• Microsoft’s Xbox executive suggested AI tools like ChatGPT could help laid-off workers with resumes and emotional support.
• The advice was poorly received, especially since Microsoft recently laid off 9,100 employees, many in gaming.
• The deleted post has sparked concerns about the company’s messaging as it expands AI while cutting jobs.
• Employees fear AI may replace creative roles, intensifying workplace anxiety amid automation’s rise.

Microsoft is under fresh scrutiny after a senior Xbox executive suggested that artificial intelligence could offer support to thousands of employees affected by the company’s recent round of layoffs.

The advice, shared in a since-deleted LinkedIn post by Xbox Game Studios’ Matt Turnbull, has reignited concerns about the tech industry’s reliance on automation even as it trims human capital.

AI tools suggested for emotional and career support

Turnbull had recommended that laid-off employees turn to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot for help with resume writing, career planning, and even emotional support.

“These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone,” Turnbull had said. “No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.”

The post was quickly removed, but screenshots continue to circulate online, particularly on alternative platforms like Bluesky, where many users reacted with skepticism and frustration.

The timing of Turnbull’s remarks could hardly have been more sensitive. Microsoft’s latest layoffs, announced last week, are expected to impact roughly 9,100 workers. Gaming divisions including Xbox have been particularly hard-hit, sparking fears across creative teams already grappling with the growing presence of AI in their workflow.

Recurring layoffs collide with AI expansion

Observers have noted a stark contrast between Microsoft’s deepening investment in artificial intelligence and its repeated downsizing of human teams. The company has already committed over $80 billion toward AI infrastructure and partnerships, including its ongoing collaboration with OpenAI.

This wave of layoffs marks the eighth major workforce reduction at Microsoft in the past decade, a cycle that many employees say has eroded morale and confidence in leadership.

Historically, Microsoft’s restructurings have often followed major acquisitions or strategic shifts. In 2014, for instance, the company cut 18,000 jobs following its acquisition of Nokia. Today’s climate echoes that pattern, with AI emerging as the next big pivot, but one that also appears to be displacing jobs across departments.

Gaming industry tensions simmer

Within the gaming sector, Turnbull’s post has struck a particularly raw nerve. Creatives and developers are voicing growing unease about AI’s expanding footprint in narrative design, art generation, and content creation.

Many view it not just as a tool, but as a potential replacement for human ingenuity. Suggesting that AI could also offer comfort to workers recently made redundant by the very industry adopting such tools, critics say, feels tone-deaf and dismissive of deeper structural issues.

This latest round of Xbox layoffs follows similar moves across the gaming landscape, where large companies have cut jobs even during profitable quarters. Industry veterans warn that treating workers as disposable, especially while touting the benefits of automation, risks long-term damage to innovation and trust.

Employee anxiety about AI continues to grow

Turnbull’s post also tapped into broader fears about AI’s role in the future of work. Surveys show that a majority of professionals are uneasy about automation, with many worrying they could lose their jobs to machines in the coming years. While some employees recognize AI’s efficiency benefits, many also resist its use in hiring and performance evaluations.

In that context, the notion that AI can now offer “emotional support” to those displaced by technological progress has sparked pushback. Critics say such messaging reflects a disconnect between executive optimism and worker realities, highlighting a need for greater empathy and accountability in how tech leaders navigate the transition to AI-driven operations.

The post Microsoft’s AI Advice to Laid-Off Workers Raises Eyebrows After Major Cuts appeared first on CoinCentral.

• GM resumes testing Cruise EVs to improve Super Cruise driver-assistance features.
• The pivot follows Cruise’s shutdown after a safety incident and $8B in investments.
• Repurposed vehicles are now being tested on highways with human drivers and new branding.
• The move reflects a broader trend of scaling back autonomy ambitions for practical gains.

General Motors is breathing new life into its once-promising Cruise autonomous vehicle unit by repurposing its electric fleet for internal testing.

