Tag: home page

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.

Automotive OEMs and suppliers look to continued development of smart factories and the deployment of digital tools to optimise production operations

The concept of the smart factory offers highly efficient, optimised production operations. Ford, ZF and PPG reveal how they are working to realise this potential.

Henning Habicht appointed Head of Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations

Habicht takes over from Chris Glover, who will retire in January 2025 after more than three decades with Volkswagen, including a three-year stint at Chattanooga.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group JV to create electric architectures and software

The new joint venture (JV), with a potential investment of up to $5.8 billion, will see engineers from both partners developing software and electronics architectures and scale the electric vehicle platforms and architectures.

BMW Leipzig starts production of the second generation 2 Series Gran Coupé

The new 2 Series Gran Coupé joins the 1 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer and MINI Countryman in production at Leipzig, with the four models with three different drive options made on a single production line.

Mercedes-Benz opens battery recycling facility to create a closed loop system

The new recycling facility, located in Kuppenheim, Germany, will utilise an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process.

AMS Evo 2024 blog: Focusing on North America’s flexible, digital and lean production future

Join us for real-time updates from Automotive Evolution North America 2024 at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn on 30-31st October, where industry leaders from Volkswagen, GM, Toyota, Stellantis, Ford and many more will hold key sessions and panels on topics including smart manufacturing, sustainability, EV plants, and digital tools.

GM Ventures invests $10m in Forge Nano to improve EV battery performance and reduce costs

General Motors drops the Ulitum brand and shifts from single chemistry approach. The OEM has also entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Forge Nano to collaborate on atomic layer deposition applications for GM’s electric vehicle batteries.

EV batteries – Increasing quality and reducing costs

A new eBook from Hexagon examines how AI and smart factories are revolutionising EV battery manufacturing, helping Europe and North America catch up with China.

Dürr builds an energy-efficient paintshop for Stellantis’ Kenitra plant

Stellantis’ new paintshop to double capacity at Kenitra plant and reuse paint robots from other facilities.

Hyundai and Skoda sign MOU on hydrogen tech collaboration

Hyundai and Skoda will work together on hydrogen fuel cell technologies for mobility applications.

New additive manufacturing applications for the auto industry

A technology that continues to develop with new materials and applications, ArcelorMittal believes additive manufacturing has clear potential in the automotive industry to optimise global platforms and extend their longevity.

Audi’s electric hopes rest on Györ

Györ plays a special role in Audi’s production network. Just as important as the approximately 176,000 vehicles produced each year are the almost 1.7 million drives produced. Now Györ must make the transition to electromobility.

HORSE powertrain continues to expand supply in range extender market

HORSE will supply Brazilian EV start-up manufacturer Lecar with its HR10 range extender engine, to be fitted to the Lecar 459 hybrid.

VW in cooperation to develop sustainable materials for vehicle interiors

Volkswagen will work with Revoltech to develop sustainable bio-based leather alternative made from industrial hemp.

BMW and Toyota’s mixed powertrain approach sees collaboration to produce Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle options for passenger cars

Utilising a fuel cell powertrain, developed in collaboration with Toyota, BMW plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028.

Skoda builds updated Octavia at Kvasiny

Skoda shuffles production to add Octavia to Kvasiny and free up capacity at Mlada Bolslav for Enyaq and Elroq models.

Ford revises EV strategy and boosts hybrid production

Ford cancels planned three-row EV SUV, delays opening of Tennessee EV plant and realigns US battery cell production.

Stellantis appoints Tim Fallon as head of manufacturing North America

Fallon’s experience in his previous role at Rivian will support Stellantis’ ramp up of electric vehicle (EV) production.

Can Rivian navigate production challenges and scale up in the electric vehicle world?

Rivian has emerged as an important player in the EV market, known for its adventure-oriented electric trucks and SUVs. But the OEM faces significant challenges to its production forecasts. Can Rivian maintain its momentum in EV production?

