Stellantis appoints Fernando Andreu to lead EV manufacturing expansion at Ellesmere Port As Stellantis boosts its electric van output, the Ellesmere Port plant welcomes new Plant Director Fernando Andreu, who will oversee production of medium-sized battery electric vans alongside the site’s existing small van assembly line. AMS
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
GM invests $888M in Tonawanda plant to build next-gen V-8 engines for trucks and SUVs General Motors is reinforcing its commitment to American manufacturing and high-performance engines with a $888m investment in its historic Tonawanda Propulsion plant. The funding supports production of GM’s sixth-generation V-8 engines, powering full-size trucks and SUVs while bridging the gap to an electric future. AMS
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
Toyota to build GR Corolla in the UK starting 2026 Toyota Motor Europe has confirmed that its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire will begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla in 2026, marking a significant expansion of the company’s high-performance GR (Gazoo Racing) lineup. AMS
Honda ramps up motorcycle production in India with new line at Gujarat plant Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is significantly expanding its production footprint in the world’s largest motorcycle market with the announcement of a new production line at its fourth manufacturing plant in Vithalapur, Gujarat. AMS
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
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
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
Ambitious targets and big investments for India’s carmakers After a period of downsizing or complete withdrawal by some foreign OEMs, investment in Indian production is on the rise again with the domestic vehicle makers leading the way. Ian Henry
Skoda expands manufacturing operations with new Vietnam assembly plant Skoda has officially begun local assembly of its Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan at a newly established facility in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province. Developed in partnership with Thanh Cong Group, the plant marks a significant step in Skoda’s global expansion, strengthening its foothold in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing automotive market. Nick Holt
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
JAC Motors expands production in Mexico to increase capacity by 30% and assemble electric and combustion SUVs, pickups, trucks and LCVs for future domestic growth JAC Motors is scaling up production at its plant in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo, with a 30% capacity boost and new flexible lines to assemble electric and combustion SUVs, pickups, LCVs and trucks for Mexico’s evolving market Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mazda’s Lean Asset Strategy: Driving efficiency in development and manufacturing Mazda has unveiled its “Lean Asset Strategy,” reinforcing its multi-solution approach to electrification. This initiative is aimed at optimising product development and manufacturing while accelerating time-to-market and reducing costs. Nick Holt
India targets $500bn in EV investment as government boosts manufacturing incentives and new players like Tesla, VinFast prepare entry Significant investments are now under way at domestic and international vehicle companies in India, in component production, electric and hybrid vehicle production for the domestic market, and to facilitate rising exports across the world. This is being encouraged under the government’s strapline of “Make in India for the world.” Ian Henry
India aims to become a global player in automotive manufacturing India is potentially on the cusp of becoming a major global player in vehicle production. Whether it can achieve this status will become clear in the next couple of years. The transition to EVs adds to the national challenge as the domestic players are not really leaders in this sector. Meanwhile, the Indian EV supply base is nascent and dependent on foreign investors. Ian Henry
BMW plants prepare for a new era with Neue Klasse production As BMW gears up production towards its Neue Klasse electric vehicles, the factories are to remain flexible. Gotz Fuchslocher looks at the strategies the manufacturer is pursuing as it prepares to launch production of the new models. Götz Fuchslocher
Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexico & Canada take effect, China import tax rises to 20% Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada have officially taken effect, along with an additional 10% increase on Chinese goods, raising the total import tax to 20%.
