OEMs and Suppliers in Focus
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ArticleValmet Automotive opens battery plant in Finland as it expands EV production capabilities
As demand for EVs increases globally, hiking up production of battery packs is increasingly essential to OEMs. Carmakers are now seeking ways of building the packs and modules on the same site in order to simplify their supply chains.
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Stress test: New modelling approach for component fatigue testing
The development of lightweight structures and components for electric vehicles has created a demand for more comprehensive and up to date test and measurement processes to evaluate component fatigue and service life. Lucia Barbu, research professor and project coordinator at Fatigue4light gives insight into the challenges and solutions
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Porsche building first plant for carbon-neutral fuel in Chile
The Haru Oni project is a collaborative effort by multiple enterprises in an effort to reach carbon neutrality. It utilises wind energy in order to generate nearly carbon-neutral fuel using low-cost green wind power.
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VW Components opens new lab for EV battery cell research in Salzgitter
As global demand for electric vehicles ramps up, OEMs are increasingly looking to develop their own battery chip-making capacity. Through partnerships and in-house development, carmakers are also seeking to be less reliant on complex supply chains and produce essential equipment closer to their customers.
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Italvolt signs land purchase to build southern Europe’s largest gigafactory as EV battery cell plant race heats up
The Italian startup takes over the site of a former Olivette factory in the Piedmont region, where it plans to build a battery factory to help meet rising demand and production for electric vehicles.
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Volta Trucks partners with Steyr Automotive to build first electric Volta Zero units in Austria
Beginning in 2019, Volta Trucks is a newcomer in the EV truck market but has seen rapid growth in recent years. Since its inception, the OEM has constructed offices across Europe.
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Robert Engelthorn replaces Knudt Flor as president of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg
BMW Manufacturing in the US has appointed Dr Robert Engelthorn as its new president and CEO, replacing Knudt Flor who has retired, overseeing BMW’s largest global production plant.
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Porsche production: moving faster around the bend
Porsche’s manufacturing chief, Albrecht Reimold, explains the carmaker’s progress towards sustainable, connected manufacturing as it gears up to build more electric vehicles.
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Faraday Future names Matt Tall as new vice president of Manufacturing
Amid the company’s overarching new manufacturing strategy, Faraday Future is also making sweeping hiring announcements to oversee its push to expand production of its flagship FF 91 model.
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BMW expands plant in Mexico to build 2 Series Coupé
The 2 Series Coupé will be produced exclusively in Mexico for the global market. The plant has seen further investments of $125 million over the last 2 years, which has expanded its operations significantly.
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Breaking the Mould: Porsche expands production to Malaysia in shift away from European exclusivity
The luxury carmaker is planning its only current assembly plant outside Europe with new production planned in Malaysia and an R&D centre in Shanghai.
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Toyota to produce hydrogen fuel cell modules for trucks in Kentucky from 2023
Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Kentucky will become a production centre for the company’s dual fuel cell development, serving commercial vehicles.
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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.
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Volvo Trucks buys Chinese manufacturing site to expand heavy duty truck manufacturing
As part of the company’s broader plans to develop global reach, Volvo has acquired JMC Heavy Duty Vehicle to produce and sell more heavy-duty trucks in China.
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Volkswagen’s plan to digitise its global production network
Volkswagen will overhaul its North American manufacturing through digitalisation, using AI, cobots, and integrated cloud systems to enhance connected manufacturing and supply chains.
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In a state of flux: EV motor development
Electric motor development is key to improving the performance of EVs. AMS spoke to Paul Price, chief technology officer at electric motor developer IRP about optimising design for manufacture and developing better driving performance
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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
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AI, apps, and automation: How Volkswagen aims to transform North American manufacturing with digital drive
Digitalisation is the word of the day when it comes to streamlining the production process and making data more transparent. While cars themselves have rapidly developed and become more advanced, the manufacturing process is now following suit.
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Nissan and Envision AESC to build new EV battery plant in Japan - reports
Nissan Motor will reportedly build a lithium-ion battery plant in Japan to support EV production as part of a joint investment project with battery manufacturer Envision AESC.
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Renault to partner with Geely to manufacture hybrid vehicles in China and South Korea
Renault has agreed a framework with Geely to share vehicle platforms and production for hybrid vehicles in Asia, including using Geely plants in China and localising Lynk & Co platforms in South Korea.
