Hybrid vehicles return to North America’s production lines as automakers rethink strategy Automakers that once aimed to skip hybrids and go straight to electric vehicles are now reintegrating hybrids into their North American line-ups. Building “half-and-half” cars is proving technically tricky but strategically worthwhile. Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM invests $4bn to boost US EV output and shift assembly from Mexico, Canada General Motors will invest $4bn to expand vehicle production in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, shifting models from Mexico and Canada in a move that highlights localisation, EV growth and trade policy anticipation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM promotes Mike Trevorrow to head global manufacturing, align with EV and software shift General Motors has appointed Mike Trevorrow to oversee global manufacturing and engineering operations, unifying leadership to drive faster industrialisation of software-defined and electrified vehicles across 110 sites. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
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
UK automotive production hits lowest April level since 1952 as exports falter and policy uncertainty clouds EV transition UK car and commercial vehicle production fell sharply in April, marking the worst start to a year since 2009. As exports decline and policy uncertainty looms, the industry calls for urgent action to restore competitiveness and support the EV transition. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Automotive expert Tunç Kip: Human-machine interfaces essential in boosting flexibility, quality, and performance in global manufacturing From the factory floor to upstream design, digital human-machine interfaces are enabling smarter, leaner, and more flexible vehicle production - but humans need to be at the centre of gravity for it to work. 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
Augmented reality, AI, cobots and digital twins are transforming automotive production by enhancing worker training, planning, inspection and collaboration Human-machine interfaces are becoming central to car production. With AR, cobots, AI inspection and digital twins, OEMs like Ford, Volvo, GM and Mercedes are reshaping the way people and machines interact. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Sterling Anderson joins GM as executive vice-president and chief product officer to drive innovation across electric and petrol vehicles, software, services and user experience General Motors has appointed Sterling Anderson, co-founder of Aurora and former Tesla executive, to lead product development across its portfolio, as the carmaker seeks to unite software, hardware and user experience under a single innovation strategy. Ilkhan Ozsevim
China’s rare earth magnet export ban threatens global EV and automotive manufacturing, as US, European and Asian carmakers scramble to secure critical materials The global automotive sector is facing renewed disruption as China tightens control over exports of heavy rare earths and magnets. With EV powertrains and chips at risk, OEMs are now racing to diversify supply. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
General Motors ramps up pickup truck production at Fort Wayne as US tariffs unsettle North American automotive trade and raise questions over Canada’s manufacturing footprint General Motors is hiring temporary workers to boost production at its Fort Wayne plant in response to new US tariffs. While Oshawa output remains stable for now, the move reflects shifting trade and labour pressures across North America. 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
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
China: Fierce domestic competition sees international brands suffer lower sales and a contraction of output As China’s domestic brands consolidate and grow both at home and internationally, the international brands, which have benefited from growth in the Chinese market over the years, now face serious headwinds. Ian Henry
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
How Trump’s presidency could reshape automotive production, trade relations, and the green transition for manufacturers across the US, Europe, and Mexico With Trump as President, automotive manufacturers are bracing for major policy shifts affecting production, tariffs, and the electric vehicle landscape. With opposing stances on trade and green policies, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could alter the course of the automotive sector across the US, Europe, and Mexico. Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM Ventures invests $10m in Forge Nano to improve EV battery performance and reduce costs General Motors drops the Ulitum brand and shifts from single chemistry approach. The OEM has also entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Forge Nano to collaborate on atomic layer deposition applications for GM’s electric vehicle batteries. Nick Holt
General Motors shifts EV battery strategy by scrapping Ultium name as it balances EV ambitions with strong ICE demand The carmaker has announced it is making a strategic shift by dropping its Ultium battery branding as it reconfigures its EV business. While reaffirming its commitment to electric vehicles, GM also continues to invest in internal combustion engines to meet demand. 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
Canada – Mixed fortunes for production operations Canadian vehicle and component production operations are feeling the impact of slow EV sales. However, the country has many assets making it attractive to investment, especially in battery production. Ian Henry
GM and Samsung SDI seal $3.5B deal for Indiana Electric Vehicle battery plant General Motors and Samsung SDI have cemented a $3.5 billion agreement to establish an advanced EV battery manufacturing plant in Indiana. This facility will enhance GM’s EV production capabilities by delivering up to 36 GWh of prismatic battery cells annually. Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM continues path towards 2040 carbon neutral target General Motors (GM) boosts renewable energy sourcing and reduces natural gas consumption to support sustainability targets. Nick Holt
Despite industry fears, global EV sales reach record highs in 2024 and remain on an upward trajectory How will slowing growth in EVs impact auto industry investment strategies? As the industry navigates challenges from rising costs and charging infrastructure gaps, to consumer range anxiety and rising competition, Daniel Harrison explodes some EV myths. Daniel Harrison
