Benteler launches advanced manufacturing project in Morocco, integrating 4.0 tech The Benteler Group has launched construction of a smart automotive plant in Morocco’s Kenitra Free Zone, aiming to strengthen its global footprint, boost local employment and embed digital manufacturing technologies. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW reinvents its Munich plant with AI, automation and digital logistics to support Neue Klasse production and meet rising demand in a constrained city-centre location Speaking at the recent Automobil Produktion Kongress in Munich, Dr. Michael Nikolaides, BMW’s SVP of Production Network, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, laid out the company’s roadmap for the digitalisation of production and logistics operations. Ilkhan Ozsevim Nick Holt
Inside Dräxlmaier’s digital drive: COO Arno Güllering on AI, mindset shifts and global smart factory strategy In a revealing interview at the Automobil Produktion Kongress in Munich, Arno Güllering, chief operating officer of Dräxlmaier Group, shares how the global supplier is accelerating its smart factory transformation. From unexpected digital frontrunners like Tunisia to the growing role of generative AI in maintenance, Güllering discusses his first-year priorities and why a shift in mindset is just as critical as technology. Christopher Ludwig
How Arno Güllering wants DRÄXLMAIER Group to harness shopfloor visualisation and genAI in production and maintenance The tier-1 supplier has established a highly connected production and logistics network, with a strong emphasis on data visualisation and a roadmap for AI. But to stay competitive and resilient, COO Arno Güllering wants to ensure both plants and HQ have a mindset ready to embrace change. Christopher Ludwig
Mercedes-Benz blends AI, humanoid robots and craftspeople at its Digital Factory Campus to redefine the boundaries of human-machine collaboration in vehicle production At its Digital Factory Campus in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz is pioneering new forms of human-machine interaction, from generative AI agents to humanoid robots, blending physical and digital intelligence in its production system. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW develops next-level digital manufacturing at Landshut and Regensburg plants BMW’s Landshut and Regensburg plants showcase how AI, automation, and smart logistics are transforming component production into digitally driven, future-ready operations. Nick Holt
5G networking: How JLR is building smarter factories As manufacturing operations become more data-driven, traditional network technologies are struggling to keep up. Steve Mason, JLR’s Advanced Digital Technologies Manager for Global Industrial Operations speaks to AMS about the integration of 5G networks into factory environments. Nick Holt
Edge computing and AI: Transforming manufacturing at the source In modern manufacturing, edge computing is becoming a game changer, enabling faster, more secure, and more efficient operations. Steve Mustard, an expert with the International Society of Automation (ISA), spoke with AMS on how this technology is shifting traditional processes and how it’s set to evolve with artificial intelligence. Nick Holt
Honda’s $1bn redevelopment of its Ohio plants sets a global precedent in integrating EV, hybrid and ICE production with smart manufacturing and supplier transformation. Honda North America’s upgraded Ohio operations will be its template for flexible production of ICE, hybrid and electric vehicles on a single line. Project lead Mike Fischer speaks to AMS about the goals, planning and execution behind this major production shift. Nick Holt
How digital twins, hybrid clouds and predictive AI are enabling connected manufacturing in the automotive industry Automotive manufacturers are racing to connect systems, optimise production and secure supply chains through digital twins, hybrid clouds and AI. But legacy systems and organisational inertia remain major obstacles. By Ilkhan Ozsevim. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Toyota and Gorilla join forces to deploy AI warehouse tools and drive a global rollout of smart factory automation starting from Thailand Toyota Material Handling Solutions Thailand is partnering with AI firm Gorilla Technology Group to co-develop intelligent warehouse tools. The collaboration launches in Thailand with a global rollout planned. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Future-ready: BMW’s digital transformation of its Munich plant and beyond As the global automotive market pivots toward sustainability and electrification, BMW isn’t just adapting its product portfolio it’s reengineering the entire production operation, prioritising flexibility, digitalisation, and long-term operational efficiency. Plant Munich director, Peter Weber discusses the company’s approach to digitalising production. Nick Holt
At its Berlin Digital Factory Campus, Mercedes-Benz is boosting its connected manufacturing through AI, cloud platforms and human-machine collaboration across its global network At its historic Berlin-Marienfelde plant, Mercedes-Benz is building a new model of connected manufacturing. Through MO360, AI and cloud integration, it is turning data into action across a globally standardised production network Ilkhan Ozsevim