After halting Cruise operations in December 2023, GM has quietly restarted trials with a limited number of Cruise Bolt EVs on highways in Michigan, Texas, and California’s Bay Area. These vehicles, previously intended for robotaxi deployment, are now part of a scaled-down initiative aimed at enhancing GM’s driver-assistance systems, particularly its Super Cruise technology.

The test vehicles have undergone subtle rebranding, with some spotted bearing the name “Mint” on the hood and no visible Cruise logos. Each car is operated by trained drivers and outfitted with lidar sensors and other advanced tech.

Importantly, no members of the public are involved in these tests. GM is signaling that it’s not abandoning autonomous vehicle technology altogether, but rather repurposing it for more grounded and consumer-friendly applications.

Safety Setback Spurs Strategic Realignment

Cruise’s shutdown followed a high-profile incident in San Francisco, where one of its vehicles struck a pedestrian. The backlash led GM CEO Mary Barra to concede that the robotaxi venture had become too costly and a distraction from GM’s core business goals.

The automaker had invested over $8 billion in Cruise since acquiring a majority stake in 2016, making the project one of the company’s most expensive moonshots.

The pivot away from full autonomy marks a sobering recalibration in GM’s innovation roadmap. It underscores the reality that the journey to true self-driving vehicles is longer and more complex than many had anticipated. GM’s decision reflects a broader industry pattern where lofty ambitions have given way to more incremental gains through semi-autonomous features.

Cruise Tech Finds New Purpose in Super Cruise

Rather than writing off its investment, GM is now channeling Cruise’s technological advancements into Super Cruise, its premium hands-free driving system.

Already available in some GM models, Super Cruise covers over 400,000 miles of compatible roads and is used by roughly 60 percent of drivers whose vehicles are equipped with it. The repurposed Cruise fleet will help GM refine the system’s capabilities, potentially making it more competitive with rivals like Tesla’s Autopilot or Ford’s BlueCruise.

Analysts believe this strategic redirection may yield better financial outcomes. While the U.S. robotaxi market could eventually scale to 35,000 vehicles and $7 billion in revenue, GM’s enhanced Super Cruise system is projected to generate $2 billion annually within the next five years. That makes it a safer and more predictable bet for investors and consumers alike.

From Futurama to Reality Check

GM’s fascination with autonomous driving goes back nearly a century, famously showcased in its 1939 Futurama exhibit that imagined automated highways. Today’s scaled-back ambitions echo a familiar cycle in tech development: from high-flying dreams to grounded implementations.

While full autonomy remains elusive due to regulatory, safety, and technological challenges, GM’s latest move demonstrates how even “failed” projects can drive innovation in other directions.

The reimagining of Cruise’s assets reflects a deeper industry lesson. Bold experiments may falter, but the technologies they leave behind often find new life in more pragmatic applications. For GM, the future of mobility might not be fully autonomous  but it’s still moving forward.

The post GM Reboots Cruise EVs for Driver-Assist Testing After Robotaxi Retreat appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Google adds a third-party price-comparison box atop EU search results to comply with antitrust laws
• The change responds to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which bans self-preferencing by tech giants
• Alphabet could face fines up to 10 percent of global revenue for violations
• The shift underscores rising regulatory tension between Europe and the US over tech regulation

Google is revamping its European search results to give more visibility to competitors, marking a significant shift in strategy as it faces renewed regulatory scrutiny from the European Union.

The move comes in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping law designed to rein in the dominance of tech giants.

The tech firm, owned by Alphabet, will now feature a dedicated price-comparison box at the top of search results in Europe. Instead of showcasing only its own services like Google Flights or Google Hotels, users will now see ranked listings from third-party platforms such as Expedia, Booking.com, and other hotel and airline sites. Google’s own services will be demoted to a dropdown menu alongside other providers, a subtle but meaningful change in visibility.