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
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
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
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
Honda starts production of fuel cell electric vehicles in the US The 2025 CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell electric vehicle is now being produced at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Nick Holt
Weak demand dims electric future Consumer resistance and trade disputes mean the future may not be so electric after all as vehicle makers express caution on zero emission vehicle targets. Ian Henry
VW Chattanooga votes union: A turning point for southern autoworkers? Nearly three-quarters (73%) of the VW Chattanooga workers voted in favour of joining the union, making VW’s Chattanooga’s plant the first unionised foreign car factory in the southern US since the 1940s. It’s a major win for the UAW, which has struggled to expand its influence beyond its Detroit base in recent years. Anushka Dixit
Google’s Clausen takes GM manufacturing mantle as EVP Johnson retires GM’s longtime EVP Gerald Johnson announces retirement after 44 years. Clausen appointed new EVP, Abbott to step down due to health. Leadership transition underway for manufacturing and software divisions. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Challenges looming for US vehicle production EV production in the US is facing headwinds from both weakening demand and foreign competition. Ian Henry
GM and Honda 50/50 Joint Venture Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) kicks off production of hydrogen battery fuel cells to power sustainable future Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM); the GM-Honda joint venture kicks off production of pioneering hydrogen fuel cell battery technology in Brownstown, Michigan to accelerate sustainable automotive solutions Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM appoints ex-Tesla executive to new VP of batteries role GM has appointed Kurt Kelty, a battery expert and former Tesla executive, to its new role of vice-president of batteries, in a move that aims to help the carmaker become a leader in EV manufacturing. Megan Kelly
Is cost-cutting the newest trend among OEMs in Europe 2024? Watch this space… As Renault and VW move towards major and comprehensive cost-cutting projects, with the squeeze of uncertainties and inefficiencies, is this liable to spread? Ilkhan Ozsevim
Ford scales down planned Michigan EV plant, GM scraps EV target Ford is downsizing the capacity and investment in its planned EV plant in Marshall, Michigan, following suit of GM scrapping its EV production targets. Megan Kelly
GM secures ex-Tesla gigacasting specialist Tooling & Equipment International (TEI) with the acquisition signalling a potentially ambitious production pivot and push into untapped market segment General Motors’ acquisition of gigacasting expert Tooling & Equipment International (TEI) could signal a significant change in its EV manufacturing. With Tesla in focus, GM may be aiming to reshape its production landscape and vie for market share. Ilkhan Ozsevim
UAW workers ratify deals with GM, Ford and Stellantis Members of the United Auto Workers union (UAW) have ratified the tentative deals with GM, Ford and Stellantis following weeks of strikes against the Detroit ‘Big Three’. Megan Kelly
Impact of UAW strikes could leave suppliers at financial risk The impact of the recent UAW strikes could leave suppliers at financial risk, according to a supply chain and manufacturing legal expert. Megan Kelly
Back in the USA Returning to Detroit for the first time in over 10 years the AMS Automotive Evolution North America event delivered expert panels and a fully engaged audience who combined to share their valuable insights and experience, through panel discussions, Q&A and networking. Here are some of the highlights from the sessions. Nick Holt
AMS Autumn 2023 – Continental Shift In this latest AMS digital edition we have a special focus on the North American automotive industry as the region’s OEMs make big investments in electric vehicle and battery production AMS
UAW strikes against Ford, GM and Stellantis: UAW strike costs GM $1.1 bn Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union started a strike against Detroit’s ‘big three’ automakers on Friday 15th September after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached. Below are the latest updates. Megan Kelly
UAW workers start strike against GM, Ford and Stellantis Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union have started a strike against the ‘big three’ Detroit OEMs GM, Ford and Stellantis, after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached. Megan Kelly
Big three strikes ‘potentially a major economic crisis’ Automakers in the US could face a “major economic crisis” if a deal between unions and the ‘big three’ American OEMs is not reached, according to expert lawyers. Megan Kelly
GM pauses production of trucks due to parts shortage GM has paused the production of its Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks at three of its North American plants due to parts shortages. Megan Kelly
Analysis: Hyundai’s plan to acquire GM India’s plant will boost market share and EV capacity Hyundai’s acquisition of GM India’s Talegaon plant signals intent to boost Indian manufacturing and further accelerate EV production plans. Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM announces $60m Series B investment in AI-powered battery materials trailblazer Mitra Chem Mitra Chem uses AI to develop iron-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries in reduced time to market and may signal GMs exploration of alternative battery materials to thwart ongoing supply shortages. Ilkhan Ozsevim
GM faces ongoing Ultium technology-related battery production delays slowing EV output The OEMs Cadillac Lyriq and BrightDrop van manufacturing levels continue to be impacted due to battery module assembly issues. Ilkhan Ozsevim
India’s light vehicle demand is rising again, and so is manufacturing investment India has long been seen as the next big thing in automotive manufacturing, due to its growing middle class and high demand for vehicles, but it has struggled to get there. Will new investment help it realise its potential? Ian Henry
GM set to invest $920m in Ohio DMAX engine plant General Motors is set to invest $920m in its Duramax diesel engine production facility in Brookville, Ohio to quadruple its footprint. Megan Kelly
