Author: Matthew Collins
Matthew Collins
Drug pricing fights, FDA approvals, and hospital consolidation deals form the backbone of what Matthew covers, a beat he fell into almost by accident after a stint fact-checking medical journals. He's originally from Boston, home to enough biotech firms that he never had to look far for a story. A former competitive swimmer, he still trains most mornings before the market opens. His writing has a habit of translating clinical trial data into something a general reader can actually use.
BEIJING (Autos & Transportation Desk): China’s electric truck manufacturers are rapidly expanding their presence across Asia as soaring diesel prices following the Iran conflict push transport companies to accelerate the switch to battery-powered commercial vehicles. The trend has fueled a sharp rise in China’s electric truck exports while reinforcing strong domestic demand, helping the world’s largest automotive market reduce its exposure to volatile fuel prices. Data shows that China exported 16,823 heavy electric trucks during the four months following the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, more than twice the volume recorded during the same period a year earlier.…
WASHINGTON DC (Autos & Transportation Desk): The U.S. Department of Defense has finalized new framework agreements with Boeing and RTX aimed at expanding the production of critical components used in the SM-3 Block IIA and SM-3 Block IB missile interceptor programs. Announced on Friday, the agreements are designed to strengthen the manufacturing capacity for the ship-launched surface-to-air interceptors that serve as a core element of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. According to the Pentagon, increasing production of these interceptor components will help reinforce the supply chain supporting the missile defense program, which is widely deployed aboard naval vessels to…
SHANGHAI (Autos & Transport Desk): China’s automotive industry is strengthening its presence in international markets at a remarkable pace, gaining ground across Europe, Southeast Asia and other regions as domestic sales continue to weaken. The shift is placing increasing pressure on established global manufacturers such as Toyota Motor and Volkswagen, which are facing growing competition from China’s expanding lineup of affordable, technology-focused vehicles. While leading Chinese manufacturers including BYD, Geely and Chery have long pursued global ambitions, industry analysts say overseas expansion has evolved from a growth strategy into a business necessity. Sluggish demand at home, combined with years of…
SEOUL/MOSCOW (Business Emerge): Hyundai Motor is not positioned to reacquire its former vehicle manufacturing facility in Russia as the deadline for a contractual buyback option approaches, based on information from a person familiar with the company’s internal position. The facility, located in St. Petersburg, was transferred in 2024 to AGR Automotive Group after production had been halted for an extended period. The transaction included a clause allowing Hyundai to repurchase the asset within two years, with the window scheduled to close in January. The individual with knowledge of the matter indicated that current conditions do not allow the company to…
LONDON (Business Emerge): Uber and Lyft have confirmed plans to introduce autonomous taxi trials in the United Kingdom through separate partnerships with Chinese technology company Baidu, marking a significant step toward commercial driverless transport in the country. The initiative will see Baidu’s autonomous vehicle platform integrated into ride-hailing services operated by Uber and Lyft within London. The companies stated that the trials are scheduled to begin in 2026 and will involve Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 vehicles operating on approved routes within the city. Under the arrangement, Baidu’s vehicles will be deployed on the London networks of both platforms, placing United…
STRASBOURG (Business Emerge/Europe Desk): The European Commission has moved to revise the framework governing the EU combustion engines ban by adjusting the emissions reduction requirement for new passenger cars from 2035, opening a pathway for limited continued sales of non-electric vehicles under defined conditions. The updated proposal, presented in Strasbourg, shifts the requirement for new vehicles sold from 2035 to achieve a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared with 2021 levels. This replaces the earlier requirement of a full elimination of tailpipe emissions. The change allows certain vehicles that rely partly on combustion engines to remain eligible for…
DEARBORN (Business Emerge): Ford Motor said it will record a $19.5 billion accounting charge and discontinue several electric vehicle programs as part of a broad reset of its product and investment strategy tied to changing market conditions. The announcement was made on Monday by the Michigan-based automaker and includes the cancellation of planned battery-only models, revisions to existing electric trucks, and changes to battery manufacturing partnerships in the United States. The company stated that the charge will be recognized primarily in the fourth quarter, with portions extending through 2027. About $8.5 billion of the total relates to the termination of…
LONDON (Business Emerge): Electric vehicle sales in Europe have shown significant regional variation, with northern and western countries recording higher adoption rates compared to slower uptake in southern and eastern nations. Norway, benefiting from government subsidies funded by its sovereign wealth fund and substantial investment in charging networks, reported that electric vehicles accounted for 94 percent of total car sales during the first seven months of 2025. Other Nordic countries and several western European nations have similarly supported EV adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure expansion. In contrast, southern and eastern European countries have recorded far lower rates of electric…
MUMBAI (Business Emerge/India): Mercedes-Benz India will revise the prices of its vehicles from January, with the company confirming a planned increase of up to 2 percent as it moves to manage higher input and logistics expenses. The announcement was issued on Friday, with the manufacturer stating that the upcoming adjustment was prompted by sustained cost pressure during the year. The company noted that currency fluctuations between the euro and the rupee have remained above the 100-rupee level for most of 2024, which has added to the operational burden. Senior management conveyed that the continued movement in foreign exchange rates has…
SHANGHAI (Business Emerge/Asia): Hongqi has set its sights on a broader global footprint as the Chinese automotive brand works to strengthen its position in overseas markets while advancing its portfolio of new-energy vehicles. The company is preparing for a substantial rise in deliveries after several years of sustained domestic momentum. The roadmap was detailed as executives highlighted the brand’s evolving strategy, which includes higher shipment volumes, new model launches and a wider presence across Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. The update follows a period in which Hongqi transitioned from a niche state-use manufacturer to a mass-market contender supported…
Stay updated on the latest startup news, funding trends, industry updates, and finance insights. Your go-to source for all things business. Empower your success with our comprehensive coverage.