Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi ramp up EV production at Ampere’s Douai plant The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is accelerating its electric vehicle strategy at Ampere’s Douai plant, preparing for the launch of the all-electric Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The modular facility now serves four brands with six EV models. AMS Editorial
Magna to build Xpeng and GAC EVs at Graz facility Magna expands its footprint in the electric vehicle (EV) sector with two major new contracts to assemble models for Chinese automakers Xpeng and GAC AMS Editorial
CEA and ProLogium partner to develop removable and recyclable solid-state battery module The prototype will aim to showcase how Design-for-Disassembly could reshape battery production and recycling in Europe, which will be demonstrated at IAA Mobility 2025. Anushka Dixit
Volkswagen accelerates AI-powered production with 5-year AWS extension The platform now hosts more than 1,200 AI-driven applications, ranging from real-time image-based quality inspections to energy optimisation, with machine learning executed via AWS services such as Amazon SageMaker. Anushka Dixit
A new generation of automation at Mercedes-Benz’s Düsseldorf plant Blending AI and automation, Mercedes-Benz's Düsseldorf van plant is taking a major step in automation with the deployment of a four-legged robotic assistant – Aris Nick Holt
EU carmakers say 2035 CO2 targets unworkable Europe’s leading automotive executives are pressing Brussels to rethink its car and van CO2 rules, warning that rigid 2030 and 2035 targets are no longer realistic amid rising costs, import dependence and trade barriers. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Welding innovations for large format gigastamped parts Production of large format gigastamped parts is driving innovations in joining technologies to speedup process times and improve performance and efficiency Nick Holt
Mitsubishi looks to asset-light approach for European and US markets Mitsubishi will leverage Renault-Nissan partner’s manufacturing operations as part of an asset-light approach to European and US vehicle production Ian Henry
Small EVs offer big production and industrial advantages A new report argues that smaller, more affordable electric vehicles are central to reducing supply risks, improving competitiveness and restoring growth in global automotive markets. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Europe: Chinese brand’s sales and localised production on the increase Despite steep EU tariffs, Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding their footprint across Europe – doubling market share. With hybrid models gaining traction and production scaling locally, their momentum shows no signs of slowing. Ian Henry
Europe: EV investment continues but managing capacity is an issue Despite billions invested in electric vehicle production and battery supply chains, many European plants are grappling with low utilisation, underwhelming EV sales, and structural overcapacity. Can Europe's auto industry recalibrate to remain competitive? Ian Henry
Mercedes Chairman urges EV "reality check" on EU 2035 car ban lest region “collapse” Mercedes-Benz’s Ola Källenius warns Europe’s automotive industry could collapse under a rigid petrol and diesel ban by 2035, urging a technology-neutral and economically sustainable path. Ilkhan Ozsevim
UK automotive output slumps amid EV and cost challenges UK automotive manufacturing faces its toughest half-year since 1953 outside the pandemic. While EV output grows, cost pressures, unclear incentives and supply shortages threaten recovery plans. Megan Kelly Ilkhan Ozsevim
Report: Regional resilience despite volatility for automotive production The S&P Global Mobility July 2025 forecast highlights regional resilience and challenges in light vehicle production. Despite volatile trade, North America and Greater China show surprising strength, as other regions seek to recalibrate. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Volvo rebalances production geography due to US tariffs Like many European OEMs, Volvo is facing additional costs to import vehicles into the US. This challenge is seeing production strategies being quickly revised and manufacturing of some models relocated. Ian Henry
Washington’s tariff gambit upends vehicle production map Fresh US tariffs are upending EV strategies, accelerating reshoring, stalling imports and forcing automakers to overhaul production footprints and future investment plans. Ilkhan Ozsevim
European vehicle makers navigate the challenging US tariffs The European vehicle manufacturing sector faces a multitude of challenges including tariffs imposed by President Trump. OEMs are now reviewing their export strategies and manufacturing networks. Ian Henry
