1. Honda to Source Hybrid Batteries from Toyota US
In a strategic move to bolster its supply chain and mitigate potential tariff impacts, Honda Motor Company has announced plans to source hybrid vehicle batteries from Toyota Motor Corporation’s U.S. plant. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the automotive industry, highlighting the growing importance of domestic production and inter-company cooperation.
Background and Context
Honda’s decision comes amid increasing trade tensions and tariff policies that threaten to escalate costs for Japanese automakers exporting to the United States. By sourcing batteries from Toyota’s $14 billion North Carolina facility, Honda aims to secure a stable supply chain and reduce financial risks associated with importing components from abroad.
Details of the Agreement
Starting in fiscal 2025, Toyota will supply batteries for approximately 400,000 Honda hybrid vehicles sold annually in the U.S. This partnership is expected to cover all of Honda’s hybrid sales in the region, including popular models like the CR-V. The batteries will likely be used in various Honda hybrid vehicles, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
Impact on the Automotive Industry
This collaboration underscores the industry’s push towards electrification and the need for reliable, domestically sourced components. As demand for hybrid vehicles continues to rise, with U.S. hybrid sales projected to reach 4.12 million units by 2030, securing a robust supply chain becomes crucial for automakers.
For Toyota, the partnership offers significant benefits. By increasing production volume at its North Carolina plant, Toyota can offset the massive investment in the facility and reduce costs. Additionally, the collaboration aligns with Toyota’s goal to ramp up electrified vehicle sales in North America from 40% in 2024 to 80% by 2030.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The U.S. hybrid vehicle market has seen substantial growth, with hybrid vehicles making up 10.6% of the light-duty vehicle market in the third quarter of 2024. This trend is expected to continue as consumers increasingly opt for environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient options.
Honda’s move to source batteries domestically reflects a broader industry trend of adjusting supply chains in response to shifting trade policies. Other automakers, including General Motors and Stellantis, have also made strategic shifts in production to mitigate tariff impacts.
Conclusion
Honda’s partnership with Toyota represents a forward-thinking approach to navigating the complexities of global trade and supply chain management. By securing a reliable source of hybrid vehicle batteries, Honda is well-positioned to meet growing consumer demand and maintain its competitive edge in the U.S. market.
2. Investment Trends in 2025
Global AMI Market Expansion
The global AMI market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the need for accurate billing, improved utility operations, and enhanced security. In 2024, the market size reached USD 26.0 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.23%, reaching USD 67.8 billion by 2033. AMI systems, which include smart meters, sensors, and communication networks, are integral to modernising the grid and promoting energy efficiency.
Smart Meter Adoption
Smart meter adoption is accelerating worldwide, with the market expected to reach USD 29.29 billion in 2025. These meters provide real-time data, enabling utilities to optimise operations and respond to energy demands swiftly. Key trends in smart metering for 2025 include AI and machine learning integration, enhanced data security, and the widespread deployment of 5G and edge computing. These advancements are crucial for achieving sustainability goals and improving consumer energy management.
IoT Integration
The integration of IoT with smart meters is transforming the energy sector. IoT devices embedded with AI, known as AIoT, are enhancing functionality and enabling real-time decision-making. In 2025, IoT integration will focus on managing distributed AI workloads, new eSIM orchestration, and ambient intelligence. These innovations will drive operational efficiency, sustainability, and personalisation in energy management.
Investment Trends in 2025
Investment in the energy sector is shifting towards high-growth areas such as AI, clean energy, and smart grids. Key investment themes for 2025 include the evolution of AI, longevity, and the future of energy. As global commerce adapts to geopolitical changes, sectors aligned with sustainability and technological innovation are poised for substantial growth. Investors are increasingly focusing on sectors that address critical global issues and offer long-term growth potential.
Conclusion
The global expansion of AMI highlight the transformative changes in the energy sector. Smart meter adoption, IoT integration, and strategic investments are driving these advancements, paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient energy future.
3. Prezent Secures $20M for Global Expansion
Prezent, an innovative AI startup specialising in business communication, has recently secured $20 million in fresh funding to accelerate its global expansion plans. Founded in 2021 by Rajat Mishra, Prezent aims to revolutionise the way businesses create presentations by leveraging generative AI and proprietary data from millions of slide decks.
The Los Altos-based company, which also operates in Bengaluru, India, has developed an AI assistant named Astrid. Astrid helps users create high-quality presentations tailored to industry-specific language and terminology by uploading documents such as Excel files, PDFs, and links. This technology suggests layouts and formats, streamlining the workflow for businesses and ensuring presentations are professional and impactful.
Prezent’s platform currently serves around 150 Fortune 2000 companies, particularly in the biopharma and tech industries. With the new investment, led by Greycroft and supported by Zoom Ventures and others, Prezent plans to expand into financial services and manufacturing, as well as new markets in Europe, Japan, and Singapore.
