How flexibility, digitalisation and workforce agility are reshaping auto manufacturing From multi-powertrain assembly lines and digital twin-enabled operations to agile supply networks and adaptive workforce models, OEMs and suppliers are redesigning the production floor for a future that rewards flexibility and responsiveness. Anushka Dixit
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
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
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
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
Honda to source hybrid vehicle batteries from Toyota’s new US plant as tariff threats and shifting EV policies force Japanese carmakers to rethink their supply chains Honda will source hybrid batteries from Toyota’s $14bn US factory starting in 2025, as rising tariffs under Trump and declining EV incentives prompt Japanese carmakers to reinforce local supply chains Ilkhan Ozsevim
Honda scales back China ICE production as it accelerates EV plans in response to intensifying domestic competition and shifting market demand Honda is restructuring its China operations, cutting ICE production and focusing on EVs after a sharp sales decline. The automaker is betting on its new electric SUV, the S7, to reclaim market share amid intensifying domestic competition and a rapidly evolving industry. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
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
Nissan plans to cease AD van production in November as merger discussions with Honda progress towards 2026 integration In a strategic move preceding its anticipated merger with Honda, Nissan announces the cessation of its AD compact van production by November. This decision reflects efforts to streamline operations and address surplus capacity as the OEMs plan to integrate by 2026. Ilkhan Ozsevim
The automotive industry weighs the challenges of geopolitics and market factors in 2025 Trade wars, geopolitical tensions, mergers, increasing competition are all considerations that need to be addressed and navigated by vehicle makers and suppliers. Ian Henry highlights some of the key factors to look out for in 2025. Ian Henry
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
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
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
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
Chinese automaker GAC plans European EV production to counter 45% EU tariffs, aiming for half a million overseas sales by 2030, with first electric SUV launch set for mid-2025 Facing the imposition of tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, GAC, one of China’s largest carmakers, is considering European manufacturing to preserve market access. Its electric SUV Aion V will be showcased at the Paris Auto Show, with sales expected by 2025. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
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
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
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
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
Vitesco Technologies supplies electric drive system for Honda plug-in fuel cell vehicle Vitesco’s EMR3 axle drive will be integrated into the Honda CR-V e:FCEV and will be the first time this system has been used for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Nick Holt
Honda grows its North American EV footprint Honda is investing heavily in growing its electric vehicle production operations in North America but is also leveraging expertise and capacity for hybrid powertrain production Nick Holt
Impacts of global geopolitics on European production Geopolitical influences on the automotive manufacturing sector are intensifying and becoming ever more powerful. European trends cannot be looked at in isolation; their impact on the ground in Europe have their roots in wider global factors… 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
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
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
AMS Summer 2023 – JLR goes electric In our AMS Summer digital edition, we have features on JLR’s plans to transform its end-to-end industrial system, ready for new electric models, Seat’s technical upgrades to production operations and upskilling the workforce and insights into developments at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant, and more. AMS
AMS Spring 2023 – Next level digital production engineering In this latest AMS digital edition we have features on Audi’s digital production engineering strategy, Dacia’s vehicle plant Mioveni, production cloud systems, toolmaking, China, sustainability and more. AMS
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
Honda announces next steps in US EV production The Marysville Auto Plant will be Honda’s first auto plant in the US to transition to making EVs Rebecca Morley
Honda and GS Yuasa look to collaborate on lithium-ion batteries The two companies have reached a basic agreement toward collaboration for a high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery with the goal of establishing a joint venture company by the end of 2023 AMS
LG and Honda formalise joint venture to produce lithium-ion batteries in the US The new battery plant will exclusively supply Honda plants in North America to power battery-electric vehicles produced and sold in in the region AMS
Honda Alabama starts production of all-new Pilot Honda’s Alabama plant requires substantial production changes to build all-new Pilot SUV AMS
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
VR training for assembly operations Introducing a completely new model to the production line and ramping up to mass production is a challenge. The team at Honda’s East liberty Auto plant have deployed a VR training system to support the assembly line workers with impressive results Nick Holt
Watch: Livestream Hour Season Finale | Part 2: Update from North America with Honda and Benteler Don’t miss the last Livestream Hour episode this season as our guests provide insight on how the coronavirus crisis is currently affecting production and the supply chain in North America, featuring Hector Martinez from Honda de Mexico and Maxim Serov from global tier 1 Benteler. 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
Second thoughts: Honda is expanding its activities on recycling end-of-life EV batteries The drive among all OEMs to rethink and reduce consumption in manufacturing process is sparking innovation. Honda, for example, is exploring the second-life opportunities of electric vehicle battery materials Gareth Price
