Tariffs, competition and challenging markets put European OEMs under more pressure The European vehicle manufacturing sector faces major challenges amidst ongoing geopolitical and economic turmoil. This review looks at US tariffs, the slower adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), low factory utilisation, and the rising competition from the Chinese vehicle manufacturers. Ian Henry
Circular economy targets inspire new design, sourcing and supply‑chain strategies for EVs, batteries and interiors Leading OEMs and suppliers are no longer treating circularity as an end-of-life concern. Design, sourcing and localisation strategies are being rethought to prioritise reuse, remanufacture and material traceability from day one. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
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
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
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
Renault expands circular economy with new polish repair facility for sustainable used car refurbishment The French car manufacturer Renault has just opened a special workshop in the largest eastern EU market - even though Poland is not necessarily one of its strongest locations. The issue of sustainability plays an important role. By Sebastian Becker
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
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
The declaration of Martial Law in South Korea raises challenges for automotive production and global supply chains amid political upheaval The declaration of Martial Law in South Korea has thrown its critical automotive production and logisitics into uncertainty. As political tensions mount, automotive manufacturers and supply chains brace for potential major disruptions in operations and logistics Ilkhan Ozsevim
Renault, Volkswagen, Stellantis and Geely pursue entry into Korea’s growing auto market as consumer demand rises As Korean consumers increasingly favour imported vehicles, global auto giants including Renault, Volkswagen, Stellantis and Geely plan new market entries with brand launches and expansions, reflecting shifting local preferences and competitive pricing against domestic cars. Ilkhan Ozsevim
HORSE’s smart factory model sets new standards in digital powertrain production, leveraging cobotics, virtual twins, and real-time data for efficiency and sustainability HORSE is pioneering a smart factory approach for powertrain production, integrating cobotics and virtual twins in a fully digital environment that adapts to changing demands, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability across its global operations. CTO Julien Faure, and CPEO, Antonio Vaz expound… Ilkhan Ozsevim
Oyak Horse celebrates production of 7.5 million engines at its Türkiye plant while expanding its workforce with 100 new jobs and scaling output to meet rising hybrid demand Oyak Horse has achieved the milestone of producing 7.5 million engines at its Bursa, facility, in Türkiye. As hybrid demand grows, the plant adds 100 jobs, expands to a third shift, and increases daily output. The company continues to play a key role in low-emission powertrain solutions for global markets. 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
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
Philippe Krief becomes Renault Group Chief Technology Officer effective September 2024 Renault Group announces Philippe Krief as CTO, effective September 1, 2024. Krief, also CEO of Alpine, will lead engineering efforts to position Renault at the forefront of automotive innovation amidst industry transformation. 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
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
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
HORSE Powertrain welcomes Aramco as strategic investor, leveraging chemical expertise Aramco invests 10% in HORSE Powertrain Limited, a joint venture by Renault Group and Geely. This partnership will enhance the development of sustainable powertrains and synthetic fuels, driving the future of automotive decarbonisation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
HORSE announces next-generation Range Extender powertrains HORSE has introduced innovative Range Extender powertrains for passenger and light commercial vehicles. Offering a 200km electric range plus an additional 600km from an onboard engine, this technology reduces battery size by over 50%, cutting costs and weight. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Q&A with Patrice Haettel: CEO of powertrain technology company HORSE Renault’s powertrain tech company, HORSE, has begun mass-producing the Power Electronics Box (PEB); crucial for HEVs and PHEVs. The redesigned PEB boosts performance by managing Emotors more efficiently. Here’s CEO, Patrice Haettel on electrification and more. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Renault subsidiary, HORSE, kicks off Power Electronics Box production Power Electronics Box (PEB) production at the Aveiro facility in Portugal promises enhanced scalability and efficiency in meeting the rising demand for hybrid vehicle components. Ilkhan Ozsevim
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
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
Nissan launches its new Arc business plan In line with other vehicle makers, Nissan is adapting its production strategy to rebalance its ICE and electric vehicle output and address rising costs and market fragmentation Nick Holt
Europe: OEMs face multiple challenges ahead With global geopolitics in increasing turmoil and ongoing economic uncertainty, Ian Henry shares his thoughts on the notable challenges facing the European vehicle manufacturing sector. Ian Henry
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
The state and stipulation of automotive production: Retrospect 2023 to prospect 2024 Using 2023 as a launchpad into the coming trends of 2024, we take a dive into the coming automotive production trends set to shape the industry Ilkhan Ozsevim
AMS Winter 2023/24 – BMW’s battery boost Our Winter digital edition takes an in-depth look at how OEMs are getting to grips with developing and manufacturing new electric vehicles and powertrains AMS
How battery and electric motors and EVs are reshaping the European automotive supply chain The automotive industry is in a major shift with EVs reshaping the supply chain. Challenges and opportunities include replacing traditional components tied to combustion engines, new players in the battery market, disruptors facing tariffs, and the looming influence of China in Europe; all adding new layers of complexity. Ian Henry
Renault unveils ambitious Re-Industry transformation roadmap to reshape its production infrastructure for elevated industrial agility and enhanced sustainability commitment Renault Group’s Re-Industry plan involves a comprehensive transformation of its industrial foundation, leveraging digital technologies, AI and agile practices to achieve significant cost reductions, improve efficiency and meet sustainability goals. The Industrial Metaverse and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies are central to this strategic vision. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How Europe’s Big 3 (Volkswagen, Stellantis, Renault) are evolving their manufacturing arrangements and production strategies in the European automotive industry as electrification takes hold As the automotive industry in Europe undergoes a seismic shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV), major players like Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault are navigating complex changes in their production strategies. Ian Henry
