OEMs and Suppliers in Focus
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ArticleComplex problems, flexible solutions: how modular production and autonomous logistics are helping OEMs keep up with a changing powertrain mix
As automotive manufacturing becomes increasingly complex, primarily driven by rising demand for more sustainable production processes as well as zero-carbon vehicles, the question of flexibility is becoming more central to both producers and customers.
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A lighter coat: how Porsche and suppliers are reducing waste and errors in paintshop
Paintshop leaders from Porsche and Sames Kremlin spoke to AMS in an exclusive livestream and interview regarding innovations in technology and new approaches in the automotive painting process.
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Morgan appoints new CTO to support move to electric vehicles
Matthew Hole will join Morgan as Chief Technical Officer and the newly created role of Head of Electrification, with immediate effect. Morgan says this appointment is strategically crucial in its transition towards electrification and future electric vehicles
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Supporting the supply chain
The shift to production of electric vehicles and the impact of the Covid 19 has caused considerable disruption to automotive supply chains. AMS spoke to Neil Endley, Global Director for Turnaround Services, to get some insights into the challenges facing OEM and tier suppliers in the automotive sector
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Volta Trucks begins production design of the full-electric Volta Zero
Volta Trucks has begun producing the first road-going ‘Design Verification’ (DV) prototype Volta Zero vehicle at a bespoke facility in Coventry.
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Re-imagining quality control
A new generation of vehicles and powertrains requires a different approach to quality control. This demands faster, inline systems that simplify processes without compromising accuracy. Jason Dunn reports on developments at Skoda
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GM to invest $46 million in Parma metal stamping plant
General Motors has unveiled plans to invest over $46m at its Parma, Ohio, metal stamping operation to expand equipment upgrades and lay the foundation for the facility to support future product programs.
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Valmet Automotive’s planned biogas terminal will help make Uusikaupunki plant carbon neutral
Valmet Automotive will construct a biogas terminal at its plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, which will help make operations at the factory, including paintshop, more sustainable.
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BMW’s Munich plant adapted for EV manufacturing
The first series-produced BMW i4 has rolled off the line at the OEM’s Munich plant in the first step in the German carmaker’s goal to turn at least half of its output into electrified vehicles by 2023.
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Daimler strengthens R&D in China with new tech centre in Beijing
Daimler has invested 1.1 billion RMB to strengthen its R&D footprint and technological capabilities in China. Operations at the new centre will focus on major technological trends and tailored innovations with the aim to drive local product development
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VW testing 5G network for ‘smart factories’ as carmakers push for more flexibility in EV production
The pilot project will initially cover the main production development centre and the pilot hall, assessing if 5G technology effectively meets the intricate requirements of vehicle production. A dedicated 5G radio frequency will be used to secure data transmissions. VW’s Transparent Factory in Dresden has also put a so-called “5G island” into operation.
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Stellantis and LG form joint venture for Lithium-Ion battery production in North America
The companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture to produce battery cells and modules for North America. The new battery plant is planned to have an annual production capacity of 40 gigawatt hours
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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.
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Lucid opens EV and battery plants in Arizona as electrification expands US production map
Lucid Group has announced the opening of its new Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP-1) and Lucid Powertrain Manufacturing plants in Arizona at the US startup’s Production Preview Week.
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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.
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Volkswagen builds first wholly owned battery production site in China to strengthen supply chains
A battery system production factory in Hefei, Anhui province is being built by Volkswagen Group, the first battery system plant to be wholly owned by the German carmaker in China.
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Mercedes-Benz partners with Stellantis and Total to expand European battery cell capacity
Mercedes-Benz has joined Stellantis and Total in taking shares in Automotive Cells Company, with plans to expand battery cell production in Europe, as part of a strategy to increase and diversify supply.
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Farasis Energy to build carbon neutral gigafactory in China as domestic recovery becomes priority
Lithium-ion battery provider Farasis Energy has confirmed that it will add 24 gigawatt hour (GWh) per year production capacity to manufacture electric vehicle battery cells, modules and packs in China.
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Lightweighting of the future: Lotus reveals blueprints underpinning new EV sports range
Lotus Cars has unveiled its full range of EV performance cars demonstrating innovations in lightweight chassis technology for the production of its electric sports vehicles. According to the company, they will be essential in both performances of electric vehicles, as well as in maintaining efficiency in manufacturing.
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Valmet Automotive opens battery plant in Finland as it expands EV production capabilities
Valmet Automotive has officially opened its Uusikaupunki, Finland battery plant, marking the start of production of high-voltage automotive battery modules and battery packs, part of a significant expansion of its electric vehicle battery-related manufacturing.
