Hybrid powertrains will continue to support the transition to vehicle electrification Weak EV demand, critical mineral supply challenges and tariff-driven market uncertainty keeps hybrid vehicles in the big picture for model development and production investments. Ian Henry
UK vehicle production slips behind global leaders as China and North America accelerate EV manufacturing, trade alignment and industrial policy AMS explores why the structural forces behind Britain’s vehicle production are in decline, contrasting it with the strategic clarity and industrial momentum driving EV investment across North America, and preeminently. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Tariffs changing the automotive landscape in North America Donald Trump’s tariffs have triggered some shorter-term shifts in US production operations and longer-term evaluation on investments and strategies as supply chains are restructured. Ian Henry
Will exports drive production growth across India? Building on the rising value of vehicle exports and components, the Indian government wants 50% of vehicles made in India to be exported by 2030 but there is some way to go before this ambition can be realised. Ian Henry
US tariffs on Mexico and Canada threaten North American auto production and supply chains, raising costs for manufacturers The US is threatening to impose tariffs on automotive imports from Canada and Mexico, testing the resilience of North American manufacturing. The move could drive up costs, disrupt supply chains, and challenge the stability of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), just as the industry navigates nearshoring, investment shifts, and electrification. Ilkhan Ozsevim
The declaration of Martial Law in South Korea raises challenges for automotive production and global supply chains amid political upheaval The declaration of Martial Law in South Korea has thrown its critical automotive production and logisitics into uncertainty. As political tensions mount, automotive manufacturers and supply chains brace for potential major disruptions in operations and logistics Ilkhan Ozsevim
Volkswagen’s plan to close two German assembly plants is an existential crisis for legacy auto – but only part of the solution VW’s announcement marks a pivotal moment for Europe’s legacy OEMs with huge repercussions for German production and broader European supply chains. Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst at Ultima Media assesses the causes, potential remedies, and opportunities. Daniel Harrison
Poor financial results and slow EV transition forces Nissan to rethink plans Nissan looks to cut production costs and rebalance production operations in the face of poor financial results. Ian Henry
Stellantis and the UK government: sabre rattling or crying wolf? Unhappy with the UK’s ZEV mandate Stellantis has suggested it might cease LCV production in the UK, but is there more to this than legislation? Ian Henry
The future may be all electric, but not just yet With demand for battery electric vehicles lower than expected, OEMs are boosting hybrid output and extending ICE production. Ian Henry
Watch on demand: Sustainable Steel Automotive Manufacturing Survey 2024 Webinar Discover the latest insights from a cutting-edge discussion featuring AMS and SSAB on the key challenges faced by automotive OEMs, tier suppliers and other stakeholders in transitioning to sustainable steel.
Europe: OEMs face multiple challenges ahead With global geopolitics in increasing turmoil and ongoing economic uncertainty, Ian Henry shares his thoughts on the notable challenges facing the European vehicle manufacturing sector. Ian Henry
Investment is main barrier to sustainable automotive manufacturing A lack of capital investment is the main barrier to meeting sustainability targets in automotive manufacturing, according to the latest AMS & ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey 2023. Megan Kelly
Rising labour costs become biggest concern for automotive manufacturing Rising labour costs and skills shortages are the biggest concern for the automotive manufacturing industry this year, according to the latest AMS & ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey 2023. AMS
BYD – Aiming for the top In this new monthly column, Ian Henry of AutoAnalysis looks at a major automotive development and places this within its broader context, asking what this means for the industry. To kick this series off, Ian looks at BYD (Build Your Dreams), the Chinese company which – if it succeeds – will be a major player in Europe within the next few years; it is already the largest EV manufacturer in the world Ian Henry
AMS & ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey 2023 results: A positive outlook despite evolving challenges Download our latest global survey results to gain expert insight into automotive manufacturing trends, gauge the current sentiment across the automotive sector and learn about the broader industry outlook for 2024 and beyond. AMS
