Assembly
Mercedes prepares for series production of battery-electric and fuel-cell trucks
The plant in Wörth will become the centre for emission-free transport within the Mercedes-Benz truck production network. Daimler Truck says it will continue to invest in the location in the coming years
Canoo charts a new course in production
With a new management team, manufacturing strategy and approach to production, Canoo continues to develop its business. AMS spoke with VP for manufacturing, Frank Faga, to find out more
Watch: Vehicle light-weighting rises to the top of the agenda for designers and engineers
This livestream investigates how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating light-weight architectures, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
Making shopfloor management an asset in the smart factory
No matter how comprehensive the digitalisation and automation, the human factor still drives the modern smart factory. And yet, the intersection of man and machine, the shopfloor management, needs a rethink to become an asset in the data driven production line. Report by Chris Löwer
Optimising the process: AI in robotic assembly cells
The Ford Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan, has been the location for a major innovation in automotive assembly operations, utilising AI to support the use of a robot in a particular automated assembly role. Mike Farish reports
Volkswagen to develop 3D printing process for vehicle production
VW has entered into a software partnership with Siemens and expanded its existing collaboration with printer manufacturer HP to develop 3D printing processes to support future production operations
Fisker and Magna finalise manufacturing agreement
Along with the previously signed agreements on electric vehicle platform sharing and ADAS package, this finalises the framework established between the two companies beginning in 2020
First Škoda Kushaq rolls of the production line at the Pune plant
The Kushaq is the first series-produced model to be manufactured locally in India as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. The SUV is based on the MQB-A0-IN version of the Modular Transverse Toolkit developed specifically for the Indian market.
Adaptable assembly for electric vehicles
Preparing existing factories for manufacturing electric cars can require comprehensive upgrading of the production operations. Dürr offers some examples from its work with Volkswagen, preparing the Zwickau plant for electric car production
Lotus starts pre-production of its all-new Emira
The sportscar maker has made a £100m investment in its UK facilities that will support the production of new models and the expansion of engineering and consultancy services
The software-defined assembly line
The manufacturing industry is on the cusp of a revolution, where investment is led by software rather than hardware. That in turn enables a raft of new possibilities in creating the factory of the future, according to experts from Audi, ABB and Cosmo Tech.
Audi cuts production again because of chip shortage
Audi has confirmed that it will be putting 10,000 of its employees working at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm assembly plants in Germany on reduced hours in June. A shortage in the supply of semiconductors, which is affecting the automotive industry globally, means Audi is having to cut output at the plants.
Ford and SKI form JV to localise battery supply in US
Ford has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with lithium-ion battery maker SK Innovation (SKI) for a joint venture to manufacture battery cells and finished packs in the US.
AMS Factory of the future 2021 – Redefining the production line
Flexibility is a key factor in enabling OEMs produce the growing number of electric vehicle variants. Our latest digital edition focuses on how and where OEMs are employing the latest digital technologies in AR, VR and AI to develop networked factories, with shared tooling and data, and cellular production stations. This issue features insights from Honda, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Epic Games and more
VR training for assembly operations
Introducing a completely new model to the production line and ramping up to mass production is a challenge. The team at Honda’s East liberty Auto plant have deployed a VR training system to support the assembly line workers with impressive results
VW and Ford invest in flexible production for an uncertain future
The speed of change in the technology of cars and rapid electrification requires new manufacturing equipment and is making expensive old machines redundant, but exactly where the industry is going next is hard to predict. More flexible manufacturing is the answer.
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.
Watch: Electrifying Production – How to build an electric future (Pt.2)
In the second part of our Electrifying Production Livestream series, AMS explores how OEMs are ramping up EV production through modular strategies, data analytics and advanced joining and metrology tools. Featuring Volkswagen Group, Ford, Renishaw and Atlas Copco.
Ford creates a new global battery centre of excellence
Ford Ion Park is located in southeast Michigan and employs a cross-functional team to develop high-volume battery cell delivery, better range and lower costs
Ford to build all-electric LCV at Craiova
Following a $300m investment the new all-electric model is planned to launch in 2024 with Craiova following the Ford Cologne Electrified Vehicle Centre in Germany and Ford Otosan’s Kocaeli plant in Turkey to build all-electric vehicles