GM invests $632m in Fort Wayne ICE truck assembly plant General Motors (GM) is set to invest $632m in its Fort Wayne Assembly plant for the production of its next generation internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks. Megan Kelly
GM and Mercedes-Benz both sign up for green steel Both General Motors (GM) and Mercedes-Benz have signed agreements for the supply of green steel for the production of their vehicles. Megan Kelly
General Motors to invest $1 billion in Flint ICE truck plants GM will expand the body shop and assembly, and add stamp and press tooling at its plants in Flint, Michigan, as part of a major investment in the production of internal combustion engine trucks alongside EV investments. Megan Kelly
GM and POSCO to build battery material facility in North America General Motors (GM) and POSCO Future M are planning to build a new battery material facility in North America, in the second phase of their joint venture estimated to exceed $1billion. Megan Kelly
China: European, US and Japanese Vehicle Manufacturers rebalance production and supply chains AMS looks at the changing role of the Chinese operations of European and other long established brands’ operations in China and their changing roles in the global auto sector Ian Henry
Magna to build new battery enclosures facility in Canada to support Ford F-150 Lightning production The company will also manufacture battery enclosures for GM’s Silverado EV in St. Clair, Michigan, adding to existing battery enclosure production for the Hummer EV Rebecca Morley
GM invests $918m in four US powertrain production facilities Investment will prepare four GM plants for production of 6th generation small block V8 and EV components AMS
AMS Electric Vehicles – The road to e-mobility In this latest AMS digital edition we will look closely at how manufacturers are developing and finetuning their electric powertrain technologies, platforms and production processes, with in-depth features on Skoda, GM, Ford, Volta Trucks, REE Automotive and more. AMS
Leader of the pack: GM looks to optimised cell chemistry and format for EV success General Motor’s director of global battery cell and electrification strategy, Tim Grewe, discusses the company’s EV Ultium programme and offers some insights into its choice of battery chemistry and format Mike Farish
GM benefits from EV plant upgrades across North America in pick-up truck battle General Motors’ investments in EV trucks and pick-up manufacturing position it to capture growth in what is a fiercely contested segment in North America. Peter Murphy
Hertz turns to GM and Sixt to China’s BYD for nearly 300,000 electrified rental cars Hertz will place orders for up to 175,000 electric cars from General Motors over the next five years and Sixt will order around 100,000 BEVs and PHEVs from BYD. Peter Murphy
Automotive battery manufacturing and supply chain 2022: Risks, regulation and resiliency The latest AMS battery report forecasts production capacity, analyses suppliers and materials, and shows why OEMs and suppliers are forging new partnerships Daniel Harrison
Lithium-ion battery gigafactory database 2022 Track electric vehicle lithium battery gigafactories by manufacturer, location, manufacturer, current and planned gigawatt (GWh) capacity. Automotive from Ultima Media
Cadillac Celestiq to be built by hand at GM’s Global Technical Center The “ultra-luxury” sedan will be the first model ever produced at GM’s research-focused Global Technical Centre in Michigan. Peter Murphy
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 and hybrid vehicle plant database Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location, in a comprehensive listing of the changing geography of electric vehicle manufacturing. Automotive from Ultima Media
OEM and lithium-ion battery cell supplier database Keep up with changing supplier relationships between electric vehicle manufacturers and battery cell suppliers in this database by powertrain type (battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, mild and full hybrid electric vehicles, and commercial electric vehicles). Automotive from Ultima Media
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
GM invests $4 billion to prepare Spring Hill and Detroit-Hamtramck plants for EV production General Motors is moving forward with investments to equip its factories to produce electric vehicles (EVs). The Spring Hill, Tennessee plant gets a $2 billion upgrade to produce the Cadillac Lyriq and the and Detroit-Hamtramck plant will see $2.2 billion invested to produce the recently unveiled GMC Hummer EV. Illya Verpraet
GM restarts Corvette assembly after supply shortage General Motors has confirmed that it restarted production of the Corvette sports car in Kentucky on Monday after a week of shutdowns that resulted from parts shortages. Illya Verpraet
Event preview – Surcar North America: Virtual Summit 2020 Automotive coating experts set the scene as networking opportunities reconvene Gareth Price
Composite case study: curved rear bumper beam of the Corvette Stingray Performance vehicle structures have long made extensive use of composite materials and the new generation of GM’s flagship sportscar, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, continues the push. A key composite component of the new Corvette Stingray is a curved carbon fibre rear bumper beam, created through a bespoke application of radius pultrusion… Gareth Price
North America: GM and FCA schedule production restarts General Motors sets 18 May target; FCA’s global network on standby for further restarts Gareth Price
Calling stop on automotive supply chains: How long can companies survive the Covid-19 crisis? With the coronavirus pandemic causing a level of automotive plant shutdowns not seen since the second world war, suppliers and logistics providers will face failures without direct support from government, and close collaboration with OEMs and industry. Christopher Ludwig
US giants in Asia: Part 2 – China checks and churns Ford and GM remain committed to the China market, one that still has much to offer despite sales downturns and health crises Ian Henry
US giants in Asia: Part 1 – down and nearly out in India As GM and Ford scale back from the subcontinent, the withdrawal is symptomatic of their global challenges and retrenchment back in the homeland Ian Henry
GM assigns Detroit-Hamtramck as its first EV-dedicated plant General Motors has announced plans to make Detroit-Hamtramck its first fully-dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant Gareth Price
