Tag: volkswagen

European vehicle makers navigate the challenging US tariffs

The European vehicle manufacturing sector faces a multitude of challenges including tariffs imposed by President Trump. OEMs are now reviewing their export strategies and manufacturing networks.

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.

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.

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.

Volkswagen appoints Dr. Werner Tietz as new head of Group Research and Development

Volkswagen Group has announced that Dr. Werner Tietz, currently the Executive Board Member for Research and Development at SEAT S.A., will take on the additional role of Head of Group Research and Development at Volkswagen Group, effective July 1, 2025.

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.

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.

As VW cuts back in Germany, Slovakia and Spain emerge as new pillars of cost-effective and future-focused production across Europe

As VW’s traditional German plants face uncertainty, its long-established facilities in Bratislava and Pamplona are stepping into the spotlight—producing top-selling models and gearing up for a new era of electric vehicles.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Accelerating EV innovation transforms design and manufacturing processes as Toyota and Volkswagen lead cross-functional integration and digital twin adoption for future production

Industry experts at the AMS Evolution panel examine the accelerating EV shift and its impact on design and manufacturing. Toyota and Volkswagen share insights on engineering flexibility and digital twin simulation to streamline production

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.

Will Volkswagen’s surplus German plants become Chinese production operations?

As European vehicle makers continue to face challenging global markets and increased costs, many are having to make difficult decisions around underutilised production operations. Ian Henry looks at how Chinese OEMs could potentially buy or utilise some of Volkswagen’s production sites.

Volkswagen partners with Dassault Systèmes to accelerate software-defined vehicle development with the AI-powered 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform

Volkswagen has selected Dassault Systèmes’ AI-powered 3DEXPERIENCE platform as its primary engineering and manufacturing system. The move aims to drive software-defined vehicle innovation, enhance efficiency and unify fragmented processes across the group.

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.

Volkswagen de México opens world’s 1st fully electric paintshop at Puebla plant

Volkswagen de México has launched the first fully electric paint shop in the automotive industry, eliminating natural gas use and improving sustainability. The Puebla plant’s advanced automation, AI-driven quality control, and renewable energy integration is a step toward carbon-neutral vehicle production.

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.

Volkswagen to cut 35,000 jobs and shift Golf production to Mexico amid huge German manufacturing overhaul

Volkswagen announces a significant restructuring of its German manufacturing operations, including 35,000 job cuts by 2030 and the relocation of Golf production to Mexico. The plan aims to reduce production capacity by 734,000 units and save €15 billion ($15.45 billion) annually, addressing overcapacity and high labour costs to ‘enhance competitiveness’ in automotive production crisis.

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.

VW Wolfsburg plant kicks-off Tayron production with precision and digital innovation

The VW main plant is once again producing four different models. After the Seat Tarraco is phased out, the VW Tayron is taking its place. Read how the start-up worked here.

Skoda’s Andreas Dick on driving flexible manufacturing, digitisation and the role of AI in transforming automotive production for future competitiveness

Two measures are at the top of Skoda’s new production boss, Andreas Dick’s, to-do list: digitalisation and flexibility. In the interview, he also reveals what impact the weak demand for electric cars has on his area of responsibility.

PowerCo partners with Alterric and EnviTec to power Salzgitter Gigafactory with 3 Terawatt Hours of green energy over the next decade

PowerCo SE has secured 3 terawatt hours of green electricity for its Salzgitter gigafactory through long-term agreements with Alterric and EnviTec Biogas. These partnerships will cut 115,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and support Europe’s renewable energy goals.

Volkswagen Chattanooga and Christopher Glover: a masterclass in flexible manufacturing in North America

As Volkswagen celebrates its 75th year in the US, its Chattanooga plant exemplifies a flexible manufacturing model that integrates electrification, workforce innovation, and supply chain resilience. With Chris glover as EVP, the plant has become a benchmark for industry transformation.