Henkel’s digital battery simulation team accelerates EV battery design and development, cutting costly iterations and physical testing for faster market readiness PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with Henkel.Material supplier Henkel has created a new simulation team that is helping customers to be much faster and more efficient during battery design and development. AMS
How ALM and PLM integration enhances collaboration, accelerates development and ensures compliance in automotive manufacturing PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with PTC.As the automotive industry transitions to software-defined vehicles, integrating Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems becomes crucial. This integration enhances cross-domain collaboration, accelerates product development, and ensures compliance with safety standards. Experts from PTC and Veoneer share insights on leveraging ALM-PLM integration to maintain competitiveness in this dynamic landscape. AMS
Mercedes-Benz accelerates AI and robotics at Berlin-Marienfelde, transforming digital production with humanoid robots and next-generation automation technologies At its Berlin-Marienfelde site, Mercedes-Benz is integrating artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics into automotive production. With new digital tools and axial-flux motor technology, the factory is setting new global standards for intelligent manufacturing. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Accelerating EV innovation transforms design and manufacturing processes as Toyota and Volkswagen lead cross-functional integration and digital twin adoption for future production Industry experts at the AMS Evolution panel examine the accelerating EV shift and its impact on design and manufacturing. Toyota and Volkswagen share insights on engineering flexibility and digital twin simulation to streamline production Ilkhan Ozsevim
Why global automotive innovators must embrace Design For Manufacture to power production in an environment of increasing complexity and fierce foreign competition Automotive manufacturers are streamlining production with Design for Manufacture (DFM), cutting complexity, reducing costs and driving EV innovation. In In this article, experts reveal the key strategies and digital tools that are reshaping vehicle production. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Volkswagen partners with Dassault Systèmes to accelerate software-defined vehicle development with the AI-powered 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform Volkswagen has selected Dassault Systèmes’ AI-powered 3DEXPERIENCE platform as its primary engineering and manufacturing system. The move aims to drive software-defined vehicle innovation, enhance efficiency and unify fragmented processes across the group. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Rockwell strengthens autonomous production logistics with Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors in a major move towards fully integrated smart manufacturing Rockwell Automation has acquired Clearpath Robotics and its industrial division OTTO Motors, integrating autonomous mobile robots into its portfolio. The move signals a transformation in production logistics, optimising efficiency and connectivity across factories. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Audi is transforming vehicle production with AI-powered image processing, eliminating errors and setting new standards for quality control and smart factory innovation Artificial intelligence is accelerating transformation in automotive production. Audi’s Industrial Computer Vision is proving how AI-driven image processing enhances quality control, minimises defects and paves the way for scalable smart factory innovation. Ronja Schmiedchen
BMW drives CO2 reduction with workforce engagement: Transformation only succeeds with head and heart The BMW Group is driving forward decarbonisation, digitalisation and modern leadership with ambitious CO2 targets and a clear strategy. Human Resources Board Member Ilka Horstmeier outlines the economic policy opportunities and challenges in this Q&A. By Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
AI: Enhancing predictive maintenance in production lines Unplanned downtime is costly and something that the automotive industry has been working hard to reduce through predictive maintenance strategies. AI now offers a significant step forward in real-time monitoring and data gathering and analysis. Nick Holt
VW Wolfsburg plant kicks-off Tayron production with precision and digital innovation The VW main plant is once again producing four different models. After the Seat Tarraco is phased out, the VW Tayron is taking its place. Read how the start-up worked here. Timo Gilgen
Skoda’s Andreas Dick on driving flexible manufacturing, digitisation and the role of AI in transforming automotive production for future competitiveness Two measures are at the top of Skoda’s new production boss, Andreas Dick’s, to-do list: digitalisation and flexibility. In the interview, he also reveals what impact the weak demand for electric cars has on his area of responsibility. Yannick Tiedemann
