Chery takes over Nissan plant in South Africa Chery is expanding its manufacturing in Africa and is taking over the former Nissan plant in Rosslyn. From 2027, SUV models from Chery, Jaecoo and Jetour are to be produced there. Chery wants to create 3,000 jobs in South Africa and build a local supplier network. AMS Editorial
Could Porsche shift production of the Cayenne from Bratislava to Leipzig? According to media reports, Porsche is considering moving Cayenne production from Bratislava to Leipzig. For Leipzig, it would be a significant gain. For Bratislava, a serious loss. But the decision is unlikely to be straightforward. Timo Gilgen
At Hefei, VW draws new hope for its business in China In little more than five years, the Hefei plant has become VW’s pivotal hub for its long-awaited comeback in China. A key model, the ID.Unyx 08, is already rolling off the production line there. Thomas Geiger
Why Toyota is investing another billion in its US plants Toyota is investing one billion US dollars in its US plants in the states of Indiana and Kentucky. The Japanese company is strengthening its electric vehicle plans and expanding hybrid capacity in the group’s most important sales market. Yannick Tiedemann
Raymond Wittmann becomes new production chief at BMW From May 2026, Raymond Wittmann will take over the production division from new BMW boss Milan Nedeljkovic. The rollout of the Neue Klasse, factory conversions worth billions and strong margin pressure could make his start a baptism of fire. Yannick Tiedemann
Nissan retools Sunderland for next-generation Leaf Nissan has launched production of the third-generation Leaf at its Sunderland plant. New EV platforms, reconfigured factory processes and the EV36Zero framework are shaping how the site scales electric vehicle manufacturing and industrial flexibility. Timo Gilgen
Europe’s carmakers cut production as overcapacity bites Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Ford are pausing production at multiple plants across Europe amid falling demand, rising inventories, and shrinking market share. With utilisation rates dropping, industry-wide plant closures are beginning to look inevitable. Ian Henry
Schiebe replaces Burzer in lead production and supply chain role at Mercedes Leadership shifts at Mercedes-Benz as Schiebe takes production role, Burzer moves to CTO, and Schäfer retires after three decades Marcus Williams
