[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Tesla's future growth plans are drawing attention again. Speculation is growing about a possible launch of the high-performance Model 3 Plaid. Elon Musk also drew market attention by mentioning talks about a merger with SpaceX.

With scenarios ranging from an expanded new-vehicle lineup to possible group-level business restructuring, attention is focused on Tesla's next move.

• Will Tesla roll out the Model 3 Plaid? Tesla executive makes surprise remark: "Under review" • Elon Musk mentions Tesla-SpaceX merger talks, also discussed inside Tesla

Expectations and controversy over Tesla's Full Self-Driving, or FSD, also continue. An owner who sued over not receiving FSD won a refund. Questions over the system's safety are also persisting.

Tesla says it is safer than human drivers. Concerns about verification are being raised internally as well. By contrast, the latest FSD v14 is being assessed as improved to the point that intervention is rarely needed, keeping the debate over self-driving technology alive.

• Owner who sued for not receiving Tesla FSD gets $10,800 back • Is Tesla FSD 10 times safer than human drivers? Internal AI staff also says: "I don't trust it" • "Nothing to intervene in"...Tesla FSD v14 seen as too good at driving and therefore more dangerous

The gap between Waymo and Tesla in the global robotaxi race is also being highlighted. Tesla's unsupervised robotaxi fleet has shrunk more than expected. Waymo is showing an overwhelming advantage in the number of registered autonomous vehicles in Texas, leading the commercialization race.

Waymo also unveiled its next-generation robotaxi, the 'Ohai'. It is offering free rides in 3 U.S. cities, further heating up the battle for leadership in the robotaxi market.

• It said it would expand, but instead shrank...Tesla unsupervised robotaxis fall to about 20 vehicles • Waymo dominates Texas autonomous vehicle registrations...Tesla lags at one-tenth • Waymo unveils next-generation robotaxi 'Ohai'...free rides in 3 U.S. cities

China is positioning itself as the center of the global electric vehicle market and rapidly reshaping the industry landscape. Annual sales have topped 10,000,000 units. China's EV market size has grown to a level that surpasses the entire U.S. new-car market, it showed.

As Chinese companies strengthen competitiveness, including BYD sub-brand Denza's new model succeeding immediately after launch, the global EV market's center of gravity appears to be tilting further toward China.

• China leads with 13,200,000 units...global EVs top 20,000,000 and the landscape has completely changed • China sells 16,490,000 EVs...surpasses entire U.S. new-car market • BYD Denza Z9 GT delivers 10,000 units in China in under 3 months after launch

A joint venture involving Chery Automobile and BYD has signaled an entry into Japan's electric kei car market. Geely Automobile 공개ed an extreme chain-collision test and moved into a safety competition.

In addition, BYD unveiled its in-house developed 4-nanometre autonomous-driving chip and even put forward a policy of full compensation in the event of an autonomous-driving accident. It is seeking to expand its influence in global markets using technology, safety and trust as weapons.

• EMTA, a China-Japan joint venture involving Chery and BYD, targets Japan's electric kei car market...first launch in 2027 • Geely unveils extreme 'chain collision' test in Europe...Chinese EV safety goes head-to-head • BYD unveils China's first in-house developed 4-nanometre autonomous-driving chip...could support L3 and L4 • BYD offers 'full compensation' if an accident occurs during autonomous driving...challenge to Tesla

In South Korea's mobility industry, autonomous driving, service innovation and electrification strategies are being strengthened at the same time. Autonomous A2Z surpassed 1,000,000 km in cumulative autonomous driving, proving its technological competitiveness. LG Electronics showcased a future mobility space solution incorporating AI home appliances.

Hyundai Motor's expanded visiting maintenance service, Whistle's 강화ening of everyday mobility services, and Audi's high-performance PHEV strategy also 이어지며. The mobility industry as a whole is evolving with a focus on technology and user experience.

• A2Z surpasses 1,000,000 km in cumulative autonomous driving...sets a new longest record in Korea • LG Electronics exhibits in Jeju a mobility space solution incorporating AI home appliances • Whistle opens parking enforcement alert service in Geoje • Hyundai bets on 'mobile maintenance' across the United States...oil changes and inspections at your doorstep • It runs on electricity and slides on the track...Audi RS5 transforms into a PHEV

In the eVTOL industry, which is pushing for commercialization of air taxis, lawsuits between competitors and certification delays are both holding it back. As legal disputes involving Joby Aviation, Archer and Vertical Aerospace continue, investment sentiment is also being shaken.

• Air taxi commercialization is close, but lawsuits intensify...investment sentiment also shaken

Ferrari's first pure electric car, the 'Luce', was hit by design controversy immediately after it was unveiled. Despite a price of more than $640,000, evaluations spread that its exterior conflicts with Ferrari's brand identity, making it a target of ridicule and memes online.

• Ferrari's first electric car 'Luce' faces backlash...design criticism fuels brand identity controversy

The bicycle market is moving into product competition centered on portability and performance. An ultralight electric bicycle featuring USB-C charging and a 3-second folding function has appeared. A reasonably priced road bike with a carbon frame has also been released, widening consumer choice.

• Charges with USB-C and folds in 3 seconds...ultralight folding e-bike 'Jib' appears • State Bicycle releases a $2,799 carbon road complete bike