The company also reported over $10 million in annual recurring revenue last year and now has nearly 200 employees, most of whom work remotely from India. Prezent is developing APIs to allow developers to generate presentations directly from chatbots, apps, and search engines, further enhancing its platform’s capabilities.
Rajat Mishra, the founder and CEO of Prezent, expressed his excitement about the company’s growth and the potential impact of their technology on business communication. “The idea for Prezent was to democratize business communication and make everyone a great business communicator,” Mishra said. With the latest funding, Prezent is well-positioned to achieve this vision and transform enterprise communication on a global scale.
4. Air Maintenance Market Set for Expansion
The global Air Transport Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing size of airline fleets and rapid technological advancements. As airlines strive for operational efficiency and enhanced safety, the demand for MRO services is expected to rise substantially in the coming years.
Market Growth Drivers
- Expanding Airline Fleets: The global fleet size is projected to increase by 28% over the next decade, reaching approximately 36,400 aircraft by 2034. This growth is fueled by rising air traffic and the need to replace aging aircraft, creating a robust demand for MRO services.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in aircraft maintenance technologies are transforming the MRO landscape. The adoption of AI-driven predictive maintenance, digital twins, and blockchain-based tracking systems is enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime. These advancements enable airlines to optimise maintenance schedules and improve overall aircraft performance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stringent safety and compliance regulations imposed by aviation authorities worldwide are driving the need for regular and thorough maintenance checks. Ensuring airworthiness and adherence to safety standards is paramount, further boosting the MRO market.
Key Trends and Opportunities
- Predictive Maintenance: The integration of AI and data analytics in predictive maintenance is revolutionising the industry. By anticipating potential issues before they occur, airlines can minimise unscheduled maintenance and enhance operational reliability.
- Sustainable Practices: The aviation industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and eco-friendly maintenance practices are gaining traction, contributing to a greener future.
- Outsourcing MRO Services: Airlines are increasingly outsourcing MRO services to specialised providers to reduce costs and improve service efficiency.
This trend is reshaping the industry, with third-party MRO providers playing a crucial role in maintaining global fleets.
Regional Insights
- Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region, particularly India and China, is expected to lead the expansion of the global fleet. India’s fleet is projected to grow at an impressive rate, driven by increasing air travel demand and substantial aircraft orders.
- Middle East: The Middle East is witnessing a boom in commercial aviation, with massive fleet expansions and significant orders despite supply chain challenges.
This growth is set to further elevate the demand for MRO services in the region.
Conclusion
The global Air Transport MRO market is on the cusp of a transformative phase, propelled by rising airline fleets and cutting-edge technological advancements. As the industry continues to evolve, MRO providers will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of air travel.
5. Veracode Achieves Record Year
Burlington, Mass. – March 20, 2025 – Veracode, a global leader in application risk management, has announced a milestone year in 2024, marked by significant product innovation, strategic acquisitions, customer expansion, and industry recognition.
Transformative Year for Veracode
2024 has been a transformative year for Veracode. The company has strengthened its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, enhanced its developer-centric experience, and delivered exceptional customer value. As organisations increasingly rely on open-source components and AI-generated code, they face unprecedented security risks from vulnerable dependencies and untrusted sources. Veracode is partnering with organisations worldwide to address these emerging threats while reducing application risk across their entire software supply chain.
Driving Market Leadership Through Product Innovation
Throughout the year, Veracode achieved significant product and market milestones that underscore its commitment to secure-by-design software development through AI-powered innovation. Key highlights include:
– Enhanced Veracode Fix: Combining AI and human expertise to reduce remediation time from months to minutes, empowering developers to fix vulnerabilities instantly across all integrated development environments.
– Acquisition of Longbow Security: Now known as Veracode Risk Manager, expanding Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) capabilities.
– Early 2025 Acquisition of Technology from Phylum: Strengthening open-source supply chain security to combat malicious packages in third-party code.
Exceptional Customer Growth and Return on Security Investment
Veracode’s market momentum accelerated with customer acquisition and retention globally. Over the past year, the company renewed 15 customers with an individual Annual Contract Value exceeding $1 million and added hundreds of new customer logos. The launch of Veracode’s enhanced Velocity™ Partner Program contributed to this success through collaboration with partners including GuidePoint Security, Optiv, and Softcat, connecting Veracode’s portfolio with leading Fortune 100 companies worldwide.
A study conducted in August 2024 by Forrester Consulting revealed that Veracode delivers a remarkable 184 percent return on investment, a net present value of $4.6 million, and a payback period of less than six months for a $2 billion “composite organisation.”
Looking Ahead
As Veracode continues to innovate and expand, the company remains committed to delivering secure, high-quality software solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Veracode is poised to lead the application risk management industry for years to come.