Agenda Announced for the 3rd US Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference

The automotive industry is on the brink of a transformation, with wire harness and electrical distribution systems (EDS) playing a crucial role in this evolution. Following the success of the last two conferences held in 2022 and 2023, the Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference (AWH Detroit) is gearing up for its third instalment. Scheduled for October 28-29, 2024, in Dearborn, Michigan, this conference promises to build on over 12 years of collaboration in the European automotive wire harness community while expanding its reach in North America.

GM continues path towards 2040 carbon neutral target

General Motors (GM) boosts renewable energy sourcing and reduces natural gas consumption to support sustainability targets.

Polestar starts US production of the Polestar 3

Polestar has started production of its Polestar 3 SUV at the Volvo plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina.

Stellantis reorganises production operations at Warren Truck Assembly Plant as it shifts production to EV vehicles

Stellantis will end of production of Ram 1500 classic at Warren Truck Assembly Plant, refocussing operations on Wagoneer SUV production

Antolin, Gestamp and Fersa using AI to improve production operations

Autoparts from Spain, a collaborative digital project among automotive suppliers that provides intelligence on the automotive equipment and components industry, reports that the radical transformation of the industry supported by artificial intelligence (AI), is providing opportunities for tier suppliers, with benefits already registered by members Antolin, Fersa Bearings and Gestamp.

Poor financial results and slow EV transition forces Nissan to rethink plans

Nissan looks to cut production costs and rebalance production operations in the face of poor financial results.

Nissan and Honda agree to joint research for next-gen SDV platform

The two companies have agreed to joint research in fundamental technologies next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Toyota West Virginia starts production of new hybrid transaxle

Production of this fifth-generation hybrid transaxle is part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.

Ampere supports Renault Group with LFP technology and cell-to-pack solutions

Ampere will integrate LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology to complement NCM batteries (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) and create a European value chain.

Amplify Cell Technologies begins construction of Mississippi battery cell factory

Amplify Cell Technologies’ new plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 21GWh for the production of LFP battery cells.

Gestamp signs agreement with Acciaieria Arvedi for the supply of low-emissions steel

Gestamp will return high-quality steel scrap from stamping parts production to Acciaieria Arvedi, who will reprocess and reintroduce it into the production cycle.

Designing manufacturing systems for flexibility and scalability

Comau discusses assembling e-drives, developing battery manufacturing solutions, and collaborations with universities for next-generation cells.

Toyota Texas to expand manufacturing footprint with $531m investment

Toyota Texas’ new on-site 500,000 sq. ft facility will be for drivetrain parts production

Quality data drives F1 peak performance

Formula one cars represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and behind the scenes, high quality components and manufacturing data are key to on-track success. Oracle Red Bull Racing offered AMS a glimpse of its championship winning engineering operations.

Sames solves for BMW & Mercedes: Adhesive tech in bodyshop & glazing

Sames’ innovations support high-quality adhesive bonding in automotive manufacturing, optimising efficiency and standardisation across bodyshop and glazing processes.

GKN Automotive reduces direct CO2e emissions in 2023

GKN Automotive has published its second sustainability report, revealing a 10.5% reduction in CO2e emissions in 2023.

Stellantis marks 60 years of vehicle production at Ellesmere Port

Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant is celebrating 60 years since starting production operations, beginning with the Vauxhall Viva

Vitesco Technologies supplies electric drive system for Honda plug-in fuel cell vehicle

Vitesco’s EMR3 axle drive will be integrated into the Honda CR-V e:FCEV and will be the first time this system has been used for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

JLR boosts training to build electric cars

JLR says 95% of its global retail partner technician workforce is now EV trained, with further training underway for 11,000 manufacturing colleagues to build BEVs.

PPG to build new paint and coatings manufacturing facility in the US

PPG plans to build a new paint and coatings manufacturing facility in Tennessee as part of $300m investment in advanced manufacturing in North America.

Nissan to transition to low-CO2 emission aluminium by 2030

Through sourcing and using low CO2 emission aluminium, Nissan aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Quality control: 3D vision inspection systems

LMI Technologies offers insights into current trends in automotive quality control requirements and the technology solutions available.

