SoftBank Unveils $500 Billion AI Investment in Ohio
Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., announced a $500 billion investment plan for a large-scale artificial intelligence data center in Piketon, Ohio, marking it as the largest single-location investment in human history. Construction is set to begin by the end of this year, with a total of $1.5 trillion planned to be invested over the next 20 years. This announcement follows a groundbreaking ceremony for a gas-fired power plant in Ohio, part of Japan's broader $550 billion investment and loan pledge under a bilateral tariff deal.
Carmakers Scale Back EV Plans Amid Strong Petrol Demand
More than a dozen global carmakers, including Rolls-Royce, are retreating from electric vehicle (EV) plans as consumer demand for petrol engines remains strong, prompting concerns about the industry's future. Experts warn that this shift, driven by rising oil prices and competition from Chinese manufacturers, could jeopardize tens of millions of jobs and lead to significant financial losses, with Stellantis and Volkswagen writing down billions in expected returns from EV investments. In the U.S., Ford has also taken a substantial hit, abandoning several future electric models amid a lack of consumer interest.
Bangkok Motor Show Highlights Shift to Electric Vehicles
The Bangkok International Motor Show 2026, running from March 25 to April 5, showcases a significant shift in the Southeast Asian auto market, with Chinese automakers like BYD introducing multiple new electric vehicle models, including the Atto1 and Seal 06 EV. Japanese manufacturers are also responding by unveiling notable electric and hybrid models, indicating a competitive landscape as traditional brands face increasing pressure from emerging Chinese companies.
Automakers Adjust Strategies Amid EV Registration Decline
In response to a 41% decline in U.S. electric vehicle registrations and rising gasoline prices, automakers are adjusting their strategies. Honda has halved its EV production target to 17,900 units for this year and is shifting focus to hybrids, while Ford is repurposing its Kentucky battery plant for energy storage systems. Industry executives cite geopolitical tensions and expiring incentives as factors contributing to market volatility, prompting a broader move towards a mix of electrified and conventional powertrains.
