Africa and Middle East
Ambitious targets and big investments for India’s carmakers
After a period of downsizing or complete withdrawal by some foreign OEMs, investment in Indian production is on the rise again with the domestic vehicle makers leading the way.
Statevolt pivots from EV Batteries to Energy Storage Solutions
Statevolt pauses US plans, focusing on UAE gigafactory. Carlstrom explains the shift to ESS and challenges in the EV sector.
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.
Why Statevolt is building a gigafactory in the UAE instead of Europe
Statevolt has entered into an agreement to build a gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE for $3.2 billion in capital expenditure. With electrification projects and infrastructure burgeoning in Europe and the US, AMS asks ’why the Middle East?’
Statevolt’s $3.2bn UAE Gigafactory to bolster electrification in Middle East
The investment in Ras Al Khaimah will boost battery cell technology, energy storage, sustainability and EV innovation across key markets including the Middle East, Africa and India while driving economic growth to position the UAE as a green technology leader.
The rising role of renewable energy supply in automotive production
The auto industry’s push for sustainability goes beyond vehicle innovation, with renewable energy in production crucial for cutting global carbon emissions.
Hyundai partners with PIF for automated production plant in Saudi Arabia
Hyundai Motor Company has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia to establish “a highly automated vehicle manufacturing plant,” in the kingdom. Hyundai to lead as as strategic technology partner.
BMW electrifies South African plant
BMW is investing more than $224m in its plant to allow production of electric vehicles.
China: European, US and Japanese Vehicle Manufacturers rebalance production and supply chains
AMS looks at the changing role of the Chinese operations of European and other long established brands’ operations in China and their changing roles in the global auto sector
Stellantis allocates BEV-centric STLA Large vehicles to Cassino Assembly Plant
The Cassino plant in Italy produces premium vehicles for Alfa Romeo and Maserati
Going green: Self-generating electricity on-site
OEMs are investing heavily in renewable energy sources to reduce the carbon footprint of their manufacturing operations
Mercedes-Benz to deploy Microsoft connected factory software, eyes 20% efficiency boost
The software system will optimise manufacturing plans based on available components and enable easy monitoring of energy and water use and CO2 emissions.
Adjusting to a new climate: Alternative powertrain testing
AMS visited a newly upgraded test facility to get an insight into the equipment and process requirements for electric and fuel cell powertrains
BMW Digitalisation – Virtual becomes a reality
BMW using digital twins to simulate production for new plants and upgrades for existing facilities
Renault Trucks to recover, resell parts from used vehicles in circular economy push
The recovery of used parts suitable for re-sale builds on the company’s existing initiative to refurbish and modernise second-hand trucks to extend their life.
Ford’s e-coating edge for the new Ranger’s chassis frames
Ford uses the latest e-coatings to ensure optimum coverage on the chassis frames for the new Ranger pick-up
Gigafactories give N. America, Europe more skin in EV game but minerals supply a worry
Battery metals prices have become a significant threat to automotive’s pursuit of electrification with growing EV output calling for higher volumes of minerals production.
Man and machine: Using technology to push efficiency boundaries in logistics and assembly
Experts discuss how they are using digital technology to streamline time-consuming and expensive processes from supply chain monitoring to assembly planning.
How Ford will track production planning and suppliers like Uber rides
Ford is deploying digital twins and data analytics at factores in Asia, Africa and South America to bring real-time visibility to production planning and supply chains.
From now to 2030: What’s next for a disrupted, post-pandemic auto industry
AutoForecast Solutions sees a value-over-volume focus, more shared components and some major shuffles in the ranks of top EV makers