Polestar expands European production with new Polestar 7 in Slovakia Polestar is advancing its production strategy with a new European manufacturing footprint, shared platforms with Volvo Cars, and the forthcoming Polestar 7 SUV set to launch from new Slovakia plant in 2028. AMS Editorial Nick Holt
Tariffs, competition and challenging markets put European OEMs under more pressure The European vehicle manufacturing sector faces major challenges amidst ongoing geopolitical and economic turmoil. This review looks at US tariffs, the slower adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), low factory utilisation, and the rising competition from the Chinese vehicle manufacturers. Ian Henry
Stellantis appoints Fernando Andreu to lead EV manufacturing expansion at Ellesmere Port As Stellantis boosts its electric van output, the Ellesmere Port plant welcomes new Plant Director Fernando Andreu, who will oversee production of medium-sized battery electric vans alongside the site’s existing small van assembly line. AMS
How flexibility, digitalisation and workforce agility are reshaping auto manufacturing From multi-powertrain assembly lines and digital twin-enabled operations to agile supply networks and adaptive workforce models, OEMs and suppliers are redesigning the production floor for a future that rewards flexibility and responsiveness. Anushka Dixit
Europe’s EV industry faces china threat, recycling gaps and tariffs, warns SSAB PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with SSAB.SSAB’s Erik Nymann warns Europe’s BEV industry must move faster to counter China’s battery dominance, US tariffs, and a widening gap in recycling and infrastructure warned that Europe’s electric vehicle industry faces mounting pressure from geopolitical shifts, battery imports, and weak recycling systems. Michael Nash reports. AMS
Automating complexity: How JLR Is futureproofing production and skills From goods-to-person automation and modular design strategies to technical training and career paths, Loretta Dittrich, logistics director for global manufacturing engineering explains how the OEM is reshaping both systems and skills to meet the demands of more customised, digitalised vehicle production. AMS Editorial
Hybrid powertrains will continue to support the transition to vehicle electrification Weak EV demand, critical mineral supply challenges and tariff-driven market uncertainty keeps hybrid vehicles in the big picture for model development and production investments. Ian Henry
UK vehicle production slips behind global leaders as China and North America accelerate EV manufacturing, trade alignment and industrial policy AMS explores why the structural forces behind Britain’s vehicle production are in decline, contrasting it with the strategic clarity and industrial momentum driving EV investment across North America, and preeminently. Ilkhan Ozsevim
UK automotive production hits lowest April level since 1952 as exports falter and policy uncertainty clouds EV transition UK car and commercial vehicle production fell sharply in April, marking the worst start to a year since 2009. As exports decline and policy uncertainty looms, the industry calls for urgent action to restore competitiveness and support the EV transition. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Inside Dräxlmaier’s digital drive: COO Arno Güllering on AI, mindset shifts and global smart factory strategy In a revealing interview at the Automobil Produktion Kongress in Munich, Arno Güllering, chief operating officer of Dräxlmaier Group, shares how the global supplier is accelerating its smart factory transformation. From unexpected digital frontrunners like Tunisia to the growing role of generative AI in maintenance, Güllering discusses his first-year priorities and why a shift in mindset is just as critical as technology. Christopher Ludwig
Automotive expert Tunç Kip: Human-machine interfaces essential in boosting flexibility, quality, and performance in global manufacturing From the factory floor to upstream design, digital human-machine interfaces are enabling smarter, leaner, and more flexible vehicle production - but humans need to be at the centre of gravity for it to work. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Toyota to build GR Corolla in the UK starting 2026 Toyota Motor Europe has confirmed that its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire will begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla in 2026, marking a significant expansion of the company’s high-performance GR (Gazoo Racing) lineup. AMS
How Arno Güllering wants DRÄXLMAIER Group to harness shopfloor visualisation and genAI in production and maintenance The tier-1 supplier has established a highly connected production and logistics network, with a strong emphasis on data visualisation and a roadmap for AI. But to stay competitive and resilient, COO Arno Güllering wants to ensure both plants and HQ have a mindset ready to embrace change. Christopher Ludwig