A natural fit: how and why the automotive production industry is turning to bio-materials for sustainable solutions in pursuit of zero emissions and enhanced performance Bio-based materials like flax, hemp, kenaf, and jute are reshaping automotive production for sustainability. These natural fibres offer durable, lightweight alternatives for several vehicle components, from dashboards to electric vehicle batteries. Martin Kahl
Polestar set to expand manufacturing operations for the fully-electric Polestar 4 in South Korea, bolstering regional production With production set to commence in the second half of 2025, the Polestar 4 will aim to make its mark in the North American and domestic South Korean markets. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance embarks on a new era of collaboration for enhanced agility with strong regionalisation focus The alliance shifts to regional focus for enhanced agility challenging assumptions about global autmomotive markets 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
Renault and Geely sign joint venture agreement to launch powertrain technology company Renault and Geely have signed a 50-50% joint venture agreement to form a new company, to develop and produce next-generation hybrid and highly efficient ICE powertrain solutions Nick Holt
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
EMO Hannover to address challenges of digitising automotive manufacturing EMO Hannover, one of the biggest trade fairs for production technology, will take place in September. Ahead of the event, AMS looks at what future insights the OEMs and tier-1 suppliers in attendance can expect to find. Megan Kelly
Renault 5 EV prototypes begin endurance testing and fine-tuning Renault tests its new CMF-B EV platform, which will underpin the new Renault 5 model, due for launch in 2024 Nick Holt
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
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance rebalances partnership Revised partnership will see high-value-creation operational projects in Latin America, India and Europe including further platform sharing AMS
Renault advances circular economy reuse, remake, recycle business The pioneering initiative will reduce the resource, energy and emissions intensity of a car’s lifecycle since some components can have a second life as used, reconditioned parts. Peter Murphy
Renault to merge combustion engine ops with China’s Geely, create listed EV business The French and Chinese automakers will develop and produce internal combustion engines for their own products as well as for other automakers. Peter Murphy
Stellantis, Renault see profit in new business divisions for component re-use The initiatives aim to increase recycled content in new vehicles while establishing a closed loop for the relatively expensive and scarce minerals in EV batteries. Peter Murphy
Renault drop in energy use since early 2021 equivalent to closing a factory The reduction in energy use includes an even higher cut in the automaker’s consumption of currently-scarce natural gas. 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
Renault and Vitesco partner on compact EV power electronics unit The automaker will partner with Vitesco to produce power electronics units, part of a trend of OEMs, supplier and battery producers partnering in areas of R&D and manufacturing to ramp up EV and battery output – including Mahle and AMTE Power. Peter Murphy
Renault and China’s Minth Group form JV to produce EV battery casings Automakers are seeking to simultaneously make lighter battery casings that also offer rigidity and the thermal properties to support the battery’s performance. Peter Murphy
Electrifying Europe: new EU ‘Fit for 55’ legislation effectively bans petrol and diesel engines by 2035 The EU’s latest salvo against the automotive industry to mitigate against climate change is the most radical yet, tightening emission targets more than previously announced and setting a timetable to eliminate combustion engines – all of which will ultimately transform automotive manufacturing and supply chain Daniel Harrison
Renault to partner with Geely to manufacture hybrid vehicles in China and South Korea Renault has agreed a framework with Geely to share vehicle platforms and production for hybrid vehicles in Asia, including using Geely plants in China and localising Lynk & Co platforms in South Korea. Christopher Ludwig
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
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
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
Renault joins Veolia and Solvay in closed-loop battery recycling project Together with power provider Veolia and chemicals company Solvay, Renault is setting up a trial plant in France to recycle batteries from electric vehicles (EVs). The plant will be able to extract and purify end-of-life EV battery metals. AMS
Renault assembly network future under review as management announce cost-saving programme Renault has launched a business transformation plan which includes a 18% cut in production capacity 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
Viewed from the “lighthouse”: Renault plants connected to smart production Recognised by the WEF Global Lighthouse Network, Renault’s deep dive into industry 4.0 has launched a plethora of active improvement projects Mike Farish
Italy’s OEMs and suppliers stay resolute through national coronavirus measures FCA, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo Brembo and Pirelli – the famous names of the Italian automotive industry are battling on through the Covid-19 crisis By Marcus Williams
Coronavirus: how the OEMs are responding As coronavirus measures continue to affect vehicle production, AMS spoke to Renault, Toyota, PSA, BMW, Nissan, Volkswagen and Honda on how they are keeping assembly lines moving Gareth Price and Marcus Williams
AMS on Africa: Part 4 – Morocco aims for a million Volumes in Morocco have steadily climbed to the point where it may soon be the biggest vehicle producer in Africa Ian Henry
AMS on Africa: Part 2 – Algeria thinks big Algeria has ambitions to be the Africa’s next major automotive manufacturing hub and the OEMs are lining up to make it happen Ian Henry
With its architect in exile, the Alliance is destined for separation Having led the way on OEM collaboration and cooperation, Renault and Nissan seem set to unwind their alliance Ian Henry
The Fiat-Renault merger – inevitability postponed? Ian Henry provides insight on the situation between FCA and its partners and potential partners Ian Henry
Augmented assistance Visit any car manufacturing plant in the world and the majority of production equipment will be similar. The real differences between factories are the human workers and the way in which technology is used to optimise their environment Michael Nash