This structural redesign is not purely a gesture of goodwill. The European Commission had issued a warning in March that Google risked hefty penalties if it continued to give preferential treatment to its own offerings. Under the DMA, companies found in violation may face fines of up to 10 percent of global annual revenue, or even 20 percent for repeat offenses. That could mean tens of billions in fines for Alphabet if it fails to comply.

Regulatory Pressures Are Piling Up

This isn’t Google’s first regulatory run-in with Brussels. In 2017, the company was hit with a €2.42 billion fine for promoting its own shopping comparison tool above rivals in its search engine. That case took nearly a decade to investigate and prosecute.

The new DMA framework is meant to speed things up. Instead of dragging companies through years-long antitrust probes, it imposes clear upfront rules for dominant digital “gatekeepers.”

Google’s recent changes are seen as a response to this shift. After losing a legal challenge last year related to the 2017 shopping case, the company appears more willing to adjust its products to avoid further litigation. This time, the changes go deeper, altering how results are ranked and displayed, core elements of Google’s search engine.

EU Flexes Muscle with New Enforcement Powers

The DMA’s enforcement teeth are already biting. In April 2025, Apple and Meta were fined €500 million and €200 million respectively for early violations under the same regulation.

These swift actions mark a departure from the EU’s previous pace, signaling to all major platforms that the rules are no longer optional.

Rising Transatlantic Tensions Over Big Tech

Not everyone is on board with Europe’s aggressive approach. US officials have criticized the DMA, calling the fines a form of economic retaliation against American firms. The latest wave of penalties, targeting some of Silicon Valley’s biggest players, has added strain to ongoing US-EU trade talks.

Nevertheless, the EU’s approach is gaining traction globally, with other regions now considering similar legal frameworks to address tech dominance.

Google’s new feature may be a strategic retreat, but it also marks a turning point. For now, the company is playing by Europe’s rules, but the bigger question remains that it will the rest of the world follow suit?

The post Facing EU Heat, Google Offers Third-Party Options in Search Results appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Trump says TikTok deal is nearly finalized, with talks set for July 7 or 8.
• ByteDance faces a September 17 deadline to divest its U.S. operations.
• U.S. aims to create a U.S.-controlled TikTok entity, but China has resisted.
• TikTok’s massive user base and revenue make an outright ban increasingly unlikely.

U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that negotiations surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States are nearing completion, ahead of a high-level meeting with Chinese officials scheduled for July 7 or 8.

The planned talks, expected to involve Chinese President Xi Jinping or his representatives, are likely to finalize the fate of the video-sharing platform amid prolonged geopolitical tension.

The president’s statement comes as the September 17 deadline he imposed on ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to divest its U.S. operations continues to loom. According to Trump, the two sides have “pretty much” reached a deal, suggesting that only final confirmations remain before an agreement can be officially announced.

Trump: "We pretty much have a deal—on TikTok… I think the deal is good for China—and it's good for us, and for us it's money." pic.twitter.com/P1pFD7sl6y

— Disclose.tv Clips (@disclosetvclips) July 5, 2025

TikTok’s Future Caught Between Two Superpowers

At the heart of the matter lies ByteDance’s struggle to satisfy both U.S. national security demands and Chinese regulatory resistance. Washington has raised concerns that TikTok’s user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, while Beijing has pushed back against what it views as American overreach aimed at stifling its tech sector.

A previously proposed plan to establish a new U.S.-based entity, majority-owned by American investors, was delayed after Chinese regulators signaled disapproval. These delays underscore how digital platforms like TikTok have become entangled in broader trade and strategic discussions between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump’s Shift from Ban to Deal

Trump’s latest remarks reflect a noticeable shift in his administration’s approach. In the past, he supported a full ban of TikTok in the U.S., citing national security risks. Now, however, he appears more focused on brokering a deal that allows TikTok to continue operating under American oversight, potentially appeasing both domestic stakeholders and international counterparts.

