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Yen rises above ¥150/$ as BOJ rate-hike expectations increase.

The yen strengthened against the dollar amid speculation of an imminent Bank of Japan rate hike, reaching its highest level since December.

Japan raises auto tariff concerns amid Trump's threat to increase them.

Japan is concerned about potential U.S. car tariffs that could negatively affect its economy and automobile exports.

Another Japanese city plans to install a life-sized Gundam robot.

Shizuoka will likely get a life-sized Gundam statue alongside a new Gunpla factory to attract more tourists.

Japanese distraction-free writing device launching in the US.

King Jim's Pomera D250US digital typewriter is launching in the US via Indiegogo, emphasizing distraction-free writing with a US layout keyboard.