Perfecting paint transfer by focusing on improving efficiency in vehicle exterior paint application

The paintshop is an area of the production process where throughput, quality and sustainability need to be carefully balanced. Paint application specialist, Sames, looks at key areas where efficiencies can be made.

VW focuses on Chinese market boosting cost competitiveness and local partnerships

VW seeks to strengthen its position in the Chinese automotive market through achieving cost reductions in production and boosting local partnerships

The changing shape of Europe’s automotive production operations

European vehicle manufacturing is having to adapt to weakening EV demand and increasing competition. This means revising production volumes and rethinking the ICE-EV balance in the short term.

Shifting gears – Electrifying the driveline

GKN Automotive has a long history as a driveline component and system developer, and manufacturer. Like many of the leading tier suppliers in this segment, the company has now added a range of products for electric powertrains to its range. Jorge Beja, VP of Operations Systems shares some insights into production at the company’s centre for excellence for eDrive systems, at Bruneck, Italy.

Artificial intelligence – New developments in surface inspection

AI and automation are becoming key technologies for surface inspection in the paintshop, but human workers are still providing the finishing touches.

Nissan launches its new Arc business plan

In line with other vehicle makers, Nissan is adapting its production strategy to rebalance its ICE and electric vehicle output and address rising costs and market fragmentation

Steel resolve: why ArcelorMittal’s Multi Part Integration is leading the charge in sustainability and efficiency

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was paid for by ArcelorMittal and produced in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing SolutionsFrom simplifying assembly processes to slashing carbon emissions, ArcelorMittal’s innovative approach emerges as a key player in the race towards sustainable automotive manufacturing.

BYD to establish passenger car production in Europe

BYD has chosen Szeged, Hungary as the location for its first passenger car production facility in Europe

Simultaneous engineering – accelerating production line design, development and commissioning

The transition to electric vehicles has increased pressure on speeding product development and starting production operations. AMS spoke with experts at NIO and Comau on how they had successfully accelerated the commissioning of new e-motor lines

Hyundai to build dedicated electric vehicle plant at Ulsan complex

The new plant will support Hyundai’s growth in electric vehicle production and will use an innovative manufacturing platform developed at the company’s innovation centre in Singapore with a focus on improving worker safety, convenience and efficiency.

How digitalisation is ramping up battery cell production for EVs

Digitalisation is helping to scale up battery cell production in North America through improving standardisation and traceability and ensuring quality of materials.

Managing materials choices – Fossil-free steel

SSAB has produced and sold its Fossil-free steel, which is now being used in limited series production by Volvo. But there is a weakness in the definition of ‘green steel’. Experts from SSAB and Volvo Group share some insights into challenges this presents to the wider acceptance of these materials and how they are managing this with greater transparency.

Back in the USA

Returning to Detroit for the first time in over 10 years the AMS Automotive Evolution North America event delivered expert panels and a fully engaged audience who combined to share their valuable insights and experience, through panel discussions, Q&A and networking. Here are some of the highlights from the sessions.

AMS Autumn 2023 – Continental Shift

In this latest AMS digital edition we have a special focus on the North American automotive industry as the region’s OEMs make big investments in electric vehicle and battery production

Skoda Kvasiny to become electromobility powerhouse

Head of Skoda Kvasiny plant, Miloš Halbich, talks to Mike Nash about recent socioeconomic challenges, fluctuating markets and how the facility is a “crucial pillar” in the company’s global production network

UAW strikes against Ford, GM and Stellantis: UAW strike costs GM $1.1 bn

Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union started a strike against Detroit’s ‘big three’ automakers on Friday 15th September after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached. Below are the latest updates.

