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
Automotive expert Tunç Kip says human-machine interfaces are essential in boosting flexibility, quality, and performance in global automotive 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
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
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
JLR and Daimler Truck are building resilience through flexible manufacturing, agile supply chains and modular production systems JLR and Daimler Truck are adapting their global production systems to meet rising demand for vehicle personalisation, electrification and supply resilience. From simulation to system design, flexibility is now built in from the start. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Dräxlmaier are using digitalisation, automation and AI to transform production, logistics and sustainability across their global manufacturing networks European automotive manufacturers are building digitally integrated production systems across their global operations to increase resilience, reduce emissions and prepare for new vehicle architectures and future technologies Götz Fuchslocher
Mercedes-Benz to localise GLC SUV production in Alabama amid tariff pressures and market shifts Mercedes-Benz confirms plans to assemble the GLC SUV at its Alabama plant starting in late 2027, a move influenced by US tariffs and the need for localised production to meet North American demand. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mercedes-Benz lays foundation for advanced paint shop in Sindelfingen, fusing sustainable design with digital twin, AI and smart energy management Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in a new state-of-the-art paint shop near Factory 56 in Sindelfingen. Built with Dürr, the site will feature AI, digital twins and smart energy systems to cut emissions and resource use by half. Yannick Tiedemann
How Mercedes-Benz Bremen manages combustion, hybrid and EV builds while preparing for Maybach and AI-driven smart production without going fully electric In an interview with Timo Gilgen, the Bremen plant manager talks about his understanding of leadership, identifies the challenges facing the location, and explains how the north manages to build ten different models simultaneously and why a purely electric plant is not an option. Timo Gilgen
Software-defined vehicles are transforming value creation, customer models, and strategies across the automotive industry, from BMW to Stellantis and NXP It’s now time to take a more holistic view of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). After all, they involve completely new business models. Who is pursuing which strategy? By Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
UK competition regulator fines 10 carmakers and trade bodies over collusion in green advertising and recycling disclosures The UK’s competition watchdog has fined major carmakers and two trade bodies over £77m for colluding on green advertising. A whistle-blower tip from Mercedes-Benz exposed years of consortium activity that limited consumer choice. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
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
EU allows automakers flexibility for 2025 emissions targets to be averaged over 2025-2027, easing regulatory pressure The European Commission has eased 2025 CO2 targets, averaging them over 2025-2027. While this relieves short-term pressure, it raises concerns over Europe’s ability to stay competitive with China in the EV race. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mercedes-Benz develops flexible van architecture for EV and ICE powertrains To meet customer demand Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer vans with ICE powertrains alongside electric vehicles (EV) built on a single architecture going forward. 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
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
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
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
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
Global IT outage affects Mercedes-Benz production The global IT outage that hit industries across the world today has affected automotive manufacturing across the world, causing problems for the automotive manufacturing industry globally. Megan Kelly
Sames solves for BMW & Mercedes: Adhesive tech in bodyshop & glazing Sames’ innovations support high-quality adhesive bonding in automotive manufacturing, optimising efficiency and standardisation across bodyshop and glazing processes. SAMES
ACC halts construction of two European gigafactories Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies subsidiary Saft, has halted the construction of two of its three planned European gigafactories. Megan Kelly
How Mercedes-Benz and Seat are transforming their plants Michael Bauer, regional head of production at Mercedes-Benz and Jose Arreche, plant manager at Seat emphasised the importance of data and digitalisation in the transformation of their plants at the Automobil Produktion Kongress 2024, but stressed the evolving role that people will play in production. Timo Gilgen
Federico Kochlowski promoted to President and CEO Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) Kochlowski has extensive experience across numerous production roles at the carmaker as well as across several regions Ilkhan Ozsevim
The changing shape of Europe’s automotive production operations European vehicle manufacturing is having to adapt to weakening EV demand and increasing competition. This means revising production volumes and rethinking the ICE-EV balance in the short term. Ian Henry
Compas wins category for site transformation at FYA: Interview with Santiago Jurado, chief quality officer Watch how Compas, winner at the Factory of the Year Awards, reshaped quality production management to overcome extreme complexity in automotive production. Chief Quality Officer Santiago Jurado shares insights with AMS Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig. AMS
Mercedes-Benz has entered into an agreement to explore the use of Apptronik’s humanoid robots for its automotive manufacturing ecosystem The carmaker partners with Apptronik to integrate Apollo robots, potentially revolutionising production lines with collaborative automation, addressing labour challenges and advancing the future of automotive manufacturing. Ilkhan Ozsevim
ACC raises €4.4 billion for three gigafactories in Europe Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has raised €4.4 billion ($4.7 bn) in debt funding for the construction of three gigafactories in Germany, Italy and France. Megan Kelly
BYD to establish passenger car production in Europe BYD has chosen Szeged, Hungary as the location for its first passenger car production facility in Europe Nick Holt
Mercedes‑Benz welcomes Jörg Homering as new head of production and site at Ludwigsfelde The Ludwigsfelde site is currently ramping up for eSprinter van production set to begin in 2nd Q. 2024 where Homering will oversee production as the new head of the site Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
