North America News
Emissions regulations pose existential risk for OEMs
Escalating fines over CO2 and fuel standards, especially in Europe and China, are set to have significant impacts across OEM profits and investment plans, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
Big vehicles, big profits
Pickup trucks and SUVs drive profits and investment in US automotive production as cars are cut from model line-ups. Nick Gibbs reports
Kia hits 3m production milestone in US
US - Kia has hit a major milestone with production of its new SUV at its West Point plant in Georgia
Staying 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
Webasto opens new plant in Irapuato
Mexico - The supplier is expanding its production footprint in the country as it looks to keep up with increasing demand in the US
Acura Marysville, Ohio
An inside look at production of the second-generation Acura NSX in Marysville, Ohio
GM to make new engine in Tonawanda
US - The 6.2-litre V8 engine will be used in the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Canada feels the chill
Trading challenges and dwindling investment is putting Canada’s automotive manufacturers under pressure. Nick Gibbs reports
GM hedges bets on pick-ups
GM has made two recent investments in order to boost production of its best-selling pick-up trucks in the US
GM upgrades Fort Wayne plant
General Motors is spending a significant amount to increase production of two new pick-ups
GKN opens 3D printing customer centre
US - GKN Powder Metallurgy has opened its new headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The 38,260sq.ft facility also includes an additive manufacturing customer centre.
US plants – stick or twist?
Several carmakers have recently outlined plans to alter their production activities in the US. Some announcements have been positive, with large investments being made to build new facilities as well as upgrade existing ones. Others have detailed plant closures.
Tariffs: controversy reigns with Trump and Brexit adding to confusion
In President Trump somewhat simplistic analysis, trade wars fought through the medium of tariffs are easy to win. Angered, apparently, by seeing too many Mercedes and BMWs on Fifth Avenue, Trump has threatened to invoke section 232 of the 1962 US Trade Expansion Act, raising tariffs from their current 2.5% ...
Eaton and Cummins venture forth
To face an ever-widening array challenges, automotive manufacturing has seen numerous instances of partnerships, alliances, mergers and acquisitions entered into as a means to stay healthy
Honda closure deals blow to UK
Honda has announced plans to close its Swindon plant at the end of the current model’s production lifecycle in 2021. The statement, which was published on the company’s website, refers to the changing nature of the global auto industry and Honda’s “commitment to electrified cars” as the main reasons behind ...
Volkswagen selects EV production base
US - Volkswagen has announced that it will use its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee as a base for electric vehicle manufacturing in North America. It currently makes the Atlas SUV and Passat sedan at the factory.
New chapter, different story?
International expansion continues but, as Ian Henry reports, Audi’s long-term role within the VW Group is now under scrutiny
Three Audi models enter production
Algeria - Assembly of the Audi A3 Sportback, A3 Sedan and Q2 has started in Relizane. The plant is operated by Sovac Production S.P.A - a joint venture between the German OEM and the Algerian car dealer Sovac.
Seven plant closures at GM
In a bid to operate more efficiently and to cater for consumer demand, General Motors has announced plans to close seven different plants across the world. Five of these are in North America, while the location of the two remaining plants set to close is yet to be released.