Technical partnerships – AMS Expert Interview with Magswitch

As the automotive industry seeks to reduce costs and improve efficiencies and productivity, we are seeing an increasing number of partnerships being formed. It’s nothing new to this industry but these new relationships are proving much more necessary and beneficial than previously

Ford appoints Chris White as Chief Engineer – Battery Manufacturing

White will be responsible for supporting the global growth of Ford’s battery manufacturing capabilities and will report directly to Executive Director Global Battery Manufacturing, Indy Singh

New motor technology to transform electric vehicle production

Opher Doron of EVR Motors describes how a novel electric motor design could have a dramatic impact on vehicle production and the electric vehicle market

Hyundai Motor Group and Seoul National University open joint Battery Research Centre

This collaborative effort between Hyundai and SNU aims to advance battery technologies and foster industry-academia cooperation to establish global leadership in the battery field

VW to make Spain an electric vehicle hub

The VW Group is building new battery production capacities in Valencia and at the Seat headquarters in Martorell to support further electric vehicle production in the region

India’s light vehicle demand is rising again, and so is manufacturing investment

India has long been seen as the next big thing in automotive manufacturing, due to its growing middle class and high demand for vehicles, but it has struggled to get there. Will new investment help it realise its potential?

Bentley appoints Andreas Lehe as new Board Member for Manufacturing

Andreas Lehe joins Bentley as Board Member for Manufacturing, commencing 1 September and replaces Peter Bosch, who moved to CARIAD as CEO in June. Lehe will report directly to Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO.

Steel solutions for e-mobility

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was paid for by ArcelorMittal and produced in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing SolutionsArcelorMittal is engaged in the development of the future mobility through the Steel E-Motive project lead by WorldAutoSteel and creating new solutions to simplify the car manufacturing operations

Mercedes-Benz to implement ChatGPT across its MO360 digital production system

The deployment of ChatGPT through Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with Microsoft Azure will mean increased efficiencies across the OEM’s intelligent vehicle production landscape

Joining forces – technical partnerships supporting vehicle manufacturers

As the automotive industry seeks to reduce costs and improve efficiencies and productivity, there are a growing number of new partnerships being formed. Experts from automation specialist Magswitch discusses how these new relationships are proving more necessary and beneficial than previously.

Volta Trucks partners with ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions for core systems for its all-electric urban delivery truck

Scandinavian electric vehicle OEM, Volta Trucks, partners with ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) to leverage their expertise and tech, accelerating the advancement of the Volta Zero—a fully electric 16-tonne truck designed for urban deliveries

Sustainable Steel – AMS Expert Interview with SSAB

Specifying the perfect electrification solution

Magnus Nordstrand, Product portfolio manager, ABB E-mobility motors, explains the essential decisions that will help solution providers electrify industrial and heavy-duty transportation.

Automation – boosting efficiency, flexibility and sustainability

Developments in hardware and increasingly sophisticated software and data management have created more opportunities for automated production systems. Automation expert Jörg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics’ automotive OEM business line, discusses the challenges and opportunities created by the transition to electric vehicles.

AMS Summer 2023 – JLR goes electric

In our AMS Summer digital edition, we have features on JLR’s plans to transform its end-to-end industrial system, ready for new electric models, Seat’s technical upgrades to production operations and upskilling the workforce and insights into developments at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant, and more.

GM set to invest $920m in Ohio DMAX engine plant

General Motors is set to invest $920m in its Duramax diesel engine production facility in Brookville, Ohio to quadruple its footprint.

Neckarsulm – Audi’s plant prepares for more electric vehicles

Audi’s Neckarsulm plant manager Fred Schulze discusses sustainability and digitalisation, and shares some insights into the transformation of the factory and its importance within the Audi production network

Heat-treatment – AMS Expert Interview with Nitrex

EMO Hannover to address challenges of digitising automotive manufacturing

EMO Hannover, one of the biggest trade fairs for production technology, will take place in September. Ahead of the event, AMS looks at what future insights the OEMs and tier-1 suppliers in attendance can expect to find.

Focus on flexibility – optimising battery pack production

The AMS Evolution Livestream expert panel representing Ford, AMTE Power and Henkel, discussed the fast-changing production requirements as cell manufacturers and OEMs ramp up Gigafactories and battery pack assembly.

New engine production line boosts Toyota’s hybrid vehicle manufacturing

The new flexible engine line at Toyota Kentucky can produce three different engine types simultaneously on one line and is part of a $145m investment

BMW to produce Neue Klasse in China from 2026

The BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture has announced it will build the next model generation, Neue Klasse at its production plant in Shenyang