Assembly
Production records set at Skoda’s domestic plants
As it marks the 125th anniversary of the company, Skoda is chalking up record-breaking output
The wider scope of Skoda
With new products and an expanding production network, Skoda is managing to achieve greater influence and standing despite the challenges of a changing market
The Morgan Plus Six: a century in the making
Behind Morgan’s unashamedly traditional exterior there’s a company that’s also keen to embrace modern production methods and processes
Electric vehicles could transform role of tier 1 suppliers in manufacturing
As OEMs look to reduce production costs and manage more complexity, automotive suppliers will face challenges. But with more EV models in the pipeline, many have the opportunity to grab a larger piece of the pie both for manufacturing and the total value chain
Toyota tops up US investment
Toyota has completed its US plant modernisation project, first announced in January 2017, with an additional $700 million for its Indiana facility
Nissan lines up its next-gen factory technology
In preparation for its next generation of electrified, intelligent and connected vehicles, Nissan is introducing a programme of major advancements in its production operations
Setting the pace – AP Racing speeds up smart production
A new €1m assembly line is helping UK-based high-performance brake component supplier AP Racing take a smarter approach to production
Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark
CEO Adrian Hallmark has led Bentley since February 2018 when he returned to the company he originally left back in 2005 as sales and marketing director. He remained in the VW Group before leaving for a seven-year stretch at Jaguar Land Rover. He retook the reigns in a dark time, presiding over the company’s first loss in seven years, but as he tells AMS, he is making changes at the plant to make it more cost effective and planning for an electric future.
Bentley’s prudence for performance
After more than half a century of carmaking, major changes are underway at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters as the luxury brand enacts a leaner and streamlined phase
BMW takes additive manufacturing from prototype to serial lines
OEMs and tier suppliers are now integrating additive manufacturing processes into their production operations – a prime example is BMW
Exoskeleton trials underway at Audi
Audi has begun testing the ergonomic benefits of exoskeleton systems for workers at its Ingolstadt plant
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors – Kragujevac, Serbia
Another major tier supplier has added its name to the list automotive players attracted to Serbia
Magna adds to its automotive lighting business
The acquisition of Wipac Czech will add significant technical competencies to Magna’s global automotive business
Destination Europe
Gareth Price visits HMMC, Hyundai’s fully integrated production operation at the centre of Europe
Nissan puts exoskeletons to the test
Nissan has been testing new ergonomic-assistance devices to be worn by assembly workers performing overhead tasks
A divided global electric vehicle market could limit OEM economies of scale in manufacturing
Sales of hybrid and battery electric vehicles are set for significant regional divergence, which could fragment economies of scale across automotive production, R&D and technology costs, according to a new powertrain forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media
Ford’s India plants to be operated by Mahindra
India - Ford will transfer control of its assembly operations in India to Mahindra
Great Wall starts building new China plant
China - The new plant in Pinghu could produce electric vehicles under the Mini marque
Volkswagen ramps up new Golf production
Germany - The new Golf is being produced faster than its predecessor thanks to various improvements to the Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant
Bentley starts Flying Spur production
UK - Bentley Motors is now producing the new Flying Spur at its Crewe plant
