Nvidia approves R$ 795 billion share buyback and benefits from artificial intelligence growth

The United States has decided not to impose ad valorem duties on certain specialized medicinal products and related ingredients intended for treating rare medical conditions, which are imported from India and 19 other countries.

The U.S. Department of Commerce published the list of these countries in the Federal Register as part of preparations for introducing a 100% tariff on some patented pharmaceutical imports and corresponding ingredients, which is set to take effect on September 29.

Previously, on April 2, President Trump issued a proclamation establishing tariffs on the import of patented pharmaceuticals, biological agents, and related ingredients into the US as part of measures aimed at stimulating domestic production.

Products falling under the zero percent rate include medicines for treating rare diseases, fertility treatments, cell therapies, gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, as well as veterinary pharmaceuticals. The components of these medicines are also exempt from zero percent tariffs.

According to the Department of Commerce notice, generic pharmaceutical products and their components are not subject to pharmaceutical tariffs under Section 232.

The Leapmotor B10 has received an REEV version, following the example of its higher model. In addition to the electric powertrain assisted by combustion, this mid-size SUV has been equipped with new features to increase its competitiveness in the market.

The launch price of the new Leapmotor B10 REEV was set at R$ 179,990, with no defined deadline for this offer. This price makes it R$ 3,000 more accessible than the purely electric version, at least at this initial stage.

The mechanical system used in the B10 REEV is identical to that used in the C10 REEV. The electric motor located on the rear axle generates 218 hp and 24.5 kgfm, allowing the mid-size SUV to reach 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. At the front, there is a 1.5 naturally aspirated engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, whose function is only to generate energy, without driving the wheels.

The battery pack for this model is smaller than that of the electric version, containing 18.8 kWh and offering 68 km of range according to the INMETRO cycle. However, Leapmotor informs that the B10 REEV can travel up to 900 km in the European WLTP cycle, using the combustion engine to recharge the battery, which facilitates long trips without the need to plan charging stops.

A notable difference of the Leapmotor B10 in its category is the rear-wheel drive, which provides better acceleration performance and reduces the turning radius to 10.5 meters, optimizing urban maneuvers.

To visually distinguish the REEV model from the electric version, specific details have been implemented: the section connecting the taillights now illuminates, and the car is available in sky blue.

The main innovations are concentrated in the cabin, where the front seats now have electric adjustment and ventilation. Trim options include black or light gray, and the trunk is equipped with electric opening. Regarding safety, the list of items remains unchanged, maintaining Level 2 ADAS, seven airbags, and a 360° camera. However, some disadvantages persist, such as the absence of a conventional key fob and the dependence on the multimedia center to adjust the rearview mirrors or open the panoramic sunroof.

The Leapmotor B10 REEV can already be ordered through the authorized network, whose expansion is planned to reach 80 points by 2027. Additionally, both the vehicle and the rest of the line now come with a 6-year warranty for the automobile and an 8-year warranty for the electric mechanical system.

Amprius Technologies has secured a grant of up to $75 million from the U.S. Department of Defense. This funding is intended to support the domestic production of high-density energy batteries required for unmanned aerial vehicles.

The funds are part of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program. This program supports manufacturing capabilities deemed critical for national defense. Amprius plans to use the grant to modernize its existing production line in the United States.

This line is currently used to manufacture batteries for a major South Korean automotive manufacturer. The project involves converting this facility to create high-energy density cells that will be used in unmanned systems of groups 1, 2, and 3. The conversion itself is expected to cost approximately $100 million, with the company providing additional in-kind investments.

The modernized production line is scheduled to begin operations in early 2028. Following completion, it is projected to produce 12 million Amprius cells annually. These batteries are designed to meet the domestic supply requirements set by the National Defense Authorization Act.

This will enable Amprius to supply compliant batch cells in large volumes and expand the company's existing contract manufacturing partnerships. Amprius currently operates an extensive manufacturing network spanning the United States, South Korea, and China.

The new production capacity aims to meet the growing demand for advanced battery systems and strengthen the company's ability to deliver products to key clients at scale. Amprius specializes in lithium-ion battery technology with silicon anodes, whose batteries provide higher energy density compared to traditional graphite-based cells.

The received grant continues Amprius's recent expansion into the drone aviation market. The company previously introduced its SiCore500 high-energy density cells for unmanned aviation back in September. Furthermore, Amprius already has collaborations with the Defense Innovation Unit.

Previously, the company increased its agreement for advanced drone batteries compliant with NDAA to $18.1 million. This latest project adds another production route for these battery systems and provides additional capacity for future aerospace and defense needs.

CEO Tom Stephen stated that the goal of the grant is to establish a primary source of domestic battery production. He emphasized the synergy between Amprius's technologies and the capabilities of its manufacturing partner. The company utilizes a contract manufacturing strategy to ensure scalable product output, allowing it to increase capacity without building all facilities independently. The company's headquarters in Fremont includes a research laboratory and a pilot production workshop where research on silicon anodes and high-performance battery cells continues.

The new production line will enhance Amprius's capability to supply advanced batteries domestically and support large-scale manufacturing requirements. The project is structured as a fixed-price government agreement with phased payments. A portion of the funds has already been allocated for project activities. The main agreement runs from September 23, 2026, to September 22, 2028, with payments tied to achieved project milestones. It also includes provisions regarding intellectual property rights and data, as well as cybersecurity requirements and restrictions on foreign participation.

Amprius expects the modernized line to become a significant source of domestic production. The company will continue to utilize its international manufacturing network alongside the new US capacity. This project represents another crucial step toward significantly expanding advanced battery production and positions Amprius to support unmanned systems, ensuring compliant domestic supply for these increasingly demanding applications.