Automotive and Mobilities

The global automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and the battle between Tesla and BYD has become its most defining rivalry. Once the uncontested leader in electric vehicles, Tesla now finds itself in a tight race with China’s BYD, which surpassed it in 2024 with 1.76 million EVs sold, compared to Tesla’s 1.79 million. BYD’s aggressive pricing, full supply chain control, and rapid scaling — particularly in developing markets — have reshaped the competitive landscape. In contrast, Tesla is doubling down on its brand equity, autonomous software stack, and integrated energy systems to maintain its edge.

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Global Innovative Manufacturing Center - Fundamental Asia

"The next era of mobility isn't defined by wheels or wires — it's defined by intelligence, sustainability, and human-centric design. It's now about moving faster, moving smarter, cleaner, and more connected than ever before"

This showdown isn’t just about two brands — it reflects a broader industry battle between Western innovation and Chinese industrial strategy. As Tesla and BYD push the frontier of EV leadership, legacy automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, and Hyundai are racing to stay in the game, shifting R&D, retooling factories, and accelerating their electrification roadmaps. The outcome will define not just market share, but who controls the platforms, data, and ecosystems of future mobility — from connected cars to autonomous fleets. The race is on, and the rules are being rewritten in real time.

The global automotive industry in 2025 is undergoing a pivotal transformation, fueled by rapid electrification, deep technological integration, and evolving geopolitical landscapes. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption has surged, with EVs comprising 18% of global vehicle sales in 2024, up from 12% the year before. This shift is no longer a niche trend but a structural realignment of the entire mobility ecosystem. In response, automakers are rethinking product pipelines, supply chains, and digital integration. At the forefront of guiding companies through this shift is Fundamental Asia, a strategic consulting firm provides support that in aligning mobility strategies across Southeast Asia, Japan, and China with these new global imperatives.

Leading the EV revolution are two major players: BYD and Tesla. In 2024, BYD recorded an impressive 4.27 million vehicle sales, with 1.76 million being EVs, achieving a 41.3% year-over-year growth. Tesla, although still a global leader, saw a modest decline to 1.79 million EVs sold. While Tesla focuses on margin protection and brand strength, BYD is engaging in aggressive price wars, such as cutting the price of its Seagull hatchback from $9,700 to $7,750. This move has catalyzed industry-wide deflationary pressure and triggered stock drops in competitors like Geely, Great Wall Motors, and Xpeng. Fundamentaal Asia has advised multiple automotive suppliers on mitigating margin compression and repositioning product offerings in light of these market realignments.

Traditional OEMs are adapting, but with varied success. Toyota, still the world’s largest automaker by volume with 10.82 million vehicles sold in 2024, experienced a 3.7% overall decline but grew its hybrid and electrified segment by 23.7%. Its focus on hybrid technology remains a cornerstone of its transition strategy, bolstered by an $8 billion investment in U.S. battery and EV facilities. While Toyota remains cautious on fully electric models, its regional strategies in Asia are increasingly being shaped by local insights and policy changes. Fundamentaal Asia has played a crucial role in helping legacy OEMs, including regional Toyota affiliates, assess market readiness and regulatory impact models for hybrid-to-EV transitions.

Geopolitical frictions are redrawing the automotive trade map. The European Union imposed up to 35.3% tariffs on Chinese EVs in 2024, accusing them of benefiting from state subsidies. Meanwhile, U.S. and Canadian duties on Chinese EVs have risen to 100%, significantly disrupting the international expansion plans of companies like BYD. These trade measures create both risk and opportunity. Companies are rethinking where to build plants, source materials, and form partnerships. Fundamentaal Asia, leveraging its deep regional policy expertise, has been advising OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers on navigating this new regulatory terrain, especially in ASEAN, which is increasingly seen as a neutral ground for EV investment and production.

In this volatile yet opportunity-rich landscape, strategic clarity is a competitive advantage. Companies that understand the interplay of consumer behavior, regional policy, and technological convergence will be best positioned to lead. Fundamentaal Asia stands at this intersection—offering market intelligence, regulatory foresight, and operational guidance to both disruptors and incumbents. As the global mobility industry evolves from a hardware-driven business into a smart, sustainable service ecosystem, the role of precision consulting becomes not just valuable, but indispensable.