The digital production hub at BMW’s San Luis Potosi blends electrification, AI, and sustainability to lead the way in next-generation automotive manufacturing BMW’s San Luis Potosi facility is a testbed for next-generation automotive production. From digital twins and AI to high-voltage battery assembly, it pioneers lean, green, and smart manufacturing to meet global demands for electrification and sustainability. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Exclusive: How Henkel is co-developing the EV batteries of the future at its Battery Engineering Center PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with HenkelHenkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, inaugurated its revolutionary Battery Engineering Center (BEC) within its Inspiration Center Düsseldorf (ICD) in November last year. Henkel invited AMS as its first visitor, to take a tour of the Battery Application Center (BAC) and Battery Test Center (BTC) within the BEC and the innovations happening inside. AMS
BMW’s iFactory Network expands automated driving technology across production with Dingolfing now acting as testing ground BMW’s dingolfing plant pioneers automated in-plant driving, achieving CE certification and setting a benchmark for efficiency in automotive production. Expansion across its global network is underway. Ilkhan Ozsevim
ZF’s Fernando Bera on prioritising real-time data and people-centric strategies for smart factory success At the AMS Automotive Evolution NA 2024 event, Fernando Bera, Engineering Supervisor and Smart Factory Coordinator at ZF, outlined how real-time data and a people-focused approach are driving efficiency and quality improvements, shaping the company’s smart factory transformation. Nick Holt
AMS Automotive Evolution: Reducing costs, fast-tracking development, embracing change The AMS Automotive Evolution conference in Detroit brought together leading car makers and tier suppliers to discuss managing production operations as the EV transition continues. AMS Editor Nick Holt shares some takeaways from the event. Nick Holt
Automotive leaders discuss strategies to bring electric vehicles within reach of the masses through cost-cutting, advanced technologies, and new approaches in North American manufacturing At the AMS Evolution North America Conference, Ford and Gestamp leaders outlined strategies to slash production costs, tackle supply chain hurdles, and enhance manufacturing efficiency, laying out the groundwork for affordable EVs that meet consumer demand Ilkhan Ozsevim
Smart manufacturing: Data, AI, and digital transformation The process of digitalising manufacturing operations continues to change rapidly with new software and hardware developments and the growing application of artificial intelligence, but challenges remain in optimising these opportunities. Nick Holt
Lowering costs through sustainable manufacturing Sophisticated and complex technologies could be used to reduce costs and make manufacturing more eco-friendly, but simple solutions might be the most effective Michael Nash
Hyundai’s Metaplant America announces launch of 2025 IONIQ 5 to pioneer electric mobility Hyundai’s new $7.59B Metaplant in Georgia gears up to commence production of the highly acclaimed 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering EV technology and creating thousands of jobs in the region. Ilkhan Ozsevim
APK 2024 – Increasing circularity in automotive production Circular economy programmes are becoming a key part of automotive manufacturing sustainability strategies, but these should be more ambitious says Dr Michael Riesener, speaking at this year’s Automobil Produktion Kongress. Nick Holt
Qualcomm’s collaborations with leading automakers to reshape automotive manufacturing Partnerships with BMW, Mercedes, JLR and Mahindra revolve around automotive digital advancements and driving industry transformation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Toyota’s huge production shutdown was due to a simple parts-ordering “system update” The revelation should give pause for automotive production professionals to potentially rethink their systems and presents an opportunity for solutions Ilkhan Ozsevim
Continental digitises European automotive manufacturing plant with a private 5G Network Continental’s innovative private 5G network accelerates production, enhances efficiency, and transforms the digital factory landscape, addressing automotive industry challenges. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Zeekr VP and plant director discusses mass volume EV production Zhao Chunlin of Zeekr sits down with Michael Nash to talk about the company’s ‘intelligent factory’ in Ningbo, China, as well as the various challenges that come with EV production Michael Nash
Mercedes-Benz to implement ChatGPT across its MO360 digital production system The deployment of ChatGPT through Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with Microsoft Azure will mean increased efficiencies across the OEM’s intelligent vehicle production landscape Ilkhan Ozsevim