UK Government injects £2bn into automotive industry to drive sustainable growth: Nissan leads with announcements of three EV models to be produced at its Sunderland plant The UK government injects £4.5bn into strategic sectors, with £2bn for the automotive industry, signaling a green revolution. Nissan swiftly follows, investing £2bn in electric car production at its Sunderland plant. Digital twins and self-driving cars make the cut. Ilkhan Ozsevim
From now to 2030: What’s next for a disrupted, post-pandemic auto industry AutoForecast Solutions sees a value-over-volume focus, more shared components and some major shuffles in the ranks of top EV makers Peter Murphy
Watch: Value over volume – biggest is no longer best in vehicle manufacturing The global vehicle production outlook is murky, while rising costs and supply chain issues are changing manufacturers’ business model, according to analyst Joe McCabe from AutoForecast Solutions. Christopher Ludwig
Day 1 Wrap Up: Learning to dredge the data lakes Industry experts emphasised the need for flexibility and the importance of digital tools in progressing the transformation of automotive manufacturing to electric vehicles. Speakers described challenges of scaling up battery production and supply chain management as well as reducing complexity in production. Peter Murphy
An exclusive focus on flexibility as OEMs look to modular-based manufacturing Modular production in automotive manufacturing is rapidly becoming more innovative and flexible with the ability to multitask. As a result, OEMs are increasingly rethinking their methods and working closely with technology providers to make flexible manufacturing hegemonic. Jason Dunn
Global powertrain and battery production forecast: ever-evolving complexity With diverging regulations, infrastructure, market trends and manufacturing bases, the path to EV and battery production will vary across regions, adding more variation for OEMs and suppliers. Ultima Media analyst Daniel Harrison shares the latest data on powertrain and battery forecasts AMS
Global outlook: the disruptive forces shaping automotive manufacturing Vehicle manufacturers are facing ongoing disruption in the supply chain, but at the same time must manage a paradigm shift in manufacturing and business models. AFS’s Joe McCabe shares the latest vehicle production forecasts AMS
The evolution will be televised: welcome to the online AMS Summit The Automotive Manufacturing Evolution Summit is focused on accelerating partnerships across the industry as vehicle production is increasingly electrified, digitalised and sustainable AMS
Porsche production: moving faster around the bend Porsche’s top manufacturing executive, Albrecht Reimold, explains the carmaker’s progress towards sustainable, connected manufacturing, and why he thinks the automotive industry needs to talk less and act more when comes to solving production problems Pascal Nagel Yannick Tiedemann
Electrifying Europe: new EU ‘Fit for 55’ legislation effectively bans petrol and diesel engines by 2035 The EU’s latest salvo against the automotive industry to mitigate against climate change is the most radical yet, tightening emission targets more than previously announced and setting a timetable to eliminate combustion engines – all of which will ultimately transform automotive manufacturing and supply chain Daniel Harrison
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. Illya Verpraet Daniel Harrison
Electric vehicle battery supply chain analysis 2021: How lithium-ion battery demand and production are reshaping the automotive industry Download this report for forecasts of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery demand, analysis of battery cell gigafactory locations and insight on global EV battery manufacturing and supply chain management. Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet Namrita Chow
Watch: Livestream Hour Season Finale Part 1: Global logistics lessons with the Volkswagen Group As part of our finale for this season’s Livestream Hour, watch this exclusive interview with our special guest Matthias Braun, who leads digitalisation and concept development for group logistics at the Volkswagen Group, on how the carmaker has managed its supply chain through all phases of the coronavirus crisis so far, and lessons for the future Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 6 – Aftermarket and Service Parts: Keeping the wheels moving In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the pandemic’s potential impact on aftersales supply and the aftermarket, including the long-term effects on supply chains and what this means for managing inventory. With special guests from Toyota North America, LKQ Europe and CLEPA. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 5 – Mexico Automotive Supply Chain in Focus In Episode 5 of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the key risks in the Mexican automotive supply chain, and strategies for successfully restarting manufacturing and supply chains, whilst preparing for USMCA implementation. With special guests from Volkswagen, the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and CNW. