China's Hybrid EV shift demands Western production pivot A new survey reveals how Chinese consumers are reshaping global automotive production priorities, with technology trumping price wars and plug-in hybrids gaining ground over pure battery electric vehicles: McKinsey Ilkhan Ozsevim
Analysis: Carmakers face flux with flexible production as labour crisis deepens Fourth annual survey reveals workforce challenges remain paramount whilst production flexibility emerges as new complexity. Early data suggests fundamental shift in how manufacturers approach capacity and agility in uncertain times. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Munro secures £2m funding to scale Scottish EV production Munro EV has secured £2m funding to expand production of its M-Series electric 4x4s in Glasgow. Backed by Elbow Beach, the company aims to meet rising demand from mining, defence and construction while creating 300 jobs in Scotland. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Inside BMW’s smart logistics strategy at Debrecen BMW is redefining automotive logistics with direct delivery systems, real-time tracking, digital twins, and autonomous transport at its Debrecen plant. The OEM’s tech-driven approach integrates production, quality, and sustainability – setting a new standard for next-gen vehicle manufacturing. Nick Holt
BYD’s 880% UK surge exposes gaps in the region’s EV strategy BYD’s record UK sales in September, despite being shut out of subsidy schemes, underline a wider reckoning for UK auto manufacturing strategy. An industry built on incentives and protection needs fresh foundations in design, export and resilience. Ilkhan Ozsevim
The flexible assembly line: How vehicle production learned to hedge its bets Market uncertainty has forced manufacturers to abandon fixed production lines. Honda, BMW and Volkswagen are investing billions in systems that can switch between combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles by the hour. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Carmakers and regulators rethink EV timelines as ICE makes a comeback in Europe Electric vehicle momentum is slowing across Europe as automakers delay EV launches, extend hybrid and ICE models, and push for regulatory flexibility. The EU is under pressure to revise zero-emission targets and support its own supply base. Ian Henry
Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi ramp up EV production at Ampere’s Douai plant The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is accelerating its electric vehicle strategy at Ampere’s Douai plant, preparing for the launch of the all-electric Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The modular facility now serves four brands with six EV models. AMS Editorial
Hyundai ups US bet to $26bn Despite an immigration raid at its Georgia plant, Hyundai Motor Group boosts US investment to $26bn, including a $2.7bn EV expansion, to counter tariffs and leverage EV incentives, spotlighting labour reliance issues. Ilkhan Ozsevim
SSAB creates ‘EV Success Index’ for material selection The "SSAB EV Success Index" provides designers and EV developers with a single parameter to aid in material selection AMS
Magna to build Xpeng and GAC EVs at Graz facility Magna expands its footprint in the electric vehicle (EV) sector with two major new contracts to assemble models for Chinese automakers Xpeng and GAC AMS Editorial
Proton opens EV-dedicated assembly plant in Malaysia to boost electrification strategy Tanjong Malim facility delivers rapid launch of e.MAS 7 and localisation of EV production. The site was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 6 September. Anushka Dixit
CEA and ProLogium partner to develop removable and recyclable solid-state battery module The prototype will aim to showcase how Design-for-Disassembly could reshape battery production and recycling in Europe, which will be demonstrated at IAA Mobility 2025. Anushka Dixit
EU carmakers say 2035 CO2 targets unworkable Europe’s leading automotive executives are pressing Brussels to rethink its car and van CO2 rules, warning that rigid 2030 and 2035 targets are no longer realistic amid rising costs, import dependence and trade barriers. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Tesla's Nevada Semi surge gathers pace With a colossal stamping press now in place at Gigafactory Nevada, Tesla primes its all-electric heavy-duty truck for broader output, challenging diesel dominance in a sector ripe for decarbonisation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Electrified production: Scaling EV and battery output This AMS livestream investigates how automotive manufacturers and suppliers are adapting existing and new factories to produce EVs and electrified vehicles.
Modular manufacturing moves automotive production into the future Automotive manufacturers embrace modular platforms to achieve unprecedented flexibility whilst maintaining efficiency gains, transforming traditional production paradigms for electric and conventional vehicles. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Small EVs offer big production and industrial advantages A new report argues that smaller, more affordable electric vehicles are central to reducing supply risks, improving competitiveness and restoring growth in global automotive markets. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Europe: EV investment continues but managing capacity is an issue Despite billions invested in electric vehicle production and battery supply chains, many European plants are grappling with low utilisation, underwhelming EV sales, and structural overcapacity. Can Europe's auto industry recalibrate to remain competitive? Ian Henry
Mercedes Chairman urges EV "reality check" on EU 2035 car ban lest region “collapse” Mercedes-Benz’s Ola Källenius warns Europe’s automotive industry could collapse under a rigid petrol and diesel ban by 2035, urging a technology-neutral and economically sustainable path. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Toyota to build "plant of the future" in Japan amidst tariff turbulence Toyota has announced plans to acquire land to build a new vehicle manufacturing plant in the Teihoucho area of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Megan Kelly
VinFast launches "world class" flagship EV plant in Tamil Nadu, India Vietnamese EV maker VinFast opens its first overseas plant in Tamil Nadu, India, signalling a confident bet on one of the world’s fastest-growing vehicle markets and a strategic push toward regional exports and sustainable mobility leadership. Ilkhan Ozsevim
UK automotive output slumps amid EV and cost challenges UK automotive manufacturing faces its toughest half-year since 1953 outside the pandemic. While EV output grows, cost pressures, unclear incentives and supply shortages threaten recovery plans. Megan Kelly Ilkhan Ozsevim
Washington’s tariff gambit upends vehicle production map Fresh US tariffs are upending EV strategies, accelerating reshoring, stalling imports and forcing automakers to overhaul production footprints and future investment plans. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Polestar expands European production with new Polestar 7 in Slovakia Polestar is advancing its production strategy with a new European manufacturing footprint, shared platforms with Volvo Cars, and the forthcoming Polestar 7 SUV set to launch from new Slovakia plant in 2028. AMS Editorial Nick Holt