Honda upgrades production with advanced processes for 2026 Passport models Innovative manufacturing enhances efficiency, quality, and ergonomics at Alabama Auto Plant. Nick Holt
Honda North America’s big investment in flexible manufacturing for EVs, hybrid and ICE vehicles Honda invests $1 billion in retooling its Ohio manufacturing plants to build ICE, hybrid, and EV models on same production line. New technologies being introduced include megacasting, CDC and friction stir welding. Nick Holt
Mercedes-Benz introduces new paint finish to improve sustainability at Wörth plant In a move toward reducing the facility’s carbon footprint, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth is rolling out a new painting technology for its truck cabs, which is expected to cut energy consumption by up to 40%. Nick Holt
Stellantis to reopen Belvidere plant, build new pickup truck and dodge durango, investing $5bn in US production amid strategic reshuffle Stellantis commits $5bn to US auto manufacturing, reopening the Belvidere plant, building a midsize pickup, and producing the next-generation Dodge Durango. With 1,500 jobs to be restored, the move signals a strategic reset amid challenges and a reshuffling of priorities. Ilkhan Ozsevim
JATCO opens new manufacturing facility to supply electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant Nissan and the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO) have secured a £50m investment deal, in partnership with the UK government, to create a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland. Nick Holt
Dürr to equip BYD’s first European passenger car factory in Hungary with advanced sustainable painting and cleaning technologies, marking a milestone for both companies, and the EU tariff question BYD, one of China’s largest EV makers, has chosen Dürr to equip its first European car plant in Hungary with advanced painting and cleaning technology. This collaboration combines precision engineering with sustainability, showcasing the future of European EV production. Ilkhan Ozsevim
HORSE launches new high-performance eMotor production at Aveiro, Portugal, for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, enhancing automotive electrification HORSE, a leader in hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions, has started producing its high-performance eMotor at Aveiro, Portugal. Designed for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the motor delivers 49kW and 212Nm torque, with a capacity of 160,000 units annually. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Coventry and Warwick Gigapark aims to transform UK EV battery production amid competition and policy pressure The Coventry and Warwick Gigapark seeks to anchor the UK’s position in Electric Vehicle (EV) battery Production. With 5.7m sq.f of industrial space, incentives, and a central location, it’s a critical response to ZEV mandates and global competition. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico is driving global sustainability with solar power, water reuse, and AI-driven carbon reduction BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility in Mexico exemplifies sustainability in action. From solar energy to water recycling and AI-driven efficiency, the plant demonstrates how local, effective green innovation can reshape automotive production on a global scale. Following a site visit, AMS delves into the facility’s world-leading sustainability intiatives. Ilkhan Ozsevim reports. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Rolls-Royce invests £300m to extend Goodwood manufacturing facility The £300m site extension will expand Bespoke and Coachbuild capabilities, driven by a 10% increase in Bespoke content value per motor car year-on-year, and support future EV production. Nick Holt
Mazda to build module pack plant for cylindrical lithium-ion batteries Mazda’s new plant will be located in Iwakuni City, Japan and will produce battery packs for its new EVs. Nick Holt
Chinese vehicle makers look to international markets for growth, but domestic government pressure and trade barriers may slow expansion. The number of domestic vehicle manufacturers in China has increased rapidly in recent years. Some are spin-offs from previous joint ventures with foreign companies, others entirely new. A few, notably BYD, Geely and Chery, have become significant global players, as well as gradually overhauling the foreign players in their domestic market. Ian Henry
PowerCo partners with Alterric and EnviTec to power Salzgitter Gigafactory with 3 Terawatt Hours of green energy over the next decade PowerCo SE has secured 3 terawatt hours of green electricity for its Salzgitter gigafactory through long-term agreements with Alterric and EnviTec Biogas. These partnerships will cut 115,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and support Europe’s renewable energy goals. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Stellantis advances its battery chemistries and improves sustainability by investing with CATL to build Spanish gigafactory Stellantis and Chinese battery manufacturer CATL have formed a joint venture to invest up to €4.1 billion ($4.3 bn) to construct a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Spain. Megan Kelly
Ford’s Halewood facility begins production of electric drive units strengthening the UK’s role in EV manufacturing The electrification of Ford’s Halewood plant is more than just a strategic pivot; it’s a testament to the company’s vision for sustainable automotive manufacturing. By producing over 420,000 electric drive units annually, the plant will power Ford’s top-selling EV models and support Europe’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. Ilkhan Ozsevim
What next for Chinese investment in Europe? China’s economy is slowing, and the US is threatening high tariffs on Chinese imports. Against this backdrop Chinese OEMs are looking to expand operations in Europe. Ian Henry examines the opportunities and challenges. Ian Henry
Honda sets up a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries Honda’s demonstration production line will support development for the mass production of solid-state batteries. Nick Holt
