China's October Auto Sales Surge, Japanese Automakers Raise Operating Profit Forecasts amid Weak Yen and Improved Sales

China's October auto sales have seen a significant increase, with carmakers intensifying promotions to boost deliveries before year-end. Japanese automakers like Mazda and Honda are grappling with competition from domestic electric-vehicle manufacturers in China, considering potential cutbacks. Honda and Nissan have raised their full-year operating profit forecasts, benefiting from a weak yen and improved sales, but challenges in China dampen their upbeat outlook. The shift to electric cars is fueling global rivalries, with Western automakers investing in Chinese EV companies for technology access. Partisan politics seem to influence electric vehicle adoption, as sales lag in Republican strongholds with cheaper gas prices.