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Toyota Takes on Tesla with $3 Billion Investment in Autonomous Driving

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 1, 2024

Toyota is intensifying its competition with Tesla through a substantial investment of over $3 billion in autonomous vehicle technology, in collaboration with Japanese telecom giant Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT). Announced by Toyota CEO Koji Sato, this investment will focus on creating an AI-powered infrastructure and software platform designed to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents.

Toyota and NTT will jointly invest $3.27 billion to build a robust AI-driven platform aimed at predicting and responding to traffic incidents, with implementation slated for 2028 and potential sharing with other companies. This AI-powered network is expected to enhance safety, making autonomous driving systems more adaptive to real-time traffic situations.

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Background

Japanese companies, including Toyota and NTT, have been investing in autonomous technology for years, though they lag behind competitors like Tesla and BYD in developing software-defined vehicles. Toyota and NTT’s partnership began in 2017 with a focus on 5G applications for vehicles, expanding in 2020 to include a smart city project. By 2021, Toyota had also launched a specialized division dedicated to AI-driven autonomous driving technology.

Tesla, meanwhile, remains a prominent player in autonomous driving, having recently unveiled its robotic taxi and begun initial tests of a taxi service in the U.S. However, the timeline for mass production of Tesla’s robotic taxis remains uncertain.

In 2023, Toyota reported a revenue of $270.5 billion, while NTT’s revenue was approximately $97.4 billion last year. With this new venture, Toyota aims to close the gap in the autonomous driving race, positioning itself to make significant strides in the industry.

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone Draws $8.1B In Investments Through 255 Projects

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 4, 2025

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has secured an impressive $8.1 billion in investments across 255 projects in the last 30 months, according to an official announcement on Monday.

Major Investment Boost For SCZone

The General Authority for the SCZone has successfully attracted 251 projects in its industrial zones and ports, accumulating $6.2 billion in capital investments, which has resulted in around 28,000 new jobs, as stated by SCZone Chairman Walid Gamal El-Din.

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Additionally, four new projects have brought in $1.8 billion in investments, boosting the total capital inflows within the zone. These developments were discussed in a meeting with Mohamed Zaki El Sewedy, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), and other officials from various chambers of commerce.

Strengthening Industrial Ties And Opportunities

The meeting focused on expanding investment prospects, fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges faced by industrial firms with strong export potential. A key objective was to encourage businesses to scale up their operations within the SCZone, leveraging its prime location, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.

El-Din stressed the importance of the SCZone in driving Egypt’s economic growth and industrial transformation, citing the Ain Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone as a flagship example of development. This zone is a testament to Egypt’s growing presence as a competitive global manufacturing hub.

The continued partnership between the SCZone and the private sector, El-Din noted, plays a pivotal role in building a strong ‘Made in Egypt’ brand, supporting local industrial development, and boosting innovation to improve Egypt’s position in global markets.

Acknowledging Achievements And Future Collaboration

El Sewedy praised the SCZone for its efforts in creating a robust investment climate, offering comprehensive services, incentives, and cutting-edge infrastructure. This meeting marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the SCZone and FEI, setting the stage for future joint initiatives.

Egypt’s Economic Outlook

Egypt’s economy is projected to grow by 4% in the year leading up to June, bolstered by supportive measures from the IMF, according to a Reuters poll conducted in January 2025. The poll also forecasts a GDP growth acceleration to 4.7% in 2025-26 and 5% in 2026-27.

However, the country’s GDP growth slowed to 2.4% in 2023-24, down from 3.8% in the previous year, primarily due to the ongoing currency crisis and the geopolitical impact of the war in neighboring Gaza, according to the Central Bank of Egypt.