Mercedes-Benz blends AI, humanoid robots and craftspeople at its Digital Factory Campus to redefine the boundaries of human-machine collaboration in vehicle production At its Digital Factory Campus in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz is pioneering new forms of human-machine interaction, from generative AI agents to humanoid robots, blending physical and digital intelligence in its production system. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Cybersecurity: Building defence-in-depth into smart factories PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with Siemens.Seamless connectivity between IT and OT systems is essential to smart factory operations. But this integration expands the attack surface, exposing enterprises to escalating cyber threats AMS
Volvo announces 3,000 job cuts as EV sales drop and projects react Volvo Cars is reducing its workforce by 3,000, primarily in Sweden, as part of a $1.9 billion cost-cutting plan. The move follows a significant decline in electric vehicle sales and a strategic shift in the company’s electrification goals. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How JLR’s circular manufacturing drives global EV growth and decarbonisation Tomasz Jozwiak explains how Jaguar Land Rover is driving circularity across its operations by reusing and refurbishing manufacturing assets, cutting emissions, saving millions, and supporting electrification. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW develops next-level digital manufacturing at Landshut and Regensburg plants BMW’s Landshut and Regensburg plants showcase how AI, automation, and smart logistics are transforming component production into digitally driven, future-ready operations. Nick Holt
JLR and Daimler Truck are building resilience through flexible manufacturing, agile supply chains and modular production systems JLR and Daimler Truck are adapting their global production systems to meet rising demand for vehicle personalisation, electrification and supply resilience. From simulation to system design, flexibility is now built in from the start. Ilkhan Ozsevim
The rise of HMI: Human-machine synergy in smart manufacturing Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are no longer simple control panels; they are intelligent, connected systems that empower operators with real-time insights, intuitive workflows and predictive guidance. As HMI technology evolves, it is reshaping how workers interact with automation, improving ergonomics, safety and efficiency, while bridging the gap between cyber-physical systems and human expertise. Anushka Dixit
How Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Dräxlmaier are using digitalisation, automation and AI to transform production, logistics and sustainability across their global manufacturing networks European automotive manufacturers are building digitally integrated production systems across their global operations to increase resilience, reduce emissions and prepare for new vehicle architectures and future technologies Götz Fuchslocher
Nissan to slash 20,000 jobs and abandon battery plant as new CEO restructures operations after mounting losses in US and China Nissan is preparing to axe 15% of its workforce, close multiple plants and abandon a billion-dollar EV battery factory, as new CEO Ivan Espinosa steers the carmaker through worsening losses and market missteps. Ilkhan Ozsevim
China’s rapid rise in electric vehicle adoption is reshaping global auto manufacturing, forcing Western OEMs to rethink costs, portfolios and consumer strategies As China leads the global EV transition with record-breaking sales and technology advances, Western carmakers face mounting pressure to cut costs, target regional needs and rethink loyalty strategies. Ilkhan Ozsevim
5G networking: How JLR is building smarter factories As manufacturing operations become more data-driven, traditional network technologies are struggling to keep up. Steve Mason, JLR’s Advanced Digital Technologies Manager for Global Industrial Operations speaks to AMS about the integration of 5G networks into factory environments. Nick Holt
Stellantis: too big to fail or too big to be managed? With Stellantis experiencing financial woes and now facing tariff challenges across both its North American and European arms, its senior management team will be tested and stretched more than ever. Ian Henry
Volvo Cars begins EX30 electric SUV production at Ghent, adding jobs and capacity to meet high demand across Europe Volvo Cars has started building its best-selling EX30 EV at its Ghent plant, investing €200m ($227m) to expand flexible production, create hundreds of new jobs and align output more closely with growing European demand. Ilkhan Ozsevim
As VW cuts back in Germany, Slovakia and Spain emerge as new pillars of cost-effective and future-focused production across Europe As VW’s traditional German plants face uncertainty, its long-established facilities in Bratislava and Pamplona are stepping into the spotlight—producing top-selling models and gearing up for a new era of electric vehicles. Timo Gilgen