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

Scaling agility in auto manufacturing: Volkswagen and Toyota on flexibility, digitalisation, and workforce innovation

Through a series of insights shared by Chris Glover, executive vice-president of Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Plant, and Jaime Moore, senior principal engineer at Toyota North America, the discussion called for a vital need for flexibility, collaboration, and technological innovation in navigating constant change.

Henning Habicht appointed Head of Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations

Habicht takes over from Chris Glover, who will retire in January 2025 after more than three decades with Volkswagen, including a three-year stint at Chattanooga.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group JV to create electric architectures and software

The new joint venture (JV), with a potential investment of up to $5.8 billion, will see engineers from both partners developing software and electronics architectures and scale the electric vehicle platforms and architectures.

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.

Volkswagen grapples with high costs in Germany to address “decades of structural problems” says CEO Oliver Blume

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume is pushing for aggressive cost reductions as the automaker confronts “decades of structural problems.” Rising German labour costs and sluggish market demand have intensified pressures on VW to overhaul its strategy.

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.

Change is the only constant for Volkswagen Chattanooga EVP Christopher Glover

The head of Volkswagen’s US plant operations is managing market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, practical digitalisation, training and engagement with workers. He speaks to AMS ahead of a keynote presentation at AMS Evolution North America in Michigan.

How VW’s Palmela plant excels with lean production, in-house 3d printing, and 90% automation to produce the T-Roc while preparing for the next generation of vehicles

While the continued existence of German VW plants is being questioned, Volkswagen Autoeuropa in the middle of Portugal is operating at a good capacity. Here’s a look at the lean principles that ensure that the T-Roc plant is running so well.

Volkswagen faces manufacturing challenges amid financial troubles

Volkswagen is grappling with mounting financial troubles, signalling a worsening situation in its global manufacturing operations. With two profit warnings in three months, the automotive giant faces falling EV sales, factory underutilisation, and tariff threats from China.

“We cannot afford to make any mistakes” - Volkswagen’s Portugal boss Thomas Hegel Gunther

It’s not easy being the manager of a VW plant these days. In an interview, Volkswagen’s Portugal boss Thomas Hegel Gunther explains what makes the home of the T-Roc so special and how his team is continually increasing effectiveness through various lean principles.

With the hope of exponential problem-solving on the horizon, are quantum computers the future of the automotive industry?

Quantum computers promise to give industry and science a boost when it comes to solving complex tasks in the future. But how exactly do quantum computers work and which model currently has the highest computing power?

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.

Volkswagen’s plan to close two German assembly plants is an existential crisis for legacy auto – but only part of the solution

VW’s announcement marks a pivotal moment for Europe’s legacy OEMs with huge repercussions for German production and broader European supply chains. Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst at Ultima Media assesses the causes, potential remedies, and opportunities.

Audi’s electric hopes rest on Györ

Györ plays a special role in Audi’s production network. Just as important as the approximately 176,000 vehicles produced each year are the almost 1.7 million drives produced. Now Györ must make the transition to electromobility.

VW in cooperation to develop sustainable materials for vehicle interiors

Volkswagen will work with Revoltech to develop sustainable bio-based leather alternative made from industrial hemp.

Volkswagen warns of German plant closures and the end of job security amid EV struggles

Volkswagen is considering closing key German plants and ending a long-standing job security scheme. This move comes as the automaker struggles with insufficient electric vehicle demand, reduced government subsidies, and the push for substantial cost savings. The decision could lead to significant job losses and marks a turning point in the company’s 87-year history.

Skoda builds updated Octavia at Kvasiny

Skoda shuffles production to add Octavia to Kvasiny and free up capacity at Mlada Bolslav for Enyaq and Elroq models.

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.

Volkswagen’s Traton eyes third European battery plant to meet Electric Vehicle demand

Traton Group, Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle arm, considers a third battery assembly plant in Europe to support rising electric truck demand. Potential locations include Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. This move aligns with the EU’s carbon reduction roadmap and Traton’s goal of 50% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030.

In Emden, Volkswagen wants to leave the Passat behind

Volkswagen’s Emden plant has existed in northwest Lower Saxony for decades. Nowhere else is the change to electric drives so noticeable. With new logistics, new assembly and the new ID.7, a new era begins.