Analysts believe the change in tone may also be influenced by political factors, particularly the approaching U.S. presidential election. The platform is extremely popular with younger voters, and an outright ban could carry political costs. By pursuing a controlled transition instead, the administration may be attempting to strike a balance between national security and public sentiment.

TikTok’s Global Impact Makes Ban Unlikely

With over 1 billion monthly active users and an estimated 150 million of them in the United States, TikTok’s cultural and economic footprint has grown too large to ignore. The platform generated over $14 billion in revenue in 2023 and is projected to surpass 2 billion global users by the end of 2025.

Its algorithmic recommendation system has redefined digital engagement, giving it an edge over traditional American platforms and attracting advertisers eager to reach its vast user base. Critics argue that banning such a dominant player would not only disrupt the digital economy but also send a troubling message about tech freedom in the U.S.

Talks May Set Precedent for Global Tech Regulation

The upcoming talks between Washington and Beijing could mark a pivotal moment in global tech regulation. If an agreement is finalized, it may serve as a blueprint for how international tech companies navigate complex political landscapes in the future.

For now, the world is watching as TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance. Both sides appear interested in avoiding a total breakdown, and Trump’s “pretty much done” comment suggests optimism. Still, with national interests and economic stakes intertwined, nothing is guaranteed until signatures are on paper.

The post Trump Says TikTok Deal “Pretty Much” Done Ahead of China Talks appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Slate Auto has dropped its “under $20,000” EV pricing after the Trump administration moved to end the $7,500 federal tax credit.
• The startup, backed by Jeff Bezos, had relied on the credit to position its pickup as a radically affordable electric vehicle.
• Without the incentive, the truck’s base price may climb to around $27,500, undermining its affordability message.
• Slate now faces increased pressure to deliver value as it prepares to begin production in late 2026.

Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup funded in part by Jeff Bezos, has pulled back on its bold claim that its upcoming all-electric pickup would start at under $20,000.

The reversal follows the passage of President Trump’s new tax legislation, which includes a provision to end the federal EV tax credit by September. That incentive, worth up to $7,500, had been a key part of Slate’s pricing model.

Price Promise Pulled

When the company debuted in April, Slate’s pitch was all about affordability. At the center of that message was the sub-$20,000 sticker price, which drew immediate attention in a market where the average EV now costs well over $50,000. However, that eye-catching figure relied on the availability of the federal credit. Without it, Slate’s cost structure has shifted significantly.

The language promising a sub-$20,000 price remained on Slate’s website until early July, but has since been removed. The company has not released a new base price, nor has it commented publicly on the decision to drop the marketing claim. A spokesperson declined to elaborate when contacted.

Affordable Vision in Jeopardy

The shift is a blow to Slate’s brand positioning. The startup’s leadership had leaned heavily on affordability as its defining feature. During the company’s launch event, Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder criticized the wider industry for pushing prices to unaffordable levels for most Americans.

Slate, he said, aimed to change that reality. But with the loss of the tax credit and no clear pricing replacement, that mission faces a steeper climb.

Production of Slate’s pickup is not expected to begin until late 2026, giving the company some breathing room to adapt. The truck’s design emphasizes customization, allowing customers to select options like battery size and bed configurations. While that approach may appeal to a broad range of buyers, it also means few consumers were likely to purchase the base model anyway. Still, the entry-level price had symbolic importance, signaling that Slate was trying to break with industry norms.

Higher Prices Likely

Without the tax credit, estimates suggest that Slate’s starting price could land closer to $27,500. That may still be competitive for an electric pickup, but it moves the vehicle out of the ultra-affordable bracket and closer to offerings from better-established rivals.

For buyers in cost-sensitive segments, especially in rural or utility-focused markets, the jump in pricing could be a deterrent.

The timing of this policy change poses a broader challenge for the EV industry. The $7,500 credit has played a major role in boosting adoption rates across the country. Its removal could stall momentum just as more startups are entering the space. Larger players like Ford and Tesla have already scaled to absorb the loss of incentives, but newer entrants like Slate must now navigate a less forgiving financial environment.

