Japanese Market Notably Higher

Sony released a limited-quantity 27-inch PlayStation 5 gaming monitor with DualSense charging for $349, selling out quickly at retailers, including PS Direct and Best Buy. The monitor features QHD, HDR, 240 Hz refresh rate, and VRR support. Sony plans to restock in September.

Toyota reported a 4.8% year-on-year decline in global sales to 856,125 vehicles in July, with production falling 2.1% to 828,629 units. Sales in China dropped 24.3% for the sixth consecutive month, while US sales decreased 0.8% and Middle East sales plunged 44.5%.

Toyota reported a 4.8% global sales decline in July to 856,125 vehicles, with production down 2.1%. China saw a 24.3% drop, while the U.S. fell 0.8% and the Middle East plummeted 44.5%. Japan's sales rose 11.0%, and exports increased 10.2% to 196,000 vehicles, the highest since October 2023.

Universal Music Group and Sony Music amended their lawsuit against Suno, accusing the AI music company of using 'stream ripping' to bypass YouTube's encryption and train its AI. Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV allowed the claim under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act but denied adding 61,026 recordings to the existing 560. The case focuses on whether Suno's use of copyrighted material constitutes fair use.

Toyota's FAW-Toyota joint venture launched the updated 2027 bZ5 electric SUV in China, priced from 129,800 yuan to 199,800 yuan ($19,500 to $30,000), with limited-time discounts starting at 109,800 yuan ($16,500). The SUV features advanced technology, including Momenta 6.0 for intelligent assistance, and offers up to 630 km of range. Despite being half the price of a Tesla Model Y, bZ5 sales have declined, with 529 units sold in August 2025, down 64% from July 2025.

U.S. President Trump announced a 50% tariff on Canadian vehicles, parts, and trucks, effective January 1, doubling the current 25% rate. Automakers like Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, and Honda face higher costs on key models. Canadian-built vehicles made up 6% of U.S. sales in 2025, per Barclays. Industry executives hope for a deal before the deadline, as tariffs could disrupt the U.S. automotive supply chain.