Volkswagen – Page 9
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ArticleFood for thought in Paris
So many big names were absent from this year’s Paris motor show that the long-term future of these events must soon be called into question. Nissan, Volvo, Opel, Ford and Fiat in particular were notable no-shows. Audi and Skoda had a presence, but the Volkswagen brand was perhaps the biggest ...
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ArticleExtreme flexibility is essential
KUKA offers numerous solutions that are helping vehicle manufacturers to tackle several challenges The automotive industry is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history. Megatrends such as digitisation, autonomous driving and e-mobility have significant implications not only for manufacturers but also for suppliers. What is required are smart production ...
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ArticleSkoda announces head of 'India 2.0'
India - Pavel Richter has been named production technical director of the Skoda-led 'India 2.0' project - an initiative launched by the Volkswagen Group back in July 2018 with the primary goal of developing and producing models specifically for the Indian market. Richter will be responsible for production of all ...
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ArticleA European focus
The third edition of the French automotive forum offered insights into the region’s production footprint and OEM e-mobility strategies. Nick Holt reports The 3rd FEAL Auto forum placed its focus on the Hauts-de-France, seen as a primary region for automotive manufacturing. The event highlighted the strong commitment from both regional ...
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ArticleFrom prototypes to production
The use of additive manufacturing technologies has now expanded beyond their initial ‘rapid prototyping’ exclusivity. Mike Farish provides an insight As well as being used in limited production roles, additive techniques are still being applied in new and innovative ways as product development tools. One example is at the Plastics ...
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ArticleJapanese OEMs target China for EVs
An increasing number of car manufacturers based in the US and Europe are turning their sights on China, especially since authorities recently promised to abolish the rule that companies outside the country can own a maximum stake of 50% in joint ventures with Chinese companies. Tesla was among the first ...
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ArticleVW opens SUV assembly facility
China - Volkswagen has officially opened an assembly plant with FAW at the port city of Tianjin, China. The FAW-VW Tianjin Plant will make VW and Audi brand SUVs, including PHEV models, with chassis parts and transmissions supplied from two other Tianjin-based facilities. The carmaker said that daily production was ...
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Porsche and Schuler build press shop
Germany - The two companies have announced that they will work work together to construct a ‘Smart Press Shop’ as part of a new joint venture, the location of which is yet to be revealed. Both Porsche and Schuler will invest a double-digit million euro amount in the project. “Porsche ...
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ArticleVW to build two new plants
Ghana - The OEM has signed memorandums of understanding with the governments of Ghana and Nigeria, revealing plans to build a plant in each country. VW thinks it could turn Nigeria into an "automotive hub," where it already operates a small facility with an output of around 5,000 vehicles a ...
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ArticleQuality is everything
Volkswagen uses Zeiss AIMax digital-optical 3D sensor technology at its plant in WrzesniaFollowing a site analysis in 2013, Volkswagen decided to construct a new factory in Wrzesnia, Poland, to assemble the Crafter van. The speed at which this enormous factory – one kilometre long and 400 meters wide – was ...
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E-mobility and the role of steel
With electrification shaping ideas in future vehicle structure design, ArcelorMittal explains why advanced steel grades remain the materials of choice While sales of battery electric vehicles (BEV) are still far behind conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, BEV technology and sales continue to improve at a rapid pace. Globally, BEV ...
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ArticleVW Wolfsburg to make 1m cars a year
Germany - The company has stated that it will boost output at the plant by some 185,000 units, allowing it to produce one million cars a year. Wolfsburg is already the largest plant in the VW network, currently covering an area of around 70m sq.ft."We are planning to increase productivity ...
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ArticleTransatlantic ventures
Volvo is the latest European marque to take up a North American manufacturing base. As Ian Henry reports, it joins Germany’s giants in exploring the benefits while coping with the complexities…Steeled for battle in SpartanburgBMW has been very critical of the decision by President Trump to apply tariffs on steel ...
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ArticleHome truths
Once the battles over tariffs settle down, North America”s own brands can focus on the rapid and significant changes the domestic market is demanding. Ian Henry reportsWith the uncertainty mounting regarding the future of NAFTA and the distinct possibility that President Trump will raise tariffs on EU car imports from ...
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ArticleNAFTA: the saga so far...
Seven rounds of talks have taken place since NAFTA renegotiation began last year but the trio of nations are no closer to agreeing a deal. Nick Gibbs reportsPresident Trump’s policies on trade relations continue to cause upheaval within the automotive industry. In the US, one of the biggest headaches is ...
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ArticleSkoda produces 1m SUVs
Czech Republic - The OEM has announced that it has made 1m SUVs, suggesting that the milestone reflects its continued success in the segment which began with the launch of the Skoda Yeti back in 2009."It is a great achievement to have produced 1,000,000 SUVs," said Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda board ...
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ArticleFrom prototype to production
The use of additive manufacturing technologies has now moved passed their initial application area of just ‘rapid prototyping’ While now seeing use in limited production roles, additive techniques are still being put to use in new and innovative ways as product development tools. One example is the Plastics 3D Printing ...
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ArticleCentre of operations
Investment in new plants and expansion of existing facilities shows central Europe to be at the heart of vehicle manufacturers’ regional strategiesAt first glance, vehicle production in central Europe – essentially the former communist bloc countries west of the Russian border – appears to centre on Volkswagen with its Skoda ...
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ArticleTata ramps up production at Sanand
India - The OEM has announced plans to boost capacity at the plant, which is located an hour West of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. It is currently running at 100% capacity and produces three models - Tiago, Tigor and Nano - as well as several engines.As well as ...
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ArticleVW announces two appointments
Germany - Ralf Brandstätter has been named COO of the Volkswagen brand. He will lead its operating business while also remaining the company's board member for procurement."Ralf Brandstätter has outstanding commercial and technical expertise. In the newly-created function of COO he will make a decisive contribution to taking the Volkswagen ...