Slate still has an opportunity to deliver a flexible, customer-friendly product. The truck is expected to offer a 250-mile range and modular hardware, but final specs have not been released. In the meantime, rising battery material costs and uncertain federal support add further pressure.

The post Bezos-Backed Slate Auto Scraps $20K EV Pitch After Trump Kills Tax Credit appeared first on CoinCentral.

1. Microsoft has ended its 25-year presence in Pakistan, shutting down local operations.
2. Services will now be handled by resellers and regional offices based in Europe.
3. Economic instability, policy shifts, and trade hurdles influenced the company’s exit.
4. A planned Microsoft investment in 2022 reportedly fell through after a regime change.

Microsoft has ended its 25-year presence in Pakistan, officially closing its local operations as part of a broader global restructuring plan.

The decision marks the departure of one of the world’s leading tech companies from a country where it once played a pivotal role in advancing digital literacy and IT development.

Operations move abroad

The decision, widely reported across media outlets, was confirmed by Jawwad Rehman, the founding country head of Microsoft Pakistan.Rehman offered a candid assessment of the development, describing it as more than just a business decision.

“This is more than a corporate exit. It’s a sobering signal of the environment our country has created.. one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay. It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft,” he mentioned.

Local partners had already taken over most of the daily service delivery, which allowed the company to maintain its footprint without directly operating from within Pakistan.

With the closure, Microsoft has let go of its remaining employees in the country, who were focused on sales and product promotion. The company did not maintain engineering or development teams in Pakistan, unlike in India or other emerging markets.

Exit reflects deeper instability

While Microsoft has not outlined its reasons in detail, experts point to a combination of factors that made continued operations unsustainable. Pakistan’s ongoing economic struggles, currency volatility, and regulatory unpredictability have created a difficult environment for multinationals. The country’s trade deficit rose to $24.4 billion in the fiscal year 2024, while foreign reserves slipped to around $11.5 billion by mid-2025, making imports costly and foreign investment riskier.

Political instability is also widely seen as a major deterrent. Frequent leadership changes and shifting policies have made it difficult for foreign companies to plan long-term strategies. Analysts suggest these pressures likely played a significant role in Microsoft’s decision to withdraw entirely from the market.

Symbolic loss for local tech scene

Microsoft’s departure is being seen as more than just a corporate restructuring. For many in Pakistan’s tech and business community, it symbolizes a loss of confidence in the country’s investment climate. Microsoft had been a key supporter of educational programs, digital transformation projects, and public sector modernization in Pakistan. Its absence raises concerns about the future of similar collaborations.

Industry leaders who helped build Microsoft’s presence in Pakistan noted that the exit represents a missed opportunity. They argue that strong foundations were laid over two decades, but deteriorating conditions, both economic and institutional, undermined what could have been a long-term strategic relationship.

Abandoned investment adds to frustration

There is also growing frustration over an investment opportunity that reportedly never materialized. In early 2022, Microsoft was said to be considering a significant expansion in Pakistan. However, following a change in government later that year, the plan was shelved, and the company instead directed its attention to Vietnam. That missed opportunity now stands as a stark reminder of how quickly foreign investor confidence can shift in the face of political upheaval.

For Pakistan, Microsoft’s exit comes at a critical time when it is trying to position itself as a tech-forward economy. The closure not only affects immediate operations but also sends a strong signal to other international firms assessing the risks of entering or expanding in the market.

The post Microsoft Shuts Down Pakistan Office After 25 Years appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Neta failed to meet Thailand’s EV production targets, prompting the government to withhold incentive payments.
• The automaker faces growing pressure as its parent company undergoes bankruptcy in China.
• Intense competition from Chinese EV rivals and a price war have eroded Neta’s market share.
• Complaints over unpaid dealer debts and poor after-sales support are damaging Neta’s brand in Thailand.

Neta, the electric vehicle brand under China’s Hozon Auto, is facing mounting challenges in Thailand as it fails to meet key local production targets tied to the country’s EV incentive program.

