North America News
Electric vehicles could transform role of tier 1 suppliers in manufacturing
As OEMs look to reduce production costs and manage more complexity, automotive suppliers will face challenges. But with more EV models in the pipeline, many have the opportunity to grab a larger piece of the pie both for manufacturing and the total value chain
Toyota tops up US investment
Toyota has completed its US plant modernisation project, first announced in January 2017, with an additional $700 million for its Indiana facility
GM invests in engine plant upgrades
General Motors has announced further upgrade programmes for two of its US engine plants, Spring Hill and Tonawanda
GM Arlington: expansion and inspection on the Texas SUV lines
Upgrades at the home of GM’s full-size SUV production help to launch the new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models for 2020
RAV4 Hybrid production starts at TMMK
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), has started production of the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid SUV
Tearing profits apart: how tier 1 automotive suppliers can mitigate shrinking margins
The latest report by Automotive from Ultima Media examines the profits and outlook for the top 20 automotive parts suppliers and explores the strategies and solutions they should consider to avoid significant disruption in the 2020s
Tier Supplier Profit Analysis: Mitigating Margin Compression and Manufacturing Costs
Automotive tier 1 suppliers are facing unprecedented industry transformation in electrification along with economic uncertainty. Download this report on the top 20 global suppliers for a deep analysis of their historic margins, as well as solutions for how suppliers could cope with growing pressures and changes in manufacturing across the supply base
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.