How Mercedes-Benz's Concept CLA Class showcases its ‘digital first’ production model The carmaker is strengthening its digital first production model with upgrades and enhancements throughout. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Mercedes and Dürr enter decade-long partnership for sustainable paint shops Mercedes-Benz has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with painting technology group Dürr with the aim of making vehicle painting CO2-free. Megan Kelly
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
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
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
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
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
Case Study: Daimler Relies Upon HiveMQ During Automotive Manufacturing Learn how and why Daimler uses HiveMQ to manage information flow between vehicle diagnostics system test devices on the factory floor and server-side enterprise IT systems By HiveMQ, sponsor partner
ACC opens first gigafactory in France Automotive Cells Company (ACC) has officially opened the first of three planned European battery gigafactories in Billy-Berclau Douvrin, France. Megan Kelly
Mercedes will use VAN.EA architecture for its next generation of midsize and large vans Mercedes says starting 2026, all newly developed midsize and large vans will be built on VAN.EA, using three modules to allow for a clear differentiation between private luxury vans and premium commercial vans Nick Holt
Developing EV architectures optimised for manufacturing There’s more to electrification than batteries. We look at some of the developments and trends in designing and manufacturing electric vehicle platforms ahead our exclusive livestream featuring Gestamp and ArcelorMittal Nick Holt
Smart Factory Special Edition - Automobil Produktion Read about the latest developments in digital twins, predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0 featuring SEAT’s Markus Haupt, Audi and more from AMS sister publication Automobil Produktion in this special edition for the Hannover Messe 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
Mercedes-Benz’s groundbreaking ceremony for new Kuppenheim battery recycling factory Mercedes-Benz says it is investing a ‘double-digit million euro amount’ in the construction of the balance sheet CO2-neutral plant Rebecca Morley
Mercedes-Benz and Hydro partner to develop a sustainable aluminium supply chain Mercedes-Benz to collaborate with Norwegian aluminium producer Hydro to reduce the CO2 footprint of aluminium in the automotive supply chain AMS
Rock Tech Lithium to supply Mercedes-Benz, deal to cover 150,000 EVs a year Rock Tech will produce some of the battery metal from its own resources in Canada and from other mines compliant with the Initiative for Responsible Mining. Peter Murphy
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
BMW opens digital upskilling, future technologies training centre at Spartanburg Automakers and component suppliers are increasingly turning to internal training to match skills to the rapid pace of automotive’s digital and electric transition. Peter Murphy
Mercedes-Benz to build wind farm to supply 15% of German factory power The turbines with a combined output of more than 100 megawatts (MW) will be installed at the automaker’s Papenburg, northern Germany test track. Peter Murphy
Mercedes-Benz and Rivian to join forces on European EV van factory The joint plant will offer cost savings to both automakers and speed start-up Rivian’s establishment of a presence beyond North America. Peter Murphy
Mercedes looks to chemical recycling to further develop circular manufacturing operations Mercedes-Benz is working with BASF and start-up Pyrum Innovations to develop and utilise chemical recycling that will enable circular manufacturing of virgin-quality plastics for vehicle components AMS
Mercedes-Benz to buy battery cells from €7.4 bn CATL Hungary plant The huge CATL investment could also benefit automakers such as BMW, Stellantis and Volkswagen who have manufacturing sites in Central Europe. Peter Murphy
Mercedes-Benz to invest €1.3 billion in digital skills training by 2030 The size of the training budget underscores the urgency of the building new skillsets automakers will rely on in an EV-focused future. Peter Murphy
Watch: Keeping pace with battery demand and technology Rising costs and fast-changing battery technology will make it hard to meet EV targets, but localisation and new business models can mitigate issues, according to Automotive Cells Company’s Francisco Carranza and Airbus’s Greg Ombach. Christopher Ludwig
Mercedes-Benz-funded battery start-up Sila to supply longer range battery for G-Class A Mercedes-Benz-backed battery start-up will supply a range-boosting silicon anode battery for the carmaker’s G-Class range potentially from the middle of the decade. Peter Murphy
Mercedes-Benz opens Alabama battery plant and will partner with Envision AESC for regional cell supply Mercedes-Benz has opened a new battery assembly plant in Bibb County, Alabama, which will build electric vehicle battery packs that will supply production of the all-electric Mercedes-EQ ahead of the beginning of series production this spring at the Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) plant nearby in Tuscaloosa. Jason Dunn
Where the Catena-X automotive cloud stands The vehicle cloud Catena-X intended to provide a more integrated network for automakers and suppliers. In reality, standalone solutions have prevailed so far and made the task of networking the entire auto industry even more strenuous. Claas Alexander Stroh
Farasis Energy to build carbon neutral gigafactory in China as domestic recovery becomes priority Lithium-ion battery provider Farasis Energy has confirmed that it will add 24 gigawatt hour (GWh) per year production capacity to manufacture electric vehicle battery cells, modules and packs in China. Jason Dunn
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
Cellular manufacturing adds flexibility in Mercedes-Benz bodyshop For the production of the new C-class, Mercedes has taken the opportunity to add flexibility by way of cellular manufacturing in the body shop and with so-called ‘TecLines’ for assembly. Illya Verpraet found out more. Illya Verpraet
How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet Namrita Chow
Ineos finalises supply for Hambach takeover Ineos Automotive has officially taken over operations of the Daimler plant in Hambach, France, after completing the purchase of the facility in December last year. It will start building the firm’s Grenadier off-roader in 2021, as well as continue to build the Smart EQ Fortwo until the end of its model cycle Illya Verpraet
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
AMS on Africa: Part 3 – Game plan for South Africa Despite competition elsewhere in the continent, South Africa retains its key place among global manufacturing strategies Ian Henry
eSprinter begins its run Production of the eSprinter van has begun at Daimler’s Düsseldorf plant Gareth Price
Solar flair Sven Schulz, CEO of battery systems supplier Akasol, speaks to Gareth Price about the company’s involvement with Daimler’s next generation electrified bus Gareth Price
Casting a duo Two innovative metal forming techniques could have a significant impact on the press shop of the future Mike Farish
Building on framework Michael Nash and The Freightliner Custom Chassis plant in Gaffney, South Carolina, houses a diverse assembly mix, and has recently taken on a new project