Mercedes-Benz lays foundation for advanced paint shop in Sindelfingen, fusing sustainable design with digital twin, AI and smart energy management Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in a new state-of-the-art paint shop near Factory 56 in Sindelfingen. Built with Dürr, the site will feature AI, digital twins and smart energy systems to cut emissions and resource use by half. Yannick Tiedemann
UK competition regulator fines 10 carmakers and trade bodies over collusion in green advertising and recycling disclosures The UK’s competition watchdog has fined major carmakers and two trade bodies over £77m for colluding on green advertising. A whistle-blower tip from Mercedes-Benz exposed years of consortium activity that limited consumer choice. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Audi pioneers virtual control systems with Siemens and Broadcom to transform production efficiency and digital automation in its Böllinger Höfe bodyshop Audi is rolling out virtual programmable logic controllers at its Böllinger Höfe site with Siemens, Broadcom and Cisco, replacing hardware with cloud-based automation to enhance agility, scalability and environmental efficiency Ilkhan Ozsevim
Jaguar Land Rover accelerates EV production with hairpin winding machines for high-efficiency electric motors at its Wolverhampton site At its Wolverhampton plant, Jaguar Land Rover is deploying high-speed hairpin winding machines to increase electric motor performance while retraining its workforce for a future of electric propulsion. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW ramps up Debrecen plant with cutting-edge modular assembly to lead Neue Klasse electric vehicle production from late 2025 BMW’s all-electric plant in Debrecen enters its final phase before full production. With modular systems, digital twin planning and just-in-sequence delivery, the site signals the future of scalable, fossil-free manufacturing. Ilkhan Ozsevim
At its Berlin Digital Factory Campus, Mercedes-Benz is boosting its connected manufacturing through AI, cloud platforms and human-machine collaboration across its global network At its historic Berlin-Marienfelde plant, Mercedes-Benz is building a new model of connected manufacturing. Through MO360, AI and cloud integration, it is turning data into action across a globally standardised production network Ilkhan Ozsevim
HORSE accelerates digital twin integration at Valladolid to optimise powertrain production, enhance sustainability and redefine EV manufacturing strategies HORSE, the Renault-Geely joint venture, is harnessing digital twins at its Valladolid plant to transform powertrain production, boost flexibility in EV output, reduce emissions and embed data-driven decision-making across its operations. Ilkhan Ozsevim
JLR expands EV production with 150 new UK roles supporting Range Rover Electric and next-generation electric vehicle manufacturing JLR is expanding its UK workforce with 150 new maintenance roles to support EV production. With Solihull and Wolverhampton at the heart of its transformation, the company is investing in people, technology and electrification. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BYD considers establishing a third European assembly plant in Germany, aiming to bolster its presence in the region amid challenges of high operational costs and EU import tariffs. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is exploring the establishment of a third assembly plant in Europe, with Germany as a potential location. This move aims to bolster its European market presence, circumvent EU import tariffs, and address challenges such as high operational costs. Ilkhan Ozsevim
hofer powertrain and Pollmann International accelerate EV powertrain manufacturing hofer Powertrain and Pollmann International have teamed up to accelerate the industrialisation of next-generation electric powertrain solutions. The partnership aims to bring advanced EV powertrain technologies to market faster. Nick Holt
A Mckinsey report warns that Europe’s automotive industry must adapt rapidly to electrification, software and global competition or risk falling further behind Europe’s automotive industry is under pressure. A McKinsey report outlines five major disruptions that threaten its future. From software to supply chains, the industry must move fast to avoid losing ground to global competitors. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Global battery industry enters new phase as demand surges and prices drop below key cost threshold for Electric Vehicles The global battery industry has entered a transformative phase. EV demand is pushing annual battery needs past 1TWh, while prices fall below a key cost threshold. China remains dominant, but market shifts and consolidation are poised to reshape supply chains worldwide. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW plants prepare for a new era with Neue Klasse production As BMW gears up production towards its Neue Klasse electric vehicles, the factories are to remain flexible. Gotz Fuchslocher looks at the strategies the manufacturer is pursuing as it prepares to launch production of the new models. Götz Fuchslocher
