All South America articles – Page 6
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ArticleThe Mexican machine
As North American automotive production continues to recover from the economic crisis, Mexico is powering ahead as the engine of growth, with more OEMs investing in facilities and output increasingThe healing process that took place in the US automotive industry after the shock of the economic downturn is now so ...
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ArticleVW Anchieta: Production pioneer
As the first VW plant outside Germany, Anchieta paved the way for the OEM’s leading position within BrazilWhen Volkswagen first looked to produce vehicles outside its home nation after the devastation of World War Two, the incipient automotive hub around São Paulo was the location it chose. A bilateral trade ...
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ArticleCompetitively commercial
As Mercedes-Benz earmarks $1bn for its CV operations in Brazil, AMS tours final assembly at the São Bernardo do Campo plant, which plays a part in producing the entire Latin American truck line-up “Today, Brazil is the most important sales market for our trucks worldwide,” said Stefan Buchner, head of ...
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ArticleFAE: Achieving a good match
Olivier Lefebvre, vice-president of the component supplier's Brazilian branch, says its NewTech paint installation is proving an effective import to South AmericaJoanne Perry (JP): How important is South America as a production location for Faurecia Automotive Exteriors?Olivier Lefebvre (OL): South America represents 5% of the total sales of Faurecia [Group]. ...
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ArticleChrysler: Going global
The OEM's established brands, vehicle line-up and production locations will be repositioned worldwideCreating a single entity out of transatlantic mergers or alliances has proven difficult for Ford and General Motors, despite the One Ford strategy now being seen by some as paying dividends. Likewise, the break-up of DaimlerChrysler some years ...
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ArticleGM Joinville: LEEDing sustainability
The OEM's new Brazilian site is the first automotive plant in South America to achieve LEED certificationWhen General Motors (GM) began the construction of its Joinville engine manufacturing facility in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, in September 2010 it already had sustainability in mind – specifically the Leadership in Energy ...
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ArticleRenault's revamp in Brazil
The French OEM will plough $215m into the latest expansion of its manufacturing complex in Paraná State Earlier this year, Renault announced its latest big push to boost production and sales in Brazil with an investment of €162m ($215m) for its manufacturing complex in Curitiba, Paraná State. The funds will ...
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ArticleNissan's bold new beginning in Brazil
The Japanese OEM recently launched a $1bn manufacturing complex in Rio de Janeiro State to develop its presence in South America and continue its global sell-where-you-build policyIn April this year, Nissan launched a serious assault on the giant Brazilian vehicle market by opening its first standalone factory. The new 220,000 ...
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ArticleManufacturing velocity
Todd Montpas, automotive and tyre market development manager at Rockwell Automation, explains how and why vehicle-makers must position themselves to keep pace with market demandsThere is no slowing down in the automotive industry. A customer base with a range of differing priorities for new-vehicle purchases – including safety, fuel efficiency, ...
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ArticleFiat's future of expansion & contraction
The OEM has a new strategy for its range of vehicles, but familiar problems remain for its many brands Since CEO Sergio Marchionne set out the new strategy for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) earlier this year, some noteworthy developments have taken place. Firstly, rumours emerged in the German press of ...
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ArticleKia announces first Mexican plant
Mexico – The vehicle-maker has signed a $1 billion agreement with the government to establish a state-of-the-art plant with a capacity of 300,000 units in Monterrey, Nuevo León State. Construction will begin in September this year and is due to be completed in the first half of 2016.The new factory ...
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ArticleGM announces $2.9bn Brazilian investment
Brazil – Due to run between 2014 and 2018, the funds will go towards the development of new products, technologies and training as well as component localisation.“This investment will allow the Chevrolet brand continue to renew its line-up with a focus on technology and quality,” commented Jaime Ardila, president of ...
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ArticleInterview with Sonia Campos, GM Brazil
The director of GM's São Caetano do Sul Plant, in São Paulo, talks about updating the 84-year-old facility to keep pace with the demands of modern productionJoanne Perry (JP): How important is the São Caetano do Sul Plant as a production location for GM in Brazil?Sonia Campos (SC): São Caetano ...
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ArticleInterview: Sowade and Marques, VW Brazil
Anchieta plant director Frank Sowade and Almir Marques, factory planning, infrastructure and environmental manager, discuss the continued development of VW’s pioneering plant in BrazilJP: Anchieta was the first Volkswagen plant outside Germany, established in 1959. Does this mean that back then VW had already recognised South America’s potential as an ...
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ArticleRuling Romania
Revitalised by Renault since its purchase in 1999, Dacia now has a considerable production footprint; the Mioveni plant is the jewel in its crown Dacia is the automotive equivalent of the local convenience store that has somehow transformed itself into a supermarket chain. A company which at best produced only ...
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ArticleErodes Berbetz, Mercedes-Benz Brazil
Previously Volvo’s purchasing director in South America, Erodes Berbetz talks about his new role as head of procurement for Mercedes-Benz Brazil and Daimler Latin America, following his appointment in April this year Joanne Perry (JP): What lessons can you apply to your current role from your previous experience with Volvo, ...
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ArticleInterview with Erodes Berbetz, Mercedes-Benz Brazil
Previously Volvo’s purchasing director in South America, Erodes Berbetz talks about his new role as head of procurement for Mercedes-Benz Brazil and Daimler Latin America, following his appointment in April this year Joanne Perry (JP): What lessons can you apply to your current role from your previous experience with Volvo, ...
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ArticleKansas starts making 2015 Transit
US – Following a $1 billion investment and the recuitment of 2,000 employees, the first unit of the new model has now rolled off the line at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.Ford’s investment has involved retooling and the addition of a 437,000 sq.ft stamping facility and a 78,000 sq.ft paintshop. ...
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ArticleRenault’s renewal
Under a new “Change” strategy, Renault is reorganising its manufacturing footprint and model allocationSince 1999, Renault has worked closely with Nissan in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This co-operation has been immensely beneficial to Renault, giving the company access to a wide range of suppliers and platform technologies and, in recent times, ...
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ArticleGM Joinville gains LEED certification
Brazil – Recognition from the US Green Building Council makes the engine plant the first automotive facility in South America to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard, says GM. According to the vehicle-maker, the certification is the result of investments in sustainability from the start of ...