The energy price index eased 0.4% in November, driven by a 4.3% decline in European natural gas prices, partly offset by a 4.7% increase in Australian coal prices.
The non-energy price index rose 0.7%. Food prices were up 2.4%, while beverages fell 1.6% and raw materials declined 1.1%.
EU new car registrations grew by 1.4% in the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, marking the fourth month of consecutive growth. However, overall volumes remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a 16.4% YTD market share, though still short of the pace required for the transition. Hybrid-electric vehicles remain the most popular choice, with plug-in hybrids continuing to expand their share.
Hyundai Motor Group has signed its third memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Michelin, strengthening their ongoing collaboration to accelerate tire innovations that will shape the future of mobility. This new agreement builds on earlier MOUs established in 2017 and 2022. The partnership aims to meet the rapidly changing needs of electric and autonomous vehicles, including higher load requirements, enhanced driving dynamics, and improved sustainability.
UBTECH has officially launched mass production and delivery of its first several hundred full-scale industrial humanoid robots, the Walker S2. These units will be rolled out in stages across frontline industrial scenarios. By building a closed-loop commercial model—spanning technology development, real-world implementation, delivery, and iterative improvement—UBTECH has established the capabilities needed to rapidly respond to market demands, efficiently meet customer orders, and set a replicable standard for deploying humanoid robots at scale.
Neways, a global leader in mission-critical technologies for the semiconductor, defense & mobility, and connectivity markets, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nová Dubnica, Slovakia. This strategic expansion strengthens Neways’ global production network and supports increasing regional demand in key high-tech sectors. The advanced 22,000 m² facility—featuring a 2,250 m² high-grade cleanroom—is specifically designed to meet the needs of rapidly growing semiconductor and defense customers, including ASML, Saab, Rheinmetall, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and VDL.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Sumitomo Chemical Group to establish a joint venture dedicated to producing Glass Core, a key material for next-generation semiconductor package substrates. The partnership aims to overcome current technological constraints in package substrates amid growing demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC).
BASF has announced plans to construct a cutting-edge Electronic Grade Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH EG) facility in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The new plant will produce ultra-pure chemicals essential for wafer cleaning, etching, and other precision processes in semiconductor manufacturing. This investment will strengthen the European semiconductor supply chain by ensuring a reliable local source of high-purity materials for advanced chip production.