EU allows automakers flexibility for 2025 emissions targets to be averaged over 2025-2027, easing regulatory pressure The European Commission has eased 2025 CO2 targets, averaging them over 2025-2027. While this relieves short-term pressure, it raises concerns over Europe’s ability to stay competitive with China in the EV race. Ilkhan Ozsevim
IONETIC strengthens leadership with Steve Boulter as CTO to drive innovation and growth in EV battery pack technology IONETIC has appointed Steve Boulter as Chief Technology Officer to lead the expansion of its Arc technology stack, driving cost-effective and scalable battery pack solutions for niche vehicle manufacturers. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexico & Canada take effect, China import tax rises to 20% Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada have officially taken effect, along with an additional 10% increase on Chinese goods, raising the total import tax to 20%. AMS Editorial
Evolution of EV platforms: Innovations in design, manufacturing, and scalability Electric vehicle architectures must be adaptable, scalable, and cost-effective, but evolving battery technologies, crash protection, and manufacturing processes add complexity. While the skateboard design has become standard, innovations like gigacasting and hybrid adaptability are reshaping the industry. Automakers are racing to refine EV platforms, balancing speed to market with efficiency and safety in an increasingly competitive landscape. Nick Holt Anushka Dixit
Renault expands circular economy with new polish repair facility for sustainable used car refurbishment The French car manufacturer Renault has just opened a special workshop in the largest eastern EU market - even though Poland is not necessarily one of its strongest locations. The issue of sustainability plays an important role. By Sebastian Becker
Accelerating EV innovation transforms design and manufacturing processes as Toyota and Volkswagen lead cross-functional integration and digital twin adoption for future production Industry experts at the AMS Evolution panel examine the accelerating EV shift and its impact on design and manufacturing. Toyota and Volkswagen share insights on engineering flexibility and digital twin simulation to streamline production Ilkhan Ozsevim
Why global automotive innovators must embrace Design For Manufacture to power production in an environment of increasing complexity and fierce foreign competition Automotive manufacturers are streamlining production with Design for Manufacture (DFM), cutting complexity, reducing costs and driving EV innovation. In In this article, experts reveal the key strategies and digital tools that are reshaping vehicle production. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mercedes-Benz develops flexible van architecture for EV and ICE powertrains To meet customer demand Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer vans with ICE powertrains alongside electric vehicles (EV) built on a single architecture going forward. Nick Holt
Verne breaks ground on Croatia’s first autonomous EV factory, a milestone for digital and green manufacturing at VGP Park Zagreb Construction has begun on Croatia’s first autonomous EV production facility at VGP Park Zagreb. Led by Verne and backed by VGP, the factory will use cutting-edge technology to manufacture and test driverless electric vehicles, targeting global markets from 2026. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Two-thirds of consumers consider EVs but cost and sustainability concerns persist in the shift to electrification - TCS’s Anupam Singhal shows the way A recent study by Tata Consultancy Services revealed growing consumer interest in EVs, yet cost concerns and sustainability debates continue to shape the industry’s trajectory. As manufacturers invest in electrification, how will they address these challenges? Ilkhan Ozsevim
Flexis accelerates European electric van manufacturing with a shared platform and localised production strategy Flexis, the electric van joint venture between Renault and Volvo, is leveraging a shared platform, European battery production and modular manufacturing to cut costs and enhance efficiency. With production set to begin in 2025, the company is positioning itself as a leader in scalable electric commercial vehicle production. Ilkhan Ozsevim Megan Kelly
Will Volkswagen’s surplus German plants become Chinese production operations? As European vehicle makers continue to face challenging global markets and increased costs, many are having to make difficult decisions around underutilised production operations. Ian Henry looks at how Chinese OEMs could potentially buy or utilise some of Volkswagen’s production sites. Ian Henry