BMW debrecen ramps up for Neue Klasse production as test vehicles signal progress in electric innovation BMW group’s debrecen plant in hungary has commenced near-series production of the Neue Klasse x model. The facility’s advanced processes are rigorously tested as it prepares for full-scale electric vehicle manufacturing by late 2025. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Asahi Kasei breaks ground on Canada lithium-ion battery separator plant Asahi Kasei has broken ground on its new lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. The plant will operate as a joint venture with Honda and is expected to begin commercial production in 2027. Nick Holt
BMW reinforces EV production quality with first phase go-ahead for new Wackersdorf battery testing centre in Germany BMW’s Wackersdorf facility, now home to an advanced battery testing centre, highlights the automaker’s push towards sustainability and precision in electric vehicle production. The €100 million ($105.65m) investment underscores BMW’s commitment to innovation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Rivian and Volkswagen Group JV to create electric architectures and software The new joint venture (JV), with a potential investment of up to $5.8 billion, will see engineers from both partners developing software and electronics architectures and scale the electric vehicle platforms and architectures. Nick Holt
BMW Leipzig starts production of the second generation 2 Series Gran Coupé The new 2 Series Gran Coupé joins the 1 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer and MINI Countryman in production at Leipzig, with the four models with three different drive options made on a single production line. Nick Holt
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Mannheim plant to start production of eActros 600 components Series production of the eActros 600 will start at the end of November this year at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth supported by components produced at Mannheim. Nick Holt
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
Mercedes-Benz opens battery recycling facility to create a closed loop system The new recycling facility, located in Kuppenheim, Germany, will utilise an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process. Nick Holt
Change is the only constant for Volkswagen Chattanooga EVP Christopher Glover The head of Volkswagen’s US plant operations is managing market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, practical digitalisation, training and engagement with workers. He speaks to AMS ahead of a keynote presentation at AMS Evolution North America in Michigan. Christopher Ludwig
Honda expands new energy vehicle manufacturing in China with new Wuhan plant Honda opens its first dedicated new energy vehicle (NEV) production plant in Wuhan, China, boosting its electric vehicle production capabilities with advanced automation and eco-friendly technology. Nick Holt
Dürr builds an energy-efficient paintshop for Stellantis’ Kenitra plant Stellantis’ new paintshop to double capacity at Kenitra plant and reuse paint robots from other facilities. Nick Holt
Hybrid powertrains – building the bridge to e-mobility The future of internal combustion engines (ICE) is being extended through growing demand for hybrid powertrains as OEMs rebalance EV product line-ups. Nick Holt
Market-driven decisions: Statevolt pivots from EV Batteries to Energy Storage Solutions, and from the US and Europe, to UAE Statevolt pivots from EV batteries to Energy Storage Systems (ESS), focusing on the UAE due to its favorable conditions. CEO Lars Carlstrom explains the strategic shift and challenges faced in the EV sector. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Tier suppliers – Adapting to new challenges BorgWarner shares insights into how the company is leveraging existing assets and using mergers and acquisitions to boost electric vehicle component production. Nick Holt
How BMW is ‘Designing for Circularity’ to become a sustainability leader in automotive production BMW’s Roberto Rossetti, Total Vehicle Life Cycle Development, elucidates BMW’s innovative ’Design for Circularity’ approach. From using recycled materials to optimising vehicle disassembly, BMW is redefining how vehicles are produced and consumed. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mexico’s automotive industry is a balancing act between foreign investment and domestic concerns While the US government encourages domestic production, Mexico continues to attract foreign automotive investment. The trend is particularly evident in the arrival of Chinese manufacturers, poised to have a significant impact on regional production. Ian Henry
EV transition slowdown and domestic politics challenge the US Big Three in new and unexpected ways US automakers face a tangled web of tariffs, union issues, and a slowing EV market. The threat of Chinese competition looms large, while the IRA’s complex rules create new challenges. Ford, GM, and Stellantis are each fighting to navigate these obstacles. Ian Henry
How cobots can support automotive production Cobots enrich the industry with their ability to complete tasks in close cooperation with humans and are becoming increasingly intelligent thanks to modern technologies. This article takes a look at the different types of robots, and their benefits to the industry. Ronja Schmiedchen Werner Beutnagel
Audi’s electric hopes rest on Györ Györ plays a special role in Audi’s production network. Just as important as the approximately 176,000 vehicles produced each year are the almost 1.7 million drives produced. Now Györ must make the transition to electromobility. Werner Beutnagel
Volvo’s 100% EV strategy shift: facing the unavoidable truth Lower-than-expected EV sales continues to have repercussions for production plans, with Volvo the latest vehicle maker to delay 100% EV target. Ian Henry
HORSE powertrain continues to expand supply in range extender market HORSE will supply Brazilian EV start-up manufacturer Lecar with its HR10 range extender engine, to be fitted to the Lecar 459 hybrid. Nick Holt