A culture of quick decisions for Mercedes-Benz production Jörg Burzer, the carmaker’s manufacturing chief, explains how it has reorganised its production network for electric vehicles and powertrains, while speeding up the rollout of digital tools. Now, another phase of change is just ahead. Pascal Nagel
Škoda sets sights on 70% EV mix by 2030, more climate-neutral plants in Czech Republic Skoda production chief and VW Group veteran Michael Oeljeklaus sets out the Czech brand’s route map to more EVs and more efficiency in this exclusive interview. Pascal Nagel
Mercedes-Benz to deploy Microsoft connected factory software, eyes 20% efficiency boost The software system will optimise manufacturing plans based on available components and enable easy monitoring of energy and water use and CO2 emissions. Peter Murphy
Škoda trials 5G communications in lab, anticipating roll-out to manage factories The Czech automaker is trialling the use of 5G communications as a low-latency solution to drive factory digital twins and automate some intra-plant logistics Mike Farish
How Ford will track production planning and suppliers like Uber rides Ford is deploying digital twins and data analytics to bring real-time visibility to production planning and supply chains, according to Balakrishnan Adhi, who leads MP&L plant operations across Asia, Africa and South America. Peter Murphy
Hyundai Motor Group to deploy Singtel 5G network at Singapore centre The bandwidth the service offers will enable Hyundai to gather large volumes of data to optimise processes. Peter Murphy
Watch: Connected factories, predictable futures This AMS livestream explores how Ford, Fraunhofer IPA and other OEMs are advancing smart factories to optimise assembly lines, improve quality and reduce errors, leveraging connected data for digital twins and AI-driven manufacturing planning. AMS
Watch: The future of production planning Britishvolt, Jay Global Techno Alliance, HiveMQ and ABB experts agree there are opportunities for manufacturers and consumers in a globally connected manufacturing ecosystem. Nick Holt
Watch: The AI/data loop leading the digital revolution Tomorrow’s digital smart factories will be more efficent, improve quality, cut costs and unlock insights into deeper automotive manufacturing say this panel of experts from BMW, Secondmind, ATS Global and Lancaster University. Christopher Ludwig
Nokia provides 5G private wireless network for Volkswagen pilot project in Germany as part of flexibility drive Nokia has provided a private 5G wireless network to support industrial connectivity at the production development centre and pilot hall at Volkswagen’s headquarters plant in Wolfsburg. Jason Dunn
Watch: Shopfloor revolution – how data, software and AI are rebooting production OEMs and suppliers are transforming vehicle production through data and connectivity as much as hardware, with new artificial intelligence opportunities emerging. Watch this AMS Livestream Hour to hear about the standards, systems and applications underpinning these changes, with insight from robotics experts at VDMA, AI robotics firm Symbio and Fraunhofer IPA. 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
Volkswagen’s plan to digitise its global production network Volkswagen is looking to completely overhaul its manufacturing capacity through a strategy of digitalisation across the North American region. Using artificial intelligence, cobots, and integrated in-house cloud systems, the company is laying the basis for its planned total upgrade of the entire global supply network. Jason Dunn
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
Webinar recording: Planning & Scheduling for Automotive Industry – Boost your visibility! Discover the benefits of using an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) system
The software-defined assembly line The manufacturing industry is on the cusp of a revolution, where investment is led by software rather than hardware. That in turn enables a raft of new possibilities in creating the factory of the future, according to experts from Audi, ABB and Cosmo Tech. Illya Verpraet
Watch: Factory of the future Livestream – The software-defined assembly line As automotive OEMs digitalise and connect factories, hear how the Audi Production Lab, ABB and Cosmotech are using real-time data, smart software and advanced automation to reshape vehicle production processes. AMS
Electrification and digitalisation go hand in hand at Ford and VW As the automotive industry electrifies, manufacturing is changing dramatically and OEMs are using big data to keep pace with that change. Increasingly moving into the world of tech, old quality control processes may no longer suffice since a lot of EV components cannot be reworked like traditional equivalents. Manufacturing has to be ultra-precise like never before. Illya Verpraet
Watch: Electrifying Production – How to build an electric future (Pt.2) In the second part of our Electrifying Production Livestream series, AMS explores how OEMs are ramping up EV production through modular strategies, data analytics and advanced joining and metrology tools. Featuring Volkswagen Group, Ford, Renishaw and Atlas Copco. AMS
Automation advances AMS investigates how robotics can be adapted to a wider range of applications and the potential offered by 5G communications Mike Farish
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