JLR and partners push seat foam circularity forward through digital tools and collaboration, accelerating sustainable material reuse in luxury vehicle production JLR’s breakthrough in seat foam circularity is powered by digital tools, data-driven traceability and production/supply chain collaboration. The Circularity Lab’s ‘learn through doing’ approach is setting new industry benchmarks for material reuse and sustainable innovation. Ilkhan Ozsevim reports. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Nissan slashes jobs, closes 3 factories and scales back production in a bid to recover from sustained losses and a failed merger with Honda Nissan is closing factories, slashing jobs and scaling back production as it fights to reverse sustained losses. CEO Makoto Uchida is under pressure after merger talks with Honda collapsed. But analysts warn the measures may not go far enough to secure the company’s future. Ilkhan Ozsevim
EU invests in AI to transform automotive manufacturing with ‘AI smart factories’, automation and next-generation production technologies The EU’s new InvestAI fund will inject €200 billion ($208.4bn) into AI, transforming European automotive manufacturing. With AI gigafactories and smart factory technology, this initiative aims to drive automation, digitalisation and next-generation production systems. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mercedes-Benz introduces new paint finish to improve sustainability at Wörth plant In a move toward reducing the facility’s carbon footprint, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth is rolling out a new painting technology for its truck cabs, which is expected to cut energy consumption by up to 40%. Nick Holt
US tariffs on Mexico and Canada threaten North American auto production and supply chains, raising costs for manufacturers The US is threatening to impose tariffs on automotive imports from Canada and Mexico, testing the resilience of North American manufacturing. The move could drive up costs, disrupt supply chains, and challenge the stability of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), just as the industry navigates nearshoring, investment shifts, and electrification. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Audi is transforming vehicle production with AI-powered image processing, eliminating errors and setting new standards for quality control and smart factory innovation Artificial intelligence is accelerating transformation in automotive production. Audi’s Industrial Computer Vision is proving how AI-driven image processing enhances quality control, minimises defects and paves the way for scalable smart factory innovation. Ronja Schmiedchen
JLR expands sustainable paint facilities with £65m ($80m) investment to meet soaring demand for personalised luxury vehicle finishes across its brands JLR is expanding its paint operations with a £65m ($80m) investment, meeting soaring demand for bespoke vehicle finishes while cutting energy and water use at key sites in the UK and Slovakia. Ilkhan Ozsevim
AAM’s $1.4bn acquisition of GKN Automotive could mark a major shift in automotive manufacturing, strengthening its position in driveline systems and electrified vehicle production American Axle & Manufacturing’s $1.4 billion acquisition of GKN Automotive is set to reshape global automotive manufacturing, strengthening its position in driveline systems and EV production as the industry moves towards electrification Ilkhan Ozsevim
How AI-powered humanoid robots are changing auto manufacturing at BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz Humanoid robots powered by AI and advanced robotics could transform automotive manufacturing and production processes. Companies like BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz are preparing for a wider deployment of these robots to enhance efficiency, address labour shortages, and improve factory automation with capabilities like adaptive learning, human-robot collaboration, and real-time decision-making. Anushka Dixit
Automotive suppliers and producers confront existential crisis: mass layoffs and plummeting electric vehicle investments threaten European manufacturing Major automotive suppliers including Bosch and Continental announce massive workforce reductions as electric vehicle market challenges intensify European manufacturing sector’s most significant restructuring in decades. Ilkhan Ozsevim
JATCO opens new manufacturing facility to supply electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant Nissan and the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO) have secured a £50m investment deal, in partnership with the UK government, to create a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland. Nick Holt