Stellantis invests $406M in three Michigan plants for EV and multi-energy strategy Stellantis commits over $406M to three Michigan facilities to ramp up production of electric vehicles, including the Ram 1500 REV and electrified Jeep Wagoneer, in line with its Dare Forward 2030 strategy for sustainable mobility. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
Denso expands electrification-focused inverter line and sustainable digital production Denso is bolstering its position in the electrification market with the launch of inverter production at Denso Fukushima. Simultaneously, the company has unveiled plans for a next-generation, fully automated plant at Zenmyo, set to modernise ECU production with 24-hour unmanned operation and sustainable energy use. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Holon seeks to transforms urban mobility with new Florida autonomous shuttle vehicle plant Holon, a subsidiary of Benteler, has unveiled plans to modernise the future of transportation with its first autonomous shuttle vehicle manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The plant is expected to produce up to 5,000 autonomous movers annually. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Chinese EV giant BYD presses pause on Mexico production plant plans as it awaits US election outcome BYD’s decision to delay its Mexico plant expansion comes amid rising trade tensions with the US. The company is eyeing potential trade benefits under the USMCA but remains cautious about the uncertain political landscape. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Skoda builds updated Octavia at Kvasiny Skoda shuffles production to add Octavia to Kvasiny and free up capacity at Mlada Bolslav for Enyaq and Elroq models. Nick Holt
Polestar starts US production of the Polestar 3 Polestar has started production of its Polestar 3 SUV at the Volvo plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Nick Holt
Nissan and Honda agree to joint research for next-gen SDV platform The two companies have agreed to joint research in fundamental technologies next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Nick Holt
Musk halts Tesla Mexico gigafactory until after US election Tesla has paused its plans to build a new gigafactory in Mexico until after the US presidential election in November, as Donald Trump has pledged to impose a 100% tariff on vehicles made in Mexico. Megan Kelly
Toyota West Virginia starts production of new hybrid transaxle Production of this fifth-generation hybrid transaxle is part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification. Nick Holt
Toyota to build EV battery plant for Lexus in Japanese island Toyota Motor is planning to build an EV battery plant for its Lexus brand in the Japanese island of Kyushu, according to Japanese newspaper Nikkei. Megan Kelly
GM Invests $500M in Lansing Grand River for EV transition GM is investing $500m in Lansing Grand River Assembly, supported by a US Department of Energy grant, to transition the plant to electric vehicle production. The investment is part of a broader $12bn commitment to enhance North American EV manufacturing Ilkhan Ozsevim
European battery production needs greater speed and agility Exhibitors at this year’s Battery Show in Stuttgart shared insights into EV and battery production challenges and how the industry needs to adapt with greater speed. Nick Holt
Electric Dreams: Tesla’s gigafactory network and EV battery production blueprint From Fremont to Berlin, Tesla’s gigafactories are the drivers in its goal to lead the EV market. Each site plays a crucial role in electric vehicle and battery innovation, ensuring Tesla meets global demand and maintains its lead in the electrification race. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Ampere supports Renault Group with LFP technology and cell-to-pack solutions Ampere will integrate LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology to complement NCM batteries (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) and create a European value chain. Nick Holt
Volkswagen’s Traton eyes third European battery plant to meet Electric Vehicle demand Traton Group, Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle arm, considers a third battery assembly plant in Europe to support rising electric truck demand. Potential locations include Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. This move aligns with the EU’s carbon reduction roadmap and Traton’s goal of 50% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030. Ilkhan Ozsevim
ASEAN: Chinese OEMs increase investment through EV production The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is now seeing increasing investment in electric vehicle production with Chinese OEMs leading the way. Ian Henry
GM, Stellantis and Volvo Group to gain $1.7 billion in EV grants The US federal government is set to contribute $1.7 billion in grants to GM, Stellantis, Volvo Group and more to support increased EV production. Megan Kelly
Amplify Cell Technologies begins construction of Mississippi battery cell factory Amplify Cell Technologies’ new plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 21GWh for the production of LFP battery cells. Nick Holt
Designing manufacturing systems for flexibility and scalability Comau discusses assembling e-drives, developing battery manufacturing solutions, and collaborations with universities for next-generation cells. AMS
Korea: the switch to EV production accelerates Korean vehicle makers invest in flexible production and add more EVs. Foreign OEMs continue to invest in production for export. Ian Henry
Toyota Texas to expand manufacturing footprint with $531m investment Toyota Texas’ new on-site 500,000 sq. ft facility will be for drivetrain parts production Nick Holt
BeyonCa sets stage for Hong Kong’s automotive jump with new EV assembly plant Renault (and Dongfeng)-backed BeyonCa plans to transform Hong Kong’s automotive sector with its first EV brand and assembly plant in Tseung Kwan O, potentially shifting towards high-tech production post-2019 protests and COVID-19 challenges. Ilkhan Ozsevim
