Tobias

Tesla’s European sales plummeted 40% in July, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline despite overall BEV market growth. Chinese competitor BYD surged with a 225% increase. Intensifying competition, potentially coupled with brand impact from Elon Musk’s public persona and ties to the Trump administration, are contributing factors. Tesla’s global performance faces scrutiny, with concerns about its aging vehicle lineup. BYD’s aggressive European expansion, capturing over 5% market share, intensifies the pressure on Tesla and legacy automakers.

Haier Group, via Katai Capital, acquired a 43% controlling stake in Autohome from Ping An Insurance for $1.8 billion. This makes Haier the controlling shareholder, while Ping An retains a 5.1% indirect stake. Concurrently, Wu Tao stepped down as CEO, replaced by Yang Song who assured no layoffs. Yang Song envisions Autohome’s evolution into a comprehensive automotive ecosystem through collaboration with Haier and Ping An. Autohome, founded in 2005, has seen previous ownership transitions involving Telstra and Ping An.

Microsoft fired two employees after a protest at its Redmond headquarters by “No Azure for Apartheid,” a group objecting to the Israeli military’s use of Microsoft software. The company cited serious breaches of policy and unlawful break-ins. The group claims the terminations involved Riki Fameli and Anna Hattle. Microsoft is investigating the protest, which included blocking access to an executive’s office and planting recording devices. This follows earlier protests and accusations that the Israeli military misused Microsoft’s Azure cloud.

Following Wuhan’s pet-friendly hotel trend, a Guangzhou guesthouse is gaining popularity for offering “Cat Cuddling” or “Cat Butler” services. Guests can enjoy the companionship of eight resident cats (Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs) in three rooms, with nightly rates ranging from ¥400 to over ¥1000. The guesthouse prioritizes hygiene and safety with vaccinated and groomed cats, 24-hour surveillance, and readily available first aid. They’ve served over 700 customers, offering a private experience distinct from traditional cat cafes.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggests a possible introduction of the Blackwell processor to China, advocating for eased U.S. restrictions. He anticipates a robust 50% growth in China’s AI market. Huang previously sought export licenses for the H20 chip, reaching an agreement involving revenue sharing with the U.S. government. Nvidia may need to modify Blackwell chips to comply with export rules, balancing cutting-edge technology deployment with national security. Despite uncertainties, Nvidia projects strong revenue, highlighting China’s $50 billion potential market value.

Google has reduced its management ranks by 35%, aiming for a more efficient, streamlined organization. This shift involves managers overseeing small teams transitioning to individual contributor roles. Executives addressed employee concerns about job security and workload during an all-hands meeting. Voluntary exit programs have been offered in multiple product areas, with employees citing a desire for career breaks as a key reason for acceptance. Google is focused on optimizing resources and efficiency, resisting comparisons to Meta’s sabbatical policy.

Google and Fox Corporation reached a short-term agreement, averting a blackout of Fox channels on YouTube TV just before a major sports weekend, including a high-profile Texas vs. Ohio State college football game (featuring Arch Manning’s anticipated debut). The core issue revolves around content licensing fees, with Google claiming Fox is demanding exorbitant amounts. The extension prevents disruption for YouTube TV’s 9.4 million subscribers, though the exact duration remains undisclosed. Failure to reach a longer-term deal could benefit Fox’s streaming service, Fox One.

IRL’s founder, Abraham Shafi, faces federal charges and an SEC lawsuit alleging $170 million investor fraud. The DOJ claims Shafi inflated IRL’s user base, misreported advertising spending to investors, and misused funds for personal expenses, including luxury items and wedding costs. IRL, once valued at $1 billion, shut down in June 2023. Shafi is indicted on wire fraud, securities fraud, and obstruction of justice. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison per count if convicted.

Saudi Arabia, through Humain, aims to become a global AI leader, rivaling the US and China, by leveraging its resources for data centers. Backed by the PIF, Humain is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, partnering with Nvidia and AMD, with plans to build massive data centers. The Kingdom faces challenges including competition from the UAE, talent acquisition, and economic feasibility. While significant investments are being made, questions remain about attracting and retaining AI engineers and long-term environmental impacts of large-scale data center operations.

Nvidia is set to release its fiscal Q2 earnings, with analysts anticipating $1.01 EPS and $46.02 billion in revenue. Investors are focused on Nvidia’s data center performance, especially demand for Blackwell chips and developments in the Chinese market. Supply constraints for Blackwell racks and the impact of US export controls on H20 sales in China are key concerns. Analysts expect guidance to exclude China, projecting approximately $53 billion in sales for fiscal Q3, a 51% year-over-year increase.