Volkswagen invests $5B in Rivian to establish 50/50 EV and software focussed Joint Venture

Volkswagen Group’s $5 billion investment in Rivian forms a joint venture to develop cutting-edge EV architecture and software. The judicious move strengthens both companies’ market positions, both helping Rivian advance its R2 and R3 models while addressing Volkswagen’s software challenges.

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.

Volkswagen announces new affordable European EV

Volkswagen Group has announced that it will make all-electric entry-level mobility widespread across Europe, with affordable EVs made in the continent, for the European market.

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.

Danny Auerswald to lead Volkswagen Saxony, bringing global production expertise

Danny Auerswald will assume the position of managing director at VW Saxony starting July, overseeing technology and logistics at the Zwickau, Chemnitz, and Dresden plants. His leadership will guide a fully electric production network. Auerswald succeeds Robert Janssen, who transitions to executive vice-president, overseeing production and product management at SAIC Volkswagen in Shanghai.

Ford Otosan manufacturing for an economy in transition

Ford Otosan has upgraded its manufacturing facilities in Turkey to ensure the Transit is ready for an electrified future

Bentley prepares electric future with groundbreaking for new paintshop as part of £2.5 bn investment program

As part of Bentley’s ambitious Beyond100 strategy, a state-of-the-art paintshop breaks ground in Crewe, signifying a leap towards Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV) production and a commitment to sustainability, innovation and digital manufacturing

VW focuses on Chinese market boosting cost competitiveness and local partnerships

VW seeks to strengthen its position in the Chinese automotive market through achieving cost reductions in production and boosting local partnerships

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.

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…

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.

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.

From Wolfsburg to Zwickau: Volkswagen shifts and consolidates ID.3 production amidst wavering demand

Volkswagen shifts ID.3 production from Wolfsburg to Zwickau in an effort to optimise resources amidst changing market demand

Challenges looming for US vehicle production

EV production in the US is facing headwinds from both weakening demand and foreign competition.

Antolin expands its production footprint in Asia with a new plant in India

The new plant will produce lighting, HMI systems and electronics for leading automotive manufacturers in the Indian market.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

Skoda auto unveils next chapter with production launch of fourth-generation superb at Bratislava plant, alignment with visionary Beta+ project marks a transformative milestone

Efficiency meets innovation as Skoda’s flagship Superb starts production in Bratislava with goals to set new standards in automotive excellence and sustainability.

New materials drive electric motor development

Original equipment manufacturers need electric motors that are more energy-efficient and power-dense than those currently available. How composites and resin materials could support developments on this area was discussed by industry experts at a recent conference organised by Sumitomo Bakelite Europe (Ghent) NV (Sumitomo Bakelite Ghent).

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.

New world order: How the US is boosting EV production with new technologies and investment

The US is leading the way in the transition to EVs, with significant government support to increase domestic battery production and new technologies. Ian Henry explores how the US is becoming competition to China, and what it means for the rest of the world.

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

Ionway: Volkswagen Group’s PowerCo and Umicore establish new European battery materials JV in Nysa, Poland

JV a tactical convergence between the OEM with major battery materials player effectively pooling resources and expertise to capitalise on European market as demand booms

Floods affect manufacturing facilities in Slovenia

Major flooding in Slovenia throughout the last month has affected manufacturing facilities in Slovenia and across Europe, hitting the production of carmakers including Volkswagen.

VW and Audi strengthen partnership with SAIC and Xpeng to expand EV production and development in China for China strategy

Volkswagen invests $700m in Xpeng and will partner on tech and platform, while Audi expands partnership with SAIC and will produce vehicles on one of its platforms.

VW to make Spain an electric vehicle hub

The VW Group is building new battery production capacities in Valencia and at the Seat headquarters in Martorell to support further electric vehicle production in the region

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?

VW subsidiary PowerCo develops “gamechanger” in battery cell production: Dry Coating

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.

Heat-treatment – AMS Expert Interview with Nitrex