Once seen as a promising player in Southeast Asia’s most ambitious electric vehicle push, Neta’s fortunes are now under strain as market dynamics, financial troubles, and operational setbacks collide in its largest overseas market.

Production shortfalls spark government response

Thailand’s government has been actively encouraging automakers to produce EVs locally by offering duty exemptions on imported vehicles. But that incentive comes with a catch,  the volume of EVs imported must eventually be matched by equivalent local production.

Neta fell short of its 2024 domestic production quota, and that shortfall is now rolling over into the current year. The Thai Excise Department confirmed that it is withholding financial incentives from Neta as a result. These delayed payments are adding further pressure to the automaker, already grappling with other operational issues.

Mounting pressure from within and abroad

Beyond production struggles, Neta is also facing the fallout from its parent company, Zhejiang Hozon New Energy Automobile, which entered bankruptcy proceedings in China this past June. The financial instability at the parent level casts a long shadow over Neta’s operations in Thailand.

Dealers in the country have also raised concerns over unpaid debts, particularly relating to showroom development and service support. Some claim they are owed over 200 million baht, further shaking confidence in the brand.

These complications are unfolding in a market that has become increasingly competitive, particularly as Chinese EV brands flood Thailand with aggressively priced models. While the influx of Chinese EVs has helped Thailand move toward its ambitious EV adoption goals, it has also created a cutthroat environment. Brands like BYD have triggered price wars by slashing prices across dozens of models, a strategy that smaller players like Neta have struggled to match. Neta’s new car registrations in Thailand reportedly plunged by nearly 50 percent year-on-year, while its market share dropped from 12 percent to just 4 percent.

Thailand’s EV dream hits reality check

Thailand is not just any market for Neta. It is the company’s largest international footprint, and its performance there serves as a bellwether for its broader global aspirations.

The Thai government’s goal to have 30 percent of all locally produced vehicles be electric by 2030 depends heavily on cooperation from foreign EV makers. However, the sharp decline in auto sales, down 25 percent this year, and the slow pace of EV adoption suggest deeper issues.

While consumer interest in EVs remains strong, high household debt and economic pressures have limited purchasing power.

After-sales service becomes a dealbreaker

In this increasingly crowded market, after-sales service has emerged as a key battleground. Neta’s struggles here have not gone unnoticed. Complaints about delayed repairs, parts shortages, and poor maintenance support have surfaced online and among dealer networks.

Without a robust service network, even competitive pricing and sleek designs fall flat. For newer players without the capital or logistics capacity to scale service operations, this creates a steep disadvantage against more established automakers.

The post Chinese EV Brand Neta Stumbles in Thailand Amid Unmet Production Goals appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Xpeng’s CEO believes profitability is possible by Q4 2025, driven by soaring deliveries and improved margins.
• The company’s shift to higher-margin vehicles like the G6 SUV is helping close the gap toward breakeven.
• China’s mature EV market gives Xpeng an edge as it fends off both domestic and global competition.
• With subsidies declining, sustainable growth is now the defining challenge for Xpeng and the broader EV sector.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is aiming to break even by the fourth quarter of 2025, a bold move that signals the company’s shift from years of aggressive expansion to a tighter focus on long-term profitability.

CEO Xiaopeng He voiced his optimism in a recent media interview, stating that the company’s financial performance could surpass what analysts are currently projecting. His remarks come at a critical time as the electric vehicle sector in China faces heightened competition, softening prices, and a reduced reliance on government subsidies.

Founded in 2014, Xpeng has built its brand on smart electric vehicles infused with autonomous driving and AI-powered systems. But like many EV startups, the company has long prioritized innovation and scale over profits. That strategy appears to be evolving.

Recent financial data shows a significant narrowing of net losses, down over 51% year-over-year, as Xpeng benefits from both improved margins and soaring vehicle deliveries.