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PitTalk Monthly

The Global Strategy Forum Driving the Future of Mobility

Welcome to PitTalk Monthly — Hosted by Fundamental Asia, this is where the world’s top automotive minds pull in for a high-speed download on what’s next: EV disruption, AI integration, regulatory shocks, supply chain pivots, and cutting-edge innovation. Each month, we convene thought leaders and decision-makers from across the mobility ecosystem — including Tesla, Toyota, BYD, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Ford, Volkswagen, Rivian, Honda, Stellantis, General Motors, Lucid Motors, Geely, and NIO — for 60 minutes of unfiltered insight and strategic foresight. No fluff. No filler. Just the sharp turns and fast moves shaping tomorrow’s mobility landscape.

Join Fundamental Asia Network

Global Innovative Manufacturing Center - Fundamental Asia

We support the industry with a uniquely distinguished approach—strategic, forward-looking, and impact-driven

Our consulting firm provides a wide range of expert services to help automotive companies navigate the evolving landscape of the industry. We specialize in market entry strategies, competitive analysis, and regulatory advisory, particularly in the fields of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles, and mobility as a service (MaaS). Our offerings include optimizing supply chains, driving sustainability and green innovation, and facilitating digital transformation for automotive retail and services. We also provide advanced solutions for fleet management, safety and compliance, and technology integration, while leveraging data analytics to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. With expertise in smart city integration, EV battery lifecycle management, and global trade advisory, we ensure our clients are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future mobility ecosystem.

Muscle, Efficient, Sustainable

How Fundamental Asia will help your company

Market Entry Strategy & Competitive Analysis

We provide tailored market entry strategies based on in-depth competitive analysis, identifying growth opportunities and market risks. By evaluating local demand, regulatory environments, and competitor activity, we help clients build a roadmap for successful market penetration.

EV Adoption & Infrastructure Strategy

Our consulting services guide businesses through the transition to electric vehicles (EV), from developing adoption strategies to designing necessary charging infrastructure. We assess market readiness, policy implications, and investment opportunities to accelerate EV deployment effectively.

Autonomous Vehicle Policy & Regulatory Advisory

We assist in navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding autonomous vehicles, helping stakeholders align with local and international laws. Our services include advising on safety standards, testing protocols, and compliance frameworks to ensure smooth autonomous vehicle deployment.

Supply Chain Optimization for Automotive Manufacturers

We help automotive manufacturers streamline their supply chain by optimizing sourcing, inventory management, and logistics. Using advanced analytics and best practices, we reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance production efficiency while ensuring sustainability across the supply chain.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Strategy

Our team works with clients to create seamless, integrated transportation solutions that combine public transport, shared mobility, and private vehicle options into one unified service. We focus on improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and enhancing urban mobility through innovative technology and partnerships.

Digital Transformation for Automotive Retail & Services

We assist automotive retailers and service providers in digitizing their sales, customer service, and after-sales processes. From e-commerce platforms to virtual showrooms, we help businesses enhance the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and stay competitive in the digital era.

Sustainability & Green Innovation Consulting

We guide automotive companies in adopting sustainable practices, from eco-friendly manufacturing to the development of low-emission vehicles. Our services help businesses reduce their environmental footprint while positioning them as leaders in green innovation in the automotive industry.

Fleet Management & Optimization Solutions

Our consulting services provide fleet operators with solutions to optimize vehicle usage, reduce operational costs, and improve sustainability. By leveraging data analytics, we help clients streamline fleet maintenance, monitor performance, and enhance fuel efficiency across their entire fleet.

Customer Experience Optimization

We help automotive brands improve the customer experience by designing personalized journeys across sales, service, and support touchpoints. Our strategies focus on increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention through seamless, data-driven experiences in both online and offline channels.

Infrastructure matters

Global Innovative Manufacturing Center - Fundamental Asia

Fundamental Asia Global Networks

There are currently around 80–100 well-known active car brands worldwide, including household names like Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Mitsubishi, Tesla, and BYD. The total number of active manufacturers, including regional and niche EV producers, is about 400. Historically, the industry has seen over 1,400 brands come and go, with many succumbing to bankruptcy, mergers, or market shifts. This dynamic interplay constant evolution driven by technology, regulation, and infrastructure.

Infrastructure needs sufficient pool of capital and a well managed implementation to provide optimal balance across sectors, user, and regions. Fundamental Asia network is a powerhouse of interlinked manufacturing institutions and financial sectors. We work with ministry in national level, and support regional development initiatives and international bodies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to mobilize billions in capital for infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability. Fundamental Asia empowering, leading the change, and drive the convergence of sovereign policy, institutional finance, and market innovation to transform economies into a globally influential financial bloc with increasing clout in setting economic agendas and financial standards.

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Car manufacturers

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Tier 1, 2, and 3 parts manufacturers

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Region specific market

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Regulators and industry association

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