News

  • The Decline of Electric Vehicle Sales in the U.S.

    An electric vehicle charging location is shown from the view of a drone in Carlsbad, California, U.S., as automotive executives anticipate a sharp drop in EV sales due to the elimination of a crucial $7,500 tax break for buyers. Ford CEO Jim Farley predicts EV sales to plummet to 5% of total U.S. vehicle sales, a significant decrease from the recent record-high levels. With the tax credit expired, automakers like Nissan are preparing for fierce competition as they struggle to find buyers for their electric cars in a market flooded with inventory.

    Despite efforts by GM and Ford to mitigate the impact of losing the tax incentive, dealerships are adopting a cautious approach by reducing EV inventory. The U.S. market lags behind China and Europe in EV adoption, and the removal of the tax credit poses a challenge for dealers who fear being left with unsold EVs. While some remain optimistic about the future of EVs, concerns loom over the potential impact on sales of higher-priced models in the absence of government incentives.

  • South Korea and US Reach Agreement on Visas for Skilled Workers

    The United States has agreed to allow South Korean workers on short-term visas or a visa waiver program to help build industrial sites in America, as announced by Seoul’s Foreign Ministry. This decision comes in the aftermath of an immigration raid at a battery factory being built on Hyundai’s auto plant campus in Georgia, which led to the detainment of over 300 South Korean nationals. The incident sparked outrage in South Korea and highlighted the need for improved visa systems for skilled Korean workers.

    Following bilateral visa talks in Washington, it was reaffirmed that South Korean companies can use B-1 short-term business visas or the ESTA program to send workers for installation, servicing, and repair tasks in the United States. While South Korea has called for more fundamental changes to the visa system, U.S. officials cited legislative constraints as a hindrance to major overhauls. The detained Korean workers, mostly employed by LG Energy Solution and its subcontractors, are now set to return to complete their work as both countries navigate the complexities of labor migration and industrial investments.

  • SharkNinja’s Formula for Unstoppable Innovation

    SharkNinja’s rise from vacuum maker to global appliance powerhouse is no accident. A Forbes feature credits its success to a consumer-first approach, rapid prototyping across global teams, and a culture that encourages experimentation.

    By focusing on solving everyday pain points and balancing performance with value, SharkNinja has expanded beyond cleaning into kitchen, beauty, and outdoor categories. Analysts say its repeatable innovation system — fast, disciplined, and consumer-driven — is the engine behind its relentless growth.

  • Javice Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Fraud at Fintech Startup Acquired by JPMorgan Chase

    Charlie Javice, the founder of a startup acquired by JPMorgan Chase for $175 million, was sentenced to over seven years in prison for defrauding the bank by overstating the number of customers the fintech firm had. Javice and her chief growth officer were found guilty of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Despite expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness, Javice received an 85-month prison sentence, $22.36 million in forfeiture, and $287 million in restitution to JPMorgan. The court found that Javice had inflated the number of customers using synthetic identities before the acquisition, leading to an embarrassing situation for JPMorgan as they failed to verify the actual number of customers before the purchase.

  • Impact of Ending Federal EV Incentives on Demand for Electric Vehicles

    Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley expressed his expectation of a significant drop in demand for all-electric vehicles following the end of federal tax incentives. He anticipates EV sales to decrease from a record market share of 10% to 12% to just 5% after the incentive program expires. Farley noted that the industry may shift towards hybrids as customers find partial electrification more acceptable in the current context. The impending changes in policy and incentive structures will require the auto industry, including Ford, to adapt and make adjustments to their strategies and operations.

  • Attracting Global Talent: China’s New K Visa Program in Geopolitical Context

    China’s new K visa targets young STEM graduates without job offer requirements, offering an alternative to the U.S. H-1B visa facing a $100,000 fee. As Beijing aims to boost its fortunes in the geopolitical rivalry with Washington, the K visa promises entry, residence, and employment for foreign workers in tech fields. Despite its potential, the K visa faces challenges such as language barriers, vague requirements, and limited citizenship options, raising questions about its effectiveness in attracting international talent. With other countries also loosening visa rules to attract skilled migrants, China’s move to lower barriers while the U.S. raises them may shift the dynamics of global talent recruitment in the tech sector.

  • Lufthansa Group Announces Job Cuts and Strategic Plans for Future Growth

    Lufthansa Group revealed plans to cut 4,000 jobs by 2030 through the use of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and consolidating work among member airlines. The focus of the job cuts will mainly be on administrative roles, with the goal of increasing efficiency across business areas. The company stated that these changes are necessary due to the rapid advancements in digitalization and artificial intelligence.

    Despite the job cuts, Lufthansa Group reported strong demand for air travel and predicted stronger profits in the years ahead. The company is preparing for the largest fleet modernization in its history, adding over 230 new aircraft by 2030, including 100 long-haul planes. With a focus on increased profitability and efficiency, Lufthansa Group aims to navigate the challenges of a tight market and stretched supply chains for planes and engines.