Margins Improve as Strategy Shifts

Xpeng’s path to profitability is being driven by a shift in both strategy and execution. The company reported a gross margin of 15.6%, an improvement that underscores how its product mix is starting to pay off.

A major contributor to this change is the performance of the G6 SUV, which sold over 8,000 units in May 2024 alone. As the firm shifts more production toward high-demand models with stronger margins, the results are beginning to reflect those efforts.

The company’s strong Q1 2025 delivery figures, nearly 94,000 units, up 330% from the same period a year ago, have also bolstered investor confidence. In an environment where EV prices are falling and incentives are rising, Xpeng’s volume-led approach is helping to cushion the impact of pricing pressure. While the average EV transaction price has dipped and incentives have grown to over $8,000 per unit in some markets, Xpeng’s balanced approach to scale and pricing has helped keep it on track.

Competitive Pressure Builds in China and Abroad

Xpeng’s push for profitability comes as China’s electric vehicle market becomes increasingly saturated. The country now accounts for nearly half of all global EV sales, offering domestic firms like Xpeng a scale advantage few international competitors can match. That said, the pressure to stand out is greater than ever.

Domestic rivals like NIO and Li Auto continue to challenge Xpeng on pricing, features, and brand positioning, while global brands like Tesla remain dominant players.

Despite this, Xpeng’s experience in navigating the Chinese market may offer it a competitive edge as it ventures into Europe and other global markets. China’s mature EV ecosystem and more developed consumer expectations provide a unique proving ground that is shaping companies capable of surviving abroad. Xpeng’s ability to extract efficiencies from that ecosystem could prove critical as it attempts to replicate its success on the international stage.

Sustainability Over Subsidies

As government subsidies continue to wind down in China, Xpeng is part of a broader movement among EV makers to embrace sustainable business models.

The company’s trajectory mirrors a larger shift within the industry, from the high-burn growth of earlier years to more measured strategies built around profit, scale, and product-market fit. The outcome of Xpeng’s Q4 2025 target will serve as a key indicator of whether that shift is viable, especially in a volatile market where not even giants like Tesla are immune to setbacks.

The post Xpeng Targets Q4 2025 Profitability Amid China’s EV Shakeup appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Newly released DOJ letters show Apple and Google were promised immunity for defying TikTok ban law.
• The Trump administration delayed enforcement to buy time for a sale of TikTok to a U.S. entity.
• Tech companies were assured the DOJ would block any legal action against them.
• TikTok remains online as the U.S. waits for ByteDance to finalize a divestiture deal.

Amid rising political pressure to enforce a sweeping U.S. law banning TikTok, newly released documents show the Justice Department privately assured major tech companies they would not face legal repercussions for keeping the app available to American users.

The internal communications, revealed through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, offer a striking behind-the-scenes look at how the Trump administration worked to shield Apple, Google, and others from liability under a controversial law targeting the Chinese-owned platform.

Secret Assurances Behind the Scenes

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act required U.S. firms to deplatform TikTok or risk enormous penalties, allegedly reaching into the hundreds of billions.

The law was part of a broader national security strategy to force ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, to divest from its U.S. operations. But enforcement proved more complicated in practice than on paper.

Zhaocheng Anthony Tan, a Google shareholder who filed suit to obtain the correspondence, successfully forced the release of several letters authored by both Acting Attorney General James McHenry III and his successor Pam Bondi.

These letters, sent to Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and other infrastructure providers, explicitly promised that the Department of Justice would not hold them accountable for violating the law’s mandates. Moreover, they pledged federal intervention to block any attempts by third parties to impose penalties or initiate lawsuits.

Delay After Delay from the White House

One such letter, dated April 5, directly followed President Trump’s extension of the enforcement deadline to mid-June. It underscored the administration’s willingness to use legal tools like amicus briefs and federal intervention to shield companies from fallout.

Earlier correspondence from McHenry on January 30 aligned with an executive order that had just delayed the law’s implementation by 75 days. Trump would go on to issue a third delay, pushing the deadline to mid-September.

