Ford News
Ford and VW expand collaboration with plans for new electric model using MEB platform
Ford Motor and Volkswagen Group are growing their e-mobility partnership amid plans to produce a new electric model based on the MEB platform for the European market. Following plans to introduce another 7 EVs in Europe by 2024, Ford also aims to double its planned MEB volume to 1.2m units across six years.
Making the digital a reality: how AI and virtual reality are adapting automotive manufacturing to a changing world
Automotive manufacturers are facing the challenge of constantly changing vehicles, technologies and parts. However, stakeholders can increasingly plan and implement systems faster using real-time manufacturing data, digital twin simulation and training through augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
Ford to double annual production of new fully electric Lightning truck as EV demand surges
Ford Motor has announced that it plans to nearly double the annual production capacity of its upcoming electric F-150 pickup by mid-2023.
Factory futures: networked, data-driven, flexibly automated
Manufacturing experts share their vision for current and future automotive production technology, including leaders from Ford, Cognex, Symbio Robotics and Jay Global Techno Alliance
Better than the real thing: digital factory simulations
Increasing production of battery enclosures at scale will be essential to launching EVs in line with targets. ABB’s Patrick Matthews and Zeiss’s Paulo Cruz discuss automation and quality control opportunities.
Ford to build first EV components in Europe at revamped Halewood site
Ford Motors will begin building its first electric vehicle parts in Europe at its Halewood plant on Merseyside, as part of a £230m ($315m) investment project.
Ford to build battery and assembly plants in Kentucky and Tennessee amid massive acceleration of EV output
Together with South Korean battery maker SK Innovation (SKI), Ford is investing $11.4 billion on new plants, which aim to significantly increase regional battery cell production capacity in the US.
AMS Lightweighting 2021 – Weighing the options
This edition features insights on how manufacturing engineers and designers are taking new approaches to vehicle architectures and production to integrate lighter, more efficient materials – especially for EVs – to reduce weight and improve sustainability. Featuring Ford, Gestamp, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Dreistern and more
Ford gambles with supply chains as OEM reportedly doubles production targets for electric F-150 Lightning trucks
Demand for electric vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years amid broader strategy by global institutions towards carbon-neutrality. However, supply chain disruptions relating to semiconductor shortages, the coronavirus pandemic, and material access may prove problematic for attempts to ramp up EV battery production.
Electrifying Europe: new EU ‘Fit for 55’ legislation effectively bans petrol and diesel engines by 2035
The EU’s latest salvo against the automotive industry to mitigate against climate change will eliminate ICEs and transform automotive manufacturing
Cost and opportunity: experts unveil the contradictions at the core of lightweighting EVs
Lightweighting has become one of the most important features when it comes to designing EVs. As calls for more sustainable production practices become louder, creators are looking at new innovative ways to lighten the load.
AMS Materials flow and automation 2021 – Moving with the times
Our latest digital edition looks at the latest assembly line concepts coming from new EV producers and how AI is becoming a key enabling technology
Lightweighting the EV is a challenge to celebrate
There is a new impetus to save weight as vehicles become powered by electric powertrains. Reducing the weight of a vehicle by optimising the mix of materials and the application in design is now a key focus.
Watch: Vehicle lightweighting rises to the top of the agenda for designers and engineers
This livestream investigates how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating lightweight architectures, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
Optimising the process: AI in robotic assembly cells
The Ford Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan, has been the location for a major innovation in automotive assembly operations, utilising AI to support the use of a robot in a particular automated assembly role. Mike Farish reports
EV battery supply chains on the move
As electric vehicles become serious business for OEMs, they are reassessing their battery supply and manufacturing bases, putting their eggs in multiple baskets and taking more control of the process.
Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle plant database
Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location.
Lithium-ion battery gigafactory database
Track electric vehicle lithium battery gigafactories by manufacturer, location, manufacturer, current and planned gigawatt (GWh) capacity.
OEM and lithium-ion battery cell supplier database
Keep up with changing supplier relationships between electric vehicle manufacturers and battery cell suppliers in this database.
Ford and SKI form JV to localise battery supply in US
Ford has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with lithium-ion battery maker SK Innovation (SKI) for a joint venture to manufacture battery cells and finished packs in the US.