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Kia maintains investment, launches and stability in Europe In this video interview, Kia Motors Europe chief operating officer, Emilio Herrera, and director of marketing, Carlos Lahoz, outline how the Korean brand is learning from supply chain and production disruptions, digitalising sales channels and maintaining investment in electrification to chart a route towards recovery in Europe. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 4 – Tier Suppliers on the Road to Recovery The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 4, we discuss the key areas that suppliers especially need to consider as the automotive industry stirs back into action, including supply chain and logistics processes, sourcing considerations, digital tools and collaboration. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 3 – India Automotive Supply Chain in Focus In Episode 3, in collaboration with The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), we explore the global export, supply chain and logistics challenges and opportunities in India with a special guest panel that include Meritor, Sona Comstar, TCI and others. The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Your questions answered | Restarting automotive production in the new normal In a follow up to our Livestream Hour episode on restarting production, we bring our guest panel back together to answer audience that we couldn’t get to during the live session, including topics on automation, inventory and future sourcing. Featuring Ralf Bechmann from ROI Management Consulting, and AMS editor Nick Holt, hosted by Christopher Ludwig Christopher Ludwig Nick Holt
Kia suspends production in Slovakia on supply shortages Kia has had to halt the assembly lines two weeks after restarting them, demonstrating the challenges that OEMs face in restarting vehicle production during the ongoing lockdown and coronavirus crisis. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 2 – Restarting Automotive Production in the New Normal This Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 2, supply chain expert Ralf Bechmann discusses how OEMs and tier suppliers together with Christopher Ludwig and AMS editor Nick Holt. Christopher Ludwig Nick Holt
Automotive supplier job cuts inevitable, German economic survey reveals Slowing orders and the electrification transition prompts tier ones trimming back on investment, a DIHK study finds Gareth Price
The coronavirus impact on vehicle production reaches beyond China shutdowns Such is the nature of the global automotive supply chain, it is inevitable that the knock-on effects of idle assembly lines in China soon reach Japan, Korea and beyond Ian Henry
PSA-FCA – the ideal merger or a challenge too far? With Fiat Chrysler and Renault failing to reach a deal to join forces, what are the prospects for the PSA-FCA merger? Ian Henry
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 Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
With its architect in exile, the Alliance is destined for separation Having led the way on OEM collaboration and cooperation, Renault and Nissan seem set to unwind their alliance Ian Henry
EVs are transforming the automotive workforce as well as the market The means by which electric vehicles powertrains and batteries are assembled could lead to significant reductions in factory headcounts Ian Henry
The new shape of IT at Volkswagen 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. Christopher Ludwig
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. Christopher Ludwig
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 spply 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. Christopher Ludwig
PSA-FCA merger: Sergio Marchionne gets his wish, posthumously As CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne tried and tried to find a mega-merger partner for the group. Less less than two years after his death, a likely candidate has emerged… Ian Henry
What took the air out of Dyson’s electric car project? The iconic manufacturer of vacuum cleaners has cancelled plans to develop and build an EV. That was probably a smart decision, considering the huge costs, competition and struggling market that Dyson would have been entering. An analysis from Ultima Media’s automotive analyst, Daniel Harrison. Daniel Harrison
Jobs cut with diesel going down Both carmakers and suppliers are cutting jobs at European factories as the decline of diesel continues. Michael Nash provides an overview Michael Nash
Building blocks for autonomous vehicles Michael Nash touches on some of the most recent announcements regarding the production of autonomous vehicles Michael Nash
Volkswagen electric vehicles - the next chapter Factories that make vehicles with internal combustion engines could soon be making electric vehicles. Volkswagen has already started the transition at one of its plants. Michael Nash investigates Michael Nash
5G networking spreads in car production Certain companies have started leveraging 5G in their car manufacturing facilities in China with the hope of drastically increasing efficiency. Michael Nash provides an insight Michael Nash
Cutting battery production costs Automation and economies of scale could see a reduction in battery production costs. Michael Nash takes a look Michael Nash