Ban Remains Theoretical for Now

Though the existence of these letters had been rumored, their contents had remained classified until now. Their release not only explains why TikTok remained operational on U.S. app stores but also raises deeper questions about the legal durability of the ban and the government’s mixed messaging to the public and the courts.

At the heart of the matter lies an unresolved dilemma. While Washington insisted that TikTok posed a national security threat, it repeatedly allowed the platform to operate amid prolonged attempts to secure a non-Chinese buyer. President Trump has maintained that a deal is in progress, though neither the buyer nor the terms have been disclosed, and approval from Chinese regulators remains a barrier.

As legal scholars debate whether any of these executive actions have clear grounding in law, the DOJ’s quiet reassurances have created a de facto grace period that has kept TikTok running in the U.S. even as its legal status hangs in limbo.

The post DOJ Letters Reveal Why Google and Apple Kept TikTok Alive Despite U.S. Ban Law appeared first on CoinCentral.

• U.S. federal tax credits for EV buyers will end on September 30, ending incentives of up to $7,500.
• Analysts expect a short-term sales rush followed by slower EV adoption.
• Congress cites long-term savings of $169 billion as a key reason for ending the program.
• The rollback contrasts with global trends, especially China’s continued EV subsidies.

A seismic shift is underway in the U.S. electric vehicle market as Congress moves to terminate federal tax credits for EV purchases, effective September 30.

The decision has triggered a surge in EV demand, with buyers scrambling to secure up to $7,500 in incentives for new cars and $4,000 for used ones before the window closes.

End of an Era for Federal EV Support

First introduced in 2008, the federal EV tax credit was a cornerstone of bipartisan efforts to boost clean energy and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Over the years, it evolved significantly. The program was expanded in 2022 to include leased vehicles and lifted manufacturer sales caps, reflecting a growing policy emphasis on environmental sustainability and industrial transformation.

Now, as that era comes to a close, industry experts anticipate both a short-term sales bump and a longer-term chill. Barclays auto analyst Dan Levy predicts that the expiration of the tax credit will likely slow adoption rates in the coming years, particularly among cost-sensitive buyers. A Harvard study supports this view, projecting a 6% drop in EV market penetration by 2030 if the credits disappear as planned.

Fiscal Goals Drive Policy Shift

This rollback, however, comes with fiscal upsides for the federal government. By eliminating the credits, Congress estimates it will save nearly $169 billion over the next decade. That figure has appealed to lawmakers seeking to rein in spending while still offering automakers certain regulatory relief. t

The bill also eliminates penalties for failing to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, easing pressure on legacy carmakers still navigating the transition to electric mobility.

Amid these changes, the bill notably omits two controversial provisions that were floated during earlier discussions. A proposed $250 annual fee for EV owners and a requirement for the U.S. Postal Service to sell off its electric delivery vehicles did not make it into the final legislation. These exclusions were welcomed by environmental groups but did little to blunt the broader impact of the tax credit repeal.

China Ramps Up as U.S. Pulls Back

The timing of the rollback has raised eyebrows internationally as well. While the U.S. trims back incentives, countries like China continue to double down. Chinese subsidies cover a large share of EV costs and are reinforced by aggressive infrastructure development.

This disparity has fueled concern among industry advocates who warn the U.S. could be ceding ground in the global EV race. The Electrification Coalition, a non-profit pushing for EV adoption, recently said the bill “forfeits America’s role in that future to China.”

Consumers Rush to Beat the Deadline

For now, U.S. consumers appear eager to take advantage of the credits before they vanish. Dealerships report a spike in showroom traffic and pre-orders, especially for models eligible for full tax relief. But whether that momentum can be sustained after the incentive ends remains an open question.

The coming months will likely test the resilience of the U.S. EV market. Without federal subsidies, pricing pressure may steer buyers back toward gasoline-powered options, complicating the country’s path toward carbon neutrality.

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