BodyShop
A flexible solution
Metal-component supplier Gestamp outlines the challenges ahead and its strategy for meeting higher demand for lightweight parts
Conference preview: Insight @ BMW
For its latest North American car body engineering Insight conference, the Automotive Circle heads to upstate South Carolina – a region that’s home to the largest plant in the BMW manufacturing network…
Keeping in focus
Ford has invested in its Saarlouis plant to produce the latest generation of its popular Focus model. Nick Holt visited the plant to get a look at the upgrades to the production process
VW sets out Wolfsburg upgrade
Germany - New bodyshop AGVs, more automated assembly stations and a series of ergonomic measures will feature in a major upgrade at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant
Casting a duo
Two innovative metal forming techniques could have a significant impact on the press shop of the future
The need for speed
Faster measurement times and precise data quality are the result of GOM’s new generation of 3D scanners
New chapter, different story?
International expansion continues but, as Ian Henry reports, Audi’s long-term role within the VW Group is now under scrutiny
Lap of luxury
Its history and heritage may be strong but Aston Martin’s focus is firmly fixed on the future
Alpine scales new heights
One of the most interesting plant revivals in the last 12 months has been Renault’s overhaul of its factory in Dieppe, which now builds the A110 sports car. Nick Gibbs reports
Time for an upgrade
As Toyota shapes up its global manufacturing network to build the new vehicle platform, Nick Holt visits the OEM’s Valenciennes facility to see the progress being made
Spoilt for choice
Eight different models are made at DTNA’s Cleveland plant, and a high level of customisation means that thousands of options are available to customers. Michael Nash reports
Rouge alert
It’s been part of Ford real estate for more than a century but, as Gareth Price discovers, the historic Rouge Center houses a truck plant shaped for modern times
The X Factor
As GM Fairfax gears up to build the new Cadillac XT4 alongside the existing Chevy Malibu sedan, Gareth Price travels to Kansas City to speaks to plant manager Bill Kulhanek about the new era
4th gen A-Class at Valmet Automotive
Finland – Having built the previous A-Class generation, the Finnish contract manufacturer said that only limited changes were needed at its Uusikaupunki plant to produce the new A-Class. The bodyshop has seen the most upgrades, where all manual workstations are now automated, increasing the number of body shop robots to ...
Jack of all trades
Ford Otosan’s Inönü plant houses an unusual production mix, and is taking on more projects. Michael Nash investigates
Collective thinking
Closer collaboration between product development and production teams could lead to significant improvements in vehicle manufacturing processes. Ford Otosan holds a unique position. Michael Nash reports
First 'Full Flex' factory build underway
Hungary - Construction has begun on Mercedes-Benz's first “Full-Flex Plant“ in Kecskemét, 90km in the south of Budapest.
