North America News
At the centre of change for Volkswagen Group
Martin Hofmann, chief information office of the Volkswagen Group (pictured, right), explains how the carmaker is transforming its IT system backbone and legacy infrastructure across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain and engineering – and how Volkswagen is now able to attract top software talent.
Building Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the supply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations.
Map: Volkswagen’s growing network of IT expertise
Volkswagen Group IT has opened or expanded global IT and software centers, with growing significance across the company’s IT research and operations. Check out a map of their key locations and functions.
A program of change for Volkswagen Group IT
Over the past two years, Volkswagen’s central Group IT division, led by CIO Martin Hofmann, has been expanding staff numbers, investment and digital projects across the group’s business processes, and working more closely with brands like Audi, Porsche and Skoda. In the first of a multi-part article special on Group IT, we explain the evolving shape of the organisation.
FCA–PSA fusion: first of the electric shock waves?
The merger attempt by FCA and PSA will be complicated but makes economic and operational sense, including for manufacturing efficiency. Whether or not it goes ahead, more consolidation is likely as the automotive industry gears up for electrification
A divided global electric vehicle market could limit OEM economies of scale in manufacturing
Sales of hybrid and battery electric vehicles are set for significant regional divergence, which could fragment economies of scale across automotive production, R&D and technology costs, according to a new powertrain forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media
Honda makes virtual renewable energy purchase
US - Honda is buying renewable energy to sell back to the grid in order to offset emissions from its manufacturing facilities
Global trade disputes could dim electric vehicle production potential in key markets
Trade uncertainties such as those between the US and China, or the UK and the EU, could put the brakes on growth in the electric vehicle and battery supply chain for some OEMs and countries, despite bullish forecasts for alternative powertrains
Powertrain forecast to 2030: Navigating the road to electrification
Download this report for forecasts of eight different powertrains across major regions, including hybridisation, electrification and internal combustion engines, which reveals changes that will have huge implications for the future of automotive manufacturing. The latest insight by the business intelligence unit of Automotive from Ultima Media
Tesla, Fremont
At its facility in Fremont, California, Tesla runs one of the world’s most advanced factories in the automotive world. Covering 5.3 million sq. ft of manufacturing and office space, the facility was previously home to General Motors.
Cummins hits engine production milestone
US - Cummins has made three million diesel engines at its plant in Columbus, Indiana
Opportunities ahead for automotive OEMs and tier suppliers
The downturn in automotive sales volume creates many challenges, but the transitional state of the industry also provides many business opportunities including manufacturing, according to a forecast and report from Ultima Media.
Greater expectations: brighter days will return for the automotive industry
Although automotive OEMs will face years of stagnant vehicle sales, a stronger recovery thereafter will bring growth back up to long run averages and herald a return to stronger profits. By then, however, the industry is likely to have undergone further consolidation.
Pricier, technology-laden new vehicles are driving consumers to buy used vehicles
OEMs’ own sales and technology strategies, combined with growing regulations, are leading more consumers to the second-hand vehicle market, a development that could reshape future automotive business models and future production, according to a new report.
Navistar to build new ‘benchmark’ San Antonio plant
US - The new Navistar plant will be used to build commercial vehicles in a variety of different sizes
Toyota invests in San Antonio facility
US - The OEM is spending millions to upgrade the facility, which has attracted investment from suppliers in nearby factories
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
