All articles by Ian Henry – Page 2
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ArticleAMS on Africa
OEM announcements around vehicle production plans in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria and Rwanda provide further examples of how the automotive manufacturing industry is gaining traction in Africa. The continent is responsible for assembly of more than one million vehicles each year. Volumes are growing as other nations are joining the list of established plants in South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria…
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AnalysisPSA-FCA – the ideal merger or a challenge too far?
Even after the collapse of the Renault deal FCA still wanted a merger to protect itself going forward from the headwinds of electrification and global economic uncertainty; step forward PSA
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ArticleProduction records set at Skoda’s domestic plants
As it marks the 125th anniversary of the company, Skoda is chalking up record-breaking output
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ArticleThe wider scope of Skoda
With new products and an expanding production network, Skoda is managing to achieve greater influence and standing despite the challenges of a changing market
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ArticleWith its architect in exile, the Alliance is destined for separation
Having led the way on OEM collaboration and cooperation, Renault and Nissan seem set to unwind their alliance
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ArticleThe other side of Brexit
After three years of confusion and turmoil, the UK is on the brink of leaving European Union. So OEMs with operations based there have decisions to make, as Ian Henry reports
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ArticleStumbling blocks on the Korea path
Outside of the Hyundai-Kia story, Korea’s other automotive players continue to struggle and in global production terms the country is slipping down the rankings. Ian Henry reports
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ArticleEVs are transforming the automotive workforce as well as the market
The means by which electric vehicles powertrains and batteries are assembled could lead to significant reductions in factory headcounts
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ArticleDual brand adapters
From finances to unions and electrifying its model range, domestic and global challenges abound for Hyundai-Kia
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ArticleChallenging relationships
As the trend of electrification gains pace, and demand in the global new car market dwindles, suppliers are looking at ways to best serve their OEM customers
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CommentPSA-FCA merger: Sergio Marchionne gets his wish, posthumously
As CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne tried and tried to find a mega-merger partner for the group. Less less than two years after his death, a likely candidate has emerged…
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ArticleWeighing up the long-term future for Rüsselsheim
Opel management believe the Rüsselsheim plant is secure for the next decade but, with compact cars sales in decline and competition fierce, Ian Henry believes serious questions remain
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CommentA European battery gigafactory … someday, somewhere
As OEMs continue to push the scale and variety of their electrified vehicle ranges, Ian Henry asks, is battery production and supply up to the task?
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AnalysisMapping out an eastward shift
After many decades of vehicle production, the heartlands of European automotive manufacturing are undergoing a shift eastward. Highlighting the investments, innovations and impact, Ian Henry looks at a group of nations in a region that’s ramping up…
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ArticleStaying on track
FCA’s restructuring has proved successful and the Jeep brand continues to prosper with new models on the way, but there are still challenges to overcome. Ian Henry reports
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ArticleSuccess for Seat
Spain’s biggest exporter has turned its finances around and looks to have a bright future. Ian Henry reports
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CommentSupplier financials a cause for concern
Recent quarterly results from some of the major tier ones make for grim reading, as company after company reports declining profits and cites common themes for these disappointing times
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ArticleHave EVs reached a tipping point in the UK?
With the continued political uncertainty from the lack of Brexit progress, JLR announcement of a £1bn investment in its Castle Bromwich facility to make the new electric XJ will be met with some relief by the UK government, writes Ian Henry
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ArticleThe Fiat-Renault merger – inevitability postponed?
Ian Henry provides insight on the situation between FCA and its partners and potential partners
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ArticleGaining momentum
Vehicle makers and tier suppliers are embarking on huge changes to their production operations and range line-ups to supply electrified vehicles. Ian Henry looks at who’s charging ahead and who’s falling flat