All articles by Christopher Ludwig
-
InterviewFor Chris Glover, change is the only constant at VW’s Chattanooga plant
The Volkswagen US plant leader manages market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, digitalisation, training and engagement with workers
-
NewsStellantis’ production absorbs supply chain and logistics
Stellantis shifts its supply chain and logistics under manufacturing to enhance collaboration and flexibility, marking a key leadership shake-up amidst a turbulent market.
-
ArticleStellantis turns to AI tools and fast deployment to cut production costs and launch times
Stellantis manufacturing boss Arnaud Deboeuf reveals technologies in automation, factory planning and lineside logistics that reduce transition costs and time to market.
-
NewsHow Farasis will bridge the battery gap in Europe
Farasis has appointed Marcel Brömlage to lead its European division and support the growth of its Siro joint venture gigafactory in Turkey, where it expects to produce battery cells by 2026.
-
ArticleDesign and manufacturing integration, digitalisation key to cost and sustainability gains for BMW’s Neue Klasse
To realise large cost and emission savings on its EV architecture, BMW is redesigning vehicles and manufacturing in parallel, and rolling out rapid digital solutions.
-
ArticleA class of its own: transforming BMW production for next-gen EVs
BMW’s home plant will produce only EVs by 2027, with much of the century-old factory rebuilt to meet new levels of efficiency and digitalisation, without missing a beat of ongoing production.
-
ArticleThe future of Ford in a flash of lightning
The Ford Dearborn Truck Plant is a benchmark for managing complexity, quality and software. Plant manager Corey Williams shares learnings and lean principles across ICE and fast-growing EV output.
-
InterviewPanasonic sparks scalable and sustainable US battery production
Panasonic Energy’s Abby Chitwood discusses maximising output and cutting emissions in battery cell production ahead of AMS Evolution North America.
-
ArticleReady for the next generation in Spartanburg
As BMW prepares to build EVs and batteries in Spartanburg, it has expanded training programmes, with emphasis on safety, change management and youth outreach.
-
ArticleMaster of complexity in Spartanburg
Dr Robert Engelhorn is leading transformation of BMW’s Plant Spartanburg for EVs whilst ensuring manufacturing remains flexible in managing vehicle variations.
-
ArticleBMW Batteries blossoming in South Carolina
BMW’s battery assembly plant will use advanced automation and set global standards, whilst supporting a local-for-local production strategy, says Rich Everly.
-
ArticleBMW’s aspirations to the X degree in Spartanburg: Special series
As the carmaker prepares for EV production in the US, leaders in manufacturing, battery, logistics and training outline BMW’s ambitions in the region.
-
ArticleBMW batteries: made and trained in South Carolina
BMW’s battery plant in South Carolina will use regionally sourced cells to power EV production in Spartanburg, and help establish an electrification hub in the Americas.
-
InterviewA friend of flexible lines – upgrading JLR production for EVs and more
Barbara Bergmeier is driving digitalisation, sustainability and resilience across operations, and wants to ramp up EV manufacturing whilst staying flexible
-
ArticleForm and function: Developing production processes and structures for electric vehicle architectures
The new electric vehicle architectures are also continuing to evolve as vehicle makers strive to find the optimum balance between platform flexibility, while also being viable for high-volume production. To get some insights in to this ongoing process AMS spoke with Paul Belanger, Gestamp’s R&D Director for North America
-
NewsJaguar Land Rover to invest in UK manufacturing plants to ramp up EV and flexible production
JLR will invest billions over the next five years to upgrade its UK plants for an electric-first future, including new EVs, electric drivetrains and battery packs across Halewood, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Castle Bromwich
-
ArticleBuilding on the edge of the virtual and physical worlds
As Audi aims to bring its local production cloud to plants, Jörg Spindler sees opportunities in digital control systems, digital twins and virtual reality.
-
ArticleTools for progress: real-time tracking and monitoring in Audi’s toolmaking
The carmaker’s Toolmaking 4.0 system is bringing greater visibility of suppliers and potential disruption of machines and operations at tool shops, with high productivity gains.
-
ArticleSpecial series: Digitalising manufacturing engineering at Audi
Jörg Spindler is leading Audi’s push to virtualise production planning, ramp up battery production and use data to reduce emissions and improve productivity in areas like toolmaking and body shop
-
VideoWelcome to Automotive Evolution Europe 2022!
Editor-in-Chief Christopher Ludwig kicks off the 1st Automotive Evolution Europe