North America News
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
Wolfspeed ahead for GM’s Ultium Drive supply
GM has signed supplier agreement with US electronic subcomponents supplier Wolfspeed (formerly Cree) to secure the supply of silicon carbide devices that the carmaker said will enable it to install more efficient propulsion systems for its electric vehicles (EVs).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cost and opportunity: experts unveil the contradictions at the core of lightweighting EVs
Lightweighting has become one of the most important features when it comes to designing EVs. As calls for more sustainable production practices become louder, creators are looking at new innovative ways to lighten the load.
A production transformation that will last 20 years at Volkswagen
Christian Vollmer at Volkswagen discusses how virtual tools have helped production move during the pandemic, why cross-plant collaboration has accelerated and VW’s evolving manufacturing strategies to ramp up EV production.
REE Automotive to open facility in Texas in preparation for production
The company plans establish its HQ and integration centre in Austin, Texas in 2023 to meet growing demand in the US market for electric delivery vehicles
Canoo charts a new course in production
With a new management team, manufacturing strategy and approach to production, Canoo continues to develop its business. AMS spoke with VP for manufacturing, Frank Faga, to find out more
Lightweighting the EV is a challenge to celebrate
There is a new impetus to save weight as vehicles become powered by electric powertrains. Reducing the weight of a vehicle by optimising the mix of materials and the application in design is now a key focus.
Watch: Vehicle lightweighting rises to the top of the agenda for designers and engineers
This livestream investigates how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating lightweight architectures, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
Optimising the process: AI in robotic assembly cells
The Ford Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan, has been the location for a major innovation in automotive assembly operations, utilising AI to support the use of a robot in a particular automated assembly role. Mike Farish reports
EV battery supply chains on the move
As electric vehicles become serious business for OEMs, they are reassessing their battery supply and manufacturing bases, putting their eggs in multiple baskets and taking more control of the process.
Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle plant database
Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location.