WASHINGTON – The Alliance for Auto Innovation is petitioning for the US government help in boosting semiconductor availability, asserting the current shortage could result in ongoing factory disruptions that could result in more than 1.25 million fewer vehicles being built this year.

ATLANTA – CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY and PRINTED CIRCUIT DESIGN AND FAB announced the 2021 New Product Introduction Award winners for electronics assembly equipment, materials, software, and PCB fabrication.

ATLANTA – CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY today announced the winners of its 2021 Service Excellence Awards (SEAs) for electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers and electronics assembly equipment, materials and software suppliers. CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY recognized companies that received the highest customer service ratings, as judged by their own customers, during a virtual ceremony.

TORONTO – A previously announced transaction that makes SMTC Corp. a private company has been completed.

ATLANTA – Industry sentiment for sales of electronic components rocketed upward in March, according to ECIA’s monthly survey. The survey, which assesses month-to-month sales growth sentiment, grew between 26 and 27 points in component and end-market measures from February to March.

CASA GRANDE, AZ – The state of Arizona, Pinal County, City of Casa Grande, and Central Arizona College have opened a new 13,000 sq. ft. training center to prepare Arizonans for high-tech jobs, according to reports.

ARLINGTON, VA – A coalition of seven trade associations sent a letter to US Trade Representative Katherine Tai outlining concerns regarding India’s mounting tariffs on information communications technology products and services.

BRUSSELS – The WEEE Forum, which represents global e-waste producer responsibility organizations, expanded its membership into Colombia, South Africa, Spain and Lithuania. New members are EcoCómputo and Red Verde from Colombia; ERA, South Africa; EEPA, Lithuania; and Ecolec, Spain.

HSINCHU, TAIWAN – Shenmao established an independent testing laboratory here called Cheetah Inspection.

INDIANAPOLIS – Specialty Coating Systems acquired Diamond-MT for an undisclosed sum.

SENAI, MALAYSIA – VS Industry Berhad reported fiscal second quarter revenue of MYR 999.3 million (US$241.3 million), an increase of 21.8% year-over-year.

TAIPEI – Foxconn reported fourth quarter net profit of NT$46 billion (US$161.4 million), down 4% year-over-year. Revenue was up 15% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.